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General Category => Archive => Daily Fulham Stuff => Topic started by: WhiteJC on May 07, 2012, 05:36:38 AM

Title: Monday Fulham Stuff (07/05/12)...
Post by: WhiteJC on May 07, 2012, 05:36:38 AM
 
Fulham 2 Sunderland 1: Clint bends it... almost like Beckham

Considering he didn't realise he could take free-kicks a matter of months ago, Clint Dempsey has mastered the art pretty quickly.

OK, so he might not be in the class of Platini, Beckham, Juninho et al just yet, but the American smashed home a superb 25-yarder, his 23rd goal of the season, to put Fulham on the way to victory.

This followed Dempsey's 35-yard free-kick at Bolton last month and his manager Martin Jol said: 'We had a bit of banter after the game because we didn't know he could take these free kicks at the start of the season. And then against Bolton out of nothing he scored top corner and he did it again here.'

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/05/06/article-2140292-12F4413D000005DC-117_634x492.jpg)
Delight: Moussa Dembele is congratulated after scoring

Dempsey struck after Lee Cattermole fouled Mahamadou Diarra in the 12th minute. Sunderland levelled in the 34th minute through a rocket from Phil Bardsley but seconds later Fulham regained the lead when Moussa Dembele's shot from 20 yards was deflected in.

Bizarrely, Sunderland manager Martin O'Neill said his side conceded the second goal because: 'We were distracted by Stephane Sessegnon having to change his footwear after our goal and within 10 seconds of kick-off they scored.'

The second half largely meandered by, although there were occasional bursts of activity.

Dempsey saw his shot headed off the line by Jack Colback then put Dembele through, only to see his effort saved by Simon Mignolet.

Sunderland's best chance fell to Fraizer Campbell, but, with only the goalkeeper to beat, he steered his shot wide.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/05/06/article-2140292-12F42896000005DC-561_634x433.jpg)
Eye for goal: Clint Dempsey scores Fulham's free-kick

Afterwards Jol claimed this has been Fulham's best season, saying: 'I am satisfied with what we have achieved and I think this is probably the best season ever in the combination with Europe. They were probably higher in the league before but then they didn't play all these games in Europe.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/05/06/article-2140292-12F44928000005DC-544_634x433.jpg)
Leveller: Phil Bardsley celebrates after scoring Sunderland's equaliser

'We played almost 40 games before Christmas and to still be on 52 points, that is a good achievement.'

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/05/06/article-2140292-12F4512B000005DC-282_634x372.jpg)
Battle: Dong-Won Ji clashes with Fuilham's Mahamadou Diarra

Both of these sides will be in the role of support act next week. For Jol, it is a first trip to Champions League-chasing Tottenham since he was sacked in 2007.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/05/06/article-2140292-12F45A02000005DC-796_634x456.jpg)
Happy, David? Labour man Milliband watches the action at Craven Cottage

The Dutchman said: 'There is no pressure on us at Tottenham. It will be nice to get three points. I would like Spurs to play in the Champions League but on the other hand if we could get three points there it would be good.'

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/05/06/article-2140292-12F49324000005DC-793_634x414.jpg)
Nice touch: Fulham boss Martin Jol and Sunderland manager Martin O'Neill

For O'Neill and Sunderland it is Manchester United in a potentially title-defining game. O'Neill added: 'Playing Manchester United is a great fixture to end the season with. But I wouldn't like to be playing them under the pressure the teams below us have.

'Today, I think that missed chances proved the difference.'

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/05/06/article-2140292-12F4B265000005DC-321_634x465.jpg)
Lap of honour: Fulham boss Martin Jol and his players after the game


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2140292/Fulham-2-Sunderland-1-Cottagers-win-final-game-season.html#ixzz1u9gZZYxA (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2140292/Fulham-2-Sunderland-1-Cottagers-win-final-game-season.html#ixzz1u9gZZYxA)
Title: Re: Monday Fulham Stuff (07/05/12)...
Post by: WhiteJC on May 07, 2012, 05:38:27 AM
 
Fulham star once again shows why Liverpool chairman rates him highly

Premier League: Fulham 2 Sunderland 1

Fulham talisman Clint Dempsey scored once again to spur his side on to victory against Sunderland giving his side the opportunity of beating their record points haul.

Martin Jol will return to former club Tottenham on the last day of the season knowing the Cottagers lie one point shy of their previous record, secured under Roy Hodgson in the 2008/09 season.

If the Whites beat their previous best , much of the praise will be deservedly directed at Dempsey, after he scored a superb 23 in a season that he has netted 23 goals in all competitions.

The United States international's future may be in doubt but it did not stop him scoring today, firing home a superb 25-yard free-kick after 12 minutes.

Phil Bardsley temporarily brought the visitors level with an excellent strike only for Fulham to respond immediately, with Mousa Dembele seeing a 20-yard strike take a slight deflection off Michael Turner as it flew home.

The introduction of substitutes Nicklas Bendtner and Frazier Campbell saw Sunderland end on a high but they could not find a way past Fulham, who secured their fifth win in seven games to leave them with a record-equalling seventh-place finish within grasp.

The Whites were boosted heading into the game by the return of manager Jol, who missed the recent trips to Everton and Liverpool through a chest infection.

The Dutchman brought Mahamadou Diarra in for Alex Kacaniklic to face Sunderland, who drafted in Ji Dong-won, Simon Mignolet and Craig Gardner into the starting line-up.

The visitors started brightly on the banks of the Thames but Fulham soon found their feet.

Having seen Pavel Pogrebnyak come close to connecting with a Damien Duff cross, the latter latched on to a superb long ball from the back only to see a well-struck effort smothered by Mignolet.

The early attacking impetus translated into the opening goal in the 12th minute when Fulham were awarded a free-kick 25 yards out.

Lee Cattermole blocked off Diarra and top scorer Dempsey stepped up to fire a right-footed effort with pace and swerve into the top corner.

The lead was almost wiped out four minutes later, though, as Stephane Sessegnon broke into the area, with only indecision and superb goalkeeping from Mark Schwarzer thwarting the Benin international.

The Cottagers were soon back on the offensive in search of a second, which would have come through Pogrebnyak had Turner not been alert to block his goalbound strike eight yards from goal.

The game burst into life after 34 minutes when Bardsley finished a move he started.

The defender burst forward and collected a Ji cutback to fire home a right-footed thunderbolt from outside the box.

Sunderland, though, were not celebrating for long as Dembele fired an instant reply.

The much-vaunted Belgian broke from the halfway line and unleashed a 20-yard effort that took a slight deflection off Turner and flew into the top left-hand corner.

The Cottagers were chomping at the bit as they looked for a third and Duff fired into the side-netting, before the visitors came close through a Gardner free-kick.

It was Fulham that ended the first half the stronger and they continued in the same vein after the restart.

Pogrebnyak saw an effort deflect behind by John O'Shea and only a goal-line clearance from Jack Colback prevented Dempsey scoring a deft curling effort from the resulting corner.

Right-back Stephen Kelly joined in with the action by testing Mignolet with a fierce drive, before the Sunderland goalkeeper got down well to parry a stinging Duff shot.

O'Neill brought on Bendtner for Ji in a bid to change the course of proceedings but Fulham were still on top, with Dempsey hitting the wall with a free-kick from a good position.

The Black Cats began to grow into the game following the introduction of the on-loan Arsenal striker, who was soon joined in attack by Campbell - on for Matthew Kilgallon.

The Whites were spending a lot of time on the back foot but came close to extending their lead when Dembele was put through one-on-one with Mignolet, although the Sunderland keeper produced a superb save.

The visitors returned to the attack immediately, though, as Campbell put through fellow substitute Bendtner, who could only curl wide when well placed.

The pair linked up again shortly afterwards as the latter's cushioned header set up Campbell, who could only lash wide from close range.

Turner headed straight at Schwarzer as Sunderland continued to press, before the hosts replaced Pogrebnyak and Murphy with Kerim Frei and Chris Baird.

Dembele saw a shot saved smartly by Mignolet as the clock wound down, before Schwarzer produced a superb save to prevent Campbell in stoppage time.



http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/fulham_star_once_again_shows_why_liverpool_chairman_rates_him_highly_1_1370118? (http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/fulham_star_once_again_shows_why_liverpool_chairman_rates_him_highly_1_1370118?)
Title: Re: Monday Fulham Stuff (07/05/12)...
Post by: WhiteJC on May 07, 2012, 05:40:03 AM
 
Fulham on track for record points after beating Sunderland
Fulham 2 Sunderland 1

Fulham remain on course for a record Premier League points haul after the ever-impressive Clint Dempsey spurred his side on to victory against Sunderland today.

Martin Jol will return to former club Tottenham on the last day of the season knowing the Cottagers lie one point shy of their previous record, secured under Roy Hodgson in the 2008/09 season.

If the west Londoners achieve the feat, much of the praise will be deservedly directed at Dempsey in a season that he has netted 23 goals in all competitions.

The United States international's future may be in doubt but it did not stop him scoring today, firing home a superb 25-yard free-kick after 12 minutes.

Phil Bardsley temporarily brought the visitors level with an excellent strike only for Fulham to respond immediately, with Mousa Dembele seeing a 20-yard strike take a slight deflection off Michael Turner as it flew home.

The introduction of substitutes Nicklas Bendtner and Frazier Campbell saw Sunderland end on a high but they could not find a way past Fulham, who secured their fifth win in seven games to leave them with a record-equalling seventh-place finish within grasp.

The Whites were boosted heading into the game by the return of manager Jol, who missed the recent trips to Everton and Liverpool through a chest infection.

The Dutchman brought Mahamadou Diarra in for Alex Kacaniklic to face Sunderland, who drafted in Ji Dong-won, Simon Mignolet and Craig Gardner into the starting line-up.

The visitors started brightly on the banks of the Thames but Fulham soon found their feet.

Having seen Pavel Pogrebnyak come close to connecting with a Damien Duff cross, the latter latched on to a superb long ball from the back only to see a well-struck effort smothered by Mignolet.

The early attacking impetus translated into the opening goal in the 12th minute when Fulham were awarded a free-kick 25 yards out.

Lee Cattermole blocked off Diarra and top scorer Dempsey stepped up to fire a right-footed effort with pace and swerve into the top corner.

The lead was almost wiped out four minutes later, though, as Stephane Sessegnon broke into the area, with only indecision and superb goalkeeping from Mark Schwarzer thwarting the Benin international.

The Cottagers were soon back on the offensive in search of a second, which would have come through Pogrebnyak had Turner not been alert to block his goalbound strike eight yards from goal.

The game burst into life after 34 minutes when Bardsley finished a move he started.

The defender burst forward and collected a Ji cutback to fire home a right-footed thunderbolt from outside the box.

Sunderland, though, were not celebrating for long as Dembele fired an instant reply.

The much-vaunted Belgian broke from the halfway line and unleashed a 20-yard effort that took a slight deflection off Turner and flew into the top left-hand corner.

The Cottagers were chomping at the bit as they looked for a third and Duff fired into the side-netting, before the visitors came close through a Gardner free-kick.

It was Fulham that ended the first half the stronger and they continued in the same vein after the restart.

Pogrebnyak saw an effort deflect behind by John O'Shea and only a goal-line clearance from Jack Colback prevented Dempsey scoring a deft curling effort from the resulting corner.

Right-back Stephen Kelly joined in with the action by testing Mignolet with a fierce drive, before the Sunderland goalkeeper got down well to parry a stinging Duff shot.

O'Neill brought on Bendtner for Ji in a bid to change the course of proceedings but Fulham were still on top, with Dempsey hitting the wall with a free-kick from a good position.

The Black Cats began to grow into the game following the introduction of the on-loan Arsenal striker, who was soon joined in attack by Campbell - on for Matthew Kilgallon.

The Whites were spending a lot of time on the back foot but came close to extending their lead when Dembele was put through one-on-one with Mignolet, although the Sunderland keeper produced a superb save.

The visitors returned to the attack immediately, though, as Campbell put through fellow substitute Bendtner, who could only curl wide when well placed.

The pair linked up again shortly afterwards as the latter's cushioned header set up Campbell, who could only lash wide from close range.

Turner headed straight at Schwarzer as Sunderland continued to press, before the hosts replaced Pogrebnyak and Murphy with Kerim Frei and Chris Baird.

Dembele saw a shot saved smartly by Mignolet as the clock wound down, before Schwarzer produced a superb save to prevent Campbell in stoppage time.



http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/fulham-on-track-for-record-points-after-beating-sunderland-7718461.html? (http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/fulham-on-track-for-record-points-after-beating-sunderland-7718461.html?)
Title: Re: Monday Fulham Stuff (07/05/12)...
Post by: WhiteJC on May 07, 2012, 05:41:54 AM
 
Clint Dempsey's rocket sends Fulham into orbit against Sunderland

(http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Football/Pix/pictures/2012/5/6/1336318609516/Clint-Dempsey-blasts-home-008.jpg)
Clint Dempsey imparts power and swerve into his 25-yard free-kick to put Fulham
ahead against Sunderland. Photograph: Jed Leicester/Action Images


Fulham's manager, Martin Jol, sidestepped speculation about the future of some of his key players after his side defeated Sunderland to secure their fifth win in seven games. The goals were scored by Clint Dempsey and Moussa Dembélé, two players who have been strongly linked with summer moves away from Craven Cottage, while Danny Murphy and Andrew Johnson have yet to agree extensions beyond the end of this season.

Jol was keen not to speculate about any departures, preferring to focus on what he believes is an exciting future. "If you don't mind, I don't want to think about that kind of negativity," he said. "I want to enjoy today and I enjoyed it before the match, which is probably the first time this season, because there was not a lot to lose.

"But, on the other hand, we thought if we would get a win under our belt, we could end up above Liverpool. If we had ended up with one point, we were certain of ending above Stoke, Swansea and all the other teams so it is great to have a win and we will be in the top 10, which was our main target. I was very pleased with the way we played and the only thing is that excitement [of having to hold on] until the last second is not what you want."

The victory means Jol will return to his former club, Tottenham Hotspur, next weekend knowing Fulham lie one point shy of their previous record Premier League points haul, secured under Roy Hodgson in 2008‑09. A record-equalling seventh-place finish is also within grasp but Jol will be happy even if they fall short. "It will be my first game back at White Hart Lane and it will be nice [to get the record]. There is not a lot of pressure on us and it would be nice to get three points.

"I would like Spurs to play in the Champions League, of course, but on the other hand, if we can get three points that would be good. I am satisfied with what we have achieved and this is probably our best season ever when combining with European football. Of course, they were higher in the league before but then they didn't have to play all these games in Europe. We played almost 40 games before Christmas and to still be on 52 points is a good achievement."



http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2012/may/06/fulham-sunderland-premier-league?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+theguardian%2Ffootball%2Frss+%28Football%29 (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2012/may/06/fulham-sunderland-premier-league?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+theguardian%2Ffootball%2Frss+%28Football%29)
Title: Re: Monday Fulham Stuff (07/05/12)...
Post by: WhiteJC on May 07, 2012, 05:43:26 AM
 
Fulham overcome Sunderland
Black Cats concede 15 seconds after pulling level

(http://img.skysports.com/12/05/496x259/Moussa-Dembele-Fulham-vs-Sunderland_2760911.jpg)
Moussa Dembele: His speculative winner took a wicked deflection

Fulham moved into eighth place in the Premier League with a 2-1 home win over Sunderland thanks to a deflected winning goal.

Clint Dempsey opened the scoring for Fulhamon 12 minutes with a free-kick as he hit a wonderful dead-ball up and over the Sunderland wall and past the diving Simon Mignolet.

Phil Bardsley equalised on his 150th appearance with a rocket on 34 minutes, hitting an unstoppable effort from outside the box that flew in past Mark Schwarzer.

Sunderland were level for 15 seconds as straight from the kick-off Moussa Dembele was allowed to carry the ball from halfway and hit a strike that took a wicked deflection off Michael Turner to fly in.

Fraizer Campbell came on with 70 minutes gone and looked dangerous but wasted Sunderland's best chance dragging his shot wide from six yards after Nicklas Bendtner headed the ball down.

It was to be Sunderland's last real sight of goal as the home side took all three points in Fulham's last home game of the season.

Milestone

The Whites were boosted heading into the game by the return of manager Martin Jol, who missed the recent trips to Everton and Liverpoolthrough a chest infection.

The Dutchman brought Mahamadou Diarra in for Alex Kacaniklic to face Sunderland, who drafted Ji Dong-won, Mignolet and Craig Gardner into the starting line-up.

The visitors started brightly on the banks of the Thames but Fulham soon found their feet.

Superb
Having seen Pavel Pogrebnyak come close to connecting with a Damien Duff cross, the latter latched on to a superb long ball from the back only to see a well-struck effort smothered by Mignolet.

The early attacking impetus translated into the opening goal in the 12th minute when Fulham were awarded a free-kick 25 yards out.

Lee Cattermole blocked off Diarra and top scorer Dempsey stepped up to fire a right-footed effort with pace and swerve into the top corner.

The lead was almost wiped out four minutes later, though, as Stephane Sessegnon broke into the area, with only indecision and superb goalkeeping from Schwarzer thwarting the Benin international.

The Cottagers were soon back on the offensive in search of a second, which would have come through Pogrebnyak had Turner not been alert to block his goalbound strike eight yards from goal.

The game burst into life after 34 minutes when Bardsley finished a move he started.

The defender burst forward and collected a Ji cutback to fire home a right-footed thunderbolt from outside the box.

Sunderland, though, were not celebrating for long as Dembele fired an instant reply.

The much-vaunted Belgian broke from the halfway line and unleashed a 20-yard effort that took a slight deflection off Turner and flew into the top left-hand corner.

The Cottagers were chomping at the bit as they looked for a third and Duff fired into the side-netting, before the visitors came close through a Gardner free-kick.

Second half
It was Fulham that ended the first half the stronger and they continued in the same vein after the restart.

Pogrebnyak saw an effort deflect behind by John O'Shea and only a goal-line clearance from Jack Colback prevented Dempsey scoring a deft curling effort from the resulting corner.

Right-back Stephen Kelly joined in with the action by testing Mignolet with a

fierce drive, before the Sunderland goalkeeper got down well to parry a stinging Duff shot.

O'Neill brought on Bendtner for Ji in a bid to change the course of proceedings but Fulham were still on top, with Dempsey hitting the wall with a free-kick from a good position.

The Black Cats began to grow into the game following the introduction of the on-loan Arsenal striker, who was soon joined in attack by Campbell - on for Matthew Kilgallon.

The Whites were spending a lot of time on the back foot but came close to extending their lead when Dembele was put through one-on-one with Mignolet, although the Sunderland keeper produced a superb save.

The visitors returned to the attack immediately, though, as Campbell put through fellow substitute Bendtner, who could only curl wide when well placed.

The pair linked up again shortly afterwards as the latter's cushioned header set up Campbell, who could only lash wide from close range.

Turner headed straight at Schwarzer as Sunderland continued to press, before the hosts replaced Pogrebnyak and Murphy with Kerim Frei and Chris Baird.

Dembele saw a shot saved smartly by Mignolet as the clock wound down, before Schwarzer produced a superb save to prevent Campbell in stoppage time.



http://www.skysports.com/football/match_report/0,,11065_3498728,00.html? (http://www.skysports.com/football/match_report/0,,11065_3498728,00.html?)
Title: Re: Monday Fulham Stuff (07/05/12)...
Post by: WhiteJC on May 07, 2012, 05:44:11 AM
 
Dempsey double sinks Sunderland

London – American forward Clint Dempsey scored the 50th goal of his Premier League career to help Fulham to a 2-1 victory over Sunderland at Craven Cottage on Sunday.

Dempsey scored his 23rd goal of the season with a superbly-taken free kick in the 22nd minute. Defender Philip Bardsley leveled for Sunderland in the 34th with a shot from the edge of the area but Mousa Dembele restored Fulham's lead just a minute later with a deflected drive which found the top corner.

The introduction of substitutes Nicklas Bendtner and Frazier Campbell saw Sunderland end on a high but the visitors could not find a way past Fulham, which secured its fifth win in seven games. The run leaves the west London side with a record-equaling seventh-place finish within reach. Currently eighth, it is a point behind Everton. – Sapa-AP


http://www.iol.co.za/sport/soccer/premier-league/dempsey-double-sinks-sunderland-1.1290062? (http://www.iol.co.za/sport/soccer/premier-league/dempsey-double-sinks-sunderland-1.1290062?)
Title: Re: Monday Fulham Stuff (07/05/12)...
Post by: WhiteJC on May 07, 2012, 05:45:10 AM
 
Match Report: Fulham 2-1 Sunderland - Cottagers Outclass Crappy Cats

The end of the season can't come soon enough. For those keeping score at home, we're now 8 games without a win, although the bigger problem lies in that most of those we haven't even looked like winning. You can add today to that ever growing list too.

Craven Cottage hasn't been the happiest of hunting grounds for us in the past, but today we didn't seem to ever get going. Anyway, you can read more moaning like this, and much more in our match report below. There's all the action as we saw it, plus player ratings and early thoughts on next week...



Martin O'Neill continued to try out some of the fringe players int he squad. Having given Craig Gordon the start last week, he was dropped from the squad entirely, however there was a very rare start for Korean striker Ji Dong-Won in attack with Stephane Sessegnon. Craig Gardner also returned to the starting lineup after serving a suspension, and lined up on the right hand side of midfield, replacing Fraizer Campbell who was relegated to the bench. Also on there, a surprising sighting of Titus Bramble.

The game started at a bit of a subdued tempo, with little to pick out really beyond Simon Mignolet's solid save from Damien Duff, and Craig Gardner's audacious free-kick from 35-yards or so which went well over. That was until Clint Dempsey opened the scoring on 11 minutes.

The strike from Dempsey was very good. Hit with plenty of pace and whip around the wall, however fingers have to be pointed from our side at Mignolet who let it get past him, and even more so at Lee Cattermole for giving away the cheap foul in the first place.

Stephane Sessegnon nearly had us level almost instantly when he beat Fulham's offside trap, and beat Aaron Hughes all ends up before firing right at Mark Schwarzer from close range, however away from that the first quarter of the game was very much what we've come to know over the last month or two. Very flat, uninspired and tired looking on all fronts.

Which was why it was such as surprise that Phil Bardsley managed to equalise after 34 minutes, and credit to him, it was a cracking goal. A lovely run by Jack Colback played into Ji Dong-Won, the Korean's one touch lay-off to Bardsley, who smashed an unstoppable drive beyond Schwarzer.

The joy however was short lived, and I mean VERY short lived as just 15 SECONDS later, Moussa Dembele, or Michael Turner depending on what you want to believe, had The Cottagers back in front.

Right from the restart we seemingly just stood and watched Fulham pass it around, and once it reached the Belgian international on the halfway line, we stood off, and off, and off some more until he was at the edge of the area where he unleashed a powerful drive into the top corner, with a hefty deflection off Michael Turner.

That was essentially it for the first half barring Gardner missing with another free-kick, and A fairly decent strike with the right foot by James McClean. At the half though, we needed to pull our socks up and do a hell of a lot better to get anything out the game.

And we kind of did a little bit. Fulham still had their chances mind, notably when Pavel Pogrebnyak had a shot blocked for a corner, leading to another solid strike from Dempsey having to be headed off the line by Jack Colback, but in the main we had the better of the few chances created.

James McClean saw a turn and volley go right down the throat of Schwarzer, and when Fraizer Campbell and Nicklas Bendtner were added to the attacking mix, you felt we'd be able to convert one of these. This wouldn't be the case as both substitutes missed gilt edged chances to level.

On 73 minutes, Bendtner took his turn to miss. Gardner played the ball into Sessegnon on the halfway line, the Benin international expertly turned and rounded his defender and on the charge towards goal played in a wide open Bendtner who should have finished rather than put the ball into the middle rows of the Putney End.

Two minuted later, Bendtner was the provider for Fraizer Campbell to fluff his lines. A long ball up to the Dane was nodded down well into Campbell's path. On the run, 8-yards or so from goal, unmarked and in space, the former Manchester United man screwed the shot, and our chances in this one.

Fulham nearly heaped further agony on us in the final minute, however Simon Mignolet atoned for his early mistake by making a good stop, staying big. We ourselves had yet another sniff at the end when Campbell forced a corner, however that came to nothing and the game was over.

Team (Ratings in brackets)

Starting XI: Mignolet (7), O'Shea (7), Turner (5), Kilgallon (6), Bardsley (6), Gardner (6), Cattermole (4), Colback (6), McClean (6), Sessegnon (7), Dong-Won (7)

Subs Used: Bendtner (5), Campbell (5)

Man Of The Match: Simon Mignolet - A tough one to call, it really was, as there wasn't a whole host of standout performers, so put this down as a one where it's a case of Mignolet was one of the less rubbish ones. Error for Dempsey's goal aside, the score could have resembled that of a cricket match had it not been for the Belgian. Stephane Sessegnon and Ji Dong-Won also would have come in with good shouts here too, so don't bitch too much.

And so the season continues to go out with a whimper, the "Party With Marty" seems to be at an end, the glasses need washing up, and the silly string hoovered up. I assume that's what happens at parties, I'm not the kind of person that does that sort of thing.

Anyway, the game. A bit rubbish, very flat and we really need to give ourselves a kick up the backside to have any chance against Manchester United this coming weekend. Far too many players under performed again this week, notably Lee Cattermole who was as rubbish with the ball as he was without it.

There's still a lot of questions to be asked. Are the player simply not up to it? Should O'Neill take some of the blame for failing to inspire? I can't say for certain, but I do know we're absolutely desperate for a bit of quality in the squad, which is why the summer transfer window can't come quickly enough.

KTF.



http://www.rokerreport.com/2012/5/6/3002682/fulham-sunderland-2012-premier-league-final-score-2-1-match-report? (http://www.rokerreport.com/2012/5/6/3002682/fulham-sunderland-2012-premier-league-final-score-2-1-match-report?)
Title: Re: Monday Fulham Stuff (07/05/12)...
Post by: WhiteJC on May 07, 2012, 05:46:05 AM
 
JOL QUIET ON POSSIBLE PLAYER EXITS

Fulham manager Martin Jol preferred to praise his improving side rather than speculate about his players' future after Saturday's defeat of Sunderland.

The west Londoners secured their fifth win in seven games as goals from Clint Dempsey and Mousa Dembele helped the hosts to a 2-1 victory at Craven Cottage.

Both players have been heavily linked with summer moves away from the Whites, while the likes of Danny Murphy and Andrew Johnson have yet to extend their deals past the summer.

Jol was keen not to speculate about any departures, though, preferring instead to focus on what he believes is an exciting future.

"If you don't mind, I don't want to think about that kind of negativity," the Dutchman said when asked if players would be leaving this summer.

"I want to enjoy today and I enjoyed it before the match, which is probably the first time this season because there was not a lot to lose.

"But, on the other hand, we thought if we would get a win under our belt, we could end up above Liverpool.

"If we had ended up with one point, we were certain of ending above Stoke, Swansea and all the other teams so it is great to have a win and we will be in top 10, which was our main target.

"I was very pleased with the way we played and the only thing is that excitement [of having to hold on] until the last second is not what you want.

"If you played the way we played, you should have scored three or four goals and put it to bed and finish it off.

"That is not what we did but we are improving, we are getting better, we try to play our football and especially in the first half you saw we were the better team because of our style.

"If all the players will be here, we will only get better."

Saturday's result means Jol will return to former club Tottenham next weekend knowing the Cottagers lie one point shy of their previous record, secured under Roy Hodgson in the 2008/09 season.

A record-equalling seventh-place finish is also within grasp but Jol will be happy even if they fall short.

"It will be my first game back at White Hart Lane and it will be nice [to get the record]," he said.

"There is not a lot of pressure on us and it would be nice to get three points.

"I would like Spurs to play in the Champions League, of course, but, on the other hand, if we can get three points that would be good.

"I am satisfied with what we have achieved and this is probably our best season ever when combining with European football.

"Of course, they were higher in the league before but then they didn't have to play all these games in Europe.

"We played almost 40 games before Christmas and to still be on 52 points is a good achievement."

Sunderland counterpart Martin O'Neill struck a frustrated figure in the post-match press conference.

The Black Cats are without a win in seven league matches after Saturday's loss, which was made especially irritating after Dembele scored Fulham's winner straight after Phil Bardsley had pulled them level.

"I think that obviously we missed some gilt-edged chances and eventually that proved the difference in the game," O'Neill said.

"Overall it was an encouraging performance by us and in possession I thought we passed the ball pretty well today so to concede just after we scored a great equaliser was particularly galling.

"We went to sleep after the equaliser and maybe we were distracted by the fact that [Stephane] Sessegnon had to change his footwear at that time.

"I would say within 10 seconds of kick-off they have made it 2-1 so it just nullifies our goal immediately and sets you on the back foot.

"We should have done better. We should have dealt with it better, but overall we are learning.

"It was Ji Dong-won's first start under me. I knew he would get pretty tired in the last half an hour but I thought there were some very encouraging signs."



http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/12/05/06/manual_172907.html&TEAMHD=soccer&BID=165 (http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/12/05/06/manual_172907.html&TEAMHD=soccer&BID=165)
Title: Re: Monday Fulham Stuff (07/05/12)...
Post by: WhiteJC on May 07, 2012, 03:02:42 PM
 
Jol: I won't do Tottenham any favours

The Fulham boss is looking for the three points at White Hart Lane

Fulham manager Martin Jol has promised not to do Tottenham any favours when the two sides meet next week.

Spurs need to better Newcastle and Chelsea's results to finish fourth, which could give them a space in next season's competition unless the Blues win the trophy against Bayern Munich.

But the Whites have a record-equalling seventh-place finish within their grasp and Jol is hoping to achieve this.

"It will be my first game back at White Hart Lane and it will be nice [to get the record]," he said.

"There is not a lot of pressure on us and it would be nice to get three points.

"I would like Spurs to play in the Champions League, of course, but, on the other hand, if we can get three points that would be good.

"I am satisfied with what we have achieved and this is probably our best season ever when combining with European football.

"Of course, they were higher in the league before but then they didn't have to play all these games in Europe.

"We played almost 40 games before Christmas and to still be on 52 points is a good achievement."



http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/jol_i_won_t_do_tottenham_any_favours_1_1370210? (http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/jol_i_won_t_do_tottenham_any_favours_1_1370210?)
Title: Re: Monday Fulham Stuff (07/05/12)...
Post by: WhiteJC on May 07, 2012, 03:05:10 PM
 
Rovers starlets face Fulham in grand final

BLACKBURN Rovers under 18s have reached the Academy League grand final after beating Newcastle United 2-0 in the semi final at Brockhall yesterday.

A first half double from midfielder John O'Sullivan was enough for Rovers to set up a final away at Fulham next seturday.

Before that, Terry McPhillips' men entertain Chelsea in the FA Youth Cup final second leg - trailing 4-0 from the first.

Boss McPhillips said: "I think the lads have done a professional job. There were some fantastic performances but it was a magnificent team performance.

"Now we have an away game against Fulham next Saturday. The lacks have worked their socks off, no stars, just a good group. It is a great credit to everybody at the Academy."



http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/blackburn_rovers/news/9691509.Rovers_starlets_face_Fulham_in_grand_final/? (http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/blackburn_rovers/news/9691509.Rovers_starlets_face_Fulham_in_grand_final/?)
Title: Re: Monday Fulham Stuff (07/05/12)...
Post by: WhiteJC on May 07, 2012, 03:06:23 PM
 
Jol hopeful Dempsey will stay at Fulham
The Dutch manager wants the midfielder to sign a new contract after another stunning free-kick helped the Cottagers to a 2-1 victory over Martin O'Neill's Sunderland

Fulham manager Martin Jol is hopeful Clint Dempsey will stay at Craven Cottage next season after the midfielder scored another stunning free-kick in the 2-1 win over Sunderland.

Dempsey's contract is set to run out in 2013, and clubs will surely be circling for the playmaker this summer after he notched his 17th Premier League strike of this campaign.

"I want to be positive," Jol told reporters. "You are talking about the scenario that a couple of players won't be here. If all the players are here [next season] we will only get better.

"[I'm not surprised by Dempsey] in this game, because I know that he will only get better. You talk to him and he wants to get better because of course he's not perfect, no-one is perfect, but he's improving.

"And after the game we had a little banter because we didn't know he could take free-kicks at the start of the season, so he never took them. Then against Bolton, out of nothing he scores, top corner and he did it again today. So it's maybe something for the future, hopefully here.

"He knows what [the fans] think of him. Hopefully it's enough for him to sign his contract."

Jol also spoke about captain Danny Murphy after the midfielder's wife revealed on Twitter that it could be an emotional day for him in the last home game of the season, perhaps meaning a move away from Fulham, and went on to speak of next week's final game against his former club Tottenham.

The Dutchman continued: "As you saw today, he made us tick again in the first half so I [don't] believe that Danny Murphy has played his last game for us ever.

"There's not a lot of pressure on us [next week]. It would be nice to have three points and I want to say spoil their day, but you don't want that.

"Of course I want Spurs to play in the Champions League. But on the other hand, if we could get three points there we could probably do with them.

"It will be exciting. But I love this excitement. At the start of the season when I saw the schedule, with Spurs the last game of the season, I thought, 'Ooh, err, it could be difficult'.

"And now we have 52 points, we have no problems and we can enjoy the day. You never know. An away game against Spurs, if there is a lot to play for, will be a difficult game.

"I was there. They are quite strong. Now it's only a game to enjoy and hopefully get the three points."

Jol also suggested this is perhaps Fulham's best ever season after making sure of a top 10 finish while also battling in Europe before Christmas.

"It's great to have a win and we will be in the top 10, which was our main target," he continued.

"I'm satisfied with what we have achieved. I think this is probably the best season ever [for Fulham] with the culmination of Europe.

"Of course we were probably higher in the league before, but not playing all these games in Europe.

"Now we're playing all these games, with almost 40 before Christmas and still on 52 points [now], I think that is a good achievement."


http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2012/05/06/3084813/jol-hopeful-dempsey-will-stay-at-fulham? (http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2012/05/06/3084813/jol-hopeful-dempsey-will-stay-at-fulham?)
Title: Re: Monday Fulham Stuff (07/05/12)...
Post by: WhiteJC on May 07, 2012, 03:08:35 PM
 
Jol hails Fulham's season
League position an 'achievement' considering European schedule

Fulham boss Martin Jol has hailed the Fulham side that beat Sunderland 2-1 in the Premier League to mark their 55th game of the campaign.

Clint Dempsey opened the scoring for Fulham on 12 minutes, only for Phil Bardsley to level on his 150th appearance with a rocket on 34 minutes.

Sunderland could only keep it all square for 15 seconds as they allowed Moussa Dembele to run and hit a speculative shot that Michael Taylor could only deflect into his own net.

But Fulham held out to end the season on a high with a win in their last home game of a successful campaign.

"It was a great season, fantastic season and we ended on a very high note," Jol told Sky Sports.

Fulham surpassed last season's points tally with the win and if they get all three points next week at Tottenham it will be Fulham's highest ever Premier League total.

Terrific

"I think that's quite an achievement especially as we've played in Europe. It would be a great achievement from this club to be in this position after a hell of a job in Europe.

"Today was 54 or 55 games so I think it's great.

"We've got terrific youngsters, good experienced players so the only thing now is to keep all these players together."

Dempsey broke the deadlock for Fulham with a beautifully taken free-kick but it did not surprise his manager that he pulled such a fine effort out of the bag.

"He's got it all in his locker. Nobody knew that he was capable of doing that then he scored against Bolton away," said Jol.

"In the last couple of weeks we've thought let him take the free-kicks to see if he can do it again and he's done it again."


http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/7735866/? (http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/7735866/?)
Title: Re: Monday Fulham Stuff (07/05/12)...
Post by: WhiteJC on May 07, 2012, 03:11:24 PM
 
Jol savours victory but refuses to talk about possible player sales

Fulham manager Martin Jol preferred to praise his improving side rather than speculate about his players' future after Sunday's defeat of Sunderland.

The west Londoners secured their fifth win in seven games as goals from Clint Dempsey and Mousa Dembele helped the hosts to a 2-1 victory at Craven Cottage.

Both players have been heavily linked with summer moves away from the Whites, while the likes of Danny Murphy and Andrew Johnson have yet to extend their deals past the summer.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/05/06/article-2140389-12F42896000005DC-525_468x304.jpg)
Hot property: Will Clint Dempsey be staying at Craven Cottage?

Jol was keen not to speculate about any departures, though, preferring instead to focus on what he believes is an exciting future.

'If you don't mind, I don't want to think about that kind of negativity,' the Dutchman said when asked if players would be leaving this summer.

'I want to enjoy today and I enjoyed it before the match, which is probably the first time this season because there was not a lot to lose.

'But, on the other hand, we thought if we would get a win under our belt, we could end up above Liverpool.

'If we had ended up with one point, we were certain of ending above Stoke, Swansea and all the other teams so it is great to have a win and we will be in top 10, which was our main target.

'I was very pleased with the way we played and the only thing is that excitement [of having to hold on] until the last second is not what you want.

'If you played the way we played, you should have scored three or four goals and put it to bed and finish it off.

'That is not what we did but we are improving, we are getting better, we try to play our football and especially in the first half you saw we were the better team because of our style.

'If all the players will be here, we will only get better.'

The result means Jol will return to former club Tottenham next weekend knowing the Cottagers lie one point shy of their previous record, secured under Roy Hodgson in the 2008/09 season.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/05/06/article-2140389-12F4D231000005DC-36_468x339.jpg)
Pleased: Martin Jol wants to bask in the glow of a good season

A record-equalling seventh-place finish is also within grasp but Jol will be happy even if they fall short.

'It will be my first game back at White Hart Lane and it will be nice [to get the record],' he said.

'There is not a lot of pressure on us and it would be nice to get three points.

'I would like Spurs to play in the Champions League, of course, but, on the other hand, if we can get three points that would be good.

'I am satisfied with what we have achieved and this is probably our best season ever when combining with European football.

'Of course, they were higher in the league before but then they didn't have to play all these games in Europe.

'We played almost 40 games before Christmas and to still be on 52 points is a good achievement.'

Sunderland counterpart Martin O'Neill struck a frustrated figure in the post-match press conference.

The Black Cats are without a win in seven league matches after today's loss, which was made especially irritating after Dembele scored Fulham's winner straight after Phil Bardsley had pulled them level.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/05/06/article-2140389-12F4512B000005DC-3_468x286.jpg)
First: Ji Dong-won made his first start under Martin O'Neill

'I think that obviously we missed some gilt-edged chances and eventually that proved the difference in the game,' O'Neill said.

'Overall it was an encouraging performance by us and in possession I thought we passed the ball pretty well today so to concede just after we scored a great equaliser was particularly galling.

'We went to sleep after the equaliser and maybe we were distracted by the fact that [Stephane] Sessegnon had to change his footwear at that time.

'I would say within 10 seconds of kick-off they have made it 2-1 so it just nullifies our goal immediately and sets you on the back foot.

'We should have done better. We should have dealt with it better, but overall we are learning.

'It was Ji Dong-won's first start under me. I knew he would get pretty tired in the last half an hour but I thought there were some very encouraging signs.'


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2140389/Martin-Jol-refuses-talk-potential-player-sales.html#ixzz1uC1Z4G30 (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2140389/Martin-Jol-refuses-talk-potential-player-sales.html#ixzz1uC1Z4G30)
Title: Re: Monday Fulham Stuff (07/05/12)...
Post by: WhiteJC on May 07, 2012, 03:12:22 PM
 
A Deserved Win
(http://www.fulhamfc.com/Images/MainNews/NewsPages/Players/hangeland/HangelandPass.jpg)

Fulham's victory over Sunderland on Sunday afternoon was a fantastic collective performance as the Whites passed the 50 point mark in the Barclays Premier League with another game still to play.

Clint Dempsey's 23rd goal of the season and Mousa Dembele's strike secured victory for Martin Jol's side and their team mate Brede Hangeland was full of praise for the pair after the game.

"They've both enjoyed such good seasons," Brede said. "They have been brilliant and you saw the same again today and for them to score a goal each was well deserved and capped off great seasons for both of them.

"I thought we played really well at times and to be fair they [Sunderland] probably could have scored more than the one goal but we certainly could have scored more than two so it was a deserved victory I thought in the end."

The three points at the Cottage has guaranteed the Whites a top-half finish and Brede feels that is the least Fulham deserve for a strong end to the campaign.

"We've just kept going and for me that's down to the mentality of the players we have here," he explained to fulhamfc.com "We know how to make the most of every season and we'll just keep going right until the end, even though we're tired and we've had a long season.

"We'll always just keep going and the last few years have been proof that if you manage to put your foot on the gas all the way until the end then you can finish in a good position."



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2012/May/ADeservedWin.aspx?#ixzz1uC2Hu9pI (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2012/May/ADeservedWin.aspx?#ixzz1uC2Hu9pI)
Title: Re: Monday Fulham Stuff (07/05/12)...
Post by: WhiteJC on May 07, 2012, 03:13:40 PM
 
Crucial for Cottagers
Fulham cannot lose Dempsey and Dembele, says Alan

Fulham 2-1 Sunderland
Soccer Special analysis

Fulham manager Martin Jol must do everything in his power to retain the services of Clint Dempsey and Mousa Dembele this summer.

So says Alan McInally, who told Soccer Saturday that the duo are crucial to Fulham's chances of building on a solid season.

McInally spoke out after watching the Cottagers overcome Sunderland 2-1 thanks to a superb 25-yard Dempsey free-kick and a deflected Dembele effort.

Read our match report here.

"Fulham were excellent," said McInally. "It's amazing, their home form. I saw them a couple of weeks ago against Everton and they were absolutely rotten and Everton beat them pretty easy, to be honest.

"Dembele is a really good midfield player; Dempsey's different class. He really has been fantastic for them. He scored a great free-kick.

"To be honest it could have ended 4-4. Although Martin O'Neill will be disappointed with the result, he will probably think that they did enough in terms of creating chances to maybe have gone away with something."

Important

McInally added: "They can't lose them [Dempsey and Dembele]. They are that important - they really are. His goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer was really excellent as well today.

"To be fair on the other side Simon Mignolet made a few great saves but Schwarzer is a big player for them. Jol needs to make sure that he keeps him and, of course, add to the squad to try and make sure they are better than they were this year because away from home is probably where he's been most unhappy.

"Here at Craven Cottage they don't really seem to lose so many games and that's why they are still going to be a Premier division team."


http://www.skysports.com/tv_show/story/0,,12383_7735958,00.html? (http://www.skysports.com/tv_show/story/0,,12383_7735958,00.html?)
Title: Re: Monday Fulham Stuff (07/05/12)...
Post by: WhiteJC on May 07, 2012, 03:14:44 PM
 
Dembele's Delight
(http://www.fulhamfc.com/Images/MainNews/NewsPages/Players/Dembele/DembeleCelebNews.jpg)

Fulham's final game at Craven Cottage of the 2011/12 campaign saw the Whites produce a slick display to beat Martin O'Neill's Sunderland side by two goals to one.

A great strike from Phil Bardsley had cancelled out Clint Dempsey's free-kick but Mousa Dembele gave an instant response to put Fulham back in front with what turned out to be the winning goal.

"Of course I'm delighted to get on the scoresheet but I think we should have won by more goals," Mousa told fulhamfc.com after the game. "I could have scored two more so it would have been nice if those had gone in but we're happy overall.

"It was an important game against a team who played with confidence and who have very good players so we are very happy. We know that at home we are a very strong side and we managed to get the win which is very good."

The victory moves the Whites up to eighth in the Barclays Premier League table, eclipsing last season's points tally in the process and Mousa was clearly pleased that his side have continued their impressive form right until the end of the campaign.

"It's good that we have beaten last season's points total because it is important that we keep improving as a Team," the Belgian playmaker explained. "We've played some really good stuff this season and we're happy that we're now on more than 50 points which is a great achievement.

"We're not finished yet though because we want to win the next game against Tottenham away. It will be hard but we have confidence in ourselves so why not?"



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2012/May/DembelesDelight.aspx?#ixzz1uC2sspPz (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2012/May/DembelesDelight.aspx?#ixzz1uC2sspPz)
Title: Re: Monday Fulham Stuff (07/05/12)...
Post by: WhiteJC on May 07, 2012, 03:15:37 PM
 
Jol argues this has been Fulham's finest season

MARTIN Jol believes Fulham can claim to have had their best ever season in the Premier League – given the way they have managed to juggle domestic commitments with Europa League football.

The Whites' 2-1 victory over Sunderland in their final home game leaves them close to equalling their highest ever placing in the top flight.

They are eighth but would finish seventh – matching 2008/9 – if they were to win at Spurs next Sunday and Everton slip up against Newcastle.

But even if it does not quite pan out like that on the final day, the Fulham manager is arguing that it is still the most impressive campaign they have waged.

"I am satisfied with what we've achieved and this is probably the best season ever in the combination with Europe," Jol said.

"Of course, they finished higher in the league before, but then they didn't play all these games in Europe. Now we've played all these games – I think it's 40 before Christmas – and still we have 52 points and that is a good achievement.

"I enjoyed it before the match today. That was probably the first time this season that there was not a lot to lose.

"On the other hand, we thought that if we could get a win under our belts, we could end up above Liverpool. If we ended up with one point, we were certain of ending above Stoke and Swansea and we will be in the top 10, and that was our main target.

"We are improving and trying to play our football – especially in the first half when you saw that we were the better team. I was very pleased with the way we played."

Jol said the only thing that nearly spoilt his day was the uncomfortable finale because of a failure to put Sunderland out of the game long before the finish.

"The only thing is you have to be excited until the last seconds and that's not what you need," he said.

"If you play the way we play, you should score three or four goals and put it to bed and that is not what we did."



Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2012/05/06/jol-argues-this-has-been-fulham-s-finest-season-82029-30913695/?#ixzz1uC36BryJ (http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2012/05/06/jol-argues-this-has-been-fulham-s-finest-season-82029-30913695/?#ixzz1uC36BryJ)
Title: Re: Monday Fulham Stuff (07/05/12)...
Post by: WhiteJC on May 07, 2012, 03:16:56 PM
 
Jol confident Fulham have not seen last of Danny Murphy

MARTIN JOL says he does not believe Danny Murphy has played his last game for Fulham.

(http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/fulhamchronicle/jul2011/9/1/danny-murphy-image-2-209588249.jpg)

The Whites skipper (pictured) received a rousing reception from Fulham fans when they paraded with the team after today's final home game of the season at the Cottage.

It felt for all the world as if the Whites skipper was saying goodbye.

But after today's 2-1 victory over Sunderland, the Fulham boss said he did not want to think about possible summer departures, least of all Murphy.

Clint Dempsey and Moussa Dembele have also be the target of speculation.

"I don't want to think about that sort of negativity now," said the Dutchman.

"I want to enjoy today. I want to be positive and not talk about the scenario that a couple of players won't be here.

"As you saw today, he [Murphy] made us tick again first half, so I can't believe that Danny Murphy played his last game today.

"If all the players are here, we will only get better. We are trying to create a very good squad."

Without doubt, Dempsey will be the key business of the summer for Fulham. The USA striker's free-kick goal took his goal tally to 23 but so far he has stalled on a new deal.

"He knows what the fans think of him and hopefully it's enough for him to sign his contract," Jol said.

"I know that he will get even better. You talk to him and he wants to get better because, of course, he's not perfect. He's improving.

"We didn't know that he could take these free-kicks at the start of the season, so he never took them.

"But then against Bolton, out of nothing he scored in the top corner and he did it again today, so it's maybe something for the future."



Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2012/05/06/jol-confident-fulham-have-not-seen-last-of-danny-murphy-82029-30913767/?#ixzz1uC3QvpYL (http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2012/05/06/jol-confident-fulham-have-not-seen-last-of-danny-murphy-82029-30913767/?#ixzz1uC3QvpYL)
Title: Re: Monday Fulham Stuff (07/05/12)...
Post by: WhiteJC on May 07, 2012, 03:18:15 PM
 
Dempsey and Dembele dazzle Sunderland
by DAN on MAY 6, 2012

(http://www.shropshirestar.com/wp-content/uploads/xmlImages/PA/2012/05/N0129801336319516887A.jpg)

We might be about to enter the coldest summer snap in living memory, but things are hotting up down by the River Thames. After a slow start, Fulham have begun to sizzle rather nicely under Martin Jol, who returned to the touchline this afternoon after fighting off a chest infection, and will now post their best ever Premier League points total after an upbeat win over Sunderland. Two of Fulham's star performers, Clint Dempsey and Moussa Dembele, scored the goals that secured another impressive victory, although in keeping with the Cottagers season, the win wasn't without its nervy moments.

Plenty of column inches have already been filled about the futures of Dempsey and Dembele, who are both out of contract next summer. The American attacking midfielder has consistently performed at such a high level throughout this campaign that whispers have long been circulating about a host of big clubs, both English and from abroad, who might be coveting his signature. Dempsey will have added an extra couple of million to his valuation at the very least by bending a brilliant free-kick into the top corner to open the scoring from 25 yards – and his importance at Craven Cottage was underlined by a banner in the Johnny Haynes Stand at full-time that pointedly pleaded: 'Clint: make my day, please stay'.

The Texan's 23rd goal of a remarkable season seemed to give Fulham a platform to record a fifth win in seven games that has given Jol a real chance of equalling new England manager Roy Hodgson's seventh-place finish in 2008/2009, which was a club record. But, not for the first time this season, the home side were at times lackadaisical in approach – and were punished by a blistering drive from distance by Phil Bardsley. The Black Cats had certainly sounded warnings about their attacking intent, with Stephane Sessegnon twisting away from Aaron Hughes and producing a top-drawer save from Mark Schwarzer.

It didn't take long for Fulham to muster a response, however. Much has been made of Moussa Dembele's emergence in a deeper midfield role this season, but the Belgian was deployed in a more advanced position this afternoon. There are still question marks about his decision making and his goal return, but with the aid of a significant deflection off the unfortunate Michael Turner, Dembele delivered a timely indication of his enduring quality. He sped away from Sunderland tacklers on the half way line and the otherwise excellent Simon Mignolet had little chance once his low 20-yarder had clipped Turner. It flew over the unfortunate goalkeeper and into the top left corner of the net.

Fulham continued to press for the clinching third early in the third with Pavel Pogrebnyak seeing a shot on the half-turn bravely blocked by Turner. From the ensuing corner, Jack Colback did brilliantly to head an improvised effort from Dempsey off the line. Even Stephen Kelly – venturing forward from right back – had a drive saved by Mignolet, who also spread himself superbly to prevent a Damien Duff drive from surprising him at the near post.

A bold change from Martin O'Neill perked up the visitors. The Sunderland boss, seeing another game slip away after such a bright start to his Stadium of Light tenure, replaced centre back Matthew Kilgannon with Frazier Campbell, who joined Nicklas Bendtner in a revamped line-up. The effect was almost immediate. Campbell regularly galloped into space vacated by John Arne Riise as he burst up the Fulham left and Bendtner's physical presence posed Fulham's usually disciplined defence with a different kind of problem. The on-loan Arsenal striker spurned a glorious chance of his own before flicking a header across goal to offer Campbell a great chance to equalise but the substitute screwed his shot wide.

Fulham still sauntered forward and might have sealed matters in the closing stages. A swift counter-attack saw Moussa Dembele wriggle his way through several heavy challenges but the Belgian was denied by another excellent Mignolet save. In stoppage time, Campbell fashioned a fantastic chance for himself only for Schwarzer to spread himself superbly at his near post. It was a little too close for comfort but, on an afternoon when the Hammersmith End was rocking, Jol could reflect on his first season at the Cottage with his justified pride.

FULHAM (4-2-3-1): Schwarzer; Kelly, J.A. Riise, Hughes, Hangeland; Diarra, Murphy (Baird 84); Duff, Dembele, Dempsey; Pogrebnyak (Frei 81). Subs (not used): Stockdale, Senderos, Kasami, Kacaniklic, Trotta.

GOALS: Dempsey (12), Dembele (35).

SUNDERLAND (4-4-1-1): Mignolet; O'Shea, Bardsley, Kilgannon (Campbell 70), Turner; Cattermole, Colback, Garnder, McClean; Sessegnon; Ji Dong-Won (Bendtner 59). Subs (not used): Westwood, Bridge, Bramble, Meyler, Elmohamady.

GOAL: Bardsley (34).

REFEREE: Martin Atkinson (West Yorkshire).

ATTENDANCE: 25,683.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2012/05/dempsey-and-dembele-dazzle-sunderland/? (http://hammyend.com/index.php/2012/05/dempsey-and-dembele-dazzle-sunderland/?)
Title: Re: Monday Fulham Stuff (07/05/12)...
Post by: WhiteJC on May 07, 2012, 03:19:16 PM
 
Jol refuses to discuss transfer 'negativity'
by DAN on MAY 6, 2012

(http://d.yimg.com/i/ng/sp/empics/20120506/14/4141522691-soccer-barclays-premier-league-fulham-v-sunderland-craven-cottage.jpg)

Martin Jol refused to be drawn into a discussion about the transfer speculation around the Fulham futures of goalscorers Clint Dempsey and Moussa Dembele after the Whites saw off Sunderland at Craven Cottage this afternoon.

Dempsey notched 23rd goal of the season with a fabulous free-kick from long range and Dembele restored Fulham's lead only seconds after Phil Bardsley had equalised for Sunderland with a deflected drive from 20 yards. Both players have been linked with moves away from the Cottage in the close season, with their contracts due to expire in a year's time, but Jol wasn't about to discuss the futures of his either man during his post-match press conference.

If you don't mind, I don't want to think about that kind of negativity. I want to enjoy today and I enjoyed it before the match, which is probably the first time this season because there was not a lot to lose.

But, on the other hand, we thought if we would get a win under our belt, we could end up above Liverpool. If we had ended up with one point, we were certain of ending above Stoke, Swansea and all the other teams so it is great to have a win and we will be in top 10, which was our main target.

Jol feels Fulham are finally beginning to resemble the fluid, free-flowing side that he has sought to develop since replacing Mark Hughes last summer but remains frustrated at the inability of his charges to kill off their opponent.

If you played the way we played, you should have scored three or four goals and put it to bed and finish it off. That is not what we did but we are improving, we are getting better, we try to play our football and especially in the first half you saw we were the better team because of our style. If all the players will be here, we will only get better.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2012/05/jol-refuses-to-discuss-transfer-negativity/? (http://hammyend.com/index.php/2012/05/jol-refuses-to-discuss-transfer-negativity/?)
Title: Re: Monday Fulham Stuff (07/05/12)...
Post by: WhiteJC on May 07, 2012, 03:20:12 PM
 
Riverside Stand Update
by WILL on MAY 6, 2012

It seems as though Fulham have hit a setback in their attempts to get the Riverside Stand planning permission before the season ends. The Agenda for the Planning Committee of Hammersmith and Fulham was published on the 4th of May and it did not contain any case study or decision on the Riverside Stand.

The Agenda for the 15th of May meeting can be found here

The next schedule meeting for the Planning Committee of Hammersmith and Fulham is the 13th June 2012 which is shown to be schedule here

A bitter blow for the new stand- Fulham wanted work to start as soon as the season was over.

I will, of course, keep every Fulham fan updated through Hammy End. Here's hoping.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2012/05/riverside-stand-update/? (http://hammyend.com/index.php/2012/05/riverside-stand-update/?)
Title: Re: Monday Fulham Stuff (07/05/12)...
Post by: WhiteJC on May 07, 2012, 03:22:59 PM
 
Keeping Clint Dempsey will be Martin Jol's main job for the summer
Fulham 2 Sunderland 1

(http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article7718553.ece/ALTERNATES/w380/Pg-9s-dempsey-getty-pa.jpg)

It took a second glance to check that Martin Jol was not one of those holding the banner asking Clint Dempsey to "Make my day, please stay", as Fulham marked their final home game with a deserved lap of honour.

The Texan had underlined his value with the 23rd goal of a prolific season to set Fulham on the way to a victory that carried them to eighth in the Premier League. Dempsey's superb free-kick was the first of three excellent goals which enlivened a better-than-average end-of-season match. His 12th-minute 25-yarder was followed by a 34th-minute bolt from David Bardsley that was immediately cancelled out by Moussa Dembélé's drive. There ended the scoring, though only because both goalkeepers made fine saves.

"I'm very pleased at the way we played, but we should have scored more goals," said Jol. But the Fulham manager was content. "Given the games we played in Europe [14, in a campaign that began in June] this is probably the club's best ever league campaign."

There was a time when a fixture such as this, with neither side chasing a place in Europe nor concerned about relegation, would have been an opportunity to give the youngsters a run-out. But there is around £800,000-a-place Premier League merit money at stake these days and both managers fielded strong teams.

Fulham are patient in possession, happy to play five-yard passes back and forth while the fluid forward players interchange to create an opening. Danny Murphy is the conductor, a Scouse Andrea Pirlo, knitting the play and seeking the decisive pass. For long periods Sunderland sat off him, allowing the former England midfielder to do much as he wanted. Ahead of him flitted Dempsey, Dembélé, Damien Duff and Lassana Diarra, who was given licence to push on.

It was from a free-kick awarded when an early Diarra surge was halted by Lee Cattermole that Dempsey scored the opening goal. Though Mark Schwarzer had to deny Stéphane Sessègnon soon after it was still a surprise when Sunderland levelled, Jack Colbeck and Ji Dong-won setting up Bardsley for a 25-yard flier. The riposte was swift, Dembélé's 20-yard shot deflecting in off Michael Turner.

"Within 10 seconds of the kick-off they nullified our goal," said an irate Martin O'Neill. "We should have done better."

Fulham ought to have then made the game safe but Colbeck headed Dempsey's shot off the line and Simon Mignolet made excellent saves from Gary Kelly, Duff and Dembélé.

O'Neill brought on Frazier Campbell moving John O'Shea to centre-half, and Craig Gardner to right-back. Within three minutes this shaped up to be a master-stroke. Gardner, from the right-back position, launched the ball forward, another substitute, Nicklas Bendtner, nodded it down and Campbell ran off Brede Hangeland to... shank his shot well wide.

"Scoring goals is difficult, but not that difficult," said O'Neill. With a match against Manchester United to come Sunderland are likely to end the season safe, but in the bottom half of the table. It is not what they aspired to in August, but is a huge improvement on the situation O'Neill inherited at Christmas. "I'm glad we are not playing under the pressure some of the teams below us are," said O'Neill. "We've a great game to finish, then we can look forward to pre-season," added the manager, who plans to 'freshen' his squad in the summer. For Jol the focus will be on keeping hold of the players he has, especially Dempsey.

Match facts

Fulham: SCHWARZER 8/10; KELLY 7; HUGHES 8; HANGELAND 6; J RIISE 7; DUFF 7; DIARRA 7; MURPHY 8; DEMBELE 8; DEMPSEY 8; POGREBNYAK 6

Sunderland: MIGNOLET 8; BARDSLEY 7; KILGALLON 6; TURNER 6; O'SHEA 6; McCLEAN 5; CATTERMOLE 6; COLBACK 6; GARDNER 6; SESSEGNON 6; JI 5

Scorers. Fulham: Dempsey 12, Dembélé 35. sunderland:

Bardsley 34

Substitutes: Fulham Frei (Pogrebnyak, 81), Baird (Murphy, 84). Sunderland Bendtner 5 (Ji, 60), Campbell (Kilgallon, 71).

Booked None.

Man of the match Dempsey. Match rating 7/10.

Possession: Fulham 55% Sunderland 45%.

Attempts on target: Fulham 15 Sunderland 7.

Referee M Atkinson (West Yorkshire).

Attendance 25,683.



http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/keeping-clint-dempsey-will-be-martin-jols-main-job-for-the-summer-7718607.html (http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/keeping-clint-dempsey-will-be-martin-jols-main-job-for-the-summer-7718607.html)
Title: Re: Monday Fulham Stuff (07/05/12)...
Post by: WhiteJC on May 07, 2012, 03:25:17 PM
 
Arsenal set to steal Dempsey from Liverpool
Wenger keen to play him behind Van Persie and Podolski

(http://cdn-wac.emirates247.com/polopoly_fs/1.457495.1336364965!/image/3458493063.jpg)
Clint Dempsey of Fulham puts his thumbs up during the Barclays Premier League match
against Sunderland at Craven Cottage on Sunday in London, England. (GETTY)


Arsene Wenger is making a move for Fulham striker Clint Dempsey who became the first American to score 50 goals in the English Premier League.

Dempsey has been the standout performer for Fulham this season scoring 23 goals and was linked with a move to Liverpool earlier in the week after their chairman, Tom Werner, claimed any club would be lucky to have him.

But Arsenal are poised to win the race for the Fulham frontman with Wenger keen to play him behind Robin van Persie and Lukas Podolski, The Sun reported in an exclusive.

Dempsey's contract expires next summer and the Cottagers' have offered the USA international striker a new three-year deal.

Arsenal also have 21-year-old Blackburn striker Junior Hoilett in mind if they fail to land Dempsey.

Dempsey strikes in Fulham win

American forward Clint Dempsey scored the 50th goal of his Premier League career to help Fulham to a 2-1 victory over Sunderland at Craven Cottage on Sunday.

Dempsey scored his 23rd goal of the season with a superbly-taken free kick in the 22nd minute.

Defender Philip Bardsley leveled for Sunderland in the 34th with a shot from the edge of the area but Mousa Dembele restored Fulham's lead just a minute later with a deflected drive which found the top corner.

The introduction of substitutes Nicklas Bendtner and Frazier Campbell saw Sunderland end on a high but the visitors could not find a way past Fulham, which secured its fifth win in seven games.

The run leaves the west London side with a record-equaling seventh-place finish within reach. Currently eighth, it is a point behind Everton.


Why Dempsey is Arsenal's Van Persie back-up

While the battle for pride, Champions League slots and survival rage on in the Barclays English Premier League, it might be worth noting some end-of-season gems that will spark a twist or two to the transfer market.

Hatem Ben Arfa at Newcastle (among others there).

And surely, now Clint Dempsey of Fulham. With his 21 goals in all competitions and 15 in the league, Dempsey a Fulham soldier for so long now, might finally be headed to "the big time."

And word on the web, if not at the Emirates, is that Arsene Wenger will be first in line at Craven Cottage should Dempsey say no to Martin Jol's promised "bumper offer" for him to stay.

Wenger might also be bearing in mind that his own Robin Van Persie might be on a few shopping lists in Europe and Dempsey might be the low-cost 10 million (relative) answer to Arsenal's forward move for cup and league success again.

Van Persie may be thanking his stars he did not stoke the Manchester City flames any more and might well stay at the resurgent Arsenal, but even then, Dempsey might be the kind of bench strength Arsenal need to gun down troublesome teams like QPR, or Stoke.

The American is in no hurry to decide his future club.

Dempsey, 29, signed from New England Revolution in 2007, has already broken Brian McBride's 36-goal record as all-time American top scorer in the Premier League.

Apart from Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester United are also eyeing the £10 million-rated ace who has just 16 months left on his contract, according to reports in the British press.



http://www.emirates247.com/sports/football/arsenal-set-to-steal-dempsey-from-liverpool-2012-05-07-1.457490 (http://www.emirates247.com/sports/football/arsenal-set-to-steal-dempsey-from-liverpool-2012-05-07-1.457490)
Title: Re: Monday Fulham Stuff (07/05/12)...
Post by: WhiteJC on May 07, 2012, 03:26:28 PM
 
Captain's Pride
(http://www.fulhamfc.com/Images/MainNews/NewsPages/Players/murphy/General1.jpg)

Danny Murphy was at his influential best on Sunday afternoon as he captained his Fulham side to a 2-1 victory over Sunderland at Craven Cottage.

Victory put the Whites on 52 points and the evergreen 35-year-old was pleased they could see the SW6 Faithful off with a win in our last home match of the campaign.

"It's always nice to finish with a win," our Captain admitted. "We've played well at the Cottage for the majority of the season to be honest and the fans have witnessed some good football.

"On Sunday again we played some terrific stuff and although Sunderland had some decent spells as well, I think overall we just edged it and deserved the win. We really turned on the style."

Victory at Spurs on the last day of the season at the weekend could see the Whites match their best ever finish of seventh in the league and Danny is keen to see Fulham end the campaign as high as they possibly can.

"You have to remember that we're playing for positions in the league for both pride and financial reasons," he said. "We're eighth now and that's where we ended up last year so to finish in that top eight would be a terrific achievement."



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2012/May/CaptainsPride.aspx?#ixzz1uC5q6OEG (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2012/May/CaptainsPride.aspx?#ixzz1uC5q6OEG)
Title: Re: Monday Fulham Stuff (07/05/12)...
Post by: WhiteJC on May 07, 2012, 03:27:51 PM
 
Dembele pleased with Fulham's improvement
by DAN on MAY 7, 2012

(http://paimages.s3.amazonaws.com/categories/sport/480x385/13460241.jpg)

Moussa Dembele was delighted to score his first Fulham goal since October in yesterday's win over Sunderland and believes that reaching the fifty point mark shows the club are making consistent progress.

The Belgian midfielder put Fulham back in front with a deflected effort shortly after Phil Bardsley's stunning strike had drawn Martin O'Neill's side level in the first half at Craven Cottage. It was his second goal of the season and the 24 year-old has already spoken at length about his desire to score more goals. Such are the high standards that former AC Alkmaar man sets himself that Dembele feels he should have added to his goal against the Black Cats during a typically mesmerising display:

Of course I'm delighted to get on the scoresheet but I think we should have won by more goals. I could have scored two more so it would have been nice if those had gone in but we're happy overall.

Dembele feels that both the victory over Sunderland, which came after Fulham survived a concerted spell of pressure from their visitors late in the second half, and the fact that the three points takes Martin Jol's side past the points tally that Mark Hughes amassed last season are very significant.

It was an important game against a team who played with confidence and who have very good players so we are very happy. We know that at home we are a very strong side and we managed to get the win which is very good.

It's good that we have beaten last season's points total because it is important that we keep improving as a team. We've played some really good stuff this season and we're happy that we're now on more than 50 points which is a great achievement.

It is a barometer of the current confident amongst the squad that Dembele feels Fulham could finish the season on a high at White Hart Lane on Sunday:

We're not finished yet though because we want to win the next game against Tottenham away. It will be hard but we have confidence in ourselves so why not?


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2012/05/dembele-pleased-with-fulhams-improvement/? (http://hammyend.com/index.php/2012/05/dembele-pleased-with-fulhams-improvement/?)
Title: Re: Monday Fulham Stuff (07/05/12)...
Post by: WhiteJC on May 07, 2012, 03:29:58 PM
 
Arsenal ready to make Dempsey move in battle with Liverpool for Fulham ace

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/05/07/article-0-12F4C9CB000005DC-896_306x423.jpg)
Exit ahead? Clint Dempsey could leave Fulham

The race to sign Clint Dempsey this summer is hotting up as Arsenal prepare to make the first move for the Fulham forward.

Liverpool are believed to be the favourites to sign the USA international, who is heading for the Craven Cottage exit door as he stalls over accepting the offer of a new three-year contract.

The 29-year-old, who scored his 23rd goal of the season in Sunday's 2-1 Barclays Premier League win over Sunderland, has just one year remaining on his current deal and Fulham could be forced to cash-in this summer - or lose him on a free.

Dempsey's reluctance to put pen to paper has alerted Gunners boss Arsene Wenger, who is looking to bolster his side this summer following the recent addition of Lukas Podolski.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/05/07/article-0-12F42896000005DC-589_468x330.jpg)
In demand: Dempsey - who scored his 23rd goal of the season on Sunday - is wanted by Arsenal and Liverpool

Fulham boss Martin Jol remains tight-lipped over the possibility over losing the free-scoring American's services, however.

He said, when asked if players would be leaving this summer, after Sunday's final home game of the season: 'If you don't mind, I don't want to think about that kind of negativity.'


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2140643/Clint-Dempsey-wanted-Arsenal-Liverpool.html#ixzz1uC6XKKfJ (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2140643/Clint-Dempsey-wanted-Arsenal-Liverpool.html#ixzz1uC6XKKfJ)
Title: Re: Monday Fulham Stuff (07/05/12)...
Post by: WhiteJC on May 07, 2012, 03:31:41 PM
 
Clint Dempsey's 50th Premier League goal
by DAN on MAY 7, 2012

What a way to bring up a special landmark.

Clint Dempsey Goal vs. Sunderland (5-6-12) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqXiOafCb0A#ws)

More than a decade ago, Fulham supposedly signed the American David Beckham. The man himself, now ironically plying his trade in the States, would have been very proud of that free-kick.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2012/05/clint-dempseys-50th-premier-league-goal/? (http://hammyend.com/index.php/2012/05/clint-dempseys-50th-premier-league-goal/?)
Title: Re: Monday Fulham Stuff (07/05/12)...
Post by: WhiteJC on May 07, 2012, 03:33:06 PM
 
Fulham Move Into The Top 8 As Cottagers End On A High Note

Fulham have beaten Sunderland at Craven Cottage on Sunday, with a 2-1 victory lifting the London club up to eighth place.

Clint Dempsey opened the scoring with an exquisite free-kick, before Phil Bardsley equalised for the visitors. However Moussa Dembele restored the hosts' lead less than a minute later, claiming victory for the Cottagers.

Martin Jol hailed his side's performance and feels it has been a good season for the club.

"It was a great season, fantastic season and we ended on a very high note," Jol told Sky Sports.

"I think that's quite an achievement especially as we've played in Europe. It would be a great achievement from this club to be in this position after a hell of a job in Europe.

"Today was 54 or 55 games so I think it's great.

"We've got terrific youngsters, good experienced players so the only thing now is to keep all these players together," he concluded.

Fulham have leapfrogged Liverpool into eighth place with the win, and take on Tottenham at White Hart Lane in the final game of the campaign.



http://www.footballfancast.com/2012/05/football-news/fulham-move-into-the-top-8-as-cottagers-end-on-a-high-note? (http://www.footballfancast.com/2012/05/football-news/fulham-move-into-the-top-8-as-cottagers-end-on-a-high-note?)
Title: Re: Monday Fulham Stuff (07/05/12)...
Post by: WhiteJC on May 07, 2012, 03:34:59 PM
 
MURPHY REJECTS TALK OF ENGLAND CALL

Fulham's Danny Murphy has dismissed talk of a surprise England call-up but praised the appointment of Roy Hodgson.

The former Whites boss was named as successor to Fabio Capello last week and swiftly added Fulham coach Ray Lewington to his backroom staff.

The Fulham connections have seen some suggest Murphy may be in line for a shock call-up for Euro 2012, eight and a half years after collecting his last England cap against Denmark.

The 35-year-old has laughed off such talk but believes Hodgson is a great appointment.

"I have not thought about that for a long time," the evergreen midfielder said about playing for England.

"My only thought when I heard he got the job was pleasure for him.

"I know what a gentleman he is and what a knowledgeable man he is and the players will certainly go into the Euros knowing what he wants from them. They will be well organised.

"Ray is a terrific coach as well and together they - them two and Mike Kelly - turned Fulham into nearly a Europa League-winning team.

"He will do his country proud. I think he is a terrific coach, an absolute gentleman and I am really pleased for him."

If England scouts were at Craven Cottage on Sunday, they would have been impressed by another influential performance by the Fulham captain.

Murphy led his side to a 2-1 victory over Sunderland to put the Whites on 52 points heading into the season finale against former club Tottenham next weekend.

"It is always nice to finish [your home campaign] with a win," said Murphy, who has yet to extend his contract past the summer.

"I think for the majority of the season, to be honest, we have played well here.

"The fans have witnessed some good football and I think in spells against Sunderland we played some terrific stuff.

"Even though Sunderland had some good spells as well, I think overall on chances we probably just edged it and deserved the win.

"When you finish the season, it is nice for the fans to go away and have a good memory for the return next season.

"We are playing for positions in the league, which is for both pride and financial reasons.

"Let's be honest, every time you finish a couple of places above where you anticipate is good for the club, who get more money from the Premier League, and in terms of your own personal pride to try and beat what we have already done.

"Our best is seventh and I don't think we can beat that and we got eighth last year.

"To try and get in the top eight would be a terrific achievement. With one game left, why not?"

The result leaves Fulham eighth in the standings, while counterparts Sunderland sit 11th.



http://www.sportinglife.com/football/premiership/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/12/05/07/SOCCER_Fulham_Nightlead.html (http://www.sportinglife.com/football/premiership/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/12/05/07/SOCCER_Fulham_Nightlead.html)
Title: Re: Monday Fulham Stuff (07/05/12)...
Post by: WhiteJC on May 07, 2012, 03:36:11 PM
 
Jol: No Pressure on Spurs game

Martin Jol insists he will be pleased with Fulham's season even if they fall short of securing a record Premier League points tally on Sunday.

The west Londoners secured their fifth win in seven games on Sunday as goals from Clint Dempsey and Mousa Dembele helped them to a 2-1 victory at Craven Cottage.

The result means Jol will return to former club Tottenham next weekend knowing the Cottagers lie one point shy of their previous record, secured under Roy Hodgson in the 2008/09 season.

A record-equalling seventh-place finish is also within grasp but Jol will be happy even if they fall short.

"It will be my first game back at White Hart Lane and it will be nice [to get the record]," he said.

"There is not a lot of pressure on us and it would be nice to get three points.

"I would like Spurs to play in the Champions League, of course, but, on the other hand, if we can get three points that would be good.

"I am satisfied with what we have achieved and this is probably our best season ever when combining with European football.

"Of course, they were higher in the league before but then they didn't have to play all these games in Europe.

Sunderland counterpart Martin O'Neill struck a frustrated figure after the game.

The Black Cats are without a win in seven league matches after the loss, which was made especially irritating after Dembele scored Fulham's winner straight after Phil Bardsley had pulled them level.

"I think that obviously we missed some gilt-edged chances and eventually that proved the difference in the game," O'Neill said.

"Overall it was an encouraging performance by us and in possession I thought we passed the ball pretty well today so to concede just after we scored a great equaliser was particularly galling.

"We went to sleep after the equaliser and maybe we were distracted by the fact that [Stephane] Sessegnon had to change his footwear at that time.

"I would say within 10 seconds of kick-off they have made it 2-1 so it just nullifies our goal immediately and sets you on the back foot.

"We should have done better. We should have dealt with it better, but overall we are learning.

"It was Ji Dong-won's first start under me. I knew he would get pretty tired in the last half an hour but I thought there were some very encouraging signs."



http://www.teamtalk.com/tottenham-hotspur/7737800/Jol-No-Pressure-on-Spurs-game? (http://www.teamtalk.com/tottenham-hotspur/7737800/Jol-No-Pressure-on-Spurs-game?)
Title: Re: Monday Fulham Stuff (07/05/12)...
Post by: WhiteJC on May 07, 2012, 03:58:13 PM
 
Fulham 2-1 Sunderland

How about that then, eh? Fulham were absolutely fabulous, and deserved to score more than two against a good Sunderland side. More than anything it was a win that confirmed Martin Jol's nous for teambuilding, taking Roy Hodgson's stalwarts and making them thrilling. Everywhere you looked was someone at the top of their game and Sunderland may very well have traveled back north shaking their heads: how could they have seen that coming?

Fulham took the lead with a Clint Dempsey thunderbolt. "That's in" I said as soon as the ball left his boot, and so it proved, flying past Mignolet's dive and into the corner. 50 league goals for Clint? If so, a terrific milestone for a terrific player – we must hope he sees it that way and, furthermore, makes it his business to double the tally.

Sunderland weren't here to make up the numbers and came back at us. Schwarzer made a couple of good saves (one throwing himself at the feet of a forward was particularly fine) but had no chance with a Phil Bardsley belter, the ball fading away from him and into the far corner.

But but but! There went Dembele in, out, roundabout, bang, goal. Suspect it got a deflection on the way but hey, you can count the number of players in this league who could've scored that goal on about one finger. Manchester United representatives will have been watching Sunderland today; one hopes they didn't notice anyone in white because currently Dembele's playing like a late vintage Ryan Giggs, with extra tackling. He, Murphy and Diarra must, between them, be about a good as midfield as Fulham have ever had, or could ever hope to have. If only they were all 25.

That was all the scoring, although Fulham could've had more. Dempsey nearly scored with a smart prod from a corner, only to see the ball headed off the line. Dembele nearly bagged a fabulous solo goal, only for Mignolet to perform miracles for what felt like the thousandth time (but probably wasn't).

It wasn't just chances though, the performance just oozed excellence. Our passing was wonderful, a cut above anything we've put together in recent memory. Murphy, ace organiser, gave a 10/10 display in the middle of the park: he's like a grand-master playing speed chess, calculating from all possibilities and choosing the best in a fraction of a second, whether playing simple passes to nearby runners or launching a missile from one flank to another, he's absolutely *on* at the moment. Age? Pah. Nobody else can pass like that. Diarra (who had another "there are three of him out there" performance) and Dembele (see above) complement him splendidly and we need them together for another season.

So there we are. That's all folks for Craven Cottage 11/12. We've started slowly, and the Europa games were, in retrospect, not quite as much fun as they might have been, but whether it was a clearer schedule, the players tuning into Jol's ideas, or even the removal of Zamora, something's turned out for the best at Fulham and we're now, more often than not, a fine side.



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