Mixed Feelings!
Although Fulham go the new season off to a fine start with a 5-0 demolition of Norwich City, Martin Jol didn`t go overboard with his celebrations.
It turns out that Martin had a degree of sympathy with regard to Chris Hughton`s plight and didn`t want to over elaborate with his celebrations considering it was he who gave Hughton his first break in management when he appointed him as his assistant at Spurs, prompting Jol to comment after the game,
"That`s why I didn`t cheer after the third goal. It`s a professional game, I love to win 5-0 but not against him."
"He did an unbelievable job with me, a fantastic job at Newcastle and Birmingham and I am 100 per cent certain he will do the business."
It can be a tough game at times can`t it!
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Petric Gets Off to a Fine Start
Our new Croatian centre forward set Craven Cottage alight yesterday with a fine brace.
The writing had been on the wall in pre-season when the thirty-one year old hit the target with alarming regularity, but to get a brace in your first Premier League start s something else, no wonder Martin Jol was crowing afterwards,
"Petric was not only excellent in his finishing, he was good on the ball as well. The Premier League doesn`t give you much time on the ball and he did well to keep the ball for us."
Pavel who?
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Don`t Bad-Mouth Clint!
The mutterings of discontent were evident yesterday.
Clint Dempsey`s refusal to turn out for Fulham, as he pushes for a transfer, has irked with some.
However, Martin Jol wants none of it remarking afterwards,
"I don`t want to hear the fans were chanting against Clint because he was a terrific player for us. He was the most productive player in the whole league."
I guess the key word in that comment remains was!
Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=290572#ixzz243OWz8qa (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=290572#ixzz243OWz8qa)
Raining Goals
An interesting statistic is printed in the tabloid press this morning.
Following our fine 5-0 thrashing of Norwich City one tabloid has pointed out that between 2002-2011 Fulham had only scored four or more goals in a Premier League game five times.
Guess what?
It transpires that in 2012 we`ve already done that three times!
Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=290573#ixzz243OkN9eL (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=290573#ixzz243OkN9eL)
Adam 'happy' with Anfield life
Scottish midfielder Charlie Adam insists he is happy to stay at Liverpool despite being linked with a move away from Anfield.
Adam's future has been the subject of speculation this summer following the arrival of Joe Allen from Swansea.
The likes of Fulham and Everton have been linked with a move for the Scotland international, but Adam claims he has no plans to quit Liverpool after just one year at the club.
"I have never heard anything about Fulham, nobody has spoken to me about it, so for the moment it is paper talk and at the moment I am not going anywhere," said Adam.
"I am happy at Liverpool and why would I leave after a year? There is no point.
"I am open enough to say I have had a conversation with the manager but for me I'm not going anywhere.
"I am playing with some of the best players in the world, I have a good coach, good manager, and I am learning every day from what he is doing.
"I want to play this year and hopefully I get the opportunity to do that. It is a big season for everybody.
"For us at Liverpool it is a big season, we have got Europa League and we want to improve on what we did last year in the league."
http://www.football365.com/news/21554/8003688/Adam-content-with-Reds-life? (http://www.football365.com/news/21554/8003688/Adam-content-with-Reds-life?)
Match Report: Fulham 5-0 Norwich City (Fulham Fan's Perspective)
Going into the match on Saturday, much of the focus in the media and social media was on the situation with Clint Dempsey and Fulham. Well, Fulham put on a dominating display at Craven Cottage against Norwich City, to put the focus back on the pitch. Fulham beat Norwich City 5-0 in a match that was very pleasing to watch from a Fulham fan's perspective.
The first 15 minutes of this match was pretty even, and Norwich City did a nice job of having their share of possession. However, as the match progressed in the first half, Fulham turned up the heat.
Fulham got their first goal in the 26th minute, as John Arne Riise sent a long pass to Damien Duff, who ran underneath the ball, and sent a shot past Norwich goalkeeper John Ruddy in the left corner of the net. Fulham were up 1-0 just over halfway through the first half.
Fulham continued to press the play, and finally got their second late in the first half. Mladen Petric scored on a wonderful header that just got past the goal line. His goal came off of a corner kick from Duff in the 41st minute. Fulham would take a 2-0 lead that would continue to halftime.
The second half started somewhat like the first as Norwich City did see some possession, as they attempted to get back into this match. However, Fulham put the match out of reach in the 54th minute, as Petric sent a screamer just outside of the box on the right side, that deflected off of Nowich City defender Michael Turner, and into the left top corner of the net. Fulham were up 3-0, and never looked back.
Fulham would add to their lead in the 66th minute with a wonderful display of passing which lead to the fourth goal of the match. Mousa Dembele sent a pass to Petric who backheeled a pass to Alex Kacaniklic who was running towards the net. He beat Ruddy to the right corner of the goal to give Fulham a 4-0 lead.
To top off the dominance in this match, Fulham would score one last time in the 87th minute. Hugo Rodallega came on in the second half, and he was taken down inside of the box by Michael Turner. A penalty kick was called and Steve Sidwell scored to give Fulham the 5-0 lead. The match would finish up a few minutes later with Fulham beating Norwich City 5-0 at Craven Cottage.
This was only the first match of the season, but for Fulham fans, they had to be encouraged in what they witnessed at Craven Cottage. Not only did Fulham dominate this match, they played a style of football that was pleasing to the eyes. This was an impressive start to the season for the Cottagers.
http://www.itsroundanditswhite.co.uk/2012/08/19/match-report-fulham-5-0-norwich-city-fulham-fans-perspective/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=match-report-fulham-5-0-norwich-city-fulham-fans-perspective (http://www.itsroundanditswhite.co.uk/2012/08/19/match-report-fulham-5-0-norwich-city-fulham-fans-perspective/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=match-report-fulham-5-0-norwich-city-fulham-fans-perspective)
Alex får rubriker hemma i Sverige*
by NICK on AUGUST 19, 2012
(http://hammyend.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Alex-i-tidningen-300x224.jpg)
From Aftonbladet, Sweden's largest daily tabloid, slightly more upmarket than the S*n!
http://hammyend.com/index.php/2012/08/alex-hits-the-headlines-in-sweden/? (http://hammyend.com/index.php/2012/08/alex-hits-the-headlines-in-sweden/?)
Cottagers attack classy - Alex
Alex Kacaniklic thinks Saturday's hammering of Norwich proves Fulham will not struggle for goals this season.
After losing strikers Andy Johnson and Bobby Zamora over the last six months Fulham were dealt another blow this week after Clint Dempsey, who scored 23 goals last season, refused to play for the Cottagers as he tries to engineer a transfer to Liverpool.
The London club coped admirably without the 29-year-old at Craven Cottage on Saturday, however, as they hammered Norwich 5-0 in the Premier League.
Mladen Petric scored two goals on debut and Damien Duff, Steve Sidwell and Kacaniklic also found the net as Fulham ruined Chris Hughton's bow as Norwich boss.
Had John Ruddy not pulled off a series of good saves, it could have been seven or eight - something which gives Kacaniklic confidence as the club appear resigned to losing Dempsey.
"We're not going to struggle for goals this season because we've got good attacking players," the 21-year-old said.
"We are a good team and we've brought some good players in this summer like Hugo Rodallega, Petric so we have plenty of options."
Kacaniklic is the man who is most likely to benefit from Dempsey's departure should Liverpool finally firm up the initial interest they showed in the American a few weeks ago.
The Swede slotted well in to the Cottagers midfield, terrorising the Canaries defence with a series of lung-bursting runs and clever passes.
It was only the midfielder's third Barclays Premier League start and he is now hoping for more first-team action.
"Hopefully I will get more starts," said Kacaniklic, who signed from Liverpool two years ago.
"It's up to the manager. All I can do is play my best and work hard.
"I found out I was starting yesterday. I was so happy. I couldn't wait for the game. I just wanted it to be Saturday and get on the pitch and play.
"It was really good. I've been working hard to get in the starting XI and then to get the first goal, especially at Craven Cottage, it's really good."
Kacaniklic moved to Craven Cottage in 2010 as part of the deal that saw Paul Konchesky move to Anfield.
The youngster had to wait patiently to make an impact at Fulham. He did not play a match in his first season and then went on loan to Watford last term.
"I was happy at Liverpool," he said. "It was up to me if I wanted to leave.
"Fulham really wanted me and I wanted to come here. Now it looks like it was a pretty good move."
Having had a successful pre-season, Norwich manager Hughton was stunned by his team's collapse in west London.
The former Newcastle manager is already under pressure to emulate the achievements of his predecessor Paul Lambert, but he is convinced his players will bounce back from the big defeat.
"I am bitterly disappointed with how comfortably we conceded the goals but we have to look forward and get this one out of our system as quick as possible," he said.
"There are numerous teams who will have these kind of results this season. We have to make sure that we bounce back.
"We will go through the video on Monday with the players and start again."
Hughton has had a busy summer, signing Steven Whittaker, Jacob Butterfield, Robert Snodgrass and Michael Turner.
The Canaries boss has not finished his recruitment drive yet, however.
"We will continue to try to strengthen the squad if we can," Hughton said.
"We have made lots of enquiries. We are working very hard like every one else is."
http://www.teamtalk.com/fulham/8004395/Cottagers-attack-classy-Alex? (http://www.teamtalk.com/fulham/8004395/Cottagers-attack-classy-Alex?)
Youngsters get huge backing from boss at Fulham, says goal hero
(http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/fulhamchronicle/jul2012/0/1/alex-kacaniklic-image-3-427700688.jpg)
ALEX Kacaniklic has paid tribute to Martin Jol for showing patience with the youngsters at Fulham like himself – and for showing faith in them.
The Swede notched his first goal for the club in Saturday's 5-0 rout of Norwich City, but the signs were there in last season's four appearances that the boss has a talented attacking midfielder at his disposal.
"I've been here for two years now, and the manager believes in me and to have a manager like that is just so positive," said Kacaniklic.
"He gives young players a chance. He really takes care of them. He wants you to improve and encourages you to do what you're good at. I'm really happy to have him as a manager.
"We've got a lot of young players coming through here at Fulham – myself, Kerim [Frei], Pajtim [Kasami] Marcello [Trotta] and Matthew Briggs and he takes his time with all of us.
"He really works hard with us and has extra sessions and he talks to us and encourages us to play our game. He gives us belief that we can play.
"It means we've got a good mix of older players and younger players coming through and it looks like it's going to be a good season."
Saturday's goal has cemented the 21-year-old's belief that he did the right thing in coming to Motspur Park rather than stay at Liverpool, where his chances appeared to be limited.
"It feels really good," he said after his goal. "I've been working hard to get in the starting XI and to get the goal, especially here, was really good.
"Every Saturday, I just want to get on the pitch and play. Hopefully there will be more games, but it's up to the manager. All I can do is play my best and work hard.
"I was happy with the move here. It was up to me whether I wanted to leave Liverpool. Fulham really wanted me and I really wanted to come here and it was a really good move, certainly it looks like it."
Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/fulham-fc/2012/08/19/82029-31656486/?#ixzz243QhneCM (http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/fulham-fc/2012/08/19/82029-31656486/?#ixzz243QhneCM)
Development Squad beaten by Fulham
CELTIC'S Development Squad lost 4-0 to Fulham this weekend at the FA's National Football Centre, St George's Park.
Although disappointed to lose the game, coaching staff were pleased with some of the football on show from a youthful side – with many players promoted to the first-team squad for Saturday's game at Ross County - along with some individual performances.
Helped by some excellent pressing and a high work-rate, the young Hoops were still in the game until the final 20 minutes when the Londoners sealed their win.
http://www.celticfc.net/newsstory?item=2959 (http://www.celticfc.net/newsstory?item=2959)
Who needs Dempsey? Fulham's unsung heroes shine in Norwich romp
Martin Jol was forced to leave Clint Dempsey out of his Fulham squad against Norwich, with the American's future at the club uncertain.
Last season's top scorer was not missed, but who were the lesser-known faces in Jol's new-look team?
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/08/19/article-0-149629E4000005DC-794_468x344.jpg)
On his way? Clint Dempsey (centre) looks to heading out of Fulham
WHAT THEY NEED IN THE WINDOW...
FULHAM: To get the Clint Dempsey situation resolved quickly. Martin Jol hasn't ruled out a return for the American but was clearly angry with his attitude in pre-season. After such a great start, they could do without disruption. Either get rid of him or make him commit.
NORWICH: Fresh faces. Buoyed by back-to-back promotions Norwich looked comfortable finishing 12th last season but they've lost the man behind that, Paul Lambert, and his replacement Chris Hughton hasn't brought in enough quality to maintain what will be a tough second season at the top.
Mladen Petric, 31, striker
What a debut for the Croat. Two goals — a header and a 25-yard deflected shot — and the deftest back-heel flick to set up Alex Kacaniklic for another.
The 31-year-old has scored 124 goals in 336 appearances over a career spanning 14 years and five clubs, plying his trade for the last five seasons in the Bundesliga with Borussia Dortmund and then Hamburg.
He scored five goals in six pre-season games for his new club so he's settling in quickly. Jol certainly thinks he got a bargain, signing the player on a free.
He said: 'Petric is in the group of players who will score goals, maybe not 20 in 20 games, but he will score one in two.
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/08/19/article-0-1499BB4B000005DC-371_468x286.jpg)
Thumbs up: Mladen Petric celebrates after scoring his second goal
'That is a good record but he didn't do it last season and if you are not a Manchester United, Real Madrid, Barcelona, you have to get the quality in when they are not playing well. I think that is what I did with Petric.'
Alex Kacaniklic, 21, left winger
The 21-year-old got his first senior goal in only his third start. Jol only told him he was starting, in the position on the left side of an attacking three behind a main striker usually adopted by Dempsey last season, the day before the game.
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Young gun:: Alex Kacaniklic steers the ball past John Ruddy on Saturday
He made his debut for Sweden last week against Brazil so it was quite a week for him. He finished well for the goal and terrorised Russell Martin on the left all game.
He's been given the nickname Kaka, but he said: 'That's from my surname obviously. I don't want to be compared to anyone. He's a great player, I'm just making my name for myself now.'
Sascha Riether, 29, right back
The little-known German right back has had a mixed career. He has joined Fulham on a season-long loan after being relegated with Cologne last season.
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/08/19/article-0-14995E0D000005DC-833_468x323.jpg)
Late developer: Sascha Riether (left) has joined Fulham on loan
But the 29-year-old, who can also play in midfield, has a Bundesliga title on his c.v., having won it in 2009 with Wolfsburg. Fulham have an option to make the deal permanent at the end of the season.
Hugo Rodallega, 27, striker
Five seasons of Premier League experience at Wigan has seen a return of only 24 goals. But in 2009-10 he scored 10 league goals and nine the following season, so he has proved he can get a team goals when he is fit. Still returning to full fitness but came off the bench and won the penalty that Steve Sidwell scored for Fulham's fifth.
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/08/19/article-0-1499A198000005DC-614_468x286.jpg)
Out to impress: Hugo Rodallega (right) moved from Wigan in the summer
Bryan Ruiz, 27, forward
He signed from FC Twente for £10.6million at the end of last summer's transfer window so he is hardly a new face — but the performance he put in on Saturday is one that Fulham fans have not seen before.
Last season he broke a bone in his foot and his lack of goals (he scored two)meant he did not live up to his price tag. But he showed against Norwich he's got the awareness and passing ability to unlock defences this season.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2190701/Fulhams-unsung-heroes-shine-Norwich.html#ixzz243RdS08R (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2190701/Fulhams-unsung-heroes-shine-Norwich.html#ixzz243RdS08R)
Clint 'nonsense' frustrates Jol
Fulham boss admits that transfer window is a source of frustration
Martin Jol thinks the transfer window should close before the season starts to prevent the sort of problems he is having with Clint Dempsey.
Fulham were forced to fine Dempsey after the forward refused to play for the club in Saturday's Premier League opener against Norwich.
The 29-year-old, who scored 23 goals last season, is determined to secure a move away from Craven Cottage with Liverpoolreportedly keen on the US international.
Jol believes a messy situation could be partially avoided if the transfer window closed before start of the campaign.
"We should stop the window when the first game is played then all this nonsense would stop," said the former Hamburg boss.
"If you look at the window now with two weeks to go, it's awful because there are a lot of clubs waiting around until they get the money in (from sales) and if they have got the money then they will come in and of course then you have players with clauses as well, so I think we should do something about it.
"It's a bit frustrating. I had the same thing happen to me in Germany (with Hamburg).
"Vincent Kompany left and then (Rafael) van der Vaart left in the same week."
Fulham didn't do too badly in Dempsey's absence - thrashing Norwich 5-0 in fine style.
Mladen Petric scored two goals on debut and Damien Duff, Steve Sidwell and Alex Kacaniklic also finding the net as the Cottagers ruined Chris Hughton's bow as Canaries boss.
Kacaniklic, who was making just his third Premier League start, thinks the emphatic nature of the victory proves the west London club will not struggle for goals this season.
"We're not going to struggle for goals this season because we've got good attacking players," said the 21-year-old Swede.
"We are a good team and we've brought some good players in this summer like Hugo Rodallega,Petric so we have plenty of options."
http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11681/8004987? (http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11681/8004987?)
Fulham boss wants window change
Martin Jol feels the transfer window should close before the season begins to stop the kind of "nonsense" Fulham have faced over Clint Dempsey.
Fulham fined Dempsey this week after he refused to play for the club in Saturday's game at Norwich, which the Cottagers won 5-0.
The American, who scored 23 goals last season, has his heart set on a move to Liverpool, but the Anfield club have yet to bid for the player despite making an enquiry about him last month.
This summer has seen a number of players in conflict with their clubs over transfers.
Robin van Persie barely played for Arsenal this summer before securing a move to Manchester United while Luka Modric has not played for Tottenham as he has been pining for a transfer to Real Madrid.
This kind of scenario dismays Jol, who believes all clubs should be forced to do their transfer dealings before the start of the season, rather than by the end of August.
"We should stop the window when the first game is played then all this nonsense would stop," the Fulham manager said.
"If you look at the window now with two weeks to go, it's awful because there are a lot of clubs waiting around until they get the money in (from sales) and if they have got the money then they will come in and of course then you have players with clauses as well, so I think we should do something about it.
"It's a bit frustrating. I had the same thing happen to me in Germany (with Hamburg).
"Vincent Kompany left and then (Rafael) van der Vaart left in the same week."
If anything, yesterday's result proved that Fulham can cope easily without Dempsey.
Mladen Petric scored two goals on debut and Damien Duff, Steve Sidwell and Alex Kacaniklic also found the net as Fulham ruined Chris Hughton's bow as Norwich boss.
http://www.teamtalk.com/fulham/8004988/Fulham-boss-wants-window-change? (http://www.teamtalk.com/fulham/8004988/Fulham-boss-wants-window-change?)
Leighton James scores, but it's a draw at Fulham
The first away game of the 1972/73 league season brought Burnley the same as the first home game had done. After drawing 2-2 against Carlisle United at Turf Moor, we travelled to Craven Cottage and drew 1-1 against Fulham.
(http://pictures.footymad.net/upload/104/753300-1.jpg)
It appeared the town was coming to something of a standstill with strike action being taken at Lucas and on many of the building sites.
Lucas Aerospace and their workers were in deadlock and there was no sign of a solution. They'd offered an increase of £2.75 per week for skilled workers and £2.50 per week for non-skilled workers with a promise of more money to come in October. However, they weren't prepared to reveal the October figures until the men returned to work.
As workers on more and more building sites down tooled, the police were called but they admitted there had been no sign of any trouble whatsoever. All the men were asking for was a decent wage and a shorter working week.
Several constructions were brought to a stop, including the new William Thompson Centre, the town's new multi-sports venue on the corner of Centenary Way and Red Lion Street.
In total it was estimated that over 2,000 workers in Burnley were on strike with a further 300 threatening action.
A big problem in town was that of stray dogs with the public works committee revealing that they could not longer deal with the problem as it could no longer be solved by a dog catcher and a dog pound.
Handing the problem over to the police, Councillor John Hudson said: "It would mean employing a labour force for something which is no longer our problem." It was confirmed that, in future, all stray dogs would be taken to kennels in Altham but that the cleansing and transport department would continue the destruction of small animals.
Besides stray dogs, there were also Straw Dogs in town. Whilst the debate continued over the quality of films being shown at the town's Studio 1 & 2 Cinema, this week's offering was Straw Dogs starring Dustin Hoffman and Susan George. I saw that film, but I can't recall seeing any dogs, straw or not.
It wasn't the only entertainment as we went back to the 'Good Old Days' and an old time music hall evening at the Keirby Hotel which was to be one of three big charity events.
All tickets had been sold to VIPs with none going on sale to the public, and that had caused some discussion. Comedian Bernard Manning had been booked with a spokesman confirming: "We have an orchestra and about half a dozen acts besides a professional compere and Bernard Manning."
Council leaders were extremely worried when the results of a survey showed that over 700 old people in Burnley received no regular visits from friends. They were concerned that some of them could become desperately lonely.
Still, never mind, Mr J Moorwood, deputy director of the services dealing with the problem commented: "They may, in fact, not want to be visited. It could even be that they are not really living alone and, therefore, do not want other people to visit."
Problem solved then, but you do wonder just how people like Mr Moorwood ever land these jobs in the first place.
One man, not quite of that age, wasn't lonely any longer. He wanted his identity to remain a secret and was only prepared to confirm his Christian name as Tom. He'd had eye problems for just about all of his life and had been virtually blind.
At the age of 58, he'd had pioneering operations on his eyes which had restored his sight. He couldn't contain himself. He was taking regular walks down the canal, was off to Blackpool to see the illuminations and had taken up reading.
"He got so miserable and depressed it affected me," admitted his relieved wife. "Life's much pleasanter now, we can both begin to live again," she added.
The town had staged its own Golden Globe Awards, but on this occasion the golden globe had been removed from the top of a belisha beacon in Church Street by three men who were throwing it to each other.
Unfortunately one of them threw it too hard and hit a passing vehicle. They legged it into a taxi office but some do gooder got the police and all three of them went to court where Mr H. G. W. Cooper, for the defence, said there was no case to answer because the men had been jointly charged and only one of them had thrown it.
The magistrates through it out of court (that's the case, not the golden globe itself which didn't attend). "From the evidence given we have found there is no case to answer," said chairman of the magistrates Mrs G. Wilkinson.
My favourite story of the week was that of a 22-year-old who was jailed for deception. I liked it simply because of the particular football club involved.
The man arrived in town and stayed at Stewart House (later to become the Alexander). Whilst here he visited Arthur Benn to buy some footballs and kit, revealing that he was setting up a boys' football team. He told both he had been a professional footballer.
The problem was, he paid Stewart House and Benn's with cheques that bounced and landed himself in court.
He admitted obtaining property worth £42.20 by deception from Benn's and obtaining pecuniary advantage to the value of £36.96 by deception, and that was for his accommodation.
Admitting 12 other offences in Rawtenstall and Torquay, he received two six month prison sentences to run consecutively, and was told he would serve the full year.
And which honest football club did he say he'd played for? Portsmouth.
Ahead of the trip to Fulham, transfer listed Dave Thomas admitted it was great to be back in the first team."I was grateful to get out there and play and forget about all the things that have been happening off the pitch," he said.
"The only games I had played in were at Newport and for the reserves against Netherfield so I was dead chuffed to be back in action again."
Meanwhile, manager Jimmy Adamson sprung a surprise with the shock inclusion of midfielder Doug Collins in the travelling party of twelve players. The manager also confirmed he had not yet decided who would be substitute although it was expected that Collins would take the number 12 shirt.
"Doug Collins was the outstanding player for the reserves against Leeds on Tuesday, " said Adamson. "He also had a good game against Wolves reserves on Saturday and has earned his chance."
When Adamson finally named his team, Collins was in with Billy Ingham dropping to the bench. Collins took the number 10 shirt with Thomas switching to number 7.
(http://pictures.footymad.net/upload/104/753300-2.jpg)
Peter Mellor under pressure from Martin Dobson
For the first half of the game, Burnley played like champions and led 1-0. Unfortunately the second half was completely different with referee Ray Toseland from Kettering accused by many of ruining the game as we had to settle for a 1-1 draw.
It had all started so well. Leighton James won a free kick in only the second minute. Collins took the kick and played it to Jim Thomson who pushed it through for JAMES who neatly controlled the ball before slipping it past former Burnley goalkeeper Peter Mellor.
Mellor had been boasting all week that he'd keep a clean sheet against Burnley. With less than two minutes gone his hopes of doing so were gone.
From then on in we totally dominated the first half and it was hard to believe that we didn't add a number more goals to the one we'd got. It was something we would pay for.
Peter Higgs, reporting for the Burnley Express, said that he'd have put his coat on Burnley winning at half time, admitting that had he done so he'd have had a cold journey home.
The only concerns were referee Toseland who had already booked both Colin Waldron and Mick Docherty for nothing other than mis-timed tackles.
It unsettled us and we lost our grip of the game. With only five minutes of the second half gone, Fulham equalised. David Moreline overlapped down the right and won a corner off Keith Newton.
Former England midfielder Alan Mullery took the kick and found Paul WENT at the near post to head home.
Frank Casper was booked; Mullery followed him and then the referee decided enough was enough and began to let bad challenges go unpunished.
In the end, players had no idea what was going on and the game suffered terribly for it.
Even so, it was another point but Adamson was far from happy. "With so many bookings being made we just stopped playing," he admitted. "Nobody wanted to win the ball for us because they were afraid of being booked.
"It sounds like sour grapes to blame the referee, but it was because of the way he controlled the game that made us stop playing.
"Managers complain so often when their players are booked that people take little notice, but I have never criticised any other bookings we have received this season."
Higgs said he believed referees like Toseland would drive supporters away from football and said the authorities had to do something to stop this kind of refereeing.
The teams were;
Fulham: Peter Mellor, David Moreline, Fred Callaghan, Alan Mullery, Paul Went, Jimmy Dunne, Stan Brown, John Richardson, Roger Cross, Barry Lloyd, Les Barrett.
Burnley: Alan Stevenson, Mick Docherty, Keith Newton, Martin Dobson, Colin Waldron, Jim Thomson, Dave Thomas, Frank Casper, Paul Fletcher, Doug Collins, Leighton James.
Referee: Mr R . Toseland (Kettering).
Attendance: 10,285.
Elsewhere, Blackpool had the biggest score, hitting Brighton for six. Tommy Hutchison got two of them with Willie Irvine getting both Brighton goals.
Also amongst the goalscorers were two more players who, like Hutchison, joined Burnley under John Bond. Gerry Gow scored for Bristol City and Dennis Tueart for Sunderland.
Sheffield Wednesday were top, above Aston Villa on goal difference, but they'd played a game more. With two points from two games, Burnley were in tenth place.
Second Division Results
Tuesday 16th August 1972
Sheffield Wednesday 2 Swindon Town 1
Saturday 19th August 1972
Aston Villa 2 Huddersfield Town 0
Blackpool 6 Brighton & Hove Albion 2
Bristol City 2 Millwall 2
Carlisle United 3 Swindon Town 0
Fulham 1 Burnley 1
City 0 Nottingham Forest 0
Luton Town 1 Preston North End 0
Oxford United 4 Middlesbrough 0
Portsmouth 3 Cardiff City 1
Park Rangers 4 Sheffield Wednesday 2
Sunderland 1 Orient 0
http://www.clarets-mad.co.uk/roll/ed94/leighton_james_scores_but_its_a_draw_at_fulham_753300/index.shtml? (http://www.clarets-mad.co.uk/roll/ed94/leighton_james_scores_but_its_a_draw_at_fulham_753300/index.shtml?)
Jol wants fans to make peace with Dempsey while Fulham prosper
Fulham 5 Norwich 0
Martin Jol criticised the Fulham fans who mocked the absent Clint Dempsey during Saturday's 5-0 hammering of Norwich.
Dempsey, who scored 23 goals last season, did not feature after he refused to play for Fulham in the hope it would accelerate a transfer to Liverpool. The Cottagers coped admirably without him, ruining Chris Hughton's first game in charge of Norwich with goals from Damien Duff, Steve Sidwell, Alex Kacaniklic and a double from the debutant Mladen Petric.
The home fans greeted Fulham's fifth goal by chanting: "Are you watching, Clint Dempsey?" But manager Jol said: "I don't want to hear the fans chanting against him because he was a terrific player for us. He was the most productive midfield player in the whole league last season."
Norwich looked a shadow of the team that finished 12th under Paul Lambert last season.
"It was an awful day for us," Hughton said. "That's not how you want your first game of the season to go. Four of the goals were avoidable. In pre-season we have looked very solid in defence. I had no inkling this would happen."
Hughton is confident that his men will bounce back, however. "The players are hurting," the former Birmingham City manager said. "This won't be the only defeat that we will have and it won't be the only defeat that we will have by a few goals, but the players will want to react well. They know this wasn't acceptable and they want to make amends."
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/jol-wants-fans-to-make-peace-with-dempsey-while-fulham-prosper-8061574.html (http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/jol-wants-fans-to-make-peace-with-dempsey-while-fulham-prosper-8061574.html)
Fulham and Dempsey face 'very awkward situation'
[AMERICANS ABROAD] Fulham manager Martin Jol backtracked a bit on his criticism of U.S. star Clint Dempsey, who wants out at Craven Cottage. Jol, who admitted he was a bit harsh, could afford to be in a conciliatory mood on Saturday. Fulham opened the 2012-13 season with a 5-0 win over Norwich City.
"To say he refused to play is probably a bit harsh," said Jol, "but he wanted to move and if you want to move, you don't want to take risks so you don't want to play in case you get an injury. So for me that was a very awkward situation and it was for him as well."
Jol added that what made the situation particularly awkward was Fulham had received no offers for Dempsey.
The Dutchman came to Dempsey's defense after Fulham fans celebrated the fifth goal against Norwich by chanting, "Are you watching, Clint Dempsey?"
"I don't want to hear the fans were chanting against him because he was a terrific player for us," Jol said. "He was the most productive midfield player in the whole league last season."
Jol held out hope Dempsey would return for the final year of his contract.
"Hopefully he will play for us again," the Fulham manager added. "There is one season to go, and no one has come in for him."
Dempsey had previously stated he wanted to move to a team that will play in the Champions League, but he finds himself trying to move during one of the most depressed periods on the international transfer market in recent years.
Many clubs are trying to unload players with big contracts but not are getting any takers or potential buyers are holding out to see how low sellers will go.
EPL clubs mentioned as possible destinations for Dempsey have included Arsenal, Everton and Liverpool, but they have all been making other moves in recent weeks.
Everton signed Belgium forward Kevin Mirallas from Greece's Olympiakos on Sunday.
http://www.socceramerica.com/article/47826/fulham-and-dempsey-face-very-awkward-situation.html? (http://www.socceramerica.com/article/47826/fulham-and-dempsey-face-very-awkward-situation.html?)
Kacaniklic thrives under Jol's guidance
by DAN on AUGUST 20, 2012
(http://images.teamtalk.com/12/08/402x210/Fulham-v-Norwich-Alex-Kacaniklic_2813591.jpg)
Alex Kacaniklic says that Martin Jol has given him – and the rest of the Fulham side such confidence – by offering young players a first-team chance so early in their careers.
The former Liverpool winger was thrown straight into the first team upon completion of a successful loan spell at Watford last night and his low, deflected shot grabbed a memorable win at Anfield – even if the goal was snatched away from the Swedish starlet by the dubious goals panel. Kacaniklic has been in action during every first team pre-season encounter and was rewarded with his first international cap as a substitute against Brazil in Stockholm on Wednesday evening.
After previous managers right the way back to Chris Coleman had placed a premium on experience, Kacaniklic saluted the way that Jol has been quick to make the leading members of the U21 squad feel at home.
I've been here for two years now, and the manager believes in me and to have a manager like that is just so positive. He gives young players a chance. He really takes care of them. He wants you to improve and encourages you to do what you're good at. I'm really happy to have him as a manager.
We've got a lot of young players coming through here at Fulham – myself, Kerim [Frei], Pajtim [Kasami] Marcello [Trotta] and Matthew Briggs and he takes his time with all of us. He really works hard with us and has extra sessions and he talks to us and encourages us to play our game. He gives us belief that we can play. It means we've got a good mix of older players and younger players coming through and it looks like it's going to be a good season.
Kacaniklic was delighted to get on the scoresheet against Norwich and, in truth, his smartly taken goal – resulting from a well-worked Motspur Park routine — was the least he deserved for an energetic performance on such a roasting hot afternoon by the Thames.
I found out I was starting yesterday. I was so happy. I couldn't wait for the game. I just wanted it to be Saturday and get on the pitch and play. It was really good. I've been working hard to get in the starting eleven and then to get the first goal, especially at Craven Cottage, it's really good
I was happy with the move here. It was up to me whether I wanted to leave Liverpool. Fulham really wanted me and I really wanted to come here and it was a really good move, certainly it looks like it.
http://hammyend.com/index.php/2012/08/kacaniklic-thrives-under-jols-guidance/? (http://hammyend.com/index.php/2012/08/kacaniklic-thrives-under-jols-guidance/?)
Consistency the key for Fulham hero Mladen Petric
(http://www.standard.co.uk/incoming/article8062545.ece/ALTERNATES/w460/Mladen-Petric.JPG)
Mladen Petric today brought high-flying Fulham back to earth by insisting he would rather his new club were consistent plodders rather than architects of the occasional spectacular like the 5-0 thumping of Norwich City.
Petric marked his Premier League debut with two goals in a result that defied the absence of want-away American Clint Dempsey and left Fulham top of the table going into a testing game at Old Trafford on Saturday.
The 31-year-old Croatian said the romp against Norwich "gives us a lot of confidence". But he added: "I would be happier if we won the next five games one-zero rather than win five-zero and then not win the next week.
"Manchester United will be a big challenge for us. Not every game will be like the one against Norwich. But it was an important win and I hope we can keep going like that."
Manager Martin Jol admitted he had taken a gamble on signing the striker on a free transfer from Hamburg, the club he steered to fifth place in the Bundesliga and the semi-finals of the UEFA Cup in 2009 when Petric was a member of the playing roster.
Last season Petric scored just seven times in 26 appearances for Hamburg. It was not a great record, but Jol was undeterred. He explained: "When I look at strikers you see statistics, and Petric is in a group of players who will score goals. Probably not 20 in 20 games, but he will score one in two, two and a half, and that is a good record.
"He didn't do that last year. But I feel, especially if you are not Barcelona or Real Madrid or Manchester United or Chelsea, you should get quality in when they are not playing well. That is what I did with Petric."
In the absence of Dempsey, who Jol claimed does have a future at Fulham even though the player seems determined to move away, Petric slipped neatly into the role of scorer and provider with one particularly neat flick setting up impressive young Swede Alex Kacaniklic for the fourth goal in front of a rapturous crowd at Craven Cottage.
Petric said: "I'm happy I was able to provide the assist but most important were the three points and that we played a good game together as a team. It wasn't just one or two of us who played well.
"We didn't concede a goal, we defended very well, and that was important in a big first game. It was a fantastic day for us with an amazing crowd. But of course, it cannot be like that every week."
Jol agreed, saying: "One swallow doesn't make a summer. We need to strengthen the team. Three players have left us from central midfield – Marcel Gecov, Danny Murphy and Dickson Etuhu – so I feel we have to do something there.
"And up front. If opponents start pressuring us we haven't got a big number nine, like Bobby Zamora, to hold the ball up. We have to find someone for that."
http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/consistency-the-key-for-fulham-hero-mladen-petric-8062540.html (http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/consistency-the-key-for-fulham-hero-mladen-petric-8062540.html)
Fulham make El Kaddouri bid
After links with Juventus, Milan and Parma, Omar El Kaddouri could be playing his football this season at Fulham.
The 21-year-old midfielder, who has less than a year left on his Brescia contract, has been made available for transfer by the Lombard club.
Parma had a bid accepted for the attacking midfielder, but the player rejected the switch amidst hopes that Juve would complete a move for him.
The Stadio Tardini outfit thus ended their pursuit of the Belgium Under-21 international and the Old Lady's interest then cooled.
Now, according to the Gazzetta dello Sport, the player could end up in the Premiership with Fulham for a fee in the region of €3m.
http://www.football-italia.net/23613/fulham-make-el-kaddouri-bid? (http://www.football-italia.net/23613/fulham-make-el-kaddouri-bid?)
Adam happy at Liverpool
Charlie Adam has dismissed suggestions of a move to Fulham by declaring he wants fight for his place at Liverpool.
Adam, 26, has been linked with Fulham as part of a possible part-exchange deal to bring striker Clint Dempsey to Anfield.
The midfielder has held talks with manager Brendan Rodgers over his future, and has been made aware that his first-team opportunities could be limited this season. He was an unused substitute on Saturday as Liverpool lost their opening Premier League game 3-0 at West Brom.
However, the Scotland international, who arrived at Anfield from Blackpool a year ago, does not want to leave.
"I have never heard anything about Fulham," Adam told the Liverpool Echo. "Nobody has spoken to me about it, so for the moment it is paper talk and at the moment I am not going anywhere.
"I am happy at Liverpool. Why would I leave after a year? There is no point. I am open enough to say I have had a conversation with the manager but for me I'm not going anywhere.
"I am playing with some of the best players in the world, I have a good coach, a good manager, and I am learning every day from what he is doing. I want to play this year and hopefully I get the opportunity to do that.
"For us at Liverpool it is a big season. We have got Europa League football and we want to improve on what we did last year in the league."
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1137748?&cc=5739 (http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1137748?&cc=5739)
Dartford sign Fulham goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli on loan
(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/62379000/jpg/_62379411_marcusbettinellipa.jpg)
Newly-promoted Blue Square Bet Premier side Dartford have signed Fulham goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli.
The 20-year-old joins from the Premier League team on a one-month loan deal.
Both Mark Schwarzer and David Stockdale have praised the goalkeeper, who is a graduate of the Cottagers' academy, for his shot-stopping ability.
His career has been beset by injuries, but he was able to make his debut in Dartford's 2-0 defeat against Macclesfield Town.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19317770? (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19317770?)
The perfect weekend to be a Fulham fan
Opening day results at QPR and Fulham could not have been at a sharper contrast.
Fulham fans looking at the Premier League table online this morning might want to take a screen grab and press print because it is one they will want to look back on and savour.
Not only did they destroy Norwich City 5-0 at Craven Cottage, but rivals QPR were humbled by the same 5-0 scoreline at home to Swansea.
The same QPR who have been spending freely this summer and harbour ambitions of not only a top 10 finish, but finishing above Fulham.
The same QPR who are managed by former Fulham boss Mark Hughes and boast their former strike force of Andy Johnson and Bobby Zamora, so seeing their rivals humiliated at home made the weekend twice as good for fans of Martin Jol's side.
But it was more the positives on display in Fulham's own demolition of a weak Norwich side which will have cheered supporters.
Bryan Ruiz was excellent, looking like the player fans thought they were getting when the club signed him, Mladen Petric continued his excellent pre-season form with a brace and set up another, and looks a superb signing.
Youngster Alex Kacaniklic scored his first ever Premier League goal, and the defence and goalkeeper kept a clean sheet. It really was an afternoon in the sunshine to remember at for those at Craven Cottage.
Moussa Dembele pulled the strings in midfield, and Danny Murphy was barely missed. The only footnote of discontent on the day belongs with Clint Dempsey, who had declared himself unavailable as he attempts to make a move away from the club.
Even this was turned to a positive by Fulham's excellent display. Dempsey watching on may have given his stance another thought, and if he doesn't get the move he wants, then he will at least know that the club is in great shape if he is welcomed back into the fold.
And then if Fulham to consider, add Dempsey into the current mix, and who knows what they can achieve this season? Even without him, there should be very few limits to their ambition.
http://hereisthecity.com/2012/08/20/the-perfect-weekend-to-be-a-fulham-fan/? (http://hereisthecity.com/2012/08/20/the-perfect-weekend-to-be-a-fulham-fan/?)
Perfect debut for Fulham's Mladen Petric
Mladen Petric was the toast of Fulham after a two-goal salvo on his Premier League debut.
"I am very happy," said Mladen. "Not only because of my performance, but because we had an amazing start which will be very important for us throughout the rest of the season.
"All of us played a very good game; we defended very well – I think thye had just one or two chances to score – and we scored five goals which means that we played very well today. I'm happy that we didn't concede and I'm especially happy for Alex Kacaniklic that he scored his first goal today.
"I'm happy I was able to provide the assist but most important were the three points and that we played a good game altogether as a team. It wasn't just one or two of us who played well."
Petric was also happy with the welcome he received from the home fans.
"The fans were great today," he said. "It was a good feeling to have them on my side this time unlike last time when I was here! I'm looking forward to playing at the Cottage again."
• No Norwich City players were made available for interviews after the game.
http://www.edp24.co.uk/sport/norwich-city-fc/perfect_debut_for_fulham_s_mladen_petric_1_1487669? (http://www.edp24.co.uk/sport/norwich-city-fc/perfect_debut_for_fulham_s_mladen_petric_1_1487669?)
Another Fulham nightmare for Norwich City
Norwich City fans probably don't care much for trips to Craven Cottage.
Relegation there in 2005 of course marked the start of a downward trend that nearly finished the club.
Of course, the depth of emotion felt on Saturday wasn't in that league...but to have that bubble of pre-season optimism that every fan feels unceremoniously burst was difficult to bear.
City fans have been spoilt over the last three seasons and they have grown used to not seeing the Canaries capitulate like this.
There wasn't the merest hint of a comeback like last season when Aaron Wilbraham netted in a 2-1 defeat at the Cottage.
Many people suspect that after last season's 12-placed finish that the only way is down for the Canaries – it's what prompted Paul Lambert to jump ship to Aston Villa.
Saturday's display did not allay those fears unfortunately.
Hughton's plan to outnumber Fulham in midfield relied heavily upon City having a decent amount of possession.
This would then give surprise inclusion Andrew Surman the chance to spring forward in support of Grant Holt and ensure the City skipper had enough support.
However, starved of the ball thanks to the talents of the likes of Moussa Dembele and Bryan Ruiz, the City pair only combined effectively once in the first period and when this didn't bear fruit the writing was on the wall.
The warning signs were there for City in the 10th minute when the lively Alex Kacaniklic skipped past Russell Martin down the left flank before standing up an inviting cross to the back post. Fortunately for City, his opposite winger Damien Duff had not gambled on the cross and Marc Tierney was able to head clear.
With Holt ploughing a lone furrow up front there wasn't enough pressure on the Fulham back line, who were more than capable of bringing the ball out of defence looking for a runner to spring City's offside trap.
Brede Hangeland's long ball over the top in the 12th minute caught Michael Turner ball watching but fortunately Duff's first touch allowed the summer signing from Sunderland to recover and snuff out the danger.
City weren't so lucky midway through the half though when John Arne Riise, who had previously brought a good save out of John Ruddy, pinged a long diagonal pass that picked out Duff once again. Tierney appealed for offside in vain with Ryan Bennett playing the Ireland international on and he showed composure in poking the ball past Ruddy.
It was one-way traffic for the rest of the half as City retreated desperately hoping to reach the sanctuary of half-time just one goal behind.
It was a forlorn hope.
Hughton, a manager who prides himself on having a solid defensive base from which to build, will be fuming at how easily Mladen Petric lost his marker to glance home Duff's in-swinging corner. Jonny Howson did his best to clear off the line but replays showed the referee's assistant had made the right call in signalling the ball was over.
Just as perhaps Lambert would have done last season, Hughton decided to shuffle his pack at the break. He had to. City were never going to carve out the chances necessary to overhaul a two-goal deficit judging by their first half display. Surman was substituted in place of Steve Morison to try and provide Holt with some kind of support. The former Millwall man was charged with holding the ball up to allow City's midfield to get forward. However, the quality in the supply line wasn't there once again.
How City's strikers must have looked on enviously at the likes of Moussa Dembele, Kacaniklic and Riise providing Fulham with the kind of attacking thrust the visitors could only dream of.
Petric, a free transfer from Hamburg during the summer, grabbed his second of the afternoon early in the second half to effectively end the match as a contest.
Picking the ball up 25 yards from goal, he was allowed to turn and strike a shot which took a big deflection off Turner to wrongfoot Ruddy and make it 3-0.
This was damage limitation now...but City couldn't limit it.
The goal of the afternoon was provided when Dembele sauntered with the ball on the edge of the box before feeding Petric, whose deft flick released Kacaniklic through on goal.
The young winger got the goal his industry down the left flank deserved by sliding the ball past Ruddy and it was now starting to get embarrassing for the Canaries.
Bradley Johnson's long range effort almost caught out Mark Schwarzer but the Australian managed to scramble the ball away with his legs and this was as threatening City got in the second half.
Fulham showed what kind of strength in depth they have when Hugo Rodallega, another free signing from Wigan in the summer, came on to win a penalty when he was brought down by Turner from behind.
Referee Michael Oliver must have been taking pity on Norwich at this point as, despite denying a goalscoring opportunity, Turner wasn't even cautioned.
It was perhaps punishment enough to see Steve Sidwell ram home the penalty past Ruddy.
Thankfully, the sequel to The Nightmare at Craven Cottage was over.
City fans will just be hoping they at least have the chance to make it a trilogy in the Premier League next season.
http://www.eveningnews24.co.uk/sport/another_fulham_nightmare_for_norwich_city_1_1487691? (http://www.eveningnews24.co.uk/sport/another_fulham_nightmare_for_norwich_city_1_1487691?)
Fulham Focus - Five-goal masterclass proves to be a welcome distraction
Our Fulham season preview focused on the question of Clint Dempsey's future. The piece stressed how Fulham's season looked promising if the Texan stayed. However, Martin Jol's revelation before their opener vs Norwich that Dempsey would never play for the club again threatened to cast a shadow over both Fulham's matchday performance and overall campaign.
The glorious, cloudless weather in West London proved to be a fitting enivorment for a Fulham mastterclass, the Cottagers produced the sort of exhilarating, goal-laden football Craven Cottage has become accustomed to under Jol. Both manager and fans will have been pleased to see stellar performances from new arrival Mladen Petric, record signing Bryan Ruiz, want-away Moussa Dembele and exciting young prospect Alex Kacaniklic as the Cottage was treated to a 5-0 victory.
With the now inevitable departure of Dempsey potentially leaving Fulham short of goals, scoring five so comfortably with the knowledge that it could and should have been more will ease some of fears amongst the fans at least, as well as the strikers such as Petric, who has endured a tremendous amount of pressure on his shoulders as of late.
Critics have pointed to Petric's age as a factor against him but in the sweltering heat, the Croatian looked brighter and sharper than many of his younger counterparts. His two goals, the first well taken, the eye-catching second after a deflection, will get the headlines but his overall play as he both led the line and dropped deep will have pleased his manager to no-end.
In sum, Saturday's game was a performance that almost shamed Dempsey. His behaviour in recent weeks as he has essentially tried to bully the club that brought him over from the MLS led to chants of "Are you watching Clint Dempsey?" from the Craven Cottage faithful.
Compare Dempsey's with that of Moussa Dembele, another who has seemingly caught the eye of the bigger clubs. There was certainly no hint of sulking as Dembele orchestrated the play quite magnificently from central midfield alongside the hulking, solid presence of Mahamadou Diarra.
Indeed, aided by the silky skills of Ruiz and the marauding experience of John Arne Riise on the opposite flank, Fulham appear well placed to survive and even progress without Dempsey's presence. Youthful promise was evident in the displays of Kacaniklic and Pajtim Kasami, while exciting winger Kerim Frei was not even on the bench. There was further evidence of Fulham's strength in depth as Petric's replacement, fellow summer signing Hugo Rodallega, produced an eye-catching cameo, winning the penalty for Steve Sidwell to smash in for the fifth and final goal.
Admittedly, Norwich were extremely poor and it is a stretch to say that Fulham have no need for Dempsey, but Martin Jol has quietly put together a quite formidable and progressive squad that bodes well for the season ahead.
http://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/p6_1_16285_fulham-focus-five-goal-masterclass-proves-to-be-a-welcome-distraction.html (http://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/p6_1_16285_fulham-focus-five-goal-masterclass-proves-to-be-a-welcome-distraction.html)
Quick post: stat attack
Can I have our ball back? Fulham's midfield were pretty stingey with the ball. Damien Duff completed 94% of his 18 passes, Diarra 94% of his 90 (Murphy-equque), Dembele 96% of his 73, and Kacaniklic 96% of his 27. Ruiz, the link man, was at 91% of his 54.
The right stuff: Ruiz made 3 key passes, as did Riise. Duff made two.
Whoosh! Diarra played 10 long balls and found his man with, er, all of them.
Reading: Aaron Hughes made 11 clearances
Harrassment: Norwich had 9 shots, but only 2 were on target. That happens when you don't get time and space.
http://www.whoscored.com/Matches/614053/LiveStatistics/England-Premier-League-2012-2013-Fulham-Norwich (http://www.whoscored.com/Matches/614053/LiveStatistics/England-Premier-League-2012-2013-Fulham-Norwich)
http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2012/08/20/quick-post-stat-attack/? (http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2012/08/20/quick-post-stat-attack/?)
Clint Dempsey: "The Truth" of His Transfer from Fulham Needs to Come Out Soon
Clint Dempsey has been radio silent since August 17, when he tweeted there are two sides to every story and cryptically warned, "the truth will come out soon."
Not soon enough, it seems.
The EPL calendar did not start the way Dempsey had envisioned after his remarkable season with Fulham last year. The best American field player fully expected to be suiting up somewhere other than Craven Cottage to start his league campaign, yet despite a swirling cabal of rumors throughout the summer, Fulham has yet to deal Dempsey anywhere.
As the first week of the EPL season draws to a close and the end of the transfer window looms just over a week-and-a-half away, Dempsey is a superstar in limbo; no longer wanted by the team that made him a star and not worth enough on the open market for that team to justify dealing him away.
There is a growing sentiment that this is Dempsey's fault; that he is handling his impending transfer with a lack of class and respect for Fulham.
It's hard to know what else he could do, honestly. Dempsey made it clear at the end of last season that he loved his time at Fulham but he felt the next logical step in his career was to play in the Champions League.
Dempsey hasn't wavered from that one bit in the offseason, except for the rumors he was going to Liverpool, a club with a rich history but one that finished eighth in the league, just one spot above Fulham last season.
An entire summer came and went while rumors swirled about a move from west London, most vociferously calling for an imminent deal to Liverpool during preseason training in late July.
Nothing happened.
Fulham manager, Martin Jol, has publicly stated this week that Liverpool has yet to even offer a price for Dempsey despite declaring interest in the striker. The situation could not be any messier, really.
Days before Fulham's first match, things between Dempsey and his boss got incredibly nasty in the press, with the club going on full attack, blaming him for a lack of commitment to the club and accusing him of spreading the rumors he was headed to Liverpool.
Fulham then went out in its first match and netted five goals against Norwich City, a clear statement from the Cottagers that Dempsey will not be needed to fill up the score sheet this season. (Note: the guy scored 23 goals last season, so his presence surely wouldn't hurt.)
Through all this, Dempsey has stayed silent. Despite international media chiding him for not telling his side of the story—for not letting his "truth" come out—Dempsey has kept quiet about everything, seemingly prepared to let the chips fall where they may.
Is Dempsey calling Fulham's bluff by sitting out? Is the club being unrealistic for how much they expect to get in return for a player nearly 30 years old? Will Fulham really think about not shipping Dempsey somewhere else to get at least something in return?
If it doesn't sell him, Fulham will get nothing for Dempsey at the end of the season when his contract expires. Can any club survive with something this big hanging over the entire season?
Possible new teams
Wherever he is, Dempsey had to look at the score sheet from week one of the EPL season and smile a Texas-sized smile. Not only did Fulham score five—see, they don't need him anymore—but Arsenal and Liverpool were both shut out.
Oh, right, Arsenal is a club that has qualified for the Champions League and suddenly has a bushel full of cash after selling Alex Song to Barcelona and Robin van Persie to Manchester United.
Even with the Gunners reportedly stealing Real Madrid midfielder Nuri Sahin from Liverpool on a one-year loan deal, Dempsey would be a perfect fit in Arsene Wenger's attack. Plus, the addition of Dempsey won't cost nearly as much as what Arsenal got back for either player sold this week.
Getting shut out at home can only serve to make fans nervous in the wake of Van Persie's departure. Dempsey would not only be a reactive move to quell fan unrest, it would be a prudent financial and tactical signing as well.
Tottenham—the club booted from Champions League play after Chelsea won last year's tournament to qualify automatically for this season's quest—lost to Newcastle after scoring just one goal, despite ample chances in attack.
With creative midfielder Luka Modric in ostensibly the same situation as Dempsey, Tottenham are a bit shackled until that situation plays out. Still, with American Brad Friedel in net, Tottenham could become the de facto team for Americans to root for should Dempsey join them.
From a tactical standpoint, Dempsey surely would help. From a financial standpoint, he would open up a nearly untapped market for the club.
Chelsea wouldn't be a terrible fit for Dempsey from a style standpoint, but their attacking midfield is very crowded. Manchester United is suddenly the worst fit in the world for the American and the final English club in Champions League is the EPL Champion, Manchester City, which may have become a wild card in this entire process.
City netted three goals against lowly (yet sprightly) Southampton, but all-world striker Sergio Aguero went down with a knee injury that could have him sidelined for the next few weeks, if not longer. Immediately the thought of Dempsey in a sky blue kit fluttered across the internet, TV and, surely the phone lines of Dempsey's agent.
The Everton option
Regardless of where he ends up, it is clear Dempsey cannot be with Fulham much longer.
The truth is, the American hasn't handled this situation perfectly, but there also hasn't been much more he could do than be honest and upfront about his desire to leave, which he was.
Limiting his options to Champions League clubs wasn't terribly fair to Fulham, but he certainly didn't mind when American-owned Liverpool showed interest, so maybe he has backed off that edict in an effort to get into a better situation somewhere, anywhere, else.
If Dempsey just wants out of Fulham and no longer cares if a new club is tied to Champions League this season—seeing potential in future years as enticement enough to go—he should look at Everton as a logical landing spot.
The Toffees finished seventh in the EPL last season after a horrendous start. They employ Tim Howard in goal—the best American player—and rumors have already begun that Landon Donovan will be back in blue in January.
The addition of Dempsey would surely galvanize Everton as the leading American club abroad. Let's not forget the Toffees let Tim Cahill leave for the New York Red Bulls of MLS and sold Jack Rodwell to Manchester City, leaving both space on the field and, perhaps, enough money in the bank to afford Dempsey.
Of course there is always the prospect Dempsey leaves England, with PSG or another Champions League club with loose purse strings willing to make a deal.
The bad thing for Dempsey Jol, and perhaps most importantly the Fulham fans, is that this situation flooded into the season. The good thing for all involved is that something has to happen very soon. Unless it doesn't happen at all, which means we can go through this whole thing again in January.
The truth is, that would be terrible for everyone.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1303815-clint-dempsey-the-truth-of-his-transfer-from-fulham-needs-to-come-out-soon? (http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1303815-clint-dempsey-the-truth-of-his-transfer-from-fulham-needs-to-come-out-soon?)
Jol - No offer from Reds
Fulham boss Martin Jol says Liverpool have not made an official offer for Clint Dempsey, who is keen on the transfer.
Reds boss Brendan Rodgers is keen to land the American, who scored 23 times last season, but despite making an enquiry about his services over a month ago, no official offer has been made by the Reds according to Jol.
The Cottagers hit Dempsey in the pocket after he refused to play in his team's Premier League opener at Norwich on Saturday, as he continues to hold out for a move to Liverpool.
Fulham managed well enough without him at the weekend as they ran out 5-0 winners against the Canaries, but Jol is convinced changes are needed to the current transfer system after witnessing too many disputes between clubs and players.
Jol said: "We should stop the window when the first game is played then all this nonsense would stop.
"If you look at the window now with two weeks to go, it's awful because there are a lot of clubs waiting around until they get the money in (from sales) and if they have got the money then they will come in and of course then you have players with clauses as well, so I think we should do something about it.
"It's a bit frustrating. I had the same thing happen to me in Germany (with Hamburg). Vincent Kompany left and then (Rafael) van der Vaart left in the same week."
http://www.eatsleepsport.com/Liverpool/Jol---No-offer-from-Reds--1457582.html?#.UDJIy0K_wds (http://www.eatsleepsport.com/Liverpool/Jol---No-offer-from-Reds--1457582.html?#.UDJIy0K_wds)
Fulham keen to bring Brescia midfielder to Craven Cottage
Fulham boss Martin Jol looks set to make Brescia midfielder Omar El Kaddouri his fourth signing of the summer, according to Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport.
Jol, who has already added Sascha Riether, Hugo Rodallega and Mladen Petric to his ranks in recent months, has identified El Kaddouri, 21, as the man to bolster his attacking options.
The 21-year-old, who was part of Morocco's squad at the recent Olympic Games, is regarded as one of the best young players in Italy after a series of promising displays for Brescia.
Napoli and Parma are also tracking the Moroccan, but Gazzetta dello Sport claims that Fulham are ready to splash out £2.5m to bring him to Craven Cottage.
And El Kaddouri's arrival could facilitate the departure of American Clint Dempsey, who is desperate to leave Craven Cottage.
Read more at http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/transfer-rumours/120820/fulham-keen-bring-brescia-midfielder-craven-cottage-179069?#HyeXYfwwbyjVYbsm.99 (http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/transfer-rumours/120820/fulham-keen-bring-brescia-midfielder-craven-cottage-179069?#HyeXYfwwbyjVYbsm.99)
English Premier League: Why Arsenal Should Bring Clint Dempsey to the Emirates
Earlier this month, hopes among the Gunner faithful were at a high. Despite the speculation, Robin van Persie was still an Arsenal player and Alex Song had not yet claimed a spot on Barcelona's sidelines. In a matter of days, however, optimism gave way to all-too-familiar disappointment when van Persie went to the dark side, Manchester United, and Song fled to Catalonia.
To top it off, Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud impressively underwhelmed in Saturday's draw with Sunderland.
One of the most frightening aspects of Saturday's game had to be the ineffectiveness of the substitutions. Without Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, the team was condemned to second-half cameos by the infuriatingly inconsistent duo of Aaron Ramsey and Andrey Arshavin. One can assume that Giroud will improve in front of goal as the season progresses, but his dependence on his aerial ability to score is a bit troubling—the team already struggles mightily to send in accurate high crosses.
So what now?
The return of Oxlade-Chamberlain (hopefully) next weekend and Jack Wilshere (hopefully) in a couple of months will solidify the team's midfield and wing options. Nuri Sahin, if he joins the team on loan, will offer further playmaking prowess in the center mid position. The team has plenty of cover in midfield and on the wings—even if Wilshere struggles to return to health or form. Arsene Wenger reportedly has his eye on a few young defensive midfield options.
The team's main needs are another proven goal-scorer and fullback—the latter of which will possibly not be addressed, yet again.
Arsenal needs another player to complement Podolski and Giroud as goal scoring threats, and I believe it should be Clint Dempsey.
Dempsey enjoyed one of the most successful campaigns for any midfielder in the Premier League last season. While he established himself as one of Fulham's steadiest players throughout the 2010-2011 season, his superior play last season suggested that his game is still developing. While interest from other team has been limited to speculation from Liverpool, he has maintained a desire to play Champions League football.
The argument that Dempsey is not a Champions League level talent holds very little weight—if any. Similar cases could have been made about Laurent Koscielny and Thomas Vermaelen before they joined Arsenal and established themselves as the club's best center backs. The American scored 36 goals for Fulham over the past two seasons, against some of the world's elite club teams (Juventus, Chelsea). In addition, he scored as a United States international against top international teams such as Spain, Brazil, and England.
Dempsey's versatility serves as his greatest asset.
On a club level, he has succeeded immensely as a free-roaming attacking midfielder; however, for the United States, he has also played as a winger, center forward, and a 4-4-2 striker. While he would likely never project as a starting center forward for Wenger, he could play anywhere in the middle or attacking thirds for the team.
Dempsey's skill set would benefit the Gunners immensely. His scoring prowess rests largely on his composure, propensity to take risks and ability to capitalize on opportunities. A majority of Dempsey's goals last season came through broken plays inside the box, headers, runs in transition and direct free kicks.
While Arsenal struggles to complete crosses, especially with the absence of Bacary Sagna, Dempsey would provide the team with another physical, aerial presence beside Giroud. In addition, Dempsey would offer another legitimate option beside Cazorla and Podolski to fill the free-taking void left in the early post-van Persie era.
At the very least, Clint Dempsey would provide insurance against the team's usual rash of injuries and other mild catastrophes. I believe that if Arsenal did decide to take a modest £8 million leap of faith and acquire the 29-year old American, he would collaborate well with the club's other playmakers and occasionally provide instances of brilliance to complement the team's wealth of finesse and pace.
The beauty of Dempsey's play is that it doesn't necessitate good rhythm in team play. He's not going to regularly break down defenses with his passing or dribbling ability. Instead, his emergence as a Premier League star over the past couple seasons has been due to his ability to make things happen and, more importantly, navigate the ball into the back of the net.
While this is a move that will never happen, Dempsey would realize his dream to compete in the prestigious Champions League. Arsenal would get a goal-scorer who excels in the game's big moments (2007 goal vs. Liverpool to help Fulham avoid relegation, 2010 Europa League goal vs. Juventus - link above), would provide depth and would lessen the burden on the Gunners' three summer signings.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1303668-why-arsenal-should-bring-clint-dempsey-to-the-emirates? (http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1303668-why-arsenal-should-bring-clint-dempsey-to-the-emirates?)
Picking the Premier League Team of the Opening Weekend
Sunderland, Chelsea, Stoke City, West Brom, Fulham, Swansea City, Manchester City and Arsenal players feature in our Premier League team of the week.
The Premier League Team of the Week: 18/08/12 - 19/08/12
Gk - Simon Mignolet (Sunderland) No goalkeepers really shone on the opening weekend but Mignolet was solid at the back for Sunderland and that's why I've gone with the Belgian. On hand to stop Arsenal's shots from distance and closed down Giroud well to force the strikers shot wide. Composed and confident, Sunderland have a talent on their hands.
Unlucky to miss out: Petr Cech (Chelsea)
Rb - Branislav Ivanovic (Chelsea) Ivanovic's selection is not purely based on his goal, which in itself was a fantastic burst of energy to break so quickly, but also on his defensive strength. Proved to be a rock at the back and is arguably Chelsea's best defender currently.
Unlucky to miss out: Liam Ridgewell (WBA)
Cb - Robert Huth (Stoke) Stoke fans will have been disappointed to see their team concede a fairly late equaliser Huth 's performance will have given them optimism. The German defender proved reliable in keeping Pavel Pogrebnyak at bay and could do nothing to prevent the penalty that Reading scored from.
Unlucky to miss out: James Collins (West Ham)
Cb - John O'Shea (Sunderland) A draw away against Arsenal in the opening game of the season would most certainly have been taken before kick off and O'Shea played a key role in keeping Arsenal's attacks limited largely to efforts from range. His presence and experience shone through throughout.
Unlucky to miss out: Alex Pearce (Reading)
Lb - John Arne Riise (Fulham) Riise has largely struggled to replicate his Liverpool form with the Cottagers but the opening fixture saw a rejuvenation in the Norwegian. Attacking with gusto when Fulham broke forward Riise was a real live wire and kept things tight defensively.
Unlucky to miss out: Kieran Richardson (Sunderland)
Dm - Youssouf Mulumbu (WBA) Facing the talented midfield three of Allen, Gerrard and Lucas, West Brom fans may have been fearful that the Liverpool midfield could prove too much of a handful. Not with Mulumbu prowling. The Baggies midfield dominated Liverpool and much of this came down to Mulumbu who's tackling and harrying constantly pressured the visiting side.
Unlucky to miss out: Mohamed Diame (West Ham)
Cm - Santi Cazorla (Arsenal) Already the summer signing from Malaga looks like a shrewd piece of business based on the opening game. Looked dangerous throughout the game and not afraid to take a shot. His through ball to fellow new boy Giroud was perfection and he was unlucky to not gain an assist for his efforts.
Unlucky to miss out: Craig Gardner (Sunderland)
Am - Michu (Swansea) The spaniard's transfer has largely fallen under the radar this summer but his performance in Swansea's 5-0 demolition over QPR will certainly raise his profile. Two well taken goals and a constant creative goal threat to the opposition. Gylfi who?
Unlucky to miss out: Eden Hazard (Chelsea)
Rw - Nathan Dyer (Swansea) Last season Dyer was often left in the shadow of teammate Scott Sinclair, but with Sinclair left out of the starting lineup, Dyer took his chance to showcase his abilities. His two goals helped Swansea romp home and his tricky wing play impressed when he received the ball out wide.
Unlucky to miss out: Hatem Ben Arfa (Newcastle)
Lw - Samir Nasri (Manchester City) One of the few Man City stars to turn up yesterday. Much criticism has been thrown at Nasri since his switch from Arsenal but no complaints could be made against Southampton as his high work rate and ability to squeeze out of tight spots showed the Frenchman in his finest light. His goal was just rewards for a strong performance.
Unlucky to miss out: Gervinho (Arsenal)
St - Mladen Petric (Fulham) Replacing Pogrebnyak, Dempsey and Zamora was always going to be a tough task but Petric looked at home on his debut. Two goals to his tally, similarly to Pogrebnyak's debut last season, indicate that Fulham fans should not worry about a lack of goals this year.
Unlucky to miss out: Carlos Tevez (Manchester City)
There are plenty unlucky to be left out following a fantastic start of the season, but they will no doubt appear further down the line. Who would feature in your team of the weekend?
http://hereisthecity.com/2012/08/20/picking-the-premier-league-team-of-the-opening-weekend/? (http://hereisthecity.com/2012/08/20/picking-the-premier-league-team-of-the-opening-weekend/?)
