Fulham linked with Gardner move
by DAN on DECEMBER 18, 2011
(http://img.thesun.co.uk/multimedia/archive/01376/CraigGardner_1376323a.jpg)
The Sunday Mirror links Fulham with a possible move for Sunderland midfielder Craig Gardner.
The paper speculates that Martin Jol could be tempted to add additional cover for Danny Murphy and Steve Sidwell in January and that Gardner, who has only started five league games for Sunderland this season, could be leaving the Stadium of Light in the forthcoming transfer window. The 25 year-old moved to the north east from relegated Birmingham in the summer, but was sold from Aston Villa to their bitter rivals by new Sunderland manager Martin O'Neill.
Fulham have also been linked with a £4m move for West Ham midfielder Mark Noble over the past couple of days. Some reports have suggested that the clubs have opened talks over a deal for the former England under-21 international.
http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/12/fulham-linked-with-gardner-move/? (http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/12/fulham-linked-with-gardner-move/?)
Stockdale - A perfect response
Goalkeeper delighted with victory over Bolton
(http://img.skysports.com/11/12/660x350/David-Stockdale-Fulham-2011_2692764.jpg)
David Stockdale: Thrilled with Fulham's performance against Bolton after bowing out of Europe
David Stockdale has expressed his delight after Fulham bounced back from their European disappointment with a 2-0 victory over Bolton on Saturday.
The Cottagers went into their 31st competitive match of the season with added motivation after they exited the Europa League in midweek.
Martin Jol's side squandered a two-goal lead to eventually draw 2-2 with Odense on Wednesday night, but there was no repeat of such frailty against Bolton.
Clint Dempsey and Bryan Ruiz scored the goals in a 66-second spell in the first half as the hosts easily saw off the Premier League's bottom side.
"It was a fantastic win for us and the perfect response to the disappointment in midweek," goalkeeper Stockdale told the club's official website.
"We needed to turn it around a little bit and we did just that.
"At 2-0, I think a few possibly thought back to the Odense game, but we kept things tight and showed a lot of character. From front to back there were some great performances.
"When they play like that it makes my job that bit more easier. The boys up front will be happy with their goals, but us at the back will be equally pleased with the clean sheet too - all round we were very strong."
Good to be back
Stockdale put in an assured performance in his first Fulham appearance of the season.
The 26-year-old was recalled from a loan spell at Ipswich this week after a spinal injury ruled Mark Schwarzer out for up to six weeks.
"It's good to be back and playing at Craven Cottage again," Stockdale said. "I like to think that I showed what I could do last season and hopefully I can do well in Mark's absence.
"I enjoyed my time at Ipswich and it was great to see that they won today too, so it was a good day all round. I'm sure I'll get a few texts off the lads there saying that they don't need me.
"I love it at Fulham and I just want to repay the faith that they have shown in me."
Stockdale and his team-mates have a tough run of matches coming up over the next few weeks, including games against Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United.
The latter visit Craven Cottage on Wednesday and Stockdale is quietly confident of getting something from the reigning champions after beating Bolton.
"It will be difficult [to get some momentum] because Manchester United are up next, but there are a lot of positives to take," he said. "We can build on this performance now.
"We knew the league was tight and three points makes tonight's table look a lot better. Make no mistake, this was a massive win for us and now we just want to kick on.
"We've done well against United in the past, so hopefully that will be the case again."
http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/7384769/? (http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/7384769/?)
Waddock wants to keep Trotta
Wycombe manager Gary Waddock will ask Fulham to extend Marcello Trotta's loan period after the 2-2 draw at Carlisle on Saturday.
The Italy Under-19 international struck in the 38th minute to give lowly Wycombe the lead after Anthony McNamee's superb 30-yard curler had cancelled out Rory Loy's opener for Carlisle, who snatched a point through substitute Francois Zoko's 86th-minute header.
Trotta also hit the woodwork in the first half and Waddock said: "Fulham have been great to allow him to come to us for a month. His loan period is up now and he has done very well. I would like him to stay."
Waddock added: "I'm disappointed to concede late on, but after the start we made we would have taken a point. We carved out a number of chances and credit to the players for turning it round.
"Carlisle's keeper was outstanding. It's a shame we caught him on a day like that.
"Carlisle threw everything at us at the end and poor decision-making led to the goal."
http://www.teamtalk.com/wycombe-wanderers/7385170/Waddock-wants-to-keep-Trotta? (http://www.teamtalk.com/wycombe-wanderers/7385170/Waddock-wants-to-keep-Trotta?)
Johnson: I wouldn't be surprised if Zamora left Fulham in January
The London Evening Standard writer talks about the Cottagers' 2-0 win over Bolton and the future of their disgruntled striker.
http://www.talksport.co.uk/radio/football-first/blog/2011-12-18/johnson-i-wouldnt-be-surprised-if-zamora-left-fulham-january? (http://www.talksport.co.uk/radio/football-first/blog/2011-12-18/johnson-i-wouldnt-be-surprised-if-zamora-left-fulham-january?)
Former Fulham boss Tigana appointed manager of Anelka's Shanghai Shenhua side
Former France international Jean Tigana has been appointed coach of Shanghai Shenhua, the Chinese Super League club have confirmed on their website.
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/12/18/article-2075771-0F378C0400000578-858_468x303.jpg)
Champagne moment: Shanghai Shenhua director Zhou Jun (left) raises a toast with Jean Tigana
Tigana has had a varied coaching career, starting off at French side Lyon in 1993.
After two years there, he moved on to Monaco where he led them to the French championship and Super Cup before moving to Fulham.
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/12/18/article-2075771-0F379F9600000578-662_468x306.jpg)
New challenge: Tigana was last in charge of Bordeaux
Tigana guided the west London side to promotion to the top flight but left Craven Cottage under a cloud in 2003.
A two-year spell from 2005-2007 at Besiktas followed before he returned to France and Bordeaux in 2010 to replace Laurent Blanc.
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The way forward: Tigana points the way
However, Tigana resigned following a home defeat in May 2011 by Sochaux, citing verbal abuse aimed at his teenage daughter.
Fellow Frenchman Nicolas Anelka will play under Tigana and is due to arrive in China next month after leaving Premier League side Chelsea.
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/12/18/article-2075771-0F253E6E00000578-427_468x286.jpg)
French connection: Anelka will be coached by Tigana
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2075771/Jean-Tigana-appointed-Shanghai-Shenhua-manager.html#ixzz1gxxA1nj7 (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2075771/Jean-Tigana-appointed-Shanghai-Shenhua-manager.html#ixzz1gxxA1nj7)
A Magical Moment!
Some moments are worth the admission alone and yesterday, against Bolton, we witnessed one such moment.
When Bryan Ruiz casually lifted the ball over the Bolton keeper to put the match beyond the visitors, Craven Cottage stood up to appaud Ruiz.
There`s no denying the huge signing hasn`t always had the impact we`d hope he would but he is lowly starting to look the part and afterwards, when asked about the player in his post match interview, Martin Jol had this to say,
"I expect Bryan to do what he did here because that`s what he did on a weekly basis in Holland."
"Of course this is a different ball game here, but I felt he did well over the last three or four games when he started, especially against Arsenal."
"Last week, when I moved him into midfield, he was probably one of the best players on the pitch and today he was not perfect, but he can set up goals and score them."
"Like against Everton and today, he can score the sort of goals that not many others can."
Yesterday was a magical moment; let`s hope there will be more.
Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=266093#ixzz1gxxwRqjS (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=266093#ixzz1gxxwRqjS)
Midfielder Interest?
One popular Sunday tabloid has Fulham showing an interest in a Premier League midfielder.
The article goes on to suggest that Martin Jol is a little concerned about our depth in midfield with the cupboard looking a little bare if Danny Murphy and Steve Sidwell are not available.
To that effect they`re linking us with a move for the Sunderland midfielder, Craig Gardner.
Is he the sort of player we should be looking at or should we be aiming our sights higher?
Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=266097#ixzz1gxy8xSDt (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=266097#ixzz1gxy8xSDt)
Perfect response: Stockdale hails Fulham's win over Bolton after Euro exit
Fulham goalkeeper David Stockdale hailed Saturday's 2-0 defeat of Bolton as the 'perfect response' to their untimely European exit.
The Cottagers went into their 31st competitive match of season with added impetus after they exited the Europa League in midweek.
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/12/18/article-2075799-0F357E7E00000578-25_306x423.jpg)
Good to be back: David Stockdale is pleased to back at Craven Cottage
Martin Jol's side squandered a two-goal lead to eventually draw 2-2 with Odense on Wednesday night, but there was no repeat of such frailty against Bolton.
Clint Dempsey and Bryan Ruiz scored the goals in a 66-second spell in the first half as the home side easily saw off the Premier League's bottom side.
'It was a fantastic win for us and the perfect response to the disappointment in midweek,' Stockdale said. 'We needed to turn it around a little bit and we did just that.
'At 2-0, I think a few possibly thought back to the Odense game, but we kept things tight and showed a lot of character. From front to back there were some great performances.
'When they play like that it makes my job that bit more easier. The boys up front will be happy with their goals, but us at the back will be equally pleased with the clean sheet too - all round we were very strong.'
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/12/18/article-2075799-0F351A6F00000578-538_468x309.jpg)
Heads first: Clint Dempsey put Fulham in front with a header
Stockdale put in an assured performance in his first Fulham appearance of the season.
The 26-year-old was recalled from a loan spell at Ipswich this week after a spinal injury ruled Mark Schwarzer out for up to six weeks.
'It's good to be back and playing at Craven Cottage again,' Stockdale said.
'I like to think that I showed what I could do last season and hopefully I can do well in Mark's absence.
'I enjoyed my time at Ipswich and it was great to see that they won too, so it was a good day all round. I'm sure I'll get a few texts off the lads there saying that they don't need me.
'I love it at Fulham and I just want to repay the faith that they have shown in me.'
Stockdale and his team-mates have a tough run of matches coming up over the next few weeks, including games against Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United.
The latter visit Craven Cottage on Wednesday and Stockdale is quietly confident of getting something from the reigning champions after beating Bolton.
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Inch perfect: Bryan Ruiz doubled Fulham's advantage with a deft chip
'It will be difficult [to get some momentum] because Manchester United are up next, but there are a lot of positives to take," he said. "We can build on this performance now.
'We knew the league was tight and three points makes tonight's table look a lot better. Make no mistake, this was a massive win for us and now we just want to kick on.
'We've done well against United in the past, so hopefully that will be the case again.'
While Fulham showed no signs of a European hangover, Bolton looked devoid of confidence.
The Trotters failed to seriously threaten and left west London nursing a 13th league defeat of the season, leaving manager Owen Coyle in apologetic mood.
'We created a number of chances, but sometimes when confidence is low a player can snatch at those,' he said. 'The players hit the target, but to be fair David Stockdale dealt with them comfortably.
'We could have worked him harder and we never capitalised on those goalscoring positions. There's no doubt that we have to go to Blackburn on Tuesday and play
Newcastle and Wolves after Christmas and take points.
'If we do that it will give us a foothold back into those five or six teams.'
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2075799/Perfect-response-Stockdale-hails-Fulhams-win-Bolton-Euro-exit.html#ixzz1gxyPGLm4 (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2075799/Perfect-response-Stockdale-hails-Fulhams-win-Bolton-Euro-exit.html#ixzz1gxyPGLm4)
Rumors Of Martin Jol's Demise Have Been Greatly Exaggerated
Fulham manhandled Bolton yesterday, defeating the Wanderers 2-0 at the Craven Cottage. Clint Dempsey and Bryan Ruiz scored for the Cottagers, though it would not have been out of the realm of possibility for a third or fourth to have gone in. The victory gives Fulham 18 points from 16 matches, and leaves them in a comfortable midtable position.
Rewind three days...
Fulham tragically drew against Odense BK 2-2 on Wednesday, Dec. 14. The Whites carried a two-goal lead to the half, only to offer a lackluster performance in the second, and concede a tying goal just before the final whistle. And it was all at the Cottage. Troubling times, indeed. The passion, where's the passion?
Rewind four more days....
Swansea City handed Fulham a humiliating 2-0 defeat at the Liberty Stadium in Swansea, Wales on Saturday, Dec. 10. Fulham's woeful attack offered few ideas. Possession was poor and the defense porous. The Swans showed Fulham how real possession soccer is played. And to think, things had looked like they were heading in a promising direction only a short time ago. Back to the relegation fight.
Rewind another three days...
Fulham proved once again that the Craven Cottage is their fortress, defeating 10-man Liverpool 1-0 on Monday, Dec. 5. Clint Dempsey's 84th minute goal provided the difference. Fulham's attack continued to make strides, while the defense competently held the nefarious Luis Suarez in check.
Stop. Forward to the present. Freeze frame.
Wins, losses, and ill-conceived draws... these are all mere samplings of data relative to the greater whole of a season. Where do things currently stand?
Fulham's Europa League campaign, which began all the way back in early July, ended by the slimmest of margins. A patchwork Fulham side couldn't do enough to keep their Danish opposition in check in the final moments of the final day of the group stage. Now, both clubs are out of the competition.
A shame, but not a tragedy.
In the Premiership, Fulham sits comfortably in 11th, five points above the relegation zone. They have gone 2-2-2 in their last six matches. Not near Europe, but a nice cushion away from the Championship with consistent results and strong showings against "big" clubs. They've defeated Liverpool and earned draws against Manchester City and away at Arsenal.
In all competitions, Fulham has played 31 matches. A large sum for mid-December.
The matches haven't all been wonderful, they haven't all been poor. Some have, on both accounts. In the end, the club is right about where it should be, and typically has been in recent years.
And this is even with all of the tactical issues found as the club moves ever closer toward Martin Jol's particular brand of soccer. With all of the disharmony found in his youth movement. With a heavy fixture load on a humbly-sized squad. With influential players such as Bobby Zamora, Danny Murphy, Mark Schwarzer, Dickson Etuhu, Damien Duff, Aaron Hughes, John Arne Riise and Simon Davies all missing time due to injury.
That Odense game was maddening. So was the trip to Swansea. Frustrating to no end.
But sometimes it helps to just sit back and take a look at the big picture. To realize that, three short seasons ago, this position in the table at this time of the year would've been considered a pleasant surprise.
Then again, I'm a statesider, a late-blooming supporter. Perhaps that offers me enough of a detachment to only find gaffers of the rarest breeding, those of an elite level of inability, unbearable.
Speaking of which, I hope Lawrie Sanchez is enjoying his time at Barnet. He looks far better in Orange than White.
http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2011/12/18/2644601/rumors-of-martin-jols-demise-have-been-greatly-exaggerated? (http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2011/12/18/2644601/rumors-of-martin-jols-demise-have-been-greatly-exaggerated?)
Fulham boss Jol admits surprise at Suarez racism claims
Fulham manager Martin Jol says he would be surprised if Liverpool striker Luis Suarez was found guilty of using racially abusive language, according to The Sun.
Suarez is alleged to have used a racial slur against Manchester United defender Patrice Evra in October and is awaiting the outcome of an FA enquiry.
However Jol, who worked with the Uruguayan forward when the pair were together at Ajax, finds it hard to believe that his former player would do such things.
"If it is true, I am surprised," said Jol. "At Ajax we had players from all over the world. He was my captain and his job was to make them feel comfortable.
"He was a real leader. A real leader would never do things like that," he concluded.
http://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/p6_1_12212_fulham-boss-jol-admits-surprise-at-suarez-racism-claims.html (http://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/p6_1_12212_fulham-boss-jol-admits-surprise-at-suarez-racism-claims.html)
Fulham vs. Manchester United: Preview, Live Stream, Start Time and Schedule
Manchester United was at the top of the Premier League on Sunday until rivals Manchester City defeated Arsenal 1-0. The Red Devils will look to keep pace with the leaders when they travel to Craven Cottage to take on Fulham.
United has won their last three league games, including a 2-0 win on Saturday against QPR. They are currently two points behind City for first place in the league.
Fulham is in 11th with 18 points and begin a difficult four-match stretch that includes Saturday's game against United, then they play matches against Chelsea, Norwich City and Arsenal.
Let's look at everything you need to know about this exciting Premier League matchup.
Where: Craven Cottage, London, England
Watch: Fox Soccer
When: Wednesday, Dec. 21 at 3:00 p.m. EST
Player to watch for Manchester United: Wayne Rooney
Wayne Rooney started the league season off in great goal-scoring form, but his form had dipped a bit until Saturday, when he opened the scoring against QPR with a goal in the first minute.
Rooney is a world-class forward who can change games with his attacking talent, and for Manchester United to beat Fulham with ease, Rooney will have to play well.
Without any top defenders on Fulham, expect Rooney to have a fantastic game and find the back of the net at least once.
Rooney remains tied for second in the league in goals scores this season with 11.
Player to watch for Fulham: Clint Dempsey
The American midfielder is tied for the club lead in league goals with five and has taken the most shots (65) this season.
Dempsey is an attacking midfielder who has the ability to score on his own and create good goal-scoring opportunities for his teammates.
If Fulham wants to have any chance to beat Manchester United on Wednesday, Dempsey will have to play well and ignite the attack.
Key Matchup: Battle of the midfields
The Manchester United midfield hasn't played great this season, and you could make the case it was the reason the cub bowed out of the Champions League before the knockout stages.
Fulham and Clint Dempsey will look to win the midfield and own the middle third of the pitch on Wednesday, and if they do they will have a good chance to upset the Red Devils.
Sir Alex Ferguson must make his team realize that playing well in the midfield will be a key to them taking all three points at keeping pace with City at the top of the league table.
What They're Saying
United manager Sir Alex Ferguson talked about his team's performance against QPR, via Sky Sports:
I thought it was a good performance but I thought we were wasteful with the chances we had in the match. We should have really had the game won by the 30 minute mark but their goalkeeper (Radek Cerny) had two fantastic saves, obviously we missed a couple of really good chances. But all in all, it was a very good performance.
Prediction: United win 2-1
Manchester United is playing well right now, and if Rooney can get going then watch out, because he is capable of dominating a match by himself.
He appears to be coming back into form, and against a Fulham team that is void of any elite defenders, Rooney will find the score sheet on Wednesday.
Fulham just don't have any match winners, and the Red Devils will win a close but well-earned three points this week to keep pace with Manchester City atop the league table.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/987900-fulham-vs-manchester-united-preview-live-stream-start-time-and-schedule? (http://bleacherreport.com/articles/987900-fulham-vs-manchester-united-preview-live-stream-start-time-and-schedule?)
Win Fulham v Manchester United tickets!
A pair of tickets to Wednesday night's clash 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 was the score when the two sides met at Craven Cottage last season?
To enter, visit our Facebook page, Fulham FC News, click 'like' and post your answer underneath the question.
Closing date for entries is 5pm on Monday. Normal competition rules apply.
Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/12/18/win-fulham-v-manchester-united-tickets-82029-29976391/?#ixzz1gy0j7C1X (http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/12/18/win-fulham-v-manchester-united-tickets-82029-29976391/?#ixzz1gy0j7C1X)
Fulham line up January moves for Marseille striker Andre-Pierre Gignac and Championship pair
Martin Jol is looking to reinforce his front line in next month's window by bringing in the France star or Maynard & Snodgrass, while the future of Bobby Zamora remains unclear
(http://u.goal.com/108400/108461hp2.jpg)
Fulham's chief January centre-forward targets are Marseille's Andre-Pierre Gignac and Championship pair Nicky Maynard and Robert Snodgrass, Goal.com can reveal.
Manager Martin Jol wants a goalscoring striker to reinforce his attacking options in next month's window as the Cottagers look to gradually overhaul their ageing front line.
The rift between Jol and Bobby Zamora, highlighted by Goal.com last month, has been brought into the spotlight after the England international was left out of the Fulham squad that lost to Swansea City nine days ago.
But it is understood that the club's January reinforcements are not dependent on Zamora's situation, despite a growing acceptance among senior Fulham officials that the striker, who turns 31 next month, is for sale at the right price, believed to be around the £5 million mark.
Jol wants a young, mobile centre-forward with a goalscoring pedigree and the potential for improvement as he looks to develop a more expansive style of play at Craven Cottage.
He remains a big admirer of Gignac, 26, who was at Fulham's Motspur Park training ground on transfer deadline day in August negotiating a switch to west London.
But Goal.com has learned that the pay demands of the Frenchman and his representatives scuppered the £7m transfer that had been agreed by the two clubs, and Fulham will look elsewhere in January for a centre-forward if leading target Gignac once again prices himself out of a move.
Gignac, who has earned 16 caps for France, has three-and-a-half years remaining on his Marseille contract but has slipped down the pecking order at the Stade Velodrome after falling out with manager Didier Deschamps and is available to potential suitors.
(http://u.goal.com/96100/96143hp2.jpg)
Red alert | Jol is closely monitoring Bristol City's front man Maynard
Bristol City's Maynard, 25, is being closely monitored by Fulham, who have been impressed by his strong scoring record in a struggling team (44 in 118 league appearances for the club), and there is also a strong interest in highly rated Leeds United forward Snodgrass, 24, who is versatile enough to play in a number of attacking positions.
Fulham's January strategy is believed to be only partly dependent upon Zamora, who has had a series of disagreements with Jol over the manager's use of him and is believed to be unhappy about the progressive overhaul of the team's tactics, which is centred on phasing out a system with a support striker and introducing a Dutch-style 4-3-3 formation.
Jol is expected to make greater use of Andy Johnson's pace and movement over the next month even though the former Crystal Palace forward is out of contract at the end of the season and is holding out for a better deal.
Zamora is one of Fulham's top earners on a £45,000-a-week contract that has two-and-a-half years to run but he is settled in London and does not want to leave the south-east.
Sunderland have expressed the most serious interest in the forward but Zamora rejected a move to Hull City in the summer of 2009 even though a deal had been agreed between Fulham and the Humberside club.
QPR, West Ham, Crystal Palace and Brighton and Hove Albion are more plausible options for a player who is not believed to be a serious option for Tottenham, another of his former clubs.
http://www.goal.com/en/news/11/transfer-zone/2011/12/19/2809246/fulham-line-up-january-moves-for-marseille-striker-andre? (http://www.goal.com/en/news/11/transfer-zone/2011/12/19/2809246/fulham-line-up-january-moves-for-marseille-striker-andre?)
Garth Crooks's team of the week
Another fabulous weekend of football in the Premier League with Manchester City refusing to relinquish their hold on top spot as they respond to a Manchester United victory at Loftus Road.
Liverpool are impressive at Aston Villa, which keeps them in the hunt for fourth spot, while Fulham, Norwich and Everton also have players who make my team of the week.
(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/57403000/gif/_57403168_crooks_totw.gif)
ATTACK - CLINT DEMPSEY, FULHAM
(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/57403000/jpg/_57403143_57403142.jpg)
This all American guy is proving to be the real deal for the Cottagers. Ever present and thoroughly professional, the way he performed against Bolton makes you wonder why Arsenal never pursued their interest in the player in the summer.
Did you know? Has been involved in half (five goals, four assists) of Fulham's Premier League goals this season.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/16234573.stm (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/16234573.stm)
Martin Jol eyes Nicky Maynard for the Cottage
FULHAM boss Martin Jol is lining up a £4million bid for Bristol City striker Nicky Maynard.
The Cottagers are eyeing Maynard to replace want-away Bobby Zamora.
Championship side City are reluctant to sell the seven-goal hitman, 25, but risk losing him for nothing as his contract expires in the summer.
Jol is also monitoring Maynard's team-mate Albert Adomah, who has scored five times from the wing this season.
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/4006974/Martin-Jol-eyes-Nicky-Maynard-for-the-Cottage.html (http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/4006974/Martin-Jol-eyes-Nicky-Maynard-for-the-Cottage.html)
Martin Jol: It could be the year of the weasel
MARTIN JOL reckons 2012 could be the year of the weasel at Fulham.
Improving £10.6million striker Bryan Ruiz scored his best goal yet since joining the Cottagers in the summer, sinking Bolton with a cheeky lob.
Ruiz, 26, was bizarrely nicknamed Weasel for his ball control while growing up at Liga Deportiva Alajuense back home in Costa Rica.
Boss Jol said: "He is capable of scoring 10 goals but he is not a striker, he is an offensive midfielder.
"He is getting fitter so you will see, you will enjoy his game. Lots of big clubs fancied him.
"Ruiz was a legend over in Holland."
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/4006409/Martin-Jol-It-could-be-the-year-of-the-weasel-if-Bryan-Ruiz-keeps-scoring.html (http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/4006409/Martin-Jol-It-could-be-the-year-of-the-weasel-if-Bryan-Ruiz-keeps-scoring.html)
Jol: Fulham fans now seeing 'legend' Ruiz
Martin Jol says Fulham fans are starting to see the style which made Bryan Ruiz "a legend" back in Holland.
Ruiz, a £10.6million summer signing set up Clint Dempsey's opener with a cross and scored with an outrageous lob reminiscent of Karel Poborsky at Euro 96.
After Europa League elimination, the goal and three points was the perfect pick-up for the Craven Cottage club.
And proof that after a slow start in English football, the Costa Rican is finding his touch.
"Ruiz was probably the second-best player in Holland over the last three or four years behind Luis Suarez," said the Dutch manager.
"Holland is not a big league, but there are a lot of good players. He was sort of a legend over there, so it was a bit disappointing he couldn't show us what he did in Holland.
"The most important thing was to get him fit because he was injured when he came from Holland.
"But last week he did 12.5kms in the game. That is a lot for a player like him because he is stylist, a technical player. You will enjoy his game."
Jol must decide whether to recall Bobby Zamora, out with a knee injury, to play Manchester United on Wednesday.
But with games against Chelsea and Arsenal also to come over the festive period, Jol said: "It was a must-win game for us."
http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Fulham-fans-now-seeing-legend-Bryan-Ruiz-says-Martin-Jol-after-Bolton-win-article844500.html (http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Fulham-fans-now-seeing-legend-Bryan-Ruiz-says-Martin-Jol-after-Bolton-win-article844500.html)
Quote from: WhiteJC on December 19, 2011, 08:21:33 AM
Fulham vs. Manchester United: Preview, Live Stream, Start Time and Schedule
Manchester United was at the top of the Premier League on Sunday until rivals Manchester City defeated Arsenal 1-0. The Red Devils will look to keep pace with the leaders when they travel to Craven Cottage to take on Fulham.
United has won their last three league games, including a 2-0 win on Saturday against QPR. They are currently two points behind City for first place in the league.
Fulham is in 11th with 18 points and begin a difficult four-match stretch that includes Saturday's game against United, then they play matches against Chelsea, Norwich City and Arsenal.
Let's look at everything you need to know about this exciting Premier League matchup.
Where: Craven Cottage, London, England
Watch: Fox Soccer
When: Wednesday, Dec. 21 at 3:00 p.m. EST
Player to watch for Manchester United: Wayne Rooney
Wayne Rooney started the league season off in great goal-scoring form, but his form had dipped a bit until Saturday, when he opened the scoring against QPR with a goal in the first minute.
Rooney is a world-class forward who can change games with his attacking talent, and for Manchester United to beat Fulham with ease, Rooney will have to play well.
Without any top defenders on Fulham, expect Rooney to have a fantastic game and find the back of the net at least once.
Rooney remains tied for second in the league in goals scores this season with 11.
Player to watch for Fulham: Clint Dempsey
The American midfielder is tied for the club lead in league goals with five and has taken the most shots (65) this season.
Dempsey is an attacking midfielder who has the ability to score on his own and create good goal-scoring opportunities for his teammates.
If Fulham wants to have any chance to beat Manchester United on Wednesday, Dempsey will have to play well and ignite the attack.
Key Matchup: Battle of the midfields
The Manchester United midfield hasn't played great this season, and you could make the case it was the reason the cub bowed out of the Champions League before the knockout stages.
Fulham and Clint Dempsey will look to win the midfield and own the middle third of the pitch on Wednesday, and if they do they will have a good chance to upset the Red Devils.
Sir Alex Ferguson must make his team realize that playing well in the midfield will be a key to them taking all three points at keeping pace with City at the top of the league table.
What They're Saying
United manager Sir Alex Ferguson talked about his team's performance against QPR, via Sky Sports:
I thought it was a good performance but I thought we were wasteful with the chances we had in the match. We should have really had the game won by the 30 minute mark but their goalkeeper (Radek Cerny) had two fantastic saves, obviously we missed a couple of really good chances. But all in all, it was a very good performance.
Prediction: United win 2-1
Manchester United is playing well right now, and if Rooney can get going then watch out, because he is capable of dominating a match by himself.
He appears to be coming back into form, and against a Fulham team that is void of any elite defenders, Rooney will find the score sheet on Wednesday.
Fulham just don't have any match winners, and the Red Devils will win a close but well-earned three points this week to keep pace with Manchester City atop the league table.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/987900-fulham-vs-manchester-united-preview-live-stream-start-time-and-schedule? (http://bleacherreport.com/articles/987900-fulham-vs-manchester-united-preview-live-stream-start-time-and-schedule?)
Obviously this person knows nothing about the Premier League :doh: How the hell can he/she say
Fulham just don´t have any match winners also
against a Fulham team that is void of any elite defenders, Rooney will find the score sheet on Wednesday.
Dempsey makes more Fulham memories
[AMERICANS ABROAD] Fulham has won four English Premier League games this season, and each time Clint Dempsey has scored. The Deuce added to his American career record with his 38th EPL goal for Fulham in its 2-0 win over Bolton Wanderers on Saturday. He also contributed an assist on the second goal scored by Costa Rican Bryan Ruiz.
Dempsey scored on a powerful header off a cross from Ruiz for his sixth EPL goal of the season and then two minutes later sprung the Tico, who lobbed Bolton keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen.
The win left Fulham tied for 11th in the EPL after 16 games. With the Cottagers eliminated from the Europa League on Thursday when they couldn't beat Danish club Odense, their attention is now firmly on the EPL.
"It is what it is," Dempsey told talkSport. "We're out of the Europa League which we're frustrated about but we want to do as well as we can do in the league and finish in the top half. And we've got the FA Cup, and hopefully we can go on a nice run in that so those are the things we've got left to play for and we're going to do our best to have a good season."
Dempsey says he's happy at Fulham, which he joined five years ago.
"I'm happy here," he added, "I've had some of my best times here. I still have this season and another left [on my current contract] and I am looking forward to making the most of my time where I am at. Like I've said before, some of my best memories in football have been at Fulham.
http://www.socceramerica.com/article/45047/dempsey-makes-more-fulham-memories.html? (http://www.socceramerica.com/article/45047/dempsey-makes-more-fulham-memories.html?)
Jol set to renew striker interest
Fulham boss Martin Jol is reportedly set to renew his interest in Marseille striker Andre-Pierre Gignac when the January window opens.
The Dutch tactician was close to securing a £7million deal for the 26-year-old French hitman during the summer, but failed to get him on board over his reported wage demands.
However, as Jol is desperate to bolster his attacking options next month, he is set to return to make a fresh bid to try and wrap up a deal for Gignac, who has struggled for first team action in the first half of the French Ligue 1 season due to a falling out with manager Didier Deschamps.
It seems a bid for Gignac is not dependent on the future of current hitman Bobby Zamora, who could be available to leave Craven Cottage for a round £5million following rumours of a rift with Jol after he was left out of the squad for last week's 2-0 defeat at Swansea.
If Jol cannot entice Gignac to the Cottagers then the former Tottenham chief will reportedly switch his sights to Bristol City's 25-year-old hitman Nicky Maynard, who will be out of contract at Ashton Gate in the summer and could be available on a cut-price deal in January.
Leeds United's 24-year-old versatile frontman Robert Snodgrass is also thought to be on Jol's wanted list as he looks to inject more youth into his forward line.
http://www.eatsleepsport.com/fulham/jol-set-to-renew-striker-interest-1356657.html?#.Tu8ws5gcIds (http://www.eatsleepsport.com/fulham/jol-set-to-renew-striker-interest-1356657.html?#.Tu8ws5gcIds)
Buzzing Lee-Barrett Praise For Stockdale
Arran Lee-Barrett has spoken of his mixed feeling towards David Stockdale's departure.
Stockdale was recalled by Fulham after Mark Schwarzer was rule dout for six weeks with a spinal problem and marke dhis return with a clean sheet against Bolton.
Lee-Barrett also kept a clean sheet for Town, their first in nine games, but admitted he would miss the England squad keeper.
"In one way sorry to see him go but if he has a chance to play regularly in the Premier League he has to take it,' said lee-Barrett.
"He helped me a lot in his time here - us goalkeepers stick together."
But Stockdale going, and Richard Wright recovering from a pectoral muscle injury, meant a rare start for Lee-Barrett who signed for Ipswich after training with the club following his release by Hartlepool United.
After he put in a man of the match performance against Derby he said: "I`m really buzzing. It is great to be back playing at Portman Road again and to get a clean sheet is a bonus.
"The starting point for this win was at Barnsley last week.
"We wanted to take that second half performance into this game
"Our confidence has been lifted and it has been a while for me to be this involved.'
Read more: http://www.ipswich.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=266081#ixzz1gz4nl6tJ (http://www.ipswich.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=266081#ixzz1gz4nl6tJ)
WOULDN'T A LOAN MOVE BE IDEAL FOR ARSENAL'S WING-WIZARD?
Fulham and Feyenoord are reportedly both interested in signing Arsenal youngster Ryo Miyaichi on loan in January, but it remains to be seen whether Arsene Wenger will allow him to leave the club on a temporary deal next month.
Fulham boss Martin Jol experienced firsthand what the 19-year-old winger is capable of when he was in charge of Ajax, and it's believed the Dutchman was impressed with the Arsenal starlet's 12-game loan spell at Feyenoord last season, where he managed to score 3 goals for the Dutch club and help them avoid relegation.
It is thought Wenger is slightly in favour of loaning out Miyaichi, who has made 2 cameo appearances for The Gunners this season in the League Cup, in January in order to help the Japanese youth star gain further first-team experience.
Fulham could be in with a chance of sealing a deal for Miyaichi, but it looks like Feyenoord could be slightly favoured due to their good relationship with Arsenal.
The Eredivisie side are said to have impressed Wenger with how they looked after the young winger during his four-month loan spell last season, and also sent DVD's of all of Miyaichi's performances for Arsene to assess.
As stated before, it remains to be seen what Wenger decides to do with Miyaichi this January. If the Frenchman feels the youngster needs to gain more first-team experience in order to make the breakthrough at Arsenal then he will send him out on loan to attain this, no questions asked.
So, Fulham or Feyenoord for Miyaichi? Out of the two, I think a move to Fulham would be more ideal for the youngster, simply because he needs to adapt to the English game and experience the physicality of the Premier league. However, a move abroad wouldn't be bad either.
Ligue 1 strugglers Valenciennes are also believed to be interested in the Arsenal starlet.
http://thisisfutbol.com/2011/12/blogs/wouldnt-a-loan-move-be-ideal-for-arsenals-wing-wizard? (http://thisisfutbol.com/2011/12/blogs/wouldnt-a-loan-move-be-ideal-for-arsenals-wing-wizard?)
Fulham mull move for Maynard?
by DAN on DECEMBER 19, 2011
(http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02060/nicky_maynard_2060827c.jpg)
The Sun says that Fulham have identified Bristol City striker Nicky Maynard as a replacement for Bobby Zamora.
Maynard, who has scored 45 goals in 122 appearances for City, is out of contract in the summer and, although City have previously stated that he is not for sale, the Championship club could be tempted by a big offer. The paper reports that Martin Jol is considering tabling a £4m bid for the 25 year-old, who has scored seven goals in 22 appearances this season.
City are also actively trying to fight off Fulham's interest in their Ghanaian winger Albert Adomah by offering him a new contract.
http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/12/fulham-mull-move-for-maynard/? (http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/12/fulham-mull-move-for-maynard/?)
Jol excited by 'improving' Ruiz
by DAN on DECEMBER 19, 2011
(http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02087/bryan-ruiz_2087733c.jpg)
Martin Jol says that Fulham are beginning to see the best of Bryan Ruiz and backed the Costa Rican winger to prove just why he was a 'legend' in Holland.
Ruiz made one and scored the other as Fulham secured a vital win over Bolton Wanderers at Craven Cottage on Saturday and is showing signs of reaching the level that made him an integral part of FC Twente's title-winning side two years ago after a slow start in the English game. Jol insists there's more to come.
Ruiz was probably the second-best player in Holland over the last three or four years behind Luis Suarez. Holland is not a big league, but there are a lot of good players. He was sort of a legend over there, so it was a bit disappointing he couldn't show us what he did in Holland.
The most important thing was to get him fit because he was injured when he came from Holland. But last week he did 12.5kms in the game. That is a lot for a player like him because he is stylist, a technical player. You will enjoy his game.
http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/12/jol-excited-by-improving-ruiz/? (http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/12/jol-excited-by-improving-ruiz/?)
Bolton Lucky Programme NumberThe lucky fan who purchased a matchday programme last night with the unique number 02564 on the back cover has won a limited edition 2000/01 Season Review DVD and Commemorative Coin Set.
If your number matches (02564) then please contact us on
[email protected] or pop into Craven Cottage reception with a scan or photo of the back of your programme and we'll be in touch.
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/December/BoltonLuckyProgrammeNumber.aspx?#ixzz1gz60B3zU (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/December/BoltonLuckyProgrammeNumber.aspx?#ixzz1gz60B3zU)
Fulham boss feels Ruiz is getting there
Manager Martin Jol believes Bryan Ruiz is nearing his best form after the Fulham midfielder scored once and set up the other in Saturday's 2-0 victory over Bolton.
Ruiz has struggled to hold down a regular place in the Whites' line-up since his £10m move to Craven Cottage in the summer, but set up Clint Dempsey's opener against Bolton and then added a cheeky second just a minute later.
The result was the perfect tonic for Jol after his side had surrendered a two-goal lead against Danish club Odense to crash out of the Europa League three days earlier.
"I felt Bryan did well over the last three or four games, especially against Arsenal," said the Fulham manager. "He can set up goals like he did with the first one and score them as well.
"The main thing was his fitness because he wasn't 100 per cent fit when he came in the summer, but I think if you look at his stats now and his confidence, he's getting there.
"The most important thing was to get the points after the disappointment on Wednesday. Hopefully it's a blessing – it was harsh to go out, but on the other hand we can focus on the Premier League."
Fulham never looked in danger of repeating their Odense slip as they dominated against the Premier League's basement boys to claim a deserved three points.
Bolton were first to threaten, however, when Kevin Davies pounced on Dickson Etuhu's mistake to set up Nigel Reo-Coker, whose low drive flew across goal and wide.
Yet the home side soon took control, and Dempsey's clever pass sent Andrew Johnson away to clip the ball around Jussi Jaaskelainen but wide of the post as well.
Johnson found himself continually frustrated by the offside flag, but Brede Hangeland went close for the Whites before John Arne Riise's low, skidding free-kick finally forced a save from Jaaskelainen.
Fulham finally broke the deadlock on 32 minutes as Ruiz sent over a pinpoint cross for Dempsey, who stole in front of Dedryck Boyata to direct his header beyond the diving Jaaskelainen into the far corner.
And it was 2-0 barely a minute later as Hangeland's clearance found its way through to the Costa Rican, who held off Marcos Alonso and coolly dinked a left-footed chip over the helpless Bolton keeper.
Bolton might have reduced the deficit just before half-time when Reo-Coker got away from Riise and cut the ball back for Ivan Klasnic, but David Stockdale came to the Cottagers' rescue.
And the visitors rarely looked like matching Odense's feat in the second half, although substitute David Ngog set up Fabrice Muamba, who fired tamely at Stockdale.
Fulham might have added further goals, but often seemed to be content toying with their hapless opponents rather than going for the killer blow as chances for Dempsey, Ruiz and Johnson went begging.
Fulham: Stockdale; Baird, Hangeland, Senderos, Riise; Ruiz, Murphy, Etuhu, Dempsey; Johnson, Dembele.
http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/fulham_boss_feels_ruiz_is_getting_there_1_1157169? (http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/fulham_boss_feels_ruiz_is_getting_there_1_1157169?)
Golden Goal(http://www.fulhamfc.com/Images/MainNews/NewsPages/Players/Ruiz/Celeb1.jpg)
Bryan Ruiz netted another spectacular strike on Saturday, helping the Whites secure a well-deserved three-point haul. Speaking to fulhamfc.com, Ruiz described his delight at another cool finish in front of goal and an important victory.
The win moved the Whites up the Barclays Premier League table to 11th and it was another delightful goal from Ruiz, Fulham's second of the match, that made sure of the points.
Clint Dempsey played Ruiz through on goal with a perceptive pass but the Costa Rica international still had it all to do with Jussi Jaaskelainen to beat – but he awed the Craven Cottage crown with a truly audacious lob over the advancing Bolton 'keeper.
"I was against the goalkeeper and I had many things in my head," Ruiz told fulhamfc.com as he looked back on the goal. "But I did it like that because I have confidence in finishing like that.
"It was really good, we knew we needed to win and it was good to get the result. It was really a pity what happened last Wednesday [going out of the UEFA Europa League] but these three points which were really important for our league position."
Ruiz's levels of match fitness have clearly been building as the weeks have gone by and the player certainly feels that he's starting to reach optimal fitness just in time for the forthcoming match against Manchester United.
"I'm really enjoying it here," he said. "I feel really fit and it's very good because I'm playing 90 minutes now and I'm running a lot so it's very good for my confidence.
"Against Manchester United it will be very difficult but we will try to enjoy ourselves, take the game very seriously and try to win."
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/December/RuizBoltonReaction.aspx#ixzz1gz6aT4rT (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/December/RuizBoltonReaction.aspx#ixzz1gz6aT4rT)
Ruiz growing in confidence
by DAN on DECEMBER 19, 2011
(http://images.supersport.com/Bryan-Ruiz-111217-Scores-R-300.jpg)
Bryan Ruiz said he had confidence in his scooped finish against Bolton on Saturday – because he's scored like that in the past.
The Fulham winger scored his second Fulham goal with a cheekily chipped finish over Juusi Jaaskelainen to cap a fine display against the league's bottom side, which also included a fine cross for Clint Dempsey's opener.
I was against the goalkeeper and I had many things in my head. But I did it like that because I have confidence in finishing like that.
Ruiz was delighted with the victory, which lifted Fulham up to eleventh in the table:
It was really good, we knew we needed to win and it was good to get the result. It was really a pity what happened last Wednesday but these three points which were really important for our league position.
I'm really enjoying it here. I feel really fit and it's very good because I'm playing 90 minutes now and I'm running a lot so it's very good for my confidence. Against Manchester United it will be very difficult but we will try to enjoy ourselves, take the game very seriously and try to win.
http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/12/ruiz-growing-in-confidence/? (http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/12/ruiz-growing-in-confidence/?)
Fulham look to future after announcing record profits
(http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article6278664.ece/ALTERNATES/w380/Sp-Pg-02-fulham-reuters.jpg)
Fulham today posted record profits of £4.8million for the past financial year.
The Barclays Premier League club have also reported a record revenue of £77.1million for the 2010/11 season, according to figures released to Press Association Sport for the year ending June 30, 2011.
Fulham recorded a profit of £5.4million, before interest and taxation, and enjoyed a 4.9% increase in attendance, which saw Craven Cottage secure a 98% occupancy figure for the season.
"The club has made great strides in recent years, and this excellent set of financial results is just reward for our progress," Fulham chairman Mohamed Al Fayed said in a statement released to Press Association Sport.
"As always, I am determined to ensure the club moves in the right direction whilst remaining true to our history, heritage and past traditions."
The west Londoners finished the 2010/11 season eighth in the top flight and currently lie 11th in the table.
Off the field, the club's progress has been highlighted by their recently-announced plans to increase Craven Cottage's capacity to 30,000.
The stadium has been Fulham's home since 1896 and would be subject to wider facility improvements, as well as the Riverside Stand development.
On the plans, Al Fayed added: "The announcement of our plans to redevelop the Riverside Stand, whilst opening up the Riverwalk for the benefit of the community, is further proof that my ambition for this football club remains resolute."
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/fulham-look-to-future-after-announcing-record-profits-6279273.html? (http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/fulham-look-to-future-after-announcing-record-profits-6279273.html?)
Fulham striker Marcello Trotta, who is set to return from a loan spell at Wycombe Wanderers is hoping to one day make it for the Whites, but would like to stay with the Chairboys in the meantime.
The 19-year-old Italian has scored three goals in as many games and is a popular player at Adams Park.
"I think we are looking at something for Christmas," he told BBC Three Counties.
"I'm happy at the club and it's good for me to stay here. When you enjoy it you score goals and are happy."
He added: "When I score I'm happy. That's the main thing.
"I hope I can do that more and help this team get more wins to help them go up the table."
While Trotta is pleased to assist Wanderers' battle for League One survival he has his long-term sights set on a career with Fulham, where he has scored nine times in seven reserve games this season.
"The Premier League is where I want to play one day for Fulham and I am working hard for it," he said.
