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General Category => Archive => Daily Fulham Stuff => Topic started by: WhiteJC on May 23, 2012, 04:36:57 AM

Title: Wednesday Fulham Stuff(23/05/12)...
Post by: WhiteJC on May 23, 2012, 04:36:57 AM
 
Fulham show interest in Mbokani again?

The Sun are claiming that Fulham are still showing interest in Congolese forward Dieumerci Mbokani and are looking at a £5 million bid. We've been linked with him several times in the past, and were heavily linked again after the January window this year with various papers saying we had scouts watching him.

Mbokani scored 14 goals in 31 games last season for Anderlecht and provided 8 assists and when on form, is a very powerful centre forward.

Ironically in the same Sun article, perennial Fulham linked player Jason Koumas was linked with a move to Sheffield Wednesday, not us thank god!



http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2012/5/22/3035921/fulham-interest-in-mbokani-again? (http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2012/5/22/3035921/fulham-interest-in-mbokani-again?)
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff(23/05/12)...
Post by: WhiteJC on May 23, 2012, 04:38:30 AM
 
ASTON VILLA AND FULHAM BATTLE FOR NEWCASTLE'S DANNY GUTHRIE

ASTON VILLA and Fulham look set to battle it out for free transfer Danny Guthrie, 25, after the midfielder failed to agree new terms with Newcastle.



http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/252574/Aston-Villa-and-Fulham-battle-for-Newcastle-s-Danny-Guthrie/? (http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/252574/Aston-Villa-and-Fulham-battle-for-Newcastle-s-Danny-Guthrie/?)
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff(23/05/12)...
Post by: WhiteJC on May 23, 2012, 04:40:57 AM
 
Learning about the new boys
by LYDIA on MAY 22, 2012

West Ham winning the playoff on Saturday means that they join Southampton and Reading  in the Premier League next year along with England's' best. I was in London on Saturday watching my beloved Ulster get destroyed in the Heineken Cup final by a fantastic Leinster side at Twickenham. Everywhere I looked in London; it seemed that all I could see were Ulster, Leinster or West Ham fans! I did see the odd person sporting a Blackpool jersey but generally London had been dominated by either those from the Emerald Isle or from London's East End. So I thought that I would have a look at the new boys, key players and what our record is like against each of them.

Reading- Won the Championship

(http://hammyend.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/C_67_article_2112069_body_articleblock_0_bodyimage1.jpg)

After going down the same year of Fulham's unbelievable escape from the drop, Reading have spent a number of years the England's' 2nd league fixing their squad and playing good attacking football. The finish at the top of the league was fairly tight but they enjoyed a good end of the season to allowing them to take control at the top and book automatic promotion back to the big time. They play at the Madejski Stadium.

Key Players

Adam Federici (Goal keeper)- After a number of years of making the bench and going on loan to various clubs, Adam has now firmly established himself as Readings number one. The Australian even has a game or two in the Premier League under his belt from Readings last time in the PL. He will still have a lot to learn but looking at the likes of John Ruddy and Vorm, I wouldn't be surprised if he impressed next year.

Jobi McAnuff (midfielder) – This guy was one of the Championships most dangerous players. After many fantastic displays he was promoted to captain which proves that not only is he a great player, he also has the leadership skills that every team needs. Staying in the Premier League is a very difficult task so teams like Reading will need players to stand up and be counted and I think that McAnuff will be that guy for the Royals.

Fulhams' Record

We have had games against Reading from the old 3rd Division right up to the Premier League. Fulham have had more wins with 17 to Reading 14 and we have drawn 12 times over all. Fulham have edged it for goals as well with 51 to Readings 44. Reading were the only team that we did the double against last time we were in the league together so here's hoping the good run against them continues next season.

Southampton- 2nd Place in Championship

(http://hammyend.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Southampton-v-Coventry-Jos-Hooiveld-chaired-o_27569141-300x225.jpg)

For a while it looked like Southampton would gain the top prize but they ended up only just beating West Ham to automatic promotion. I watched their last game and it is evident that they ain to score as many goals as possible. They are a good side and it is hard to believe that it wasn't long ago that they played in League 1. Boss Nigel Atkins claims that he will not change the Saints' style of play but will try and stay in the PL their way. I'm excited about seeing them against us because I haven't seen it before! I was too young a supporter to really know who Fulham where playing every week when they were last in the league so I'll look forward to it.

Key Players-

Adam Lallana (Midfielder) – Netting 11 times this season, the midfielder certainly has a good eye for goal. Not only does he score goals, but he also creates a lot of goal scoring opportunities. Every team needs someone to provide chances so if he can adapt to the PL then he could be a vital player for their survival chances.

Ricky Lambert (striker) – 88 goals in 3 seasons, 27 in this campaign alone, Lambert likes to score goals! He has been a stand out performer for the Saints' over the past 3 seasons and has now helped them gain promotion from the Championship as well as League One. He is a great player and will hope to continue scoring goals in the PL.

Fulhams' Record

Out of 59 matches between the 2 teams, Southampton have the better record with 22 wins to Fulhams' 18 with 19 draws. They also better us in goals with 93 to our 74. Does this suggest some goal fests next year?

West Ham- Playoff winners

(http://hammyend.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/West-Ham-Championship-play-off-winners-celeb_27676061-300x225.jpg)

In my opinion West Ham are the most likely of the 3 to stay up next year but maybe that is just because I have seen them play more that the other 2 teams. I think they have a very good squad and were unlucky to miss out on 2nd place. This gives us another London derby and Fulham did quite well in these this year. Derby's always add a bit of extra spice to games so the more the better. They come straight back up after being relegated last year and will be determined to keep their place this year.

Key Players- So many, who to choose?

Kevin Nolan (midfielder) - I was quite disappointed when he went to West Ham as I thought he would have been a good buy for us when he left Newcastle. He is a very inspiring character and has had a great season in East London scoring 13 goals. He also has a lot of PL experience and will know what it takes to stay in the league so will be very important for West Ham next season.

Ricardo Vaz Te (striker) – He may have only joined in January but the guy has skill! He made a great impact at West Ham and scored the vital winner on Saturday against Blackpool. In 16 appearances he got 12 goals and that doesn't include the goals he scored the first half of the season before he joined West Ham. He is calm but West Ham will be hoping that he will stay calm with the pressures of next season!

Fulhams' Record-

In 85 matches we have managed 28 wins to West hams' 37 while 20 have been drawing. There have been a lot of goals in West Ham-Fulham matches with a total of 258 between the 2 teams with West Ham again in the lead with 135 to our 123.

I get excited very early for the new PL season and I can't wait to see the likes of Reading and Southampton there, 2 teams who have been out for a while. The PL just keeps getting better and better every year and the teams gaining promotion haven't been afraid to play proper football to help them survive (Just look at Norwich and Swansea!) so I think the league will be even more unpredictable as it was this year.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2012/05/learning-about-the-new-boys/? (http://hammyend.com/index.php/2012/05/learning-about-the-new-boys/?)
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff(23/05/12)...
Post by: WhiteJC on May 23, 2012, 04:42:00 AM
 
Azkals' Etheridge eyes 2015 Asian Cup

LONDON – It is only midway through 2012, but the Philippine Azkals' first-choice goalkeeper Neil Etheridge is already eyeing the 2015 AFC Asian Cup in Australia.

Etheridge, who will miss the Azkals' upcoming friendly against Malaysia on June 1 because of a suspension, believes the Philippine national men's football team has what it takes to make the qualification stages next year.

"A few years ago, this was something we'd never even thought of, but the top 20 teams in Asia go through the qualifying. We're ranked No. 22 (in Asia), so we only really need two places to step up in that league, which will be a massive, massive achievement," Etheridge said.

"I'm quite confident. The progression that we've made over the last two or three years has been massive. We keep progressing, we keep proving people wrong, we keep showing people what he can do," he added.

The Azkals, currently ranked 148th in the overall FIFA world rankings, will play friendlies against Malaysia (153rd) on June 1, Indonesia (151st) on June 5 and Guam (194th) on June 12.

The Philippines and Malaysia last played each other in February, in a match that ended in a 1-1 draw after the Malaysia Tigers snatched an equalizer at the death.

Aside from Etheridge, the Philippines will also miss Phil and James Younghusband for the upcoming game against Malaysia, with the brothers citing previous commitments.

New additions

Despite the loss in personnel, Etheridge is confident there is enough quality and depth in the squad to put up a good challenge against the 2010 AFF Suzuki Cup champions.

"This time around, we've got a few new additions to the team, which will be a massive help for us," Etheridge said.

"Unfortunately, I won't be there, which is very frustrating, but at the same time we look to go to their place, their home stadium and do the best we can."

According to Azkals coach Michael Weiss, the Azkals' line-up against Malaysia will be boosted by the inclusion of four Filipino-Germans, who missed out on the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup – midfielders Stephan Schröck and Manny Ott, striker Denis Wolf and goalkeeper Roland Müller.

Weiss has also selected uncapped Patrick Deyto, who he describes as a "very promising" homegrown keeper who plays in the United Football League for Green Archers United Globe.

Even without these players, the Azkals still managed to secure their highest ever finish in the AFC Challenge Cup last March, and this gives Etheridge reason to feel optimistic about the future.

"In the Challenge Cup, we didn't have our strongest team, but yet we were still able to create great performances and get third place. We should've made it to the final," he said.

No room for complacency

The results of the upcoming friendlies will affect the Philippines' FIFA ranking. Although the three teams are currently ranked below the Azkals, Etheridge is careful not to underestimate them.

"Indonesia knocked us out of the Southeast Asian Cup in 2008, and they're a very strong team," Etheridge said. "They'll have to come to our place on June 5. The crowd in Manila is great, and they'll definitely find it hard."

"We'll make it harder for them and hopefully get a good result. We'll take every game seriously and professionally," he added.

The Philippines has yet to compete in the AFC Asian Cup, but if the Azkals do make it to the 2015 tournament, they'll join powerhouses Australia (21st), Japan (30th), South Korea (31st) and North Korea (86th) who have already qualified.

The Asian Cup will feature 16 teams, 11 of which will be determined by the qualification matches. The top 20 Asian teams will enter the qualification stage, which begins in February 2013. The final qualifier is scheduled for March 2014.

Thailand and Turkmenistan currently hold the 20th and 21st spots in the FIFA Asian Rankings.

The winner of the 2014 AFC Challenge Cup will claim an automatic place into the 2015 AFC Asian Cup.



http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/sports/05/22/12/azkals-etheridge-eyes-2015-asian-cup? (http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/sports/05/22/12/azkals-etheridge-eyes-2015-asian-cup?)
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff(23/05/12)...
Post by: WhiteJC on May 23, 2012, 04:43:07 AM
 
Rhodes to nowhere

(http://cravencottagenewsround.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/stevebull.jpg?w=512&h=312)

Speculation grows on the message boards that Fulham are signing (or even, have already signed) Huddersfields "36 goal hitman" Jordan Rhodes. I was excited at the idea – anyone who can score 36 times must know where the goal is, right?

Maybe. Here are the last 11 people to score 30 in a season in Leagues One and Two.

1987 Steve Bull Wolves 37
1991 Joe Allon Hartlepool 35
1991 Steve Norris Halifax Town 35
1993 Bob Taylor  WBA 30
1994 Jimmy Quinn Reading 35
1997 Graeme Jones Wigan 31
2003 Rob Earnshaw Cardiff 31
2003 Andy Morrell Wrexham 34 (part of a seasonal sequence that went: 1,3,2,34,9,6)
2007 Billy Sharp Scunthorpe 30
2010 Rickie Lambert Southampton 30
2010 Lee Hughes Notts Co 30

There are some handy enough players in there, right?  But it's also quite telling that at no point has anyone gone bananas in the lower leagues then become a good Premier League player. Steve Bull might have done I suppose but that was a long time ago. Sharp and Lambert will get their chance to test all this next year with Saints. Otherwise you can't stop seeing those two dangerous words: ROBERT EARNSHAW.

Otherwise it should be noted that one R Zamora scored 28 in successive seasons for Brighton.

So I don't know. A few years ago this might have seemed like an interesting punt but I imagine Martin Jol will be scouring the low countries for someone altogether more suitable.  Rhodes might very well be the second coming of Gary Lineker - he can only do what he's done, after all – it's just that nobody's really taken the lower league goal hero route to the top for a very, very long time. Is he the exception to the rule? You'd assume not.



http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2012/05/22/rhodes-to-nowhere/? (http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2012/05/22/rhodes-to-nowhere/?)
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff(23/05/12)...
Post by: WhiteJC on May 23, 2012, 04:44:07 AM
 
Baird takes stock on his future

Chris Baird is planning to use the next couple of months to weigh up his future after a season to forget on a personal level at Fulham.


Baird played just 19 times for the Cottagers in the Premier League last term, as he found his opportunities particularly limited following the turn of the year due in large part to the outstanding form of Stephen Kelly at right-back.

The 30-year-old, who joined Fulham from Southampton in the summer of 2007, has served the club well in a variety of position during his five year stay at Craven Cottage, but he is now seriously considering moving on in the hope of securing regular first-team action.

Baird has already asked for permission to sit out Northern Ireland's friendly against Holland next month, but his international boss Michael O'Neill is desperately hoping he will return to the fold when they kick-off their World Cup qualifying campaign in September.

O'Neill said: "Chris has asked for time to think over his future.

"He has not had a great season and may be moving on but I would hope he will be available to me after the summer."

Baird's Fulham team-mate Aaron Hughes will also miss the clash with Dutch, after informing O'Neill of his unavailability for the fixture when he agreed to reverse his decision to quit international football.



http://www.setanta.com/ie/Articles/2012/05/22/Baird-takes-stock-on-his-future/gnid-142939/? (http://www.setanta.com/ie/Articles/2012/05/22/Baird-takes-stock-on-his-future/gnid-142939/?)
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff(23/05/12)...
Post by: WhiteJC on May 23, 2012, 04:45:16 AM
 
Getting Defensive

(http://www3.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Brede+Hangeland+Philippe+Senderos+Fulham+v+ADEZ9JgCaBel.jpg)

When I was younger and played 11 a side football on a regular basis, I was a centre back. Coupled with Italian heritage, I have always been a big fan of this rather unglamorous position.  Italy's World Cup success in 2006 was as memorable for the peerless defensive work of Fabio Cannavaro (later seen being imitated by a stand-in at Craven Cottage in 2010) as for the thrilling victory against Germany or the Materazzi inspired head butt in the final. The fact that Italy conceded only two goals in the entire tournament (one of which was an own goal) is a testament to that defence, particularly since it was rocked by both injury to Alessandro Nesta and later suspension for Marco Materazzi.

What has this got to do with Fulham? Italy's current incarnation under Cesare Prandelli has evolved into a much more possession based team rather than a classic Italian reactive one, in a move similar to the change seen at Fulham this season. At the Cottage we have seen the most decisive change in playing style since the arrival of Roy Hodgson with Martin Jol initiating a much more attacking philosophy. Suddenly the defence has had less cover and has looked shaky at times. Philipe Senderos deputised for, then displaced, the injured Aaron Hughes and became the subject of much opprobrium and a lightning rod for the criticism of Jol's new system before it had fully clicked. What this change has revealed is a much clearer picture of how good Brede, Aaron and Philipe actually are. How have they each reacted to the new style?

Hangeland has certainly had more 'hairy' moments this season than all of his other seasons at Fulham combined. However, he remains a top notch centre back. He is excellent in the air both because of his height as well as his fantastic positioning. He is an aggressive centre back, and this season has seen him much happier intelligently fouling players (this is not an oxymoron) to stop dangerous counter attacks and force the issue in terms of attack by striding out of defence looking for a killer ball or a layoff to a striker. It feels as though we are seeing a more continental, rounded centre back than perhaps in previous seasons, even if there is more chance of an error.

Hughes is a different prospect all together. His successful partnership with Hangeland was built on the tried and trusted 'Stopper/Cover' relationship with Hughes performing the latter role to perfection. This season has seen different questions asked of the defence an emphasis on being more proactive and more comfortable in possession. Hughes struggled to a certain extent earlier in the season, with his lack of passing exposed more than under the Hodgson regime. Previously a hopeful punt up-field had a target in the form of Bobby Zamora and was a legitimate 'out ball', but with Zamora's struggles and a change of style this was less of an option. However, as Hughes was reintroduced to the side in the place of Senderos it was noticeable how improved his passing was. Perhaps some additional competitions for his place or getting over a niggling injury are the reasons for this. Whatever the reason, he has been back to his usual high standards.

Senderos has been a player I have really enjoyed watching this year. He is a similar player to Hangeland – always looking to force the issue and also happy to foul players to stop dangerous situations. This is partially what I enjoy about watching him – he is a very Italian defender. There is also something really likeable about him; he always seems to be fully focused on the task at hand, usually whilst pulling an amusing face.  At the same time, I can fully understand people's frustrations and worries about him and his role as this season's divisive figure. There is the air of the accidental about his play, the feeling that disaster is never far away, even if the stats do not bear this out. I lay the blame for much of this at the feet of Fulham's new style. Whenever there is a big change, there is always an adjustment period and this stands for the fans too. We have all been used to solid and dependable defence with two star performers. This season the defence has chopped and changed and has had less cover, with Jol sometimes preferring to play a much more aggressive defensive line in the form of Hangeland and Senderos.  The breakup of a tried and tested partnership and the benching of a fan favourite have no doubt helped to fuel scepticism as well.

So what of next season? Again it will be a tussle between Hughes and Senderos in who partners Hangeland. However, if Jol continues along his current thinking and splits the playing time between each depending on circumstance, we should see positives results equal to this season, particularly with a full pre-season under their belts and a fully developed understanding of the system that Jol wants Fulham to play.


http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2012/05/22/getting-defensive/? (http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2012/05/22/getting-defensive/?)
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff(23/05/12)...
Post by: WhiteJC on May 23, 2012, 04:46:08 AM
 
Striker Gossip!

Transfer gossip, this morning, has Fulham linked to a striker.

With Andrew Johnson also certainly set to leave and with doubts over the future of Moussa Dembele, the speculation infers that Fulham are moving swiftly to beat off the advances of both Liverpool and Spurs to land the Anderlecht striker Dieumerci Mbokani.

Supposedly a fee of £5 million has been agreed for the twenty-six year old striker but we`ll continue to have reservations until anything concrete, news-wise, is released by the club.



Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=282960#ixzz1vf32jiAQ (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=282960#ixzz1vf32jiAQ)
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff(23/05/12)...
Post by: WhiteJC on May 23, 2012, 03:23:50 PM
 
Coaching At The Cottage
(http://www.fulhamfc.com/Images/MainNews/NewsPages/Foundation/CoachingCottageNews1.jpg)

On Bank Holiday Monday (7th May) Fulham Football Club Foundation delivered the Coaching @ the Cottage event which was a huge success.

The event was well received with 370 young people aged from five to fourteen years of age participating on the Craven Cottage pitch. The day was divided into four 90 minute coaching sessions followed by a visit to the home changing room and a meeting with Fulham's very own Billy the Badger!

Julie, mother of Milo who attended the 9am session commented:

"Milo had a fantastic day at the Cottage. The staff made him and us feel so welcome and he enjoyed the experience of going to play on the Fulham pitch as only the day before the professionals had been playing on the same pitch."

Fulham Football Club Foundation would like to thank everyone who attended Coaching @ the Cottage. We hope to see you at one of our Holiday Courses over the Summer!



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2012/May/CoachingattheCottageSuccess.aspx?#ixzz1vhdaAKq6 (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2012/May/CoachingattheCottageSuccess.aspx?#ixzz1vhdaAKq6)
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff(23/05/12)...
Post by: WhiteJC on May 23, 2012, 03:25:57 PM
 
Arsenal, Manchester United & Tottenham make enquiries to sign Dembele
Three elite Premier League clubs have registered their interest in Fulham's Belgian playmaker, who wants to play for a club in the Champions League

Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham have all made enquiries for Moussa Dembele, Goal.com can reveal.

The three clubs have registered their interest in the Fulham attacking midfielder through third parties in the last two weeks.

The London club are expecting bids imminently for their prize asset, who they value between £12-15 million.

The interest is believed to be strongest from Spurs, although Dembele would prefer to move to a team who will play in the Champions League next season.

Manchester City and Chelsea have cooled their interest in the Belgian, who has only a year remaining on his contract.

Interest is believed to be strongest from Spurs, although Dembele would prefer to move to a team who will play in the Champions League next season.

But Dembele is highly regarded by United, Arsenal and Spurs, given his price tag and the two seasons of Premier League football he has under his belt.

Fulham are eager to offer the 25-year-old, who joined the Londoners from Dutch club AZ Alkmaar for £5m in the summer of 2010, an improved deal but appreciate they are facing a losing battle to hold on to him.

But the west Londoners, whose highest paid player is goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer, know they cannot compete on wages or status with the richest Premier League clubs, and accept they will struggle to maintain Dembele's services if he receives an attractive offer in the summer.

Goal.com understands that manager Martin Jol would prefer a sale early in the summer window rather than a lengthy saga, to give him enough time to source a replacement.

The Belgian was a revelation for Fulham in the last few months of the season after Jol converted him from a deep-lying forward to a central midfielder.

He has scored only seven goals in 72 appearances for Fulham, including just two goals last season, although many believe he could be even more effective playing with higher quality players.



http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2012/05/23/3120770/arsenal-manchester-united-tottenham-make-enquiries-to-sign? (http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2012/05/23/3120770/arsenal-manchester-united-tottenham-make-enquiries-to-sign?)
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff(23/05/12)...
Post by: WhiteJC on May 23, 2012, 03:27:00 PM
 
Sunderland to let Richardson leave as Everton, Arsenal and Fulham eye ace

SUNDERLAND will not stand in the way of Kieran Richardson's desire to leave the Stadium of Light this summer.

The 27-year-old, about to enter the last year of of his contract, indicated to the club earlier this year that he wanted to move on.

And Sunderland are willing to grant his wish, as they look to recoup some of the £5.5m Roy Keane paid Manchester United for his services in 2007.

Everton are the latest club to signal an interest in the utility player.

David Moyes can offer him a place at one of the most established clubs in the Premier League, one that finished last season with a surge into seventh place and one that looks as though it could be going places again, despite tight financial controls.

But there are no shortage of suitors for Richardson's signature with Arsenal, Fulham and the club where his career first began, newly-promoted West Ham, also linked.

The London clubs look to be in pole position with Richardson believed to favour a move back to the city of his birth.



http://www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/football/sunderland-to-let-richardson-leave-as-everton-arsenal-and-fulham-eye-ace-1-4574656 (http://www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/football/sunderland-to-let-richardson-leave-as-everton-arsenal-and-fulham-eye-ace-1-4574656)
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff(23/05/12)...
Post by: WhiteJC on May 23, 2012, 03:28:09 PM
 
2011/12 Player Of The Season

Voting has now opened for Fulham's 2011/12 Player of the Season Award.

Cast your vote on fulhamfc.com before our official online poll closes at 12pm on Wednesday 30th May.

The Club will then open voting for Fulham's Goal of the Season Award with the winners announced the week commencing the 4th June.



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2012/May/PlayerOfTheSeasonVote.aspx?#ixzz1vheg5zC4 (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2012/May/PlayerOfTheSeasonVote.aspx?#ixzz1vheg5zC4)
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff(23/05/12)...
Post by: WhiteJC on May 23, 2012, 03:31:56 PM
 
Heavyweights line up for Dembele

Moussa Dembele has no shortage of admirers in the Premier League as the Fulham ace is tipped to leave Craven Cottage this summer.


Arsenal, Spurs and Manchester United are all reportedly keen on the Belgian playmaker, who has privately expressed his desire to play Champions League football next term.

Fulham want to keep the former AZ Alkmaar man but know a bid in excess of £10million would be very difficult to turn down and Martin Jol is believed to be keen to sort out his future one way or another as quickly as possible so he can identify potential replacements.

The Gunners were thought to be favourites to land him but now United and Spurs are also interested and it could come down to a fight between those three for his services.

Dembele would welcome a move to the Emirates as he could stay in London but the lure of a switch to Old Trafford could also prove hard to resist while Spurs, who are not able to offer Champions League football, is an alternative option.

Liverpool and Chelsea have been linked with Dembele in the past but their respective interest in the 25-year-old appears to have cooled.



http://www.setanta.com/ie/Articles/2012/05/23/Heavyweights-line-up-for-Dembele/gnid-143039/? (http://www.setanta.com/ie/Articles/2012/05/23/Heavyweights-line-up-for-Dembele/gnid-143039/?)
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff(23/05/12)...
Post by: WhiteJC on May 23, 2012, 03:33:25 PM
 
Cottagers hope for Richardson green light

Fulham could get the green light to make a move for Keiran Richardson as reports say Sunderland will let him leave this summer.


Richardson has been linked with the Cottagers in recent weeks as boss Martin Jol looks to strengthen his squad over the close season.

The former Manchester United youngster, who only has a year left on his current Black Cats deal and therefore could be available for as little as £3.5million, is believed to want out of the Stadium of Light.

Reports in the north east say Sunderland would not stand in his way if they receive a suitable offer and Jol could make his move when the transfer window reopens.

Everton and recently-promoted West Ham are also said to be keen.



http://www.setanta.com/ie/Articles/2012/05/23/Cottagers-hope-for-Richardson-green-light/gnid-143048/? (http://www.setanta.com/ie/Articles/2012/05/23/Cottagers-hope-for-Richardson-green-light/gnid-143048/?)
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff(23/05/12)...
Post by: WhiteJC on May 23, 2012, 03:35:24 PM
 
GREAT FOOTBALL LEAGUE TEAMS 35: FULHAM, 1982-3

Every one of the previous thirty four entries in our Great Teams series has featured promoted teams and this would seem apt given the epithet 'lower leagues' so often applied to the English divisions 2 to 4.

Today, however, we feature a Fulham side that finished the 1982-3 season outside the promotion places. A tempestuous and controversial 1-0 defeat at Derby (more of which later) left the Cottagers short of Leicester City by a point and well behind the Queen's Park Rangers and Wolves representation previously featured in our annals. Why therefore the fuss? Is a team that lost 13 games and that chalked up a modest 69 points really worthy of our attention?

These boys were not the nouveaux riches of the Fayed era remember. The triple promotion winners of 1997-2001 really were among the best to ever feature in the Football League and we hope to provide coverage of their exploits at some point in the future – but the 82-83 vintage were a different animal altogether. The 1981-2 season had seen them promoted from Tier Three to Tier Two but with an infinitesimal fraction of the finance afforded to Kevin Keegan's 101 pointers.

Malcolm MacDonald can also lay a claim to be one of the country's great lost managers. Under-rated as a player, he was deemed lacking in natural ability despite a five goal haul against Cyprus for England and a more than handy 10.9 seconds in the 100 metres in Superstars. Forced into early retirement after a goal poaching career for Newcastle and Arsenal, he brought a touch of finesse to managerial theory.

Supermac and his assistant Ray Harford had supervised that earlier promotion and the club took to the higher level like mallards to H2O; commencing with six unbeaten games including a four goal tallies against Bolton and Middlesbrough and a 3-2 win over Leeds, covered by ITV's Big Match and attended by this correspondent as a 13 year old. The style of play on a new technology pitch was pleasing and MacDonald's eighties career deserves a higher opinion than the memory of his later spell at Huddersfield would thrust upon him.

MacDonald picked a very consistent line up and no less than six players were ever present in the league – goalkeeper Gerry Peyton, midfield water carrier and future Crawley Town supremo Sean O'Driscoll, centre backs Roger Brown and Tony Gale and the versatile Ray Lewington were joined as 100% men by the season's real find – Scots-Irishman Ray Houghton, discarded by West Ham after one substitute appearance and a man who would go on to forge a glittering career. Houghton was an absolute revelation that year, angling in a brilliant goal in the televised 4-1 win at Newcastle after a sweeping passing move – the presence of the Magpies, Leeds, Chelsea, Sheffield Wednesday and Team of the Eighties Crystal Palace alongside the promoted clubs gave the League a fearsome aspect.

In addition, right back Jeff Hopkins missed only the 3-1 reverse across West London at the Champions and Robert Wilson played 44 times. Up front, the attack was led by Welshman Gordon Davies and Londoner Dean Coney. The latter relied on his link up play and assist building for his first team starts, netting only 4 times, but Davies was effective – scoring 19 and keeping the Cottagers in the top three for the bulk of the nine month period. Highlights included a sparkling 4-2 victory at Molineux and dual 4-0 thumpings of Grimsby. At one point, a twelve point cushion protected them from fourth spot.

But Fulham were to slump badly in the Spring and this despite the personnel remaining largely unaltered. That Loftus Road defeat was the third of three at the season's business end, with a 1-0 home loss to main rivals Leicester especially excruciating. The young side often found it difficult to maintain their passing on that era's mud heaps and even the emergence of talented youngster Paul Parker failed to ignite the charge. A 2-0 win over Carlisle in the campaign's penultimate encounter left Fulham level on points with the Foxes going into that final game.

What followed seems inexplicable. As Leicester faltered to a 0-0 draw with Barnsley, Fulham, starring in a rather natty red kit with black shoulders, went toe to toe with the relegation threatened Rams in the aforementioned match. Trailing to a pinch hit from Bobby Davison, the Londoners pressed ever desperately and Ray Houghton tested Steve Cherry with a fizzer. But from the point that Davison put the Rams head, Derby fans began to encroach on the pitch and final moments were subject to chaotic scenes with the nadir coming when a supporter stretched out a leg to tackle Wilson as he manfully attempted to retain possession.

Subsequently, the referee admitted to not playing the full ninety minutes and yet the Football Association in their infinite wisdom decided not to order a replay because they felt it would be impossible to replicate conditions on the day. Highlights of the piece and a revealing interview with a very passionate MacDonald can be enjoyed here.

Derby County v Fulham 1983 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FW0mNuQPokQ#)

So Fulham may have choked to a degree on that May day in 1983 but can you imagine the furore should such events come to pass today?


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Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff(23/05/12)...
Post by: WhiteJC on May 23, 2012, 03:38:17 PM
 
Fulham have deal in place for Vitoria Setubal teenage pair

Fulham are eyeing Vitoria Setubal teenagers Filipe Cristo and Dinei.

The pair play for Vitoria's U17 team, with Filipe Cristo a central defender and Dinei a midfielder.

Fulham had them on a week's trial with their academy last week and are ready to offer both players a place in their Academy.

The two clubs already have a pre-agreement for both players.



http://www.tribalfootball.com/articles/fulham-have-deal-place-vitoria-setubal-teenage-pair-3192511?utm_source=main_feed&utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed (http://www.tribalfootball.com/articles/fulham-have-deal-place-vitoria-setubal-teenage-pair-3192511?utm_source=main_feed&utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed)
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff(23/05/12)...
Post by: WhiteJC on May 23, 2012, 03:39:40 PM
 
Fulham edging closer to landing Heerenveen winger Luciano Narsingh

Fulham are edging closer to landing Heerenveen winger Luciano Narsingh.

Narsingh visited Craven Cottage earlier this month and is a summer transfer target for Fulham boss Martin Jol.

A deal is now closer after Ajax dropped their pursuit over Heerenveen's €5 million valuation - a clear €2 million more than the Amsterdammers are willing to pay.




http://www.tribalfootball.com/articles/fulham-edging-closer-landing-heerenveen-winger-luciano-narsingh-3192311 (http://www.tribalfootball.com/articles/fulham-edging-closer-landing-heerenveen-winger-luciano-narsingh-3192311)