Davies delighted with early return
by DAN on DECEMBER 11, 2011
(http://www.fulhamfc.com/Images/MainNews/NewsPages/Players/davies/vSwansea.jpg)
Simon Davies was surprised but very pleased to make a quicker than expected return from his knee injury at Swansea yesterday.
The Welsh winger started Fulham's 2-0 defeat at the Liberty Stadium on Saturday after missing four months of action having injured his knee in Martin Jol's first game in charge of the Cottagers against NSI Runavik back in June. After injuries to Danny Murphy and Steve Sidwell left Jol short of options in midfield, Davies played alongside Dickson Etuhu in central midfield and lasted 77 minutes before being replaced by Orlando Sa as Fulham went in search of an equaliser.
Davies was delighted to be back but had thought he would have to feature in a couple more reserve games before making his first-team return at some point over the festive period.
I've had the all clear from the physio for about a week or so, and to be honest, I had been looking at the Christmas fixtures for a possible return.
I had hoped to get four of five reserve team games in first, as the first team is a tough place to get your fitness levels back up.
I'm still a long way off where I need to be, but the injuries we have here meant I was needed.
Davies also admitted it was tough to play in Wales so soon after the sudden death of national coach Gary Speed.
Gary was a fantastic guy, and like everyone else, it was a complete shock for me.
The 32 year-old was disappointed with the result on his return to one of his local sides, believing that a draw would have been a fairer outcome.
We knew it would be a tough game because Swansea keep the ball well and we had a lot of defending to do at times. But it was just disappointing because, after they scored, I thought we really put the pressure on them – especially with the penalty.
I think a draw at the end of it would have been a fair result, because we had some really good chances. But all credit to Swansea because they played football really well.
It says a lot that their 'keeper was man of the match. He saved two really good chances and obviously there was the penalty save as well. But, at this level, as we know from the last few years – you have to take your chances.
Davies is confident Fulham can bounce back from their Swansea setback and reach the knockout phase of the Europa League by beating Odense at Craven Cottage on Wednesday.
We've got a big week. It was a big game today, we've got a big one on Wednesday in Europe and Bolton at home on Saturday, so two big matches to take us into Christmas week which hopefully we'll be going into on the back of two good wins.
http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/12/davies-delighted-with-early-return/? (http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/12/davies-delighted-with-early-return/?)
It's Jol over! Zamora set for Fulham exit after striker suffers Swansea snub
Sunderland, Tottenham and Queens Park Rangers will lead the chase to sign Bobby Zamora.
The Fulham striker was left out of manager Martin Jol's squad for the visit to Swansea on Saturday.
And that could prove the catalyst for a January move as Zamora looks to regain his England place.
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/12/11/article-2072711-0F04A0A700000578-722_468x294.jpg)
Exit: Bobby Zamora has struggled to hold down a place at Fulham
Zamora had a meeting with boss Jol on Friday and it was made clear to him that he wouldn't be travelling to Wales.
Jol, who opted to start with Andy Johnson up front, said: 'Bobby is probably not the best substitute to have on the bench. I made the decision to play Johnson because he works hard in training.
'The last couple of weeks I played with Mousa Dembele and Bobby and I thought it was time to play Johnson again.
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/12/11/article-2072711-0F20C1C200000578-211_468x301.jpg)
Snub: Martin Jol left Zamora out of his squad for the trip to Swansea
'I don't have a problem with any player, the only thing I want is players to give 100 per cent to this club. Then there is no problem.
'I make decisions for the club and I told Bobby I would not take him to Swansea.
'But I still feel he wants to play for this club.'
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/12/11/article-2072711-0F215D4200000578-392_468x286.jpg)
Party time: Swansea celebrate during their home win over Fulham
Shot-shy Sunderland are in the market for a striker as new manager Martin O'Neill looks to bolster his attacking options.
And, according to The People, the Black Cats will be joined in the race by Zamora's former club Tottenham, and QPR.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2072711/Bobby-Zamora-set-leave-Fulham.html#ixzz1gJ1Vb5E8 (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2072711/Bobby-Zamora-set-leave-Fulham.html#ixzz1gJ1Vb5E8)
Zamora Puzzle
Not included in the squad of eighteen yesterday, many Fulham supporters would have been puzzled by the exclusion of Bobby Zamora from Martin Jol`s plans.
Had Bobby picked up an unfortunate injury was one line of enquiry.
Well apparently not! It transpires that Martin Jol had decided that Fulham didn`t need Bobby in their plans for the trip to Swansea.
The man in charge had decreed that our highly rated centre-forward was surplus to requirements and that Sa and Frei were far better options.
Or as Martin put it when pressed on the matter,
"Bobby is probably not the best substitute to have on the bench. I made the decision to play Johnson because he words hard in training."
"The last couple of weeks I played with Mousa Dembele and Bobby and I thought it was time to play Johnson again."
"I don`t have a problem with any player; the only thing I want is player sot give 100 per cent to this club. Then there is no problem."
"I make decisions for the club and I told Bobby I would not take him to Swansea."
"But I still feel he wants to play for this club."
he may well do but with aspirations of going to the Euro 2012 finals, with England, don`t be surprised if there is a showdown soon with Bobby possibly moving on in the January transfer window.
Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=265360#ixzz1gJ2GCKyt (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=265360#ixzz1gJ2GCKyt)
More Mumbo Jumbo?
It was a familiar story on the road yesterday, another defeat.
The difference being though; is that if you harbour serious ambitions of finishing high up the table surely you should be looking to get a result on the grounds of those teams that only got promoted last year.
After the game Martin Jol spoke about events and the possibility of bring in some new faces in January, commenting,
"I would like to strengthen here in January but it is about finding the specific players."
"Even before Clint`s penalty I thought we had chances. But the penalty situation was an ideal situation - if we had scored."
"The second goal would not have happened because it was down to the way we reacted to a set-piece. We have a good squad here and I don`t think there will be too many moves in January. I`m not worried about Bobby because I still think he wants to play for the club."
I can`t say there`s anything in those words to impress me. Is anyone else starting to have doubts about Jol?
Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=265359#ixzz1gJ2ariBs (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=265359#ixzz1gJ2ariBs)
The compelling case for Kerim Frei
by DAN on DECEMBER 11, 2011
(http://i.thisislondon.co.uk/i/pix/2011/12/Kerim-frei415.jpg)
With the possible exception of the timely return of Simon Davies, the only potential positive to draw from another bleak Fulham performance on the road was the latest exciting cameo from Swiss teenager Kerim Frei. The 18 year-old is making a habit of delivering dynamic displays off the bench – leading many to ask whether he should become a more integral part of Martin Jol's side – and his league debut at the Liberty Stadium didn't disappoint.
Fulham's attacking threat was almost insignificant for much of the game and the visitors only really seemed to go at Swansea once they had gone behind to Clint Dempsey's freak own goal. Even then, much of Fulham's play was depressingly predictable with a narrow front three of Ruiz, Dembele and Dempsey largely passing the around in front of the Swansea back four. Rarely did they break behind the Swansea defence and when they managed to plot a way through, they found Michel Vorm in outstanding form.
Frei might still be very raw but he's a prodigious talent. We saw from his outstanding full debut at Chelsea in the League Cup earlier in the season that he possesses the pace and trickery of an old-fashioned winger despite his frail build. He's got that confidence of youth too and has the one thing that most of Fulham's wide players lack – the ability and desire to attack and beat a full back. Frei's introduction for Moussa Dembele with 13 minutes to play yesterday was an attacking move from Jol (although it could have come a little sooner) and offered some genuine width that had been so apparently absent to that point.
Frei's pace and dribbling ability frighten even the most experienced of defenders. He surprised Alex at Stamford Bridge this season and he won the penalty that might have turned this game too. The build-up to it is as instructive as the end of his run, though. Frei cuts inside from the left, where he offered far more in terms of adventure than the overlapping John Arne Riise had mustered, and takes on Ashley Williams. The defender isn't sure which way he's going and Frei surges past on the inside. Faced with very little room to scamper away from Jazz Richards, Frei shifts the ball and makes for the gap before being crudely brought to ground. It was a memorising run and no wonder several of his team-mates were swiftly over to the congratulate 'the little fella,' as Jol amiably described him.
Though you obviously have to guard against burnout with a youngster who is clearly still developing physically, Frei needs games to aid his development. He won't get any better sitting on the bench or having the odd run-out in the reserves and he's demonstrated the ability to really worry defenders. With Bryan Ruiz ineligible for Wednesday's make-or-break Europa League tie against Odense, Frei should be given the freedom of Craven Cottage to carry Fulham into the next round. The little Swiss magician deserves a greater slice of first-team action. He's certainly making a compelling case for himself.
http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/12/the-compelling-case-for-kerim-frei/? (http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/12/the-compelling-case-for-kerim-frei/?)
Fulham watching Whittaker
by DAN on DECEMBER 11, 2011
(http://img.skysports.com/10/07/218x298/StevenWhittaker_2474236.jpg)
A report in today's Daily Record claims that Fulham are keeping tabs on Rangers full-back Steven Whittaker.
Martin Jol has placed a new right back high on his list of potential arrivals in the January transfer window after injury ended Zdenek Grygera's season and personal reasons have ruled Chris Baird out of recent matches. Whittaker, who has made 197 appearances in more than four years at Ibrox since a £2m move from Hibernian, signed a new long-term contract worth more than a £1m a year last season but such is the club's dire financial position that Rangers wouldn't be able to turn down a big offer.
The sticking point might well be Rangers' valuation of their 27 year-old Scottish international. Fulham would reportedly be willing to stretch to £3.5m to bring Whittaker down south, but the Scottish giants are ready to hold out for something more like £5m. Rangers owner Craig Whyte would like to make a dent in the club's massive wage bill, although manager Ally McCoist is keen not to lose any of his key players as the race for the SPL title hots up.
http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/12/fulham-watching-whittaker/? (http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/12/fulham-watching-whittaker/?)
Trotta scores again
by DAN on DECEMBER 11, 2011
On-loan striker Marcello Trotta scored again as Wycombe clinched a last-gasp win against Chesterfield yesterday afternoon.
The Italian teenager finished clinically from around 25 yards to score a second equaliser in a goalfest at Adams' Park. It was Trotta's second goal in as many games since joining Wycombe on loan from Fulham in November. He had also popped up with his first senior goal against MK Dons just two days after his arrival.
You can see the goal at the end of this video:
The best of Marcello Trotta (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3gI1IkEuXc#)
http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/12/trotta-scores-again/? (http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/12/trotta-scores-again/?)
Boss denies Zamora bust-up talk
Fulham manager Martin Jol has dismissed speculation of a falling-out with Bobby Zamora after he was omitted from the squad at Swansea.
Jol's decision backfired as without the England international striker the Cottagers crashed to a 2-0 defeat in South Wales after goals by Scott Sinclair and Danny Graham.
Clint Dempsey, who deflected Sinclair's effort into his own net, also missed the chance to score an equaliser when the Swans were only one up after Karim Frei won a penalty with four minutes left.
The talk after the game, however, was all about the absence of Zamora but Jol is adamant there is nothing sinister behind his exclusion.
He said: "I made the decision on Thursday to play Andrew Johnson because he works hard in training. The last couple of weeks we played with Mousa Dembele and Bobby up front and I thought the time was there to play Andrew Johnson again.
"I don't have any problem with any player. The only thing I want is for them to give 100 per cent to the club and then there is no problem.
"I need all my players. We have another important game (against Odense) on Wednesday and Bryan Ruiz can't play in Europe , we have a few little injuries so I need all my players.
"He (Zamora) is probably not the player who is the best substitute so I thought it was better to wait for next week and important games coming up. He wants to play for this club."
http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/boss-denies-zamora-bust-up-talk-1352739.html? (http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/boss-denies-zamora-bust-up-talk-1352739.html?)
Bobby finally crosses moral borderline
We've seen it before and we'll no doubt see it again. Jimmy Bullard got a taste of the high life in 2008 after becoming Fabio Capello's joker card, literally, in a World Cup qualifying match against Andorra. He didn't feature in the tie but his effervescent grin illuminated a pre-match press conference and he got an addiction for the big time.
Subsequently, he moved to Hull City in order to increase his weekly income twofold. Few could argue it was a move founded upon football reasoning.
While he may have avoided a public dressing-down from Mohammed Al Fayed in doing so, which, in fairness, is difficult to do if you upset him even to the slightest degree, he didn't steer clear of the Fulham fan's discontent. He got it from all angles - even Roy Hodgson chipped in with his characteristic charm.
It would seem, however, that for all the anger we've felt as fans of our club over the years - Mark Hughes and Lawrie Sanchez to name but a few - Bobby Zamora seemingly wants to get in on the act. He wants to prove to us all that there really is no loyalty in football any more.
Of course, it's difficult to truly comment on speculation. It's been widely reported that manager, Martin Jol, and Bobby Zamora have had a couple's tiff. Supposedly, it stems from the tactics of our new manager, and how Zamora feels they're not quite as stupendous as they should be.
By all accounts, he may be onto something. We haven't enjoyed a thrilling start to the season despite possessing what Brede Hangeland calls the best Fulham side he's witnessed since joining. Jol hasn't quite mastered the role, naming it his 'hardest job in management', while offering consistent scapegoats in the age of the squad and the lack of firepower.
He's still the man in charge though, and he has more credentials than Zamora can acclaim to. Not only did he take Tottenham Hotspur to a lasagne's width away from Champions League football, but he's reinvigorated minor Dutch sides such as Roda JC and RKC Waalwijk.
Who's Zamora to undermine him? An England international, yes, but is he even captain? Does he even deserve his role in the starting line up at any rate?
Because, while the bust-ups could be authentic rumour-mongering, his lackluster performances have been free for all to observe. Whether he feels his boots are too big for Fulham, or whether he simply can't put his differences behind him, the striker has been lethargic, demotivated and purely invisible on the football pitch.
Even in the win against Liverpool, he appeared disinterested and incapable of putting together some sort of traceable enthusiasm. Perhaps he forgot we were paying him almost three times more in a week than anyone in the crowd earned in a year. The fans had paid to watch their beloved Fulham perform, but if he's not prepared to put in a respectable shift, then why should he have a place in the first eleven?
And I'm not just speaking about a lack of goals. Even his hold up play isn't prevalent. He just doesn't want to play, and what right does he have to do that?
He's crossed the moral line and it's genuinely disappointing that he's done so. Zamora is a player of boundless ability and is a rare breed in these Premier League days of foreign imports and financial bafflement, but, unfortunately, his latest misdemeanor isn't anything we can consider rare at all.
He wants to go and we shouldn't step in his way. That he is such an integral part of our team becomes irrelevant when he won't even fulfil his duty.
Fair enough Bobby, don't play for Jol, but you should at least play for Fulham. Either that, or it's Hull City for you.
http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2011/12/11/2628651/bobby-finally-crosses-moral-borderline? (http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2011/12/11/2628651/bobby-finally-crosses-moral-borderline?)
Win Fulham v Bolton tickets!
A pair of tickets to Saturday's clash at Craven Cottage up for grabs
EA SPORTS™, the Official Sports Technology Partner of the Premier League, has teamed up with the Fulham Chronicle to offer one lucky reader a pair of tickets to your team's next Barclays Premier League Match. The winner will also receive a copy of FIFA 12.
EA SPORTS is the proud sponsor of the Premier League Player Performance Index. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index is the Barclay Premier League's official statistical index of all 20 Barclays Premier League teams.
The EA SPORTS Team of the Week will be available at www.premierleague.com (http://www.premierleague.com) after each round of the Barclays Premier League. The team will be based on ratings from the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index.
To stand a chance of winning, simply answer the following question:
What is Bolton's nickname?
To enter, visit our Facebook page, Fulham FC News, click 'like' and post your answer underneath the question.
Closing date for entries is midday Monday. Normal competition rules apply.
Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/12/11/win-fulham-v-bolton-tickets-82029-29937234/?#ixzz1gJ4ihMx2 (http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/12/11/win-fulham-v-bolton-tickets-82029-29937234/?#ixzz1gJ4ihMx2)
Zamora left in limbo after Jol refuses to confirm he'll be back for Europe
Swansea 2 Fulham 0
Martin Jol has cast further uncertainty over the future of Bobby Zamora by refusing to confirm the England striker's return to the Fulham squad for Wednesday's Europa League tie against Odense BK.
Zamora, who has been linked with a move away from Craven Cottage in the January transfer window, with Aston Villa, Sunderland and Queen's Park Rangers reportedly interested, was omitted from the 19-man party that travelled to Swansea.
Yet when Jol was asked directly if star forward Zamora, who made his full England international debut against Sweden last month, would make a comeback against the Danish outfit, Jol responded: "I feel that we made a decision for Andy Johnson. I made the decision on Thursday and left Bobby at home.
"Andy Johnson has not been in the team for weeks, maybe a month. He was doing terrifically in training, he worked hard, and every time he played he did well and scored, in the Europa League as well. He did well against QPR with his hat-trick and this was the time to let him play."
Swansea's 2-0 win over the visiting Londoners could prove to be pivotal in the Welsh club's effort to avoid relegation. Scott Sinclair's deflected effort put the home side ahead but Fulham were thrown a lifeline in the 87th minute when referee Jonathan Moss pointed to the spot after the Swansea full-back Jazz Richards was adjudged to have upended Karim Frei. Clint Dempsey stepped up from 12 yards but Swansea keeper Michel Vorm saved the spot-kick, allowing the Liberty Stadium to breathe a huge sigh of relief – and then celebrate when Danny Graham sealed the win with a second goal in stoppage time.
Scorers: Swansea City Sinclair 56, Graham 90.
Substitutes: Swansea Agustien 6 (Moore, 69), Grahamm (Lita, 76), Dyer (Routledge, 89). Fulham
Frei (Dembele, 77), Sa (Davies, 79).
Booked: Swansea Vorm. Fulham Senderos.
Man of the match Vorm.
Match rating 7/10.
Possession: Swansea 56% Fulham 44%.
Attempts on target: Swansea 8 Fulham 7.
Referee J Moss (West Yorkshire).
Attendance 19,296.
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/zamora-left-in-limbo-after-jol-refuses-to-confirm-hell-be-back-for-europe-6275722.html? (http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/zamora-left-in-limbo-after-jol-refuses-to-confirm-hell-be-back-for-europe-6275722.html?)
UNHAPPY BOBBY ZAMORA IS ON QPR'S RADAR
QPR will head the chase for Bobby Zamora, who is inching closer to an exit from Fulham after being left out of the side on Saturday.
Fulham boss Martin Jol instead picked Andy Johnson at Swansea and did not even take Zamora to sit on the bench as he felt he would not make a good substitute. The pair have clashed in training this season and Zamora knows he needs first-team football to keep his place in Fabio Capello's England squad for the Euro 2012 finals.
QPR's Neil Warnock is a long-time admirer and has money to spend in January. Sunderland's new boss Martin O'Neill also desperately needs a striker and is expected to make an enquiry.
Relations between Jol and Zamora are strained and when asked if Zamora will start Wednesday's crunch Europa League clash with Odense at Craven Cottage, Jol said: "I don't know. We have to look at the team. Johnson has not been in the team for weeks, maybe a month.
"Zamora is probably not the player who is the best substitute, so I thought it was better to wait for next week and important games coming up. He wants to play for this club."
http://www.express.co.uk/football/view/289439/Unhappy-Bobby-Zamora-is-on-QPR-s-radar? (http://www.express.co.uk/football/view/289439/Unhappy-Bobby-Zamora-is-on-QPR-s-radar?)
Jol rues Dempsey penalty miss as Vorm wins mind games
MARTIN JOL insisted Clint Dempsey should have won the mind games with Michel Vorm after claiming Fulham were good enough for a Liberty Stadium point, writes Chris Wathan.
Fulham boss Jol could not hide his frustration that American Dempsey failed to convert his 87th minute penalty, delayed as Vorm attempted to psyche-out the midfielder.
And although Dutchman Jol hailed the ability of his compatriot in the Swansea goal, he insisted his Cottagers side had enough chances to have denied the Swans a fourth home win and a seventh clean sheet.
"We were comfortable. We created chances, then we had the penalty situation and it was the ideal scenario," said Jol. "But it was not to be.
"I think we did enough to get a point.We could have scored a couple after the own goal where we took matters into our own hands.
"It is normal to sometimes only really get going when you have to score because we contained them and perhaps we were too comfortable.
"You could see then that we can play as well because they are a good footballing team, especially at home. And when you get a penalty five minutes from the end away from home it's the ideal scenario.
"Vorm has shown great reflexes and he is a good keeper. Was Dempsey affected by the delay? I hope not because there is always psychology in football. Penalty kicks are a great opportunity to score a goal and you would hope whatever he does you still put the ball away."
Jol made two surprise decisions at the Liberty with Simon Davies starting after just 70 minutes of reserve team football in six months and Bobby Zamora not even travelling to South Wales.
It prompted reports of a fall-out between the striker and Jol, but the Fulham chief said: "I don't have any problem with any player.
"I made the decision on Thursday to play Andy Johnson because he works hard in training and the last couple of weeks we have played with Dembele and Bobby and I thought the time was right to play Andy Johnson."
Read More http://www.walesonline.co.uk/footballnation/swanseacityfc/swansea-city-fc/2011/12/12/jol-rues-dempsey-penalty-miss-as-vorm-wins-mind-games-91466-29935521/?#ixzz1gJ66fjEE (http://www.walesonline.co.uk/footballnation/swanseacityfc/swansea-city-fc/2011/12/12/jol-rues-dempsey-penalty-miss-as-vorm-wins-mind-games-91466-29935521/?#ixzz1gJ66fjEE)
Villa join list of suitors for Zamora after tensions with Fulham boss Jol deepen
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/12/12/article-2072996-0F0476FA00000578-742_306x423.jpg)
Left at home: Fulham rested striker Bobby Zamora
for the defeat at Swansea on Saturday
Aston Villa have joined Sunderland and Queens Park Rangers in the race to sign Bobby Zamora from Fulham.
The England striker's icy relationship with manager Martin Jol cooled further when he was left out of the Cottagers squad for the defeat at Swansea on Saturday.
Jol insisted after that Zamora was still part of his plans but the 30-year-old forward wants to seal a place in England's squad for Euro 2012 and so could be open for a move away from Craven Cottage.
Tottenham could also be ready to make an offer to their former player, but Villa boss Alex McLeish is a big fan of Zamora.
McLeish wnats a new striker, midfielder and right-back in the January transfer window, according to The Mirror.
Zamora had a meeting with boss Jol on Friday and it was made clear to him that he wouldn't be travelling to the match in Wales.
Jol, who opted to start with Andy Johnson up front, said: 'Bobby is probably not the best substitute to have on the bench. I made the decision to play Johnson because he works hard in training.
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/12/12/article-2072996-0F10FFDF00000578-180_468x290.jpg)
Euro 2012 dream: Zamora is chasing a place in England's squad next summer
'The last couple of weeks I played with Mousa Dembele and Bobby and I thought it was time to play Johnson again.'
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2072996/Bobby-Zamora-wanted-Aston-Villa-Sunderland-QPR.html#ixzz1gJ6UdDmS (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2072996/Bobby-Zamora-wanted-Aston-Villa-Sunderland-QPR.html#ixzz1gJ6UdDmS)
Jol salutes his compatriot and hints at Zamora recall
MARTIN Jol paid tribute to the reflexes of Michel Vorm after he denied Fulham a point.
Swansea City's keeper produced a stunning stop in the closing stages from Clint Dempsey's penalty, awarded after Jazz Richards's challenge on Karim Frei.
Jol said: "After the goal we took control and created chances and to get the penalty at the end, it was awful to see Clint miss but this is football.
"We had it before against Chelsea, the keeper showed great reflexes."
It was a miserable day for Dempsey, who had earlier deflected Scott Sinclair's goalbound effort beyond Mark Schwarzer for Swansea's opener.
Jol felt his side had paid the price for being too confident with the score at 0-0.
He said: "We were almost too confident, we have had four or five good away games before this.
"We took control after the goal and they had to defend, we had the penalty and we were all congratulating the little fellow (Frei)."
Jol had left striker Bobby Zamora out of his squad amid speculation of a falling out between the pair.
The Dutchman played down those rumours but would not say whether the England forward would return for the midweek Europa League clash with Odense.
"We will have a look at the team and see," he said.
"Andrew Johnson has not been in the team in recent weeks or months but he has worked hard in training and has scored goals in the Europa League so now was the time to play him."
He added: "I made the decision on Thursday to play Andrew Johnson because he works hard in training.
"The last couple of weeks we played with Mousa Dembele and Bobby up front and I thought the time was there to play Andrew Johnson again.
"I don't have any problem with any player. The only thing I want is for them to give 100 per cent to the club and then there is no problem.
"I need all my players. We have another important game (against Odense) on Wednesday and Bryan Ruiz can't play in Europe, we have a few little injuries so I need all my players.
"He (Zamora ) is probably not the player who is the best substitute so I thought it was better to wait for next week and important games coming up. He wants to play for this club."
http://www.thisissouthwales.co.uk/story-14114113-detail/story.html? (http://www.thisissouthwales.co.uk/story-14114113-detail/story.html?)
Rangers star Steven Whittaker being tracked by Fulham
RANGERS defender Steven Whittaker is on Fulham's list of January transfer targets.
Craven Cottage boss Martin Jol wants to revamp his squad and plans to make a number of changes next month.
MailSport can reveal Whittaker has been mentioned as a possible recruit and the Craven Cottage club would be willing to pay up to £3.5million.
However, Ibrox sources have made it clear Whittaker is valued at a minimum of £5m.
Rangers, though, can't afford to completely rule out any bids.
Whittaker, 27, signed a lucrative long-term contract last summer, which earns him in the region of £1m a year, and Gers onwer Craig Whyte has expressed concern about the wage bill.
Boss Ally McCoist would like to keep all his top-team stars for the title run-in – but also knows he will have to shed a few players to bring in funds and trim the weekly outgoings.
http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/football/spl/2011/12/11/rangers-star-steven-whittaker-being-tracked-by-fulham-86908-23625612/ (http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/football/spl/2011/12/11/rangers-star-steven-whittaker-being-tracked-by-fulham-86908-23625612/)
Jol: Eur OK with me, Bobby
MARTIN JOL hinted Bobby Zamora could return for Fulham as they bid for Euro glory.
The Cottagers boss axed the England striker from his squad for Saturday's 2-0 defeat at Swansea, amid reports the pair had a training ground bust-up.
Jol said: "Bobby didn't travel. He is probably not the best substitute so I thought I'd wait for next week and the important games coming up."
Zamora looks certain to quit Craven Cottage next month, with Spurs and QPR keen on signing him.
But Jol may recall the star to his starting line-up for Wednesday's Europa League crunch at home to Danish outfit Odense BK.
He said: "I don't have a problem with any player — I need them all."
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/3992277/Bobby-Zamora-set-for-Europa-League-recall.html (http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/3992277/Bobby-Zamora-set-for-Europa-League-recall.html)
Jol insists Zamora has Fulham future
Fulham boss Martin Jol has quashed suggestions that his relationship with striker Bobby Zamora has broken down completely.
Reports on Sunday suggested Zamora was set to exit the Cottagers in January after he was omitted from the squad that lost 2-0 to Swansea at the weekend.
Earlier in the season newspaper stories claimed that Jol and Zamora had been involved in a furious training ground bust-up. But the England striker - who has been linked with Aston Villa and QPR - still has a future at Craven Cottage, according to Jol.
"Bobby didn't travel [to Swansea]," Jol said. "He is probably not the best substitute so I thought I'd wait for next week and the important games coming up. I don't have a problem with any players - I need them all."
Fulham face a crunch Europa League clash at home to Odense BK on Wednesday, which Zamora could feature in. He has scored three goals in 11 league appearances this season.
http://www.espn.co.uk/football/sport/story/125906.html?CMP=OTC-RSS (http://www.espn.co.uk/football/sport/story/125906.html?CMP=OTC-RSS)
Aston Villa set to Make Shock Move for £4m Rated England International Striker
Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish is preparing to step up his pursuit of a new striker and has set his sights on Fulham's Bobby Zamora, according to reports in the Daily Mirror.
McLeish has previously tried to sign Zamora in the past when he was in charge of Birmingham City in 2010.
The 30-year-old moved to Craven Cottage from Upton Park for £4.8million in 2008, however Zamora has has found himself on the bench in recent weeks including the game against Swansea City.
So far this season Aston Villa have only managed to score 18 goals in 15 Premier League games and McLeish is eager to bring more firepower to Villa Park once the January transfer window opens for business and feels Zamora would be ideal.
The England international would also be a keen for a move as he is eager to get into Fabio Capello's Euro 2012 squad and Aston Villa are planning to make a £4m bid for Zamora.
http://www.sportsvibe.co.uk/news/football/aston-villa-set-to-make-shock-move-for-4m-rated-england-international-striker-14174/? (http://www.sportsvibe.co.uk/news/football/aston-villa-set-to-make-shock-move-for-4m-rated-england-international-striker-14174/?)
Fresh striker link
Everton are one of a number of clubs showing an interest in Fulham's England striker Bobby Zamora who looks set to leave the Cottagers.
Zamora was not in the squad for the clash with Swansea at the weekend and did not travel with the party and this has led to speculation that he will be on his way in the New Year.
He apparently does not see eye to eye with Fulham boss Martin Jol and Zamora is desperate to play regular first-team football as he needs to keep himself in Fabio Capello's England thoughts with Euro 2012 approaching.
Asked why he did not feature on the bench at Swansea, Jol said: "Zamora is probably not the player who is the best substitute, so I thought it was better to wait for next week and important games coming up.
"He wants to play for this club."
Moyes has been linked with a host of strikers and Zamora is the latest in a long line and it remains to be seen if he could afford him even if, which is doubtful, Fulham were to be persuaded to sell.
http://www.clubcall.com/everton/fresh-striker-link-2-1353211.html? (http://www.clubcall.com/everton/fresh-striker-link-2-1353211.html?)
Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish interested in Fulham's Bobby Zamora - report
The Scot is apparently ready to move for the England forward, who is not guaranteed a place in the Cottagers' starting XI and wants first-team football ahead of Euro 2012
Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish is set to make a bid for Fulham striker Bobby Zamora, according to The Mirror.
The England international appears to have a fraught relationship with manager Martin Jol and was left out of the Cottagers' squad for the 2-0 defeat at Swansea on Saturday.
When asked about Zamora's absence, Jol told reporters: "I need all my players. We've got an important game in Europe on Wednesday and Bryan Ruiz is not going to play and we have a few little injuries.
"Zamora is probably not the player who is the best substitute, so I thought I would wait for next week and the important games."
Fulham signed Costa Rica international Bryan Ruiz for a reported £10.6 million in the summer and have Moussa Dembele, Andy Johnson, Orlando Sa and Kerim Frei as alternatives up front, and all may be more suitable in Jol's preferred 4-3-3 plans.
With Euro 2012 looming, Zamora will be wanting first-team football in an attempt to win a place ahead of stiff competition.
The report claims McLeish is a big fan of the former West Ham man, and that he previously made a £5 million bid for him before he signed for Fulham while manager of Birmingham City.
Aston Villa are believed to need to reduce their average first-team wage from £57,000 a week to £46,000 a week and will apparently invite offers for high earners Stiliyan Petrov, Stephen Ireland, and Carlos Cuellar in order to free up funds to sign a new striker, a central midfielder, and a backup right-back in January.
Newcastle's Danny Guthrie, whose contract expires at the end of the season, is also reported to be a target.
http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2011/12/12/2799204/aston-villa-manager-alex-mcleish-interested-in-fulhams-bobby? (http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2011/12/12/2799204/aston-villa-manager-alex-mcleish-interested-in-fulhams-bobby?)
The Bolton problem: the Jol question
The problem with football is that issues that would ordinarily go away of their own accord tend to get magnified and therefore linger. Martin Jol's Fulham side have attracted more off-field press than any other in memory, but on the pitch there are signs that things aren't all bad. Results have not been from the top drawer, but nor have they been terrible: we're well within the bounds of reasonableness. But fans are getting concerned.
I remember in the last days of Sanchez there was a lot of anger on Stevenage Road before and after games. I'm a laid back sort and found it all a bit depressing, but in the end the negativity became almost tangible, and when we went down to Newcastle in December there seemed almost no choice but to make a managerial change. Anything else would have been unfathomable given the atmosphere around the ground.
We're not there with Jol yet and nor should we be, but the natives are growing restless. Suppose, for example, we don't beat Bolton. This will be taken as evidence for the collapse of Fulham Football Club, when really it would just be 'one of those things that happens in football'. Last year, for instance, saw the following sequence of results:
Sun Jan 30 FAC 4 Tottenham Hotspur Home Won 4-0
Wed Feb 2 Premier Newcastle United Home Won 1-0
Sat Feb 5 Premier Aston Villa Away Drew 2-2
Mon Feb 14 Premier Chelsea Home Drew 0-0
Sun Feb 20 FAC 5 Bolton Wanderers Home Lost 0-1
Sun Feb 27 Premier Manchester City Away Drew 1-1
Sat Mar 5 Premier Blackburn Rovers Home Won 3-2
If you can lose at home to Bolton in the middle of a fairly good run, you can certainly do the same when you're struggling a bit. Dechtech, who study these things, put us down as fairly clear favourites, but even that means a 60% chance of winning, with the remainder divided by a draw and a defeat. That feels about right: if we played Bolton 10 times on Saturday I'd expect us to end up winning about six of them.
The problem is that on any given day you don't know which way the ball will bounce (particularly given midweek commitments!), and there's a 40% chance (conservatively) that we won't beat Bolton. Then we have to play Manchester United, and Chelsea, and so on.
So it's not going to get any easier and we might be at the wrong end of the table for some time yet.
Fulham are established as a Premier Division side, and as such it's not unreasonable to expect us to have a manager of a similar or better standing. So you have to make up your mind: is Martin Jol a good enough manager for a club of Fulham's stature? The answer to that is 'yes', I believe. I don't know that you could reasonably argue otherwise (I'd like to see a well thought out argument of why Jol is not good enough for Fulham Football Club). And this being so, you have to back him through the ups and downs and accept that in football sometimes you don't always do well, play well, or pass smoothly through a season without the odd problem.
The only 'but' I can think of is if there's an extra level to consider: yes, Jol is obviously a good enough manager for Fulham, but for some reason is not the *right* manager for Fulham. This is possible, too. What grounds for this supposition we might have I don't know, but the stories about player unrest indicate something, although we don't know what. Probably a strong manager doing a difficult job and trying to overhaul a too-old team, thereby bruising a few egos, but this is conjecture in the same way that accusations of poor man-management are conjecture. Jol got Tottenham playing at a high level and his work with Ajax looks borderline implausible (have you seen the goal difference!). He hasn't always been a huge success but nor has he failed as a manager.
We can't afford to think short-term here. Instead we must watch the transformation of Dembele into a top player, the emergence of Bryan Ruiz's splendid talents, the fizzing directness of Kerim Frei, the encouraging Senderos/Hangeland partnership, and the interesting fringe players like Kasami and Gecov, both of whom look to have something to offer Fulham for years ahead.
It might not always look good – I've been underwhelmed myself – but Fulham can't keep changing, can't keep starting again. Jol knows what he's doing and needs to be given the chance to prove it. Football teams, and especially mid-table football teams, go through spells like we're going through all the time. To expect any different is unreasonable.
http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2011/12/12/the-bolton-problem-the-jol-question/? (http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2011/12/12/the-bolton-problem-the-jol-question/?)
Fresh striker link
Sunderland are one of a number of clubs showing an interest in England striker Bobby Zamora who looks set to leave the Cottagers.
Zamora was not in the Fulham squad for the clash with Swansea at the weekend and did not travel with the party and this has led to speculation that he will be on his way in the New Year.
He apparently does not see eye to eye with Fulham boss Martin Jol and Zamora is desperate to play regular first-team football as he needs to keep himself in Fabio Capello's England thoughts with Euro 2012 approaching.
Asked why he did not feature on the bench at Swansea, Jol said: "Zamora is probably not the player who is the best substitute, so I thought it was better to wait for next week and important games coming up.
"He wants to play for this club."
http://www.clubcall.com/sunderland/fresh-striker-link-3-1353216.html? (http://www.clubcall.com/sunderland/fresh-striker-link-3-1353216.html?)
Fulham want West Ham ace
(http://www.talksport.co.uk/sites/default/files/imagecache/ts_news_article_header_image/Noble_0.jpg)
West Ham midfielder Mark Noble could be on his way out of Upton Park and back to the Premier League with Fulham.
The Hammers academy product has just 18 months left on his current contract, with the club yet to discuss or offer the 24-year-old a new deal.
Noble was close to a £5m move to Sunderland before the sacking of boss Steve Bruce, but Fulham are now ready to offer him a return to the top-flight.
The Cottagers will look to push through a deal in January to head off any competition for the former England U-21 star, who Hammers boss Sam Allardyce is keen to keep hold of.
http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/transfer-rumours/1370/33/fulham-want-west-ham-ace (http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/transfer-rumours/1370/33/fulham-want-west-ham-ace)
Zamora signing would make QPR a great bet to avoid relegation
England striker would give Loftus Road club enough firepower to stay in the Premier League
Bobby Zamora has been left disillusioned with life at Fulham after being left out of the side that lost 2-0 at Swansea over the weekend.
The England forward's unsettlement has put top-flight clubs on red alert, as Alex McLeish has reportedly shown an interest in bringing him to Aston Villa, whilst Everton are also keen to bolster their striking options.
However, neither seem to have the financial muscle that QPR do.
Along with this, a move to the Loftus Road outfit would not necessitate an upheaval for the player, whose preference would be to stay in London.
Should they be able to pull off this transfer, it would be difficult to see a side featuring Zamora in addition to the likes of Joey Barton, Luke Young, Alejandro Faurlin and an in-form Heidar Helguson struggling to any great extent to avoid relegation.
Tony Fernandes seems a patient owner who is willing to back his manager in the transfer market, and therefore the London side would look ahead of the chasing pack in the race to bring Zamora to the club.
Whilst initially lambasted for the fact he did not score enough goals after joining Fulham, the imposing striker has enjoyed an average of one goal every three games over the past three seasons, and has an impressive overall record of 166 goals in 364 games.
He left Tottenham under the stewardship of Martin Jol in the past, and the fact that another rift appears to have developed between the pair makes it look almost certain that his days at Craven Cottage are numbered, despite his status as a crowd favourite there.
Where his next destination is remains to be seen, but Zamora's improvement over the past few seasons has made his signature one so coveted, that it could be the difference between staying up and going down for a club like QPR.
It would be a blow to Fulham though and their odds of 12/1 to be relegated could be worth looking into.
http://news.ladbrokes.com/en-gb/football/premier-league/zamora-signing-would-make-qpr-a-great-bet-to-avoid-relegation_084808.html (http://news.ladbrokes.com/en-gb/football/premier-league/zamora-signing-would-make-qpr-a-great-bet-to-avoid-relegation_084808.html)
Moyes looks to Zamora
David Moyes has been linked with a potential move for Fulham striker Bobby Zamora.
The England international was left out of Fulham's squad at Swansea over the weekend, but Martin Jol insists that is because he didn't feel Zamora would be happy being substitute.
Having signed a four year deal last year, Zamora will cost actual money to bring to Goodison Park, and with David Moyes having passed up the opportunity to sign him from Brighton in 2003 for £1m it would be an unusual move.
Read more: http://www.nsno.co.uk/everton-news/2011/12/moyes-looks-to-zamora/#ixzz1gKnY5vxJ (http://www.nsno.co.uk/everton-news/2011/12/moyes-looks-to-zamora/#ixzz1gKnY5vxJ)
Linked with Bobby Zamora, good or bad move?
After a previous post focusing on actual football, we're back with our guilty pleasure post that looks at the latest transfer rumours involving the Villa.
Today's lucky man is Bobby Zamora, who has been linked with a move in a story that first appeared in the Mirror. Now it appears that Zamora and Jol have had some kind of falling out with Zamora surprisingly not even being named on the bench for Fulham's last game against Swansea.
Jol has defended the move by rather cleverly claiming that he's keeping Bobby Z for the all important games coming up. Smart move.
"Zamora is probably not the player who is the best substitute, so I thought I would wait for next week and the important games."
It is a bit of a strange comment about him not being the best substitute so perhaps there is something there and things are not looking too rosy between the pair. Fulham like ourselves are hardly blessed with too many options up top, and it's a bit of a strange one to not even include him on the bench, when he is the type of player who can make an impact.
The article mentions that McLeish is a fan of the player, and previously tried to sign him while in charge of our delightful neighbours. Perhaps this is where the link was made and it does make for an relatively simple association.
Still on to the player in hand and I'm just not sure how much sense it makes to go for a player that I don't think will bring too much to the club. He's 30 now, turns 31 next month and is on a supposed £50,000 a week at Fulham. For a side like ourselves who supposedly need to bring wages down, this seems to somewhat contradict that line of thinking.
While it's not a necessity I think we could do with some strengthening up top. If Gabby or Bent are out, like this week for example, there isn't much scope to change things around. I'd love to see us stick with 4-4-2 this weekend, but due to varying reasons playing either Heskey, Delfouneso or Weimann next to Bent would represent a risk.
Zamora is capable of moments of magic, and is decent on the ball but for a striker his goalscoring record is not particularly impressive.
He has less that a 1 in 4 record at Fulham and previous clubs West Ham and Tottenham, so for the potential cost it would take to bring him in (around 4 or 5 million I would guess) I'd prefer to look elsewhere if given the chance. Heskey gets a lot of stick, but he doesn't have his own song about hitting row Z like our good friend Bobby.
If MON or someone else were to take Heskey then this could be seen by some as an upgrade, or at least a younger model. Still though and like the links to Guthie and Davis last week, I think I'd prefer to see our younger players and in this case Weimann or Delfouneso given a go before we sign another so-so player on high wages with little re-sale value.
What about you Villans? Anyone see the benefit in making a move for a player like Zamora? Are we better off looking elsewhere? Decisions decisions.
http://www.upthevilla.com/linked-with-bobby-zamora-good-or-bad-move? (http://www.upthevilla.com/linked-with-bobby-zamora-good-or-bad-move?)
