U18s Head To Germany
Fulham's Under-18s warm up for the second half of the season by heading to Germany for the Sparkasse & VGH Cup – a five-a-side indoor tournament – which kicks off on Thursday evening. We caught up with Under-18s Manager Steve Wigley ahead of the trip.
This is the fourth year that the Under-18s have taken part in the Sparkasse & VGH Cup – it's become a fixture of the Academy's season hasn't it?
Yes it has. The concept is brilliant and as we don't have indoor football in England it's a great and new experience for the boys. We only really take part in the FA Youth Cup, so hopefully this format will help us prepare for that. The atmosphere in the venues is amazing and you can get up to 400 people watching. We'll play a few German regional teams, and we have also been paired in the same group as Borussia Monchengladbach and Hamburger SV. Obviously the game with the latter will bring back memories of Fulham's magnificent run in the UEFA Europa League a few years back.
Some people may think it's unusual for the boys to be playing in an indoor five-a-side tournament mid-season?
Five-a-side football is very popular in Germany and it's a great way of creating a tournament mentality. A lot of other countries take this type of football very seriously, and it has been a very useful tool in terms of developing their young players – it's something that they've done for a very long time. The Sparkasse Cup has been running for a long time now; in fact, Sascha Riether played in it when he was younger. A lot of Germany's top players will have done too, so it's proved very beneficial. If you look at Germany's record at the World Cup and in bringing young players through, we would be stupid to ignore this. Tournament football is good for team spirit, and five-a-side football helps develop individual skill, ball control, first-time passing and getting yourself out of tight areas. It's a very technical game.
For you, what effect do you hope those benefits will have on the team over the course of the season?
We will use the tournament to prepare for the second half of the season. We will train in the morning and play in the evenings. All of the squad will go to Goettingen to develop team play and togetherness. After the Christmas break it's great to get the boys all together and concentrating on football. In recent years, we've done very well at this competition, and when coming back we have pushed on domestically. Momentum is so important in football.
It's a different style of football, of course, with the emphasis on close control, technique, individual skill and team-work – all of which are facets of the game that fit well into the Academy's philosophy?
It is, and they are elements of the game that we try and instil in our players from a very young age. We like to play good football, and we do encourage our boys to express themselves and to be comfortable on the ball. We play lots of small-sided games in the Academy and this tournament is an extension of that, but obviously with an emphasis on winning.
It doesn't do any harm either to take the boys out of their usual environment, and get them playing tournament football does it?
No, that's right. It can only help their development, both as individuals and as a team. As I've said, the tournament is a great opportunity to create team spirit. The boys will be together for five days in a good working environment. For a coach, it's always interesting to see them in a different environment and how they react to that. They need to adjust to different things, like sharing a room, living in a hotel, taking care of themselves, managing their downtime appropriately and, ultimately, learning about new cultures.
You play in the Fourth Round of the FA Youth Cup next week. What are your thoughts on that game with Arsenal? On paper, it looks like a very exciting encounter?
It will be, and to be honest, we probably couldn't have drawn tougher opposition. Arsenal are renowned for producing good young players and teams at all age levels. Like us, they have a certain way of playing and as you say, on paper, that makes for an exciting game. We know what we're capable of though, and we have ambitions of doing well in the FA Youth Cup. We know that we'll have to be at our best, but when we are, we're a match for any team. It will be a challenge, but one we're looking forward to.
http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/january/10/u18s-head-to-germany? (http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/january/10/u18s-head-to-germany?)
Reading and West Brom track Fulham midfielder
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Chris Baird
READING and West Brom have shown an interest in Fulham utility man Chris Baird.
The 30-year-old has been a regular in the engine room this season after the departures of Mousa Dembele, Danny Murphy and Dickson Etuhu last summer.
However, the Northern Ireland international is entering the final six months of his contract at Craven Cottage and is yet to reach the number of games to trigger an extension.
Baird is understood to be happy at Fulham, where he has made more than 150 appearances since his switch from Southampton in 2007, but could be tempted by the chance to tie up his long-term future elsewhere.
Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/fulham-fc/2013/01/10/82029-32578524/?#ixzz2HeYMIMeV (http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/fulham-fc/2013/01/10/82029-32578524/?#ixzz2HeYMIMeV)
Jol granted Diarra wish as Mali leave Fulham midfielder out of Africa Cup of Nations squad
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Crocked: Mahamadou Diarra won't go to South Africa
Fulham's Mahamadou Diarra will not play for Mali at the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations due to injury.
The 31-year-old has been struggling with a knee complaint recently and has not featured since their 3-0 home defeat by Tottenham on December 1.
Fulham manager Martin Jol has made his frustration clear over the fact Mali still intended to call up Diarra for the tournament, which kicks off on January 19.
However, after considering the advice of Fulham's medical team, Mali have reviewed the situation and Diarra will not participate in South Africa.
The former Real Madrid midfielder, who joined the west London club in February 2012, will return to England to continue his rehabilitation.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2260096/Mahamadou-Diarra-left-Mali-squad.html#ixzz2HeYhjIeS (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2260096/Mahamadou-Diarra-left-Mali-squad.html#ixzz2HeYhjIeS)
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Roma rule out Fulham enquiry
Fulham will miss out on Roma goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg after his agent revealed the Italian club will not sell in January.
Martin Jol is on the search for a new goalkeeper at Craven Cottage with 40-year-old Mark Schwarzer on his way out and youngster David Stockdale not hitting the form expected.
The former Ajax man has made 33 appearances for the Serie A side since joining in August 2011, but speculation around his future started after he was replaced as the number one.
The 30-year-old's representative Rob Jansen has held talks with Roma's general director Franco Baldini but a move away in January has been ruled out by club officials.
"I spoke with Franco Baldini, and at the moment there is no possibility that Stekelenburg leaves Roma," Jansen said.
"There are no offers from other clubs, but we are at the beginning of January and everything is still possible."
http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/roma-rule-out-fulham-enquiry-1529241.html? (http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/roma-rule-out-fulham-enquiry-1529241.html?)
Premier League preview: Fulham v Wigan
Fulham will play host to Wigan at Craven Cottage on Saturday with both sides in desperate need of three points.
Fulham snapped a four-game winless streak with a 2-1 victory away to QPR in their last Premier League outing only to be forced into an FA Cup replay with Blackpool after they could only manage a 1-1 draw with the Championship side.
Martin Jol's men are sitting in 13th place on the table on 21 points and will be hoping for a win that will move them closer to the top 10 and further from trouble.
Wigan, meanwhile, are dwindling in the relegation zone after their last eight Premier League games returned just one victory - a 3-0 triumph over Aston Villa on December 29.
A 1-1 draw with League One outfit Bournemouth last weekend in the FA Cup will not help their confidence in what is proving to be a difficult season for Roberto Martinez's side.
In more positive news, Wigan could welcome back defender Antolin Alcaraz from a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a groin injury. The Paraguayan has managed just two league appearances this season due to the problem and will be itching to get back on the pitch.
Fulham will be buoyed by the likely return of a host of players including veteran winger Damien Duff, left-back John Arne Riise and first-choice goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer, who have all been out recently due to injury.
The returning trio should add a vast amount of experience to a Fulham side that has relied heavily on striker Dimitar Berbatov, with the Bulgarian scoring twice in their past three Premier League outings.
The two side's last met in September with Fulham running out 2-1 winners at the DW Stadium after goals from Hugo Rodallega and Damien Duff were enough to see off Wigan, who scored in the dying minutes thanks to Arouna Kone.
And with the likely return of several key players and Wigan's dismal season to date, Fulham should fancy their chances of claiming the three points over their lowly visitors.
http://uk.soccerway.com/news/2013/January/10/premier-league-preview-fulham-v-wigan/? (http://uk.soccerway.com/news/2013/January/10/premier-league-preview-fulham-v-wigan/?)
Fulham boss Jol targets Belgian starlet
Fulham are locked in a battle with Club Bruges as they look to sign teenage star Junior Malanda.
Malanda, 18, is rated one of the best young players in Belgium and has been outstanding for his club side Zulte Waregem.
Fulham boss Martin Jol is looking to strengthen his squad before the end of January and wants to sign another defensive midfielder after Mahamadou Diarra was ruled out of the African Cup of Nations with a knee injury.
Malanda is keen to show he can play at the highest level and would relish the chance to make a big money move into the Premier League.
Jol will need to move quickly as Club Bruges have also been strongly linked with a move for the talented midfielder and reports in Belgium claim they could make an offer in the near future.
Read more: http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/transfer-rumours/130110/fulham-boss-jol-targets-belgian-starlet-188964?#ixzz2HeZWcie7 (http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/transfer-rumours/130110/fulham-boss-jol-targets-belgian-starlet-188964?#ixzz2HeZWcie7)
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Half-term report: Fulham lack creativity
Kris Balkin has been impressed by a number of Fulham's summer signings but believes a lack of creativity has cost them this season.
We are asking fans to rate the performances of their teams so far this season and suggest what needs to be done in the January transfer window. Next up is Kris Balkin, the Editor of Fulham fan site Cottagers Confidential, who previewed the Cottagers' season back in August.
You can find Cottagers Confidential on Twitter and on Facebook.
The season so far:
Things started so well for us at Fulham. We battered Norwich City 5-0 on the opening day and even in defeat to Manchester United we looked composed, assured and, more than anything, threatening. Our new free signing – and let's face it, they're always the most rewarding – Mladen Petric, was already on fire and Moussa Dembele in particular was hugely influential.
Then he left, and it all went downhill from there.
Of course, we signed Dimitar Berbatov not long afterwards which went a long way to soften the blow but, the trouble is, Berbatov is a striker while Dembele, Danny Murphy and Dickson Etuhu are all central midfielders. And who did we get to replace them? The unused Mickael Tavares.
Berby has been a sensation in his own right, and is a huge coup for the club, but without support, what is he? Languid, yes, but also on occasion simply unenthusiastic and lazy. We desperately need January re-enforcements.
A win at West Brom in our last Premier League eased the pressure on us at the bottom but just a few games before that we fielded a central midfield trio of Kieran Richardson, a left back by trade and a weak one at that, Steve Sidwell, who is solid but uninspiring and Chris Baird, another defender-cum-midfielder. There's no wonder that we're looking over our shoulder but, before I start getting too negative, I'll dig deep for some happier times.
We can score goals – Berbatov and Petric are (were) doing that in abundance. We're beginning to blood youngsters like Alex Kacaniklic and Kerim Frei (though we still have one of the oldest starting elevens in the Premier League) and we're entertaining (because our defence has been so porous).
So, let's just leave an E grade and a note of advice: "room for improvement".
Summer signings:
Mladen Petric: He has been a sound acquisition. At 31, he's not one for the long term particularly, but for what he is, and that's a natural finisher – he's beyond excellent. Give him the ball in a decent position and you can guarantee a goal. It's just that having such a dire midfield means he rarely gets the ball.
Hugo Rodallega: Another free transfer and another good move. He can provide the pace that Berbatov and Petric cannot and that means we don't have to be one-dimensional all the time. He's also versatile, often playing on the wings, but whether he is actually effective in that position is another question.
Kieran Richardson: A waste of money. We didn't need a winger, we didn't need a left-back and we certainly didn't need him. His purchase was an admittance of mid-table mediocrity. (I don't rate him much).
Sascha Riether: Definitely up there with Dimitar Berbatov as the best signing in the summer. He has everything you'd want in a full back – he's defensively resolute, good in the air, strong in a tackle, deceptively fast and a good crosser of the ball. Hopefully he'll be signing up on a permanent basis at the end of the season.
Dimitar Berbatov: What really needs to be said about him?
Mickael Tavares: Nobody knows who he is.
Giorgos Karagounis: 300 years old, although he has started to feature a bit more recently.
Stonkers and stinkers:
Stonkers
Mark Schwarzer: It is unbelievable just how good a goalkeeper can be when they're 40 years old. He is still hugely reliable, strangely flexible and undoubtedly one of the best in the league. And there's still a year or two left in him.
Sascah Riether: One of the most consistent performers we have - the full-back is threatening and solid in equal measure. Very much a surprise, too, as no-one really knew he was when he joined on loan.
Dimitar Berbatov: Such an elegant, graceful player who can easily turn a game in a moment. No doubt he needs supply, though, and he's just not getting it right now. Hence the grump.
Stinkers
John Arne Riise: For such an experienced player he has been caught out on so many occasions this season. We've seen him out-run, out-witted, flat-footed – everything you don't want in a full-back. I believe he'll bring himself back up to his normal level but, recently, I fear every time the ball comes near him.
Kieran Richardson: He has done very little for the club since his arrival, other than score a goal at Southampton which he celebrated in a welcoming manner. That will probably be his best moment at the club, however, because there's little to his game. No flair, no technical proficiency. Just annoyingly average.
Alex Kacaniklic: I don't think people will agree with me on this one but he's looked very poor of late. It was epitomised in his half-time substitution in our thrashing at Anfield and it had been coming. The season started exceptionally for him and he received a deserved international call-up from Sweden but, in the last six weeks or so, his naivety has been highlighted. Still bundles of potential, definitely, but he needs to improve his consistency.
Window shopping:
We're short all over the pitch in truth but if we can only bring in one player, please let it be a midfielder. Putting out Steve Sidwell and Mahamadou Diarra every week is all well and good on paper, but where does the creativity come from? The perennially injured Bryan Ruiz?
We need someone who can do his own thing in midfield, much like Danny Murphy had done for us previously. An eye for a pass and an ability to pull the strings. Please!
Thankfully, Derek Boateng is on his way, but it remains to be seen whether he will offer us that creativity we've been lacking.
http://www.footyplace.com/football-opinion/fulham-half-term-report/ (http://www.footyplace.com/football-opinion/fulham-half-term-report/)
Under-21s Face Chelsea
Fulham's Under-21s open the second phase of their Barclays Premier Under-21 League campaign on Thursday night by making the short trip to face SW6 rivals Chelsea at Cobham (7.05pm).
Having missed out on qualification to the Elite Group, Kit Symons' side will also face Blackburn Rovers, Sunderland, Middlesbrough, Everton and Aston Villa.
The Blues were, of course, part of the same qualifying group as Fulham, as were Middlesbrough, meaning the two teams face for a third time on Thursday evening.
Having defeated Chelsea 3-1 at Craven Cottage in early October, the Whites slipped to a 3-0 loss at Cobham in November. With the bragging rights shared, both teams will be looking to get their noses in front.
Fulham warmed up with a 5-2 thumping of Crystal Palace last Friday, with Lasse Vigen Christensen (2), Tom Donegan, Ryan Williams and Richard Peniket scoring the goals.
http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/january/10/under21s-face-chelsea? (http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/january/10/under21s-face-chelsea?)
Boateng Deal Moving Closer
For the last forty-eight hours the suggestion has been in the air that the signing of Derek Boateng is very close.
We`re reliably informed that Boateng (29) has passed a medical at Craven Cottage and that a Work Permit has also been obtained.
All that remains to be concluded are the somewhat delicate negotiations between his Ukrainian club (Dnipro) and Fulham before the deal is officially announced,
Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=305166#ixzz2HeaMG3Lg (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=305166#ixzz2HeaMG3Lg)
Why Everton should be targeting Norwich, Fulham and Lille stars. Stat Breakdown.
Everton aren't known for being the busiest of clubs during the January transfer window, or the summer transfer window for that matter, but nonetheless we've put together a list of three players we feel could be of use to David Moyes as his side continue their push for the top four and the ever-desirable Champions League places.
We've targeted right-sided players for this piece, given that Everton have a formidable partnership of left-back Leighton Baines and Steven Pienaar in front of him. This table below shows Everton's action areas during their 2-1 defeat at home to Chelsea, and it's clear to see just how much Everton rely on their much stronger left-hand-side.
(http://i.imgur.com/iBaHN.png)
Everton's action areas vs Chelsea
Here's the three players we reckon could prove to be clever buys for Moyes:
Dimitri Payet
The 25-year-old Lille midfielder has 19 appearances in Ligue 1 this season, and although most of these have come from the left-hand-side, the French international is a versatile forward capable of playing on either wing or through the middle.
Six goals in 19 appearances is a tidy return for a winger, but more impressive are his creation stats. The former Saint-Etienne forward has created 40 chances this season, including 6 assists and 34 key passes.
(http://i.imgur.com/mRiq1.png)
Payet's chance creation this season
Sascha Riether
Although Riether is not a stand-out acquisition in the transfer window, he will be available at a cut price. With his contract due to expire next summer, Riether has spent this season on loan at Fulham from German side FC Cologne, and has featured 21 times under Martin Jol.
At 29-years-of-age, the German international is an experienced defender, and signing Riether will provide Moyes with much-needed reinforcement at the back, with Phil Jagielka making a number of appearances at right-back this season due to Everton's lack of options in defence.
The former Freiburg and Wolfsburg defender has an impressive tackle success rate of 81% in the league this season.
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Riether's duels this season
Robert Snodgrass
The 25-year-old midfielder has impressed in the Premier League since arriving at Norwich from Leeds in the summer, and with 20 appearances under his belt, the Scotland international has netted four times.
In addition, the winger has created 34 chances, including three assists, and has displayed a lethal left-foot from set-pieces with two of his four goals being sublime free-kicks.
(http://i.imgur.com/NvfWP.png)
Snodgrass' chance creation
http://blog.squawka.com/2013/01/10/why-everton-should-be-targeting-norwich-fulham-and-lille-stars-stat-breakdown/? (http://blog.squawka.com/2013/01/10/why-everton-should-be-targeting-norwich-fulham-and-lille-stars-stat-breakdown/?)
Match Preview: Fulham vs Wigan Athletic
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The man with the goals: Dimitar Berbatov - Clive Mason
There is group of fixtures now for Latics which on paper are winnable. This is the first, an away day trip to Fulham. Last time round we were on the wrong end of a 2-1 defeat, this time we must hope for better. A win here could see Fulham drawn into the relegation battle, and Wigan pull away slightly.
It has been a bad start to January so far for Latics. Losing 4-0 on New Year's Day to Manchester United, before a 1-1 draw with Bournemouth in the FA Cup, a few years ago such result would have been expected, now we expected and need more.
Sitting 18th and with your top goal-scorer departing for a month should we be worried? Arouna Kone will travel with the Ivory Coast to the African Cup of Nations. The player has been fantastic since signing in the summer, but who can step up to replace him, this we will find out this weekend.
For me two options are clear. We stay with the same pattern and play either Mauro Boselli or Angelo Henriquez alongside Franco Di Santo. The other is we play Jordi Gomez alongside Shaun Maloney in an attacking midfield role and let the two of them play off Di Santo. For me the second sounds more likely, especially when you factor in Gomez being our second top goal-scorer.
If that was to happen then Jordi for me should play the higher role, meaning Shaun still has to track back and get involved, as we know Gomez will not do this. That then gives us someone up front who has a very good natural ability to distribute the ball, that ability has never been questioned. It is just can he done it for the entire game, and can he get some more goals?
Either way this will be a tough game. We never seem to have very good luck away against Fulham or even when we play them at home for that matter. Yet Fulham are on a bit of a low at the moment, they are sitting in the low mid-table area and if they were to lose to us this weekend could get pulled into the battle for survival. 24 points is not a very strong foothold to have in this current season.
They have however got two men who can and have produced brilliance when it is needed. The combination up front of Bryan Ruiz and Dimitar Berbatov is something many clubs would love to have, including ourselves although Arouna Kone and Franco Di Santo come very close to rivalling the two.
Berbatov's signing in the summer came out of nowhere. But with the chance for regular football, back in the capital, I think his mind was made up when Fulham approached him. So far he has bagged seven goals this season, not a bad return from the Bulgarian. This is compared to Ruiz who has slowly developed into a good behind the main man striker. Signed last January for a significant fee, the Costa Rican can produce moments of brilliance on demand. So far that has produced six assists.
At the other end of the pitch Fulham haven't done to brilliantly. One thing Fulham always use to be was hard to score against, but they found it hard to score. That was under Roy Hodgson who chose winning a game 1-0 over 3-2. Now it is the reverse Martin Jol has an attacking team which players lovely football, but it comes at a price of conceding 37 goals, a tally we are only two worse off than.
This game has all the makings of an open attacking match, with both teams looking to score, but neither knowing how to stop the goals going in at the other end of the pitch. Which is not very in keeping with Wigan-Fulham games of the past, they are usually one goal affairs which are drab and empty of life. If you know why it always happens let us know.
I still see it being a one goal game, which way? I would like to think the Wigan way, we need points and the lads know it. Now is the time to start our escape and our climb up the table.
http://www.pieeatersfootie.com/2013/1/10/3861288/match-preview-fulham-vs-wigan-athletic? (http://www.pieeatersfootie.com/2013/1/10/3861288/match-preview-fulham-vs-wigan-athletic?)
LAWRO'S PREDICTION
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Fulham v Wigan
This one has the feel of a basement battle - Fulham are a few places above the relegation zone but not too many points clear of it.
I know they don't have the biggest squad and they have had a few injuries to contend with, but I was expecting them to do a lot better this season.
They are missing Clint Dempsey's goals and, although they won at West Brom in their last league game, their form has been stuttering of late. I still think they will be fine though.
Wigan, who have lost six of their last eight league games and are third from bottom, are in much bigger trouble. They are on a hopeless run and, if you were a Latics fan and looked at the league table, you would be worried. I do think they will stay up, even so.
A draw will be not be much use to Fulham but it would at least stop the rot a bit for Wigan.
Lawro's prediction: 1-1
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20970680 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20970680)
Ian Black: Goalkeeper for Fulham in the 1950s
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Ian Black guarded Fulham's net unflappably throughout most of the 1950s before giving way to the challenge of youth in the form of the more flamboyant Tony Macedo. Black was a much-needed pillar of reliability in a team stacked with talented footballers and colourful characters but prone to an inconsistency which kept them out of the top flight for most of the Aberdonian six-footer's Craven Cottage tenure.
Having shown immense promise as a schoolboy, Black joined his home-town club in 1944 but the impetus of his career was jolted by the war, during which he served in the Army with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. During the conflict he guested for Southampton and Chelsea, whom he helped to lift the Football League South Cup, keeping a clean sheet against Millwall in the 1945 Wembley final in front of 90,000 fans desperate for entertainment as the end of hostilities approached.
When peace resumed, Black couldn't oust the much older George Johnstone at Pittodrie and in December 1947 he was sold to Second Division Southampton for £1,000. He thrived immediately, and in spring 1948 he was called up for Scotland, against England at Hampden Park.
His selection ahead of Celtic's Willie Miller and Jimmy Cowan of Morton caused heated debate, especially as Black was an "Anglo", but he was not to blame for the 2-0 defeat, being beaten by unstoppable efforts from Tom Finney and Stan Mortensen, and was unfortunate not to win a second cap. Back at The Dell, the only Southampton player to represent Scotland at the top level in the 20th century continued to excel, contributing impressively to three successive promotion bids, all of which failed narrowly.
Black was happy under the guidance of manager Bill Dodgin, so it was hardly surprising in August 1950 when he followed his mentor to top-flight Fulham – in exchange for the Northern Ireland international 'keeper Hugh Kelly – having conceded slightly less than a goal a game in more than a century of senior appearances.
At Craven Cottage he found himself facing a different challenge, that of avoiding relegation, a task that was accomplished in 1950-51 but not in the next campaign, when Fulham finished bottom. Still, Black excelled, his composure, courage and agility frequently limiting the damage as the Cottagers' rearguard was pounded, even if occasional crosses were dropped.
For the next five and a half seasons, alongside such starry performers as Charlie Mitten, Bobby Robson, Bedford Jezzard and the great midfield general Johnny Haynes, Black was a reassuring presence, even becoming the only Fulham 'keeper to score a goal. At Leicester in 1952, well before the use of substitutes was allowed, he was hurt and switched to the front line for nuisance value. He offered rather more than that, nodding home a cross from winger Arthur Stevens, an act of welcome defiance in a 6-1 defeat.
However, another injury, suffered in November 1957 in his 277th outing for the club, had more far-reaching consequences. Macedo stepped up and performed brilliantly, and the Scot never played another senior match. In 1959, aged 35, he signed for non-League Bath City, remaining at Twerton Park for three years before enlisting with Canterbury City. Later he coached youngsters for Brentford, ran a sports shop in Tolworth, south-west London and played bowls for Surrey.
Ivan Ponting
Ian Henderson Black, footballer: born Aberdeen 27 March 1924; played for Southampton 1947-50, Fulham 1950-59; capped once by Scotland 1948; died 13 December 2012.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/ian-black-goalkeeper-for-fulham-in-the-1950s-8446761.html (http://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/ian-black-goalkeeper-for-fulham-in-the-1950s-8446761.html)
Chelsea U21s 2-0 Fulham U21s
Goals from Chelsea's Islam Feruz and Lewis Baker (penalty) meant that the Whites tasted defeat in the first match from the second phase of their league season.
Kit Symons' boys were up against a side led by former England captain John Terry who was making his return from injury, although we had our own fans' favourite returning in the form of Simon Davies. New signing Chris David was also involved, making his first appearance in a Fulham shirt when he entered the action as a second half substitute.
"It was a good game of football actually and was very even," Kit told fulhamfc.com after the match. "The first goal you felt was always going to be crucial and it was a really disappointing one, from our point of view, when it came.
"It was our corner and we made a couple of bad decisions that led to them scoring a really, really soft goal. The second was a penalty given for handball against Sean Kavanagh – the lad blasted the ball at him from pretty close so it's one of those where it certainly hit him on the hand and you've seen them given before but you've also seen them not given.
"So that was disappointing but we had a few good chances as well and overall it was a pretty decent game of football. We were disappointed to lose but the effort and the performance overall was quite pleasing. You don't like losing any game, especially not to your local rivals, but with the performance levels I was reasonably pleased."
Terry played the first 45 minutes for the hosts and while Kit admits it is good for his young troops to test themselves against players of the Chelsea captain's calibre, he felt they may have gained more from someone else on the pitch.
"It's always good to come up against big name players like John Terry," he said. "So that was good for them but it was probably better for them that they played alongside Simon Davies. I think that was a big boost for everyone because he's a top pro who does things the right way so a lot of the boys will have learnt a lot from playing alongside him tonight.
"Simon did really, really well. He was scheduled to play 60 minutes and ended up playing 65 but looked really fresh. It was his first game for a while and we had to take him off but he did look really fresh – his fitness levels looked really good and I was very pleased with him and I'm sure he'll be pleased with his own performance."
Fulham's longest serving player was replaced by the latest addition to our ranks and Kit was pleased with the contribution of young Dutchman Chris David.
"Chris came on for Simon and showed some nice touches," he said. "With all new boys coming in – but especially those coming in from a foreign country – you'd imagine it's going to take a little time to adapt to the British game.
"It was quite a high tempo game tonight so it will take some getting used to for him but he's clearly a good footballer and he showed some nice touches tonight."
Fulham: 1. Joronen, 2. Vigen Christensen, 3. Kavanagh, 4. Davies, 5. Grimmer, 6. Pritchard, 7. Williams, 8. Smith (c), 9. Dalla Valle, 10. Minkwitz, 11. Altman
Subs: 12. Somogyi, 14. Islamovic, 15. David, 16. Peniket, 17. Gameiro
http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/january/10/u21s-result? (http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/january/10/u21s-result?)
Cottage buy? Fulham are ready to spark a Jack Butland bidding war
The Birmingham keeper is wanted by a string of top-flight clubs but Jol could have the edge as he's more likely to provide first-team football
(http://i1.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article1263098.ece/ALTERNATES/s615/England+v+Italy+-+International+Friendly)
Jumping Jack? England's Butland is set to be offered a move to Fulham
Claudio Villa
Fulham are set to make the first move in the race to buy Birmingham and England goalkeeper Jack Butland.
Cottagers chief Martin Jol is poised to firm up his interest, and could spark a bidding war with an offer in the next 48 hours.
Manchester City, Liverpool and Everton all remain in the hunt - but the 19-year-old wants first-team football, not to sit on someone's bench.
That could play into the Cottagers' hands as their No. 1 jersey is up for grabs with first-choice Mark Schwarzer now 40 and back-up David Stockdale having failed to convince.
Southampton, who also retain an interest, had a £6million offer turned down in the summer and Blues are adamant they will want a similar figure to sell this month.
Boss Lee Clark has warned that warming the bench at a Premier League club would be a "backwards step" for his crown jewel.
He said: "Even if he goes to the biggest club in the world, Manchester United, and he's their No. 2, it won't benefit his career at all.
"He is good enough to go to the Premier League and be a No. 1 without a shadow of a doubt - but he has to make sure that's what happens.
"It would be a massive backwards step if he goes to a Premier League club and he is the No. 2."
Clark reckons Butland will one day belong in the same category as Joe Hart and Edwin van der Sar, who he played alongside for Fulham.
He said: "At the start of the season he had this huge reputation and one or two things went against him, but he has shown me he has the character. He's been brilliant.
"If you're going to be a top keeper you need that - even the best of them make an error or two whether it's Joe Hart, Van der Sar.
"His mentality is the right one to be eventually putting him in that bracket of goalkeeper. He's on his way, he's not far from it now."
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/fulham-transfers-jack-butland-interest-1528473? (http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/fulham-transfers-jack-butland-interest-1528473?)
Dicko handed chance
ROBERTO Martinez has challenged Nouha Dicko make a name for himself back at Wigan Athletic – starting tomorrow at Fulham.
The Frenchman has spent the first half of the campaign on loan at Blackpool, scoring five goals in 22 appearances for the Seasiders. He was recalled by Latics at the end of last week, and appeared as a late substitute in the FA Cup tie against Bournemouth.
And with Arouna Kone away at the African Nations Cup – and widemen Ryo Miyaichi and Albert Crusat sidelined with injury – Martinez admits there is an opportunity for Dicko to force his way into the reckoning at his parent club. "It's been great to see Nouha back at the football club, and he is a far more mature individual than the one that left here last summer," Martinez acknowledged.
"He didn't play as much as we would have liked at Blackpool, but he has benefited from the experience and to have scored five goals in the amount of minutes he played was an incredible return.
"I know that the Blackpool fans really took to him as a player, which can only enhance his experience.
"I want to assess him over the next two weeks and we'll make a final decision about what to do next, but we do need to make sure the next step is the right one for his development.
"There could well be an opening here with Albert and Ryo being out injured, and he has worked well with the group since he came back.
"I feel his best position is playing on the right-hand side and cutting inside, and it's an area we are quite weak at the moment."
Latics have a wretched recent record against the Cottagers, with six draws and six defeats from the last 12 meetings.
But Fulham themselves are struggling at the moment, and Martinez believes tomorrow's game represents a good chance for his side to climb out of the bottom three.
"Craven Cottage has always been a difficult place to go and get a result, but it seems they haven't been able to get the results of late," he added.
"There has been a high turnover of players, and the injuries they've had this season has affected them a lot, so we go there with confidence."
http://www.wigantoday.net/sport/wigan-athletic/dicko-handed-chance-1-5302561 (http://www.wigantoday.net/sport/wigan-athletic/dicko-handed-chance-1-5302561)
Frazier Campbell and David Stockdale still on Hull City transfer radar, but Bruce will bide time on deals
STEVE Bruce will be content to bide his time for the remainder of the January transfer window, insisting his Hull City jigsaw is almost complete for a final promotion push.
City were the first of the Championship's high-flyers to flex their financial muscles this month when shelling out a combined £3.5m to recruit loan stars David Meyler and Robbie Brady in permanent transfers on Tuesday.
The Tigers' early business has reiterated their ambitious plans to build upon a climb to second in the table, but Bruce is warning supporters that further transfer activity into the KC Stadium could be minimal.
Although the search for a new goalkeeper and a forward will remain active this month, with David Stockdale and Fraizer Campbell firmly in the frame, Bruce has stressed the strength of his squad negates the need for immediate action.
"The key to management is being patient," Bruce told the Mail.
"When you're buying a new player it's like getting a puppy at Christmas, it's a long-term thing.
"Unless you're getting a player on loan, you've got to be 100 per cent sure that it's the right thing to do.
"Of course, you do make mistakes in management but you hope that your good decisions outweigh the bad ones.
"If there is anyone out there, we have to be patient, I won't just be bringing in a player who will be a stop-gap.
"We're bigger and better than that now with where we are in the league, but if there's someone out there who can improve us then we'll act."
Bruce's first priority this month was always to secure the long-term services of Meyler and Brady and those big-money deals were finally completed this week.
A £1.5m fee was enough to lure Meyler away from Sunderland before a further £2m allowed City to beat Watford to the signature of Brady from Manchester United.
The Republic of Ireland international pair were both pivotal players during impressive loan spells in East Yorkshire and, ahead of hosting Sheffield Wednesday tomorrow evening, the pair are yet to end on a losing side when starting for the Tigers.
The arrival of Meyler and Brady has been celebrated by Bruce but he is still uncertain if more will follow.
"If we don't do anymore at all I can still feel pretty satisfied," he said.
"We've got two goalkeepers at the moment which is not always ideal, especially with Mark Oxley just coming back from injury.
"However, when I look at the squad and the way everyone is fit, we're looking pretty strong."
While claims to be "satisfied" are not without good reason, Bruce is not yet willing to call time on his transfer activity.
The City boss has admitted an interest in bringing Campbell back from Sunderland and Stockdale in from Fulham this month, but both moves are dependent on the two Premier League clubs doing business of their own.
Aaron Mclean's loan move to Ipswich and the return of Ben Amos to parent club Manchester United has left City short in key areas and when asked if he would be keen on signing another goalkeeper and forward, Bruce said: "In a perfect world, yes.
"After letting Mclean go out, that would allow Koren to go back into midfield sometimes.
"But it's not always a perfect world and the squad we've got has a nice balance."
http://www.thisishullandeastriding.co.uk/story-17826239-detail/story.html? (http://www.thisishullandeastriding.co.uk/story-17826239-detail/story.html?)
Arsenal & Fulham In For £3.5m Dutch International Battle
Dutch international goalkeeper could join a London club.
Dutch international goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg looks set for a move to the Premier League in the January transfer window with Arsenal and Fulham vying for his £3.5million signature.
Formerly with Ajax, Stekelenburg was number one with Roma before this season but has fallen behind loanee goalkeeper Mauro Goicoechea and the experienced Bogdan Lobont in the pecking order at the Stadio Olimpico.
Source: Metro
Italian daily Gazzetta dello Sport report that Stekelenburg, whose current contract with Roma does not run out until 2015, is available at a cut-price £3.5million and claim that discussions have already begun with officials at the Emirates Stadium and Craven Cottage already.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is thought to be keen on bringing a new goalkeeper to the Emirates with Wojciech Szczesny struggling to regain the form that propelled him into the first-team, and understudies Lukasz Fabianski and Vito Mannone not seen as Premier League stars in the long term.
Fulham, meanwhile, are seeking new goalkeeping blood, with Australian international Mark Schwarzer in the latter stages of his career despite continuing to keep talented young stopper David Stockdale, who has been in an England squad, out of the team.
http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/01/11/arsenal-fulham-in-for-3-5m-dutch-international-battle/? (http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/01/11/arsenal-fulham-in-for-3-5m-dutch-international-battle/?)
Wigan: Limited Availability
The Whites take on Roberto Martinez's Wigan Athletic this Saturday (3pm). Be sure to get your hands on one of the final remaining tickets.
Kids can join us at our first home league game of 2013 from just £1! With the majority of tickets now sold out, supporters are advised to purchase soon to avoid missing out. Adult tickets are also available on General Sale from just £30. Buy yours online today or by calling 0843 208 1234 (Option 1) before it's too late!
Don't forget, Kids for £1 tickets aren't available on matchday so make sure you purchase yours in advance.
£85 Hospitality
For those supporters looking to experience Saturday's fixture with one of our Matchday Hospitality packages, a limited number of places remain available to buy in our Shared Executive Suites.
By purchasing a place in a Shared Executive Suite you can expect to enjoy a hot meal prior to kick-off before taking your balcony seats overlooking the hallowed turf to watch the live action unfold.
Secure your Shared Executive Suites today for just £85 per person* by purchasing your package online, by email, or by phone on 020 8336 7555.
*(+VAT)
http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/january/11/last-remaining-tickets? (http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/january/11/last-remaining-tickets?)
Six-year-old football star signs for Fulham FC
A talented six-year-old midfield maestro from Cookham Dean has been signed by Premiership Fulham FC which also happens to be his favourite team.
Louis Stewart was talent-spotted at just five years old when former Reading, Wycombe Wanderers and England u21 coach Nas Bashir asked him to join the FAB Football Academy based at Bisham Abbey.
Alongside FAB, he also joined Flackwell Heath FC, where he established himself as one of the club's leading players in his age group.
He was soon spotted by scouts from Reading, Wycombe, Chelsea and Fulham academies.
After training with all four clubs Louis joined Fulham, the club he and his family have always followed.
The youngster has already made his mark when, in a recent series of four matches against Aston Villa which the team came through unbeaten, he scored the winner in the final game from a free-kick.
Shortly afterwards, and still only six years old, Louis was one of only two boys in his age group to be offered the assurance of a place in the full academy for nine to 16-year-olds.
This effectively guarantees his time at Fulham for another three years after which he is hopeful of obtaining a further contract.
Proud father Jon Stewart said: "The Fulham Academy was awarded Category One status – the best accolade a Premier League side can obtain – and it was soon clear that they offered the best set-up for Louis to thrive in.
"He is now coached by many notable ex-players including Fulham legend Rufus Brevett as well as playing alongside the son of current 1st team midfielder Steve Sidwell."
Jon, who has been a season ticket holder at Fulham for more than 15 years, added: "Coming from a family of ardent Fulham fans, we were delighted when Fulham showed an interest in Louis.
"Watching him on a Saturday morning in the under sevens and then watching the 1st team in the afternoon is just about as good as it gets.
"Plus all the free kit he now gets has saved me a fortune in the club shop!"
http://www.maidenhead-advertiser.co.uk/Sport/Football/Other-local-clubs/Six-year-old-football-star-signs-for-Fulham-FC-10012013.htm? (http://www.maidenhead-advertiser.co.uk/Sport/Football/Other-local-clubs/Six-year-old-football-star-signs-for-Fulham-FC-10012013.htm?)
Jol targets Australian youngster
Fulham have been linked with a move for Central Coast Mariners midfielder Tom Rogic but face strong competition from Celtic.
The Australian international has impressed in the A-League and seems set to secure a move to Europe in the near future.
Rogic is currently on trial with Celtic and the 20-year-old could even feature in the SPL side's friendly against Steaua Bucharest on Tuesday, according to Bhoys assistant manager Johan Mjallby.
Mjallby appears confident that Celtic can secure a deal for the highly-rated attacking midfielder, but reports in Australia claim Fulham will rival them for Rogic's services.
"There is no point in having him here if we can't sign him right now," Mjallby told the Daily Record.
"If he is good enough, why not go for it straight away?
"I don't know the figures or his contract situation but he could be a gem.
"I've heard very good reports and the sooner we see him the better."
The Mariners are currently the A-League leaders but are unlikely to stand in Rogic's way if a concrete offer is received from a European side.
Fulham boss Martin Jol is believed to be ready to make a move if Celtic fail in their bid to sign the Australian, while Premier League rivals Reading have also been credited with an interest.
http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/jol-targets-australian-youngster-1529463.html? (http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/jol-targets-australian-youngster-1529463.html?)
Team news for Saturday's Barclays Premier League clash between Fulham and Wigan.
(http://e2.365dm.com/12/09/504x378/Roger-Espinoza_2831964.jpg)
Roger Espinoza: Has joined Wigan
Midfielder Roger Espinoza is set to make his Wigan debut in Saturday's Barclays Premier League clash with Fulham at Craven Cottage.
The Honduras international, signed from Sporting Kansas City, stayed on the bench in last weekend's FA Cup tie against Bournemouth having only arrived in the UK two days before, but now has a week's training under his belt.
Fellow new-boy Angelo Henriquez is pushing for a start after impressing as a substitute last weekend, but defenders Antolin Alcaraz (groin) and Adrian Lopez (hamstring) and midfielders Ben Watson (broken leg), Albert Crusat (knee) and Ryo Miyaichi (ankle) are all out.
Teams
Wigan (from): Al Habsi, Pollitt, Boyce, Caldwell, Ramis, Figueroa, Beausejour, Jones, Maloney, Espinoza, McCarthy, McArthur, Stam, McManaman, Di Santo, Henriquez, Boselli, Fyvie, Redmond, Mustoe, Orsula, Morris.
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/live/match-preview/261774/espinoza-set-to-start? (http://www.sportinglife.com/football/live/match-preview/261774/espinoza-set-to-start?)
Aiming High
Having made a name for himself at Saturday's visitors Wigan Athletic, Hugo Rodallega is now determined to be a hit in SW6.
"I'm a player that will always give my best; it's the team that matters most," he tells the official matchday programme. "I don't think they have seen what I can do fully, but hopefully that will come in the coming weeks. I feel comfortable, and am happy to be part of such a good Club.
"As a striker, it's my job to score goals, and of course, I would have liked to have scored a few more. My role at Fulham is slightly different to the one I had at Wigan, though, and I agree that I have more to offer - I enjoy creating chances for my teammates and helping in the build-up to goals."
Elsewhere in the only matchday magazine that matters - which is available in both traditional print format and digitally - are exclusive interviews with Martin Jol, Csaba Somogyi, Jean Beausejour, Kevin Langley and Les Strong.
Jol pens his regular Manager's notes, Somogyi takes the Fulham 50 challenge and Strong admits he's not a fan of the January transfer window.
Wigan legend Langley gives his thoughts on the Cottage encounter, while current Latics star Beausejour assesses his side's season so far. Former Fulham ace Tosh Chamberlain is also the subject of our 'Cult Heroes' feature.
With all the usual news and views from in and around the Club, plus much more besides, the official Fulham programme really is the essential matchday accessory. Priced £3.50, the 84-page publication is available from various sellers on Stevenage Road from two hours before kick-off. Fans can also order copies online by heading here.
The digital edition of the programme is available from 9am on the day of the game. Click here for details on how to download your digital edition.
http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/january/11/aiming-high? (http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/january/11/aiming-high?)
Fulham Focus - Just where should Jol strengthen during the transfer window?
We are approaching the mid-way point in the January transfer window and as Fulham prepare to take on Wigan, sitting in a comfortable but uninspiring 13th position in the Premier League table, Martin Jol has already been relatively active in the market.
Last week saw the announcement that 19-year-old Dutch midfielder Chris David would be joining from FC Twente, while the club reportedly remains in discussions with defensive midfielder Derek Boateng. However, should that be the only area the Cottagers should look to strengthen in this month?
Goalkeeper: Mark Schwarzer has been a fantastic servant to the club but in recent weeks it appears that age could finally be beginning to catch up with the Australian, with a few soft goals - by his own high standards - conceded.
Previously, it was thought that in David Stockdale the Cottagers possessed the perfect eventual replacement but his performances since coming into the side in Schwarzer's absence through injury have been decidedly shaky. Perhaps not a pressing issue when Schwarzer regains fitness, but Jol certainly has something to think about between the sticks in the summer.
Defence: While Fulham's Dimitar Berbatov-led attack has for the most part been entertaining so far this season, defensively the Cottagers have struggled all year long and indeed have one of the worst records in the entire Premier League. Captain Brede Hangeland remains a mainstay but seems to have let his form slip and with rumours of his impending departure at the end of the season continuing to rumble, perhaps it would not be the worst idea for Jol to consider a long-term replacement for the Norwegian.
Certainly, even if Hangeland does commit his future to the club, a new long-term partner is a necessary requirement and should be pursued this January. Aaron Hughes may be a versatile, excellent defender but at 33, his best days are behind him while Philippe Senderos has struggled for appearances, fitness and form this term.
Importantly, all three central-defenders mentioned lack pace and have been troubled by some of the attacking livewires the Premier League has to offer so far this season. Therefore, Jol should certainly be targeting a younger, quicker centre-back at least to compliment Hangeland and, eventually, replace him.
Midfield: As already mentioned, Jol appears to be making moves to solve the midfield problems that have dogged the Cottagers so far this season since the sudden departures of Moussa Dembele and Clint Dempsey. What the Cottagers desperately need is a creative midfielder and one would hope that the arrival of David is a step in the right direction on that front because certainly, for all of Steve Sidwell and Chris Baird's abilities, inspirational midfield fulcrums they are not.
Attack: The one area where Fulham are perhaps well-stocked. Berbatov has been a sensation while when fit, Bryan Ruiz has been equally impressive. Elsewhere, Mladen Petric has proved a sharp substitute capable of scoring goals while Hugo Rodallega appears to just be recovering from his extremely slow start to life at Craven Cottage.
http://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/p6_0_18252_-.html (http://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/p6_0_18252_-.html)
Stephen Kelly heading out but Martin Jol has other issues on his mind
Fulham right-back Stephen Kelly was having a medical today ahead of a move to Reading.
The 29-year-old was a key player for Fulham last season but, having lost his place in the side to Sascha Riether, is leaving to secure regular first-team football. Kelly joined Fulham in 2009 and made 79 appearances for the club.
Martin Jol does not expect the business to be one way this month and said: "We will try to get one or two players in."
Meanwhile, Jol knows his side must sharpen up their act in front of goal if they are to arrest a worrying slide down the table.
The manager has ordered his players to start exploiting their opportunities as Fulham take on struggling Wigan tomorrow at Craven Cottage. With just two wins from their last 13 Premier Leagues games, Fulham need a victory to ease relegation concerns.
Last Saturday's game, albeit against Championship side Blackpool in the FA Cup, offered evidence of where it is going wrong for Fulham.
"I think we had 25 crosses," said Jol. "But 80 per cent of those were not good enough, or the movement wasn't good enough."
http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/stephen-kelly-heading-out-but-martin-jol-has-other-issues-on-his-mind-8447483.html (http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/stephen-kelly-heading-out-but-martin-jol-has-other-issues-on-his-mind-8447483.html)
Hangeland Doesn't Deserve New Fulham Contract
The Brede Hangeland contract saga rumbles on. For Fulham fans, such umming and ahhing comes with the territory. The club is famously slow at sitting down with players to discuss their contracts, and even slower to come to an agreement when finally seated.
Hangeland is our captain, one of our longest-serving players (only Chris Baird, Aaron Hughes and Simon Davies have been at the club longer) and has been an excellent player for the club during his almost five years at the Cottage. However, with the 'will he/won't he' game showing little sign of coming to a conclusion, maybe it's time to question whether indeed the Texan-born Scandinavian deserves a new contract.
One would think, certainly if Mark Viduka is anything to go by, that a player will up his game as he comes to the end of a contract in order to secure another raft of dizzying monthly paydays, but that really hasn't been the case with Hangeland. Indeed, it is not being unfair to say that this season he has played his worst football in the white shirt; he has been cumbersome, ungainly, indecisive and a shadow of the defensive giant who took to the Premier League like a pig to poo. Furthermore, his distribution, once an outstanding quality, has been little short of atrocious.
It's all good and well blaming his poor form on our midfield weakness, indeed, in previous months I have, but his error-count this season can't be ignored. The number of times he has played himself and the team into trouble is too high. As club captain, where was the leadership that the team so craved during the woeful form of the past few months? Nowhere to be seen.
He'll be 32 this summer, and with evidence aplenty that his powers are on the wane, should we really be signing him up for the next couple of years? If he returns to form then he can certainly make a contribution but, frankly, if our only back-up wasn't a zero-paced Swiss roll, he'd have been out of the team in October. As things stand, he doesn't deserve a new contract, and he certainly shouldn't be toying with the club; he's bloody lucky they want him to stay.
My message to Hangeland: Get back on the pitch, start contributing to the team and prove that you deserve to extend your stay in SW6.
http://pickourteam.com/premierleague/fulham/news/11-01-2013/hangeland-doesnt-deserve-new-fulham-contract? (http://pickourteam.com/premierleague/fulham/news/11-01-2013/hangeland-doesnt-deserve-new-fulham-contract?)
Home comforts should see faltering Fulham snatch win over Wigan
Martin Jol's men are generally strong at Craven Cottage and look great value to win a game of three or more goals at 37/20.
Having both struggled against lower-division opposition in the FA Cup last weekend, Fulham and Wigan Athletic will be looking to get their equally faltering league campaigns back on track when they meet on Saturday.
The two teams have only won four matches between them in the last 25, so respective bosses Martin Jol and Roberto Martinez will be desperate to pick up the three points.
Their combined lack of form makes it a difficult game to call, but the bwin bookies have the home side as odds-on 9/10 favourites in their 3Way football betting market, while the Latics are 3/1 and the draw is 12/5.
Jol's team are given such a short price largely as a result of their always-excellent form at Craven Cottage, where they have won more than 30 times in the past three seasons.
So even if their last home victory was on December 10th, Jol will send his side out to attack from the off and they are 13/20 to open the scoring, but with 69% of their strikes coming after half-time it may be best to bet on that being a second-half opener at 19/20.
With Wigan having conceded just one first-half goal in their last four games on the road, there's good value in odds of 11/5 for the score to be 0-0 after 45 minutes and 6/5 for there to be more second-half than first-half goals.
In fact, it's been tight in all 15 of Fulham and Wigan's Premier League encounters, with two goals the largest margin of victory, while both of last season's fixtures ended 2-1 to the Cottagers.
New customers using the free £20 bet they receive when registering with bwin to back a repeat scoreline would stand to win £180 if Fulham pick up another 2-1 win.
Key to the Cottagers securing another win over Wigan will, as ever, be star man Dimitar Berbatov, who will surely continue to reap the benefits of the return to fitness of Bryan Ruiz behind him in the hole.
The Bulgarian talisman is 9/2 to open the scoring and 7/1 to get his tenth Premier League brace, while those looking for a longer-odds option should definitely take a punt on 26/1 for a 2-1 Fulham behind a Berbatov opener.
But for a sounder shout, I'm sticking with a Fulham win in a game of over 2.5 goals at 37/20.
Top bet: Fulham to win a game of over 2.5 goals @ 37/20
http://bwinbetting.com/leagues/premier-league/faltering-fulham-find-snatch-win-wigan,35298.html? (http://bwinbetting.com/leagues/premier-league/faltering-fulham-find-snatch-win-wigan,35298.html?)
Fulham v Wigan
(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/65155000/jpg/_65155888_149948368.jpg)
By Steve Bower
BBC Match of the Day commentator
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: Craven Cottage Date: Saturday, 12 January
TEAM NEWS
Fulham's Mahamadou Diarra (knee) and Kerim Frei (pelvis) are both unavailable because of injury.
But Mladen Petric, Damien Duff, Mark Schwarzer and John Arne Riise should all return after missing last weekend's 1-1 FA Cup draw with Blackpool.
Roger Espinoza awaits his Wigan debut, and Angelo Henriquez could start as Arouna Kone is on international duty.
The quintet of Antolin Alcaraz, Adrian Lopez, Ben Watson, Albert Crusat and Ryo Miyaichi remain sidelined.
MATCH PREVIEW
This match provides Fulham with an opportunity to build on an encouraging start to the year and record back-to-back wins in the Premier League for the first time since September.
I watched their victory at West Brom on New Year's Day, which was both deserved and much needed. Once again you left with the conclusion that if Dimitar Berbatov is in the mood then Fulham are a handful.
The Bulgarian has so much quality and seems to inspire others around him. He has a manager who has worked with him before and knows how to bring the best out of him.
A team with Berbatov playing regularly should not have relegation concerns, but before that victory at the Hawthorns their run of just one win in 12 league games had left them only four points above the drop zone. Now they need to push on again and will be desperate to record a league double against Wigan given they face both Manchester in the coming weeks.
Traditionally, Craven Cottage has been a difficult place for visiting teams to pick up points but Fulham's home form has dipped slightly in the current campaign. They have already been beaten four times on their own turf, matching their tally of defeats last season.
I witnessed their win at the DW stadium back in September but Wigan are often more dangerous on their travels. Teams seem to attack them more at home, meaning the Latics tend to create more opportunities as the visiting team.
They've already won more games on the road than at the DW this season, just as they did in the last campaign when six away victories were the foundation of another 'Great Escape'.
They do have more of a goal threat this season, but they have to tighten up at the back and stop conceding the opening goal. Form would point to Fulham but with Wigan you just never know.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
Wigan won two of their first three Premier League games against Fulham but since then they have gone 12 matches without a win against the Whites (D6, L6).
Fulham have won five of their last six games against Wigan.
Fulham
The win at West Brom on New Year's Day means Fulham have the chance to record back-to-back Premier League wins for the first time since September 2012. Coincidentally, those two victories came against West Brom and then Wigan.
Martin Jol's men have kept one clean sheet in their last 14 league and cup games.
Jol has never lost a Premier League match as manager against Wigan (W5, D2). The only team he has has recorded more victories against is Manchester City (6).
Dimitar Berbatov has scored eight goals in 11 Premier League games against Wigan. The only club he has netted more against is Blackburn (nine).
Fulham's substitutes have contributed eight league goals this term, more than any other top-flight side.
Wigan Athletic
The Latics have won more league games away from home (three) than at the DW Stadium (two) this season.
Wigan have conceded the opening goal in 14 Premier League games this season, losing 13 of those matches.
They have lost six of their last eight league games.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20919269? (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20919269?)
Aguero back for Fulham clash
Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini hopes to have striker Sergio Aguero back in his side for next week's clash with Fulham.
The Argentinian remains on the sidelines for this weekend's trip to Arsenal after tearing a hamstring in the New Year's Day win over Stoke at the Etihad Stadium.
There has been speculation the 24-year-old forward could be out for several weeks but the club have not put a firm date on his potential comeback.
Mancini said: "Sergio is not available for Sunday. We don't want to take a risk.
"He continues to have treatment this week. I hope he can play against Fulham next game. If Arsenal was the last game (of the season), okay, but like this it is impossible."
Aguero, top scorer with 30 goals last season, made a slow start to the current campaign after suffering a knee injury in the opening game against Southampton.
But he looked back to his best as he took his tally for the season to 10 with goals in his last two appearances before limping off against the Potters.
Mancini expects the likes of Carlos Tevez, Edin Dzeko and Mario Balotelli to fill the void left by Aguero without having to make specific changes to compensate for his loss.
He said: "Sergio is out for one game but this doesn't change (anything) because we have another three strikers. We can change our system any moment, not because we are missing Sergio or other players."
Aguero has also given an update on his condition, tweeting in Spanish to say he needs another week of recuperation.
He added in English: "I need to start in recovery for one more week. Wish I could be there v. Arsenal. I'll be off-pitch rooting for @MCFC."
http://msn.foxsports.com/foxsoccer/premierleague/story/man-city-striker-sergio-aguero-expected-to-return-for-fulham-clash-011113? (http://msn.foxsports.com/foxsoccer/premierleague/story/man-city-striker-sergio-aguero-expected-to-return-for-fulham-clash-011113?)
Vic's Germany Update
Fulham Under-18s' participation in the Sparkasse & VGH Cup began on Thursday as they kicked their tournament off with two comprehensive wins.
Academy goalkeeping coach Vic Bettinelli is in Germany with the boys and he caught up with fulhamfc.com to discuss how the trip is going following victories over local sides JSG Hebebshausen/Werra and JSG Bollensen/Schoningen.
"The first game we won 6-1," he said. "And although it sounds as though it was quite an easy game, it was quite tight up until the last three or four minutes where our fitness told against the part-time team.
"The big thing was to get through the day with no injuries, which we did. The other big thing for us was to give the boys the experience of playing in this environment so that will hold us in good stead go into the next two games.
"It's been a really good learning experience for the boys. It's an environment that we're not used to playing in – the indoor tournaments are big in Germany because of the winter break but we don't have a winter break in England and we rarely play indoor tournaments at Academy level.
"So, for us, it is a new experience. Some of the boys came last year and you could see the ones that have been here before and were used to the environment. For the new ones it was an eye opener, but that's what we want.
"That's one of the reasons we bring the boys to these tournaments, because it's a different learning experience to what we have back in England. The two results went our way but we know from experience that we will need to do better once we come up against the big Bundesliga clubs."
Hamburger SV are next up for the young Whites and Vic is expecting a tough test against a side that Fulham know well.
"We played Hamburg last year in the tournament," Bettinelli explained. "It will be a tight game. They're used to playing this type of football so it will be a real test to see how far we've come in 24 hours. But we know we've got bright players who quite often can adapt.
"They're not only just good football players, they're good learners and I think the game is the teacher. I think here you've got to look at the game, look what the opposition do and try and steal some ideas from them. We've seen the way that some of the other teams have played and it's up to us to incorporate things that we think they do well.
"We're trying to use this experience to give every boy game time but, at the end of the day, once you come up against the big boys and it becomes a tournament we want to try and win it."
http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/january/11/vics-germany-update? (http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/january/11/vics-germany-update?)
Fulham F.C. v Wigan Athletic: Match preview
Wigan boss Roberto Martinez has warned suitors hoping to tempt his prize assets away that the club will not be selling during this transfer window.
Striker Franco Di Santo, defender Maynor Figueroa and midfielder James McCarthy have all been linked with other Premier League clubs, with attention particularly focused on the latter.
The Republic of Ireland international is reportedly in the sights of Arsenal and Everton but Martinez insisted there have been no enquiries and any that do arrive will be met with a firm response.
"I've always said it's a real compliment when you've got teams looking at our players," said the Latics manager.
"It doesn't surprise me at all. I think we've got players who could attract anyone's interest.
"That's not going to bring anything negative to our squad, it's the opposite.
"Everything is about Wigan Athletic at this point and individual situations will always be resolved in the best interests of the football club.
"We haven't got the financial power that other football clubs have but probably we are in one of the strongest positions. Our accounts are well balanced and we're making a profit.
"If we lose any players, it's going to be for the good of the football club. We're not in a position where we're going to sell our best performers or our best assets. That's never happened before.
"Whenever we lost players, it's been at the right price and at the right time and I don't think January is the right time to lose any of our important players when we're right in the middle of the fight."
Wigan have already moved to increase their squad this month, bringing in versatile midfielder Roger Espinoza from Sporting Kansas City and young striker Angelo Henter United.
Martinez would like to add one more new face before the window closes at the end of January but is keeping his targets close to his chest.
Score prediction: Fulham F.C. 1-2 Wigan Athletic
http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/sport/football/wigan_athletic/s/1597955_fulham-fc-v-wigan-athletic-match-preview (http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/sport/football/wigan_athletic/s/1597955_fulham-fc-v-wigan-athletic-match-preview)
Fulham set to sell Kelly to Reading
Fulham defender Stephen Kelly is set to leave Craven Cottage and sign for Reading.
The Republic of Ireland international is due to undergo a medical today after the two clubs agreed a deal.
Kelly, 29 has made only 44 league appearances for Fulham since joining them from Birmingham City in July 2009.
This season his opportunities have been further restricted by the excellent form of summer signing Sascha Riether.
Reading have been looking to bring in a right-back for some time and previously made enquiries about QPR's Luke Young.
http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-set-to-sell-kelly-to-reading? (http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-set-to-sell-kelly-to-reading?)
Martinez eyes end to Fulham jinx
Roberto Martinez is hoping a change of fortune will help Wigan end their dreadful run against Fulham on Saturday.
The Latics' last win over the Cottagers came at Craven Cottage in 2006, since when they have met 12 times, with Wigan picking up only six points.
They have lost their last three games against Martin Jol's side, most recently a 2-1 home defeat in September.
Wigan go into the match in the relegation zone and, asked if it is a must-win game, boss Martinez said with a smile: "It you look at our previous record at Craven Cottage, I think it will be very difficult to see how.
"But I do feel the last three games we've played against Fulham we've been very unfortunate. It's hard to explain how we lost the previous two games at the DW Stadium.
"The last game we had at Craven Cottage it was a very late deadball situation, and after getting ourselves in front we couldn't get a positive result.
"The approach is very clear. We need to be playing well enough and work hard enough to make sure we become a lucky team on Saturday."
A run of only one point from six games during November and December, which coincided with an injury crisis, saw Wigan drop into the bottom three.
And, although they got back to winning ways with an impressive 3-0 victory at Aston Villa on December 29, a heavy home defeat by Manchester United last time out dropped them back into the relegation zone, albeit only on goal difference from Southampton.
Martinez can see plenty of positive signs, though, and said: "It's not frustrating, it's a challenge. We know why we're there.
"The important step now to take is how we're going to change that situation and how we're going to make sure we can carry on performing in the manner we have in the majority of games this season.
"Our performances have improved in terms of the consistency we've shown from last season. It's true we need to affect both boxes better, we cannot keep conceding two goals in a game when teams have only three shots on target.
"Those small aspects are reflected in the scorelines and that's the next piece of work for the second half of the season. But I do feel every day we're stronger, we're getting bodies back, and we're really excited to look forward to the rest of the season."
The good news for Martinez is the injury situation is easing all the time, and his squad has been bolstered by the January additions of Roger Espinoza and Angelo Henriquez.
Teenage striker Henriquez, a loan signing from Manchester United, impressed as a substitute in the FA Cup third-round tie against Bournemouth last weekend, while Espinoza should play some part tomorrow.
The Honduras international, signed from Sporting Kansas City, stayed on the bench for the 1-1 draw with the Cherries having only arrived in the UK two days before but now has a week's training under his belt.
Martinez said: "I've been very impressed with Roger's fitness levels.
"He was involved in the cup because I wanted him to be ready to enjoy the match experience and get used to the environment of the DW Stadium but I knew I couldn't use him because he'd just arrived on the Thursday night and he'd only had one training session. It would have been a stupid risk.
"It's going to take a little bit for him to get up to the needs of playing in this league but he's growing quickly and he's someone that's going to have an important say this season."
Defender Adrian Lopez (hamstring) and midfielders Ben Watson (broken leg), Albert Crusat (knee) and Ryo Miyaichi (ankle) are all some way away but centre-back Antolin Alcaraz is back to full fitness after a long-term groin injury and close to a comeback.
http://www.teamtalk.com/wigan-athletic/8390486/Martinez-eyes-end-to-Fulham-jinx? (http://www.teamtalk.com/wigan-athletic/8390486/Martinez-eyes-end-to-Fulham-jinx?)
Fulham defender Stephen Kelly is undergoing a medical at Reading
Fulham right-back Stephen Kelly is having a medical at Reading ahead of a permanent move, manager Martin Jol has revealed.
The 29-year-old was a key player for the Cottagers last season but has lost his starting berth to Sascha Riether this term.
Kelly is set to leave the west Londoners in search of first-team football, with a permanent move to Reading close to completion.
Reading have struggled defensively this season and Brian McDermott is keen to bolster his defensive options
If Kelly secures his switch to the Madejski Stadium he will become McDermott's third signing of this month's transfer window following the arrivals of Daniel Carrico and Hope Akpan."We will try to get one or two players in," Jol said of his January transfer plans.
"One example is right-back as Stephen Kelly, who went for a medical at Reading today. It is close to completion.
"I expect him to join Reading permanently."
Republic of Ireland international Kelly has been at Craven Cottage since 2009, making 71 appearances in all competitions.
http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11673/8390594? (http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11673/8390594?)
Fulham midfielder to miss Wigan clash
Mahamadou Diarra and Kerim Frei are both unavailable for Fulham's match against West Brom tomorrow, although manager Martin Jol can welcome back a number of players.
Mladen Petric, Damien Duff, Mark Schwarzer and John Arne Riise all return after missing last weekend's 1-1 FA Cup third round draw with Blackpool.
Diarra (knee) and Frei (pelvis) are out, though, while right-back Stephen Kelly is set to join Reading.
Provisional squad: Schwarzer, Stockdale, Somogyi, Etheridge, Riether, Hangeland, Hughes, Senderos, Riise, Briggs, Dejagah, Baird, Sidwell, Karagounis, Kacaniklic, Duff, Richardson, Kasami, Ruiz, Rodallega, Berbatov, Petric.
http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/fulham_midfielder_to_miss_wigan_clash_1_1789769 (http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/fulham_midfielder_to_miss_wigan_clash_1_1789769)
