Friends of Fulham

 
Premier League Statement

Following on-going discussions with the Metropolitan Police, statutory authorities and clubs in London, The Premier League can confirm that, aside from the postponed Tottenham Hotspur v Everton match, all League games in the capital will go ahead as scheduled this weekend.

The Premier League has worked closely with the authorities and London-based clubs throughout the recent civil unrest to ensure matches are staged in accordance with supporter safety.

While all efforts were made to try and facilitate the Tottenham Hotspur v Everton match by the Metropolitan Police and the local authority, the situation on the Tottenham High Road proved too difficult to overcome.

The Premier League would like to thank the Metropolitan Police and all the other relevant police forces for their efforts and on-going communication during this difficult time.

Acting on current information from the authorities there is no reason to believe that matches outside of London will be affected at this time.

Ticket availability is now limited for Martin Jol's first Barclays Premier League match in charge at Craven Cottage. A sell out is expected so, avoid missing out on the Whites opening match of the Barclays Premier League season against Aston Villa by securing your tickets today.



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/August/PremierLeagueStatementMatch.aspx?#ixzz1Un27SvKU (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/August/PremierLeagueStatementMatch.aspx?#ixzz1Un27SvKU)

 
First Preview of 2011/12! Fulham vs Villa: Pre-Match Predictions

So that time of year is nearly upon us again! Or is it? Uncertainty over the opening weekend of Premier League fixtures due to the nonsensical rioting which started in London and has swept the country has thus far overshadowed the upcoming 2011/12 campaign, but the Villa game at Fulham, as it stands, looks to be going ahead!

Tottenham's clash with Everton has already bean postponed due to the riots in the capital so the future of Villa's opener is far from certain, though early indications look good and McLeish has claimed that the game will go-ahead assuming there are no major incidents between now and Saturday.

The game will of course be McLeish's first competitive match in charge since joining from the Blues and early successes will prove vital to winning over the fans, many of whom were so strongly opposed to his appointment.

Fulham have a new manager of their own in Martin Jol and have impressed to a certain degree, sailing through their Europa League qualification thus far. The Londoners have fit again strike duo Bobby Zamora and Andy Johnson back and firing, which will be a worry for a dismal Villa defence last term, though new signing Shay Given will be determined to kick-off his Villa career with a clean sheet.

Alex McLeish has claimed that he has a fully fit squad to choose from, barring Carlos Cuellar who remains sidelined with a knee injury, after James Collins returned from a back injury. Villa's other new recruit, Charles N'Zogbia is all but certain to feature, though McLeish's attacking set-up is less certain.

In pre-season the Scot toyed with the likes of Emile Heskey and Gabby Agbonlahor out wide, with the former the more likely to start the opener on the opposite flank to N'Zogbia. The new manager seems settled enough on a back four of Young, Dunne, Collins and Warnock, despite their downfalls last season, while captain Petrov and Jean Makoun are likely to act as a shield.

Stephen Ireland's return to the club has been supported and jeered in fairly equal measure, with the midfielder seemingly lacking a bit of match fitness and likely to make the bench only on Saturday. If that proves to be the case than the young duo of Fabian Delph and Barry Bannan are likely to fight for a berth in a more attacking midfield role behind lone striker Bent in a 4-2-3-1 system.

Bannan has impressed me in pre-season and should get the nod in my opinion but I get the feeling that McLeish has liked what he's seen in Delph so I'm tipping the former Leeds man to start. Young Players of the Season from last term Marc Albrighton and Ciaran Clark may ell have to settle for a place in the squad for this one after Collins' return and McLeish's hint towards a start for Heskey.
Fulham are likely to hand a debut to former Liverpool man John Arne Riise at left-back, with former Villan Steve Sidwell set to start in midfield.

Villa will be hoping to get a lead and hold onto it having gone up in both games last season only to concede equalisers. This fixture last term saw an injury time leveller from Brede Hangeland cancel out a memorable goal from Albrighton following a perfectly judged long ball from Bannan.

So are we all excited? I know I am, and here's my first pre-match prediction of the new season (and you can get follow the football betting on this match too):

Possible Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Given; Young, Collins, Dunne, Warnock; Makoun, Petrov; N'Zogbia, Delph, Heskey; Bent.
Key Man: Jean Makoun
Goalscorer(s): Bent

Final Score: 1-1



http://astonvillablog.com/first-preview-of-201112-fulham-vs-villa-pre-match-predictions/? (http://astonvillablog.com/first-preview-of-201112-fulham-vs-villa-pre-match-predictions/?)

 
Aston Villa v. Fulham Game is Still On, Darren Bent and James Collins Likely to Play

Mat Kendrick has gotten word from Alex McLeish that the Aston Villa at Fulham match is still scheduled to go this weekend. Despite the continued riots across England, apparently Premier League officials have decided that the conditions will be safe enough to allow soccer to be played. While part of me is happy to hear this, I still wonder if this is a case of mislaid priorities. But hey, there's not much we can do, so let's all hope to enjoy an opening weekend win!

And the chances of seeing that win are improving, with news from the team that Darren Bent and James Collins will be fit enough to play this weekend. I'm not sure if they will start, but it's good to know that should the need arise, these two will be there. Aston Villa is a significantly worse team without Collins and Bent. Apparently, McLeish will be working with a full roster as Fabian Delph appears to be back to being healthy, and none of the squad were injured while playing international friendlies yesterday.Things are lining up for a win that would be good in its own right, but might also be sweeter for giving the people of Birmingham something to be cheery about.



http://www.7500toholte.com/2011/8/11/2357160/aston-villa-v-fulham-game-is-still-on-darren-bent-and-james-collins? (http://www.7500toholte.com/2011/8/11/2357160/aston-villa-v-fulham-game-is-still-on-darren-bent-and-james-collins?)

 
Fulham opener goes ahead
by DAN on AUGUST 11, 2011

The Premier League have confirmed that the remaining nine games will go ahead on the opening weekend of the season.

Tottenham's game with Everton has been postponed due to the damage caused by the riots over the last five days, but all the other matches will be played as scheduled. That means that Fulham's match with Aston Villa is on and will kick off at 3pm.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/08/fulham-opener-goes-ahead/? (http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/08/fulham-opener-goes-ahead/?)

 
Bent boost for Aston Villa as striker shakes off shoulder injury in time to face Fulham

Aston Villa striker Darren Bent has recovered from his shoulder problem and is available for the Barclays Premier League opener with Fulham.

Bent had been ruled out of England's postponed match with Holland on Wednesday but is set to line up at Craven Cottage on Saturday.

The forward scored nine goals in 16 matches after his club record £18million move from Sunderland in January and established himself as a first-choice player for his country.

Villa boss Alex McLeish has almost a clean bill of health for his first competitive game in charge since replacing Gerard Houllier in June.

Central defender James Collins has also overcome the back injury which prompted his withdrawal from the Welsh squad to face Australia in midweek.

Midfielder Fabian Delph is also in contention after a series of injury setbacks during the past two years, including ankle surgery at the end of last season.

McLeish said: 'At this moment there are no injuries to shout about. We have almost everyone available. There is no-one on the treatment table.

'Bent is fine with his shoulder. Collins was struggling with his back but the doctor injected him and took some blood out of a lump at the base of his back.

'He was in a lot of discomfort and it was right he should pull out of the midweek game for his country. But we believe he will be ready for the weekend.'

Defender Carlos Cuellar (knee) is the only absentee through injury.




Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2024887/Darren-Bent-fit-Aston-Villa-v-Fulham.html#ixzz1Un3RINBj (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2024887/Darren-Bent-fit-Aston-Villa-v-Fulham.html#ixzz1Un3RINBj)

 
Hughes scores against Faroe Islands
by DAN on AUGUST 11, 2011

Aaron Hughes grabbed a rare goal as Northern Ireland thrashed the Faroe Islands 4-0 in a Euro 2012 qualifier last night.

The Fulham defender scored his first international goal to set Nigel Worthington's side on their way to an important victory in Group C. Hughes steered a Gareth McAuley cross home via the post after the Faroes had failed to clear a corner. The home side sealed the win with two goals in five second-half minutes. First, former Fulham midfielder Steven Davis drove home from 25 yards and then Celtic winger Paddy McCourt scored the first of two fine solo goals.

The win lifts Northern Ireland to third place in Group C and was vital after Worthington's side could only draw in the Faroe Islands earlier in the campaign. Chris Baird also came through ninety minutes at right back alongside Hughes.

Hughes was delighted to secure the three points:

I'm delighted for everyone tonight. We thought it would be a tough game and that they would make it difficult for us and they did.

They were very defensive. They didn't really occupy our centre halves and that gave us a bit more freedom to go and attack them.

We had to be patient and we had to build up. To come away with a 4-0 win, we have to be happy with that. This puts us in a fantastic position in the group. The way other results were going meant we were always in it.

Northern Ireland: Camp, Baird, McAuley (Cathcart 45), Hughes, J Evans, Clingan, Davis, McCann, Corry Evans (McGinn 59), Healy (Ward 83), McCourt. Subs (not used): Mannus, McGivern, Thompson, Gorman.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/08/hughes-scores-against-faroe-islands/? (http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/08/hughes-scores-against-faroe-islands/?)

 
Fulham Got No Respect; Hughes scores

Listening to the Guardian's Football Weekly's EPL preview podcast at the gym last night, I figured to hear a sentence or two about our season outlook. Instead, we got the last word.

As in, only the final few words spoken in the entire 45 minute podcast.

I don't have the transcript but the last 30 seconds or so go something like this:

James Richardson: Well that should wrap things up
Barry Glendenning: I bet we missed a team
Gregg Roughley: Haven't mentioned Fulham
Sean Ingle: Or Wolves
Barry Glendenning: Fulham and Wolves!
<end podcast>

I normally expect these sort of things to focus 95% on the Sky Five and ignore the rest of the league. Yet this was a new low. Don't want to sound petty, but can't say I'll be bothering to tune in for the rest of the season.

In other news, Aaron Hughes scored for Northern Ireland yesterday! After earning over 75 caps and captaining the nation since 2003, Aaron scored his first ever national goal in Northern Ireland's 4-0 win over the Faroe Islands.

Highlights can be found here. He's somewhere in the photo below.





http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2011/08/11/fulham-got-no-respect-hughes-scores/? (http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2011/08/11/fulham-got-no-respect-hughes-scores/?)

 
Riise scores as Norway beat Czechs
by DAN on AUGUST 11, 2011

John Arne Riise scored as Norway completed a fine 3-0 win over the Czech Republic in an emotional friendly last night.

The new Fulham signing, who captained his country in their first game after the terrorist attacks that killed 77 people last month, scored the second goal of the evening with a trademark left-footed strike that slipped through Petr Cech's body. Mohammed Abdellaoue netted an impressive brace, including a fine first goal that saw beat two defenders and fire home from the edge of the box, to complete the scoring.

You can see the goals below:
Norway - Tsjechie 3-0 2011 Highlights (norge - tsjekkia) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2O7gGdz20HM#)



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/08/riise-scores-as-norway-beat-czechs/? (http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/08/riise-scores-as-norway-beat-czechs/?)

 
Bent fit to face Fulham
by DAN on AUGUST 11, 2011

Darren Bent has been passed fit to start up front in Aston Villa's opening game of the season against Fulham on Saturday.

The striker had been a doubt for the game having been ruled out of England duty with a shoulder injury but new Villa boss Alex McLeish has confirmed that Bent is fit to start the Premier League opener. Bent made a real impression in the Midlands last term after scoring nine goals in sixteen appearances following an £18m move from Sunderland in January.

Bent could be joined in the starting line-up by Emile Heskey after the former Leicester and Liverpool man has impressed McLeish during pre-season. The Sunday Mercury suggests that Heskey could start on the left side of midfield.

McLeish also confirmed that centre back James Collins is available for selection after undergoing an injection on his troublesome back injury.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/08/bent-fit-to-face-fulham/? (http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/08/bent-fit-to-face-fulham/?)

 
Etuhu cast into the wilderness?
by DAN on AUGUST 11, 2011

Dickson Etuhu's international career could be over after he rejected a late invitation to join the Nigerian squad this week.

The Fulham midfielder was offered a late call-up by Nigeria coach Samson Siasia after his initial squad was hit by withdrawals and injuries but Etuhu declined the request. That angered Siasia, who has vowed not to select Etuhu for the foreseeable future, according to a source quoted by an African news website:

Siasia was highly disappointed about what Etuhu did. It is not as if he was not in Siasia's plan, the coach wanted to call him up for future games, but now I don't think he would do that again because he is very unhappy about what the player did.

Etuhu had not previously featured for his country since Siasia took charge of the national team last year.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/08/etuhu-cast-into-the-wilderness/? (http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/08/etuhu-cast-into-the-wilderness/?)

 
Twente's Ruiz eyes Premier move

FC Twente striker and reported Fulham target Bryan Ruiz says he would be keen on making a move to England this summer.


Ruiz has been linked to several Premier League clubs with Fulham, Spurs and Arsenal all said to be keeping a close eye on him.

The 25-year-old has claimed he would only leave Holland for one of Europe's so-called 'big leagues' and is thought to be keen on a switch to England.

Cottagers boss Martin Jol's Dutch links mean he is well aware of the striker and may look to make an offer for him before the transfer window closes at the end of the month.

Ruiz said: "I have three weeks left to transfer and I hope I can change to one of the best leagues, such as the English, otherwise I will stay in Twente. "

"There is a team that is showing interest, but it will be my agent that keeps me informed about the negotiations.

Ruiz reportedly has a £13.75million release clause in his contract - a figure way above what Fulham could afford - but FC Twente insist they have yet to receive an official approach from any club for him.



http://www.setanta.com/ie/Articles/2011/08/11/Cottagers-target-keen-on-Prem-move/gnid-104061/? (http://www.setanta.com/ie/Articles/2011/08/11/Cottagers-target-keen-on-Prem-move/gnid-104061/?)

 
Numberwang

Nice bit here on the Gruaniad site about Opta.  I tried to get a job there years ago.  About 2001.  I had an Opta handbook that maintained that the best defenders belonged to Sheffield Wednesday or someone, because their defenders had done the most.  Being bottom of the league and all.  Nothing ever came of it, but I was dead keen and not earning anything at the time so it would've been a good fit.  Oh well.

Anyway, worth a read.

One thing to note though: they talk about stats trends – we have all those in the Fulham Reviews.  Colin's got several years of data on the players, and it's fascinating to track it through.

As ever, www.godsfoot.com (http://www.godsfoot.com) to order.  Excuse me for continuing to push this, but we need money and also I really believe in the book.  If in doubt, please do give it a go.  You won't regret it.





http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2011/08/11/numberwang-2/? (http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2011/08/11/numberwang-2/?)

 
Opta users now more likely to wear a manager's jacket than an anorak
Premier League clubs are increasingly relying on statistics to shape their transfer policy

Here is something you probably did not know: only 13 players across Europe's top five divisions created more goal-scoring chances last season than Chris Brunt, with the West Bromwich Albion midfielder's tally of 86 putting him 11 clear of Barcelona's tormentor-in-chief, Xavi. Now, to suggest on the basis of this statistic alone that Brunt poses a greater threat to defences than Xavi would, of course, be foolish but it is, nonetheless, intriguing and helps explain the growing appeal, and influence, of Opta.

Formed in 1996 by a group of friends who used to log match statistics while watching play unfold at their local pub, the company is now global, collecting data on 30 sports across 70 countries from their nine offices in Europe, the United States and Australia. The hub of the operation is in London, with Opta's head office, located in spitting distance of Waterloo station, a hive of activity and anticipation for the new Premier League season. Once again it will be they who stock newspaper, radio and television coverage of top-flight fixtures with statistics, covering everything from goals scored to total flick-ons made by the losing team's centre-forward.

"The start of the season is a great time for us," said Matt Furniss, Opta's UK editor. "We're busy during the summer, providing data on sports like Formula One, but the Premier League is our bread and butter and it'll be great to see this place in full-flow again on Saturday."

Three analysts are posted to watch each game live and record the 1,500-plus "events" that make up Opta's full analysis of fixtures. "There is no specific requirement for the job except a genuine passion for sport," said Paul Pettitt, Opta's UK senior data collection executive. "But decent hand-eye coordination does help, and so people who play video games like Fifa and Pro-Evolution tend to be the better candidates."

After 15 years of expansion and improvement, Opta's status as Europe's leading provider of sports statistics is beyond question and has been strengthened by its introduction of OptaJoe, a regular tweeter of its more interesting statistics. As of Wednesday "Joe" had 114,733 followers, almost 30,000 more than the Labour leader, Ed Miliband.

There is, however, another frontier for Opta to explore further. With more than 11 years of extensive data on the Premier League at its finger tips, as well as similarly in-depth statistics for a host of other leagues, most notably the Bundesliga, La Liga, Serie A, Ligue 1 and Eredivisie, the company is increasingly being used by clubs, home and abroad, as a tool to shape their transfer policies. Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea are among those who have contracts with Opta, allowing them access to the organisation's vast database and, more specifically, its eye‑catching analysis tools, DataScout and VideoScout.

Data Scout allows an instant review of a player's development in any of the events Opta tracks, as well as comparing them with others in their position. The effect is absorbing, with a line-graph, for instance, showing Gary Cahill and Phil Jagielka have increased the average number of interceptions they make over 90 minutes during the past five years and, should they continue at the same rate, are likely to match the levels John Terry and Rio Ferdinand reached at their peak.

VideoScout taps into the 25,000-plus matches Opta has analysed and allows the user to watch every kick, flick and header performed by the players involved. It is the equivalent of YouTube on heat. "No club is going to sign a player on the basis of a line-graph or video clip alone," said John Coulson, Opta's product manager and former video analyst for Norwich City and Middlesbrough. "Scouts still need to get out there and watch a player, learn about his character, but with our help they can get the groundwork done early.

"It's bringing science into the art of recruitment and that has been a growing trend over the past decade, mainly because the technology is there but also because of the truly global transfer market clubs now operate in. More players are being signed from Africa, South America and elsewhere and clubs want to find out as much about them as possible."

Coulson also cites the arrival of an increasing number of foreign owners into the Premier League as a reason why clubs here are using hard data in their transfer policies and that is nowhere more apparent than at Liverpool, where John W Henry has espoused the importance of Moneyball – the statistic-based recruitment strategy which helped to turn his Boston Red Sox into World Series winners – since taking over at Anfield.

Taking that into account, the club's decision to spend large sums on three midfielders this summer does not appear so strange: Jordan Henderson, Stewart Downing and Charlie Adam all featuredin the top eight of Opta's list of players who created the most chances in the Premier League last season. "We know of a player signed by a Premier League club last season purely on the back of our statistics and he has gone on to be a success," said Coulson. "That makes us feel very satisfied."

Who knows how Opta will make their presence felt in the season to come, but what is for sure is that they will continue to have an impact, even if it in simply revealing the startling potency of West Brom's midfield.




http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2011/aug/10/opta-stats-premier-league (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2011/aug/10/opta-stats-premier-league)

 
Behave or else! Players and managers face Premier League crackdown

Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore has warned players and managers they will be met with severe punishment if they show disrespect to referees this season.

On Thusrday Scudamore revealed all clubs, managers and referees had been in talks over the summer aimed at stamping out the indiscipline which blighted the English game last year.


No more: Premier League want to stop players attempting to intimidate refs

Scenes of players surrounding referees were still commonplace last term and indiscipline was not just confined to the pitch, with Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson finding himself in trouble with the league for his on-camera tirade against referee Martin Atkinson.

Scudamore announced this afternoon that a new 'reinvigoration' of the 'Get on with the game' initiative launched three years ago had been agreed by all parties this summer.

The main aims of the new directive are to eradicate disrespectful behaviour towards match officials, stop players surrounding referees or turning their backs on them, and promote respect between officials and managers during and after games.

Any refusal to adhere to such laws will be not be tolerated, Scudamore warned.

'We`ve gone to the Professional Game Match Officials Board (PGMOB) and asked them what will help them,' he said.

'We came up with a reduction in disrespectful behaviour towards match officials, turning backs on referees and we don`t want players surrounding referees, as well as the conduct of managers.


Under orders: Managers must respect referees

'We don't want players surrounding match officials. That will be dealt with more severely this season than it was the last.

'In post-match interviews we don`t want to stamp out constructive criticism. If a manager thinks a referee has got something wrong then he is perfectly entitled to say that, but it's more about the colour and the disrespectful language.'

The promise of a crackdown will inevitably be met with some scepticism given that many similar campaigns have so far failed to stop such incidents in the English game.

Scudamore is confident it will work, however.

'My confidence is borne out of discussions we had over the summer,' he said.

'It's the first time we've met with all the players together. We met with [Professional Footballers' Association chief executive] Gordon Taylor, representatives of players from all the clubs. That was very positive.

'They to a man said the relationship between the referees and players had improved since the 2008 launch.

'They were keen to make sure we didn't throw all those things out. The players themselves understand.

'All the managers have been to pre-season meetings - again, very very constructive.

'Of course we're all waiting on the first incident - there are always going to be incidents. We're looking to reduce the incidents, but we won't eliminate them.'

West Brom manager Roy Hodgson admits managers have a responsibility to make sure they keep their end of the bargain.

'Referees are an integral part of our game and sometimes we are less kind to them than we should be,' he said.

'We all make mistakes, managers, players and referees.

'If we are caught out letting our emotions run away with us, we all know the day after we are wrong and that we shouldn't do it.

'These initiatives are really important and we really need to stress it.'

Football Association chairman David Bernstein gave his backing to the campaign, stressing the importance of footballers being good role models.

He said: 'On the pitch behaviour is so important - both directly in the way it affects youngsters playing football but also in terms of wider behaviour.'




Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2024933/Players-managers-face-crackdown-behaviour.html#ixzz1Un6drLZf (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2024933/Players-managers-face-crackdown-behaviour.html#ixzz1Un6drLZf)

 
McLeish Demands Players Stand Up To Be Counted

As we head towards the Premier League opener against Fulham this weekend, Alex McLeish has called on the players to win their personal battles and to stand up and be counted this campaign.

Speaking to the Official Site McLeish said he didn't expect Fulham to role over and die as they are a far better team than most give them credit for, but we will be heading to Craven Cottage looking for an upset and it's important the players turn up and perform.

'This weekend we play a very good Fulham side, it will be a tough opener but we plan on going down there and upsetting. We have to make sure our lads are aware of what Fulham can do, but at the same time there are no real surprises, they know the Fulham boys inside out. It's about making sure you're on top of your opponent and winning the 50/50's.'

Strong and determined words from the new manager, needs to back that up with a performance and a result now!



Read more: http://www.astonvilla.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=7509681#ixzz1Un7L8tgk (http://www.astonvilla.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=7509681#ixzz1Un7L8tgk)

 
Numberwang in another way

New first team squad numbers are out.

The curse of the 'proper' numbers continues, as John Arne Riise vacates the number seven shirt recently not worn by Seol, Andranik, and... who had it last year (ed. Sidwell)?  In any case, such a prestigious number needs an equally prestigious owner, and Fulham simply haven't come up with one.

Steve Sidwell has John Paintsil's number four now, which seems untoward.  Not that we could retire it or anything, but as noted earlier in the pre-season, it seems a little off to give it to someone else.  Maybe a year off would have been the right thing to do.

Pajtim 'Hail' Kasami has taken the bull by the horns and claimed '10′.  Good on him – I hope he's as good as this makes him sound.  Marcel Gecov is safe with his number 15.

Who will wear number nine?

Matt Briggs has 28, Alex Kacaniklic moves into the 'grown up' numbers with 19, Barry Frei has 21 and Lauri Dalla Valle 24, all of which suggests some role for them in 2011/12.  Keanu Marsh-Brown has 36, which was Chris Baird's not so long ago.  How times change.



http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2011/08/11/numberwang-in-another-way/? (http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2011/08/11/numberwang-in-another-way/?)

 
Alex McLeish knows he must hit the ground running at Aston Villa
The Aston Villa manager is aware supporters will cut him little slack because of his previous job as Birmingham City manager

It is often said that the bookmakers are rarely wrong, in which case Alex McLeish should take some comfort that at least four Premier League managers – Neil Warnock, Steve Kean, Alan Pardew and Steve Bruce – are ahead of him in the sack race. It seems strange to be talking in those terms about a manager who took charge at Aston Villa two months ago but this is not an appointment where normal rules apply.

McLeish's call for patience on the eve of Saturday's trip to Fulham is indicative of the mood at a club where the supporters are expected to cut the Scot little slack because of misgivings about his credentials for the post. Although the days of protests on the steps outside Villa Park are long gone, the reality is that nothing has changed in terms of the former Birmingham City manager needing to get off to a flying start once the new season gets underway at Craven Cottage.

"There's pressure on every manager and they all need to hit the ground running to an extent but because of the decision that Alex has made you have to accept that there is added pressure," says Mark McGhee, who played alongside McLeish for Aberdeen and Scotland and remains a close friend. "But the one thing that will deal with what happened in the summer is results. If Alex gets wins under his belt and the fans see improvement, then he'll be fine."

The fixture list has been particularly kind to McLeish. Based on last season's league table, Fulham are the highest-placed opponent Villa will face in the first seven matches and they will have played only one top-six side come the middle of November. It therefore comes as little surprise that the month of December is nothing like as appealing. Villa face Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal at home and travel to Bolton, Stoke and Chelsea.

At least McLeish will not have to contend with his former employers, unless Birmingham and Villa are drawn together in one of the cup competitions. "That's something that is a pity for the rest of us because it would make it a bit more exciting for the outside world," McGhee says. "But from Alex's point of view it's a good thing because it puts Birmingham away for a bit and prevents people from making comparisons with how they are doing in the league."

Comparisons with how Villa performed under Gérard Houllier last season will inevitably be made, although McLeish is unlikely to lose any sleep over the Frenchman's record at the club. But for their unexpected back-to-back victories in the final two matches, against Arsenal and Liverpool, Villa would have finished in the bottom half, which is where they spent much of a miserable campaign during which Houllier came under intense pressure before he was taken ill in April.

Houllier never bonded with the Villa supporters, although McLeish faces an even bigger battle in that respect. "He will take longer than the average manager to endear himself to fans because of where he came from but in time I think they will come to like him as a character," McGhee says.

"He has a dry sense of humour and he's an intelligent guy. For example, he has a lot of interest in subjects well outside of football. He'll be interested in what's been happening on the streets of Birmingham and the political and social aspects of that. He will have a real empathy with the people that have been affected."

It is, however, on a matchday when McLeish will ultimately be judged. His hand has been weakened by the departures of Ashley Young and Stewart Downing, with Charles N'Zogbia the only outfield signing to date. Yet there is still plenty of creativity in the Villa side, providing McLeish with the opportunity to play the more expansive style of football that his critics have questioned he is capable of producing because of his record at Birmingham.

McGhee has no doubt that McLeish can deliver on that front but he also believes entertainment must take a backseat for the moment.

"There's nobody that admired Blackpool more than me last year – I thought the football they played was brilliant. But Alex can't afford to do what Ian Holloway did because he's not in that situation. Ian performed miracles to get into the Premier League and would have been forgiven for whatever happened last season. Alex, on the other hand, has to play winning football."




http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/aug/11/alex-mcleish-aston-villa? (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/aug/11/alex-mcleish-aston-villa?)

 
FULHAM

CURRENT MOOD 
Every reason for fans to be optimistic about arrival of seasoned boss Martin Jol.

TRANSFERS
IN: P Kasami (Palermo), JA Riise (Roma), D Burn (Darlington), C Somogyi (Rakospalotai), M Gecov (Slovan Liberec); OUT: D Stockdale (loan), J Greening, Z Gera, E Johnson, D Kamara, K Dikgacoi, J Pantsil

FORM
Last season: 8th
Last trophy: 2nd Div, 2001

FIRST FIVE FIXTURES
13 Aug, A Villa (H); 20 Aug, Wolves (A); 27 Aug, New-castle (A); 11 Sep, Blackburn (H); 17 Sep, Man City (H)

BEST CASE SCENARIO 
Another top half finish, a run in Europe to rival that of 2009 – and all with the kind of entertaining football Jol used to practice at Spurs.

WORST CASE
Jol's honeymoon ends swiftly and they get dragged into a battle for survival.

TREVOR STEVEN'S VERDICT
Jol is a sound appointment and will be pleased with a top 10 finish. Key could be the Bobby Zamora (left)- Andy Johnson strikeforce; they're workmanlike, with a bit extra – like Fulham.



http://www.cityam.com/sport/fulham? (http://www.cityam.com/sport/fulham?)

 
Only Dempsey and Howard assured of EPL starting jobs


[AMERICANS ABROAD] The postponement of the Tottenham-Everton match because of the recent London riots ended the possibility of U.S. goalies Brad Friedel and Tim Howard meeting on opening day in the English Premier League. Clint Dempsey is a sure thing for Fulham, while defenders Eric Lichaj (Aston Villa) and Zak Whitbread (promoted Norwich) are battling for starting jobs. For more on the EPL's Yanks ...

Brad Friedel (Tottenham, 399 games, 1 goal)
Friedel holds the record for most consecutive appearances in the EPL -- 275 games and counting -- and is waiting to see if Harry Redknapp, his manager at Spurs, will give him the nod ahead of Brazilian Heurelho Gomes or Italian Carlo Cudicini. Friedel, for one, is ready. "Everyone wants to play and we cannot wait for the season to start," he says. "You have to do a lot of hard work and graft in pre-season but the real stuff now starts and we can all start getting excited now. It is all about getting your sharpness and myself and all the boys are ready."

Tim Howard (Everton, 231 games)
Howard warded off the challenge from Slovakian keeper Jan Mucha last season, starting every EPL game, but likes the competition. "Competition and pushing each other is important," Howard says. "We all need it and it's part and parcel of football today. You can't really rest on your laurels you have to keep pushing yourself every season, because if you stand still you're going backwards." Considering its lack of investment in new players, seventh place was a very good finish in 2011 and will be the same in 2012.

Clint Dempsey (Fulham, 147 games, 33 goals)
Dempsey set an American record with 12 EPL goals in 37 games for Fulham. There has been talk of a move to another club, but Dempsey likes new manager Martin Jol's attacking style. "We want to better what we did last season in the Premier League," says Dempsey, "and we want to make a good run in the Europa League." He impressed in his first action after an extended summer break following the Gold Cup. A 2-0 win over RNK Split of Croatia sent the Cottagers into the final round of Europa League qualifying.

Stuart Holden (Bolton Wanderers, 28 games, 2 goals)
Key to Bolton's success during the first half of the 2010-11 season -- his first full season in the EPL -- Holden was injured in a horrific challenge with Manchester United's Jonny Evans in March and missed rest of season. Isn't expected back until next month.

Eric Lichaj (Aston Villa, 5 games)
Made his debut with Villa's first team last season after progressing through its reserve team system but finished the 2010-11 season at second division Leeds. Played left back for the USA at the 2011 Gold Cup but finds himself in a battle for the starting job at right back with Habib Beye and Luke Young.

Brad Guzan (Aston Villa, 1 game)
Rode the pine behind Friedel, now finds himself the backup to veteran Irish keeper Shay Given since Friedel left for Spurs. Lone EPL appearance in three seasons came in a game Friedel was red carded. Played 16 games on loan at second division Hull City.

Zak Whitbread (Norwich City (0 games)
Born in Houston, where his father was a youth coach, and joined the Liverpool youth system in which his father Barry coached at the age of 8. Never made an appearance for Liverpool in the EPL, so his league debut for the promoted Canaries would come after eight seasons as a pro. Arrival of Belgian Ritchie De Laet on loan from Manchester United could jeopardize his spot in the middle of the backline. Whitbread played for the USA at the 2003 Under-20 World Cup and in 2004 Olympic qualifying.



http://www.socceramerica.com/article/43263/only-dempsey-and-howard-assured-of-epl-starting-jo.html? (http://www.socceramerica.com/article/43263/only-dempsey-and-howard-assured-of-epl-starting-jo.html?)

 
Lawro's prediction

Fulham v Aston Villa

This might be a tough old season for Aston Villa. They have taken away Darren Bent's supply line with the sale of Ashley Young and Stewart Downing and Charles N'Zogbia is more of a goalscorer than a creater of chances.

New manager Alex McLeish still has Marc Albrighton, who is a great prospect, and in goal Shay Given is a good signing but I still cannot see them finishing higher than halfway up the table.

Fulham also have a new man in charge in Martin Jol but, crucially for them, up front they still look very decent.

You would expect Jol to play quite attacking football, but I'm not sure what to expect from McLeish. He was known for having more of a defensive outlook at Birmingham but we will have to wait to find out what his approach will be with Villa.

Prediction: 2-1



http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/football_focus/14387584.stm (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/football_focus/14387584.stm)

 
Murphy's Law: Shock horror, no-one has tipped Fulham for the drop

London24 Fulham blogger Paul Murphy is optimistic about the Whites' chances this season

The fantasy teams have been chopped and changed, the pundits have had their say (Surprising none of them have tipped Fulham for the drop), and not even carnage on the streets of England could stop it.

The kick off to the 2011-2012 Premier League season is only hours away.

Fulham of course have already been in European action but at 3pm tomorrow the real business starts as Fulham host Aston Villa.

Both teams start the campaign with new managers and Martin Jol and Alex McLeish will be eager to get a win under their belt. Come 5pm I think it will be Mr Jol the happier of the two as the Whites get off to a winning start.

Fulham have always been strong at home and have got in the habit of getting results and match sharpness as a team, from the Europa qualifiers. Villa on the other hand lost two of their best players, Young and Friedel, and not had game time to gel. On top of that the fans are already on McLeish's back, due to his previous employers.

As for the up and coming season I think we are in for a very good season down by the Thames.

Like I said before Jol has inherited a squad of players that know how to gain points at home, no matter who the opposition.

The promising additions already to the squad and Jol's attacking mentality will allow us to gain more wins on the road.

Hopefully by the end of the month we can make that one big signing and turn this from a very good season into a great season, Wembley or Bucharest I'm not bothered.

Prediction: Fulham 3 Aston Villa 1



http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/murphy_s_law_shock_horror_no_one_has_tipped_fulham_for_the_drop_1_992132? (http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/murphy_s_law_shock_horror_no_one_has_tipped_fulham_for_the_drop_1_992132?)

 
Dembele makes Fulham vow

MOUSSA Dembele is desperate not to let his new boss down.

Martin Jol has tipped the Belgian ace for big things at Fulham this season after an injury-ravaged first year at Craven Cottage where he managed just three league goals.

The pair know each other from their time in Holland when Jol was manager of Ajax and Dembele played for AZ Alkmaar in the Dutch Eredivisie.

Forward Dembele has been told he is expected to deliver - and the Belgian has promised to live up to the expectations.

He vowed: "The manager knows me already and knows how to use me. He's given me confidence.

"The coach has confidence in the whole group and has told me to 'show what I've got'.

"I had a few injuries last season and feel I have a lot more to show the fans. I want to score more and I think I can do that this year with a bit of luck."

Fulham begin the long Premier League slog at home to Aston Villa tomorrow (Saturday). Dembele reckons the Whites can better last season's eighth place - even with the extra workload of a Europa League campaign.

"We want to do better than last year, although it might be tougher because we're in the Europa League as well," he said.

"I think the Premier League is stronger than last season. There've been a few good players that have come to England and every year it seems to gets better."

Fulham had a nightmare first half of the season last time around and were flirting with the drop at Christmas. Dembele is aiming to fly out of the blocks against Alex McLeish's men at Craven Cottage.

He added: "It's always easier if you have a better start, and that's what we're aiming to do."



http://www.ealinggazette.co.uk/sport/fulham-fc-ealing/2011/08/12/dembele-makes-fulham-vow-82029-29223400/? (http://www.ealinggazette.co.uk/sport/fulham-fc-ealing/2011/08/12/dembele-makes-fulham-vow-82029-29223400/?)

 
Fulham - Aston Villa Preview: Martin Jol and Alex McLeish both target winning start for new clubs
Former Spurs manager hopes for successful return to the Premier League with the Cottagers, while the Scottish boss must silence angry fans with positive start to season

PROBABLE LINEUPS

Summer signing John Arne Riise will likely be the only new face in an otherwise settled Fulham starting XI, as new boss Martin Jol looks to capitalise on the match sharpness borne out of his side's involvement in Europa League qualifying to make a fast start to the season.

Target man Bobby Zamora, fit again after missing five months of last season with a broken leg, will be the focal point of the attack as he looks to hold the ball up in the final third and allow the likes of Moussa Dembele, Damien Duff and Clint Dempsey to exert influence on proceedings.

New boss Alex McLeish will be forced to reshape the Villa midfield after the high profile departures of Ashley Young and Stewart Downing this summer and the absence of Jean Makoun and Stephen Ireland through injury.

Scotland international Barry Bannan will most probably deputise in the centre alongside captain Stilian Petrov, while Marc Albrighton and new signing Charles N'Zogbia will likely switch flanks throughout in a bid to provide the service for Emile Heskey and key man Darren Bent.

DID YOU KNOW?
Both managers will be overseeing their first Premier League matches in charge of their new teams on Saturday.
N'Zogbia and Given of Aston Villa and Riise (pictured right) of Fulham are set to make their Premier League debuts for their new clubs.

Fulham and Aston Villa were separated by just one league position – Fulham in 8th, Aston Villa in 9th – and just one point in last season's final Premier League table.

Both meetings between these two sides last season ended as draws.

Fulham have never lost at Craven Cottage on the opening day of a Premier League season.

Despite clocking up 322 matches between them in English football since 2004, Jol and McLeish have never actually faced each other in management. Jol was sacked from Tottenham Hotspur in October 2007, one month before McLeish took charge at Birmingham City.

This is the first time Fulham have kicked off a Premier League campaign at Craven Cottage since the 2005/06 season, when they drew 0-0 at home to Birmingham City.

Aston Villa striker Bent will fancy his chances of scoring on Saturday – he has found the net on the opening day in four of the last six Premier League seasons.

Fulham midfielder Steve Sidwell could be in line to face former club Aston Villa.

For Fulham's Andrew Johnson and Stephen Kelly, an opening day victory over Aston Villa might be even sweeter than usual as both are former Birmingham City players.



http://www.goal.com/en-gb/match/60150/fulham-vs-aston-villa/preview (http://www.goal.com/en-gb/match/60150/fulham-vs-aston-villa/preview)

 
Preview: Fulham vs Villa

Villa will travel to the capital tomorrow to take on Fulham at Craven Cottage in our opening fixture. Like ourselves, The Cottagers have been ringing the changes during preseason with a brand new gaffer in charge after Mark Hughes` acrimonious departure. However, it is safe to say that our manager Alex McLeish is in more need of a victory than his counterpart Martin Jol come the final whistle at 5pm tomorrow.

I could go into detail on the whole saga involving Eck crossing the divide in the city of Birmingham but I would be going over the same old dribble that has emphatically casted a cloud over the good work that has been done by the players and coaching staff over the last month. Putting that to one side, it is imperative that the team get off to a positive start to ease the tension.

There is no doubt the jury is indeed on Big Eck. He has the majority of support on side but there are of course a number of fans who have already firmly placed his head in the guillotine. The man himself has indicated the importance to get off to a decent start to silence his critics. The jury will be keeping a watchful eye on him and even more so than in West London for his first competitive game in charge.

Nevertheless, his team have had a fairly positive preseason. Two impressive victories over Walsall and Blackburn Rovers were marred by two consecutive defeats to Chelsea and Derby County. New signing Charles N`Zogbia netted on his debut out in Portugal last weekend against Braga to salvage a draw in a rather efficient display by the players.

All in all, preseason has been exactly that - efficient. Nothing has been spectacular but the preparation has been rigorous by Alex and his staff to ensure we are ready for another grueling marathon in the Premier League.
Vital Quotes:
McLeish has confirmed that James Collins, Fabian Delph and Darren Bent are all in contention for the game.

There were doubts over the trio as Collins and Bent had shoulder and back niggles respectively whilst young Fabian sat out last week`s draw in Portugal.

Eck confirmed the news in his pre-match press conference yesterday:

'At this moment there are no injuries really to shout about. We have everybody available and we have nobody on the treatment table.`

'It is great that Fabian Delph is available after missing last week's trip to Braga.James Collins should make it. He did have a lump in his back last week that rendered him unable to move. The doctor has treated him very well and Wales have been excellent in their cooperation in letting him miss the international which was vital to any chance of him playing at the weekend. Darren Bent is fine as well after the shoulder injury. Early treatment in the week has helped him get to a good level.`

The manager also confirmed the players who were away on international duty in midweek came back unscathed:

'Richard Dunne has come back from a routine game against Croatia which was played at a slow tempo and he played the whole game. Shay played 60-odd minutes and Barry Bannan came on for Scotland in the last 20 minutes or so and they all came through with no injuries.`
Fulham Team News:
Martin Jol has confirmed striker Bobby Zamora will be in contention for the game despite suffering from a broken hand.

Amazingly the club's season began last month as most Premier League players were still lying on a beach. They have been involved in Europa League qualifying after being eligible to compete through UEFA`s Fair Play system.
Player to watch: Clint Dempsey
The American will be pivotal in the heartbeat of his side. He has the capability to hurt Villa with a piece of magic and will not be afraid to get stuck when we are in possession. We need to ensure his play is quelled to stop Fulham`s momentum going forward.
Aston Villa Team News:
Thankfully a fully fit squad is intact for our season opener.
Player to watch: Charles N'Zogbia
The Frenchman is set to make his competitive bow in claret and blue. All eyes will be on him to see how he gets on in filling the boots of the departed Ashley Young and Stewart Downing. His ability to weave into pockets of space and startle his adversaries will excite the Villa faithful.
Match Facts & Stats
Last years encounter resulted in a 1-1 draw. Villa took the lead thanks to a stupendous goal by Marc Albrighton who latched onto a David Beckham-esc like ball from Barry Bannan.

Brede Hangeland equalised for the hosts in the fifth minute of injury time.
Match Prediction:
Any result will be a positive step in the right direction but I feel we have the capability to take all three points back to the second-city.

A 2-1 win for the Villa.
Next Fixtures:
Blackburn Rovers will be paying us a visit a week on Saturday for our first home game on the 20th August.




Read more: http://www.astonvilla.vitalfootball.co.uk/matchprere.asp?a=7509689#ixzz1Up0He3an (http://www.astonvilla.vitalfootball.co.uk/matchprere.asp?a=7509689#ixzz1Up0He3an)

 
Fulham increase offer for Aurier?
by DAN on AUGUST 12, 2011

The French press are reporting that Fulham have increased their offer for Lens right back Serge Aurier.

Aurier, 18, has been on the radar of a number of English clubs since he broke into the Lens team, making his debut against Lorient in January 2009. Manchester City, Sunderland and Blackburn Rovers have had him watched regularly but Martin Jol tabled a bid of £3m five days ago. Le Parisien now reports that Fulham are set to return with a bid of around £3.33m, which may include some add-ons, in an attempt to persuade Lens to part with their teenage prodigy.

Aurier, who is contracted to Lens until 2015, made 27 appearances for Lens last season and is one of the most highly-rated youngsters in French football.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/08/fulham-increase-offer-for-aurier/? (http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/08/fulham-increase-offer-for-aurier/?)

 
Dembele wants to deliver for Jol
by DAN on AUGUST 12, 2011

Moussa Dembele is desperate to repay new manager Martin Jol's faith in him with a stellar second season at Fulham.

The Belgian forward endured an injury-ravaged first season in English football after a bright start to his career at Craven Cottage. He scored just five goals but has been boosted by the arrival of Jol, who first noticed the striker's talents when he was managing Ajax and has impressed upon Dembele the need for him to turn in top performances. For his part, Dembele is encouraged by his new manager's familiarity with his game.

The manager knows me already and knows how to use me. He's given me confidence. The coach has confidence in the whole group and has told me to 'show what I've got'.

I had a few injuries last season and feel I have a lot more to show the fans. I want to score more and I think I can do that this year with a bit of luck.

The 24 year-old is certainly ambitious, aiming to better last season's eighth place finish.

We want to do better than last year, although it might be tougher because we're in the Europa League as well. I think the Premier League is stronger than last season. There've been a few good players that have come to England and every year it seems to gets better

It's always easier if you have a better start, and that's what we're aiming to do.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/08/dembele-wants-to-deliver-for-jol/? (http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/08/dembele-wants-to-deliver-for-jol/?)

 
Weekend Travel Notice

Supporters travelling to the Cottage on Saturday for Fulham's Barclays Premier League match against Aston Villa (KO 3pm) should be aware of the following closures on the tube this weekend.

District Line:

On Saturday and Sunday, there is no service between Edgware Road and Earl's Court.

Hammersmith & City Line:

On Saturday and Sunday, there is no service between Baker Street and Hammersmith.

Circle Line:

On Saturday and Sunday, there is no service on the entire line.



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/August/WeekendTravelNotice.aspx?#ixzz1Up1IsRdI (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/August/WeekendTravelNotice.aspx?#ixzz1Up1IsRdI)

 
Fulham    v    Aston Villa

Barclays Premier League
Venue: Craven Cottage Date: Saturday, 13 August Kick-off: 1500 BST Coverage: Watch highlights on Match of the Day; listen on BBC Radio 5 live and local radio; text commentary on BBC Sport website and mobiles
TEAM NEWS
Fulham striker Bobby Zamora is available to face Aston Villa despite suffering from a broken hand.

Simon Davies misses out with a knee injury but John Arne Riise, Marcel Gecov and Pajtim Kasami could all make their debuts for the club.

Aston Villa's new manager Alex McLeish will give debuts to summer signings Shay Given and Charles N'Zogbia.

Darren Bent and James Collins have overcome respective shoulder and back injuries, but Carlos Cuellar is out.

MATCH PREVIEW
These two clubs begin the season with new managers but I suspect that a summer of change has passed more smoothly at Fulham than Villa.

Martin Jol has returned to the Premier League with Fulham four years after leading Tottenham to the cusp of Champions League qualification. He was first courted by Fulham last summer, of course, before they appointed Mark Hughes, and has inherited a team that finished eighth last season.

I don't think Fulham fans will see anything different to the consistent side, particularly at home, of recent seasons. Jol has brought in John Arne Riise and a few young players but the spine of the team - Schwarzer, Hangeland, Murphy, Zamora - was put in place by Roy Hodgson a few years ago.

It's different for Villa, who have lost three marquee players in Brad Friedel, Ashley Young and Stewart Downing, while owner Randy Lerner has adopted a model of financial prudence after years of big spending.

There has been a lot of instability at the club and their new manager Alex McLeish has to rectify that. His appointment from relegated rivals Birmingham was met with protests by some Villa fans and if the team get off to a poor start, then all sorts of questions will be asked.

A lot will depend on what McLeish can get out of promising young winger Marc Albrighton and the likes of Stephen Warnock and Stephen Ireland, who were both frozen out last year. Ireland has played behind the main striker in pre-season and Villa need him back to his best to help offset the loss of their most creative players.

MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head

Fulham have only won three of their 20 Premier League meetings with Aston Villa. All of those victories have come at home.
This is the first ever Premier League meeting between managers Martin Jol and Alex McLeish.
Fulham finished eighth last season - a point and a place above Villa.

Fulham

Fulham have taken 20 points from their last nine home matches (W6, D2, L1).
They have not scored more than one goal in any of their last seven opening-day games.
The west London side conceded the lowest proportion of goals from set pieces in the top flight last season (23.3%).
They only conceded one penalty all season, fewer than any other side.
Damien Duff is one shy of 50 Premier League goals, while Andrew Johnson and Danny Murphy are two short of that milestone.
Former Villa defender Aaron Hughes should make his 400th Premier League appearance.

Aston Villa

Villa have only lost one of their last eight league matches (W4, D3, L1).
They ended last season with their lowest points tally for five years and their worst defensive record since 1986/87, when they finished bottom of the table.
The Villans dropped 26 points from winning positions last season, more than any other Premier League side.
The West Midlands side have won only one of their previous nine Premier League away matches on the opening day - 1-0 at Newcastle in 1999.
The departure of Ashley Young deprives the club of a player who was involved in 37% of Villa's goals last season.
Darren Bent has scored six goals in his last eight Villa appearances.
Gabriel Agbonlahor needs one goal to reach 50 in the Premier League.



http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/14429736.stm? (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/14429736.stm?)

 
Squad stability makes Fulham a force to be reckoned with, says Mousa Dembele

Mousa Dembele would never have the temerity to call himself Fulham's answer to Lionel Messi.

Indeed, the Belgian striker is such a humble man that when he scored his club's Goal Of The Season against Spurs last January, a glorious coup de grace with his powerful left foot concluding a mazy run from the centre spot, the celebrations were muted to say the least.

Yet Dembele, at 24 the same age as Messi, does claim empathy with what he perceives to be the Barcelona star's sheer love and passion for football.

He said: "If Messi was 30 years old, or even 35 years old, he would still be a kid when it comes to the game.

"Of course Messi has money, he has this, he has that. But I don't believe he is doing it for fame or to be in the magazines. I think he just loves football, that's his life. That is what I like about him."

Football permeates Dembele's every pore, too. Talking over a steak lunch in the canteen at Fulham's Surrey training ground, he said: "I've always been in love with the ball, it is my friend. If there was a ball right here where we are eating, after we had finished I'd want to play with it."

It was, perhaps, fortunate for Fulham's canteen staff that a ball was not immediately available, because Dembele went on to recall how he would enjoy kickabouts within the four walls of the family home near the Bercham district of Antwerp.

"A lot was broken," he laughed. "But my mother was never really angry. She knew that if you let a child do what he likes, it is not always a bad thing. But she did buy me a foam ball."

This summer, on the practice pitch, Dembele has concentrated on adding consistent goal-striking to an already dazzling repertoire of footwork, all with the aim of bringing extra firepower to a side he believes can make a mark both domestically and in the Europa League.

Manager Martin Jol has proved he is an astute operator in the transfer market by adding experience to the squad in the shape of former Liverpool left-back John Arne Riise, a £2.4m buy from Roma, and by bringing in the youthful talents of Swiss teenager Pajtim Kasami, a midfielder who has already made 24 appearances for Serie A side Palermo, and Czech Under-21 international Marcel Gecov.

But there has been no wholesale buying.

Nor, apart from Cottage cult hero Zoltan Gera, have there been significant departures. That, claims Dembele, will make Fulham a force to be reckoned with.

He said: "Most of the important players like Clint Dempsey, Bobby Zamora, Andy Johnson, Dickson Etuhu and Danny Murphy have stayed.

"That is a good thing. We don't have to adapt. Maybe two or three good players have come to us, but most of us already know each other very well indeed.

"Last year, with most of the same team, we finished eighth but we had a lot of bad luck with injuries.

"So maybe this year we can do even better."

Fulham
Manager:Martin Jol
Last season: 8th
Title odds: 1,000-1 (Paddy Power)
Ins: John Arne Riise (Roma, £2.4m); Pajtim Kasami (Palermo, £4m); Marcel Gecov (Sovan Liberec, undisclosed); Csaba Somogyi (Rakospalotai, free)
Outs: Jonathan Greening (Nottingham Forest, undisclosed); Kagisho Dikgacoi (Crystal Palace, undisclosed); Released: Zoltan Gera (West Brom), Eddie Johnson, Diomansy Kamara, John Pantsil (Leicester



http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-sport/football/article-23977706-squad-stability-makes-fulham-a-force-to-be-reckoned-with-says-mousa-dembele.do? (http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-sport/football/article-23977706-squad-stability-makes-fulham-a-force-to-be-reckoned-with-says-mousa-dembele.do?)

 
Loving The Game

Fulham fans are renowned for their appreciation of a player blessed with superior technical ability. A talent that possesses the skill set to enrapture and enthral the Cottage faithful. One player who has shown glimpses of such rare qualities in recent times is Belgium international striker, Mousa Dembele.

Whilst his inaugural season in SW6 was blighted by injuries, Dembele produced several performances over the course of last season which earmarked him as a special talent. His Goal of the Season effort against Spurs in the FA Cup showcased his exceptional close control, speed, strength and ability to deliver a clinical finish.

Listening to Dembele speak about his passion for football, it is evident that the striker's talent has been honed by an almost obsessive love for the game, which saw him spend every waking moment as a youngster living and breathing football.

"When I was young I played a lot of football inside my parents' house," Mousa explained. "Every minute of the day I was playing inside. My mum bought me a lot of different types of balls, even tennis balls and foam balls. So I learned to play with different kind of balls in a small area. A lot was broken in the house but my mother was not angry with me. She knew how much I liked football.

"When I reached the age of 12 I started playing on the street with my friends. We went to different areas with small basketball courts. We'd play small games of three versus three and it was good for my close control and skills.

"That helped me a lot and I was in love the ball. Every day I was playing football, anywhere I could. At six or seven years old I played mini-football competitions which improved my skills.

"Sometimes at the weekend, when all I wanted to do was play football, I would play all night. A lot of the time I'd wake up and play football straight away, before breakfast and before I went to school. Then at school I'd play football all day, every day.

"Sometimes I'd say to my mother, 'Don't pick me up early, leave me at school so I can play more football'. Then once my mother picked me up I'd go home and play football in the house.

"Even now, if I see a ball, I have to play with it! You can see the technical players on the pitch who love playing with the ball. You can see the difference."

It is no surprise to hear Dembele's favourite player is Barcelona's Lionel Messi, but it is not just the Argentinean's mesmerising skills he admires, but his pure love of the game that shines through in the manner in which he conducts himself, on and off the pitch.

"Everybody loves Messi and it's easy to explain why," said Dembele. "He's still a kid who loves the game. I'm sure when he goes home, if he sees a football, he will play.

"You can have money and this and that, but he just loves the game. Messi is not playing football for the fame or to be in magazines. He just loves football and he's always enjoying the game - I like that about him."



Fulham will kick-off the 2011/12 season against Aston Villa at the Cottage on Saturday afternoon, in what will be Martin Jol's first Barclays Premier League match at the helm. Dembele has clearly enjoying working with the Dutchman in training, revealing that the Manager has paid specific attention to adding more goals to his game this season.

"For me personally, Martin knows me already and he talks to me a lot," said Dembele. "He will say, 'Mousa, you're a good player and I like you a lot, but goals, goals, goals.' If I'm on the pitch he will say to me, 'Mousa, you can shoot from here. Try to do this.'

"He [Jol] always gives me advice and I like that he talks to me a lot to help me improve. I want to score a lot more goals now but I'm not a player like Didier Drogba who will score 35 goals in a season.

"My aim is to score more and then I'll be more important to the team. At the end of last season it [scoring] was at the forefront of my mind and I feel like I'm improving. I'm always thinking about scoring in training now."

Just how high Fulham's stock has risen in recent years is highlighted by the ambitions of those within the Club and the perception of those within the football industry. Dembele is confident Fulham's settled squad can beat last season's eighth place finish this year and secure their status amongst the higher echelons of the Barclays Premier League.

"We finished eighth last season and if we can win a few more I'm confident we can finish higher. We [the players] know each other very well and I think we can have a very good season this year. We had a lot of bad luck with injuries last season and so many draws.

"When other footballers talk about our Club they say we are a good team that plays good football. It's important to make sure the defence remains strong but we've got a smart manager.

"I think we're capable of top seven [this season]. We don't have to adapt because the squad is the same and we can make a good start and do better than last season."

Fulham fans will be hoping Dembele remains injury free this season for his undoubted talents to benefit the team on a more regular basis. Despite being on the receiving end of some heavy challenges last season, none more so than against Stoke at the Britannia Stadium, Dembele's love of the English game has only grown stronger after living the Premier League experience with Fulham.

"I like the Premier League very much and I'm very happy here," Dembele explained. "You never have a game where you say, 'I don't want to play against them'. You don't have that in England.

"Every team is a big team with great supporters, nice pitches and fantastic stadiums. Sometimes when you go to a lot of countries and you see the pitch, you can't do anything. There's a love for football in England.

"Of course I like to entertain, that's my style of football. It's not that I think, 'today I'm going to entertain everyone'. It's just the way I play football. It's automatic that I entertain and I'm going in the same direction as the supporters because they, and I, love football."



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/August/MousaDembeleInterview.aspx?#ixzz1Up2XhiCN (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/August/MousaDembeleInterview.aspx?#ixzz1Up2XhiCN)

 
Programme Preview

With Barclays Premier League football returning to Craven Cottage on Saturday for the start of the 2011/12 campaign, be sure to begin your collection of another season of the Club's critically acclaimed official matchday programme.

Many have predicted another season of positivity for the Whites, as Martin Jol begins his Fulham domestic account with the hosting of Aston Villa. With six UEFA Europa League games already under the team's belts, a strong start is expected.

And as ever, fans heading to the game can usher in the new campaign by getting their hands on the Club's must-read matchday souvenir.

As ever, the publication features comprehensive match coverage including insight from both Manager Martin Jol and Captain Danny Murphy, as well as an in-depth interview with midfielder Steve Sidwell.

Former Club goalkeeping legend Tony Macedo speaks of his excitement about his return to the Cottage in our exclusive Guest Column, while Under-18 Manager Kit Symons looks towards another successful year for the Academy.

We also introduce new boy Marcel Gecov, as well as bright prospect Cauley Woodrow, there's match action and analysis from last week's defeat of RNK Split, Development Squad insight, plus more news from in and around the Training Ground.

One lucky reader will also get the chance to win the new Fulham home shirt, signed by the First Team squad in our Lucky Programme Number Competition.

The official Fulham FC programme really is the essential matchday accessory and is available from various sellers on Stevenage Road from two hours before kick-off.




Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/August/VillaProgrammePreview.aspx?#ixzz1Up2rlJon (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/August/VillaProgrammePreview.aspx?#ixzz1Up2rlJon)

 
Who Are Ya? Samuel Inkoom (Chelsea, Aston Villa, Fulham target)

Promising Ghanaian starlet Samuel Inkoom would relish a move to the Premier League, according to reports surfacing in the African media this week.

A trio of English clubs have been linked to the defender, who can also play on the wing, with Chelsea, Aston Villa and Fulham keeping tabs on him.

The 22-year-old currently plays in the Ukrainian Premier League for mid-table side Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk, and talk of a transfer to Western Europe has increased ever since the right back's appearances at international level for the Black Stars.

Inkoom made his senior debut for Ghana in 2008 against Tunisia but he continued his involvement with the Under-20 side in 2009, the Black Satellites. In that year he helped his team win both the African Youth Championship and the FIFA U-20 World Cup, where he scored a crucial penalty in the shoot-out against Brazil in the final.

He has since gone on to make 22 appearances for the Black Stars to date and scored his first international  goal in a friendly against Togo in February earlier this year.

Speaking to Sky Sports this week, Inkoom responded positively to the English clubs' interest with Chelsea being his preferred destination should a move materialise.

"To be honest the day I heard Chelsea were interested in me, I was very happy. Who would not like to be linked with such a big club, with world class players?

"It is a dream club for any player, specifically for young African players like me. Hopefully it will happen."

The idea of linking up with his international team-mate and captain Michael Essien at the West London outfit must also be alluring to the young Ghanaian, as would the presence of several other African stars including Didier Drogba, Salomon Kalou and Jon Mikel Obi.

Villa and Fulham also have also been attracted by the relatively low valuation of the player by Dnipro-reportedly around £5m- with right back being a position both clubs are looking to strengthen. Wherever the youngster decides to play his football, his club will have a promising talent with the potential to be one of Africa's next big stars.




http://www.cleansheetsallround.co.uk/2011/08/who-are-ya-samuel-inkoom-chelsea-aston-villa-fulham-target? (http://www.cleansheetsallround.co.uk/2011/08/who-are-ya-samuel-inkoom-chelsea-aston-villa-fulham-target?)

 
Up next: Aston Villa (h)
by DAN on AUGUST 12, 2011

So it's nearly here again. Another summer disrupted by a managerial vacuum, another new man comes in and a sense of optimism sweeps through the Fulham faithful. Martin Jol has nodded towards modernity since he replaced Mark Hughes – speaking several times about the importance of regenerating an ageing squad – and he's acted swiftly in the transfer market. Jol has sanctioned the sale of six players, including a few (and I'm thinking of the likes of John Pantsil, Zoltan Gera and Jonathan Greening) who certainly might have contributed to our European campaign), and brought in some exciting young talent to refresh the squad.

Pajtim Kasami has had barely fifteen minutes on the pitch since he signed from Palermo and Marcel Gecov has arrived off the back of an excellent European Under-21 Championship with the Czech Republic, but the strength of the Fulham side suggests that the pair will have to wait for a sustained run in the side. Perhaps the best indication of Fulham's relative strength is that, barring the inclusion of John Arne Riise at left back, Jol will mostly likely select the eleven that featured for most of both Roy Hodgson and Mark Hughes' time at Craven Cottage. Indeed, Moussa Dembele has suggested in the Standard today that stability is one of the major reasons for Fulham's relative success over the past few seasons.

The gameplan is, by now, familiar. Built around a miserly defence, led by Brede Hangeland and Aaron Hughes, Fulham play an attractive, determined brand of football. Jol has hinted several times throughout the pre-season that he wants Fulham to play with a bit more width and pace, picking up on the idea that Fulham were frustratingly compact at times under Hodgson. He will likely start with Clint Dempsey and Damien Duff on the flanks tomorrow, with the pair perhaps given a little more license to roam. We haven't seen too much of Dempsey in a Fulham shirt so far – owing to his international commitments with the United States over the summer – but Duff has returned from the shortest of breaks to play with real intensity and flair. His form picked up during last season and on his day the Republic of Ireland winger remains irrepressible.

Jol may have one or two selection headaches tomorrow. Brede Hangeland's absence from the Norwegian side that dismantled the Czech Republic in midweek had a few people worried he might miss the big kick-off, especially when he was spotted walking into Motspur Park with a strapping on his knee. Word is that the Norwegian should be fit and Jol should resist the temptation to split the successful partnership with Hughes in favour of bringing in Philippe Senderos, so impressive towards the tail end of the last campaign, at centre back. Hughes has played at right back in some of the Europa League fixtures, but Chris Baird surely deserves a chance to stake his claim there.

In midfield, you'd expect Dickson Etuhu to partner the experienced Danny Murphy, if only because he's been the regular selection over the past couple of months and offers a little more bite in the tackle. Steve Sidwell, who is probably the more complete footballer, will be desperate to face his former side but may have to bide his time. With the likes of Kasami and Gecov also waiting in the wings, Jol has plenty of midfield options to choose from. The manager's afforded Moussa Dembele plenty of praise since taking the job, but he has set the Belgian the target of scoring more goals. His quest for a greater goal return may start from the bench tomorrow, however, not only because of his recent return from injury, but also due to the success of Bobby Zamora's partnership with the hungry Andy Johnson.

And what of Aston Villa? Alex McLeish's appointment was controversial and he has something of a rebuilding job to do at Villa Park having lost the likes of Brad Friedel, Stewart Downing and Ashley Young over the course of the summer. Villa still have the nucleus of a very good side, however, and the addition of the lively Charles N'Zogbia is undoubtedly a smart one. Darren Bent will lead the line to even greater effect this summer, having had a full pre-season to build on his fine goalscoring return since January, while the quality of Marc Albrighton and Stiliyan Petrov should ensure a stern test for the Whites midfield.

MY FULHAM XI (4-4-2): Schwarzer; Baird, Hughes, Hangeland, J.A. Riise; Etuhu, Murphy, Duff, Dempsey; Zamora, Johnson. Subs: Somogyi, Senderos, Briggs, Sidwell, Gecov, Kasami, Dembele.




http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/08/up-next-aston-villa-h-3/? (http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/08/up-next-aston-villa-h-3/?)

 
Mystic v Lawro - This Time It's Personal! v Fulham

Ha, we`re back!

Yes, Mystic Mug v Lawro... this time it is personal...!

Mystic Mug beat Lawro last season by a long way on right scores... 6-2 now you come to ask... SIX TWO LAWRO, IN YOUR FACE!!! Oh and they were equal on right results with 15 correct guesses each.

Lawro says Fulham 2-1 at Craven Cottage explaining on the bbc site:

This might be a tough old season for Aston Villa. They have taken away Darren Bent's supply line with the sale of Ashley Young and Stewart Downing and Charles N'Zogbia is more of a goalscorer than a creater of chances. New manager Alex McLeish still has Marc Albrighton, who is a great prospect, and in goal Shay Given is a good signing but I still cannot see them finishing higher than halfway up the table. Fulham also have a new man in charge in Martin Jol but, crucially for them, up front they still look very decent. You would expect Jol to play quite attacking football, but I'm not sure what to expect from McLeish. He was known for having more of a defensive outlook at Birmingham but we will have to wait to find out what his approach will be with Villa."

Would you believe it, Samuel L Jackson has also predicted and he says 2-0 to the Villa. I`ve always loved Mr Cool.. now I love him more... don`t worry Samuel, in a totally manly way!

Mystic Mug says 2-1 to Villa.



Read more: http://www.astonvilla.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=7509699#ixzz1Up3jkT6o (http://www.astonvilla.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=7509699#ixzz1Up3jkT6o)

 
Game Preview - Aston Villa (h)

Theoretically at the very least, this game preview should be effortless to produce, given our pre-season of competitive football that has ran since late June. Us Fulham bloggers should have our season fitness at an almost peak and match practice certainly shouldn't be a field we are left lacking in.

Hopefully, then, this piece is a masterclass in all things game-preview and there will be no stone left unturned. Let's hope the boys on the pitch can reciprocate that, too.



Any wishes of an early season flourish in the Premier League may prove unfounded, however, given, not necessarily the class of our opponent, but the sheer nature of Aston Villa to ruin any Fulham party. Despite finishing one place behind us and undergoing major managerial upheavals over the past year, the Midlands side never fall short of dampening our spirits, drawing twice against us last season and defeating us twice the season before.

Their latest managerial escapade features Alex McLeish and a whole host of disgruntled fans - and also involves a figure whom we quite welcomingly saw the back of in earlier in the close season. With Gerard Houllier ousted - reportedly due to his unfortunately ill health - the search for a new Villa gaffer set sail. This prompted an untimely ego-exaggeration for Fulham's very own Mark Hughes who, it's rumoured, quit the Cottagers in favour of an expected role at Villa Park. No such events occurred, though, and Mark Hughes is left with egg on his face while Aston Villa are left with former Birmingham manager Alex McLeish - 'left with' perhaps being a derogatory way of inducting a well-educated manager in McLeish.

Villa's pre-season has been suitably mixed, the most notable result being a decent win over Blackburn Rovers in the Barclays Asia Trophy - McLeish's newly inherited side went on to lose in the final to Chelsea. Fulham's, in thankful contrast, has been quite consistent in that it has been bleak but successful. Wins over RNK Split, Crusaders and NSI Runavik mean we now find ourselves in the Play-off round for the Europa League.

Aston Villa's first competitive match under the tutorship of their new manager will provide a welcome return to fitness for Darren Bent and James Collins who both missed their respective international matches through injury - not that the England game went ahead. News signings Shay Given and Charles N'Zogbia are set to make their debuts.

Fulham are likely to welcome back Moussa Dembele to the starting line-up while Bobby Zamora may yet again play through the pain with a broken hand.

Score Prediction: Fulham 2 - 1 Aston Villa

Predicted Line-Up: Schwarzer; Riise, Hangeland, Hughes, Baird; Dempsey, Murphy, Sidwell, Duff; Dembele, Zamora



http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2011/8/12/2358998/game-preview-aston-villa-h? (http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2011/8/12/2358998/game-preview-aston-villa-h?)

 
Jol sets Dembele goals target
by DAN on AUGUST 12, 2011



Martin Jol has told Moussa Dembele that he should be scoring more goals for Fulham.

The Belgian striker only managed three league goals during an injury-ravaged first season at Craven Cottage and Dembele has been encouraged by the new Fulham manager to up his goalscoring return this term.

For me personally, Martin knows me already and he talks to me a lot. He will say, 'Mousa, you're a good player and I like you a lot, but goals, goals, goals.' If I'm on the pitch he will say to me, 'Mousa, you can shoot from here. Try to do this.'

He [Jol] always gives me advice and I like that he talks to me a lot to help me improve. I want to score a lot more goals now but I'm not a player like Didier Drogba who will score 35 goals in a season.

My aim is to score more and then I'll be more important to the team. At the end of last season it [scoring] was at the forefront of my mind and I feel like I'm improving. I'm always thinking about scoring in training now.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/08/jol-sets-dembele-goals-target/? (http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/08/jol-sets-dembele-goals-target/?)

 
View from the river: Has anyone seen former Fulham boss Mark Hughes?

London24 blogger Ben Walker wonders what has happened to the Cottagers former manager

Welcome to the new Premier League season...but has anyone seen Mark Hughes?

Whilst our season started several weeks ago, for the rest of the country football is finally back.

The football league kicked off last Saturday with an emotional first league game for AFC Wimbledon and with a win for Brighton, 14 years after leaving their last permanent home. Moving on, this weekend sees the return of the Premier League.

Can Man City challenge for the title? Will Chelsea challenge under Villa Baos? How will Liverpool do? Can QPR survive? For Fulham, one question is being quickly forgotten. Namely, where is Mark Hughes?

Turn our minds back to June:

"As a young, ambitious manager I wish to move on to further my experiences,"

Mark Hughes 2nd June 2011

It's hard to shake the thought that Hughes must have thought he had the Villa job when he left. Otherwise, why walk out after a promising first season where he had started to rebuild his reputation after his Man City experience.

"Mark left Fulham because he wanted to explore his aspirations, [he] wants to go to a club where he can fight for titles and win championships."

Kia Joorabchian

No disrespect to Villa, but this isn't describing them. When you read this comment it is hard to think where he could possibly go.

There is only a handful of clubs in England which could realistically challenge for the title and I couldn't imagine Hughes getting a job at any of them anytime soon.

More likely would be a move abroad, although nobody seems to busting down Mr Jooarabchian's door to sign him.

There are plenty of decent managers struggling to find a job at the top level and the longer you are out the harder it is to get back in. Look at Alan Curbishly as an example.

To walk out of a good job at a team that had just finished in the top half, with the promise of European football, for nothing seems like an extremely risky career decision.

Despite being pleased by Jol's appointment I still think it's a shame that Hughes left. He had just started to turn our away form around and I was looking forward to seeing what he could do with the team moving forward.

Instead the players have had to get used to yet another new manager, something they have done very professionally for the last two summers now. As for Hughes, who knows when, or if, he will turn up again.



http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/view_from_the_river_has_anyone_seen_former_fulham_boss_mark_hughes_1_992287? (http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/view_from_the_river_has_anyone_seen_former_fulham_boss_mark_hughes_1_992287?)

 
Matchday Info


An exciting new Barclays Premier League season under the guidance of Martin Jol begins tomorrow with the highly anticipated visit of Aston Villa to the Cottage (KO 3pm).



ARRIVE EARLY AND YOUR TICKETS

2011/12 Members are reminded that the first ticket you ordered for this weekend's game will be loaded on to your card and any additional tickets will be issued as paper tickets.

Please note the three cards (pictured on the right) represent the two types of Season Ticket Cards as well as the Membership Card for the 2011/12 season.  Any other card designs are no longer valid.

Supporters are urged to arrive at least an hour early in order to ensure they enter the ground before kick-off.

YOUR CATERING VOUCHER

To get your matchday off to the best possible start we'd like to offer you a chance to buy a beer or wine and get a pie FREE, alternatively you can buy a soft drink and a pie for only £3.  Download your voucher.

OUR OPPOSITION

Last season's final position of ninth marked a fourth consecutive top half finish, but was regarded as a disappointment in contrast to the three previous seasons when sixth was achieved.

The 2010/11 campaign was disrupted early on when long-serving manager Martin O'Neill resigned just days before the opening game. Gerard Houllier was eventually appointed as his full-time replacement, but over the summer the Frenchman decided he was unable to continue and the club controversially appointed Alex McLeish who had earlier resigned as Birmingham City boss.

Villa have been amongst the most active clubs in the summer transfer market, albeit with more notable departures than arrivals. Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given was signed from Manchester City to replace Brad Friedel who joined Tottenham, and Villa also paid a reported £9.5million for wide player Charles N 'Zogbia from Wigan.

Two big name sales from the Birmingham club were England internationals Ashley Young and Stewart Downing who joined Manchester United and Liverpool respectively. Meanwhile, Nigel Reo-Coker (Bolton) and Norwegian striker John Carew also made their exits.

Villa started their pre season with victory at Walsall before travelling to the Far East to participate in the bi-annual Barclays Asia Trophy where they reached the final before losing 2-0 to Chelsea. Villa's last major trophy was the 1996 League Cup, although they have subsequently reached both the FA and League Cup Final, the latter in 2010 when they lost to Manchester United.

YOUR MATCHDAY PROGRAMME

For all the opinion and insight surrounding the big kick-off, be sure to pick up the critically acclaimed official matchday programme.

As well as being the ultimate traditional matchday souvenir, the official Fulham publication tells you everything you need to know about the big game, including detailed analysis of our opponents, interviews with your favourite Fulham stars, including goalkeeping legend Tony Macedo, plus in-depth news and views from behind-the-scenes at the Club.

Buying a programme will also automatically enter you into the Lucky Programme Number prize draw to win the new Fulham home shirt signed by the First Team squad!

The Riverside Bar

Looking for a place to watch the late Barclays Premier League match taking place between Newcastle and Arsenal?  Well look no further than the new Riverside Bar between the Hammersmith and Riverside stands and will be staying open until 7pm. The newly refurbished outdoor bar will broadcasting Newcastle v Arsenal live and will be serving throughout.

RETAIL SPECIALS

Make any instore retail purchase prior to the match on Saturday and receive a FREE matchday collectible but only while stocks last.

What's more, the first of a series of collectible programme t-shirts are on sale now but you'll need to get one early as quantities are limited and once they're gone, they're gone! 

This first t-shirt is the front of  the Fulham v Benfica programme from 29th February 1972 which also marked the official opening of the Riverside Stand. Buy yours today.



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/August/VillaMatchdayInfo.aspx?#ixzz1UpimAVi9 (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/August/VillaMatchdayInfo.aspx?#ixzz1UpimAVi9)

 
FULHAM v Aston Villa: Striker Zamora to play through the pain

Bobby Zamora will lead the Fulham attack against Aston Villa despite having a broken hand.

The England striker suffered the injury playing at NK Split in the Europa League two weeks ago, but played the return leg while wearing a protective cast and will do the same against Villa.


He's a bit handy: Bobby Zamora (left) is set to face Aston Villa

John Arne Riise is likely to make his Premier League debut for the Cottagers but his brother Bjorn Helge is out with a minor hamstring problem and Simon Davies (knee) is also unavailable.

Provisional squad: Schwarzer, Somogyi, Kelly, JA Riise, Hangeland, Baird, Senderos, Hughes, Salcido, Halliche, Sidwell, Kasami, Murphy, Gecov, Duff, Etuhu, Dempsey, Johnson, Zamora, Dembele.




Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2025315/FULHAM-v-Aston-Villa-Bobby-Zamora-play-pain.html#ixzz1Upj2Ef00 (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2025315/FULHAM-v-Aston-Villa-Bobby-Zamora-play-pain.html#ixzz1Upj2Ef00)

 
Preview: Fulham v Aston Villa (Sat)

A broken hand will not prevent Bobby Zamora from leading the Fulham attack in Saturday's Premier League opener against Aston Villa.


The former West Ham attacker suffered the knock in the first leg of the Cottagers' successful Europa League qualifying tie against RNK Split, however he played the return game in a protective cast and will continue to do so at Craven Cottage.

Former Liverpool man John Arne Riise should start on the left as he makes his return to the Premier League, but brother, midfielder Bjorn Helge, has a minor hamstring problem and will miss the curtain-raiser.

Fellow midfield man Simon Davies (knee) is also unavailable for Martin Jol's first game back as a Premier League manager, though he has gotten through six European games already.

His rivals also have a new manager in the form of Alex McLeish. Given that the Scot has joined Villa from city rivals Birmingham, he will need a good start and will hand debuts to his two key summer additions, Shay Given and Charles N'Zogbia.

Given will start in goal after basically having a year off with Manchester City. Ex-Wigan man N'Zogbia, meanwhile, will try and fill part of the void left by the moves of wingers Ashley Young and Stewart Downing to Manchester United and Liverpool respectively.

Striker Darren Bent and central defender James Collins are over their respective shoulder and back injuries and are expected to start, with defender, and Rangers target, Carlos Cuellar (knee) the only player not available to the new manager.

Fulham (from): Schwarzer, Somogyi, Kelly, JA Riise, Hangeland, Baird, Senderos, Hughes, Salcido, Halliche, Sidwell, Kasami, Murphy, Gecov, Duff, Etuhu, Dempsey, Johnson, Zamora, Dembele.

Aston Villa (from): Given, Young, Dunne, Collins, Warnock, N'Zogbia, Makoun, Petrov, Heskey, Bent, Agbonlahor, Marshall, Clark, Albrighton, Ireland, Bannan, Delph, Beye, Delfouneso, Guzan, Hogg, Gardner, Herd, Lichaj.



http://www.setanta.com/ie/Articles/2011/08/12/Preview-Fulham-v-Aston-Villa-Sat/gnid-104297/? (http://www.setanta.com/ie/Articles/2011/08/12/Preview-Fulham-v-Aston-Villa-Sat/gnid-104297/?)

 
Jol's Match Preview

Martin Jol revealed that Mousa Dembele will be included in Saturday's match day squad for Fulham's opening game of the 2011/12 season against Aston Villa at the Cottage (KO 3pm), whilst Simon Davies and Bjorn Helge Riise miss out through injury. Both players will return to training next week.

Looking ahead to Saturday's game during Friday afternoon's pre-match press conference, Martin Jol was clearly looking forward to returning to the Premier League stage in front of a sell out crowd at the Cottage on Saturday

"We have a sell out crowd tomorrow so it will be a great atmosphere," said Jol. "The most important thing is putting three points on the board.

"This season I want to get more points, more goals and concede less. Two years ago this Club played in a major European final. Of course, you need a bit of luck but I feel that we've got a squad that can do well in the cup competitions as well."

Fulham have certainly done their homework on Saturday's claret and blue opponents and Jol is certainly not underestimating the task at hand, with Villa possessing a number of highly dangerous attacking players in their ranks.

"We know everything about them [Villa]," said Jol. "We know their style, their strengths and their weaknesses. I know Darren [Bent] from Spurs and he's a terrific striker.

"Shay Given is a world class goalkeeper and N'Zogbia was probably one of the players all the clubs would have liked to have bought this summer. They've brought in a few players and they don't have a lot of injuries in their squad so I don't think they have any problems."

Jol has an almost fully fit squad to choose from for the opening game of the season and is hoping Bobby Zamora will remain injury free this season to lead the line as Fulham compete in both domestic and European competitions.

"If you look in Europe to find someone like him it's not easy, Jol explained. "He's gifted and he's a very good player. He can receive the ball, turn and he's got technique.

"I would like to keep him fit. Last year he had a few injury problems but this year he was playing the day after he came back in for training. I played him in a game after just three games and he was fit. Hopefully he will stay fit.

"The most important thing for any team, even the top teams, is the one or two players who can make the difference and he has been that player for Fulham."



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/August/JolVillaPreview.aspx?#ixzz1Upjkhe90 (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/August/JolVillaPreview.aspx?#ixzz1Upjkhe90)

 
Jol lauds 'gifted' Zamora
by DAN on AUGUST 12, 2011

Martin Jol says that the form of striker Bobby Zamora will play an important part in deciding Fulham's fortunes this season.

The new Fulham manager says that Zamora has consistently been the player who has 'made the difference' for the Whites and is determined to keep the England striker fit to lead the line for his club. Zamora finished the 2010/11 season with seven goals after battling back from a broken leg and has shown good form in his early European outings for the club, scoring twice.

If you look in Europe to find someone like him it's not easy. He's gifted and he's a very good player. He can receive the ball, turn and he's got technique.

I would like to keep him fit. Last year he had a few injury problems but this year he was playing the day after he came back in for training. I played him in a game after just three games and he was fit. Hopefully he will stay fit.

The most important thing for any team, even the top teams, is the one or two players who can make the difference and he has been that player for Fulham.

During his pre-match preview, Jol also revealed that Moussa Dembele will be included in his squad for Fulham's first league game against Aston Villa. The Dutchman certainly isn't underestimating Alex McLeish's side.

We know everything about them. We know their style, their strengths and their weaknesses. I know Darren [Bent] from Spurs and he's a terrific striker.

Shay Given is a world class goalkeeper and N'Zogbia was probably one of the players all the clubs would have liked to have bought this summer. They've brought in a few players and they don't have a lot of injuries in their squad so I don't think they have any problems.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/08/jol-lauds-gifted-zamora/? (http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/08/jol-lauds-gifted-zamora/?)

JOL EYEING FURTHER ADDITIONS

Martin Jol is looking to add up to two more new faces to his Fulham squad before the transfer window closes.

Jol will take charge of his first Barclays Premier League match since 2007 on Saturday after spending almost four years in Holland and Germany following his unceremonious sacking from Tottenham.

The Dutchman has been able to bring in John Arne Riise and little-known midfield duo Marcel Gecov and Pajtim Kasami this summer, but has seen a move for Birmingham striker Cameron Jerome fail.

The Cottagers boss feels a series of injuries could leave his squad vulnerable, especially given the demands of playing in the Europa League, and hopes to sign two more players before the end of the month.

"I'm happy with the squad we have got, if they are fit," Jol said.

"That is probably not realistic though so that's why we are looking for one or two additions."

Bobby Zamora will lead the line for Fulham against Aston Villa despite breaking his hand last month in the club's Europa League clash against NK Split.

Jol feels his squad lacks a target man to fill in for the England talisman when he is not fit, but admits bringing in a quality striker will be difficult.

"It will be hard to find someone like him (Zamora)," Jol added.

"If Bobby is injured, we lack a number nine. On the other hand, Clint (Dempsey) can play that position."

Jol had worried that this weekend's clash in London would be called off due to the unrest in the capital.

With the game now being given the go-ahead, Jol is relishing his return to the English top flight after spending the last six weeks playing Europa League qualifiers against sub-standard opposition.

"We are very happy that the game is on," Jol said.

"The main thing was that we wanted to play football.

"I don't see there is a lot of difference in playing friendlies (or playing in the Europa League qualifiers). It wasn't as if we were playing Inter Milan or Ajax. It was Crusaders and Split.

"Hopefully it will have given us enough preparation for the season."




http://www.sportinglife.com/football/premiership/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/11/08/12/SOCCER_Fulham_Jol.html (http://www.sportinglife.com/football/premiership/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/11/08/12/SOCCER_Fulham_Jol.html)

 
Fulham Review Round Table #3

Who impressed you the most last season? Who disappointed?


Dave:
David Stockdale. After all the talk of Schwarzer leaving it was a mighty relief to find that we'd got a readymade replacement already in the ranks. It's still early days but I've not seen him have a poor game yet.

At the opposite end of the scale I'd go with Carlos Salcido. It comes down to expectations and I have to admit mine were clearly too high but even based on that I was very surprised to see how far off the pace he was. I could have coped with him being poor defensively if he'd been an exiting force going forward, and equally vice-versa, but from my point of view we got neither. Shocking positional sense, too often caught out for pace, not enough decent crosses and not a single 40 yard thunderbolt to cheer us all up!

Rob:
David Stockdale too. I had feared the worst to be honest but he was rock solid, looked very accomplished and acquitted himself superbly even when the pressure was on. Mark Schwarzer didn't have a great year and often seemed as if he had his boots on the wrong feet when he was kicking. Not only that but he didn't want to be at Fulham and I'm a firm believer in letting someone go if their heart isn't really in the club. Stockdale was also willing to answer any questions posed to him via Twitter which I found impressive!

Matthew Briggs. Wow, how disappointing? I'd been expecting a lot from this young lad but his appearances didn't give me much optimism, even though he was probably a tad unfortunate to be thrown in against the top teams straight away. Also – and this pains me to say it as I love the guy – but Johnny Pantsil had a disastrous time. The sad thing is we all know he's so much better than that but he just couldn't get it together. The fact that he must have known early on that Mark Hughes didn't believe in him will have only added to the pressure and it all crumbled. A crying shame really, especially when you think how important he was to the team last season.

Jamie:
Seems unimaginative but I can't get past Bobby Zamora. We all knew he was good already, of course, but in the rare appearances he's made this season he's been so imperious, so arrogant (in a good way) that I'm not sure he hasn't stepped up a level since last year. For such a huge confidence player, it will of course have done his ego no harm to be so badly missed (and constantly talked about) by everyone whilst injured. When the ball gets launched at him, it's incredible just how often it sticks and an intelligent pass to a teammate results. I think he's the best at what he does in the Premiership – and I think, crucially, that he knows it too.

In terms of disappointments I agree with Salcido for the reasons stated. Personally I also sad to see the demise of Paintsil, whose exuberant style was just the tonic that was needed in Roy's rigid system but became quickly unworkable under Hughes. I'm sure he's off this summer – but always a Fulham cult hero in my eyes.

Nick:
Can't disagree with Zamora. At West Ham he was a bit of a joke, now he's the best Englishman of his type there is. We didn't half miss him.

At the other end of the scale Paintsil, Salcido and Briggs. I wonder how much Carlos's difficulties could be down to the language barrier, however I can't help feeling we should have another left back for next season. (Haven't heard Konchesky mentioned much lately). My criticism of Briggs must appear harsh. I had hoped so much that one of our youngsters would come through and Briggs seemed as good a bet as anyone. When he got his chances there were some real howlers which made me wonder if he can make the grade. I'd love him to prove me wrong.

Colin:
No doubt that Zamora was as good as anybody when available, but how about Simon Davies? I expected to see him in a slightly diminished role – filling in solidly when needed, maybe 10-20 starts and a handful of sub appearances. Instead, we may have seen the best season of his career. He was our best creator of chances, and was still a threat to score himself. He did all of the little things that help you win – drawing fouls, winning corners, making the defensive plays, and avoiding turnovers. Davies exceeded all of my expectations by far.

I have to agree with criticisms of Carlos Salcido. I loved the long-range shot he showed off a few times early on, but I was disappointed with our defensive performances during the first half of the season, and Salcido was the weak link. To his credit, he did improve as the season went on, and I wouldn't mind having him back.

Rich: It's been a strange season. I've been really impressed with the continued growth of Brede Hangeland, who at this point is so good that we almost take him for granted. He's added goals to his game and that pushes him up towards the elite level in my eyes. Clint Dempsey was obviously vital to the team this season, and ought to get the player of the year award. Zamora was incredible when he played, and I agree with Colin that Simon Davies' form was impressive. I loved the look of Gael Kakuta and wish we could sign him longer term. I think he'll be a star. It's interesting that in such a bland year, so many of our players took a step forward.

On the other side of the ledger I will defend Carlos Salcido, who I still think could be a real asset next year. There's a nagging suspicion that he needs to be playing in a sort of Dani Alves type role to make the most of his skill-set, but equally he might just have needed some time to settle in. I loved watching him cross the ball on the run. I think Aaron Hughes had a slightly down year by his high standards, and don't think the team got enough from the second striker position, however it might have been configured: we didn't see enough of Gera (in both senses), Eidur Gudjohnsen was good and bad, and Moussa Dembele reminded me of the old Barnes/Waddle issues England used to have – so gifted, so frustrating. He'll come good though.

Tim:
I got to agree with you Rich on Hangeland. The big lad scored six league goals and one in the FA Cup this year. That's SEVEN total. Not to mention he led a defense that ranked was tied for fourth best in goals against, goals against average, and clean sheets. Simply stunning.

On the flip side I was extremely disappointed with Zoltan Gera this year. Obviously a lot of that wasn't necessarily his fault as he was either played out of position, or not at all. But a little over a year ago he was a fixture in the side and fired us into a European Final. Last season he scored just one goal and got one assist in 27 appearances this season: his lowest league tally ever. He played about 30 minutes total from February on. I found his complete exasperation after getting sent off in the season closer, quite fitting: what a miserable end to a miserable season for him.

Don:
If being impressed by a player is measured by that player performing above your expectation of his limitations, I think it's fair to say that Chris Baird impressed me the most. I have been a Baird defender from the days when he was routinely excoriated as "the worst player in the Premier League," and I knew he was a solid defender in a number of positions, as well as a more-than-passable center-mid. But I thought that fullback was probably his worst position until this season. He proved himself to be a solid, unflappable defender as well as a real force moving forward. Yes, Dempsey and Hangeland had brilliant seasons, but I wasn't nearly as surprised about their performances as I was by Baird's.

Over on the flip side, I'd like to thank Rich for beating me to the defense of Carlos Salcido. The Mexican had about three dodgy outings — when Hughes brought him back from injury too early — but apart from that proved to be an adequate defender and a positive force when moving forward. In each of those categories I thought him a significant upgrade over Paul Konchesky. I'm also not disappointed with Gera's performance. Gera is a betterthan-average midfielder who caught lightning in a bottle in 2009-10 — especially in The Europa League – and couldn't replicate his once-in-a-career performance. No, my major disappointment was Eddie Johnson. After not being given any opportunity by Hodgson [or Fulham's supporters] the previous two seasons, Eddie was given every chance to prove himself by Mark Hughes and, in reply, proved what everyone [including me, really] always knew: he's a nice kid with a turn of pace who is, in no way, a Premier League footballer.



http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2011/08/12/fulham-review-round-table-3/? (http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2011/08/12/fulham-review-round-table-3/?)

 
Jol keen to add to Fulham squad before transfer window closes

Martin Jol is looking to add up to two more new faces to his Fulham squad before the transfer window closes.

Jol will take charge of his first Premier League match on Saturday since 2007 after spending almost four years in Holland and Germany following his unceremonious sacking from Tottenham.

The Dutchman has been able to bring in John Arne Riise and little-known midfield duo Marcel Gecov and Pajtim Kasami this summer, but has seen a move for Birmingham striker Cameron Jerome fail.


Strength in numbers: Jol is keen to add to his squad

The Cottagers boss feels a series of injuries could leave his squad vulnerable, especially given the demands of playing in the Europa League, and hopes to sign two more players before the end of the month.

'I'm happy with the squad we have got, if they are fit,' Jol said. 'That is probably not realistic though so that's why we are looking for one or two additions.'

Bobby Zamora will lead the line for Fulham against Aston Villa despite breaking his hand last month in the club's Europa League clash against NK Split.


Bobby's on the beat: Zamora (left) will lead Fulham's attack this season

Jol feels his squad lacks a target man to fill in for the England talisman when he is not fit, but admits bringing in a quality striker will be difficult.

'It will be hard to find someone like him (Zamora),' Jol added. 'If Bobby is injured, we lack a No 9. On the other hand, Clint (Dempsey) can play that position.'

Jol had worried that this weekend's clash in London would be called off due to the unrest in the capital.

With the game now being given the go-ahead, Jol is relishing his return to the English top flight after spending the last six weeks playing Europa League qualifiers against sub-standard opposition.

'We are very happy that the game is on,' Jol said.

'The main thing was that we wanted to play football. 'I don't see there is a lot of difference in playing friendlies (or playing in the Europa League qualifiers). It wasn't as if we were playing Inter Milan or Ajax. It was Crusaders and Split.

'Hopefully it will have given us enough preparation for the season.'




Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2025359/Martin-Jol-keen-add-Fulham-squad.html#ixzz1Upl3zama (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2025359/Martin-Jol-keen-add-Fulham-squad.html#ixzz1Upl3zama)

 
Fulham vs Aston Villa: Jol to win the battle of new managers
Aston Villa have not kept a clean sheet in their last 20 Premier League away games


With Fulham and Aston Villa beginning the season with new managers, the pressure will be on both to open with a victory and it is certainly Martin Jol that stands the best chance of gaining the three points.

Match Odds

Fulham have kept clean sheets in six of their last nine matches at Craven Cottage and in the process have taken 20 points from these fixtures.

It is 6/5 in the Premier League odds that Fulham achieve victory and the pressure is on new Aston Villa boss Alex McLeish to overcome the summer departures of influential wing duo Ashley Young and Stewart Downing.

Aston Villa have also only triumphed in only one of their last nine Premier League away games on the opening day of a new season.

The bright news for Villa is that new signing Charles N'Zogbia marked his debut with a goal in the pre-season draw with Braga, while there are signs that Stephen Ireland may be on the right path to rediscovering his best form.

Aston Villa's odds are 23/10 to beat Fulham and they enjoyed a run of one defeat in their last eight Premier League games last season.

The draw can also be backed at 23/10, which has been the result in eight of the last 13 Premier League showdowns between the pair.

Scorecast

With Aston Villa failing to keep a clean sheet in their last 20 Premier League away games, there is every chance that Fulham will score at Craven Cottage.

However, Fulham have not scored more than once in their last seven opening-day fixtures of a new season.

Therefore, a 1-0 Fulham victory could be a wise choice in the correct scoreline market at 7/1.

Damien Duff is not only one goal away from reaching 50 in the Premier League, but may also feel he has a point to prove after scoring an own goal against Villa on the final day of the 2009 season which largely caused Newcastle to be relegated.

The scorecast of 50/1 is available that Fulham win 1-0 and Duff gets the only goal.



http://news.ladbrokes.com/en-gb/football/premier-league/fulham-vs-aston-villa-jol-to-win-the-battle-of-new-managers_072317.html (http://news.ladbrokes.com/en-gb/football/premier-league/fulham-vs-aston-villa-jol-to-win-the-battle-of-new-managers_072317.html)

 
Jol keen to add to squad
Fulham boss eyeing one or two additions

Fulham manager Martin Jol has revealed he would like to add to his squad before the close of the transfer window - with a back-up for striker Bobby Zamora a priority.

The Dutchman, who replaced Mark Hughes at the helm in June, has already added John Arne Riise, Marcel Gecov and Pajtim Kasami to his side this summer.

However, with the club progressing through to the Europa League play-offs, Jol is aware of the strain the extra games in Europe may have on his squad and is keen to boost numbers.

The former Spurs boss is specifically targeting a striker as back-up to Zamora, who missed much of last season with a broken leg, and has already seen a bid for Birmingham's Cameron Jerome fail.

"I'm happy with the squad we have got, if they are fit," Jol said ahead of Fulham's Premier League opener at home to Aston Villa on Saturday.

"That is probably not realistic though so that's why we are looking for one or two additions.

"It will be hard to find someone like him (Zamora). If Bobby is injured, we lack a number nine. On the other hand, Clint (Dempsey) can play that position."

Preparation

Jol also played down any negative impact the club's early Europa League campaign may have on their Premier League season.

The Cottagers played their first competitive match on 30th June and have already beaten NSI Runavik, Crusaders and RNK Split over two legs this season.

"I don't see there is a lot of difference in playing friendlies (or playing in the Europa League qualifiers). It wasn't as if we were playing Inter Milan or Ajax. It was Crusaders and Split.



http://www.skysports.com/story/0,,11661_7095753,00.html? (http://www.skysports.com/story/0,,11661_7095753,00.html?)
"Hopefully it will have given us enough preparation for the season."

 
Martin Jol wants two new players at Fulham


Martin Jol is looking to add up to two more new faces to his Fulham squad before the transfer window closes.

Jol will take charge of his first Barclays Premier League match tomorrow since 2007 after spending almost four years in Holland and Germany following his unceremonious sacking from Tottenham.

The Dutchman has been able to bring in John Arne Riise and little-known midfield duo Marcel Gecov and Pajtim Kasami this summer, but has seen a move for Birmingham striker Cameron Jerome fail.

The Cottagers boss feels a series of injuries could leave his squad vulnerable, especially given the demands of playing in the Europa League, and hopes to sign two more players before the end of the month.

"I'm happy with the squad we have got, if they are fit," Jol said.

"That is probably not realistic though so that's why we are looking for one or two additions."

Bobby Zamora will lead the line for Fulham against Aston Villa despite breaking his hand last month in the club's Europa League clash against NK Split.

Jol feels his squad lacks a target man to fill in for the England talisman when he is not fit, but admits bringing in a quality striker will be difficult.

"It will be hard to find someone like him (Zamora)," Jol added.

"If Bobby is injured, we lack a number nine. On the other hand, Clint (Dempsey) can play that position."

Jol had worried that this weekend's clash in London would be called off due to the unrest in the capital.

With the game now being given the go-ahead, Jol is relishing his return to the English top flight after spending the last six weeks playing Europa League qualifiers against sub-standard opposition.

"We are very happy that the game is on," Jol said.

"The main thing was that we wanted to play football.

"I don't see there is a lot of difference in playing friendlies (or playing in the Europa League qualifiers). It wasn't as if we were playing Inter Milan or Ajax. It was Crusaders and Split.

"Hopefully it will have given us enough preparation for the season."



http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/martin-jol-wants-two-new-players-at-fulham-2336656.html? (http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/martin-jol-wants-two-new-players-at-fulham-2336656.html?)

http://www.espn.co.uk/football/sport/story/105517.html?CMP=OTC-RSS



Jol confident of Johnson stay

ESPN staff


Fulham boss Martin Jol is confident that England international striker Andy Johnson will sign off on a new contract at Craven Cottage in the near future.

Johnson, a £10.5 million arrival from Everton in 2008, has produced a disappointing return over the last two seasons, netting three times in each campaign.

But new Cottagers boss Jol appears to have inspired a turnaround in Johnson, with the 30-year-old scoring on three occasions already during the Europa League qualifying campaign.

And despite reports suggesting Johnson is a target for West Ham manager Sam Allardyce, Jol is adamant that the former Crystal Palace hitman will stay.

"When I was in England before [at Tottenham], I was interested in signing him but he was too expensive. He was doing well at Crystal Palace and he looks the same now as he was then," Jol said. "He's scoring goals, he's getting on the end of things, he's very good at receiving the ball.

"He is a very good second striker. He comes from midfield and he makes runs and stretches defences. He is doing two jobs and he is probably the only player in England who can do two jobs in one. He is doing very well and that's why the club are in talks with him to extend his contract."