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General Category => Archive => Daily Fulham Stuff => Topic started by: WhiteJC on August 18, 2011, 07:30:06 AM

Title: Thursday Fulham Stuff (18/08/11)
Post by: WhiteJC on August 18, 2011, 07:30:06 AM
 
Martin Jol focused on Europa League tie, not his face-to-face with Juande Ramos

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.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-sport/football/article-23979112-martin-jol-focused-on-europa-league-tie-not-his-reunion-with-juande-ramos.do? (http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-sport/football/article-23979112-martin-jol-focused-on-europa-league-tie-not-his-reunion-with-juande-ramos.do?)
Title: Re: Thursday Fulham Stuff (18/08/11)
Post by: WhiteJC on August 18, 2011, 07:31:06 AM
 
Roger Brown Tribute
(http://www.fulhamfc.com/Images/MainNews/NewsPages/ExPlayers/RogerBrown/roger-brown-header-news.jpg)

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?#ixzz1VMM5OcBw (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/August/RogerBrownTribute.aspx?#ixzz1VMM5OcBw)
Title: Re: Thursday Fulham Stuff (18/08/11)
Post by: WhiteJC on August 18, 2011, 07:32:04 AM
 
Cottagers without midfield duo

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

Davies will not face the Ukrainian team at Craven Cottage 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.




http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/cottagers-without-midfield-duo-1263298.html? (http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/cottagers-without-midfield-duo-1263298.html?)
Title: Re: Thursday Fulham Stuff (18/08/11)
Post by: WhiteJC on August 18, 2011, 07:33:30 AM
 
Eddie Johnson deal with MLS 'unlikely' to be finalized because of contract issues


Eddie Johnson to MLS? Not so fast.

After the league announced Tuesday that the on-again, off-again U.S. national team forward had agreed to terms and would be allocated to an MLS club this week, the 27-year-old forward had second thoughts and pulled out of the deal, multiple sources told the Insider.

The sides had verbally agreed to a three-year contract valued at a prorated figure this year (based on a $175,000 salary), $225,000 in 2012 and $275,000 in 2013. One unidentified team agreed to take him at those numbers. But Johnson wasn't happy with the pact and apparently told his representatives that he wanted a larger base contract.

So the deal with MLS is "unlikely" to happen at this time, one source said.

As a free agent, Johnson could still end up in MLS before the Sept. 15 roster deadline. But given the circumstances of this episode, it's hard to see a club taking a chance on Johnson, who, after leaving MLS in 2008, scored seven goals in 80 appearances for four European clubs (Fulham, Cardiff City, Aris, Preston North End). Aris in Greece was reportedly interested in signing him this month.

MLS officials declined to comment and his representatives couldn't be immediately reached.

UPDATE: Johnson's agent, Richard Motzkin, wrote on Twitter that "we were in the final stages of negotiation with MLS but never reached agreement, subject to formal documents."

UPDATE: "We had reached agreement, subject to formal documents," MLS executive vice president Todd Durbin told MLSsoccer.com. "It's unfortunate the player did not want to conclude a formal agreement, but we wish him well in his future endeavors."




http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/soccer-insider/post/eddie-johnson-deal-with-mls-unlikely-to-be-finalized-because-of-contract-issues/2011/08/17/gIQACVDILJ_blog.html? (http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/soccer-insider/post/eddie-johnson-deal-with-mls-unlikely-to-be-finalized-because-of-contract-issues/2011/08/17/gIQACVDILJ_blog.html?)
Title: Re: Thursday Fulham Stuff (18/08/11)
Post by: WhiteJC on August 18, 2011, 07:34:48 AM
 
Through the Ranks: Cauley Woodrow
(http://www.fulhamfc.com/Images/MainNews/NewsPages/Players/Woodrow/Running1.jpg)

As one of the Academy's newest recruits, Cauley Woodrow is looking forward to his first full season in the white of Fulham. A creator and taker of goals, the 16-year-old is an exciting talent who has already tasted senior first team action with former club Luton Town.

He also became the first non-league player since 1974 to win a full England age-group cap when he scored on his debut for England Under-17s last February. Highly-rated, his development should be monitored closely...

As a striker scoring goals are a big part of my game. But I like to think I give more to the team as well. I like to get on the ball and use it as best as I can. I'm certainly a team player and, as much as I love putting the ball in the back of the net, I like to set chances up too. I'm predominantly a centre-forward, but I can also play in the hole as a number 10.

Every player has long and short-term targets, even us younger boys within the Academy. Long-term, I want to be playing for the First Team and doing well. It's a long way off and I have a lot to do to make that happen, but that's the goal. Short-term, I just want to be doing as well as I can for the Under-18s and hopefully getting a few games for the Development Squad. It's my first full season for the Club, so I'm very excited right now.

It's a good time to be part of this Academy. The Under-18s won their league last season and subsequently reached the Play-Off final, which they narrowly lost. I'm aware that they have had success and that we have to build on that. It will be a challenge but hopefully, together, we can have another season to remember.

It's kind of a new era for the Under-18s. A lot of new players have come in, while some of the older boys have moved up. We haven't played too much together, but from what I have seen, we have the potential to do well. We're finding our feet at the moment and we have been working very hard over pre-season. We're a close group off the field, so hopefully we will reap the benefits.

I joined the Club towards the end of last season having spent a bit of time at Luton Town. It's early days, but I have really enjoyed myself so far. The Academy is fantastic and I'm enjoying working with the likes of Kit Symons. I've learned a lot already. No disrespect to Luton, but I'm playing for a Premier League club now so the step up has been massive. It's been hard, but I'm determined to do well.

Fulham fans might not know this, but I actually played for Luton's first team. I played in the early rounds of the FA Cup and FA Trophy at 15 and it was an experience I will never forget. Playing in front of crowds is what it is all about, and hopefully I can do that again at some point.

A few clubs looked at signing me, but Fulham impressed me most. First impressions are so important and from very early on when I was shown around I knew it would be a good place for me to learn and develop. It's a really friendly club, where everyone seems to know each other. We're all made to feel like we are part of things.

We've already seen a few young players represent the First Team over recent weeks which has been great. Players like Kerim Frei have done really well and their inclusion shows that there are chances at this Club. If you work hard, do well and show the promise then you will get your opportunity. I would love to follow those boys and play for the First Team as well.

My favourite player at Fulham has to be Mousa Dembélé, and that's not just because I clean his boots! We play in the same position so I can learn a lot from watching him play. He's strong, keeps the ball well, has quick feet and is very skilful. I think he could have a really big season ahead of him. The fans like watching him play and I'm no different.

Outside of the Club, the player that I most look up to is David Beckham. He's a good role model for younger players, and shows what can be achieved through hard work and dedication. He looks after himself and is still going at 36. When you look back on the past 10 years or more really, he's been one of the best in the game – certainly for England.

The biggest influences on my career have been my Mum Lynn, sister Cassidi and my family. My Mum has taken me all over the place for games and very rarely misses a match. She's learned to keep quiet now, so I wouldn't say she shouts as much as she once did! Bless her though, and to be fair she does know a lot about the game.

The biggest moment for me so far has to be playing for England. I played for the Under-17s in a tournament last February in Portugal. I scored on my debut against Romania which was an amazing feeling, and although I know it was for one of the younger age groups, it was a very special moment. You dream about scoring for your country, and I'm very fortunate to have done so!



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/August/ThroughtheRanksCauleyWoodrow.aspx?#ixzz1VMMztuOq (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/August/ThroughtheRanksCauleyWoodrow.aspx?#ixzz1VMMztuOq)
Title: Re: Thursday Fulham Stuff (18/08/11)
Post by: WhiteJC on August 18, 2011, 07:35:59 AM
 
FULHAM v Dnipro: Zamora should start despite broken hand but Davies misses out

Fulham midfielders Simon Davies and Bjorn Helge Riise will not feature in Thursday'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.
England 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://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/08/17/article-2027019-0D6AB60C00000578-990_468x286.jpg)
Hand it to him: Bobby Zamora is in contention again despite his injury




Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2027019/Fulham-v-Dnipro-Bobby-Zamora-returns-Europa-League-clash.html#ixzz1VMNCasMl (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2027019/Fulham-v-Dnipro-Bobby-Zamora-returns-Europa-League-clash.html#ixzz1VMNCasMl)
Title: Re: Thursday Fulham Stuff (18/08/11)
Post by: WhiteJC on August 18, 2011, 07:37:47 AM
 
Salcido

Per the official:

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

When Salcido went the full 90 minutes in last week's USA-Mexico friendly, I knew he was a goner. He never featured in any of the Europa League squads, nor in last weekend's EPL opener.

And as things currently stand, there will be one year left on his deal when he this loan expires next summer. So, might as well write the obituary now.

Salcido was supposed to fill the gaping hole left by Paul Konchesky's ill-fated departure to Liverpool. He would ultimately struggle through injury and bad form, but finished the season strong. In a season that saw five different squad members play left back, Salcido had the most with 22 league appearances, including 12 of the final 13 matches. He registered two assists, both crosses to Clint Dempsey's head. Video reminiscences below:

Blackburn Fulham 1 1 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5_9c5kuYjE#ws)

Although the media focused on the language issue as his presumable out, (really, he never picked up another language after spending 4+ years in Holland?) Salcido faced an uphill battle for minutes with the signing of John Arne Riise, and the ongoing emergence of Matty Briggs (is this his breakout year?). At age 31, it makes sense he'd want to return home.

It seemed fans never warmed to Salcido for obvious, and some not so obvious, reasons. He was a topic of discussion in our latest round table, being a disappointment to most. But similar to other players who have left the squad this window, he will be missed but replaced.



http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2011/08/17/salcido/? (http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2011/08/17/salcido/?)
Title: Re: Thursday Fulham Stuff (18/08/11)
Post by: WhiteJC on August 18, 2011, 07:39:07 AM
 
Jol rejects Ramos problem
Fulham manager denies there is any rivalry with the Spaniard

Martin Jol has tempered suggestions of any ill-feeling between him and Juande Ramos because of the Spaniard replacing him as Tottenham Hotspur coach in 2007.

The Dutchman was unceremoniously sacked as Spurs boss just two months into the 2007-08 season and Ramos took over the reins at White Hart Lane.

However, unlike Jol, who led the Lilywhites to two successive top-five finishes in the Premier League, Ramos failed to achieve the same level of success and was sacked in October 2008.

The pair will confront each other on Thursday evening in the first leg of their Europa League play-off tie at Craven Cottage, this time with Jol managing Fulham and Ramos in charge of Ukrainian club Dnipro.

Jol, though, has downplayed talks of there being any bad feeling between him and the former Sevillaand Real Madrid coach, but could not resist making a sly jibe at him.

"He was there for 10 or 11 months and moved on and then ended up in Ukraine," said Jol with a smile during the pre-match press conference on Wednesday. "So it's something to think about."

Strong

The Fulham boss was then eager to give Dnipro their due credit and said: "They play well.

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

The former Hamburg and Ajax boss added that they will need to win at home to progress to the group stage of the competition.

"It's a good team, if you know the level of football over there (in Ukraine)," said Jol. "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 skillful (football). It's a very good footballing team.

"We are confident, but 0-0 will not be the best of results. We need a cushion to go there because at home they are strong. We'll need a good result."



http://www.skysports.com/story/0,,11095_7108032,00.html? (http://www.skysports.com/story/0,,11095_7108032,00.html?)
Title: Re: Thursday Fulham Stuff (18/08/11)
Post by: WhiteJC on August 18, 2011, 07:40:14 AM
 
Stockdale Agony!

Over in Suffolk, David Stockdale isn`t having the best of times.

Sent to Portman Road, on loan, the Suffolk side are struggling and suffered a handsome walloping at the hands of Southampton last night.

Stockdale, although to be fair to him none of them were his fault, shipped five goals as Ipswich went down 5-2, at home to Southampton.

Never mind David, keep on smiling!



Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=251439#ixzz1VMONNVMU (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=251439#ixzz1VMONNVMU)
Title: Re: Thursday Fulham Stuff (18/08/11)
Post by: WhiteJC on August 18, 2011, 07:41:13 AM
 
Fulham in for Bentley
by LYDIA on AUGUST 17, 2011

Skysports have suggested that Jol is interested in out of favour David Bentley. The winger has had moments of brilliance when covering for Aaron Lennon. However he had a quite unsuccessful loan spell to Birmingham last season. Fulham seem to always be interested in Bentley and there is no doubt that he would add something to our squad this year. We need to give the squad more depth so I think Bentley would be a decent addition to the squad as long as he doesn't bring a big ego with him!


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/08/fulham-in-for-bentley/? (http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/08/fulham-in-for-bentley/?)
Title: Re: Thursday Fulham Stuff (18/08/11)
Post by: WhiteJC on August 18, 2011, 07:42:59 AM
 
Fulham    v    Dnipro

EUROPA LEAGUE PLAY-OFF ROUND QUALIFYING FIRST LEG
Venue: Craven Cottage Date: Thursday, 18 August Kick-off: 1930 BST Coverage: Latest scores and reports on BBC Sport website and updates on BBC Radio 5 live

TEAM NEWS
Simon Davies and Bjorn Helge Riise are both ruled out of Fulham's Europa League play-off first leg game against Dnipro at Craven Cottage.

Davies has a knee injury, while Riise is suffering with a hamstring problem.

Striker Bobby Zamora is set to start and will wear a protective cast on his broken hand.

The Ukrainians, coached by former Tottenham manager Juande Ramos, will give ex-Blackburn Rovers striker Nikola Kalinic his debut.

Fulham manager Martin Jol was controversially replaced by Ramos at Spurs four years ago, but he was keen to play down any talk of a grudge match.

He said: "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."



http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/14486526.stm? (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/14486526.stm?)
Title: Re: Thursday Fulham Stuff (18/08/11)
Post by: WhiteJC on August 18, 2011, 07:44:13 AM
 
Game Preview - Dnirpo (h)

It's being billed as though two amateur boxers are squaring up on the biggest of stages on Thursday evening, not when Fulham face Dnirpo in the final hurdle that halts progression to the group stages in our favourite European competition, but when Martin Jol pits his extensive wit and know-how against that of his former Spurs successor Juande Ramos.

Of course, as always in the World of misty-eyed tabloid journalism, the affair has been a little exacerbated by heady ramblings, and Martin Jol moved quickly to diminish any hopes of a touchline fist fight which, most assuredly, Martin Jol would win with comparative ease. "I don't want to focus on the coaches," said Jol, probably deep in thought of the many ways he could sit on Juande Ramos and make him beg for painless mercy.



If there is, however, a statistical battle that has ever been fought between the pair, our manager would have the bragging rights - not least based on their current destinations. While Dnirpo do provide a steady and easily inflatable ship for Ramos to pump up to nigh-on explosion, there is little doubt that to surpass Shakthar Donetsk in their respective Ukrainian league, they'd have to spend more money on talent than News of the World did on private investigators.

Dnirpo have unquestionably improved over recent years, however, and their European pedigree is respectable enough to concern us, and to force Gavin Hamilton of World Soccer Magazine to suggest we have the 'trickiest draw of all the English teams'. As latterly as 2005, Dnirpo achieved a place in the last sixteen of the UEFA Cup, only to be thwarted by a decent Partizan Belgrade side. 2011 saw them finish fourth in the Ukrainian Premier League.

Their form of late is mixed and their strike force is strongly recognisable - Blackburn's Nikola Kalinic now leading the line. Shakhtar recently defeated Ramos' side with unnerving ease, winning 3-1 on Dnirpo's turf, with the home side dropping to a measly ninth in the table. It's early days, however, with only six games played.

Fulham's form has been similarly mixed, though a defeat is yet to be marked on the Cottager's fixture list in what is set to be an extensive campaign. Though our competitive tests so far have not been worthy of such an overwhelming descriptive, we still uphold an undefeated record - our sturdiest analysis provided in Croatia by RNK Split. Villa visited SW6 on Saturday and left pleased, a point and an in form goalkeeper their rewards for a resilient performance.

A confirmed non-starter on Thursday night remains Bjorn Helge Riise, who, while watching his brother reach the stimulating heights only regular Premier League football can bring, is injured. Simon Davies joins him and following Carlos Salcido's departure to Tigres on a year-long loan, the squad is yet again thinning.

For Dnirpo, Kalinic is set to make his début after what Ramos claimed were 'exhausting' negotiations over his transfer.

Let's hope their goalkeeper is also exhausted after Thursday evening's game.

Score Prediction: Fulham 2 - 0 Dnirpo

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



http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2011/8/17/2368443/game-preview-dnirpo-h? (http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2011/8/17/2368443/game-preview-dnirpo-h?)
Title: Re: Thursday Fulham Stuff (18/08/11)
Post by: WhiteJC on August 18, 2011, 07:45:50 AM
 
Roger Brown

Six foot two, eyes of blue, Roger Brown is after you!

This was not the post I intended to write this week but I've been somewhat taken aback by the news that, former centre back and club captain, Roger Brown passed away this morning at 58 years old.

Roger signed the year I started going to Craven Cottage. He was injured on his debut, a 2-1 loss at home to Chelsea, and didn't make another appearance until the following season by which tie we'd been relegated. He played regularly in that first year in Divsion Three and, if my memory serves, was made club captain only after Bobby Campbell had been sacked and Malcom MacDonald taken charge of the team.

The next two seasons, which corresponded with me attending nearly every home game as well as several away, he was an ever present. He scored an impressive 12 goals in 1981-82 including the header, pictured below, against Lincoln City which confirmed our promotion. His presence contributed to an incredible season in 1982-83 which saw us almost achieve back to back promotions, reaching the very brink of First Division football before failing at the last.

The 1983-84 season saw Malcolm MacDonald resign due to non-football related press allegations, and subsequently the team that had done so well systematically broken up. Roger returning to Bournemouth, the club who had given him his first professional job, towards the end of 1983.

It may not have lasted long but Roger left his mark on Fulham history. To me he WAS the heart and soul of Fulham. A lion on the field, physically tough and completely committed, but a gentlemen off it.

Rest in peace Roger.

(http://cravencottagenewsround.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/roger-brown.gif?w=600&h=391)
Photo copyright Ken Coton check out more of Ken's work via the link
Title: Re: Thursday Fulham Stuff (18/08/11)
Post by: WhiteJC on August 18, 2011, 07:48:43 AM
 
Jol focused on getting Fulham to Europa League group stages but cannot hide disdain for Ramos

Fulham manager Martin Jol did his best to play down suggestions of bad blood between himself and Juande Ramos but the disdain the Dutchman feels towards the man who replaced him at Tottenham is inescapable.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/08/17/article-2027118-0D6A3CF000000578-119_468x286.jpg)
Good to be back: Jol is pleased to be managing in England again

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/08/17/article-2027118-01E88CE1000004B0-141_468x286.jpg)
Axed: Jol was sacked by Spurs in October 2007

Likely line-ups:
Fulham (4-4-2): Schwarzer; Hughes, Hangeland, Senderos, J-A Riise; Duff, Murphy, Etuhu, Sidwell; Zamora, Johnson.
Dnipro (4-4-2): Lashtuvka; Mandzyuk, Kulakov, Giuliano, Konoplyanko; Olienik, Cheberyachko, Strinic, Boateng; Rotan, Kalinic.
Referee: Pavel Kralovec (Cz).

Four years after Ramos, then manager of Sevilla, was approached about Jol's job at White Hart Lane, the two managers go head to head for the first time at Craven Cottage on Thursday night.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/08/17/article-2027118-021C2356000004B0-520_306x266.jpg)
Replacement: Ramos took charge of Spurs after Jol and won the Carling Cup

Legend has it that Jol was told during a 2-1 UEFA Cup defeat by Getafe that he was being replaced.

He went on to manage Hamburg and Ajax before Fulham.

But, after failing at Tottenham and Real Madrid, Ramos was sacked after 47 days at CSKA Moscow before taking over at Ukrainian side Dnipro who visit Fulham in a Europa League play-off.

When asked about the paths their careers had taken, Jol said with a smirk: 'They pay well in Ukraine.
'Will I shake his hand? I will always respect people in football.

'I'll forget him and we go on. He'll probably forget me as well, as he did before.'




Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2027118/Jol-keen-focus-Fulham-Ramos-reunion.html#ixzz1VMQ9kENr (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2027118/Jol-keen-focus-Fulham-Ramos-reunion.html#ixzz1VMQ9kENr)
Title: Re: Thursday Fulham Stuff (18/08/11)
Post by: WhiteJC on August 18, 2011, 07:50:02 AM
 
Source: Eddie Johnson pulls out of MLS deal with another opportunity in place

Eddie Johnson has pulled out of his deal with Major League Soccer.

A day after MLS announced Johnson's return, a source close to the player told Goal.com that the league did not reach Johnson's salary demands.

Johnson entered negotiations with the understanding that he would not be a Designated Player, but he believed he would be among the highest paid players in MLS, which is not a guarantee.

The source said that Johnson would not have left the MLS offer on the table if he did not already have another opportunity in place to play elsewhere next season.

Johnson made his name in the North American league with FC Dallas between 2001-06, and then with the Kansas City Wizards from 2006-08, 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.



http://sports.yahoo.com/soccer/news?slug=goal-sourceeddiejohnsonpullsouto (http://sports.yahoo.com/soccer/news?slug=goal-sourceeddiejohnsonpullsouto)
Title: Re: Thursday Fulham Stuff (18/08/11)
Post by: WhiteJC on August 18, 2011, 07:53:03 AM
 
RAMOS: ONUS IS ON THE CLUBS

Dnipro boss Juande Ramos believes Tottenham are to blame for the manner in which he replaced Martin Jol as manager four years ago.

The Dutchman was sacked as Spurs coach after a poor start to the 2007/08 campaign and was swiftly replaced by the then Sevilla coach.

Ramos met with Tottenham officials while the Dutchman was still at the helm and comes face to face with the man he replaced for the first time on Thursday evening in the Europa League play-off first leg.

Earlier on Wednesday, Jol played down talk of animosity with Ramos, who believes the club are to blame for the controversial circumstances.

"It really is not up to coaches to decide the future of their career," he said.

"We're all professionals here and only clubs can make the decision of who they want to keep and who they want to send out.

"Really, it is not up to us. It really is up to the clubs."

Dnipro come into Thursday's match as relative unknowns in England, although they boast a host of international players including former Blackburn striker Nikola Kalinic.

Much is expected of Ramos' side back in Ukraine and the former Real Madrid coach hopes to cause an upset in west London.

"It's very pleasant to know that our supporters and fans expect victory from us," he said.

"We hope to be able to secure the victory against Fulham and hope the game is only the beginning.

"The match is really over 180 minutes and there is still a second leg to take place back home.

"While expectations are high, we still need to work hard to make sure we win.

"Each football match has its own characteristics and the game will be a competitive one.

"We understand it is quite challenging to be playing Fulham but we also understand the game is a competitive one.

"In each game both teams have a chance and we can only succeed if we work hard and play hard."



http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/11/08/17/SOCCER_Dnipro_Ramos.html&TEAMHD=soccer&BID=165 (http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/11/08/17/SOCCER_Dnipro_Ramos.html&TEAMHD=soccer&BID=165)
Title: Re: Thursday Fulham Stuff (18/08/11)
Post by: WhiteJC on August 18, 2011, 07:54:18 AM
 
Fan's perspective: Will Eddie Johnson join the Chicago Fire?

On Aug. 16, the MLS announced that Eddie Johnson will be returning to Major League Soccer. The Chicago Fire are fourth in line in the MLS allocation order and have the potential of adding this striker to the roster. Fans may find out the player's fate by the end of the week.

Background on Eddie Johnson

Eddie Johnson played for Kansas City and FC Dallas in the MLS for seven years before leaving to join European clubs. He scored a total of 41 goals in more than 100 appearances during his time with the MLS. In 2008, Johnson went to the Premier League Fulham, but was later loaned to Cardiff City, Aris and Preston North End. During his time with the European clubs, Eddie Johnson has scored seven goals.

Allocation Order

The MLS allocation order places the Chicago Fire in the fourth spot. Chivas USA will have the first opportunity to acquire Eddie Johnson, but they may not want him. Recent rumors indicate that Juan Pablo Angel may be joining Chivas USA, so they may pass on the opportunity to acquire Johnson.

The Houston Dynamo are the second team on the allocation list, but they recently acquired forward Carlo Costly. It is unlikely that they will add a second striker in such a short period of time. Toronto FC, the third team on the list, have seven forwards and are probably not willing to spend money on an eighth one.

Possible Addition

If they are given the opportunity through the allocation process, the Chicago Fire may add Eddie Johnson. Although the roster already has several strikers, I would not be surprised by another addition. It would give the team more options and let them rotate more players. However, I am a little concerned about Johnson's fitness level and worried that he has deteriorated since leaving the MLS.

Johnson did not amaze the European clubs with his skills during his absence from MLS. His return to Major League Soccer feels more like a step down rather than career advancement. Although he is still considered a decent striker, I think the Chicago Fire already have a slew of decent players that do not bring results on the field.



http://sports.yahoo.com/mls/news?slug=ycn-8978205 (http://sports.yahoo.com/mls/news?slug=ycn-8978205)
Title: Re: Thursday Fulham Stuff (18/08/11)
Post by: WhiteJC on August 18, 2011, 07:55:07 AM
 
RIP - Roger Brown

The sad news reached us today that a former Fulham favourite, Roger Brown, had died.

Aged 58, Roger will be remembered as a fine centre back whom was loyal to the cause and gave his all for our club.

Our thoughts are with his family.

RIP



Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=251470#ixzz1VMS7qJ8c (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=251470#ixzz1VMS7qJ8c)
Title: Re: Thursday Fulham Stuff (18/08/11)
Post by: WhiteJC on August 18, 2011, 07:56:39 AM
 
Cheerio Carlos

It was something that was always on the cards and something the club were always amicable to.

Our Mexican defender had expressed a desire to return to Mexico after being unsettled by a robbery at his home.

Well Carlos has gotten his wish after terms were agreed whereby he`ll go on loan to Tigres for the season.

Carlos made 23 appearances for Fulham last season and we`d like to wish him well in the latest chapter of his career.



Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=251471#ixzz1VMSQF36a (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=251471#ixzz1VMSQF36a)
Title: Re: Thursday Fulham Stuff (18/08/11)
Post by: WhiteJC on August 18, 2011, 07:57:45 AM
 
Europa League: Mixed evenings for Stoke, Fulham and Birmingham
Three English teams are in action this evening and provide plenty of betting opportunities...

(http://news.ladbrokes.com/en-gb/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/zammolarge.jpg)

With the Premier League finally underway, the thought of some midweek Europa League games might not be the most appealing of prospects.

However, with Stoke City, Birmingham City and Fulham all in action tonight, there are plenty of ways to make a very tidy profit.

Thun vs Stoke City (6.30pm)

Stoke travel to Switzerland for their first-leg game against Thun this Thursday having already seen off the even more obscure Hajduk Split in the last qualifying round.

The Potters head into this game as 7/5 favourites and look good to head back to the Britannia with a lead.

They were solid in their goalless draw with Chelsea at the weekend and, with Thun winning just one of their previous five games, backing a victory for Stoke looks like the bet.

Nacional vs Birmingham (7.45pm)

Championship side Birmingham have had a mixed start in the second tier with a win and a defeat in their opening two games.

Meanwhile, Portuguese side Nacional have drawn their opening game in their top-tier league and comfortably dispatched FH and Hacken in earlier Europa League rounds at home.

The Blues haven't won a competitive away game since a 1-0 victory over West Ham United in February so back Nacional to win at 5/6.

Fulham vs Dnipro

Fulham's Europa League credentials are already established thanks to their final appearance in 2010.

They should continue their good European form on Thursday with a win against Dnipro of the Ukraine.

The Cottagers haven't so much as conceded a goal in their four competitive home games this term and should comfortably see off Dnipro in the first leg.

Back Martin Jol's men to win at 4/6.



http://news.ladbrokes.com/en-gb/football/europa-league/europa-league-mixed-evenings-for-stoke-fulham-and-birmingham_072958.html (http://news.ladbrokes.com/en-gb/football/europa-league/europa-league-mixed-evenings-for-stoke-fulham-and-birmingham_072958.html)
Title: Re: Thursday Fulham Stuff (18/08/11)
Post by: WhiteJC on August 18, 2011, 07:59:03 AM
 
Agent of Porto's Miguel Lopes does not rule out Fulham switch
The defender's representative does not exclude a move to the Premier League side as his charge is hoping to find first-team action away from Porto

The agent of Porto right-back Miguel Lopes has refused to knock down the possibility of the player joining Fulham.

The Portugal Under-21 international is highly expected to leave Porto in the transfer window following the €13 million signing of Santos' Danilo.

Lopes returned to Porto from a season on loan at Betis with hopes of securing a place at the Portuguese champions but has not featured for the club in the pre-season.

Betis and Zaragoza are believed to be targeting a loan move for the 24-year-old, but a report in news daily AS claims Fulham are weighing up a €1.5m bid for the player.

Questioned about a potential move to Fulham, Lopes' representative did not rule out a move to Craven Cottage as the defender is looking to get playing time.

"His wish is to play at Porto, if that cannot happen, then Porto must find the best solution for him," Artur Fernandes told Goal.com.

"No offer has yet been made and any club who want him must contact Porto first."



http://www.goal.com/en/news/596/exclusive/2011/08/17/2624556/agent-of-portos-miguel-lopes-does-not-rule-out-fulham-switch? (http://www.goal.com/en/news/596/exclusive/2011/08/17/2624556/agent-of-portos-miguel-lopes-does-not-rule-out-fulham-switch?)
Title: Re: Thursday Fulham Stuff (18/08/11)
Post by: WhiteJC on August 18, 2011, 08:00:24 AM
 
Remembering Roger Brown
by DAN on AUGUST 17, 2011

There's not much I can add to Chopper's fine post on CCN remembering Roger Brown.

He was, of course, well before my time at Fulham but the memories of many others tell the story. As does the fact that he was a key part of Malcolm Macdonald's fantastically enterprising side that so nearly went all the way to the top flight.

This was perhaps the moment he'll be most remembered for:

Fulham v Lincoln 1982 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5V-S-di3iEs#)

Let's hope the boys pay him a fitting tribute tomorrow night.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/08/remembering-roger-brown/? (http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/08/remembering-roger-brown/?)
Title: Re: Thursday Fulham Stuff (18/08/11)
Post by: WhiteJC on August 18, 2011, 08:02:41 AM
 
Porto's £1.4m-rated defender Lopes joins Fulham's wish-list

Fulham have added Porto's Miguel Lopes to their list of potential right backs and are willing to offer £1.4million.

Craven Cottage manager Martin Jol has shown interest in Serge Aurier of Lens, Dnipro's Samuel Inkoom and Cristian Zaccardo from Parma.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/08/17/article-2027192-0D6A3CF000000578-626_468x286.jpg)
Defender search: Martin Jol looking to Porto's Lopes

Lopes, 24, was sent out on loan last season to Real Betis by their then manager Andre Villas-Boas.

The Spanish side want him back but Jol is keen, having also just loaned out Carlos Salcido, 31, to Mexican side Tigres.

Jol has again been linked with interest in Tottenham's David Bentley and admitted he may make a bid to sign Ajax striker Mounir El Hamdaoui.

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



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2027192/Fulham-hunt-Porto-defender-Miguel-Lopes.html#ixzz1VMTu2KO8 (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2027192/Fulham-hunt-Porto-defender-Miguel-Lopes.html#ixzz1VMTu2KO8)
Title: Re: Thursday Fulham Stuff (18/08/11)
Post by: WhiteJC on August 18, 2011, 08:03:46 AM
 
Fulham linked with Carlton Cole
by DAN on AUGUST 17, 2011

(http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Football/Clubs/Club_Home/2010/12/26/1293371417572/Carlton-Cole-007.jpg)

Tomorrow's Daily Mirror links Fulham with a move for West Ham striker Carlton Cole.

Cole, 27, has started the season with relegated West Ham but has interested several Premier League clubs. The former Chelsea has already turned down the chance to join Stoke and Martin Jol is known to be keen on recruiting back-up for Bobby Zamora.

Cole, who scored 11 goals in 43 appearances for the Hammers last season, got off the mark with a goal in West Ham's 4-0 win at Watford last night. The Mirror suggests he is keen to stay in London, but the sticking point to a possible deal will probably be West Ham's valuation of the player.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/08/fulham-linked-with-carlton-cole/? (http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/08/fulham-linked-with-carlton-cole/?)
Title: Re: Thursday Fulham Stuff (18/08/11)
Post by: WhiteJC on August 18, 2011, 08:04:59 AM
 
United snub Fulham Diouf loan bid
by DAN on AUGUST 17, 2011

(http://d.yimg.com/i/ng/sp/empics/20100116/23/4095658804-soccer-barclays-premier-league-manchester-united-v-burnley-old-trafford.jpg)

Fulham have an approach to take Manchester United forward Mame Biram Diouf on loan turned down.

The Senegalese striker spent last season on loan at Blackburn Rovers, scoring six times in 30 appearances at Ewood Park. Martin Jol was apparently keen to take the 23 year-old on loan, but was told that he would only be available for a permanent transfer at £6m. The Fulham manager has turned his attentions elsewhere and interest from Everton and Blackburn has been cooled by Sir Alex Ferguson's valuation.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/08/united-snub-fulham-diouf-loan-bid/? (http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/08/united-snub-fulham-diouf-loan-bid/?)
Title: Re: Thursday Fulham Stuff (18/08/11)
Post by: WhiteJC on August 18, 2011, 08:06:14 AM
 
Europa League preview: Jol and Ramos go head-to-head

Martin Jol will face Juande Ramos tonight for the first time since he was replaced as Tottenham manager by the Spaniard in 2007. Jol's Fulham host Ukrainian side Dnipro, now managed by Ramos.

Ramos's spell in charge lasted only one year. "He was there for 10 or 11 months and moved on and then ended up in the Ukraine," Jol said. Fulham, whose left-back Carlos Salcido joined Mexican club Tigres on a season-long loan yesterday, will be without Simon Davies and Bjorn Helge Riise.


Roger Brown, who played for Fulham in the early 1980s, passed away yesterday morning.

Matthew Upson could make his Stoke City debut in Switzerland tonight, as Tony Pulis's side travel to FC Thun. Jonathan Woodgate will not be risked.

Birmingham City play Nacional in Portugal, and manager Chris Hughton wants to keep the tie alive. "It's not just about one game," he said, "it's about doing it over a couple of games." Cameron Jerome, Nikola Zigic and Marlon King are all out.

Rangers travel to NK Maribor of Slovenia, while Celtic host Swiss side FC Sion.



http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/europa-league-preview-jol-and-ramos-go-headtohead-2339476.html? (http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/europa-league-preview-jol-and-ramos-go-headtohead-2339476.html?)
Title: Re: Thursday Fulham Stuff (18/08/11)
Post by: WhiteJC on August 18, 2011, 08:07:57 AM
 
Fulham v Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk, Europa League play-off, 7.30pm Thursday 18 August
Fulham's Martin Jol promises due respect for Dnipro's Juande Ramos
• Jol bears no ill feeling towards successor at Tottenham
• Recognises threat of Ukrainian side to Fulham

(http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Football/Pix/pictures/2011/8/17/1313613226452/Fulham-manager-Martin-Jol-005.jpg)
The Fulham manager, Martin Jol, has refused to condemn Juande Ramos for
succeeding him at Tottenham Hotspur. Photograph: Tony O'Brien/Action Images


The Fulham manager, Martin Jol, will come face to face with Juande Ramos at Craven Cottage this evening insistent that he bears no ill feelings towards the man who controversially replaced him at Tottenham Hotspur almost four years ago.

Ramos brings the Ukrainian side Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk to south-west London for the first leg of the Europa League play-off tie and Jol is dismissive of suggestions the occasion offers him an opportunity to gain a measure of revenge for events back in 2007. The Dutchman's tenure at Spurs appeared to have been undermined when the club's then vice-chairman, Paul Kemsley, and club secretary, John Alexander, were photographed meeting Ramos, then Sevilla's manager, in a Spanish hotel.

It was another two months before Jol, whose side languished third-bottom in the Premier League at the time after a solitary win from their opening 10 games, was dismissed before a Uefa Cup tie against Getafe, with news of his sacking leaking out at half-time in that fixture. Ramos was duly appointed the following day. Asked whether he would shake hands with the Spaniard on Thursdaynight, Jol nodded and said: "Always I respect people in football. For me the main thing is to get to the next round of this competition. If we don't, it's nothing to do with him. I'll forget him and we go on. He'll probably forget me as well, as he did before.

"You can always have ill feeling when you leave a club. But I've left clubs before Spurs and I've left them since. I left Hamburg after a year. It's not about him. It's about other people, always. I've had over 1,100 games in football as a player and a manager, so I know this happens. As it was, he [Ramos] was there for 10 or 11 months and moved on and ended up in the Ukraine. So it's something to think about."

That was said with a smile. Jol's career path has taken him to Hamburg and Ajax before he secured his return to the Premier League this summer, with Ramos' brief spell at White Hart Lane – he claimed the Carling Cup in 2008 but was sacked after a dismal start to the following season – having been followed by a brief spell at Real Madrid and 47 days with CSKA Moscow. He joined Dnipro in October 2010, although the Ukrainians are currently enduring a rather sluggish start to their own domestic campaign.

"It really is not up to coaches to decide the future of their respective careers," said Ramos when asked about his imminent meeting with the man he replaced at White Hart Lane. "We're all professionals and only clubs can make the decision of who they want to keep and who they want to sack. Really it's not up to us. It's always up to the clubs."

Jol, while acknowledging this as his side's sternest test of the season to date, will rest some first-team players against Dnipro with Sunday's trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers in mind. Both Simon Davies (knee) and Bjorn Helge Riise (hamstring) will be absent and Steve Sidwell and Moussa Dembélé are likely to feature. "I'll pick players in this game that I trust," the Dutchman added before his team's eighth competitive game of the campaign. "We'll have to aim not to concede and get a nice cushion to go there, because we'll need that. NK Split were a good side [in the previous round] but this will be a different kettle of fish. At home Dnipro are a very strong team so we'll need a good result."



http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/aug/18/martin-jol-fulham-juande-ramos-dnipro? (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/aug/18/martin-jol-fulham-juande-ramos-dnipro?)
Title: Re: Thursday Fulham Stuff (18/08/11)
Post by: WhiteJC on August 18, 2011, 08:09:13 AM
 
MARTIN JOL OUT TO RAM HOME VICTORY

FULHAM boss Martin Jol is out to make sure Juande Ramos remains the forgotten man of Europe.

Jol has unfinished business with Dnipro boss Ramos, who replaced him at Tottenham at half-time during a UEFA Cup match in October 2007.

The Spaniard had spoken with Spurs officials two months before he took over.

It has taken almost four years for the pair to cross paths. After Spurs, Jol went on to Hamburg and Ajax, while Ramos flopped at White Hart Lane.

Ramos then had an unsuccessful spell at Real Madrid before a 47-day stint at CSKA Moscow and then on to Ukraine side Dnipro.

Jol bears no ill-feeling and believes Ramos's exile out east is punishment enough.

He said: "He was there at Spurs for 10 or 11 months and moved on and ended up in the Ukraine. So... it's something to think about.

"It's not about him. It's about other people, always. I've had over 1,100 games as a player and a manager and I know this happens.

"It is my first time to play against one of his teams, he was in Russia and Ukraine, which is a bit far to play him every week.

"For me, the main thing is to get to the next round. If not, it's nothing to do with him. I'll forget him and we go on. He'll probably forget me as well, as he did before."

Fulham began their Premier League season with a 0-0 draw against Aston Villa and Jol will mix things up at Craven Cottage tonight in a bid to gain a first-leg lead.

"We will play with a few other players," he said.



http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/206616/Martin-Jol-out-to-Ram-home-victory/? (http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/206616/Martin-Jol-out-to-Ram-home-victory/?)
Title: Re: Thursday Fulham Stuff (18/08/11)
Post by: WhiteJC on August 18, 2011, 08:10:26 AM
 
BRAZIL TO PLAY GHANA IN FRIENDLY AT CRAVEN COTTAGE

BRAZIL will play Ghana in a friendly at Craven Cottage on September 5.




http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/265690/Brazil-to-play-Ghana-in-friendly-at-Craven-Cottage? (http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/265690/Brazil-to-play-Ghana-in-friendly-at-Craven-Cottage?)
Title: Re: Thursday Fulham Stuff (18/08/11)
Post by: WhiteJC on August 18, 2011, 08:12:11 AM
 
Premier League - Match facts: Wolves v Fulham

Facts and figures ahead of the Premier League clash between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Fulham at Molineux.

In the three previous seasons where they have met, one of the games between Wolves and Fulham has ended as a 2-1 home win, the other as a draw.

Wolves have won just one of their last five Premier League games at Molineux, including a 1-1 draw with Fulham.

After going on a run of just one away win in 35 Premier League matches, Fulham have won their last two Premier League road trips without conceding.

Fulham have lost only one of their last seven Premier League matches.

Fulham conceded the highest percentage of first-half goals (63%) in the 2010-11 Premier League.

The Whites conceded just 23% of their goals from set pieces in 2010-11, the lowest percentage in the top flight.

There has been a goal in the 22nd minute in each of the last three Premier League games involving Wolves.

Wolves have gone nine games without a clean sheet.

Wanderers have won three of their last four Premier League matches.

Since the start of February Fulham have kept a clean sheet if they haven't conceded a goal in the first half.

Opta



http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/18082011/58/premier-league-match-facts-wolves-v-fulham.html (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/18082011/58/premier-league-match-facts-wolves-v-fulham.html)
Title: Re: Thursday Fulham Stuff (18/08/11)
Post by: WhiteJC on August 18, 2011, 08:14:24 AM
 
Mame Biram Ooof! United want £6m for striker

Manchester United want a staggering £6million fee for Mame Biram Diouf - after snubbing moves from Premier League rivals to take the reserve striker on loan.

The 23-year-old Senegalese forward was on loan at Blackburn last season and had a hit-and-miss campaign.

He scored a hat-trick in only his third Rovers appearance, against Norwich in the Carling Cup, but managed only three further goals in 29 more appearances.

But United chief Sir Alex Ferguson still wants a sky-high price for him, and interested clubs have been told that he is available for a permanent move rather than for hire.

Blackburn, Everton and Fulham have all checked out Diouf's availability, but none seem keen on him at United's inflated valuation.



Read more: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/transfer-news/Manchester-United-willing-sell-Mame-Biram-Diouf-but-want-6m-for-striker-linked-Blackburn-Everton-Fulham-article786609.html#ixzz1VMWwbKXr (http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/transfer-news/Manchester-United-willing-sell-Mame-Biram-Diouf-but-want-6m-for-striker-linked-Blackburn-Everton-Fulham-article786609.html#ixzz1VMWwbKXr)
Sign up for MirrorFootball's Morning Spy newsletter Register here
Title: Re: Thursday Fulham Stuff (18/08/11)
Post by: WhiteJC on August 18, 2011, 08:15:52 AM
 
EXCLUSIVE: West Ham looking to sell big-money duo

Relegated West Ham are hoping to offload big-earning duo Scott Parker to QPR and Carlton Cole to Fulham.

Rangers made a £4million bid for Parker on Wednesday night, but may need to double their offer to land the England midfielder.

The Premier League new boys have yet to splash much cash as they waited for the club's takeover by Tony Fernandes to be completed .

But the Malaysian airline entrepreneur will finalise the deal on Thursday after buying a 51 per cent stake from F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone.

Parker 30, has already turned down Fenerbahce and Stoke as he does not want to leave the capital.

But a switch to Loftus Road would suit £70,000-a-week Parker, who is also wanted by Aston Villa but is out of their price range.

Fulham, meanwhile, are chasing another centre-forward to provide cover for, and compete with, Bobby Zamora.

New Cottagers boss Martin Jol fancies Cole, who also wants to stay in London and has, like Parker, said no to Stoke.



Read more: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/transfer-news/QPR-bid-4m-Scott-Parker-West-Ham-skipper-while-Fulham-linked-Carlton-Cole-Hammers-striker-article786589.html#ixzz1VMXKVHX3 (http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/transfer-news/QPR-bid-4m-Scott-Parker-West-Ham-skipper-while-Fulham-linked-Carlton-Cole-Hammers-striker-article786589.html#ixzz1VMXKVHX3)
Sign up for MirrorFootball's Morning Spy newsletter Register here
Title: Re: Thursday Fulham Stuff (18/08/11)
Post by: WhiteJC on August 18, 2011, 09:04:45 AM
 
Martin Jol will face Juande Ramos tonight - the man who replaced him as Spurs manager

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 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 tonight 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 spells with Hamburg and Ajax and returned to English football this summer.

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



Read More http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/amateur-football/2011/08/18/martin-jol-will-face-juande-ramos-tonight-the-man-who-replaced-him-as-spurs-manager-100252-29256828/?#ixzz1VMjcfeaJ (http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/amateur-football/2011/08/18/martin-jol-will-face-juande-ramos-tonight-the-man-who-replaced-him-as-spurs-manager-100252-29256828/?#ixzz1VMjcfeaJ)
Title: Re: Thursday Fulham Stuff (18/08/11)
Post by: WhiteJC on August 18, 2011, 10:07:38 AM
 
Cottage duo to miss Dnipro test

Simon Davies and Bjorn Helge Riise are out of Fulham's Europa League play-off first leg against Dnipro at Craven Cottage on Thursday.

The midfield duo are still absent due to respective knee and hamstring problems ahead of the game against the Ukrainian outfit as Martin Jol's men look to reach the group stage of the competition.

However, the Dutch tactician will be able to call on influential striker Bobby Zamora, who will again wear a protective cast over his broken hand.

Meanwhile, Jol insists it is not a grudge match given that he will go up against Dnipro's Spanish coach Juande Ramos - the man who replaced him following his controversial sacking at Tottenham in 2007.

"I don't want to focus on the coaches," Jol said.

"He's important but not that important, the same as me. They have to show it on the pitch, don't make it more important than it is. I always respect people in football."

On the game itself, Jol added: "They play well. I was there last year playing Dynamo Kiev. I think it is a strong competition. It's a good team, if you know the level of football over there. 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 skillful (football). It's a very good footballing team.

"We are confident, but 0-0 will not be the best of results. We need a cushion to go there because at home they are strong. We'll need a good result."



http://www.eatsleepsport.com/fulham/cottage-duo-to-miss-dnipro-test-1263852.html?#.TkzWPHPHo98 (http://www.eatsleepsport.com/fulham/cottage-duo-to-miss-dnipro-test-1263852.html?#.TkzWPHPHo98)
Title: Re: Thursday Fulham Stuff (18/08/11)
Post by: WhiteJC on August 18, 2011, 10:09:33 AM
 
Martin Jol: Revenge no issue ahead of Juande Ramos' visit to Fulham
Martin Jol has played down talk of animosity with Dnipro coach Juande Ramos ahead of the first-leg of their Europa League play-off with Fulham tonight.

(http://img.metro.co.uk/i/pix/2011/08/18/article-1313654255957-0D76DBF700000578-562070_636x300.jpg)
Tense: Fulham manager Martin Jol will come up against his Tottenham successor Juande Ramos in tonight's
Europa League match with Dnipro (Picture: Getty Images)


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

Jol was keen to turn attention away from any potential grudge match yesterday but couldn't help aiming an apparent dig at the man who stepped into his shoes at White Hart Lane four years ago.

'He [Ramos] was there for ten or 11 months and then ended up in Ukraine,' said Jol with a smile. 'It's something to think about.'

Meanwhile, Cottagers midfielder Steve Sidwell believes Jol must strengthen his squad as the club look to meet the demands of continental football. Sidwell said: 'It [the Europa League] is great for the fans after what they experienced last year [when Fulham reached the final] but it's a long road [to the final].

'It's a tough, tough competition to win on top of the league season as well. For me, the Premier League is the hardest league in the world so we need a squad capable of challenging on both fronts.

We still need a few bodies in. The manager knows that and he's out looking.'

Sidwell admits the squad at Craven Cottage are already facing a fitness battle, just days into the new top-flight campaign.

Asked if it was hard to get up for these early-round matches, he added: 'It is. This time of year you're normally just finding your feet. But the further we go in the Europa League, the harder the games will get.'

Fulham season tickets now start at £397 for adults and £119 for juniors. Go to www.fulhamfc.com/seasontickets (http://www.fulhamfc.com/seasontickets)




Read more: http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/football/872699-martin-jol-revenge-no-issue-ahead-of-juande-ramos-visit-to-fulham#ixzz1VMztHRJT (http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/football/872699-martin-jol-revenge-no-issue-ahead-of-juande-ramos-visit-to-fulham#ixzz1VMztHRJT)
Title: Re: Thursday Fulham Stuff (18/08/11)
Post by: WhiteJC on August 18, 2011, 10:11:38 AM
 
Jol given Lopes hope

Martin Jol's hopes of signing FC Porto right-back Miguel Lopes have been boosted by his agent's admission he could be available.


The Cottagers chief has been linked with bringing in a new right-back before the transfer window closes at the end of August and the Portugal Under-21 international is the latest to be mentioned as a possible target.

Lopes' time at Porto appears to be over after the Portuguese and Europa League champions splashed out 13million euros to sign Danilo from Santos.

And, it is being reported that he could be set for a £1.4million move to Craven Cottage, while Real Betis - where Lopes spent time on loan last season - and Real Zaragoza have also been linked.

Lopes' agent Artur Fernandes refused to dismiss the possibility of the player moving to the Premier eague when asked about his future.

He told Goal: "His wish is to play at Porto, if that cannot happen, then Porto must find the best solution for him. No offer has yet been made and any club who want him must contact Porto first."

Meanwhile, speculation claims Jol is again looking at West Ham striker Carlton Cole and Tottenham winger David Bentley, while Manchester United have reportedly snubbed his attempts to sign Mame Biram Diouf on loan.




http://www.setanta.com/ie/Articles/2011/08/18/Jol-given-full-back-target-hope/gnid-105155/? (http://www.setanta.com/ie/Articles/2011/08/18/Jol-given-full-back-target-hope/gnid-105155/?)
Title: Re: Thursday Fulham Stuff (18/08/11)
Post by: WhiteJC on August 18, 2011, 10:22:25 AM
 
Fulham boss Jol plays up the ability of Ukranian side Dnipro

Dutch boss is however confident of victory at Craven Cottage

Fulham boss Martin Jol is playing up the ability of tonight's opponents Dnipro ahead of their Europa League play-off first leg at Craven Cottage tonight.

The Ukranian side have made a poor start to their domestic season and are currently ninth in a 16-team league six games in.

Jol however has sent a warning to his side, who have beaten Faroese minnows NSI Runavik, Northern Irish part-timers Crusaders and NSI Runavik of Croatia to get to this stage of the competition.

"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."

They head into the match off the back of a goalless draw with Aston Villa in their opening league match of the season last Saturday. Jol has faith however that his side has the firepower to test Dnipro.

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

"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."

For live interactive commentary of Fulham v FC Dnipro this Thursday evening join us at http://www.london24.com/sport/other/fulham (http://www.london24.com/sport/other/fulham) from 7pm.



http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/fulham_boss_jol_plays_up_the_ability_of_ukranian_side_dnipro_1_997810? (http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/fulham_boss_jol_plays_up_the_ability_of_ukranian_side_dnipro_1_997810?)
Title: Re: Thursday Fulham Stuff (18/08/11)
Post by: WhiteJC on August 18, 2011, 10:23:38 AM
 
Defensive Strength
(http://www.fulhamfc.com/Images/MainNews/NewsPages/Players/Senderos/General2.jpg)

Philippe Senderos is not underestimating the importance of tonight's UEFA Europa League Play-off encounter against FC Dnipro (Kick-Off 7:30pm).

The Swiss defender has enjoyed a positive start to the season with Fulham's defence performing well last weekend against Aston Villa - as well as in the Europa League qualification rounds.

But with Dnipro looking to secure a vital away goal, Senderos is well aware that a strong display at the back will be of paramount importance.

"We can't take Dnipro lightly," he told fulhamfc.com. "They're a good side and we want to go through to the group stages – that's very important for Fulham."

With competition for places at the back high, Senderos is also hopeful that the team will benefit ahead of a potentially game-packed campaign.

"If we go through in the Europa League it's going to be a lot of games and it's important that we have a good squad so we can rotate," he explained. "Hopefully, my fitness at the moment is quite good and it will continue to improve.

"It's good to have a lot of competition in these positions so it brings everyone to a higher level. We know that we've got different options at the back and in midfield. We all try to work as hard as we can to keep our places.

"It's important to keep everyone on a good level so that when we have to rotate, the players from the bench can produce good performances. For the moment, we've worked really hard in pre-season and everyone is at the top."



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/August/SenderosDniproPreview.aspx?#ixzz1VN3WICTa (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/August/SenderosDniproPreview.aspx?#ixzz1VN3WICTa)
Title: Re: Thursday Fulham Stuff (18/08/11)
Post by: WhiteJC on August 18, 2011, 11:39:30 AM
 
Ruiz claims Fulham interest
Cottagers could move for Costa Rican

Twente star Bryan Ruiz has revealed that Fulham have made a move for him and he would be keen to switch to Craven Cottage.

The highly-rated Costa Rican had been strongly linked with Tottenham and Harry Redknapp admitted his interest, although added he was not a top priority.

However, Ruiz has now revealed that a deal with Fulham could be on the cards.

Ruiz told De Telegraaf: "Fulham is a serious option for me.

"That is also a Premier League side and it is a fantastic league.

"Fulham already contacted my agent. If Fulham does become serious, we will definitely talk."

Ruiz has been linked with a number of clubs this summer, but he insists he is not worried about his future.

"It makes no sense to worry, because I can't do anything about it," he said.

"Of course I want a step forward, but believe me I don't have any problems for a longer stay at FC Twente. FC Twente is a fantastic club."



http://www.skysports.com/story/0,,11915_7109066,00.html? (http://www.skysports.com/story/0,,11915_7109066,00.html?)
Title: Re: Thursday Fulham Stuff (18/08/11)
Post by: WhiteJC on August 18, 2011, 11:41:01 AM
 
Rumours, Ramos and Roger

Martin faces off against the man who replaced him at Spurs, a Fulham legend leaves this world tragically young

Before we get down to previewing tonight's game with Dnipro, the sad news of the past 24 hours was Roger Brown losing his life to cancer at just 58. There's a tribute on the official site, but all long standing fans need no reminding of Roger's place in Fulham history. After making the '75 Cup Final - still our only ever appearance in England's showpiece cup competition, there was a gradual decline in our fortunes as we slipped down the divisions.

The team was revived under Malcolm McDonald but almost threw away promotion in 81/82 as nerves got the better of a young team over the run-in. Roger was a blond rock at centre-half and his 12 goals over the season remains a record for any defender. The crucial goal was a typically gutsy header in our final home game against Lincoln - a truly nerve-shredding night for fans who witnessed it - and the side went up, and then so nearly achieved another promotion the following season that would have put us into the top division.

Roger was at the Cottage for functions in recent years and insiders knew of his condition. He faced down his personal fight with fortitude in the same manner he played the game. The news yesterday brought to mind a match I reported on at Brentford in 1992. Arriving in the press box early the only other figure around was a certain Bobby Moore. We chatted - no, make that I chirruped away while Bobby listened - about Fulham-related stuff, Bobby then was doing radio work. I came away feeling he'd been a tad downbeat, almost monosyllabic. That winter Bobby too succumbed to bowel and liver cancer, a condition he'd chosen to keep private. England's World Cup winning captain, and a man in Fulham white for our Wembley final in '75, was gone at just 51. Representing FFC was Moore's final appearance at Wembley.

The football this week at the Cottage sees us take on Ukrainian side Dnipro for a place in the lucrative Europa League group stage. That would make six money spinning games in the run-up to Christmas, adding a handy £5 million pounds to club revenues. Two years ago we came through the mini-league stage, with hearts in our mouths, after ties with Roma, Basel and CSKA Sofia (Gera's header after Danny missed a pen - remember that?). Can we do it again?

Dnipro will be no pushover. They're managed by Juande Ramos, the man who replaced Jol at Spurs, although Martin has been quick to deny this is any kind of a 'grudge match.' Yes, our opponents walk in the shadow of Shakhtar in their domestic league, but they are no mugs. Before the USSR disintegrated Russia's national side of the late 80's (Euros finalists in '88 against the Dutch you may recall) relied heavily on players from the Ukraine. Dynamo Kiev were a formidable club at that time. Like us, Dnipro's star has risen in recent years with a millionaire backer and impressive new ground.

Czech keeper Jan Lastuvka, who had a short and not terribly impressive spell with us under Coleman, is on their books. Fulham are rumoured to have looked at their Ghanaian RB Sammy Inkoom, they've a couple of South Americans in their ranks and have just added Croatian international Kalinic to their attack in the past week from Blackburn. Goalscoring has been their problem this season. Dnipro sit halfway down the league and arrive on the back of a 3-1 loss to Shakhtar. But fully expect them to arrive in London ready to park the bus in front of goal.

Jol knows this is a step up in class for Fulham from the earlier rounds. He's emphasised the need to hold an advantage ahead of the return, as getting a result next week at their place could be a big ask. That means the side has to energise their attack from what we saw Saturday. Sidwell surely will start after Etuhu's poor display against Villa and we need to be at a high tempo from the off. With 20,000 expected let's hope we generate some of the passion from those famous nights two years ago and manage to build a two goal advantage at least.

As to those on-going transfer rumours...one thing Jol's done with the press is to quickly shoot down most of the names put to him. This week he dismissed any interest from the club in David Bentley. Now we hear Fulham are supposed to have bid for Porto's reserve right-back. Martin, why not pick Baird tonight and let him show what he can do on the big stage? Give the boy a break at least. I myself from my seat behind the goal will have AJ under scrutiny, but would be delighted if he bagged a hat-trick as he and Zamo terrorise the Dnipro back four. My instincts tell me however this may be your typically cagey European tie with our opponents happy simply to frustrate and break up our play.

Thursday begins with miserable grey skies and rain over a cool London. Well there's a Test match on at the sold-out Oval - what else did you expect? The trend for this lousy summer continues, but it should at least make the footie tonight by the river more exciting. Autumn is here already - and even my sister is coming along tonight with her boyfriend. That's not happened in a long time...

Enjoy the game and COYW! Twitter@fulhamphil



http://blogs.soccernet.com/fulham/archives/2011/08/rumours_ramos_and_roger.php? (http://blogs.soccernet.com/fulham/archives/2011/08/rumours_ramos_and_roger.php?)
Title: Re: Thursday Fulham Stuff (18/08/11)
Post by: WhiteJC on August 18, 2011, 11:42:18 AM
 
Fulham poised to end striker hunt by landing Ajax hitman

(http://www.talksport.co.uk/sites/default/files/imagecache/ts_news_article_header_image/Mounir_El_Hamdaoui_1.jpg)

Fulham boss Martin Jol is closing in on the signing of Ajax hitman Mounir El Hamdaoui, as first revealed on talkSPORT.co.uk back in June.

Jol said he wanted to sign a striker after drawing a blank in Fulham's opening-day goalless draw with Aston Villa.

And now he has confirmed his interest in signing the Moroccan forward for the third time as a manager.

Speaking to a Dutch magazine, Jol said: "It is not an unthinkable we could sign Mounir."




http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/transfer-rumours/9973/2/fulham-poised-end-striker-hunt-landing-ajax-hitman? (http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/transfer-rumours/9973/2/fulham-poised-end-striker-hunt-landing-ajax-hitman?)
Title: Re: Thursday Fulham Stuff (18/08/11)
Post by: WhiteJC on August 18, 2011, 12:04:50 PM
 
Matchday Programme
(http://www.fulhamfc.com/Images/MainNews/NewsPages/Programme/1112/Dnipro.jpg)

Standing just two games away from the UEFA Europa League proper, Fulham host Ukrainians FC Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk on Thursday evening in the home leg of the Play-Off Round at Craven Cottage.

And if you're coming to support the boys in the crunch encounter that could shape the rest of the season, be sure to pick up a copy of the Club's critically acclaimed official matchday programme.

After our run to the 2009/10 UEFA Europa League Final, programmes from each fixture have become rare collectors' items – particularly those from the qualifying stages, so pick your special edition up for the bargain price of £3 and get yourself a little piece of Fulham history.

As ever, this week's issue features insight from both Manager Martin Jol and Skipper Danny Murphy, plus an in-depth interview with midfield enforcer Dickson Etuhu and Academy starlet Kerim Frei.

Former Fulham favourite Rufus Brevett returns with his European column, plus there's everything you need to know about our Ukrainian opponents, as well as much reflection on the first game of the Barclays Premier League season last Saturday.

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

The official Fulham FC programme really is the essential matchday accessory and the most traditional piece of football memorabilia you can buy, so be sure to pick yours up this week from various sellers on Stevenage Road from two hours before kick-off.



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Fanzone/FFCMatchdayProgramme.aspx#ixzz1VNSxgNI1 (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Fanzone/FFCMatchdayProgramme.aspx#ixzz1VNSxgNI1)
Title: Re: Thursday Fulham Stuff (18/08/11)
Post by: WhiteJC on August 18, 2011, 01:23:34 PM
 
Wolves look to mark death of Frank Munro ahead of Fulham game

WOLVES are involved in talks to mark Frank Munro's passing at Sunday's game with Fulham.

The Scottish international died on Tuesday at the age of 63.

Mick McCarthy led the tributes: "I met Frank at different Wolves functions and he was a lovely fella.

"He wasn't that much older than me so I see him as one of my footballing peers and it's always sad when you lose someone who has made a major contribution to the game.

"Like everyone at the club, I would like to send my condolences to Frank's family and friends."

The flag outside Molineux is at half-mast for Munro who was a member of the teams that reached the UEFA Cup Final in 1972, won the League Cup in 1974 and won the Second Division in 1977.

Dave Wagstaffe, who together with Phil Parkes was at his bedside when he died, said: "Frank was the most skilful centre-half in the country and yet he never realised it. He played the game for fun.

"He was a great team-mate and a great friend and we are all going to miss him tremendously."




Read More http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/wolverhampton-wanderers-fc/wolves-fc-news/2011/08/18/wolves-look-to-mark-death-of-frank-munro-ahead-of-fulham-game-97319-29257874/?#ixzz1VNmnbyqN (http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/wolverhampton-wanderers-fc/wolves-fc-news/2011/08/18/wolves-look-to-mark-death-of-frank-munro-ahead-of-fulham-game-97319-29257874/?#ixzz1VNmnbyqN)
Title: Re: Thursday Fulham Stuff (18/08/11)
Post by: WhiteJC on August 18, 2011, 01:25:17 PM
 
Juande Ramos isn't that important, says Martin Jol ahead of grudge match

Former Tottenham manager Juande Ramos has braced himself for a grudge clash with Fulham's Martin Jol by insisting he was not to blame for the controversy surrounding the manner in which he succeeded the Dutchman at White Hart Lane.

Ramos tonight brings FC Dnipro to Craven Cottage for the first leg of a play-off to decide which side will reach the group stage of the Europa League knowing that Jol is still smarting from the manner in which he was deposed at Spurs four years ago.

Jol, the first Spurs manager since Keith Burkinshaw to qualify for European football in successive seasons, learned of his dismissal during a 2-1 defeat to Getafe in UEFA Cup back in October 2007. And it emerged that Spurs officials had already discussed his job with Ramos, then manager of UEFA Cup winners Sevilla.

Yesterday, Jol attempted to dismiss the notion that he might still feel a degree of animosity towards Ramos by saying: "He is important but not that important. The same as me. The main thing is to get to the next round."

Ahead of his first meeting with Ramos since the Spurs debacle, Jol said: "He was only there [at White Hart Lane] for 10 or 11 months and then he moved on and ended up in the Ukraine. It is something to think about, because they pay well."

Asked if he will shake Ramos by the hand, Jol responded: "I always respect people in football."

But he added: "I will forget him and we go on. He will forget me as well, as he did before."

It is against this background that Ramos will seek to ease the pressure already mounting on his new position. Dnipro have won just one of their last four domestic league fixtures.

Referring back to what happened at Spurs, Ramos insisted: "It really is not up to coaches to decide the future of their careers.

"Only clubs can make the decision of who they want to keep and who they want to send out.

"Really, it is not up to us. It really is up to the clubs."




http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-sport/football/article-23979339-juande-ramos-isnt-that-important-says-martin-jol-ahead-of-grudge-match.do? (http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-sport/football/article-23979339-juande-ramos-isnt-that-important-says-martin-jol-ahead-of-grudge-match.do?)
Title: Re: Thursday Fulham Stuff (18/08/11)
Post by: WhiteJC on August 18, 2011, 01:34:27 PM
 
Hull City prepare to terminate Jimmy Bullard's contract

Hull City are preparing to bring Jimmy Bullard's stay at the KC Stadium to an end by arranging to terminate his contract, reports BBC Radio Humberside.

In a statement on the Tigers website, chief executive Mark Maguire says that they will be making no further comment.

"I can confirm that the club has given notice to terminate the contract of Jimmy Bullard," stated Maguire.

"He has a right of appeal. It would be inappropriate to make further comment that might prejudice this process."

Hull initially suspended midfielder Bullard over what BBC Radio Humberside understands was an alleged breach of club discipline on the club's pre-season tour of Slovenia in July.

The 32-year-old club record signing signed for Hull, then still a Premier League club, from Fulham for £5m in February 2009.

But the former Peterborough and Wigan player suffered a serious knee injury 37 minutes into his debut at West Ham.

He has made just 24 appearances for Hull in two and a half years, ending last season on loan at Ipswich.

And the Tigers have reportedly been trying to sell him because he is on a reported £50,000 a week.




http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/14577100.stm (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/14577100.stm)
Title: Re: Thursday Fulham Stuff (18/08/11)
Post by: WhiteJC on August 18, 2011, 01:48:07 PM
 
Wolverhampton Wanderers V Fulham – Match Preview

Wolves enjoyed a fantastic start to the season with an away win against Blackburn and will be confident of beating a Fulham side who could only manage a goalless home draw against Aston Villa.

It was the start boss Mick McCarthy was hoping for as he looks to steer clear of another relegation battle this campaign. Martin Jol on the other hand will be disappointed his side didn't convert their chances against Villa, which was his first league game in charge at Craven Cottage. He'll be looking for much from his strikers as they squandered numerous opportunities to win the game last week and the Dutchman may opt to reshuffle is forward line if they are to overcome a confident Wolves side looking to secure back to back wins. McCarthy's men strolled to a comfortable victory against Blackburn and he will be particularly pleased with Steven Fletcher who scored one and harassed the Rovers defence all afternoon with his strength and pace.

Both teams have no new injury concerns and are likely to name near identical line-ups to the ones that were selected last week.

Key Players
Jamie O'Hara
Jamie O'Hara: A snip at £5 million the midfielder will be tasked with making things happen in the centre of the park along with delivering some teasing set-pieces.

Bobby Zamora
Bobby Zamora: The England striker was unlucky not to get on the score sheet last week and will be tasked by Jol to deliver the goals to get those vital first three points on the board.

Verdict: 1-0



http://www.footballfancast.com/2011/08/football-news/wolverhampton-wanderers-v-fulham-match-preview? (http://www.footballfancast.com/2011/08/football-news/wolverhampton-wanderers-v-fulham-match-preview?)
Title: Re: Thursday Fulham Stuff (18/08/11)
Post by: WhiteJC on August 18, 2011, 01:49:54 PM
 
THE MIKE NORMAN COLUMN
CELTIC, FULHAM, BIRMINGHAM EUROPA LEAGUE ACTION PREVIEWS


Celtic and Fulham have every chance of securing a first leg lead says Mike Norman, but for Championship side Birmingham, a lack of fit strikers is likely to be their downfall.

Celtic 1.57 v Sion 6.8; The Draw 4.4

Celtic will aim to avoid elimination at this stage of the Europa League for the second year running when they take on Swiss side FC Sion over two legs, starting with their re-routed first leg tie at Celtic Park. Having lost to Utrecht at this stage of the competition last season Celtic boss Neil Lennon has warned against a repeat outcome this time around, though any first leg advantage will have to be achieved without the injured duo of Gary Hooper and Beram Kayal.

The Bhoys have made a 100% start to their domestic campaign, winning three out of three in the Scottish Premier League, scoring eight goals in the process and conceding just the one. Their Swiss opponents started their own domestic campaign even earlier than the Scottish league however, Sion having played five games already, winning two, drawing two, and losing the other. Laurent Roussey's men are unbeaten on the road still, and they've scored at least one goal in all five of their league fixtures this season.

Sion are currently involved in an ongoing battle with Fifa about the length of a transfer embargo imposed on them, and that could mean that some players - perhaps defender Jose Goncalves being the most notable - will be ineligible for this tie. Celtic should win then, but not without a few hiccups along the way maybe, and therefore backing Both teams to Score at 1.92 looks well worth a wager (Over 2.5 Goals is available to back at only 1.84).

Fulham 1.68 v Dnipro 6.0; The Draw 4.0

Remarkably this will be Fulham's seventh game in this competition and their eighth game of the season all told. Having said that, despite this being Dnipro's first outing in the Europa League this term, the Ukranian outfit have played six games domestically so there should be no advantage to either side in terms of fitness and sharpness.

Similar to the Celtic v Sion game Dnipro bring mixed form to the table having won two, drawn two, and lost two of their six league games to date. But just like Sion, they are unbeaten away from home this term and they have scored in each of their six games played. That doesn't necessarily mean they'll score at Craven Cottage however as Martin Jol's outfit have recorded six clean sheets already this term and have conceded just one goal in over 630 minutes of football.

A full strength Fulham side should be too strong for a Dnipro team - managed by former Spurs boss Juande Ramos - that includes former Blackburn striker Nikola Kalinic, though I don't expect the game to be a goal-fest by any means. Under 2.5 Goals - available to back at 1.8 - is a likely outcome, whilst the 2-0 option in the Correct Score market is worth an interest at 8.0.

Nacional 1.9 v Birmingham 4.7; The Draw 3.78

Birmingham boss Chris Hughton faces a striker headache for the game in Portugal as Cameron Jerome, Marlon King, and Nikola Zigic will all be absent through injury, though whether the Brum boss would have played his first choice attackers is up for debate.

Birmingham's priority this term is undoubtedly to secure an immediate return to the Premier League and Hughton will surely use the Europa League - in this tie and any future ties should they progress - to give his fringe players some football. If that's the case then this trip to Portugal will be far from easy. Ivo Vieira's Nacional have won two out of two Europa League games at home this season without conceding a single goal, and with plenty of skilful Brazilians in their squad, they ought to be too good for a Birmingham side seemingly in decline.

I don't confess to knowing a lot about Birmingham's opposition but the fact is they are still in the top flight of Portuguese football and have a similar squad to the one that beat the likes of Benfica and Sporting Lisbon on home soil last season. All things considered then, a home win looks very fairly priced at 1.9.

Recommended Bets

Back Both teams to Score @ 1.92 in Celtic v Sion
Back Under 2.5 Goals @ 1.8 in Fulham v Dnipro
Back 2-0 Correct Score @ 8.0 in Fulham v Dnipro
Back Nacional @ 1.9 to beat Birmingham



http://www.sportingpreview.com/columns2012/11120303.php? (http://www.sportingpreview.com/columns2012/11120303.php?)
Title: Re: Thursday Fulham Stuff (18/08/11)
Post by: WhiteJC on August 18, 2011, 01:51:15 PM
 
Former Spurs target links himself with Fulham

Twente winger open to west London move

After Spurs rejected the chance to make an offer, Twente winger Bryan Ruiz has linked himself with a move to west Londoners Fulham.

The Costa Rican was watched by Harry Redknapp last week, but after it seemed their interest cooled, the 26-year-old was keen to make sure Martin Jol knew about his availability.

Ruiz told De Telegraaf: "Fulham is a serious option for me.

"That is also a Premier League side and it is a fantastic league.

"Fulham already contacted my agent. If Fulham does become serious, we will definitely talk."

Ruiz has been linked with a number of clubs this summer, but he insists he is not worried about his future.

"It makes no sense to worry, because I can't do anything about it," he said.

"Of course I want a step forward, but believe me I don't have any problems for a longer stay at FC Twente. FC Twente is a fantastic club."



http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/former_spurs_target_links_himself_with_fulham_1_998234? (http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/former_spurs_target_links_himself_with_fulham_1_998234?)
Title: Re: Thursday Fulham Stuff (18/08/11)
Post by: WhiteJC on August 18, 2011, 02:35:33 PM
 
Up next: Dnipro (h)
by DAN on AUGUST 18, 2011

After a disappointing start against Aston Villa on Saturday, there will be no room for manoeuvre against a dangerous Dnipro side this evening. Failure to beat the Ukrainians would place Fulham's hopes of reaching the group stages of the Europa League in real jeopardy, whilst even a narrow win might cause a few hearts to flutter ahead of the second leg next week.

Martin Jol has left his side under no illusions as to his expectations. The manager's preview over on the Offal talks about the need for goals. Fulham have been free-scoring in their European campaign so far, but this is their sternest test to date. The home fans will need no warning of the strength of Ukrainian football after Shakhtar passed Fulham off the park for an hour in a spellbinding first leg a couple of years ago and Juande Ramos' side are certainly confident of going one better than their domestic rivals.

Dnipro certainly have a few players capable of stretching the Fulham defence. Oleksiy Antonov, a 25 year-old close-season signing from FC Illichivets Mariupol, has already hit the ground running, scoring four goals in a blistering start to his Dnipro career. Ramos can also rely on the mercurial talents of Brazilian Matheus, who has previously starred for Braga in Europe, and will certainly occupy Fulham's defence this evening. Playing from slightly deeper, Ruslan Rotan will attempt to dictate the tempo of Dnipro's attacks. He has played almost 200 games for the club and is a regular with the Ukrainian national side. Nikola Kalinic, until recently of Blackburn, scored on his debut, whilst Fulham fans might be cheered by the prospect of Jan Lastuvka in goal. That might be harsh on the Czech keeper who struggled in a poor Fulham side back in 2007/08 and has rebuilt his career in the Ukraine.

Jol has a few selection dilemmas to solve this evening. We will get an indication of just how highly he regards the competition as a tough trip to Wolves follows on Sunday. Jol has hinted that he will look to shake things up a little, suggesting that the likes of Stephen Kelly and Matthew Briggs may play a part. Kelly hasn't featured for Fulham under the new manager and while the Republic of Ireland full-back did very well during our last European run, I'd fear that his inclusion at the expense of Chris Baird might signal the curtain coming down on the latter's Fulham career.

Plenty of Fulham fans will be wondering whether Jol might wish to freshen up the midfield. Dickson Etuhu, after a wretched display on Saturday, might be most vulnerable if Jol feels he could do without the Nigerian's steel against continental opponents. Steve Sidwell would be the most natural replacement, but both Pajtim Kasami and Marcel Gecov will also be hoping for a run-out. Gecov's yet to see any first-team action since signing for the club, whilst Kasami has been limited to tantalising cameos against RNK Split. If Jol wishes to rest key players prior to that trip to Wolves – where you would think Etuhu's physicality is a must – then the new arrivals could be in direct competition for a starting spot.

Up front, you would expect Bobby Zamora and Andy Johnson to start once again. On another day – and perhaps facing another goalkeeper – Zamora could have had a hat-trick on the opening day. His movement remains a real problem for even the most well-organised defences, even if there is still a question mark over his fitness after fracturing a bone in his hand. Johnson has been in excellent poaching form in the early rounds of the Europa League and his partnership with Zamora seems revived. With Moussa Dembele approaching match fitness, the competition for places should act as a spur for the pint-sized forward.

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



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