Friends of Fulham

 
Cottagers lodge open court appeal

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Fulham have lodged an appeal in a bid to have their case against Premier League chairman Sir David Richards heard in open court.


The dispute centres around the role which Fulham claim Richards played in England striker Peter Crouch's £9million move from Portsmouth to Tottenham two years ago.

Fulham refused to accept a High Court judgment that the dispute with Richards should be settled by arbitration, and three Court of Appeal judges subsequently dismissed the Premier League club's appeal against the High Court judgment after a hearing in London.

However, Fulham have decided to pursue the case and Ben Wilson, the deputy head of communications for the Supreme Court, said: "I can confirm we have just received papers from Fulham FC formally seeking permission to appeal against the Court of Appeal's decision (21 July 2011) to dismiss the club's appeal against the High Court ruling that their dispute with Sir David Richards should be resolved through arbitration.

"The club's application will now be considered by a panel of three Supreme Court Justices when they return from the summer recess.

"The application joins the queue of other such applications but we can expect it will be reviewed on the basis of the written submissions by December 2011, and I will drop you a line with the outcome of whether or not it will proceed to a full appeal hearing as soon as the Justices reach their decision."



http://www.setanta.com/ie/Articles/2011/08/16/Cottagers-lodge-open-court-appeal/gnid-104894/? (http://www.setanta.com/ie/Articles/2011/08/16/Cottagers-lodge-open-court-appeal/gnid-104894/?)

 
To buy or not to buy? Who your team needs to sign before the transfer window slams shut

Fulham
How is the squad shaking up?
Just like his Tottenham days Martin Jol has not shied away from the transfer market, with Pajtim Kasami and John Arne Riise arriving for nearly £7million between them.

There are no huge losses to cover but with a Europa League campaign ahead, he will need to add depth to his squad in most areas. Expect some fringe players to arrive – or some old Tottenham boys.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/08/16/article-2026661-0D6AA0A800000578-711_468x307.jpg)
Splashing out: Fulham have signed ex-Liverpool defender John Arne Riise

In: Pajtim Kasami (Palermo, £4m), John Arne Riise (Roma, £2.4m), Marcel Gecov (Slovan Liberec, undisclosed), Dan Burn (Darlington, undisclosed), Csaba Somogyi (Rakospalotai, free).

Out: Jonathan Greening (Nottingham Forest, £670,000), Kagisho Dikgacoi (Crystal Palace, undisclosed), Zoltan Gera (West Brom, free), Diomansy Kamara (Eskisehirspor, free), John Paintsil (Leicester, free), Eddie Johnson (released), Pascal Zuberbuhler (released). David Stockdale (Ipswich, loan).

Who do they need?
Raul, David Trezeguet, Samuel Inkoom, Serge Aurier.

Who could go?
Stephen Kelly, Bjorn Helge Riise. 




Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2026661/Who-Premier-League-team-needs-sign-transfer-window.html#ixzz1VGXtMxkk (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2026661/Who-Premier-League-team-needs-sign-transfer-window.html#ixzz1VGXtMxkk)

 
The Long and the Tall of It!

Wouldn't it be ironic?

Having been a little miffed about the deal that took Peter Crouch to Tottenham and then instigating some kind of formal protest that I`ve not got a clue as to whether it has been resolved yet, I find an article linking us with purchasing the very same player.

With Robbie Keane having departed White Hart Lane, the grapevine suggests that Peter Crouch is also surplus to requirements and that we`re interested.

Hopefully, if a deal is to be instigated then Crouch will come at a reduced price!




Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=251295#ixzz1VGYKaltG (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=251295#ixzz1VGYKaltG)

 
Ings Opting for Burnley!

The rumours that have, for quite awhile, linked us with the Bournemouth youngster, Danny Ings, are set to come to a sudden halt.

The press is now insinuating that Ings, still just 19, is set to leave Bournemouth to join up with his former boss, Eddie Howe, at Burnley.

A fee of £1 million is being reported as the transfer fee and I, for one, will be keeping close tabs on how this talented youngster gets on at Turf Moor!



Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=251296#ixzz1VGYbqbUs (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=251296#ixzz1VGYbqbUs)

 
Riise ready for Dnipro test
by DAN on AUGUST 16, 2011

John Arne Riise is ready for the next instalment of Fulham's European adventure but insists his team-mates won't be taking the challenge of Dnipro lightly when the Ukrainian side visit Craven Cottage on Thursday.

The Norwegian international almost had a dream start to his Premier League career with Fulham, but shot over the bar after 10 minutes of their opening day draw with Aston Villa. The club's new left back believes Dnipro, managed by Martin Jol's successor at Spurs Juande Ramos, will be their toughest Europa League opponents so far but feels Fulham can reach the group stages.

We all know that this will be the hardest game we've had so far in this competition. The Ukrainian league is quite strong and we expect them to be good technically and very well organised.

We haven't had things all our own way, but we've done well and taken one game at a time. We've put ourselves in a good position and I hope that we can move further forward and into the group stage.

It goes without saying that they [Dnipro] will come here wanting to do well, and we have to be aware of that threat. We have been very strong at the back and haven't conceded too many goals so far. In this competition, away goals can be vital.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/08/riise-ready-for-dnipro-test/? (http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/08/riise-ready-for-dnipro-test/?)

 
Fulham target World Cup winning full-back

(http://www.talksport.co.uk/sites/default/files/imagecache/ts_news_article_header_image/Cristian_Zaccardo_Parma.jpg)

Fulham have launched a bid for Parma right-back Cristian Zaccardo.

Reports in Italy have claimed that Fulham manager Martin Jol has offered the Serie A side £1.75m for the 29-year-old, a World Cup winner with Italy in 2006.

Jol is keen to land an out-and-out right-back to provide competition for Aaron Hughes, who played against Aston Villa on the opening day.

But it is understood that Fulham's bid has fallen below Parma's valuation and they are ready to drive Zaccardo's price up to around £2.5m.



http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/9925/0/fulham-target-world-cup-winning-full-back? (http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/9925/0/fulham-target-world-cup-winning-full-back?)

 
Fulham to continue legal fight against Richards' role in Crouch transfer

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Caught in the crossfire: Crouch

Fulham have lodged an appeal in a bid to have their case against Premier League chairman Sir David Richards heard in open court, it has been announced.

The dispute centres around the role which Fulham claim Richards played in England striker Peter Crouch's £9million move from Portsmouth to Tottenham two years ago.

Fulham refused to accept a High Court judgment that the dispute with Richards should be settled by arbitration, and three Court of Appeal judges subsequently dismissed the Premier League club's appeal against the High Court judgment after a hearing in London.

However, Fulham have decided to pursue the case and Ben Wilson, the deputy head of communications for the Supreme Court, said: 'I can confirm we have just received papers from Fulham FC formally seeking permission to appeal against the Court of Appeal's decision (21 July 2011) to dismiss the club's appeal against the High Court ruling that their dispute with Sir David Richards should be resolved through arbitration.

'The club's application will now be considered by a panel of three Supreme Court Justices when they return from the summer recess.

'The application joins the queue of other such applications but we can expect it will be reviewed on the basis of the written submissions by December 2011, and I will drop you a line with the outcome of whether or not it will proceed to a full appeal hearing as soon as the Justices reach their decision.

'Essentially the Justices will consider whether a significant point of law of general public importance is raised by the appeal in order to warrant a Supreme Court hearing, rather than reviewing the specific facts of the case.'

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Legal battle: Sir David Richards (right) facing renewed challenge from Fulham

The club released a statement in July confirming their intention to appeal to the Supreme Court.

'Fulham will be seeking permission from the Supreme Court to appeal this decision since it considers that a point of law of general importance is involved and that it has a good prospect of success,' the club said in a statement.

'The decision by the Court of Appeal affects not only the world of football but potentially every company in the land which has a shareholders' agreement or set of articles of association with an arbitration clause.'

Fulham complained that Richards helped 'facilitate' Crouch's transfer to Tottenham, but the Premier League chairman denies any impropriety.

Fulham, who had also bid £9million for Crouch, claimed Richards acted as an 'unauthorised agent', in breach of the game's regulations.

Last year the club asked Mr Justice Vos to restrain Richards from participating in transfer negotiations or to order that he should 'cease to be chairman' of the Premier League.

The judge refused, following a High Court hearing, and said the dispute should go to arbitration.




Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2026688/Fulham-appeal-Supreme-Court-decision-fight-Premier-League-chairman-Sir-David-Richards.html#ixzz1VGZmLs8P (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2026688/Fulham-appeal-Supreme-Court-decision-fight-Premier-League-chairman-Sir-David-Richards.html#ixzz1VGZmLs8P)

 
Jol Planning Raid On White Hart Lane

Martin Jol is set to raid his former club Tottenham for Peter Crouch the Metro understands.

The Fulham boss wants to strengthen his frontline and has earmarked Crouch as the man to wear the number nine shirt at Craven Cottage.

He already has Bobby Zamora and Andy Johnson battling for a starting spot but is keen to add more competition up front.

Jol wasn't pleased with his teams reliance on the long ball up to Zamora in Saturday's 0-0 draw against Aston Vila and is also reluctant to play Clint Dempsey up front.

The Dutchman said: "I feel there is more to come from Zamora and Johnson but – we played too many long balls to Bobby.

"I'd like to add a few things going forward. We saw on Saturday (against Aston Villa) if we swap our No.9 I have to put Clint Dempsey there and I don't want to do that."

"That's why we will try to do something in the transfer window."

Crouch is surplus to requirements at White Hart Lane with boss Harry Redknapp keen to move him on to make room for a new striker.

He's also been linked with a move to Stoke but a chance to stay in London is likely to appeal more to the England forward.



http://www.footballfancast.com/2011/08/football-news/jol-planning-raid-on-white-hart-lane? (http://www.footballfancast.com/2011/08/football-news/jol-planning-raid-on-white-hart-lane?)

 
Gatesy's Premier League Roundup
by GATESY on AUGUST 16, 2011

So football is back! Back! Back! It's been a long old summer but finally we once again have a focus in our dull, meaningless lives. Hurrah for the Premier League!
(http://hammyend.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Bobby-Zamora-Fulham-v-Villa-300x180.jpg)
Fulham have a solid home record of recent seasons, we have not lost at home on the opening weekend of the Premier League season in living memory and Saturdays visitors had conceded at least a single goal on every one of their away travels last season. Three points were all but in the bag before the three o clock whistle had sounded. But that didn't happen.

Though the visitors managed just a single shot on target during the whole 90 minutes our boys, save a few exceptions, didn't look set to beat Shay Given had they played all night. He rightly got the man of the match award starting his first league game for 16 months. Bobby, AJ and Riise had good chances, but they were either waster or Given pulled off saves to deny us a flying start to the season proper. Still, we didn't lose I suppose.

Last season it was Ballotelli who donned the red nose and spinning bow tie to entertain us all with his bonkers antics, and although he tried in pre-season to continue this trend, I think we may have a new court jester for this term. Enter Joey Barton. His hair may be enough, but mouthing off constantly on Twitter and causing all kinds of action of the football pitch is certainly good work in my eyes.

With everybody pretty much wanting to leave Arsenal at the moment, debutant Gervinho, and having only won two of their last 14 games it's not exactly all Gravy at the Emirates. And a goalless bore draw at the other St James Park wont have done much to quell the shouts of a growing number of Gooners that perhaps its time Arsene Wenger moves on. It's a Champions League qualifier for them next, imagine the turmoil should they fail to qualify with ease...
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Man Yoo got the season underway by taking three points off Uncle Roy's new lot. New Boy Ashley Young looked lively and with the help of a little deflection scored the winner at the Hawthorns. Although the visitors only officially had one shot on target in the entire match, Ben Foster managed to conceded two goals. It's probably to be expected though bearing in mind he's now conceded seven goals from just 11 United shots in 2011.

Kenny's new look Liverpool shared the points with the Black Cats. Kieran Richardson gave away a controversial penalty early on to the hosts only for Suarez to blast it over the bar. He'd make amends shortly after though with his first of the season from new signing Charlie Adams cross. With a little over half an hour still on the clock the visitors drew level through Seb Larsson.

That lot down the road visited our old mates Stoke in the glorious potteries. With the new blues coach claiming the home sides "pushing and grabbing was out of this world" they returned to the capital with a point after a goaless draw with Torress starting to once again look like the player they forked over bundles of cash for last January.

The Premier League fixture computer arranged a nice bookend to the summer awithBlackburn and Wolves playing each other as the had done in the last game of last season. This time the boot was on the other foot with Wolves taking the pints winning by the odd goal in three.

The recently promoted teams had a mixed bag of results. Norwich made the trip to the DW Stadium and were rewarded with what could be a useful point come next May. Swansea had to wait until Monday evening to kick of their season with a trip to the Etihad Stadium to face Man City. All was going well for an hour, and then the blues decided they'd had enough and went up the end and scored. Four times. Still, it could have been worse. Most people would have expected this kinda result away at City. It'd be a whole different kettle of fish had you been at home and facing a bottom half side. Getting dry humped in that situation would just be embarrassing wouldn't it.  In demand defender Tim Cahil scored the pick of the trotters four and was the only player in the top division to score from outside the box this weekend.

Still, lets look on the bright side for our neighbours. At least they managed to get that difficult home game against Bolton out of the way early on.

Next up for the Whites in the league is a Sunday trip to the Black Country to take on Wolves at Molineux where I'm sure our skipper will once again get a warm midlands welcome. Before then we entertain some Ukrainians at the Cottage in the first leg of the final qualifying round for the Europa League on Thursday night.And if you're interested, we currently sit mid-table. Good times.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/08/gatesys-premier-league-roundup-2/? (http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/08/gatesys-premier-league-roundup-2/?)

 
American forward Eddie Johnson returning to Major League Soccer

U.S. international striker Eddie Johnson is on his way back home.

Major League Soccer announced it had signed the 27-year-old on Tuesday. He will be allocated to a team on Thursday, with Chivas USA currently sitting atop the league's allocation order. If Chivas passes, Houston, Toronto and then Chicago will have the next cracks at him.

Goal.com first reported Johnson's probable move back to MLS back in June.

Johnson made his name in the North American league with FC Dallas between 2001-06, and then with the Kansas City Wizards from 2006-8, scoring a total of 41 goals.

His goalscoring form in MLS earned him a move to English Premier League side Fulham in 2008, but the American made little impact, failing to score in 18 appearances with the Cottagers.

He was loaned out to Cardiff City in 2008, which was followed by loans to Aris in Greece, and finally Preston North End in the English Championship last season.

The Florida native was a prominent figure in the U.S. national team setup in the middle of the previous decade, making two appearances at the 2006 World Cup. His lack of club form in recent years has reduced his profile on the international scene, however.



http://sports.yahoo.com/soccer/news?slug=goal-americanforwardeddiejohnson (http://sports.yahoo.com/soccer/news?slug=goal-americanforwardeddiejohnson)

 
Reserves 1-3 Wigan

Fulham's Reserves lost their opening match of the Barclays Premier Reserve League on Tuesday evening, with Wigan coming from behind to take three points at Motspur Park.

Fulham wasted little time in taking the lead when Alex Kacaniklic gave the Whites an early advantage, smashing a right-footed effort past Lee Nicholls after just two minutes.

Unfortunately the Whites' lead was short-lived; Steven Boothman was adjudged to have been brought down in the Fulham penalty area and Danny Redmond stepped up to send Csaba Somogyi the wrong way.

Kacaniklic looked the most likely threat for the Whites and on 10 minutes he beat his man to the by-line to deliver a teasing cross for Lauri Dalla Valle, who was unable to find the target with his header. That was as good as it got for the Whites in the first-half

With both sides struggling to maintain possession, any goal bound efforts were few and far between. Nouha Dicko drew a smart stop from Somogyi before Wigan scored their second of the evening on 33 minutes through Jordan Rugg. The striker produced a pinpoint finish from the edge of the area to squeeze the ball past the outstretched hand of Somogyi and inside the far post.

Rugg pressured Joshua Passley into netting an own-goal 40 minutes when he tangled with the Fulham defender on the edge of the Whites' six yard box after a dangerous low cross was fired in from the left flank. With both players sliding in for the ball, Passley was unfortunate enough to get the final touch.

Billy McKinlay reshuffled his side for the second-half to good effect with Marcello Trotta moving to the left wing and Alex Kacaniklic switching to the right flank – Kerim Frei joined Lauri Dalla Valle in attack.

Certainly the Whites looked a more potent force going forward, but with Wigan protecting a two-goal advantage, the visitors were able to commit additional resources to their defensive efforts.

The Whites made a double substitution on 65 minutes with Cauley Woodrow and Courtney Harris replacing Marcello Trotta and Jack Dean respectively. The final change of the game for Fulham saw Mahrez Bettache take the place of Lauri Dalla Valle on 77 minutes.

But despite the changes and a strong finish, Fulham were unable to craft any further opportunities before the referee blew for full-time.

Fulham Res: Somogyi; Dean (Harris 65), Passley, Arthurworrey, Smith; Frei, Brister, Pritchard, Kacaniklic; Trotta (Woodrow 65), Dalla Valle (Bettache 77)

Subs not used: Bettinelli, Toure



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/August/ReservesvWigan.aspx?#ixzz1VGbP7hfv (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/August/ReservesvWigan.aspx?#ixzz1VGbP7hfv)

 
Fulham - Dnipro Preview: Martin Jol's side looking for 20th straight home game in Europe without defeat
The Cottagers take on Juande Ramos' Ukrainian outfit in the final match before the group stage, and will be looking to keep up their impressive record at home in Europe

PROBABLE LINEUPS
FULHAM

DNIPRO

Fulham boss Martin Jol is expected to name a similar line-up to the one that started in the 0-0 draw with Aston Villa at the weekend. The most likely of the starters to miss out from Saturday is centre-back Philippe Senderos, who has had an injury-hit spell at Craven Cottage and may not be risked ahead of Sunday's clash with Wolves.

Meanwhile, Dnipro, who go into the game off the back of a 3-1 loss to rivals Shakhtar Donetsk, look set to welcome defender Samuel Inkoom back to the starting line-up, while former Blackburn Rovers striker Nikola Kalinic could also start.


DID YOU KNOW?
Fulham have qualified for Europe three times, including this current campaign. Their first appearance was in the now defunct Intertoto Cup, but their most successful attempt in Europe came during the 2009-10 season, when they lost to Atletico Madrid in the final of the Europa League.

The Cottagers have never been beaten on home turf in European competition, winning 15 and drawing four of their matches at Craven Cottage.

Including qualifying games, Martin Jol's side have lost just five games out of 39 on the continent.

Dnipro's best season in Europe's second tier competition came in the 2004-05 campaign when they reached the last 16 of the then Uefa Cup, but the Ukrainian outfit have failed to pass the play-off stages in their last three attempts.

However, they were quarter-finalists on two occasions in the European Cup in 1985 and 1990, losing to Marseille on penalties and Benfica.

Dnipro's name has changed since the team was initially founded, originally starting out as BRIT, relating to the Petrovsky factory that formed the club. At one point the side was sponsored by one of the most powerful factories in the Soviet Union and funded by the state's Ministry of Defence, until the Ukraine finally became a separate entity and they became Dnipro.



http://www.goal.com/en-gb/match/65338/fulham-vs-fc-dnipro-dnipropetrovsk/preview (http://www.goal.com/en-gb/match/65338/fulham-vs-fc-dnipro-dnipropetrovsk/preview)

 
Jol weighs up El Hamdaoui bid
Ajax striker a transfer option for Fulham manager

Fulham manager Martin Jol has confirmed he is considering a bid to sign Ajax striker Mounir El Hamdaoui for the third time in his career.

Jol is looking to bolster his attacking options at Craven Cottage as the Dutchman wants to ensure he has adequate back-up for Bobby Zamora.

He has been linked with a swoop for El Hamdaoui, who has fallen out of favour at Ajax under current coach Frank de Boer.

El Hamdaoui joined Ajax on a four-year contract from AZ Alkmaar last summer when Jol was in charge and he has also attracted the interest of PSV Eindhoven.

The 27-year-old was also signed by Jol for Tottenham Hotspur six years ago, although he failed to make an impact at White Hart Lane.

He could now be offered another stab at the Premier League after Jol acknowledged his interest in El Hamdaoui.

"It's not unthinkable for me to sign Mounir," Jol told Dutch magazine NU Sport.

"He is incredibly honest and amazingly direct. He could be a pleasant surprise."



http://www.skysports.com/story/0,,11681_7107130,00.html? (http://www.skysports.com/story/0,,11681_7107130,00.html?)

 
Cottage chief set to raid old club

Martin Jol is looking to sign Ajax striker Mounir El Hamdaoui for the third time as he aims to bolster Fulham's forward line.

The Cottagers chief initially signed the 27-year-old when he was in charge at Tottenham six years ago and, while he struggled to make an impact in the Premier League, Jol then snapped him up from AZ Alkmaar on a four-year deal when in charge at the Amsterdam Arena last summer.

However, since Jol departed, El Hamdaoui has dropped down the pecking order under current Ajax coach Frank de Boer which could see him now get another opportunity to prove himself in England from his former boss.

"It's not unthinkable for me to sign Mounir," Jol admitted in Dutch magazine NU Sport.

"He is incredibly honest and amazingly direct. He could be a pleasant surprise."



http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/cottage-chief-set-to-raid-old-club-1263126.html? (http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/cottage-chief-set-to-raid-old-club-1263126.html?)

 
Jol eyes El Hamdaoui swoop

Martin Jol is looking to sign Ajax striker Mounir El Hamdaoui for the third time as he aims to bolster Fulham's forward line.

The Cottagers chief initially signed the 27-year-old when he was in charge at Tottenham six years ago and, while he struggled to make an impact in the Premier League, Jol then snapped him up from AZ Alkmaar on a four-year deal when in charge at the Amsterdam Arena last summer.

However, since Jol departed, El Hamdaoui has dropped down the pecking order under current Ajax coach Frank de Boer which could see him now get another opportunity to prove himself in England from his former boss.

"It's not unthinkable for me to sign Mounir," Jol admitted in Dutch magazine NU Sport.

"He is incredibly honest and amazingly direct. He could be a pleasant surprise."



http://www.setanta.com/ie/Articles/2011/08/17/Jol-eyes-Ajax-striker-swoop/gnid-104972/? (http://www.setanta.com/ie/Articles/2011/08/17/Jol-eyes-Ajax-striker-swoop/gnid-104972/?)

 
Fulham boss Jol keen to strengthen defence with Zaccardo swoop

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Wanted: Parma's Cristian Zaccardo

Fulham are closing in on a deal for Italy's 2006 World Cup winner Cristian Zaccardo.

The Parma man would cost around £2m and can play at right-back or in central defence.

Zaccardo, 29, has 17 caps for his country but hasn't played since scoring an own-goal five years ago.

Fulham boss Martin Jol hopes to complete a deal in the next few days after identifying the Italian as perfect defensive cover.

Zaccardo, who has played in Germany for Wolfsburg, is also wanted by Serie A clubs Lazio and Genoa, but wants to play in the Premier League and his personal terms will not be a problem.

Jol also confirmed he is weighing up a raid on his old club Ajax for Morocco international Mounir El Hamdaoui.

The striker, 27, hit 19 goals in 38 games last season to inspire the Amsterdam club to the Dutch title
El Hamdaoui, who played for Jol at Tottenham, has fallen out of favour with new Ajax coach Frank de Boer.

Jol said: 'It's not unthinkable for me to sign Mounir. He is incredibly honest and amazingly direct. He could be a pleasant surprise.'

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/08/17/article-0-0D6A3CF000000578-684_468x286.jpg)
In the market: Fulham boss Martin Jol is still looking to strengthen his squad




Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2026946/Cristian-Zaccardo-set-sign-Fulham.html#ixzz1VHawRpsw (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2026946/Cristian-Zaccardo-set-sign-Fulham.html#ixzz1VHawRpsw)

 
Wolves: Mick McCarthy set to stick with same defence against Fulham

MICK McCarthy is set to stick with his defence against Fulham at Molineux on Sunday.

"I'm not saying it's a case of horses for courses and I'm going to change it every week," he said.

"If I'm playing a big back four and we've done well then I'm hardly likely to be changing it.

"We've got to defend against corners and free-kicks and if I haven't got a big back four, where am I going to get big players from?

"We've Jarvis, Hunt, Kightly, Hammill and O'Hara in midfield, then Henry is my next biggest after the back four and he's 6'0.

"Then I've Doyle and Fletcher. You've got to be able to defend free-kicks and corners so you need big players. If Stefan Maierhofer is on the pitch, we've got a big centre-forward as well. I'm not so sure he's a good marker but he's good at the near post because it's hard to get the ball off his head.

They all have specific jobs on the pitch but it's nice when it comes off.''



Read More http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/wolverhampton-wanderers-fc/wolves-fc-news/2011/08/17/wolves-mick-mccarthy-set-to-stick-with-same-defence-against-fulham-97319-29249486/?#ixzz1VHbGdpgl (http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/wolverhampton-wanderers-fc/wolves-fc-news/2011/08/17/wolves-mick-mccarthy-set-to-stick-with-same-defence-against-fulham-97319-29249486/?#ixzz1VHbGdpgl)

 
Family Fun Zone

Fulham Football Club was proud to present the launch of the Family Fun Zone last Saturday at the Fulham v Aston Villa game.

This new addition to the matchday experience saw many happy faces, receiving free goodie bags packed full gifts. The face painting also proved to be very popular, with lots of junior Fulham fans requesting the Club's crest to be painted on each cheek!

If you wondered where Billy was, he also payed a visit to the Family Fun Zone entertaining everyone with his cool dancing moves and striking a pose for the camera!

Located at the Cottage end of the Johnny Haynes Stand, the the brand new Family Fun Zone will be running at every Barclays Premier League home game this season. All fans who purchase tickets in the Family Zones (Blocks A, AL, K and KL) are encouraged to get down early to enjoy the fun on offer. So make sure you are around to take part in a selection of family friendly activities throughout 2011/12.

If you're still contemplating a Season Ticket or two and have a young Fulham fan under 16 years of age, the Family Zone could be the place for you. What's more if they're under 8 their Season Ticket is free with a paying adult. Full details are available online or better still, call one of the Ticket Office team now on 0843 208 1234 (option 3) now.



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/August/FamilyFunZone.aspx?#ixzz1VHbWrz5d (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/August/FamilyFunZone.aspx?#ixzz1VHbWrz5d)

 
Salcido Loan Deal

The Club can confirm that defender Carlos Salcido has joined Mexican Primera División team Tigres de la UANL on a season long loan.



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/August/SalcidoLoanDeal.aspx?#ixzz1VHbnSEhX (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/August/SalcidoLoanDeal.aspx?#ixzz1VHbnSEhX)

 
Salcido set to quit Fulham for Mexico return

Fulham defender Carlos Salcido looks set to end his short spell at Craven Cottage in the next 24 hours.

The full-back is close to securing a return to his native Mexico with UANL Tigres and is undergoing a medical.

The Mexican Premier League side are hopeful the season-long loan can be completed without delay and are just waiting on the necessary paperwork to arrive from the west London club.

Salcido impressed Fulham fans with his attacking displays but failed to settle in England and his family returned to South America after suffering a break-in at their home.

The 31-year-old defender joined Fulham from PSV Eindhoven for £1.6m last summer and made 26 appearances under previous manager Mark Hughes.



http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/transfer-rumours/9941/6/salcido-set-quit-fulham-mexico-return? (http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/transfer-rumours/9941/6/salcido-set-quit-fulham-mexico-return?)

 
Play-Off Challenge

On Wednesday afternoon Martin Jol's squad completed their final preparations ahead of Thursday evening's UEFA Europa League Play-Off match against Ukrainian side FC Dnipro (first leg).

Fulham's squad are well aware of the rich rewards that come with qualification to the Group Stages, and one current player who admired Fulham's last magical European adventure from the stands, Steve Sidwell, is hoping to be part of the action this season if Fulham can navigate their way past FC Dnipro.

"It's great for the fans," said Sidwell of the UEFA Europa League competition. "What they experienced a few years back was phenomenal – I came to a few games and they were fantastic. It's a real buzz for the fans, they experienced a great run a few years back and they'll want to go one better this time around, if we qualify.

"The Europa League is a tough competition to win. It's a long road and there are a lot of games. It doesn't matter what round of the competition you're in or who you come up against – you've got to play the right way. The further you go into the competition, the harder it gets. We don't take these games lightly, we train how we play. You've got to be professional."

Should Fulham progress to the Group Stages of the UEFA Europa League, Sidwell expects Martin Jol to make full use of his squad and is hoping to impress the Manager in central midfield when the opportunity arises.

"With the Europa League on top of a Premier League season as well, you're going to need a squad that's going to be capable of dealing with both," Sidwell explained. "If we do qualify, I'm sure everybody's going to be used.

"We've got a few additions in over the past few weeks so it takes time for them to bed in, I'm sure the Gaffer has a clear picture of certain personnel and formations that he's looking to play.

"It's a clean slate for everyone, when I came in January I hit the ground running and was able to play as few games and did well. The Manager's come in, it's time to impress and hopefully you can get in the starting line-up. If you don't, you just try harder in training to try and get in the next squad."

Catch the action live at the Cottage on Thursday night when the Whites face FC Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk in the UEFA Europa League Play-Off (KO 7.30pm). Tickets are on General Sale with adults from £5 and juniors from just £1! 



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/August/SidwellEuropaPreview.aspx?#ixzz1VHnlGbIL (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/August/SidwellEuropaPreview.aspx?#ixzz1VHnlGbIL)

 
Fulham in Bentley race
Jol eyes move for out of favour Spurs man

Skysports.com understands Fulham are weighing up a move for Tottenham winger David Bentley.

Bentley appears to be surplus to requirements at White Hart Lane with the England international spending the second half of last season on loan at Birmingham City.

Spurs are thought to be open to offers for Bentley as Harry Redknapp looks to trim his squad and bring in funds for his own transfer plans.

Bentley, who joined Spurs from Blackburn in the summer of 2008, has struggled to hold down a regular place in the team under Redknapp with Aaron Lennon preferred on the right side of midfield.

Fulham have held a long-term interest in Bentley and new Cottagers boss Martin Jol is ready to pursue a move for the talented wide man.

Jol is keen to bolster his attacking options and he sees Bentley as the right man to provide the ammunition for the likes of Bobby Zamora.



http://www.skysports.com/story/0,,11675_7107536,00.html? (http://www.skysports.com/story/0,,11675_7107536,00.html?)

 
The European Adventure Continues: Dnipro

Off to the Ukraine we go! Next up for Fulham in the playoff round of the Europa League is FC Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk.

Hopefully the matches won't stress Fulham fans out as much as trying to pronounce the club's name, but Dnipro is no slouch. They have a ton of young talent (they do not own a player over 29 years old) and have the tools to make an upset or two in the tournament. Let's go through a quick preview of their club:

They are managed by the experienced Spaniard Juande Ramos, who has managed such minnows as Real Madrid, Tottenham, Sevilla, and Malaga. He actually succeeded Martin Jol at Spurs. He won the Copa del Rey with Sevilla, and took home the League Cup with Spurs with a man-down win over Man City, a beatdown of Arsenal 6-1 on aggregate, and an extra-time finals victory over Chelsea. Needless to say, the guy's had his fair share of success as a manager.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2008/07/31/article-0-022524490000044D-541_468x286.jpg)
Jan Lastuvka is very familiar with Craven Cottage

You may recognize their goalkeeper, Jan Lastuvka. He played for Fulham during the 2006/07 season, making 8 appearances and backing up Mark Crossley for most of the year. He came to Craven Cottage on a free transfer after 3 years backing up at Shakhtar. He also played 25 matches with VfL Bochum in the Bundesliga. So with a year's experience in the Premier League, the Bundesliga, and 6 in the Premier Liga in Russia, he will be the most experienced goalkeeper Fulham will face yet in Europa.

(http://i.newsrt.co.uk/upload/news/large/11/31/Article_2022972_0d50afcb00000578_586_233x446.jpg)
Fulham are just one of a number of British clubs in the playoff round of the Europa League

Arguably their best player is their 21 year old Brazilian Attacking midfield Giuliano. he has 1 goal in 6 Premier Liga matches this season so far and has a lot of talent.

Another big threat up front for Dnipro is Nikola Kalinic. The 23 year old Croatian was bought by Blackburn back in 2009 from HNK Hajduk Split for just over £6 million, but was unable to break into a regular role, scoring just 13 goals in 53 matches. He was sold to Dnipro for £5 million just this past week.

Their best injection of experience comes from 29 year old midfielder Ruslan Rotan, who has made 160 Premier Liga appearances (109 with Dnipro and 51 with Dynamo Kiev) and 46 Ukranian caps. He's played in the Champions League with Dynamo and knows his way around a pitch.

As a club, since the collapse of the Soviet Union and the formation of the Ukranian Premier Liga, Dnipro have finished second in the league once and third five times. They have finished second in the Ukranian Cup 3 times, most recently in 2004, but lot to Ukranian giants Shakhtar all 3 times.

Fulham can certainly beat this club, but they will have their work cut out for them, as this is where the "glorified friendlies" end and the real grind of the Europa League begins. Any predictions for the finish of the first leg at the Cottage?



http://fulhamsfinest.com/2011/08/17/the-european-adventure-continues-dnipro/? (http://fulhamsfinest.com/2011/08/17/the-european-adventure-continues-dnipro/?)

 
Homesick Fulham full-back Salcido joins Mexican outfit Tigres on season-long loan

Unsettled Fulham full-back Carlos Salcido has left the club to return to his homeland joining Mexican outfit Tigres on a season-long loan deal.

The 31-year-old signed for the Cottagers last summer from PSV Eindhoven and impressed during his first season in the Premier League.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/08/17/article-2026974-0AEADF63000005DC-292_468x286.jpg)
Heading home: Mexico star Salcido is joining Tigres on a season-long loan deal

But Salcido grew unsettled at the west London club after a robbery at his house resulted in his family leaving England.

Manager Martin Jol has granted the defender's his wish to leave with the player linking up with the Nuevo Leon-based club Tigres after undergoing a medical in Mexico on Tuesday.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/08/17/article-2026974-0CB3F97800000578-352_468x317.jpg)
Heading off: Carlos Salcido is leaving Fulham after one season at the club

Fulham confirmed the deal on their official Twitter page and Salcido is likely to join up with his new team-mates for training today.




Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2026974/Carlos-Salcido-leaves-Fulham-Tigres.html#ixzz1VHpRTo5u (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2026974/Carlos-Salcido-leaves-Fulham-Tigres.html#ixzz1VHpRTo5u)

 
Wellington for Warner

Wellington Phoenix coach Ricki Herbert has opted for experience over youth and signed former Fulham and Millwall goalkeeper Tony Warner.

The 37-year-old, who started out as a trainee with Liverpool in 1990 and spent nine years at the English Premier League club, was recently linked with a move to Blackburn Rovers after a spell with League One club Tranmere Rovers ended in June.

While Warner never made a first team appearance for Liverpool he went on to have successful spells at Millwall, where he made more than 200 appearances between 1999-and 2004, and Fulham (2005-08) before having loan spells at lower league clubs in England, including Leeds United, Norwich City and Barnsley.

"He's got a lot of experience. He's 37 but it's something I want," Herbert told Sportal.

"I think he will do a great job for us. He's got premier league experience," added the coach who expects Warner to challenge All Whites goalkeeper Mark Paston for the No.1 shirt.

"The last two seasons Mark has unfortunately hit a speed bump with injuries and stuff like that."

"I think we just needed to be reassured that we had somebody who could step straight in."

"He's very similar (to Mark). He's 6ft 4in so you are going to get great presence and a great distributer of the ball."

"He had a long time at Liverpool without playing but he jumped in and played at Fulham. He's played at the highest level. I'm really excited. For someone of that experience to come here and want to come here is terrific for us."

Warner will travel with the squad to Dunedin for their pre-season match against Brisbane Roar on Saturday.



http://www.newcastlejets.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=40648 (http://www.newcastlejets.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=40648)

 
Salcido seals Tigres loan
Full-back loaned home to join unsettled family in Mexico

Fulham full-back Carlos Salcido has joined Mexican outfit Tigres on a season-long loan deal.

The 31-year-old joined the Cottagers last summer from PSV Eindhoven and impressed during his first season in the Premier League.

However, Salcido grew unsettled at the west London club after a robbery at his house resulted in his family leaving England.

The full-back, who has been capped 92 times by Mexico, has now joined Nuevo Leon-based club Tigres after undergoing a medical on Tuesday.

Fulham confirmed the deal on their official Twitter page and Salcido is likely to join up with his new team-mates for training on Wednesday.



http://www.skysports.com/story/0,,11681_7107648,00.html? (http://www.skysports.com/story/0,,11681_7107648,00.html?)

 
Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk Live and Free

LAOLA1.tv are an international online sports TV broadcaster and will be broadcasting tomorrow evening's match between Fulham and Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk.

This is LIVE and FREE as part of a major evening of Europa League qualifiers on our Europa League channel; http://www.laola1.tv/en/int/home/ (http://www.laola1.tv/en/int/home/)

If you would like to find out more information about our company, then please feel free to look at the holding website; http://thesportsmanholding.com/en/ (http://thesportsmanholding.com/en/)



http://www.fulham-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/dnipro_dnipropetrovsk_live_and_free_694852/index.shtml? (http://www.fulham-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/dnipro_dnipropetrovsk_live_and_free_694852/index.shtml?)

 
Cottagers without midfield duo

Fulham midfielders Simon Davies and Bjorn Helge Riise will not feature in tomorrow's Europa League play-off first leg against Dnipro at Craven Cottage.

Davies will not face the Ukrainian team due to a knee injury, while Riise is suffering with a hamstring problem.

Fulham striker Bobby Zamora is in contention once again despite a broken hand, which he will wear a protective cast over.

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



http://www.eecho.ie/news/sport/cottagers-without-midfield-duo-516872.html? (http://www.eecho.ie/news/sport/cottagers-without-midfield-duo-516872.html?)

 
Etuhu - I Am Not Siasia's School Boy

Fulham midfielder Dickson Etuhu has lashed out at Super Eagles coach Samson Siasia for treating him like a schoolboy.

Etuhu turned down a chance to return to the Eagles for the aborted friendly against Ghana last Tuesday, saying Siasia has disrespected him on several occasions.

"I feel every human being deserves some element of respect. I respect everybody irrespective of your age, stature, or whether you are rich or poor; that is how I feel it should be everywhere," Etuhu said.

"I am not going to accept the way coach Siasia treated me. I am quite different from a lot of people but one simple fact about me is that I speak the truth. I am just speaking what everybody knows already and I'm not afraid to say it here.

"I cannot play for him under such circumstances. I have played under lots of managers before and even at the World Cup, we all saw the way things were run under several managers."

He added: "Coach Samson Siasia has never given me a call-up since he took over from Lars Lagerback. Not even a text message, let alone calling me to know how I am doing at my club. There are several times I have put calls across to him but he didn't pick.

"I don't think it is too much if he explains things to me as a gentleman would. If he said something like ... 'Dickson as you can see I am just taking over as national team coach and I would like to try out some young players in my quest to develop Nigerian football, and all you have do for me is to be patient', that's all and I will simply hold my peace.

"But he told the NFF Secretary-General to call me two days before the friendly with Ghana. What! You called two days to a match and expect me to start packing my bags and boots, running down to the camp like a schoolboy who is happy for being invited into the national team.

"No, that is not going to happen to me at all, I am not a schoolboy for God's sake."

However, the defensive midfielder, who has won over 17 caps for the country and played at the 2010 World Cup, has insisted he loves to play for his country despite his latest decision not to play under Siasia.

"I grew up in Nigeria and I owe all that I have achieved today to my upbringing in Nigeria. Wearing the green and white jersey of Nigeria gives me a sense of joy and at a point, I felt I could dump any club that try to stand in the way of me playing for my country," he said.

"There is nothing that I enjoy doing better than playing for Nigeria, I love playing for Nigeria at the expense of my club, because Nigeria is my life and I'm just crazy about the country."




http://allafrica.com/stories/201108171189.html? (http://allafrica.com/stories/201108171189.html?)

 
Fulham in £15m double swoop for Tottenham duo

Fulham could be set for a double raid on Tottenham for David Bentley and Peter Crouch.

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp has deemed Crouch and Bentley surplus to requirements and he will now listen to offers for the pair in an effort to free up space for new signings.

Martin Jol is keen to bolster his attacking options by adding Crouch to his ranks, while he sees Bentley as the right man to provide the ammunition from wide areas.

The 26-year-old winger has struggled for form since joining Spurs from Blackburn in 2008 for £15 million and spent the second half of last season on loan at Birmingham City.

Fulham have held a long-term interest in Bentley and new Cottagers boss Martin Jol is ready to pursue a move for the talented wide-man, who is now valued at around £6m by the White Hart Lane club.

Fulham drew a blank on the opening day of the season in a goalless draw against Aston Villa, highlighting their need for more quality up front.

Fulham have promptly entered the race to sign Crouch, with Stoke, Newcastle and Sunderland all credited with an interest.

Jol wants as striker to rotate with Andy Johnson and Bobby Zamora and is willing to pay £9 million to land the former Liverpool and Portsmouth.



http://www.fanatix.com/news/fulham-in-15m-double-swoop-for-tottenham-duo-694/ (http://www.fanatix.com/news/fulham-in-15m-double-swoop-for-tottenham-duo-694/)

 
Fulham v Dnipro preview
Team news ahead of Thursday night's Europa League play-off first leg between Fulham and Dnipro at Craven Cottage (kick-off 7.30pm).

(http://images.football365.com/11/07/640/Davies_2618821.jpg)

Fulham are without midfield duo Simon Davies and Bjorn Helge Riise for the game.

Davies will not face the Ukrainian team due to a knee injury, while Riise is suffering with a hamstring problem.

Bobby Zamora is in contention once again despite a broken hand, which he will wear a protective cast over.

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



http://www.football365.com/match/3438092/preview? (http://www.football365.com/match/3438092/preview?)

 
Goal Target

Martin Jol has called for his Team to demonstrate their firepower on Thursday night when Fulham face FC Dnipro in the UEFA Europa League Play-Off (first leg).

Whilst highlighting the need to profit from home advantage on Thursday night, Jol is far from underestimating the quality of opposition, who will offer Fulham their sternest test to date in the competition. 

"RNK Split were a good side but FC Dnipro is a different kettle of fish," Jol told fulhamfc.com. "We always focus on the positives and I believe we're good enough to reach the group stage of the competition, but first we have to show we can score goals.

"We're always confident and we need a good result on Thursday night because they're a strong team at home. They're a good team who are probably the third best team in their league, which is very strong.

"Every year there are four or five clubs that are amongst the favourites to win the competition. We are not amongst the favourites this year, but we weren't when we reached the Final two years ago, so anything can happen.

"For me the main thing is to get through to the Group Stage of the competition."

Jol will have an almost fully fit squad to choose from on Thursday evening, with only two players missing through injury. "Simon Davies and Bjorn Helge Riise will not be available on Thursday night," said Jol. "Everyone else is available for selection."

Tickets are on General Sale for Thursday night's UEFA Europa League Play-Off at Craven Cottage. Adult tickets are priced from £5 whilst junior tickets are priced from just £1. Purchase your tickets today.



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/August/FCDniproPreMatchConference.aspx?#ixzz1VILOU8dv (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/August/FCDniproPreMatchConference.aspx?#ixzz1VILOU8dv)

 
Martin Jol plays down Juande Ramos animosity ahead of meeting

Fulham boss Martin Jol has played down talk of animosity with Dnipro coach Juande Ramos despite the Spaniard controversially replacing him as Tottenham manager four years ago.

The Dutchman was sacked as Spurs manager in acrimonious circumstances in 2007 before being swiftly replaced by then-Sevilla coach Ramos.

Jol's departure came after a successful 2006/07 season and months into the new campaign, during which time stories emanated about Tottenham officials meeting Ramos.

The pair come head-to-head for the first time tomorrow evening as Ramos brings his Dnipro side to Craven Cottage for the first leg of their Europa League play-off.

Jol was keen to turn attention away from any potential grudge match in today's pre-match press conference, although he seemingly made a jibe at his counterpart.

"He was there for 10 or 11 months and moved on and then ended up in the Ukraine," he said with a smile. "So it's something to think about.

"They play well. I was there last year playing against Dynamo Kiev. I think it is a strong competition."

Jol went onto successful spells with Hamburg and Ajax after leaving Spurs and returned to English football with Fulham this summer.

Ramos, by comparison, spent a short stint at Real Madrid and was sacked after just 47 days in charge of CSKA Moscow before joining Dnipro.

When asked about their different career paths, Jol retorted: "Talking about him is a different issue. Do you want to talk about him or about me? About both?

"I don't want to focus on the coach. He's important, but not that important. Same as me.

"They have to show it on the pitch. The only thing we can do is try and take control and bring our vision over to the players.

"Don't make it more important than this."

Jol's side have already dispatched Faroese minnows NSI Runavik, Northern Irish part-timers Crusaders and NSI Runavik of Croatia on their route to the play-offs.

The Ukrainian side were knocked out at this stage last year and have struggled in the Ukrainian Premier League of late, although Jol insists he is not taking them lightly.

"It's a good team, if you know the level of football over there," he said. "They've got a couple of good teams, very strong teams.

"Dynamo Kiev and Shakhtar Donetsk are the best two, then Dnipro. They play a high tempo, technically skilful. It's a very good footballing team.

"We are confident; 0-0 will not be the best of results.

"We need a cushion to go there because, at home, they're strong. We'll need a good result."

Fulham come into the match off the back of a 0-0 home draw with Aston Villa at the weekend but Jol is confident his side can find the net tomorrow.

"It's a different game, we start all over again," he added.

"We created chances against Villa, but not enough for my liking at home.

"The difference always is to score a goal. I would have been satisfied if we'd scored one.

"We were the better team and should have scored. But, although it's a different side tomorrow, it's an adventure.

"It's a new thing. I've been here for nine weeks and we will probably play in this style up front for the first time tomorrow.

"We'll wait and see. I'm very confident. We have to trust the players. We will play with a few other players tomorrow."




http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/martin-jol-plays-down-juande-ramos-animosity-ahead-of-meeting-2339336.html? (http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/martin-jol-plays-down-juande-ramos-animosity-ahead-of-meeting-2339336.html?)

 
Roger Brown Tribute


The Club would like to pay tribute to former player Roger Brown, who sadly passed away in the early hours of Wednesday morning at just 58 years of age.

Roger will be fondly remembered by Fulham Football Club as a truly great servant and a favourite of the Cottage faithful.

Roger's goalscoring feats at Fulham, as a defender, with 12 goals during the 1981-82 campaign remains  a Club record. Hisheaded goal against Lincoln City that secured promotion in the 1981-82 season clinched his place in Fulham history.

Born in Tamworth in Staffordshire on 12 December 1952, Roger joined his local club, Walsall, in 1970 as an apprentice but failed to make the grade.

He became a production manager in an engineering firm based in Lemington and joined the local club as a semi-professional. Bournemouth revived his Football League career at the age of 25 when they signed him from AP Lemington in February 1977.

A powerful, dominant central defender, Roger was soon spotted by First Division club Norwich City and moved to Norfolk in July 1979 for a fee of £85,000. He stayed eight months before joining Fulham for a £100,000 fee but was unfortunately injured on his debut against Chelsea.

Roger became a great favourite at the Cottage and was an inspirational leader in Fulham's promotion season of 1981-82 when he scored the vital goal against Lincoln in the last match to ensure a return to the Second Division.

In December 1983 Roger moved to Bournemouth and won an Associate Members Cup-winners' medal in 1984.

The Club would like to pass on its deepest sympathies to Roger Brown's family at this difficult time.



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/August/RogerBrownTribute.aspx#ixzz1VIXu0weO (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/August/RogerBrownTribute.aspx#ixzz1VIXu0weO)