Friends of Fulham

 
Soccer: Schwarzer out with spinal injury

Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer was ruled out for up to six weeks today with a spinal injury.

The 39-year-old Australia international landed awkwardly on his neck after collecting a cross in the second half of Sunday's 2-0 loss at Swansea in the Premier League.

Fulham said Schwarzer has "sustained a compression injury to his thoracic spine'' and isn't expected back until the end of January.

"I'm devastated to be out for 4-6 weeks,'' Schwarzer wrote on Twitter. "After speaking to the specialist, it was very clear I needed a rest.''

Schwarzer could miss as many as seven league matches for Fulham, which is 14th in the 20-team standings and only three points above the relegation zone.

David Stockdale, who has been included in recent England squads despite his lack of Premier League experience, has been recalled from his loan spell at second-tier League Championship club Ipswich and will replace Schwarzer.

Fulham also has Philippines international Neil Etheridge in its squad as goalkeeping cover.


http://www.nzherald.co.nz/soccer-football/news/article.cfm?c_id=86&objectid=10773358 (http://www.nzherald.co.nz/soccer-football/news/article.cfm?c_id=86&objectid=10773358)

 
Spurs to Raid Local Rivals for £8m Striker

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp is reportedly keen on securing a deal for Fulham's Bobby Zamora, after failing to negotiate the Englishman's transfer in the summer.


According to www.thisislondon.co.uk (http://www.thisislondon.co.uk), Redknapp views Zamora as the ideal backup option for Emmanuel Adebayor, who has been in scintillating form since joining from Manchester City on loan.

Whilst Adebayor has settled into life at White Hart Lane with consummate ease, the towering forward has seen his future at the club cast into doubt because of financial constraints. Whilst on loan, City supplement a percentage of Adebayor's wages, whilst Spurs have not been required to pay any money up front for his services.

Zamora supposedly had a bust-up with current manager Martin Jol, although both parties and the club have denied the allegations. Nevertheless, Zamora saw himself dropped for Saturday's fixture against Swansea, and Redknapp believes he will be able to convince both player and club to make a move happen in January.

Roman Pavlyuchenko and Giovani dos Santos both look destined for the White Hart Lane exit, leaving a void that could be filled by Zamora's towering presence. The switch to North London could help Zamora in his pursuit of a starting berth under Fabio Capello for England, in the same manner Scott Parker saw his international fortunes turn.

With Fulham interested in defender Vedran Corluka, a potential swap deal should not be ruled out, but the Croatian is said to prefer a move to Serie A giants Roma. Similarly, Pavlyuchenko is keen on a return to his native Russia with Lokomotiv Moscow, whilst Giovani dos Santos looks likely to be joining Sevilla.

If Spurs are successful with their pursuit of Fulham's key forward, it would mark the return of Zamora to a club he joined back in 2003, with an unsuccessful spell at White Hart Lane ending after just 16 appearances.



http://www.sportsvibe.co.uk/news/football/spurs-to-raid-local-rivals-for-8m-striker-14256/? (http://www.sportsvibe.co.uk/news/football/spurs-to-raid-local-rivals-for-8m-striker-14256/?)

 
Cottagers crash out
Last-gasp winner sees Fulham's European dream end

Fulham conceded a last-gasp goal to Odense in the Europa League to miss out on a place in the round of 32 after drawing 2-2.

The Cottagers needed to better Wisla Krakow's result against group winners FC Twente and a 2-1 success for the Poles meant Martin Jol'sside needed all three points.

Fulham opened the scoring with 27 minutes played when Bobby Zamora laid off Kerim Frei's cross for Clint Dempsey to drill home with aplomb.

The home fans did not have to wait long for a second as Mousa Dembele's through-ball was expertly converted by youngster Frei.

Odense set up a nervy final third to the contest at Craven Cottage when Henrik Andreasen curled home a delightful free-kick on 64 minutes.

With the last play of the match Odense knocked Fulham out when Baye Djiby Fall headed home past debutant 'keeper Neil Etheridge deep into injury time.

The match started edgily as Fulham's much-changed side looked to gel and their Danish counterparts struggled to maintain possession.

The first chance of the night came in the 10th minute when Chris Baird forced former Everton goalkeeper Stefan Wessels into action with a 22-yard drive.

Press

Fulham continued to press after the midfielder's effort and, after fluffing a few chances, came close to breaking the deadlock through Brede Hangeland.

The Norway international connected with Frei's whipped corner and directed a header goalwards, but Bashkim Kadrii cleared off the line and Dempsey blazed over the rebound.

Zamora - whose relationship with manager Jol dominated the pre-match build-up - looked increasingly dangerous as the first period wore on.

Having been thwarted in a one-on-one with Wessels, Dempsey latched onto the striker's flicked header but saw his goal-bound effort cleared off the line by Espen Ruud.

Dempsey was not to be denied for long, though, as the Texan midfielder broke the deadlock in the 27th minute. Frei burst down the left flank and fired in a low cross that Zamora laid off for Dempsey to fire home.

Fulham doubled their advantage four minutes later when Dembele played in Frei, who slotted through Wessels' legs from close range.

Kelly came close with a shot from an acute angle as the half-time break approached, before Zamora fired into the side-netting.

Foothold
Dembele twice came close within three minutes of the restart as Fulham looked to begin the second period in the same vein, although Odense were beginning to get a foothold in the match.

Etheridge was forced into a fine save to thwart a low Ruud shot, before the Danish side almost capitalised on a melee in the box.

Odense's increased pressure saw them pull one back in the 64th minute when Andreasen found a gap in the wall and fired home a 20-yard free-kick.

Kadrii came close to drawing level moments later, leading Jol to bring on Damien Duff for Dempsey in a bid to alter the match.

The change did not have the desired effect, though, as Fulham continued to look lethargic and struggled to quell the waves of Odense attacks.

Jol's side looked uncharacteristically shaky in defence and lacked creativity in attack, leading to a nervy final 10 minutes.

Aaron Hughes headed over and Marcel Gecov shot wide as Fulham looked to put the game out of sight, before substitute Fall headed home three minutes into stoppage time at the end of a sweeping move to put Fulham out of Europe.



http://www.skysports.com/football/match_report/0,,11065_3447416,00.html? (http://www.skysports.com/football/match_report/0,,11065_3447416,00.html?)

 
Fall's OB equaliser brings down Fulham

Fulham FC 2-2 Odense BK
Djiby Fall headed in with the last touch of the game to end Fulham's campaign as Wisła Kraków snatched second place in Group K.

Fulham FC were set for the UEFA Europa League round of 32 when Djiby Fall's last-gasp header for eliminated Odense BK ended the 2010 finalists' campaign.

Teenager Kerim Frei had made one for Clint Dempsey before scoring his first senior goal to put Fulham in control at the break. But Hans Henrik Andreasen pulled one back midway through the second half and Fall's leveller allowed Wisła Kraków to snatch Group K second place with a 2-1 defeat of FC Twente.

Home goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer was ruled out with a spinal injury hours before kick-off, giving Neil Etheridge a club debut in a much-changed lineup and Fulham took time to settle. Once they did, Chris Baird forced a diving save from Stefan Wessels while Bernard Mendy made a superb tackle to deny Bobby Zamora.

Now Fulham were rampant and Brede Hangeland rose to meet a corner which Wessels and Bashkim Kadrii combined to stop. With Wisła ahead, Fulham needed a goal themselves and got one on 27 minutes, Frei sprinting down the left and crossing low, Zamora touching back and Dempsey rolling a low shot past Wessels. Four minutes later it was 2-0 as Frei turned in Moussa Dembélé's centre after another flowing move.

Espen Ruud made Etheridge work early in the second half with an angled shot but the goalkeeper was caught out on 64 minutes by a low Andreasen free-kick into the bottom corner. Suddenly OB sensed a chance and there was real tension to Fulham's play as they retreated into their own half.

However, they were holding on and might have scored themselves before Ruud broke down the right and put in a cross for substitute Fall to head the equaliser, the very last touch of both OB and Fulham's campaign.



http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/season=2012/matches/round=2000272/match=2007405/postmatch/report/index.html?rss=1669359+Fall%27s+OB+equaliser+brings+down+Fulham (http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/season=2012/matches/round=2000272/match=2007405/postmatch/report/index.html?rss=1669359+Fall%27s+OB+equaliser+brings+down+Fulham)

 
Djiby Fall gives Odense draw and puts Fulham out of Europa League

Fulham's continental odyssey is over. A Europa League campaign that began in June against NSI Runavik of the Faroe Islands ended after Djiby Fall, a late substitute for the Danish side Odense, headed home Espen Ruud's cross with the game's last touch.

Wisla Krakow's victory against FC Twente confirmed that Fulham do not join Manchester United, Manchester City and Stoke City in Friday's draw for the knockout stages.

Martin Jol blamed inexperience in a side that showed seven changes from Saturday's defeat at Swansea City and which included the 18-year-old Kerim Frei and Marcel Gecov, 23, who was making only a fourth appearance. The manager also picked out the mistake of Orlando Sá, a replacement, for not retaining possession just before Fall's finish.

Jol denied any regret that he had not selected a more hardened personnel. "We were fine in the first half and I was really pleased with them. Gecov did well and Frei did well – Frei is a big talent. Don't forget that Danny Murphy couldn't play [due to injury] and that Steve Sidwell wasn't fit," he said, before stating that at least his resources will be less drained for the attrition of the Premier League. "It is awful to go out of the competition the way we did but hopefully we gain something from the fact that we don't have to play Thursday matches."

Regarding Fall's winner, Jol said: "It was the last cross of the match. It's very disappointing. Odense scored a [first] goal from a free-kick when our wall wasn't in the right position. We couldn't get forward and play with the intensity which we did in the first half. We dropped off and tried to protect our lead but we couldn't keep control. Being 2-0 up, with everything going well, to give two goals away is very disappointing."

As a senior domestic debut, an 11th-hour call-up for a vital European game presented a test for Neil Etheridge. Fulham's goalkeeper has 28 caps for the Philippines but he had never stepped out for a professional club before, until a late check on Mark Schwarzer's back injury, suffered against Swansea, showed that the Australian is out for six weeks.

Etheridge's opening touch was a confident dribble, although he nearly lost possession near his goal. He and Fulham escaped. That was as scary as proceedings got for Jol's side as they dominated the first 45 minutes and should have scored more than the two goals with which they ended the half.

Bobby Zamora, restored to the starting lineup following the latest disagreement with Jol in what is an ongoing dispute, made a nuisance of himself from a Stephen Kelly ball from the right before Clint Dempsey failed to finish beyond Stefan Wessels. Dempsey also tried an embarrassingly mishit shot from distance and, with Moussa Dembélé forcing Wessels into a sharp save, a Fulham opener appeared to be coming.

It was Dempsey who made the breakthrough. Frei, operating on the left for Fulham, found Zamora in the area. The forward's touch was a neat lay-off to the American, who blazed home with his left boot.

Four minutes later Frei had his first goal for the club. A mistake by Bernard Mendy, once of Hull City and Bolton Wanderers, allowed Dembélé to collect on the right and his reverse pass was smartly finished.

As Jol said, after the break Fulham dozed and stepped off the gas. Ruud outstripped Matthew Briggs in the left-back position and forced Etheridge into a save. Rasmus Falk took the corner to Chris Sorensen, who turned the ball into the area. After it pinballed around, Fulham scrambled away, but not convincingly.

Now came the free-kick from Hans Henrik Andreasen after the hour that made the closing stages of the match jittery for Fulham – he beat Etheridge to his left after Dempsey, who was in the wall, might have stuck a boot out to stop the shot.

As Fulham dropped deeper, on came Eric Djemba-Djemba, the former Manchester United midfielder, and he played a part in the buildup to Fall's equaliser that sent Fulham's fans into a cold and miserable night



http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/dec/14/djibi-fall-fulham-odense?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+theguardian%2Ffootball%2Frss+%28Football%29 (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/dec/14/djibi-fall-fulham-odense?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+theguardian%2Ffootball%2Frss+%28Football%29)

 
Fulham 2 Odense 2: Cottagers' Europa dream shattered in final second

Fulham began their campaign during Wimbledon fortnight but couldn't quite make it to Christmas as they were dumped out of the Europa League in dramatic style.

Odense substitute Djiby Fall struck with a header in the third minute of stoppage time to deny Martin Jol's side a place in the last 32 as Wisla Krakow beat FC Twente in the other Group K game.

It was a cruel way to end a journey that still managed to take in 14 matches, but it was also a very difficult night for a goalkeeper playing his first senior game for Fulham.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/12/14/article-2074185-0F2DE5D500000578-651_634x408.jpg)
Heads you lose: Fall nods home the equaliser to send Fulham out of the Europa League

Philippines No 1 Neil Etheridge, 21, made his debut in place of Mark Schwarzer, who is expected to miss at least six weeks with a spinal injury.

But, with England squad member David Stockdale already recalled from his loan spell at Ipswich Town, Etheridge's run in the first team looks unlikely to be extended to Saturday's Barclays Premier League visit of Bolton.

The goalkeeper was not, of course, solely responsible for Fulham's collapse after goals from Clint Dempsey and Kerim Frei had given them what seemed a comfortable 2-0 half-time lead. But his inexperience did not help and he looked devastated at the whistle.

The Fulham wall was poorly constructed for Hans Henrik Andreasen's 64th-minute free-kick, but the young keeper had little chance with Fall's equaliser after the substitute nipped in front of Aaron Hughes to convert Espen Ruud's cross and stun Craven Cottage.
As the hosts' manager Martin Jol admitted, his side simply did not have 'enough cleverness or experience to keep the ball in their half '.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/12/14/article-2074185-0F2DE2D600000578-597_634x375.jpg)

Dejected: The players can't believe their luck as the referee calls time

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Wary of Bolton's visit and with two of Fulham's senior players - captain Danny Murphy and Schwarzer - sidelined through injury, Jol made six changes from last Saturday's 2-0 defeat by Swansea and paid the price.

They started brightly but failed to close out the game, allowing Odense one more attack after Frei opted to indulge in a bit of showboating in the box rather than run the ball into the corner.

Jol said: 'It was six seconds before the end and, instead of keeping it, we wanted to score. Then we conceded a goal from a break and that was disappointing, as was the first.

'It's a big blow but there's always a disadvantage and an advantage. Hopefully there will be benefits in other competitions.'

With Fulham just three points above the relegation zone in the Premier League, last night's defeat may prove a nice early Christmas present for Jol. But the dramatic manner of his side's exit and the despondency in the dressing room will take a few days to forget.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/12/14/article-2074185-0F2DAFDA00000578-196_634x373.jpg)

Cruise control: Fulham looked to be heading through after Dempsey had fired them into an early lead

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The manager had marched stonyfaced across the pitch at half-time, but everything had looked to be going well for Fulham, albeit against a limited Danish side with nothing left to play for.

Bobby Zamora, who was dropped at the weekend after Jol questioned his commitment in training, had started the match and set up Dempsey's 27th-minute opener.

'We love you Bobby' sang a lone voice in the crowd midway through the first half, but it was sometimes difficult to tell if the fondness was reciprocated by a player now attracting considerable interest from Sunderland, QPR and Aston Villa. Then again, it always is.

Zamora linked up well with Dempsey early on and created the American's goal with typical selflessness. Frei made a surging run down the left and Zamora laid off the 18-year-old's cross to Dempsey, whose right-foot shot found the bottom left-hand corner for his seventh goal of the season.

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Double your money: The Cottagers looked home and hosed after Frei slotted home

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Frei then doubled Fulham's lead four minutes later with his first goal for the club. Moussa Dembele dispossessed former Bolton and Hull City defender Bernard Mendy and fed the Switzerland Under 21 midfielder, who stroked a right-foot finish under the goalkeeper's legs.

Right back Kelly nearly made it 3-0 just before the break with a fierce right-foot shot from a clever Zamora back heel. Dembele twice tested goalkeeper Stefan Wessels early in the second half, but Fulham seemed unnecessarily panicked by Andreasen's surprise 64th-minute goal after Chris Baird gave away a free kick for a challenge on Rasmus Falk.

The midfielder appeared to move the ball before he struck it but the English side's wall was still poor and he was able to curve his shot around Dempsey and find the bottom right-hand corner.

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Stunner: Andreasen's strike started a remarkable comeback for the Danish side

Fulham were then instructed to try to keep the ball, with Baird opting to pass an attacking freekick back into his own half, but it was a tactic they failed to execute.

Six seconds from the final whistle the Danish side's breakaway goal - the last touch of the game - denied Jol's men a place in the knockout round.

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Disconsolate: Jol looked angry while strolling off on his own at full-time

MATCH FACTS
Fulham: Etheridge, Kelly, Hangeland, Hughes, Briggs, Frei, Gecov, Baird, Dempsey (Duff 72), Dembele, Zamora (Orlando Sa 89).
Subs not used: Somogyi, John Arne Riise, Kasami, Senderos, Etuhu.
Booked: Gecov.
Goals: Dempsey 27, Frei 31.
Odense BK: Wessels, Ruud, Hoegh, Reginiussen, Mendy (Djemba-Djemba 85), Gislason, Andreasen, Chris Sorensen, Kadrii (Johansson 69), Jensen (Djiby Fall 78), Utaka.
Subs not used: Krog, Schoop, Johansen, Larsen.
Booked: Gislason, Reginiussen.
Goals: Andreasen 64, Djiby Fall 90.
Attendance: 15,757
Referee: Alon Yefet (Israel).


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2074185/Fulham-2-Odense-2-Cottagers-Europa-dream-shattered-final-second.html#ixzz1gajW4OOj (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2074185/Fulham-2-Odense-2-Cottagers-Europa-dream-shattered-final-second.html#ixzz1gajW4OOj)

 
Horror story for Fulham as Odense usher Euro exit

Fulham 2-2 Odense BK - Europa League

A GOAL in the very last seconds of stoppage time stunned Fulham and ended their dream of prolonging their Europa League ambitions into the knock-out stages.

The last minute header from sub Djiby Fall – who got in behind Aaron Hughes to nod in a deep cross from right full-back Espen Ruud - felt like a dagger to the heart for Martin Jol's men, who appeared to be strolling into the last 32 at half-time, when they were 2-0 up.

But the Whites flirted with disaster after conceding from a soft free-kick with a little under half an hour to go and the nerves set in.

The Whites began the evening needing victory to guarantee safe passage from their group – anything less would leave them at the mercy of events in Krakow and that is exactly what happened, with Wisla beating Twente to claim the second qualifying place.

It looked as if Fulham could hardly have hand-picked more compliant opponents.

First half goals from Clint Dempsey and Kerim Frei (pictured) – the latter's first for the club – seemed to have rendered the rest of the match a mere formality against a poor looking Danish side who had nothing to play for and already doomed to last place in the group.

But a goal for Odense after Chris Baird had given away a set piece just outside the area shifted the landscape.

Jol is bound to cop some flack for his line-up. They were always going to look less than Premier League, given the absence of Danny Murphy and Mark Schwarzer through injury and Andy Johnson through suspension.

Even so, the Fulham boss fielded a raw line-up, even if Bobby Zamora was restored to the ranks after his strange omission at Swansea at the weekend.

The under-strength nature of the team was probably as much down to the memory of the ease with which the Whites had won the first encounter in Denmark as it was an act of faith in his second stringers, but the gamble back-fired big time.

Nothing in the opening half caused Jol to harbour too many regrets about his choices, with Odense looking vulnerable at the slightest hint of danger.

Their skipper Chris Sorensen hardly led by example, sending a careless pass Baird's way early on and being grateful for a rather shaky parry by keeper Stefan Wessels when the Irishman let fly from outside the area.

Wessels was no more convincing when he flapped at a corner that Brede Hangeland headed goalwards and his fingertip touch would not have kept it out – it needed a hook off the line from Bashkim Kadrii to achieve that.

Then it was Dempsey's turn to have a shot cleared off the line, but it was only delaying the inevitable and, on 28 minutes, Dempsey tucked home from the edge of the area after Zamora had laid back a ball played in from the left by Frei.

Three minutes later and Odense gave the ball away again just outside the area and Moussa Dembele played a simple ball through for Frei to slip between the legs of the shaggy-haired Wessels.

The goal brought the youngster a handshake and a pat on the head from Jol, who he sought out after his first special moment. How irrelevant that will feel now.

It should have been a good night to blood Neil Etheridge in goal – Schwarzer's back injury having got the better of him. But the Aussie stopper's understudy will not look back on this game any more fondly than his shell-shocked team-mates.

He was beaten by a free-kick from Hans Henrik Andreasen on 64 minutes – the wall not properly placed – but dealt well with a low shot from Ruud, who wriggled past Matthew Briggs to send a low angled drive towards the far corner.

There was little he could do about the winner, though, and no time for his team-mates to do anything about it either..

Line-up:Etheridge; Kelly, Hughes, Hangeland, Briggs; Frei, Gecov, Baird, Dempsey (Duff 72); Zamora (Sa 89), Dembele. Subs not used: Somogyi, Riise, Kasami, Senderos, Etuhu. Attendance: 15,757


http://www.ealinggazette.co.uk/sport/fulham-fc-ealing/2011/12/14/horror-story-for-fulham-as-odense-usher-euro-exit-64767-29954667/? (http://www.ealinggazette.co.uk/sport/fulham-fc-ealing/2011/12/14/horror-story-for-fulham-as-odense-usher-euro-exit-64767-29954667/?)

 
Fulham 2 Odense Boldklub 2: match report
Read a full match report of the Europa League game between Fulham and Odense Boldklub at the Craven Cottage on Wednesday Dec 14, 2011.

A pall of disbelief hung over Craven Cottage as Fulham's shocked fans realised that their European adventure had juddered to a thudding halt. At half-time Fulham were winning 2-0, with Wisla Krakow drawing against Twente in a game they needed to win. Just 48 minutes later they were out.

Fulham's players bore the look of holidaymakers at the airport who had just realised their passports were still on the coffee table. How on earth, they seemed to be asking each other, had this happened?

It was particularly cruel on Kerim Frei, the young Swiss magician, who had lit up the game. For 92½ minutes, this was his finest game in English football. Then he lost the ball in the opposition half, Odense broke with numbers, Espen Ruud produced a brilliant cross from the right wing and Djiby Fall glanced a header past Neil Etheridge to claim a point they had no right to.

"Instead of keeping it in their half like I told them, we conceded a goal from a break," Fulham manager Martin Jol said. "It's about experience. Keep the ball there, and we would have been fine. But we didn't have the experience or the cleverness."

But the clipping of Fulham's winter wings is not without its consolations.

While Stoke plod into the Europa League knockout stages, a world of faraway lands and frostbite, Fulham's players largely have their midweek evenings to themselves from now on.

"It's awful to go out of the competition in the way we did," Jol said, "but maybe we will benefit."

There was huge cause for enthusiasm, too, in the performance of Frei. Just 18, Frei showed a maturity, vision and deftness of touch that marked him out as a future star in the game. His goal, converted with assurance after Moussa Dembélé's lay-off, should have turned Fulham's climb into a cakewalk.

Five minutes earlier Clint Dempsey had given them the lead, curling home Bobby Zamora's lay-off from Frei's cross. Two-nil up at the break, and all thoughts of Krakow had evaporated. The only blot on Fulham's copybook was Zamora, who had barely broken out of a jog all half. But they were dominating, and Etheridge, in the team after a neck injury to Mark Schwarzer that will rule him out for six weeks, had hardly a save to make.

So, what did happen? First Krakow took the lead again, meaning that Fulham needed to maintain their supremacy. Although they cut a more confident team than in the first half, Odense had still produced little to worry their hosts until Hans Henrik Andreasen replaced his free-kick a yard to the right and curled a low delivery around an inattentive wall.

Craven Cottage chewed on its fingernails once more. The tension increased by each passing minute, in excruciating degrees as Odense pushed for an equaliser. Despite creating little of their own, Fulham looked to be keeping their heads.

Until the last 25 seconds. Fulham had the ball in the Odense half. But Orlando Sa decided to take it towards goal, Frei lost possession, and 20 seconds later Fulham had been eliminated. Inexperience? Indiscipline? Fatigue? This was, after all, their 14th game in the competition. The post-mortem can come later. After a night like that, Fulham fans have every right to indulge their grief a little longer.

Match details
Fulham (4-4-2): Etheridge; Kelly, Hangeland, Hughes, Briggs; Frei, Gecov, Baird, Dempsey (Duff 72); Zamora, Dembele.
Subs not used: Somogyi. Riise, Senderos, Kasami, Etuhu, Sa.
Booked: Gecov.

Odense (4-4-2): Wessels; Ruud, Hoegh, Reginiussen, Mendy (Djemba-Djemba 86); Gislason, Andreasen, Sorensen, Kadrii (Johansson 69); Falk (Fall 78), Utaka
Subs not used: Krog, Schoop, Johansen, Larsen.
Booked: Gislason, Reginiussen.

Referee: A Yefet (Israel).


http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/fulham/8957092/Fulham-2-Odense-Boldklub-2-match-report.html (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/fulham/8957092/Fulham-2-Odense-Boldklub-2-match-report.html)

 
Jol disappointed by exit
Dutchman nearly lost for words after conceding a last-gasp leveller

Fulham manager Martin Jol was left to express his disappointment after his side crashed out of Europe.

The Cottagers were seconds from progression in the Europa League before conceding deep into injury time to Odense.

Baye Djiby Fall netted with the last touch of the game, a goal that saw Polish side Wisla Krakow progress at the Fulham's expense.

The Dutchman was left to rue allowing one final cross into their penalty area, while he was also unhappy they did not get forward enough.

"It was the last cross of the match, so I'm very, very disappointed," explained Jol.
"They scored a goal from a free-kick and the wall was probably not in the right position.

"We couldn't get forward, we didn't do what we did in the first half. It was totally different."

Fulham scored two quick-fire goals in the first half with strikes from Clint Dempsey and Kerim Frei putting them in command, but they were unable to repeat their performance after the break.

"They dropped deep and they tried to protect the lead, but you have to score a goal and try and get in their half," Jol added.

"We didn't do that enough. To give two goals away is very disappointing."


http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/7378250/? (http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/7378250/?)

 
Wisla send Fulham out
Polish side progress following late drama in London

Wisla Krakow claimed a spot in the last 32 of the Europe League in dramatic fashion after beating previously undefeated Group K winners FC Twente and seeing Fulham held by Odense.

Tsvetan Genkov's goal at the start of the second half earned Wisla the win after Twente striker Luuk de Jong's brilliant overhead kick had earlier cancelled out Lukasz Gargula's fine opener for the home side.

However, that victory alone would not have been enough to send Wisla through and it needed an Odense goal with the final touch of the match at Fulham to earn the Polish side second spot.

Fulham, who started the night a point clear of third-placed Wisla, had been leading 2-0 at half-time but Odense's second-half fightback saw the English side dumped out.

Wisla enjoyed a great start against already-qualified Twente when Gargula put them ahead in the 12th minute.

Challenges

The Poland international showed good strength to ride a couple of challenges before rifling in a shot from the edge of the box that swerved past wrong-footed Twente goalkeeper Nick Marsman.

Marsman was the busier of the two custodians early on and needed to be alert to keep out efforts from Rafal Boguski, Tomas Jirsak and Cezary Wilk as Wisla sought a second goal before the interval.

It was Twente who made the next breakthrough, though, as De Jong brought the visitors level with a superb goal in the 39th minute, the number nine acrobatically turning in Denny Landzaat's cross.

That left the teams level at 1-1 at half-time, but Wisla got themselves back in front almost immediately after the restart.

There was less than a minute of the second period gone when Wisla goalkeeper Sergei Pareiko launched a long punt forward which Genkov was allowed to race onto and hold off the challenge of Rasmus Bengtsson before slotting his shot past Marsman.

That proved to be the match-winning strike but it looked like it was not going to be enough to earn Wisla a place in the next phase of the Europe League - until events in London saw a remarkable late turnaround.


http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/7378266/? (http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/7378266/?)

 
Jol gutted as Fulham's Europa hopes vanish after injury-time stunner

Fulham boss Martin Jol admitted his deep disappointment after his side conceded an equaliser deep into stoppage time against Odense which knocked them out of the Europa League.

The Londoners surrendered a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 at Craven Cottage and slip from second to third place in Group K.

Djiby Fall headed the equaliser for the Danes with the last action of the match after Hans Henrik Andreasen's free-kick had brought them back into the contest.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/12/14/article-2074296-0F2DE76200000578-361_468x286.jpg)
Get your coat: Jol was dumbfounded by the way the game ended

'It was the last cross of the match, so I'm very, very disappointed,' Jol said.

'They scored a goal from a free-kick and the wall was probably not in the right position.

'We couldn't get forward, we didn't do what we did in the first half, it was totally different.'

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/12/14/article-2074296-0F2DF87800000578-139_468x286.jpg)
Crushed: Fulham players are inconsolable after Fall's strike (below) sent them out
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Fulham scored two quickfire goals in the first half with strikes from Clint Dempsey and Kerim Frei putting them in command, but they were unable to repeat that display after the break.

'They dropped deep and they tried to protect the lead, but you have to score a goal and try and get in their half,' Jol added.
'We didn't do that enough. To give two goals away is very disappointing.'

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/12/14/article-2074296-0F2DF02400000578-245_468x306.jpg)
Dane and out: Odense finished bottom of their group


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2074296/Martin-Jol-gutted-Fulham-Europa-League-exit.html#ixzz1gamAda5a (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2074296/Martin-Jol-gutted-Fulham-Europa-League-exit.html#ixzz1gamAda5a)

 
Martin Jol finds positives in Fulham's Europa League exit

Jol's team slipped out of Europe due to Djiby Fall's late equaliser earning Odense a 2-2 draw at Craven Cottage.

"I think it is a big blow but every disadvantage has an advantage," said Jol, whose team led 2-0 at the break and would have gone through with a win.

"There were positive things in the first half, like how much we put them under pressure."

Fulham's Europa League campaign started at the end of June and their draw with the Danish side, which allowed Wisla Krakow to snatch second place in Group K, was their 14th game in the competition.

The hosts had a two-goal lead at half-time thanks to strikes from Clint Dempsey and Kerim Frei.

But Hans Hankin Andreasen's free-kick pulled one back before Fall knocked the Cottagers out with the last kick of the match.

Jol, whose team are only three points above the Premier League relegation zone, was at least satisfied with the performances of several of his younger players.

He added: "We were fine in the first half and I was really pleased with them.

"The youngster Marcel Gecov did well, and Kerim Frei did well so it was good.

FULHAM'S NEXT FIVE GAMES
Bolton, home, 17 December
Man Utd, home, 21 December
Chelsea, away, 26 December
Norwich, away, 31 December
Arsenal, home, 2 January

"Frei is a big talent and don't forget Danny Murphy could not play and Steve Sidwell was not fit.

"Matthew Briggs did a good job like he always has done in European matches for us."

Jol's team, who have managed only three victories in the Premier League this season, face Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal in their next five games, and the Dutchman admitted his side are showing signs of tiredness after their long European campaign.

He added: "It is probably the 30th game of the season for a few of them and that is not an excuse because we are a team that can defend a lead.

"We were 2-1 up and then 30 seconds from the end we did not have the cleverness or experience to keep it in their half."



http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/16191505.stm? (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/16191505.stm?)

 
Jol Disappointed

Martin Jol was bitterly disappointed after a last gasp goal sent Fulham out of the UEFA Europa League.

The Whites looked on course to join Group K winners FC Twente in the hat for Friday's Round of 32 draw, but a stoppage time equaliser from Odense's Djiby Fall, combined with Wisla Krakow's victory over Twente, meant a group stage exit for Fulham.

"It is a big blow," said Jol "The dressing room is very disappointed. Normally you have a few minutes to repair it, but not when they score at the very end. It was disappointing. Maybe it was a little bit a lack of experience, not to keep the ball when you have just 25 seconds to go at home.

"There were positive things in the first-half, like how much we put them under pressure and the players that made the difference, like [Kerim] Frei with a cross and a goal.

"In the second-half our best players were probably almost worn out. They were tired. It is probably the 30th game for a few of them and that is not an excuse because we are a team that can defend a lead.

"We were 2-1 up and then 30 seconds from the end we did not have the cleverness or experience to keep it in their half.

"It was six seconds before the end and, instead of keeping the ball in their half when we had the last break and going to the corners, he wanted [Orlando Sa] to score.

"And then you concede a goal from a break. That was disappointing, as was the first goal."



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/December/JolOdenseReaction.aspx?#ixzz1ganz8FvJ (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/December/JolOdenseReaction.aspx?#ixzz1ganz8FvJ)

 
Hard to Take

Brede Hangeland was disconsolate on Wednesday evening as he reflected on the 2-2 draw with Odense that resulted in Fulham's exit from the UEFA Europa League.

The Whites had to better Wisla Krakow's result against FC Twente to ensure progression and looked set to do so, leading comfortably for more than an hour. However, Djiby Fall's headed goal with just six seconds remaining snatched a draw for the Danes and left Craven Cottage in shock.

"It's really hard to take," admitted a teary-eyed Brede. "We didn't play a good game, but we had by far the better chances and I can't believe we drew.

"To go out like that with the last kick of the ball is very, very frustrating and hard to take.

"I've been thinking about the fact that we started on the 23rd of June and it feels like that was all for nothing at the moment, so it's very, very disappointing."

Fulham had led since the 27th minute, and doubled their advantage through young Kerim Frei four minutes later. With strong displays from the likes of Frei and fellow youngsters Matthew Briggs, Marcel Gecov and Neil Etheridge, it seemed for much of the game that we would be able to reflect on a night of many positives, but the last gasp killer blow completely changed that.

"It's not a time for anything positive," rued Hangeland. "But it's over and done with and we need to focus on the league and the FA Cup when it gets going."

Indeed, with the Whites currently residing 14th in the league table, the festive fixture schedule is extremely important as Martin Jol's side set their sights on entering the New Year in more upbeat fashion. And with Bolton Wanderers visiting the Cottage on Saturday, they will have a chance to bounce back sooner rather than later.

"That's right," agreed the centre-back. "The games are coming thick and fast so we just need to keep going. Sometimes when you have a big disappointment it's good to have a game coming up a few days later to put things right, so I'm sure we'll be up for it.

"I think we'd be up for that game regardless of what happened tonight, but it will be nice to get back into action as soon as possible after this massive disappointment."



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/December/HangelandOdenseReaction.aspx?#ixzz1gaoHAbSd (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/December/HangelandOdenseReaction.aspx?#ixzz1gaoHAbSd)

 
Jol says weakened line-up not to blame for Fulham's Europa flop

MARTIN JOL insists he has no regrets over his line-up against Odense, even though his team bowed out of the Europa League.

But at the same time, he admitted Fulham paid a heavy price for their lack of experience in the final seconds, when they allowed the Danes to score a goal on the breakaway which ended the Whites' interest in the competition.

"We were fine in the first half, and I was really pleased with them," Jol said, refusing to admit he fielded too many fringe players.
"Marcel Gecov did well and Kerim Frei did well, so that was good. Frei is a big talent.

"Don't forget that Danny Murphy couldn't play and that Steve Sidwell was not fit, and I don't think that [a weakened team] is the reason we lost.

"It's a little bit about experience. If we had kept the ball in the corner or whatever, we would have been fine.

"It was six seconds before the end. Instead of keeping it in their half or going into the corners, we wanted to score and then you concede a goal from a break. That was disappointing. The first goal as well.

"We didn't have the cleverness or experience to keep it in their half. They had the initiative in the second half, but not a lot of chances and it's awful to go out of the competition in the way we did."

Jol added: "They are very disappointed in the dressing room. Normally you have a few minutes to repair, but we couldn't. It was over."



http://www.ealinggazette.co.uk/sport/fulham-fc-ealing/2011/12/14/jol-says-weakened-line-up-not-to-blame-for-fulham-s-europa-flop-64767-29954684/? (http://www.ealinggazette.co.uk/sport/fulham-fc-ealing/2011/12/14/jol-says-weakened-line-up-not-to-blame-for-fulham-s-europa-flop-64767-29954684/?)

 
Neck injury puts Schwarzer out for six weeks

(http://l.yimg.com/ea/img/-/111215/gyi135450107_17eigan-17eigas.jpg)

Socceroos goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer says he is devastated to be sidelined for four to six weeks with a neck injury.

Schwarzer has been ruled out of action until late January after consulting a specialist over the injury suffered in a scary goal-mouth tumble onto the back of his neck in his club Fulham's 2-0 English Premier League loss to Swansea last weekend.

The 39-year-old is in no danger of missing Australia's next World Cup qualifier which isn't until February 29, in Melbourne against Saudi Arabia.

But missing so much football for Fulham was a severe blow for both Schwarzer and the club.

"After speaking to the specialist, it was very clear I needed a rest," Schwarzer wrote on Twitter.

"It is certainly family time for the next four weeks, gutted about not being able to play though."

The veteran goalkeeper had been in tremendous form for Fulham.

Fulham manager Martin Jol took immediate action after learning the extent of Schwarzer's injury, recalling keeper David Stockdale from a loan spell with Ipswich.

On Wednesday, Jol handed rookie Neil Etheridge his first-team debut in a 2-2 draw with Odense - a result which eliminated them from the Europa League.

Neither the 21-year-old Etheridge, who is a Filipino international, nor Hungarian goalkeeper Csaba Somogyi, who was on the bench against Odense, have played a Premier League game.



http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/sport/a/-/soccer/12360031/neck-injury-puts-schwarzer-out-for-six-weeks/? (http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/sport/a/-/soccer/12360031/neck-injury-puts-schwarzer-out-for-six-weeks/?)

 
FULHAM 2 ODENSE 2: ANGRY MARTIN JOL LEFT THE FALL GUY

A LAST-GASP goal from Baye Djiby Fall knocked Fulham ouf of the Europa League.

First-half goals from Clint Dempsey and Kerim Frei helped had put Fulham well on the way to the last 32 and put a smile on Martin Jol's face – but it didn't last.

Bobby Zamora had come back in from the cold and was at the heart of the action, playing a part in Dempsey's opener and leading the line in style.

The England striker did not even make Fulham's squad to face Swansea on Saturday and his future in west London remains in doubt.

He played a key role as the Cottagers put Odense to the sword in their bid to reach the knockout stage.

But Odense gave themselves hope when Hans Henrik Andreasen was allowed a clear sight of goal at the end of the Fulham wall and fired in a free-kick afer 64 minutes.

But Fulham kept them at bay and looked to have achieved their goal as the game went into stoppage time.

Up came Fall with the vital header in the last move of the game to leave Jol seething.

He had admitted in the build-up he has a club full of unhappy players like Zamora, but it was all smiles again for the Dutchman last night.

Fulham's fate came down to this final group game because they lost in Holland to FC Twente earlier this month.

Andy Johnson got himself sent off for two foolish bookings in that match, depriving Fulham of their top scorer.

Fulham beat Odense 2-0 in Denmark in September with Johnson scoring both of the goals, and he has eight in all in Europe. Zamora was back after missing the trip to Swansea but there were other changes too, with goalkeeper Neil Etheridge making his debut.

The 21-year-old started as Mark Schwarzer was ruled out before kick-off after suffering a spinal injury in Wales and will be out for up to six weeks.

The youngster had a couple of early scares but was largely a spectator in the first half.

Brede Hangeland had an early header cleared off the line.

Dempsey was then denied by another goalline clearance from Espen Ruud after a slip by Tore Reginiussen. But the 2010 finalists made hard work of it until Dempsey finally made the breakthrough in the 27th minute.

Frei pulled the ball back from the byline and Zamora laid it off expertly for the USA striker to smash home.

It was the perfect response from Dempsey, who scored an own goal and missed a penalty in the defeat at Swansea.

His strike was followed by another from Frei, who scored from a Mousa Dembele pass. But Andreasen's freekick and Fall's last-gasp strike sunk them.



http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/225701/Fulham-2-Odense-2-Angry-Martin-Jol-left-the-fall-guy/? (http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/225701/Fulham-2-Odense-2-Angry-Martin-Jol-left-the-fall-guy/?)

 
Choke

It's a bit odd to say this considering we're Fulham and we aren't usually in such a position for this to happen, but...

That just might be the biggest choke job I've ever seen by a sports team. Ever.



http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2011/12/15/choke/? (http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2011/12/15/choke/?)

 
David Stockdale leaves with words of praise for fans

DEPARTING David Stockdale has today paid a gushing tribute to the Super Blues after his loan deal was abruptly ended.

The popular keeper yesterday returned to Fulham following a spinal injury to Mark Schwarzer – giving Town boss Paul Jewell a selection headache ahead of Saturday's visit of Derby County.

But while excited about the challenge of playing in the Premier League, Stockdale said he would love to see his loan club join him in the seasons to come.

He said: "I loved my time here and I can't speak highly enough of the place. The fans have been brilliant and they've been behind us every game.

"I just want to thank everyone at Ipswich for giving me this chance and I really have learned a lot from the experience. It would have been nice to have stayed and tried to have got the club into the Premier League, but I've got to concentrate on doing my best for Fulham now."

Despite conceding more goals than any other keeper in the Championship so far, Stockdale was largely blameless in the eyes of Blues fans after a string of impressive performances.

And the 25-year-old returned the compliment by praising the level of support he had received, adding: "It's been an up and down season so far but the fans have stuck by us which means a lot and I'd like to thank them. I really hope that sooner rather than later they can be watching their side playing in the Premier League because their support deserves it."

Supporters had no choice but to join Jewell in hoping 39-year-old Schwarzer would stay fit this season after Fulham and Ipswich agreed a 24-hour recall clause when Stockdale signed in July.

It was the only way the Craven Cottage outfit would agree to the loan deal, but Stockdale – currently England's third choice keeper – quickly settled into life in Suffolk, moving his family to the area and helping the club in the community.

And no one took defeat harder than the 25-year-old who would often vent his disappointment at the side's troubles via the social media network Twitter.

Now despite turning his attention to forthcoming Premier League matches against Manchester United, Chelsea and Norwich, Stockdale had a word of encouragement for the men he has left behind.

He explained: "Fulham have got some big games coming up so I want to do well and show people what I've learned at Ipswich and show what I've been doing in games and training, working alongside some great coaches such as Malcolm Webster.

"I know the club are being left in good hands as Wrighty (Richard Wright) and Aaron (Lee-Barrett) are two great keepers."



http://www.greenun24.co.uk/ipswich-town/david_stockdale_leaves_with_words_of_praise_for_fans_1_1154297? (http://www.greenun24.co.uk/ipswich-town/david_stockdale_leaves_with_words_of_praise_for_fans_1_1154297?)

 
Philippines goalkeeper Neil Etheridge marks Fulham debut in Europa League clash
Mark Schwarzer's injury provided a valuable opportunity for Neil Etheridge to prove his ability in a first senior appearance for The Cottagers

Philippines international goalkeeper Neil Etheridge became the first-ever Filipino goalkeeper to play in European competition in his historic debut for Fulham in Europa League clash against Danish side Odense BK.

Etheridge was handed the first team duty after Fulham's first choice goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer suffered a neck injury in last weekend's Premier League match against Swansea and is expected to be out for four to six weeks.

The 21-year-old Etheridge started well for The Cottagers in his debut, keeping a clean sheet in the first half sheets as his team took a two-goal lead. However, Fulham settled for a draw and elimination from the competition after conceding a pair of goals to Odense in the second-half.

Since joining Fulham in three years ago, Etheridge has spent the majority of his time on loan to other clubs. Once rumoured to leave, his contract at Craven Cottage was extended until 2013 during the summer and he was promoted to backup goalkeeper after David Stockdale was sent out on loan to Ipswich Town.

Etheridge is also likely to be the first South-East Asian player to feel the atmosphere of Premier League when Fulham host Bolton Wanderers on Saturday.


http://www.goal.com/en/news/14/asia/2011/12/15/2803316/philippines-goalkeeper-neil-etheridge-marks-fulham-debut-in? (http://www.goal.com/en/news/14/asia/2011/12/15/2803316/philippines-goalkeeper-neil-etheridge-marks-fulham-debut-in?)

 
Fulham recall keeper Stockdale

Fulham have recalled goalkeeper David Stockdale from his loan spell at Ipswich after an injury to No 1 choice Mark Schwarzer.

Australian Schwarzer will be out for up to six weeks after damaging his neck during the match with Swansea last weekend.

"Following an assessment by a specialist consultant on Tuesday evening, the club can confirm that he has sustained a compression injury to his thoracic spine," Fulham said in a statement.

"He will be unavailable for four to six weeks and is expected to return to play towards the end of January."

21-year-old Neil Etheridge played in goals for Fulham in a Europa League match against Odense on Wednesday, which the Premier League club drew 2-2 - a result that saw them eliminated from the competition.

Neither Etheridge, who is a Filipino international, nor Hungarian goalkeeper Csaba Somogyi, who was on the bench against Odense, have played a Premier League game.


http://www.supersport.com/football/barclays-premier-league/news/111215/Fulham_recall_keeper_Stockdale (http://www.supersport.com/football/barclays-premier-league/news/111215/Fulham_recall_keeper_Stockdale)

 
Fulham coach Martin Jol attempts to hide 'big blow' after Europa League exit at Craven Cottage
Martin Jol attempted to put a positive spin on Fulham's untimely exit from the Europa League after they crashed out in stoppage time.

(http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02085/fulham_2085225b.jpg)
Down and out: Fulham were sent crashing out in stoppage time Photo: EPA

Substitute Djiby Fall secured Odense a 2-2 draw late in the game. It meant that Wisla Krakow finished second in Group K and Jol is now hoping Fulham can improve their Premier League form.

"It is awful to go out of the competition in the way we did but hopefully we will gain something from the fact we don't have to play these Thursday matches," he said.

"I think it is a big blow for the club but every disadvantage has an advantage.

"There were positive things in the first half, like how much we put them under pressure and the players that made the difference, like [Kerim] Frei with a cross and a goal.

"In the econd half our best players were probably almost worn out. They were tired.

"It is probably the 30th game for a few of them and that is not an excuse because we are a team that can defend a lead.

"We were 2-1 up and then 30 seconds from the end we did not have the cleverness or experience to keep it in their half."

The west Londoners' safe passage seemed all but secured at the interval after two goals in four first-half minutes through Clint Dempsey and Frei.

However, Fulham capitulated in the second period as Hans Henrik Andreasen's low free-kick and Fall's last-gasp header saw them drop out of the competition.

"We had so many players in there that wanted to do well," Jol said.

"Bairdy (Chris Baird), [Marcel] Gecov, Kerim Frei and even Mousa Dembele did everything in the first half.

"At the back, Aaron Hughes got his chance again so they were passionate to do well.

"It was more that we could not pressurise them in the second half and they scored pretty quickly to make it 2-1.

"And, of course, you are caught in two minds whether to hold back or look for the third one. That is always a problem in football."
Fulham's exit from the Europa League compounded a difficult day for Jol, who earlier saw goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer ruled out for up to six weeks after suffering a compression injury to his thoracic spine.

While Jol was left ruing a miserable day, Odense manager Henrik Clausen was delighted by his side's performance at Craven Cottage.

"I have to say Fulham looked very sharp in the first half and we had trouble with their deep balls and play down the middle," he said.

"But without doing that much different in the second half and scoring through the only two real chances we had, we managed to get a draw.

"I was very pleased with the performance from my players."


http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/fulham/8957690/Fulham-coach-Martin-Jol-attempts-to-hide-big-blow-after-Europa-League-exit-at-Craven-Cottage.html? (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/fulham/8957690/Fulham-coach-Martin-Jol-attempts-to-hide-big-blow-after-Europa-League-exit-at-Craven-Cottage.html?)

 
Report: Fulham 2-2 Odense

Disappointment is part of football, of course. We all know this and in some respects enjoy it: our real lives are generally on the ordinary side and furthermore it's very rare for us to be able to shout, scream, jump around or make outrageous accusations in the real world without there being consequences. So we go to football where all of those things are okay. Running up and down the scale of emotions is part of being a football fan.

Then you get games like that, where in the end there is no emotion because emotion is replaced by an otherworldly nothingness, a nothingness that occasionally gives way to fury but then comes back, bringing with it a cliched but very real sick feeling in the stomach. Have you been punched in the stomach? It feels like that.

Put another way: how could they?  How could they do that?

Put another way: we're out of Europe because...

Why?

Did they underestimate Odense?  Did they think at 2-0 that pissing around doing nothing for the second half would be fine?  Do they hate the manager so much that they don't want to play for him?  Or are they the victims of poor fortune?

Why?

Odense started brightly but Fulham took control soon enough. Kerim Frei, who presumably sat in the changing room after the game gutted that his birth as a contributing star of the future was wasted, surged down the left wing and had the gumption to find Zamora with a cross. Zamora – memories of days gone by! – turned the ball back to the edge of the box and Dempsey slammed home a first goal that oughtto have seen us on our way.

Then Dembele won the ball and slipped Frei through and Frei slotted home a second.  What a game for the lad.

It was men against boys at this point.

In the second half it got a bit sleepy.  Both teams seemed to have accepted their fate and were content to play at 75%.  But Odense won a free-kick that was promptly rifled low past young Etheridge (a decent, blameless debut for Neil), and oh dear we had a game to play again.

It is easy to go down the gears but when you lose momentum it can be very hard to get it back, and Fulham were briefly trapped in what felt like a bad dream about to start.

I don't blame Orlando Sa for their winner. Partly because I'd nipped out for a (in retrospect complacent) jimmy riddle and didn't see it, but in general because we've had six games, none of which have been particularly difficult, and thoroughly fucked them up.  We didn't lose this group in the 93rd minute we lost it over six matches, and particularly the last two.  The defeat in Twente would be understandable (away to the group winners) had the display not been so insipid.  This one?

In days gone by we'd have seen a 2-2 draw against a strongish Danish side as an exotic disappointment, but tipped our hats to our opponents and moved along.  But now the game in England, and Fulham are part of this, is so awash with money that this really should not happen. I sound like an Arsenal fan or something now, but the talent we had on the field, the wage bill required to put it there, frankly Odense, bottom of the group and away from home, shouldn't have had a sniff. They should have been stuffed out of sight. Yes, football is not like that, but it isn't as if we got ambushed by a surprisingly technical team or knocked out of our stride by some well timed physicality, or anything like that. We just stopped playing when we thought the job was done, an enfuriating counterpoint to last Saturday when we didn't *start* playing until it was too late.

It is only a game, but we give up valuable time and money for all this. We pour our wallets into the club, we pay £400 that really we don't have then we give them more for cup matches, and we get this back. I hope the players are ashamed of themselves.  I don't think I've written that before in CCN's five years. This is a low.


http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2011/12/15/report-fulham-2-2-odense/? (http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2011/12/15/report-fulham-2-2-odense/?)

 
Odense midfielder Rurik Gislason unsure why Fulham threw lead away

The Icelandic international, who was on the books at Charlton, did not think the Whites were nervous

Odense midfielder Rurik Gislason was unsure why Fulham let a two goal lead slip at Craven Cottage leading to the Whites crashing out of the Europa League.

The west London club had cruised into a two goal lead at half-time but OB came back thanks to a free-kick from Hans Henrik Andreasen and Djiby Fall's equaliser in the last second.

"I don't know if they were nervous but they might have thought they were already through because we didn't do that well in the first-half," Gislason, who was on the books at Charlton as a 16-year-old, said.

"They had more chances than we had and luckily for us they came out for the second half not quite as sharp as they came for the first-half.

"They might have thought the job was done.

The 23-year-old, however, was delighted with his Odense's comeback going into the Christmas break.

"It's a nice feeling," he added. "We have a Christmas holiday right now so it's a good feeling to go into the break. It makes it easier and we're happier.

"At the moment I'm only going to enjoy this point away against Fulham."



http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/odense_midfielder_rurik_gislason_unsure_why_fulham_threw_lead_away_1_1154394? (http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/odense_midfielder_rurik_gislason_unsure_why_fulham_threw_lead_away_1_1154394?)

 
Hangeland heartbroken by Fulham exit

(http://www.premierleague.com/content/dam/premierleague/site-content/News/2011-12/news/hangeland-heartbroken.jpg/_jcr_content/renditions/cq5dam.thumbnail.490.338.margin.png)
Brede Hangeland (centre) can only look on as Odense's Djiby Fall scores the equaliser

Fulham defender Brede Hangeland could not hide his dismay after seeing the Cottagers dumped out of the UEFA Europa League in heartbreaking fashion on Wednesday.

Beating Danish team Odense 2-0 at half-time and cruising through to the last 32, Fulham conceded twice in the second half to cost themselves a place in the next round, the equaliser coming with the last kick of the match.

That meant Polish side Wisla Krakow qualified instead, leaving Fulham to rue a missed opportunity and the chance to repeat their superb run to the final in 2009-10.

"It's really hard to take," Hangeland told Fulham's official website (fulhamfc.com). "We didn't play very well, but we had by far the better chances and I cannot believe we drew.

"To go out like that, with the last kick of the ball, is very, very frustrating and hard to take. We started in this competition in June and it feels like that was all for nothing at the moment, so it's very disappointing."

Because they had to qualify for the group stage, Fulham played 14 matches in the UEFA Europa League this season and Wednesday's defeat was their 30th fixture in all competitions already.

But Hangeland says he and his colleagues must pick themselves up immediately, with a host of Barclays Premier League matches coming up and the FA Cup starting in January.

"It's not a time for anything positive," added the 30-year-old. "But it's over and done with and we need to focus on the League and the FA Cup when it gets going.

"The matches are coming thick and fast now so we need to keep going. Sometimes when you have a big disappointment it's good to have a game coming up a few days later to put things right.

"It will be nice to get back into action as soon as possible after this massive disappointment."

Fulham are back in Barclays Premier League action on Saturday when they entertain struggling Bolton Wanderers at Craven Cottage.


http://www.premierleague.com/en-gb/news/news/hangeland-heartbroken-by-fulham-exit.html? (http://www.premierleague.com/en-gb/news/news/hangeland-heartbroken-by-fulham-exit.html?)

 
Fulham crash not so bad

Soccer: Martin Jol attempted to put a positive spin on things after Fulham's untimely exit from the Europa League on Wednesday night.

The Cottagers crashed out of Europe after substitute Djiby Fall secured Odense a 2-2 draw deep into stoppage time.

Wisla Krakow finished second in Group K as a result and Jol is now hoping Fulham can improve their Premier League form.

"It is awful to go out of the competition in the way we did but hopefully we will gain something from the fact we don't have to play these Thursday matches," he said.

"I think it is a big blow for the club but every disadvantage has an advantage.

"There were positive things in the first half, like how much we put them under pressure and the players that made the difference, like [Kerim] Frei with a cross and a goal.

"In the second half our best players were probably almost worn out. They were tired.

"It is probably the 30th game for a few of them and that is not an excuse because we are a team that can defend a lead.

"We were 2-1 up and then 30 seconds from the end we did not have the cleverness or experience to keep it in their half."

The west Londoners' safe passage seemed all but secured at the interval after two goals in four first-half minutes through Clint Dempsey and Frei.

However, Fulham capitulated in the second period as Hans Henrik Andreasen's low free-kick and Fall's last-gasp header saw them drop out of the competition.

"We had so many players in there that wanted to do well," Jol said.

"Bairdy (Chris Baird), [Marcel] Gecov, Kerim Frei and even Mousa Dembele did everything in the first half.

"At the back, Aaron Hughes got his chance again so they were passionate to do well.

"It was more that we could not pressurise them in the second half and they scored pretty quickly to make it 2-1.

"And, of course, you are caught in two minds whether to hold back or look for the third one. That is always a problem in football."

Fulham's exit from the Europa League compounded a difficult day for Jol, who earlier saw goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer ruled out for up to six weeks after suffering a compression injury to his thoracic spine.

While Jol was left ruing a miserable day, Odense manager Henrik Clausen was delighted by his side's performance at Craven Cottage.

"I have to say Fulham looked very sharp in the first half and we had trouble with their deep balls and play down the middle," he said.

"But without doing that much different in the second half and scoring through the only two real chances we had, we managed to get a draw.

"I was very pleased with the performance from my players."



http://www.irishtimes.com/sports/soccer/2011/1215/1224309113541.html? (http://www.irishtimes.com/sports/soccer/2011/1215/1224309113541.html?)

 
Martin Jol remains positive despite Fulham's Europa defeat

(http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article6277408.ece/ALTERNATES/w380/fulham.jpg)

Martin Jol attempted to put a positive spin on things after Fulham's untimely exit from the Europa League last night.

The Cottagers crashed out of Europe after substitute Djiby Fall secured Odense a 2-2 draw deep into stoppage time.

Wisla Krakow finished second in Group K as a result and Jol is now hoping Fulham can improve their Premier League form.

"It is awful to go out of the competition in the way we did but hopefully we will gain something from the fact we don't have to play these Thursday matches," he said.

"I think it is a big blow for the club but every disadvantage has an advantage.

"There were positive things in the first half, like how much we put them under pressure and the players that made the difference, like [Kerim] Frei with a cross and a goal.

"In the second half our best players were probably almost worn out. They were tired.

"It is probably the 30th game for a few of them and that is not an excuse because we are a team that can defend a lead.

"We were 2-1 up and then 30 seconds from the end we did not have the cleverness or experience to keep it in their half."

The west Londoners' safe passage seemed all but secured at the interval after two goals in four first-half minutes through Clint Dempsey and Frei.

However, Fulham capitulated in the second period as Hans Henrik Andreasen's low free-kick and Fall's last-gasp header saw them drop out of the competition.

"We had so many players in there that wanted to do well," Jol said.

"Bairdy (Chris Baird), [Marcel] Gecov, Kerim Frei and even Mousa Dembele did everything in the first half.

"At the back, Aaron Hughes got his chance again so they were passionate to do well.

"It was more that we could not pressurise them in the second half and they scored pretty quickly to make it 2-1.

"And, of course, you are caught in two minds whether to hold back or look for the third one. That is always a problem in football."

Fulham's exit from the Europa League compounded a difficult day for Jol, who earlier saw goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer ruled out for up to six weeks after suffering a compression injury to his thoracic spine.

While Jol was left ruing a miserable day, Odense manager Henrik Clausen was delighted by his side's performance at Craven Cottage.

"I have to say Fulham looked very sharp in the first half and we had trouble with their deep balls and play down the middle," he said.

"But without doing that much different in the second half and scoring through the only two real chances we had, we managed to get a draw.

"I was very pleased with the performance from my players."



http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/martin-jol-remains-positive-despite-fulhams-europa-defeat-6277377.html? (http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/martin-jol-remains-positive-despite-fulhams-europa-defeat-6277377.html?)

 
Hangeland hoping to bounce back against Bolton

BREDE Hangeland insists Fulham must put last night's Europa League heartbreak behind them with Saturday's crunch clash with Bolton Wanderers around the corner.

The Whites crashed out of the competition they reached the final of in 2010 after Odense scored in the dying seconds at Craven Cottage to earn a draw - a result which saw Fulham pipped to second spot by Wisla Krakow.

But with Martin Jol's men just three points above the Premier League drop zone, Hangeland insists they need to regroup quickly.
"The games are coming thick and fast so we just need to keep going," he told fulhamfc.com.

"Sometimes when you have a big disappointment it's good to have a game coming up a few days later to put things right, so I'm sure we'll be up for it.

"I think we'd be up for it regardless of what happened last night, but it will be nice to get back into action as soon as possible after this massive disappointment."



http://www.ealinggazette.co.uk/sport/fulham-fc-ealing/2011/12/15/hangeland-hoping-to-bounce-back-against-bolton-82029-29959376/? (http://www.ealinggazette.co.uk/sport/fulham-fc-ealing/2011/12/15/hangeland-hoping-to-bounce-back-against-bolton-82029-29959376/?)

 
Stockdale open to Town return
Keeper answers Fulham call following injury to Schwarzer

(http://img.skysports.com/11/12/660x350/Stockdale_2685837.jpg)
David Stockdale: Keeper admits he could return to Ipswich following his recall from loan by Fulham

David Stockdale is not ruling out a return to Ipswich Town in the New Year after he was recalled by Fulham following an injury to goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer.

Veteran Australian keeper Schwarzer is facing up to six weeks on the sidelines and Stockdale has been summoned back to Craven Cottage ahead of Fulham's game at home to Bolton Wandererson Saturday.

The former Darlington shot-stopper had been on a season-long loan at Ipswich and had made 18 appearances during his time with the Championship club.

The England hopeful is now focusing on taking his chance with the Cottagers, but admits he could head back to Portman Road once Schwarzer is back to full fitness.

Experience

"There may be a chance of me coming back," Stockdale told Ipswich's official website. "That's not really up to me and at the moment I just want to concentrate on getting back and doing my best for Fulham.

"If the chance came for me to come back and it suited all parties then it is definitely something I'd look into though.

"Fulham have got some big games coming up - especially Man Utd and Chelsea - so I want to do well and show people what I've learned at Ipswich and show what I've been doing in games and training, working along some great coaches such as Malcolm Webster.

"I just want to thank everyone at Ipswich for giving me this chance and I really have learned a lot from the experience.

"It would have been nice to have stayed and tried to have got the club into the Premier League, but I've got to concentrate on doing my best for Fulham now."



http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/7378734/? (http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/7378734/?)

 
League Mission

Following the Club's exit from this season's UEFA Europa League competition on Wednesday night, Manager Martin Jol has spoken of his desire to lead his Team into the top half of the Barclays Premier League table.

Fulham return to League action on Saturday when they challenge Bolton Wanderers in SW6 and Jol will be looking for a clinical edge in the final third to fire Fulham up the table.

"The Premier League is our priority," said Jol ahead of Saturday's match at the Cottage. "I will try to get this club in the top 10 and then in the top eight, and maybe the top six. That's my mission.

"We have to fight until the end of the season. Hopefully we'll get 40 points as soon as possible and if you look at our performances in the League, and our goal record, they are completely different from other teams.

"We're always on the fringe doing something and sometimes it comes off, like it has against Arsenal, Wigan, Sunderland and Liverpool.

"Even against Swansea, after a bad first half and after conceding an own goal, we pushed forward and created four or five chances. It's about putting our chances away – if you don't create chances then you've got a problem.

"You need results against teams that are in a similar position in the League. It's not easy to play against the top sides but I think we've done well against the likes of Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool this season.

"We're a good organised team and the thing now is to get a good balance in the Team and try to put all our offensive midfield players together and create a culture of scoring goals."

Tickets remain on General Sale for Saturday's Barclays Premier League match against Bolton Wanderers at Craven Cottage. Under 16s can experience live Barclays Premier League football from just £1 in the Putney End when purchased in advance (prices will increase to £5 on matchday).



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/December/JolsLeagueMission.aspx?#ixzz1gbn6VFPj (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/December/JolsLeagueMission.aspx?#ixzz1gbn6VFPj)

 
Brede Hangeland: We need a quick cure for our Euro hangover

(http://i.thisislondon.co.uk/i/pix/2011/12/main-football-pic-top-415.jpg)
The fall guys: Djiby Fall dumps Fulham out of Europe after scoring
Odense's last-gasp equaliser

Brede Hangeland today pledged Fulham will lift themselves from their shock Europa League exit in time for Saturday's relegation clash with Bolton.

Hangeland issued his rallying call after Fulham, inexcusably sitting back on a slender lead, conceded an equaliser just six seconds from the end of added time against Danish side Odense BK at a stunned Craven Cottage.

The 2-2 draw meant Fulham dropped from second to third in the Group K table, with Wisla Krakow, of Poland, leapfrogging into the second qualifying spot with a 2-1 win against Holland's FC Twente, who had already secured their place in tomorrow's draw for the knockout round of 32.

It was the last thing Fulham needed ahead of their home clash with the Premier League's bottom side, particularly as they themselves are only three points clear of the drop zone. But Hangeland, who wore the captain's armband against Odense following Danny Murphy's failure to recover from an ankle injury, believes his team will fight back.

"Sometimes when you have a big disappointment it's good to have a game coming up a few days later to put things right," he said. "I think we'd be up for that game regardless of what happened against Odense but it will be nice to get back into action as soon as possible after this massive disappointment."

A massive disappointment? That hardly begins to sum up a game which Fulham appeared to have taken control of as they led 2-0 at half-time.

Manager Martin Jol drafted in some younger players as he sought to cope with injuries and the needs of squad rotation in a glut of eight games during December. Neil Etheridge, a London-born goalkeeper who plays for the Philippines for whom he qualifies through his mother, got a late call to make his debut after Mark Schwarzer succumbed to a spinal complaint that will keep him out until after Christmas.

And the 21-year-old initially impressed with his confidence, sharp reactions and bravery. Marcel Gecov, a 23-year-old former Czech Under-21 midfielder making only his third start, also caught the eye with vision and playmaking that Murphy would have been proud of.

But it was teenager Kerim Frei, born in Austria but raised in Switzerland, who made the most telling impact in the 27th minute when he galloped down the left wing and crossed low to Bobby Zamora. The England striker laid the ball back to Clint Dempsey and his curling first-time shot flew between keeper and post.

Four minutes later Frei scored his first for the club, finishing off a chance created by Mousa Dembele, who dispossessed a dithering Bernard Mendy before embarking on one of his trademark jinking runs.

That brace ought to have been enough to see Fulham through to the win they needed but in the second half the Whites may as well have run up a white flag.

A poor wall and naive positioning by Etheridge allowed Hans Henrik Andreasen to curl a free-kick just inside the post in the 64th minute.

Then substitute Djiby Fall's fine header two minutes and 54 seconds into the three minutes of added time capped a remarkable comeback by an Odense side who on last night's showing would struggle in League One.

Hangeland added: "To go out like that with the last kick of the ball is very hard to take. We didn't play a good game but we had by far the better chances and I can't believe we drew."

Fulham's European adventure had embraced 14 games stretching back to their first qualifier which took place in the second week of the Wimbledon tennis championships. Hangeland said: "I've been thinking about the fact that we started training on June 23 and it feels like that was all for nothing."

Not even the potential revealed by Fulham's young talent could console Hangeland, who added: "It's over and done with and now we need to focus on the Premier League and FA Cup."



http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-sport/football/article-24021697-brede-hangeland-we-need-a-quick-cure-for-our-euro-hangover.do? (http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-sport/football/article-24021697-brede-hangeland-we-need-a-quick-cure-for-our-euro-hangover.do?)

 
Fulham poll: Vote for the Player of the Year for 2011

Who has been the brightest star for Fulham in the last 12 months?

Fulham have had an up and down year with European adventures and managers leaving of their own accord.

The Whites qualified for Europe through the Fair Play league but former boss Mark Hughes left the club in the summer and was replaced by Martin Jol.

BREDE HANGELAND has been a fans favourite since signing in 2008 and he has had another strong year. The defender had already made 29 appearances this season but are his consistent performances enough to be the best Whites' player of 2011?

MARK SCHWARZER is out of contract with the Whites but has been in fine form again this year and intimated that he'd like to follow Brad Friedel in playing into his 40s. Have his performances earned him the player of 2011?

CLINT DEMPSEY became the highest scoring American in the Premier League when he netted against Liverpool on December 5 but will he pay the penalty for his miss against Swansea?

BOBBY ZAMORA has been playing well for Fulham of late and is a fan favourite but has his recent goal drought cost him the honour?

DANNY MURPHY has led Fulham very well and played a starring role in their recent win over Liverpool.

The midfielder has chipped in with five goals this season and two last year but is it enough for him to be crowned as Fulham's best player in 2011?



http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/fulham_poll_vote_for_the_player_of_the_year_for_2011_1_1154133? (http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/fulham_poll_vote_for_the_player_of_the_year_for_2011_1_1154133?)

 
Arsenal star Ryo Miyaichi wanted by Fulham and Feyenoord for January loan
Manager Arsene Wenger is '60-40' in favour of loaning out the Japanese youngster for the second half of the season, and is believed to prefer a deal with an English club

(http://u.goal.com/151000/151079hp2.jpg)

Arsenal wonderkid Ryo Miyaichi is being targeted by Fulham and Feyenoord for a January loan swoop, Goal.com can reveal.

The Dutch club have approached the Londoners about the potential availability of the 19-year-old, who helped turn around Feyenoord's season during a 12-game loan spell earlier this year.

Fulham are also monitoring the availability of the Japanese youngster as manager Martin Jol bids to reinforce his team's left flank in next month's window.

Goal.com revealed last month that Jol is keeping a close eye on Swansea City pair Scott Sinclair and Nathan Dyer, but he is also tracking the availability of Miyaichi after failing in a bid to land the player on loan last summer.

Goal.com understands that Arsene Wenger is '60-40' in favour of loaning out Miyaichi in the new year to help him gain further first-team experience.

The teenager has made only two substitute appearances in the League Cup during his first full season at Arsenal, which has been marked by teething problems, niggling injuries and some time spent learning his trade in the reserves.

Feyenoord have a good relationship with Arsenal after impressing Wenger with how they looked after the Japanese winger during his four-month loan spell last season, when the Eredivisie club sent the Londoners DVDs of all Miyaichi's performances and details of his entire playing programme, which included what he did in training.

But the Arsenal manager is keen for Miyaichi to gain greater experience of the physical demands of English football and is believed to favour a switch to another Premier League club.

Wenger will wait to see how his first-team squad is affected by injuries after the glut of forthcoming festive fixtures before making a final decision.

Asked recently about speculation that he will loan out Miyaichi, Wenger said: "I will decide that at the beginning of January."



http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2011/12/15/2803712/arsenal-star-ryo-miyaichi-wanted-by-fulham-and-feyenoord-for? (http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2011/12/15/2803712/arsenal-star-ryo-miyaichi-wanted-by-fulham-and-feyenoord-for?)

 
Fulham V Bolton Wanderers – Match Preview

Rock bottom Bolton travel to the capital on Saturday to face Fulham desperate to halt a run of four consecutive defeats and begin their great escape.

Beating the Cottagers in their own back yard will be an extremely tough task considering Martin Jol's side have lost only two of their seven games at Craven Cottage this season. However their win against Liverpool a fortnight ago was only their second win on their own turf and first since thrashing QPR at the start of October. New boss Jol has had a difficult start to life on the Thames seeing his side excel in the Europa League but falter on the domestic front. Last week's defeat away at Swansea will have disappointed the Dutchman with midfielder Clint Dempsey playing a key role in their downfall. The American, who had struck the winner in their last home game against the Reds, offered the Swans a helping hand on their way to victory scoring an own goal and missing a late penalty to go from hero to villain in the space of a week. Finding the net certainly has been Fulham's Achilles heel this season with their goals for column displaying just 16 in their 15 Premier League games. A reported fall out with Bobby Zamora has further depleted Jol's striking options with Dempsey and Moussa Dembele likely to continue in attack with Bryan Ruiz still considered too raw for the top flight. Supporters will be expecting their side to arrest their poor goal scoring record as beleaguered Bolton.

The Trotters have endured a shocking campaign so far slumping to the bottom of the league after winning just three games all season. It's astonishing to think Owen Coyle's side contested an FA Cup Semi Final at the start of the year but could end up staring down the relegation barrel when 2011 reaches it's climax. There was a real sense of optimism following their opening day win against QPR but things have rapidly gone downhill since their with Saturday's home defeat against Aston Villa their 12th of the season. Apart from the three games they were successful in performances have been woeful with Coyle unable to stop the goals flying in at the wrong end. The ease in which Villa controlled the game on Saturday highlighted the frailties that exist in Bolton's back four with the experienced trio of Paul Robinson, Gary Cahill and Zat Knight offering a meagre level of protection to goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen. Injuries to key players hasn't helped Coyle but the fact his players motivation appears to recede every week points the finger at his ability to provide the dressing room with the motivation necessary for them to pull themselves away from danger. He needs to get his team organised and make them harder to break down starting on Saturday against Fulham. A win could prove to a turning point in their season with winnable games against Blackburn, Newcastle and Wolves all forthcoming during Christmas.

Fulham – 14th

Last Five: Lost 2-0 v Swansea (A), Won 1-0 v Liverpool (H), Drew 1-1 v Arsenal (A), Drew 0-0 v Sunderland (A), Lost 3-1 v Tottenham (H)

Potential Starting X11: 12. D. Stockdale 2. S. Kelly 14. P. Senderos 5. B. Hangeland 3. J. Riise 11. B. Ruiz 29. S. Davies 20. D. Etuhu 23. C. Dempsey 30. M. Dembele* 8. A. Johnson

Injury News: Mark Schwarzer will miss a large chunk of the season after sustaining a neck injury whilst Danny Murphy, Damien Duff and Steve Sidwell also remain sidelines.

Key Player: Moussa Dembele

With strike partner Zamora now out of contention the goalscoring burden now lies heavily on the talented shoulders of Dembele. The Dutchman has impressed in flashes this season and will be expected to be Fulham's source of creativity along with chief net buster with captain Danny Murphy out injured. He should definitely bag at least one against a fragile Bolton back four.

Match Fact: Fulham haven't lost in their eight meetings with Bolton and have won four along and drawn the same amount.

Bolton – 20th

Last Five: Lost 2-1 v Aston Villa (H), Lost 3-0 v Tottenham (A), Lost 2-0 v Everton (H), Lost 2-1 v West Brom (A), Won 5-0 v Stoke (H)

Potential Starting X11: 22. J. Jaaskelainen 2. G. Steinsson 5. G. Cahill* 12. Z. Knight 4. P. Robinson 7. C. Eagles 6. F. Muamba 21. D. Pratley 19. M. Davies 24. D. N'Gog 14. K. Davies [C]

Injury News: Bolton can add Ivan Klasnic and Nigel Reo-Coker to an injury list that already has nine first team players on it.

Key Player: Gary Cahill

Keeping the goals from flying in hasn't been Cahill's strong point this season as he finds himself in a Bolton side struggling to fight their way out of a never-ending relegation battle. The England defender's form has been patchy this season and he'll need to be at his very best to keep the likes of Dembele and Dempsey from inflicting more misery on the Trotters.

Match Fact: Bolton haven't beaten Fulham in the Premier League since 2007 and you'll have to go back even further for their last league victory at Craven Cottage with that coming in 1992 when both were plying their trades in the Old Division Two.

Last Time at Craven Cottage

Premier League 27 April 2011

Fulham 3-0 Bolton

Dempsey (15, 48)

Hangeland (65)

Attendance: 23,222

PREDICTION

Fulham are starting to come into a bit of form going into the hectic festive period and should have enough to see off a Bolton side who continue to lurch towards relegation. Rock bottom and unable to lift the confidence it's going to be a tough for christmas for the Trotter and expect their suffering to continue on the Thames.

Score: 3-0



http://www.footballfancast.com/2011/12/football-news/fulham-v-bolton-wanderers- (http://www.footballfancast.com/2011/12/football-news/fulham-v-bolton-wanderers-)–-match-review?

 
Premier League preview: Fulham v Bolton

Just three points above the relegation zone, Fulham host last-placed Bolton Wanderers as Martin Jol tries to steer the Londoners to safety.

Fulham have often struggled this season in league fixtures following European games, and - after crashing out of the Europa League from a stoppage time goal in their 2-2 draw against Odense - Jol will refocus his side on the English Premier League as they try to take points off sides below them.

Goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer's outstanding form has saved Fulham many points this season, but Jol will have to do without his star shot-stopper for the next six weeks after the Australian suffered a neck injury against Swansea last Saturday.

Philippines international Neil Etheridge, 21, was in goal for Wednesday's Europa League tie, while loanee David Stockdale has been recalled from Ipswich to provide further cover.

Steve Sidwell and Danny Murphy are doubtful against Bolton, with both left out of Fulham's Europa League squad. Sidwell is recovering from hernia operation and Murphy still nursing an ankle injury.

Chris Baird returned from injury against Odense and Marcel Gecov is likely to continue covering for Murphy in midfield.

Fulham might have won just once in seven matches in all competitions, but Jol will be pressing for all three points against a Bolton side which has lost four matches in a row.

Owen Coyle's men are six points from Fulham's 14th placing despite having the same number of wins - three.

Bolton have struggled to recapture their impressive form from last season, and a host of injuries to key players has not helped their cause.

Striker Ivan Klasnic is out with a knee injury, while Nigel Reo Coker, Ricardo Gardner and Stuart Holden are others on the casualty list.

But despite their injury toll, Bolton full-back Zat Knight is backing the side to recover some lost points before the end of the year, starting against Fulham on Saturday.

"It's still tight and there are games coming up, but we have to stop saying we can win them and instead we have to go and get something," Knight told Bolton's official website.

"That would give us something to build on and some confidence, but first of all we have to fight. If we are resilient and hard to beat then there is every chance you can win games."



http://uk.soccerway.com/news/2011/December/15/premier-league-preview-fulham-v-bolton/? (http://uk.soccerway.com/news/2011/December/15/premier-league-preview-fulham-v-bolton/?)

 
Jol faces Dutch scrap for winger

Fulham and Feyenoord are vying to sign Japanese winger Ryo Miyaichi if Arsene Wenger allows him to leave Arsenal on loan next month.
Jol saw the 19-year-old at first hand during a 12-game loan spell at Feyenoord earlier this year where he was credited with helping turnaround the fortunes of the Rotterdam club.

Wenger is said to be marginally in favour of loaning out the player, who has made only two substitute appearances in the League Cup this term, in the new year to help him gain further first-team experience.

Feyenoord built a good relationship with Arsenal after impressing Wenger with how they looked after the Japanese winger during his four-month loan spell last season.

The Eredivisie club sent Wenger DVDs of all Miyaichi's performances and detailed his work in training.

But the Arsenal manager is keen for Miyaichi to gain greater experience of the physical demands of English football and is believed to favour a switch to another Premier League club.



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