Roma's Clint in their eye
Published: Today
ROMA look set to make a shock bid for Fulham's Clint Dempsey.
The Italians are preparing to sell Mirko Vucinic.
So Roma coach Luis Enrique has earmarked US striker Dempsey, 28, to replace the Montenegro ace.
Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/3681662/Roma-set-to-make-a-shock-bid-for-Fulhams-Clint-Dempsey.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter#ixzz1RPHmPhNH (http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/3681662/Roma-set-to-make-a-shock-bid-for-Fulhams-Clint-Dempsey.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter#ixzz1RPHmPhNH)
Murphy fearing Fulham fatigue
Published 22:59 06/07/11
By John Cross
(http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/match-centre/article754271.ece/ALTERNATES/gallery-large/danny-murphy-fulham-cropped)
Danny Murphy claims Fulham's Europa League campaign can get them off to a flier this season – but has warned of burn-out.
Fulham take a strong line-up and three-goal lead to Faroe Islands no-hopers NSI Runavik tonight after kicking off their season in June.
Fulham skipper Murphy said: "The fantastic run we went on two seasons ago actually it turned out to be one of the most memorable seasons in the club's history. But we've got to be careful not to get too focused on the Europa.
"The Premier League is your bread and butter. Theoretically we should be firing on all cylinders but the key is not to be firing too quickly and then burn-out a bit."
But Murphy has also warned about the dangers of taking their opponents too lightly and says that is a reason why boss Martin Jol won't rest too many players.
Murphy added: "It is a difficult one at 3-0. If it was five then it would probably be a little bit easier. I would expect one or two of the younger lads to play maybe.
"Of course you need a spine but the difference when you play away is that it can be a bit of dodgy pitch, a bit of a different atmosphere.
"It can only take one mistake and you're a goal down after 10 minutes and all of a sudden some of the younger lads might be like 'What is going on?' so you have to be a bit careful.
"But whatever team he plays, let's be honest, we should be comfortable with a 3-0 lead. They're not particularly good and as the game went on we should have wrapped it up."
Fulham still have a long road ahead.
Victory for the Cottagers tonight will see them progress to the second qualifying round on July 14 and 21 where they will take on Irish side Crusaders.
The winner of that match will go into the draw for the third qualifying round.
Read more: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Fulham-news-Danny-Murphy-fears-Premier-League-burn-out-linked-to-early-Europa-league-start-article761320.html#ixzz1RPHyvBb1 (http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Fulham-news-Danny-Murphy-fears-Premier-League-burn-out-linked-to-early-Europa-league-start-article761320.html#ixzz1RPHyvBb1)
QPR Swan in for Haliche
Published: Today
PREMIER League new-boys QPR and Swansea are interested in a season-long loan deal for Fulham's World Cup defender Rafik Halliche.
The 24-year-old Algerian pin-up has fully recovered from a long-term thigh injury.
New Cottagers boss Martin Jol wants the player tested at the highest level to prove his return to fitness.
Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/3681493/Swansea-QPR-fight-it-out-for-Fulhams-Rafik-Halliche.html#ixzz1RPIJOXss (http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/3681493/Swansea-QPR-fight-it-out-for-Fulhams-Rafik-Halliche.html#ixzz1RPIJOXss)
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/3681444/Martin-Jol-wants-to-bring-John-Arne-Riise-to-Fulham.html
Jol's plotting Riise raid
Published: Today
MARTIN JOL is lining up his first signing as Fulham boss with a £1.5million move for Roma's ex-Liverpool left-back John Arne Riise.
The Norwegian, 30, is wanted as a replacement for homesick Mexican Carlos Salcido, who is expected to leave Craven Cottage this summer after just one year.
Baird eyes a home leg
Published: Today
CHRIS BAIRD has more reason than most at Fulham to see off Faroe Islanders Runavik tonight.
The Cottagers lead 3-0 from the first leg of their Europa League tie and victory will send Northern Ireland defender Baird home to face Crusaders in the next round.
He said: "It would be nice to get back, I don't go back much."
But he is not taking going through for granted.
And he added: "It's not easy going away. You have to treat every team with respect, no matter who they are. But we know what to expect, so we'll go there, get the job done."
Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/3681617/Chris-Baird-hopes-to-return-to-Northern-Ireland-to-face-Crusaders-in-next-round-of-Europa-League-qualifiers.html#ixzz1RPIpCof3 (http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/3681617/Chris-Baird-hopes-to-return-to-Northern-Ireland-to-face-Crusaders-in-next-round-of-Europa-League-qualifiers.html#ixzz1RPIpCof3)
Puffin's off the menu for Mart & Co
By MARK IRWIN
Published: Today
MARTIN JOL insists there will be no puffin or blubberin' for his Fulham players tonight.
Dutchman Jol has travelled all over the world during his 30-year career in football but admits he has never been anywhere like the Faroe Isles before.
And he has made it clear his players will not be sampling the local food ahead of tonight's Europa League qualifying match against NSI Runavik.
That means regional favourites puffin and whale meat are definitely OFF the menu for Bobby Zamora and his chums.
Jol, whose side lead 3-0 from the first leg, said: "We've brought our own people here with us so we'll be eating what we always eat.
"I've never been to anywhere this remote for a football match before.
"But that's what can happen when you play in these qualifying matches at the beginning of July."
Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/3682155/Martin-Jol-says-puffin-off-the-menu-for-Fulham.html#ixzz1RPJ1mAiF (http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/3682155/Martin-Jol-says-puffin-off-the-menu-for-Fulham.html#ixzz1RPJ1mAiF)
http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2011/07/07/2563863/chelsea-manager-andre-villas-boas-weighs-up-fulham-approach (http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2011/07/07/2563863/chelsea-manager-andre-villas-boas-weighs-up-fulham-approach)
Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas weighs up Fulham approach to take Gael Kakuta on loan
Martin Jol keen to take French youngster back to Craven Cottage for the coming campaign, but new Stamford Bridge boss wants to consider his options before sanctioning move
7 Jul 2011 08:42:00
EXCLUSIVE
By Wayne Veysey | Chief Correspondent
Fulham have made a move to bring Chelsea attacker Gael Kakuta to Craven Cottage for a second loan spell, Goal.com can disclose.
The Cottagers have contacted their west London neighbours to enquire about Kakuta's availability next season but were told that new manager Andre Villas-Boas wants to monitor the Frenchman in pre-season training before making a decision about his future.
Kakuta, 20, spent the second half of last season on loan at Craven Cottage and impressed the club, despite a spell out injured and even though he only started two of his seven games.
New manager Martin Jol is keen to lower the average age of his squad and will use the loan market, as well as a transfer kitty of around £15 million, to bring in new blood.
Kakuta is also a target for Hamburg, with ex-Chelsea sporting director Frank Arnesen a central figure in the bid to take him to the Bundesliga.
Arnesen is said to be keen to land the player on a permanent deal but is also willing to consider the option of a loan switch as he plots to make him the fifth Stamford Bridge player to move to the German club in the transfer window, following Michael Mancienne, Gokhan Tore, Jacopo Sala and the on-loan Jeffrey Bruma.
"There have been discussions about Fulham having Kakuta back," a source told Goal.com. "He is also on Hamburg's list. It will be interesting to see what Villas-Boas makes of him as Chelsea have not got a player who fits his profile.
"Kakuta is unorthodox, innovative and [has] got real skill and ability. He can also score as many as [Florent] Malouda and [Salomon] Kalou."
Meanwhile, Goal.com can reveal that Fulham have finalised arrangements for former manager Mark Hughes' extensive backroom staff next season.
Coaches Mark Bowen and Eddie Niedzwiecki will be released from the final year of their two-year contracts and play no role at the club in the forthcoming season.
However, Kevin Hitchcock and Glyn Hodges have been relegated from first-team duties and will take up new positions with the academy. Former Chelsea player Hitchcock will work with the goalkeepers and Hodges has taken up a combined coaching and scouting role.
Jol has no place in his coaching set-up for the quartet, who did not have the same escape clause in their contracts as Hughes, who quit without notice on June 2.
http://www.ealinggazette.co.uk/sport/fulham-fc-ealing/2011/07/07/fulham-keeper-sets-sights-on-record-64767-29010754/ (http://www.ealinggazette.co.uk/sport/fulham-fc-ealing/2011/07/07/fulham-keeper-sets-sights-on-record-64767-29010754/)
Fulham keeper sets sights on record
Jul 7 2011 By Paul Warburton
MARK Schwarzer is aiming to be the oldest Premiership footballer ever – but admits he needs Brad Friedel to retire first.
The Fulham keeper shows no signs of winding down even though he will be 39 in October. And in the back of his mind is the appearance of John Burridge who was 43 years, four months and 26 days when the Manchester City keeper turned out against Fulham's west London rivals QPR in May 1995.
Admittedly, the Fulham shot-stopper has another four years to go, and ahead of him in the Premiership age stakes is Friedel – 40 this May.
But the Aussie international has revealed he is training twice as hard as ever to remain a top-flight player.
"I train even more now," Schwarzer said. "I've really upped the ante and looked after myself. Anyone, who's gone past the normal expectation for a football career would say the same.
"You know someone out there is trying to take your position, so you do all you can to hold onto it.
"Who knows? (about the record). I admire Brad Friedel for his longevity – but if he can do it so can I."
The Fulham keeper is expected to play in the return Europa League leg against minnows NSI Runavik in the Faroes tonight, but insists he won't be taking the tie lightly even though his side lead 3-0 from the first game.
"Am I motivated?" he said. "There's enough motivation just thinking about what would happen if we lose."
http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2011/7/7/2263534/swansea-looking-to-invest-in-stockdale (http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2011/7/7/2263534/swansea-looking-to-invest-in-stockdale)
Swansea Looking To Invest In Stockdale?
by Stephen Catanese on Jul 7, 2011 6:44 AM BST
Rumors popped up last weekend that recently promoted Premier League side Swansea City had tabled a bid for Fulham's head keeper-in-waiting David Stockdale.
With Martin Jol already stating his desire to allow Stockdale and a bevy of other Fulham youngsters to leave the club on loan this season, it would appear a given that the York City youth academy product will find himself plying his trade outside of southwest London this coming season.
But is Swansea actually in for Stockdale and do they have a legitimate shot at bringing him in?
Well, "probably" and, contrary to my opinion when I set out writing this piece, "conceivably."
Swansea is, indeed, in the market for a new goalkeeper. Dorus De Vries, Swansea's starter for the last three seasons, signed with Wolverhampton earlier this summer, leaving the Welsh side's goalkeeping corps skeleton-thin. Last year's backup, Yves Makabu-Ma-Kalambay is now a free agent. Welsh U21 international David Cornell remains as the club's only senior goalkeeper, but is not yet of Premiership quality.
Is Stockdale? In limited sampling last year, I'd argue "yes," though I wouldn't argue the point passionately or confidently.
Stockdale theoretically could be the man for Swansea, just not on a permanent basis. Jol has stated his intention to gradually make Fulham's squad younger, and selling one of the club's brightest young players would appear to go against that logic. Yes, Stockdale is 26-years-old, but, much like dogs, goalkeepers age differently than regular field players, just in the complete opposite way.
It would appear to be a given that Stockdale will be on his way out once Jol finds a suitable depth keeper to introduce to the squad.
Is Swansea where he will end up?
Stockdale looked good in limited action last season and his call-up to the English National Team serves as a firm vote of confidence in his abilities. But does Swansea want to rest the club's top flight hopes on a relatively untested player?
Perhaps. That is the gamble recently promoted teams must make on occasion: do you go with a proven, mediocre quantity willing to sign with a lower-tier Premiership club, or do you go with the young, talented, rough-around-the-edges loanee looking to make their mark?
At certain positions I can see this being the case and (here's where my opinion changed from when I initially started writing this article) goalkeeper is one.
Over recent seasons, we've seen Tim Howard find renewed life at Everton, Ben Foster step up at Watford and Joe Hart flourish for Birmingham. Young, hungry and sufficiently talented keepers can do a job for an aspiring club.
Stockdale would appear to fit the bill. This isn't to say that he's on the same level as the other players, but it's not out of the realm of possibility that he could be. He looked damn good against Bolton and Manchester United last year.
Is a transfer in the cards? I can't imagine so, but a temporary move should be a good fit for a hungry (or is that a bad turn of phrase) player like Stockdale.
Fulham target former Liverpool defender Riise as Jol plans family reunion
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 11:05 PM on 6th July 2011
Martin Jol wants to make former Liverpool left back John Arne Riise his first Fulham signing.
The £1.5million-rated defender, 30, has a year left on his Roma deal and is eager to join younger brother Bjorn Helge Riise at Craven Cottage.
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/07/06/article-2011975-0CE49C6800000578-112_468x286.jpg)
On the move? John Arne Riise could be returning to the Premier League with Fulham
Fulham's first-choice left back, Mexico's Carlos Salcido, is homesick and the club have cooled on re-signing Liverpool's Paul Konchesky.
Fulham take a 3-0 lead into the second leg of their Europa League first round qualifier to NSI Runavik in the Faroe Islands on Thursday.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2011975/Fulham-want-John-Arne-Riise.html#ixzz1RPOGL2lk (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2011975/Fulham-want-John-Arne-Riise.html#ixzz1RPOGL2lk)
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_7023862,00.html (http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_7023862,00.html)
Paintsil denies retirement talk
Former Fulham stopper insists he still has more to offer
Last Updated: July 6, 2011 9:45pm
(http://img.skysports.com/11/02/660x350/JohnPantsil_2558698.jpg)
Paintsil: Has rubbished talk of retiring from international football
Ghana defender John Paintsil has denied reports he has set a date to call time on his international career.
Speculation surfaced in the Ghanaian media last week that the former Fulham right-back wants to step down from the international stage after the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations.
But the 30-year-old, whose contract at Craven Cottage expired this summer, insists he has not even thought about hanging up his boots.
"I have not considered leaving the national team. I am just 30-years-old and my target to play football is long," Paintsil told afrikansoccer.com.
"I am not ready to retire from international football, much less my football career.
"All those publications are false because I have not granted any interview setting a date for my retirement any moment from now."
Free agent Paintsil is now focused on finding a new club to boost his chances of earning an international re-call.
He added: "I am looking forward to securing a new club so I can get ready for the national team. I cannot disclose where I am headed, it could be anywhere."
http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2011/07/07/2563863/chelsea-manager-andre-villas-boas-weighs-up-fulham-approach (http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2011/07/07/2563863/chelsea-manager-andre-villas-boas-weighs-up-fulham-approach)
Coaches Mark Bowen and Eddie Niedzwiecki will be released from the final year of their two-year contracts and play no role at the club in the forthcoming season.
However, Kevin Hitchcock and Glyn Hodges have been relegated from first-team duties and will take up new positions with the academy. Former Chelsea player Hitchcock will work with the goalkeepers and Hodges has taken up a combined coaching and scouting role.
Jol has no place in his coaching set-up for the quartet, who did not have the same escape clause in their contracts as Hughes, who quit without notice on June 2.
A Professional Approach
Wednesday 6th July 2011
(http://www.fulhamfc.com/Images/MainNews/NewsPages/Management/Jol/ConfGrey1.jpg)
Martin Jol has called for a professional approach from his players in Thursday's UEFA Europa League First Round Second Leg qualifier against NSI Runavik.
The Whites travel to the Faroe Islands with a 3-0 lead from the first leg, and although their opponents consist of mostly part-time players, the Fulham boss has confirmed he expects nothing but 100% focus from his team.
"The players should motivate themselves," he said in his pre-match press conference. "I will try everything I can, but when you are 3-0 up it is difficult. But they are professionals and they have to do a professional job."
After fielding a full strength team in the first leg, Jol confirmed that there will be one or two changes for this game, with several First Team regulars being left back home. However, he was keen to point out that this didn't mean he is taking the game any less seriously, more using it as a valuable opportunity to give all of his squad match practice.
"I felt that Aaron [Hughes], Danny [Murphy] and Chris Baird could do some extra work, and it has given us the opportunity to bring Alex Smith and Kerim Frei into the squad. Simon Davies had a little irritation on his knee, so we had to leave him," he explained.
"I feel that this early in the season players need games. I have people like Greening, who is a good player so needs games, so it's not about a second team or reserves playing, we need games for players. Steve Sidwell, Stephen Kelly and Philippe Senderos will also come in."
The Fulham boss also admitted to being impressed by the team's opponents last week, conceding that his players will have to work hard to create chances.
"For us it's important that we get our game going and do the things we want to do, which is play attractive football," he said. "To be fair to them they did ever so well in the first leg.
"Although we had 70% possession, they were very well organised so we have to come up with answers tomorrow."
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/July/JolAProfessionalApproach.aspx#ixzz1RPXOabQv (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/July/JolAProfessionalApproach.aspx#ixzz1RPXOabQv)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/14053112.stm (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/14053112.stm)
Nes Soknar Itrottarfelag v Fulham (agg 0 - 3)
Thursday, 7 July 2011
Europa Lge qualifying
Home Team Score Away Team Time
Nes Soknar Itrottarfelag v Fulham 18:45
(agg 0-3)
Date: Thursday, 7 JulyKick-off: 1845 BSTCoverage: Live scores and report on BBC website
Fulham defender Chris Baird says his side will not underestimate Faroese minnows NSI Runavik in the second leg of their Europa League tie on Thursday.
The Premier League side hold a 3-0 lead from the first leg of their first qualifying round clash.
Baird said: "It's up on a big hill, it's windy, cold - not the best facilities - but we have to go there and do the job."
Northern Ireland side Crusaders await the winners in the next round.
http://www.football365.com/premier-league/7024349/ (http://www.football365.com/premier-league/7024349/)
Dempsey not a Roma target
Fulham midfielder Clint Dempsey is not a target for Roma, according to the Italian club's sporting director Walter Sabatini.
Last Updated: 07/07/11 at 11:25 Post Comment
Dempsey, 28, enjoyed a career-best 12-goal season with the Cottagers and has been linked with a summer move to a number of clubs.
Roma have been linked to the American midfielder, particularly given that the club are now owned by Dempsey's compatriot, Thomas Di Benedetto
However, Sabatini said: "He will not arrive."
Jol plans Fulham changes
By Jacob Murtagh
Jul 7 2011
NSI Runavik v Fulham
MARTIN Jol will ring the changes for tonight's Europa League clash in the Faroe Islands.
The Whites take a 3-0 lead into the first qualifying round second-leg tie against minnows NSI Runavik.
Boss Jol is without winger Simon Davies (knee), but welcomes youngsters Alex Smith and Kerim Frei into the squad.
The Dutchman will also give game time to fringe players Philippe Senderos, Stephen Kelly, Jonathan Greening and Steve Sidwell.
He said: "The players should motivate themselves.
"I will try everything I can, but when you are 3-0 up it is difficult. But they are professionals and they have to do a professional job."
Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/07/07/jol-plans-fulham-changes-82029-29011203/#ixzz1RPomFwX0 (http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/07/07/jol-plans-fulham-changes-82029-29011203/#ixzz1RPomFwX0)
http://www.skysports.com/football/match_preview/0,19764,11065_3411795,00.html (http://www.skysports.com/football/match_preview/0,19764,11065_3411795,00.html)
NSI Runavik v Fulham preview
Cottagers hoping to book their place in the second qualifying round
Last updated: 7th July 2011
Fulham go to NSI Runavik on Thursday looking to take the next step on the road to Europa League glory.
The Cottagers will arrive in the Faroe Islands as overwhelming favourites to book their place in the second qualifying round following a 3-0 victory in the first meeting between the two sides.
A comfortable success on home soil means Martin Jol can afford to shuffle his pack and hand first-team experience to a number of the club's youngsters.
Resting key men will be crucial throughout the competition, with Fulham having made it clear that the Premier League is their priority this season.
The 2010 Europa League finalists are keen to enjoy another productive run through continental competition, though, and will be taking nothing for granted in midweek.
Motivation
Jol told the club's official website: "The players should motivate themselves.
"I will try everything I can, but when you are 3-0 up it is difficult. But they are professionals and they have to do a professional job."
Fulham will be without winger Simon Davies for the return date with Runavik, with a minor knee problem ruling him out.
But Jol is keen to give some of his senior players pre-season game time and winger Jonathan Greening, midfielder Steve Sidwell and defenders Stephen Kelly and Philippe Senderos are likely to feature.
Full-back Alex Smith and midfielder Kerim Frei have been added to the squad and the young duo could get the chance to stake their claim for a first-team role.
The victors on Thursday will set up a second round meeting with IFA Premiership outfit Crusaders.
That draw has given Cottagers defender Chris Baird added motivation, but the Northern Ireland international has warned that there is still much work to be done before he can start planning a return to his homeland.
Respect
He said: "You have to treat every team with respect, no matter who they are.
"It's down to us at the end of the day. We know that we're the better team, with great experience and good players.
"We have to go there and do the job, get a win and get back home and qualify, getting into the next round.
"It's nice to see these different places, obviously I've been there before, so I know what to expect.
"I'm sure for other players it will be an eye-opener because there's not a lot there and not a lot to do.
"It's going to be short and sharp but we know what to expect, so we'll go there, get the job done and get back home again."
Cristian Márquez Sánchez has joined Malaga -
http://translate.google.co.uk/translate?hl=en&sl=es&u=http://malagacf.diariosur.es/noticias/2011-07-07/club-repesca-inglaterra-cristian-20110707.html&ei=LZEVTtnmH4jOhAe_7vBH&sa=X&oi=translate&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CB4Q7gEwAA&prev=/search%3Fq%3DCristian%2BM%25C3%25A1rquez%2Bmalaga%26hl%3Den%26safe%3Doff%26sa%3DG%26rlz%3D1G1ACPWCENFR387%26prmd%3Divnso (http://translate.google.co.uk/translate?hl=en&sl=es&u=http://malagacf.diariosur.es/noticias/2011-07-07/club-repesca-inglaterra-cristian-20110707.html&ei=LZEVTtnmH4jOhAe_7vBH&sa=X&oi=translate&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CB4Q7gEwAA&prev=/search%3Fq%3DCristian%2BM%25C3%25A1rquez%2Bmalaga%26hl%3Den%26safe%3Doff%26sa%3DG%26rlz%3D1G1ACPWCENFR387%26prmd%3Divnso)
http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/February/throughtheranksSanchez.aspx (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/February/throughtheranksSanchez.aspx)
NSI Runavik v Fulham (agg 0 - 3)
Europa League
Venue: Svangaskard Stadium Date: Thursday, 7 July Kick-off: 1845 BST Coverage: Live scores and report on BBC website
Fulham defender Chris Baird says his side will not underestimate Faroese minnows NSI Runavik in the second leg of their Europa League tie on Thursday.
The Premier League side hold a 3-0 lead from the first leg of their first qualifying round clash.
Baird said: "It's up on a big hill, it's windy, cold - not the best facilities - but we have to go there and do the job."
Northern Ireland side Crusaders await the winners in the next round.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/14053112.stm? (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/14053112.stm?)
Runavik Coverage
Keep up to speed with all of the action from the Faroe Islands tonight on fulhamfc.com as Fulham take on NSI Runavik in the UEFA Europa League first qualifying round (second leg).
Martin Jol's team head into Thursday evening's game with a three-nil cushion following last week's comfortable victory at the Cottage. We'll be bring you live match commentary from the Svangaskard Stadium this evening (KO 6.45pm)
Alternatively you can follow the match via the Club's official Social Networking channels. All the team news, match action and goal alerts will be available on our official FACEBOOK and TWITTER pages.
We'll make sure you're the first to know the latest news from the Faroe Islands as Martin Jol's side look to secure their place in the second qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League.
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/July/EuropaCoverage.aspx?#ixzz1RQZYCnGj (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/July/EuropaCoverage.aspx?#ixzz1RQZYCnGj)
Dempsey not on Roma radar
American striker not wanted by Italian club
Roma are not targeting Fulham midfielder Clint Dempsey, according to sporting director Walter Sabatini.
The USA international, who enjoyed a career-best 12-goal campaign at Craven Cottage last season, has been linked with a move to the Serie A club this summer.
However it appears Roma, who are close to agreeing a deal for young Barcelona striker Bojan, are not chasing the 28-year-old.
When asked about a move for Dempsey in Corriere dello Sport, Sabatini said: "He will not arrive."
Dempsey, capped 77 times for the USA national side, has two years left to run on his Fulham contract.
He joined the Premier League outfit from Major League Soccer club New England Revolution in 2007.
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_7024389,00.html? (http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_7024389,00.html?)
Dutch Members
Q & A with Michiel Hageman, the Club Secretary for the Official Dutch Fulham Members' Club.
How long has the Dutch Fulham Members' Club been in existence?
The Dutch Members' Club was started in spring of 2010.
How did it start?
Since I came back home to Holland after living in London in 2008 I wanted to start the Dutch Fulham Members' Club. Last year I started the Members' Club thanks to a lot of help from the Fulham FC staff. They sent an email to all the Dutch members and asked if they wanted to become a member of the Members' Club. Last season was our first season and now I want to make it a success with a great Members' Day and visit to Craven Cottage.
What appealed to your Members about Fulham as a Club to support?
I think I speak for myself and most of our members that if you have visited the Cottage and watched a match of Fulham, it speaks for itself. The ambiance and the great history of the Cottage makes it such a true English football experience.
Do you get to attend many games?
Most of our Members attended three or more games last season. With the Members' Club we make sure we visit Fulham at least once a year.
Do you have a message, in Dutch, for our new Manager? (and what does it mean?!)
"Martin we wensen je het allerbeste toe! Maak van Fulhan het zwart witte leger waar we trots op zijn!! Wij als Nederlandse Fanclub staan
voor de volle 100% achter jou.. Je bent de juiste man aan het roer van Fulham!"
It means that we all believe he is the right man to be Manager of Fulham Football Club. We wish him all the best and are looking forward to see Martin Jol's Black White Army on the pitch!
Form an Official International Fulham Members' Club
There is still the chance to form an Official International Fulham Members' Club, and receive an official status award alongside many more benefits like monthly or even weekly prize draws, Cottage Tours, group information on the Club's Official website, signed kits to raffle off and more. It only takes ten paid International Members' to start one so what are you waiting for? Sign up today!
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/July/InternationalMembersClubFeaturingDutch.aspx?#ixzz1RQaCujYY (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/July/InternationalMembersClubFeaturingDutch.aspx?#ixzz1RQaCujYY)
Martin Jol warns Fulham not to switch off
Martin Jol has warned his Fulham players to be professional ahead of tonight's European tie against NSI Runavik.
The west London club lead 3-0 from the first leg against the Faroe Island minnows and the Fulham boss wants his team to be fully focused on securing a place in the second-qualifying round of the Europa League.
"The players should motivate themselves," said Jol. When you are 3-0 up it is difficult but they are professionals and they have to do a professional job."
The Dutchman confirmed there would be changes to the full-strength side he fielded in the first leg. A number of first-team players will be rested and Jol will hand senior debuts to 20-year-old full-back Alex Smith and teenage midfielder Kerim Frei.
"It's not about a second team or reserves playing," insisted Jol. "We need games for players. Steve Sidwell, Stephen Kelly and Philippe Senderos will come in.
"It's important that we get our game going and do the things we want to do. They were very well organised [in the first leg] so we have to come up with answers."
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-sport/football/article-23968063-martin-jol-warns-fulham-not-to-switch-off.do? (http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-sport/football/article-23968063-martin-jol-warns-fulham-not-to-switch-off.do?)
Europa League: Baird relishing trip home to face Crusaders
Northern Ireland defender Chris Baird says the prospect of a trip back to his homeland next week to face Crusaders will help motivate him for Fulham's Europa League encounter at Faroese minnows NSI Runavik tonight.
The County Antrim-born defender and his team mates head into the first qualifying round clash against NSI boasting a 3-0 lead from the first leg at Craven Cottage, with the winners meeting the Crues next Thursday.
While Baird insists the Cottagers will not take NSI lightly, the former Southampton man admits he is buoyed by the prospect of a possible trip to Belfast.
"It would be nice obviously to get back to Ireland. I don't go back much myself," he said.
"It would be another tough game because I know what to expect from them.
"It's not easy going away to any team and as I said before, we've got the quality in the team and we're getting fit, and we'll be raring to go."
Baird and international team-mate Aaron Hughes are the only two Fulham players to have travelled to the Faroe Islands before, having faced the national team last October in a European Championship qualifier.
"It's up on a big hill — it's windy, cold — not the best facilities," Baird said, speaking of the Svangaskard Stadium, Toftir. "But we have to go there and do the job.
"You have to treat every team with respect, no matter who they are," he added.
"It's down to us. We know that we're the better team, with great experience and good players.
"We have to go there and do the job, get a win.
"It's nice to see these different places. Obviously I've been there before, so I know what to expect.
"I'm sure for other players it will be an eye-opener because there's not a lot there and not a lot to do."
Read more: http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/local/europa-league-baird-relishing-trip-home-to-face-crusaders-16020627.html?#ixzz1RQan2Npn (http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/local/europa-league-baird-relishing-trip-home-to-face-crusaders-16020627.html?#ixzz1RQan2Npn)
Hammer of the Gods
Into the land of the Faroes we journey for the routine matter of our return leg with Runavik. The Whites will be winners, but by how many?
Fulham take a squad of 17 up into the North Atlantic for their Europa League return, leading Runavik 3-0 from the first leg. It should have been more last week in London, as the side freely admitted, having enjoyed 70% of the possession. Jol used his press conference before flying off however to praise the part-timers for not caving in, and for their technical ability. Although our opponents don't appear to carry any goal threat Jol expects a professional approach from the Whites to ensure the job gets done.
Alex Smith and Karim Frei are added to a bunch of seasoned pros, Simon Davies stays at home with a slightly sore knee, while Salcido and Dempsey are only just getting back to London after their respective duties in the Gold Cup - not much of a summer break for those two!
Once again, I expect to see us fielding plenty of star names, partly I suspect to give Martin an opportunity to learn more about the squad he's inherited. There's a world of difference between seeing a bunch of players at training compared to how they handle competitive matches.
As I write there remains some doubt as to what location may be used for the game, either Runavik's own little ground or a synthetic surface in the capital Torshavn. Weather conditions are a mix of sun and showers, temperatures around 10 degrees at kick off - that's high summer for you in these latitudes between Iceland and Norway.
With such a meaningless match the one thing you pray to avoid is anyone picking up a serious injury, which as we know can strike anytime even in the most gentlest of sessions at Motspur Park. After our three goals last week I'm finding it hard to work up any enthusiasm for tonight's game - call it jet lag after my week in the triple digit heat of the USA last week - plus there's not much of substance news wise coming out of the Cottage at present.
I make a determined effort to laugh off the hysteria of transfer activity reporting over the summer, for which Sky are far and away the worst offenders. Journos are clutching at every vague rumour out there, many storylines floated having no substance to them whatever. What we do know as fact from Fulham is that Jol already announced his desire to scout up to four or five players. And as the summer progresses and all clubs return to full training we should expect one or two of our own to be moved out, either permanently or on loan - Stockdale being an obvious candidate for the latter. Riise senior in from Roma at left-back should Carlos get his move back to Mexico? Hmm, Tigana thought he had this boy signed from Monaco a decade ago. His best years are behind him now, and at 30 isn't that going against Jol's aim of getting the average age of the team down?
With my own summer hols still pending sorry I can't get a head of steam up for the new season just yet. I have opened up a new source for gossip though since getting back from Dallas, hoping to share a few snippets of life under Mark with you in due course. With no obvious job offer on the horizon I'm of a mind to think Hughes sees himself increasingly as the natural successor to Sir Alex - he has the ego for it certainly - and rumours are growing that Fergie's losing his appetite for it. He's won it all domestically for Man U but must know Barcelona are going to reign supreme in Europe for a while yet. That footballing lesson from the Catalans at Wembley I reckon really stung the old curmudgeon.
Anyway, as a taster, I can tell you Hughes quickly got on the wrong side of a lot of people at FFC with his haughty manner. Demanding a bigger office suite at Motspur forced permanent staffers into relocating, while nobody was allowed along his corridor without an appointment. This all got a bit silly when the groundsman had a simple message for example that impacted on that day's routine. Fearing to approach the dragon's door, communication went up the chain of command thus rendering the exercise irrelevant by the time it reached the mighty Mark. In conclusion I'm heartened to see the club have released two of Sparky's gang of four while the remaining couple under contract find their roles greatly diminished.
So to finish on a plus point - well done Martin for quickly coming to the decision to appoint loyal club servant Ray Lewington as your number two. If he was good enough for Woy...
It may only be little Runavik, but as ever - COYW! Twitter @fulhamphil
Young duo set for Europe chance
Martin Jol is set to hand youngsters Alex Smith and Kerim Frei a place in the squad to face NSI Runavik, with Simon Davies ruled out.
After a 3-0 victory in the first leg at Craven Cottage, Fulham are in the box seat to make it through the second qualifying round of the Europa League.
The first-leg result will enable Jol to rest some of his first-team regulars, as Fulham continue to prepare for the season ahead, with winger Davies missing with a knee injury.
As well as young duo Smith and Frei, Philippe Senderos, Stephen Kelly and Jonathan Greening are also expected to be handed run outs in the Faroe Islands.
When asked whether it will be tough to get themselves up for the game, Jol said: "The players should motivate themselves. "I will try everything I can, but when you are 3-0 up it is difficult. But they are professionals and they have to do a professional job."
http://www.eatsleepsport.com/fulham/young-duo-set-for-europe-chance-1236133.html? (http://www.eatsleepsport.com/fulham/young-duo-set-for-europe-chance-1236133.html?)
Winger misses out
Martin Jol is set to hand youngsters Alex Smith and Kerim Frei a place in the squad to face NSI Runavik, with Simon Davies ruled out.
After a 3-0 victory in the first leg at Craven Cottage, Fulham are in the box seat to make it through the second qualifying round of the Europa League.
The first-leg result will enable Jol to rest some of his first-team regulars, as Fulham continue to prepare for the season ahead, with winger Davies missing with a knee injury.
As well as young duo Smith and Frei, Philippe Senderos, Stephen Kelly and Jonathan Greening are also expected to be handed run outs in the Faroe Islands.
When asked whether it will be tough to get themselves up for the game, Jol said: "The players should motivate themselves. "I will try everything I can, but when you are 3-0 up it is difficult. But they are professionals and they have to do a professional job."
http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/winger-misses-out-1-1236133.html? (http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/winger-misses-out-1-1236133.html?)
Keeper dilemma for Swansea and Fulham
Swansea City - Swans want David Stockdale to be No.1 at the Liberty
Newly-promoted Swansea have confirmed they have enquired about the availability of Fulham goalkeeper David Stockdale, and are in talks with the London club about a possible move for the 25-year-old.
Following Dorus de Vries' departure to join Wolverhampton Wanderers last month, Swans have been on the look-out for a new shot-stopper for their debut season in the Barclays Premier League, and Stockdale fits the bill.
The former York keeper, who has had loan spells with Leicester and Plymouth in the past, may consider another temporary move, as he will again start the season as number two to Mark Schwarzer.
But if manager Martin Jol did agree to Stockdale going to the Liberty on loan it would leave him with the dilemma of finding another understudy to Schwarzer.
A Swansea spokesman said: "We have made an enquiry for David Stockdale and are in discussions with Fulham, but he is only one of a number of goalkeeping options we are looking at."
http://www.givemefootball.com/premier-league/keeper-dilemma-for-swansea-and-fulham? (http://www.givemefootball.com/premier-league/keeper-dilemma-for-swansea-and-fulham?)
Weekly Accumulator – Fulham to complete Europa League job
We have ten selections in the Europa League that pay a combined 68/1
(http://news.ladbrokes.com/en-gb/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Damian-Duff-Fulham.gif)
Although many of the teams taking part in the opening qualifying round of the Europa League are minnows of the European football world, the fact that the first legs of these ties have already taken place has helped us create our next accumulator.
In total we have made ten predictions for the second legs, with Europa League odds of 68/1 available on all selections being correct.
Bankers
Fulham to beat Runavik @ 1/12
Rad Belgrade to beat Tre Penne @ 1/10
Rabotnicki to beat Trans Narva @ 1/8
Karabakh to beat Banga @ 1/7
Vllaznia to beat Birkirkara @ 4/11
Tight calls
Aalesund to beat Neath @ 1/3
Olimpija Ljubljana to beat Siroki Brijeg @ 4/7
FC Minsk to beat AZAL Baku @ 4/7
Glentoran to beat Renova @ 11/8
Nomme Kalju to beat FC Honka @ 16/5
Fulham lead the list and should have no trouble winning in the Faroe Islands, while Rad Belgrade and Rabotnicki are others who should win comfortably for the second leg in succession.
However, there are some big prices available in the tight calls section, with Olimpija Ljubljana, FC Minsk and Noome Kalju all avoiding defeat away and should now be able to capitalise with home advantage.
But the best value appears to come in the clash between Northern Ireland's Glentoran and Renova from Macedonia.
Renova triumphed in a close opening leg 2-1, which included a winning goal three minutes from time.
Yet the Northern Irish side may still be fairly happy with this result, having finished the game with nine men, with one of these red cards being handed out inside the opening 11 minutes.
Glentoran also conceded a separate penalty.
If Glentoran can keep 11 men on the field back on their own patch they certainly have a good chance of victory, particularly as the visitors may set up negatively in a bid to hold on to their first-leg advantage.
http://news.ladbrokes.com/en-gb/football/europa-league/weekly-accumulator- (http://news.ladbrokes.com/en-gb/football/europa-league/weekly-accumulator-)–-fulham-to-complete-europa-league-job_068833.html
Murphy on the Europa League
Tonight, barring an absolute disaster, Fulham should secure a place in the Europa League Qualification 2nd round!
Leading 3-0 from the first leg, at Craven Cottage, our passage should be deemed to be quite comfortable against the part-timers from the Faroe Islands.
For many the mere mention of the words Europa League brings back such wonderful memories from Roy Hodgson`s last season in charge and the journey that culminated in an appearance in the final, in Hamburg.
Danny Murphy, on the eve of the fixture, has spoken about what lies ahead, both for tonight and the remainder of the competition and has warned about the dangers it could bring, commenting,
"The fantastic run we went on two seasons ago actually turned it into one of the most memorable seasons in the clubs history. But we`ve got to be careful not to get too focused on the Europa."
"The Premier League is your bread and butter. Theoretically we should be firing on all cylinders but the key is not to be firing too quickly and then burn out a bit."
"It is a difficult one at 3-0. If it was five, then it would probably be a bit easier. I would expect one or two of the younger lads to play maybe."
"Of course you need a spine but the difference when you play away is that it can be a bit of a dodgy pitch, a bit of a different atmosphere."
"It can only take one mistake and you`re a goal down after 10 minutes and all of a sudden some of the younger lads might be like 'what is going on?` so you have to be a bit careful."
"But whatever team plays, let`s be honest, we should be comfortable with a 3-0 lead. They`re not particularly good and, as the game went on, we should have wrapped it up."
It may only be 3-0 but something tells me we`ll comfortably get through tonight whatever team Martin Jol decrees is up for the task!
As for burn-out, perhaps our squad could do with enlarging slightly to reduce that risk!
Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=246554#ixzz1RR8nOF00 (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=246554#ixzz1RR8nOF00)
Eating Sensibly?
We`re in the back of the blue yonder tonight for the return leg of our Europa League first round qualifier tonight and nothing is being left to chance.
Preparations have been made to ensure that none of our squad gets the Faroe Islands version of 'Delhi-belly` whilst in the blue yonder with Martin Jol ensuring that nobody is tempted to try the local delicacies of puffin or whale meat, or as Jol puts it,
"We`ve bought our own people here with us so we`ll be eating what we always eat."
"I`ve never been to anywhere this remote for a football match before."
"But that`s what can happen when you play in these qualifying matches at the beginning of July."
Hopefully the result will make up for the long trip!
Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=246557#ixzz1RR9AiCxv (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=246557#ixzz1RR9AiCxv)
Salcido`s Mexican Return!
One player expected to be leaving Craven Cottage shortly is the Mexican defender, Carlos Salcido.
Reported as being homesick, rumours abound that Fulham are looking at signing the ex-Liverpool player - John Arne Riise as his replacement.
News has filtered through today that Salcido could be about to get his wish with Chivas Guadalajara showing an interest.
We`ll report further when anything concrete is confirmed.
Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=246556#ixzz1RR9OvtAX (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=246556#ixzz1RR9OvtAX)
Defender Loan
Signed last summer, by Mark Hughes, our Algerian World Cup star, Rafik Halliche, didn`t have the best of first seasons at Craven Cottage.
Having picked up a long term thigh injury, we`ve ye tot see if the twenty-four year old can establish himself in our squad.
Rumours in the tabloid press, this morning, infer that Halliche is to be shipped out on a season long loan deal with Queens Park Rangers and Swansea perceived as the preferred destination.
On a personal level, I have to doubt whether this is just the beginning of the parting of the ways, confirmation remains to be seen!
Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=246558#ixzz1RR9brv1n (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=246558#ixzz1RR9brv1n)
Dempsey Bid Looming?
Ever since he impressed in the Confederations Cup, two years ago, I`ve feared that Clint Dempsey might be a player we`d struggle to hold on to.
The American international`s versatility, allied with his ability to produce top-notch performance after top-notch performance, marks him up as a valuable commodity.
So far, Fulham have managed to hold on to the player but now rumours are emerging that AS Roam see Clint as the ideal replacement for the departing Mirko Vuicnic.
Although Fulham will be reticent to lose Clint, I can`t help thinking that a combination of an ambition to test himself in Serie A along with a tempting transfer fee might prove to powerful a combination.
Let`s hope I`m wrong!
Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=246559#ixzz1RR9qZP5A (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=246559#ixzz1RR9qZP5A)
