Complaints against former Premier League star Paintsil are withdrawn after he was arrested for 'stabbing wife in eye'
The wife and a neighbour of former Fulham defender John Paintsil have both withdrawn complaints against him in relation to a domestic incident last week, police have confirmed.
Deputy Superintendent Freeman Tetteh said Paintsil had been accused of causing harm to his wife, Richlove, and assaulting the neighbour at the Ghana international's home in Accra on Friday.
Tetteh wouldn't comment on reports that Paintsil had allegedly stabbed his wife in the eye in the incident. Both dropped their cases against the former West Ham and Fulham defender, Tetteh said, although police had taken statements from Paintsil's wife and the unnamed neighbour, who contacted the police.
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/02/22/article-2283094-0B8284C400000578-960_468x462.jpg)
Probe: Complaints against the former Fulham defender have been withdrawn
Tetteh said that 'no one can deny' there was an incident at the house. The police spokesman would not give any more details of the incident.
Paintsil was also hospitalised on Tuesday because of 'exhaustion and dehydration,' a spokesman for the player said, but he was released later the same day.
'The past five days have taken a severe emotional toll on the entire Paintsil family, Richlove and John especially, and that toll manifested itself in the unfortunate incident this morning,' said a statement from Ebenezer Aidoo, who identified himself as Paintsil's media adviser.
Aidoo said Paintsil's family had asked for privacy 'during this difficult time.'
Painstil, who is now at Israeli club Hapoel Tel Aviv, played for Ghana at the recent African Cup of Nations in South Africa, where the Black Stars lost in a penalty shootout to Burkina Faso in the semifinals.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2285401/John-Paintsil-complaints-withdrawn-stabbing-wife-allegations.html#ixzz2MAIDs2RB (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2285401/John-Paintsil-complaints-withdrawn-stabbing-wife-allegations.html#ixzz2MAIDs2RB)
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Tough Fulham Have to Let Players Go
The win against Stoke City at the weekend has done much to ease the concerns of Fulham fans. With 32 points on the board, another couple of wins should see us safe and sound. It's been a funny old season of transition; last summer saw a raft of key players depart, only a couple of which were adequately replaced, while business in the January window, rightly so in my opinion, was limited to a few loan deals to tie us over until the end of the season.
New contracts
However, with a significant number of the current squad out of contract in the summer, Brede Hangeland, Philippe Senderos, Chris Baird, Mark Schwarzer, Mahamadou Diarra, Giorgios Karagounis and Mladen Petric among others, next season is in danger of becoming yet another transitional period. Recent comments from Martin Jol suggest the club is in discussions with a number of these players at the moment, but perhaps it's time to let some of these guys go and for the club to shift down the age ladder.
The average age of the first-team squad is currently 29 and, of the players listed above, only Senderos is under 30. Jol has long stated his desire to reduce the average age of the squad, so why not take advantage now. I can't hide my admiration of/man-crush on Karagounis, but should we really be offering a new contract to a 35-year old who struggles to play 90 minutes? As much as I love Bairdinho, will he ever be more than a utility player? Can we expect Schwarzer, at the age of 40, to sustain the level required to play in the Premier League? With a heavy heart, I'm afraid the answer to all three is a resounding no.
Jol's choice
While Jol is right to look to re-sign the likes of Hangeland, Petrov and even Senderos; players who can be expected to contribute over the next couple of years, he should also look at this summer as a great opportunity to finally stamp his mark on this Fulham team. It is an opportunity to clear the decks and bring in guys 10 years younger, players with ambitions to improve, to win things, to achieve their potential. That should be our future.
As things stand, we are simply a mid-table club. However, if the club hierarchy genuinely has ambitions to progress further, tough choices need to be made and it's time for some thank yous and goodbyes.
Read more: http://pickourteam.com/premierleague/fulham/news/27-02-2013/tough-fulham-have-to-let-players-go/819131?#ixzz2MAIZ407T (http://pickourteam.com/premierleague/fulham/news/27-02-2013/tough-fulham-have-to-let-players-go/819131?#ixzz2MAIZ407T)
Fulham's Ashkan Dejagah has settled into the Premier League
Midway through the first half of Fulham's 1-0 victory over Stoke City on Saturday, home supporters were presented with a neatly executed demonstration of a "Cruyff turn".
Take a guess at the identity of the man who performed this most dexterous of dummies, the manoeuvre where a player feigns to cross the ball but instead drags it back behind his standing foot and, having encouraged his marker in one direction, swiftly, elegantly proceeds in the opposite one?
No, it was not Dimitar Berbatov, the footballer on whom the limelight at Craven Cottage trains with such focus. Nor the gifted Bryan Ruiz, the Costa Rican with a wide-ranging technical repertoire.
Rather, the trick was elegantly performed by a player who, after six months feeling his way into the Premier League, is beginning to suggest that his €2 million (Dh9.6m) capture last summer, was a shrewd piece of business.
When Wolfsburg, of the Bundesliga, sold Ashkan Dejagah in August, their then manager Felix Magath made clear his regrets. "We are sorry to see him leave," said Magath of the 26 year old, "but it was clear he wanted to go to England".
There, the Fulham manager Martin Jol had been admirer of the skilled winger for a while, since his days in charge of Hamburg.
Jol also saw the potential for a relationship to develop down Fulham's right flank. The full-back, Sascha Riether, had moved to West London on loan; over the last two months especially, the attack-minded Riether and Dejagah, colleagues when Wolfsburg won the Bundesliga in 2009, have combined very fruitfully for Fulham.
Dejagah still has a great deal more to do, though, if the fame he gathered as a 21 year old is to be eclipsed by his achievements on the field.
His decision, in October 2007, not to represent the Germany Under 21 team in an away international in Israel made headlines there and in the Middle East. It drew comment from German politicians and it would put a young athlete, Dejagah, under unwelcome pressure.
Dejagah was born in Tehran, Iran. He moved to Germany with his parents at the age of two. The family made a home in Berlin and as Dejagah grew to realise he had an out-of-the-ordinary talent with ball, he also found himself classed among a special generation of young Berliners, many of them drawn from the sort of immigrant family backgrounds that had become more conspicuous in the German capital.
Friends from his time as a Hertha Berlin youth player, and in national under-age squads, were the Nigerian-German Chinedu Ede, now at Mainz, and the Ghanaian-German brothers, Jerome Boateng, who went on to Manchester City and Bayern Munich, and Kevin-Prince Boateng, now of AC Milan.
Dejagah and Prince Boateng had traits of the street footballer about them, liked to practice their Cruyff turns and other tricks. When Dejagah was given the No 10 shirt on being called up by the Germany Under 21s, it endorsed his potential.
But as Falko Gotz, a Hertha Berlin coach of the time, said, "Ashkan sometimes over complicated his game. It took him time to learn to be more direct and effective."
He made his first-team debut for Hertha in 2004, at just 18. But it would be another year and a half before he made his next Bundesliga appearance.
He had finally broken through, under Gotz, by the middle of the 2006/07 campaign, and by that summer he was looking to pursue his career elsewhere.
He had options, because of a burgeoning reputation. Wolfsburg, ambitiously assembling a squad to challenge for the title, swooped.
But soon after he moved came his eye-of-a-storm moment, the point where his professional career met a cultural crossroads.
As part of the promising German Under 21 side, Dejagah was scheduled to play in Tel Aviv. He withdrew from the party. He told Dieter Eilts, his coach, it was for "personal reasons".
He later told Stern magazine it was for "family reasons". It is fair to report that, given the cold political relationship between Iran and Israel, there was discomfort among those close to him at his making the trip.
In Germany, there was uproar. Some demanded he never again be picked for his adopted country.
Within the German Federation, they showed more sensitivity. Dejagah would add further to his Under 21 caps, and collect a winners' medal at the 2009 European championships, missing out on a starting place in the final only because of suspension.
But, unlike Mesut Ozil, Manuel Neuer, Sami Khedira and Jerome Boateng, Dejagah would not go on to senior caps for Germany. Instead, like Kevin-Prince Boateng, who chose to play for Ghana, Dejagah switched national jersey.
He is now an Iran international. Fifa rules allow a change of allegiance for eligible dual internationals until they have played full, senior competitive match for a county.
Courted enthusiastically by the Iran manager Carlos Queiroz, he made his debut a year ago.
He quickly announced himself as a key asset, scoring twice on his debut for the nation of his birth, in a World Cup qualifying draw with Qatar that secured Iran top spot in their third-phase group.
If Iran can extricate themselves from the four-way bottleneck with Uzbekistan, South Korea and Qatar in the June denouement of the next stage, Dejagah should be on his way to Brazil next year.
Read more: http://www.thenational.ae/sport/football/fulhams-ashkan-dejagah-has-settled-into-the-premier-league#ixzz2MAIvh4t4 (http://www.thenational.ae/sport/football/fulhams-ashkan-dejagah-has-settled-into-the-premier-league#ixzz2MAIvh4t4)
Follow us: @TheNationalUAE on Twitter | thenational.ae on Facebook - See more at: http://www.thenational.ae/sport/football/fulhams-ashkan-dejagah-has-settled-into-the-premier-league?#sthash.C1G3WRNB.dpuf (http://www.thenational.ae/sport/football/fulhams-ashkan-dejagah-has-settled-into-the-premier-league?#sthash.C1G3WRNB.dpuf)
Keeping What We Have!
Whilst most supporters are keenly watching how Fulham fare in the Premier League, there are still some delicate negotiations going on behind the scenes.
Having lost Clint Dempsey and Moussa Dembele, in the transfer window last summer, Martin Jol is acutely aware that several of the current first team squad are at the end of their contracts very shortly.
Although Damien Duff has put pen-to-paper on a new deal, that still leaves the likes of Mark Schwarzer, Brede Hangeland, Giorgos Karagounis and Phillipe Senderos to convince that their futures lie at Craven Cottage.
Martin Jol, talking about the situation in the local press, is quoted as having remarked,
"There's a lot of players finishing their contracts and we are talking to most of them.'
It remains to be seen who stays and who chooses to try their luck elsewhere.
Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=310774#ixzz2MAJGg300 (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=310774#ixzz2MAJGg300)
Our John's in a Spot of Bother!
I loved John Paintsil when he was at Craven Cottage.
He was something of a maverick but his wholesome efforts were always appreciated on his one-man lap of honour following each home game.
Only last week I`d been pondering where he was now and this morning I got my answer.
It appears that John got himself in a bit of bother back in his homeland, of Ghana. John had been accused by his wife and neighbor of causing harm to both during a domestic incident.
However, it now appears that a truce has been declared with the complaint being dropped against him.
Once a maverick always a maverick I guess!
Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=310775#ixzz2MAJQ2c2e (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=310775#ixzz2MAJQ2c2e)
Robert Huth accepts three-match ban for clash with Philippe Senderos
The incident occurred in Stoke's defeat to Fulham
Stoke defender Robert Huth will serve a three-match suspension after deciding not to contest a Football Association charge of violent conduct.
The German was charged yesterday following a clash with Fulham defender Philippe Senderos in Saturday's 1-0 defeat at Craven Cottage that was missed by match officials at the time.
Huth will miss this weekend's Barclays Premier League meeting with West Ham as well as matches against Newcastle and West Brom.
Stoke said in a statement on their website: "Stoke City have confirmed that Robert Huth has accepted the charge of violent conduct following an incident in last weekend's game at Craven Cottage."
PA
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/robert-huth-accepts-threematch-ban-for-clash-with-philippe-senderos-8513640.html (http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/robert-huth-accepts-threematch-ban-for-clash-with-philippe-senderos-8513640.html)
The two defenders Fulham must sign up as soon as possible
(http://static-imgs-acf.hereisthecity.com/20110721//96/brede_hangeland_20981.jpg)
Fulham look close to confirming their safety in the Premier League. Yet two of their key players are not guaranteed of being at Craven Cottage next season.
With Fulham's 1-0 victory over Stoke courtesy of yet another piece of majesty from the right boot of Dimitar Berbatov came a belief among the teams players that perhaps they could start counting the kittens of a potentially safe Premier League season blessed with mid-table mediocrity. At the start of the season any Fulham fan would have taken that.
Part of their success has been a solid and consistent backline with two players in particular featuring regularly. Brede Hangeland has featured in 23 games for the club this season while right-back Sascha Riether has missed just one of the 27 Premier League fixtures.
Both have had decent seasons and that level of consistency looks like being the difference between safety and relegation at the end of the current season.
But currently there is no guarantee that either will be at the club next season.
In Hangeland's case the 31-year-old captains contract expires in the summer and so far talks to extend that deal have so far been fruitless. Although this week Martin Jol announced that a potential deal was close:
"I think we are close. We will have a few players [signing new deals] in the next couple of weeks. Over the last couple of months Brede has been a tower."
Considering previous interest in the player from QPR and some of the Premier League's top teams that news will be welcome to Fulham fans ears.
Riether on the other hand is only on loan at the club and they have the right to exercise a buy-out clause on his current deal. He is on loan from FC Koln who are currently in a battle with Kaiserslautern for third place in 2.Bundesliga and a subsequent promotion play-off match, most likely against Hoffenheim.
Therefore it is likely his future may hinge on the success of Koln in their pursuit of promotion. If however it doesn't come off by what he said earlier in the month he would seemingly be more than happy to stay at Craven Cottage:
"Nothing is decided yet, Fulham can activate a clause, and I also have to agree. As things stand now, I will return to Cologne in the summer. But I have to consider and talk to both clubs. I wanted to become a starter (at Fulham), and I managed to do that. I am proud I have become a fans' favourite. But of course I can still do better, and that's what I am trying to do. The football here suits me. Moreover, the club is very friendly and I received a warm welcome."
One thing for sure is that Fulham would be wise to tie down the long-term futures of these two players before other Premier League teams decide to rain on their parade.
http://hereisthecity.com/2013/02/27/mn-the-two-defenders-fulham-must-sign-up-as-soon-as-possible/? (http://hereisthecity.com/2013/02/27/mn-the-two-defenders-fulham-must-sign-up-as-soon-as-possible/?)
FULHAM STILL WAITING ON MAHAMADOU DIARRA INJURY
MAHAMADOU DIARRA faces a fight to play again this season.
The Fulham midfielder has suffered a fresh setback in his recovery from a knee injury.
Mali international Diarra, 31, has not played this year and is in danger of missing the rest of the campaign.
The former Real Madrid star, who moved to the Bernabeu for £22m in 2006, has struggled to recapture his old form and fitness.
Fulham boss Martin Jol said: "Diarra is still not right. He had an operation, looked better and then had a rest and it was even more painful. He will need quite a while to come back, and hopefully he will before the end of the season."
Jol has been boosted by midfielder Simon Davies returning to fitness.
Davies, 33, is close to a comeback after almost a year out with a hip problem.
"Simon's been so unlucky with injuries," said Jol.
"He's been in full training, but we have to ease him back in slowly."
http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/301102/? (http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/301102/?)
Fulham & West Ham Transfer Target To Stay In France
Zoumana Camara not interested in move to the Premier League.
Fulham, West Brom and West Ham have all been told to forget about signing defender Zoumana Camara from Paris Saint-Germain after the centre-back vowed to stay and fight for his place at the Ligue 1 side.
The three Premier League clubs had been preparing summer moves for 33-year-old Camara, who has lost his place in the first-team at PSG where he had previously been a regular since joining the club in 2007.
But French international Camara has expressed his desire to stay at the Parc des Princes to fight for his place in manager Carlo Ancelotti's first-team rather than move to the Premier League for his final days as a professional footballer.
"It is always disappointing when you do not play, especially in a big game against Marseille," Camara told Sky Sports after PSG's win over Marseille. But you have to respect the choice of the manager and work hard in training and hopefully your chance will come. I want to be a part of this new chapter. Let us wait and see."
Camara, capped once by France, had a brief spell in the Premier League in 2004 when playing 13 times and scoring one in a Leeds United side who were relegated from the top flight in the 2003/04 season.
He has spent the majority of his career playing in France with two spells at St Etienne and stints with Marseille and Lens, while he did spend time in Italy with Inter Milan, Empoli and Bastia during a 16-year career to date.
http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/02/28/fulham-west-ham-transfer-target-to-stay-in-france/? (http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/02/28/fulham-west-ham-transfer-target-to-stay-in-france/?)
Chelsea Rescheduled
Fulham's Barclays Premier League match with Chelsea at Craven Cottage will now be played at a later date, after the Blues progressed to the Sixth Round of the FA Cup with Budweiser following victory over Middlesbrough on Wednesday evening.
The match was scheduled to take place on Sunday 10th March, but Chelsea now face our Cup conquerors Manchester United on that date.
Any tickets already purchased will be valid for the rearranged fixture and the Club will make fans aware of the new date as soon as possible.
http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/february/28/chelsea-rescheduled? (http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/february/28/chelsea-rescheduled?)
Ex men: Fulham
Players who have represented both SAFC and Fulham.
Dickson Etuhu
The Nigerian international signed for the Black Cats in 2007 and played 20 league games in his only season at the Stadium of Light.
He left Wearside for London at the start of the 2008 season and went on to make 91 league appearances, picking up a UEFA Europa League runners-up medal in the process, before joining Blackburn Rovers in the summer of 2012.
Vic Halom
Halom was one of the key players in Sunderland's 1973 FA Cup winning squad, scoring key goals in the fifth round replay against cup favourites Manchester City and in the semi-final against Arsenal.
The striker was one of Bob Stokoe's earliest signings and repaid all of the £35,000 that Stokoe paid Luton for his services, with some memorable performances in the famous red and white.
Halom played for Fulham before joining Luton, scoring 22 goals in 72 games.
Kevin Ball
Now, Senior Professional Development Coach at Sunderland, Ball is 12th on the all-time appearance list for the Black Cats.
With nearly 400 appearances to his name, Ball is highly regarded by fans at the SoL, and the hardened midfielder was part of the 1992 FA Cup runners-up squad in his second year with the club.
Ball spent nine years on Wearside as a player, winning the Player of the Season award in the 1996-97 season, before moving on to a brief spell at Fulham towards the end of his career.
http://www.safc.com/news/team-news/2013/february/ex-men-fulham? (http://www.safc.com/news/team-news/2013/february/ex-men-fulham?)
Ones to Watch: Fulham
Key men for the Cottagers under the microscope.
Dimitar Berbatov
Arguably, the most technically gifted player in the Barclays Premier League, and one Sunderland will have
to keep an eye on.
Berbatov has 84 goals in his 200 Premier League games and in November 2010 became the first non-Englishman to score five goals in a Premier League game when Manchester United beat Blackburn Rovers 7-1.
Sir Alex Ferguson signed Berbatov for a reported £30 miliion from Tottenham Hotspur in 2008 and the Bulgarian went on to become the 50th United player to score 50 goals in all competitions for the Red Devils.
First-team opportunities were limited towards the end of Berbatov's time at Old Trafford, prompting Fulham to bid for his services.
He made the move to Craven Cottage in the summer of 2012 and has since gone on to make 22 league appearances for the Cottagers – last weekend's goal against Stoke City showing the quality he brings to Martin Jol's side.
Brede Hangeland
6'6 Norwegian, Brede Hangeland is a fans' favourite at Craven Cottage having spent five years in London.
Despite interest from some of Europe's elite, Hangeland has stayed with the Cottagers and has made 233 appearances in all competitions for Martin Jol's side.
Hangeland signed for Fulham from FC Copenhagen back in 2008 and he has become one of the first names on the team-sheet at Fulham.
He is also the Norway national team captain and has represented his country on 82 occasions.
Hangeland did receive his only red card in a Fulham shirt in Sunderland's 3-1 victory at Craven Cottage back in November.
Mark Schwarzer
Australian international Mark Schwarzer is one of the most highly respected goalkeepers in Premier League history.
Not only is Schwarzer tenth in the Premier League all-time appearance list, but, he is also the most capped Australian in the Socceroos' history with 104 caps.
And, Schwarzer is no stranger to the North-east having played the majority of his 657 appearances in English football on Teesside with Middlesbrough.
He moved to Fulham in 2008 after his Middlesbrough contract had expired and has since gone on to make just under 200 appearances for the South London club.
He was part of the Fulham side that were runners-up in the 2009-10 UEFA Europa League, having also been a runner-up in the UEFA Cup with Middlesbrough in 2006.
http://www.safc.com/news/team-news/2013/february/ones-to-watch-fulham? (http://www.safc.com/news/team-news/2013/february/ones-to-watch-fulham?)
Davies making progress
Martin Jol has confirmed that midfielder Simon Davies is closing in on a return to action for Fulham after resuming training.
The 33-year-old Wales international has only made seven appearances in two seasons for the Cottagers because of a hip injury in addition to a myriad other problems.
And, as reported earlier in the month, Davies was finally set to resume training with the Cottagers' first-team squad with a view to returning to action before the end of the season when he will then be out of contract.
Jol has now revealed that Davies is progressing well but, as far as featuring in the Premier League is concerned, he does not want to rush him back too soon and risk another injury setback.
"Simon's been so unlucky with injuries," said the Cottagers boss.
"He's been in full training, but we have to ease him back in slowly."
- See more at: http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/davies-making-progress-1553739.html?#sthash.Sqls3pB6.dpuf (http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/davies-making-progress-1553739.html?#sthash.Sqls3pB6.dpuf)
Gardner wary of Fulham threat
Midfielder hoping to keep Cottagers quiet.
Sunderland midfielder Craig Gardner says his side need to move on from the disappointment of Saturday's defeat at West Brom and start to climb the table.
Gardner conceded a penalty for handball during the 2-1 defeat at the Hawthorns although he felt the Black Cats should have had a penalty of their own.
He said: "The penalty I'm absolutely gutted about, it was just unlucky for the ball to hit my hand from there and the referee to give them a penalty.
"We're not here to speak about the referee, though, we just want to put that behind us and move on."
And, the 26-yearold feels there would be no better time to bounce back than Saturday's visit of Fulham.
"We need to make the most of every game and we've got some good games coming up now so hopefully we can hit the ground running and get some points," he said.
"They [Fulham] are a good team and obviously beating them at their place was a big result for us and hopefully we'll turn them over on Saturday."
Gardner is wary of the threat posed by Fulham striker Dimitar Berbatov and he feels the Bulgarian's goal in the Cottagers victory over Stoke City last weekend, shows the quality the former Manchester United man possesses.
"He's a top class player," he added.
"You can see that in his goal last weekend and by the career he's had - hopefully we can keep him quiet and get the three points on Saturday."
http://www.safc.com/news/team-news/2013/february/gardner-wary-of-fulham? (http://www.safc.com/news/team-news/2013/february/gardner-wary-of-fulham?)
O'Shea's Berbatov warning
'He's a man we'll have to keep an eye on.'
John O'Shea has warned Sunderland to beware of former Manchester United colleague Dimitar Berbatov – a player he knows better than most.
O'Shea spent three seasons playing alongside Berbatov in the north west and says the frontman's technical ability and finishing prowess make him a clear threat.
The Bulgarian has established himself as a huge Fulham favourite since departing Old Trafford in the summer and has scored nine goals so far this season.
However, he won't fall into the trap of focusing on one man in the face of the visitors' multiple attacking threats.
"He [Berbatov] is a fantastic player and everyone knows the quality that he has, you see with the technique he showed for the volley against Stoke – he's a man we'll have to keep an eye on," the defender said.
"He'll be the player Fulham will play most balls to and go through mostly, but they've still got other players who can pose a threat."
O'Shea added: "He's got literally everything to his game - power and strength that maybe people don't associate as much with him.
"He's got the silky touches to go with it as well; he'll be linking up a lot of their play and we'll definitely have to keep an eye on him."
Veteran boss Martin Jol has guided the Cottagers into a comfortable mid-table position, with seven points taken from the London club's last four games.
And the fact that Jol has overseen a recent upturn in form comes as no surprise to O'Shea, who says a quick start by his side would be a huge boon against a well-drilled visiting outfit.
"I think as always has been the case with Fulham over the years, their home form is their main asset and they've a very experienced team as well and an experienced manager as well," he said.
"They'll know they've got a tough game coming up to the Stadium of Light but they'll also be confident that they can cause us problems – that's something we're going to have to cope with and make sure we can keep them under long spells of pressure.
"Hopefully we can go ahead in the game rather than having to fight back.
"We have to win our home games, especially – Fulham are on the back of a good home win against Stoke, but Stoke missed a penalty during the game as well.
"But we know with the likes of Berbatov, [Bryan] Ruiz, and [Damien] Duff that they've got good attacking players and we'll have to be on our guard."
http://www.safc.com/news/team-news/2013/february/oshea-on-berbatov? (http://www.safc.com/news/team-news/2013/february/oshea-on-berbatov?)
Premier League preview: Sunderland v Fulham
Sunderland's underwhelming season looks set to deteriorate into a relegation fight as they prepare for a home match with Fulham on Saturday.
The arrival of Martin O'Neill as manager in December 2011 prompted an upturn in Sunderland's form and gave fans cause for optimism after several years of stagnation under Steve Bruce.
But despite the arrival of striker Steven Fletcher and winger Adam Johnson for big money in the off-season, Sunderland have failed to impress so far in 2012/13.
They sit 15th in the Premier League standings, just five points outside the relegation zone following a run of four matches without a win.
O'Neill's men have tasted defeat in each of their past three fixtures, going down 2-1 away to West Bromwich Albion last time out.
The outlook is somewhat brighter for Fulham, albeit only just.
The west London team occupy 11th spot on the table, three points better off than Sunderland. Their healthier position is down to some improved form of late, with a respectable return of two wins, one draw and one defeat from their past four league games.
There was no shame in that solitary defeat, 1-0 at home to title favourites Manchester United, and they followed it up with a worthy point away to Norwich and a 1-0 win at home to Stoke last Saturday.
Fulham manager Martin Jol may be confident of making it two league wins in succession for the first time since September, with shaky Sunderland seemingly ripe for the taking.
But to do so Fulham will have to overcome their uninspiring away form, and register what would be just their third Premier League victory on the road this term.
Jol will be missing midfielders Kerim Frei (groin) and Mahamadou Diarra (knee) for the long trip to the Stadium of Light, but versatile wideman Kieran Richardson is nearing a return to action.
For Sunderland, defender Wes Brown (knee) and on-loan fullback Danny Rose (hamstring) are out, while the game is likely to arrive too soon for captain and midfielder Lee Cattermole (knee) to feature.
http://uk.soccerway.com/news/2013/February/28/premier-league-preview-sunderland-v-fulham/? (http://uk.soccerway.com/news/2013/February/28/premier-league-preview-sunderland-v-fulham/?)
Pulis backs Huth punishment
Stoke manager Tony Pulis insists the Premier League club were right not to appeal Robert Huth's violent conduct charge.
Huth was given a three-match suspension by the Football Association after he caught Philippe Senderos in the face with his arm during Saturday's Premier League defeat at Fulham.
Pulis said: "Robert Huth's been fantastic for this football club, but I think he's let himself more down than anyone else. Everyone makes mistakes."
The Potters boss is confident he has the personnel to cover for Huth in the forthcoming games with both Marc Wilson and Geoff Cameron capable of filling the gap in the centre of defence.
"Marc Wilson and Geoff Cameron can play centre-half, so it gives them a potential opportunity," Pulis added.
And Pulis is looking for a reaction to the defeat at Craven Cottage when West Ham visit the Britannia Stadium this weekend.
"Our home form has been absolutely fantastic this year. We've got to make sure we continue to get results. It's a big game on Saturday," said Pulis.
"We were poor against Fulham in the first half, but after the second half I thought we deserved something from the game."
http://www.football365.com/news/21554/8529014/-? (http://www.football365.com/news/21554/8529014/-?)
Make Your Case: Kieran Richardson - Cult Hero Or Not?
Ahead of this weekend's visit of Fulham, fans on Wearside may well be welcoming back a familiar face to Sunderland this Saturday. Kieran Richardson departed the club back in August following five solid years of service in the red and white stripes. With the 28-year-old battling to be fit for a first outing against his old side, we wondered - does 'Rico' deserve 'Cult Hero' status on Wearside? David Boyle and Chris Weatherspoon battle it out for your votes.
David Boyle - Yes!
Cult Heroes by the very definition are never the greatest footballer on the pitch. In fact they may in fact be the least technically gifted player on display but they have something about them which just endears them to the fans, be it a love for a good 'ol 50/50 tackle like Kevin Ball, a never-say-die attitude like Stuart Pearce, a Jimmy Bullard-esq sense of mischief or in Nyron Nosworthy's case, just being so poo it was bloody hilarious.
However some players earn Cult Hero status not for a reputation they built up over a prolonged period at a club but rather a defining moment. Mart Poom's towering header in the dying moments of his return to Pride Park to earn Sunderland an unlikely point against his former side a perfect example. Poom was a solid, reliable and likable keeper but was never likely to have been remembered with such fondness if it was not for that one magical, unbelievable moment.
This is the category of Cult Hero where we can neatly store Kieran Richardson, as well as that ridiculous pony-tail. The reigning Dave Lister Lookalike Champion of the World for an unprecedented eight years running had a solid if unspectacular spell on Wearside. His progress at the club not helped by being used in more positions than your standard Brazzers pornstar.
However, the stars were to align for Keiran on that one memorable day, which seems a lifetime ago now, when with the weight of hope and expectation of the Sunderland crowd upon his shoulders he fired a freekick into the back of Shay Given's net which will live long in the memory.
Still to this day that match winning moment of brilliance inspired the only victory on home turf over that lot up the road in my lifetime. If that is not worthy of a wry smile when you watch it back and therefore Cult Hero status I don't know what is.
Chris Weatherspoon - No!
Right, let's head off the main argument straight away. I have few doubts that whomever places a tick in Kieran Richardson's 'Cult Hero?' box will immediately turn to one particular event - that free-kick which earned Sunderland their first home victory over Newcastle United in decades.
"And why not?" I hear you call. Well, yes, Richardson's set-piece that day was stunning, in both aesthetic and emotional terms. The sight of the ball rasping its way past a despairing Shay Given, swerving one way then the next, with stunning ferocity, will live long in the memory of the Wearside faithful. Deeper in their hearts it will signify the moment that ended - for at least a little while - years of taunting and jibing from their poorly dressed, soap-avoiding neighbours.
Yet, I struggle to reconcile this one event with the achievements that define a cult hero at Sunderland. Of course, Richardson brought far more to the scene than a single free-kick. Over the years he developed into one of the first names on the team sheet, making an effective transition from inconsistent attacking midfielder to solid left-back. When he left, back in the summer, plenty - myself included - groaned. The arrival of Danny Rose has dampened the blow but, should Rose not be acquired permanently, then the hole left behind by Richardson at full-back will be a tough one to fill.
However, to say this is deserving of 'Cult Hero' status is wrong. Was Richardson an admirable stalwart for the club, one whom helped Sunderland to solidify themselves as a Premier League side? Of course he was.
But did he have that 'hook' that other cult heroes have? Did he have a song about him? Did he have a reputation for a particular aspect of his play that endeared him to the Stadium of Light faithful? The answer, simply, is no. And for those who try to suggest his free-kick prowess was legendary, let us remember that his effort against Newcastle was very much a departure from the norm. Aside from an effort that struck the Fulham post a week prior to that Wear-Tyne derby and a goal at home to Chelsea a few years later, memories of Richardson's other free-kicks merge into a composition of balls either finding Row Z or a member of the opposing wall.
In the fight to become a Cult Hero, Richardson's versatility and consistency, particularly later in his career when deployed in defence, count against him. He became regarded as a solid performer and, for that reason, never truly stood out. He had no defining quality about him - he was lost in a milieu of other players at the club, where only a handful stood out from the norm. That is not a criticism, but to be a cult hero there needs to be something more than just being a good player for the club.
http://www.rokerreport.com/2013/2/28/4036254/make-your-case-kieran-richardson-cult-hero-or-not? (http://www.rokerreport.com/2013/2/28/4036254/make-your-case-kieran-richardson-cult-hero-or-not?)
Damien Duff Exclusive
Despite turning 34 in March, Damien Duff is still tearing up the Premier League just as he has done since bursting onto the scene at 17. A great deal has happened since the Irishman first arrived at Craven Cottage in August 2009, with the player impressing greatly on the banks of the Thames - where his natural talent, honest determination and vibrant edge have been key components of the Club's recent success.
With his loping stride and unconventional gait, he's a captivating mix of fluency and endeavour - facets that have made him the scourge of full-backs for more than a decade and a half.
Duff may be a notoriously serene character, but he is one that comes to life with the ball at his feet. He is the perfect example of someone that prefers to let his feet do the talking.
"I don't like watching myself on television talking and if I see an interview I did in a paper, then I can't even read it. Some players love it, but I hate it. To be honest, I don't think I have anything of interest to say."
He's wrong. For Duff has enjoyed a significant 16 seasons in the game. Having made his breakthrough at Blackburn Rovers just two months after his 17th birthday, he would go on to make 224 appearances for the Lancashire club before moving to Chelsea in July 2003 for a reported £17m.
Having helped his first club to the League Cup in 2002, at Stamford Bridge he would win another League Cup, plus two Premier League trophies.
Time at former club Newcastle United, who he joined in July 2006, was mixed, but on the international stage Duff continued to shine. Last summer, he retired having won 100 caps for the Republic of Ireland, which included an impressive showing at the 2002 World Cup.
"I'm proud of that, but it's probably something that I'll reflect upon in more detail when I've retired from the game totally," he admits. "I'm not planning on finishing my career any time soon, though.
"It's been a nice journey, with lots of ups and downs - but that's football. I've had a great time; football is the love of my life, so I'm a very lucky man. The current campaign is my 16th full season in professional football. When you start out, you don't look too far ahead. While I want to play for a bit longer, I am at that stage where I'm starting to think about what happens next.
"When I'm finished, God knows what I'll do. Football is all I really know, and no doubt some would say all that I'm really good at. Before I signed for Blackburn as a kid, I remember being at school, aged 14 or 15, and having teachers laugh when I said I wanted to be a professional footballer.
"You'd get some kids saying that they wanted to be a doctor, policeman or solicitor or whatever, but for me it was only ever football. When I think back, I was probably a bit of a laughing stock, but hopefully I've proved a few people wrong."
Indeed he has, and with some assurance too. When moving on to discuss his time with Fulham, where he is fast approaching 150 appearances in all competitions, Duff offers up a surprising riposte.
For despite helping Blackburn to their first domestic cup in 74 years and lining up in the UEFA Champions League (he was part of the Chelsea side that reached the Semi-Final in 2005) and winning two league titles with the Blues, it's his time with the Whites that has proved most rewarding for the player.
"This Club has a wonderful feel about the place," reveals Damien. "I love playing at Craven Cottage - it's special. In my football career, believe it or not, my happiest times have been at Fulham.
"The Club has been amazing to me. I probably experienced a bit of a lull at Newcastle so, in a way, Fulham has been my saviour. I love pulling on the shirt, and giving my all to the cause - and long may that continue."
To read the full Damien Duff interview be sure to pick up your copy of Issue 40 of Fultime magazine which is instore now, priced £3.50. You can also purchase your copy from our online store here.
The latest edition also features in-depth discussion from Manager Martin Jol, Sascha Riether, Matthew Briggs, Les Strong, Steve Wigley, Erik Nevland and Fulham fan and television presenter Millie Clode. We also take a look at Fulham in the 1960s, provide the third instalment of the 100 men who shaped Fulham Football Club, and offer a comprehensive guide to all of the Club's January transfer window purchases.
http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/february/28/damien-duff-fultime? (http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/february/28/damien-duff-fultime?)
Why Sunderland's new strikeforce can outshine even Berbatov's brilliance
Steven Fletcher and Danny Graham look well priced to cap their encouraging start together by firing the Black Cats past Fulham.
With Sunderland and Fulham both sitting reasonably comfortably in 15th and 11th places respectively in the Premier League table, the key to their clash this weekend is arguably the striking dual between three prominent forwards.
Between them, Sunderland's Steven Fletcher, his new partner Danny Graham and Fulham's talisman Dimitar Berbatov have averaged a goal every 2.1 games this season.
So while the 3Way betting odds have Sunderland as 13/10 favourites, Fulham at 21/10 and the draw 11/5, the outcome will largely depend on which of that trio impose themselves most.
Berbatov proved a great shout for me last weekend against Stoke City, coming in as a £460 winner for new bwin customers using their free £20 bet by scoring the only goal – and what a sumptuous strike it was, too – in the Cottagers' 1-0 win.
His past record against this week's opponents suggests the mercurial Bulgarian could again pull out some magic when boss Martin Jol needs it most.
He's 9/4 to get his seventh strike career strike against the Black Cats and 6/1 to repeat his opening goal from last time out.
But this time, it might not be enough to get the win over Sunderland's own potent tandem of Fletcher and Graham.
Scotland striker Fletcher has kept the Black Cats in games single-handedly at times this season, contributing over a third of their goals, while the team have picked up an average of over 1.7 points per game when he has struck.
Boss Martin O'Neill will once again be looking to his main man to deliver the opening goal at 5/1.
Yet the goalscoring burden no longer rests solely with Fletcher following O'Neill's January purchase of Graham from Swansea City.
Despite being pushed out of the Swans' line-up by the surprise success of Michu, Graham was able to grab seven goals before his transfer window move and will be keen to make his first strike for his new club the final goal of the game at 7/1.
With that duo in place, then bwin punters could really cash in big by backing a 2-1 Sunderland win behind a Fletcher opener at 28/1.
What will give O'Neill extra confidence is Sunderland's display in the reverse fixture back in December.
On that day, they ended a shocking six-game winless run with a 3-1 success at Craven Cottage, a repeat of which is priced up at 35/2.
And with some added confidence compared to their gloomy early-season travails, home advantage and a new strikeforce, I'm backing a Sunderland win with over 3.5 goals in the game, which looks cracking value at 27/4.
Top bet: Sunderland to win a game of over 3.5 goals @ 27/4
- See more at: http://bwinbetting.com/leagues/premier-league/sunderlands-strikeforce-outshine-berbatovs-brilliance,37288.html?#sthash.GXR8JWOU.dpuf (http://bwinbetting.com/leagues/premier-league/sunderlands-strikeforce-outshine-berbatovs-brilliance,37288.html?#sthash.GXR8JWOU.dpuf)
Fulham could lose seven key players for nothing this summer
Although it's unlikely, Fulham could lose seven first team players this summer.
The reason they could lose that many stars is because they are all on contracts which are set to expire once the season has finished.
Fulham boss Martin Jol has confirmed that the club are in talks with a number of the players in questions, over new deals which will keep them at the club for the foreseeable future.
The players include top profile stars Mark Schwarzer, Brede Hangeland, Mladen Petric, Giorgos Karagounis, Simon Davies, Chris Baird and Philippe Senderos.
The good news is Fulham seem to be on top of the situation and are working on deals to keep those players in place, months before the end of the season.
However, if agreements aren't reached then there could be an exodus of epic proportions at Craven Cottage which may see some of the side's best players walking away for nothing.
"There's a lot of players finishing their contracts [at the end of the season] and we are talking to most of them. We will have a few more in the next couple of weeks," Jol told the Fulham Chronicle.
What's most interesting is that some of the players in question have clauses in their current contracts which will trigger an automatic extension if they play a certain number of games.
Considering Fulham's relative mid-table obscurity in the Premier League and no real threat that they'll go down, don't be surprised if Jol uses his rotation policy quite a lot over the final few weeks of the season.
Why the club has let the situation grow to such an extent is a little unclear because there's no doubt that it's a big risk.
If there are any key players in question who have already made up their minds that they want to leave Fulham at the end of this campaign, they now have free licence to do just that because the club has missed out on the chance to sell them.
The point for Fulham is to keep all of the big name and important players in place and then support those players with summer additions, which is inevitable as Fulham are unlikely to agree new deals for all key players.
Damien Duff is the most recent star to pledge his future to the club and gradually others should follow suit but it's not exactly the best example of how to handle contracts.
http://hereisthecity.com/2013/02/28/ld-fulham-could-lose-seven-key-players-for-nothing-this-summer/? (http://hereisthecity.com/2013/02/28/ld-fulham-could-lose-seven-key-players-for-nothing-this-summer/?)
UPDATE: Watford set to sign Fulham defender Matthew Briggs but new arrival won't be available for televised clash with Wolves
Watford are on the verge of signing Fulham defender Matthew Briggs on loan but we understand he won't be available for tomorrow night's televised game with Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Briggs is due at the Hornets' London Colney training base later today ahead of his loan move but we understand he will not be available for the game with Wolves.
The 21-year-old can play as a left-sided wide player but he has been signed due to the Hornets' injury problems at centre half.
Briggs has made eight appearances for Fulham this season and also appeared for Championship side Bristol City three times in November.
The Fulham website describes Briggs as primarily a left back but adds he has "desirable attributes at both ends of the pitch. He can defend but he's also extremely comfortable on the ball; he has pace, can pass, is athletic and can get up and down the pitch."
Briggs became the youngest player to feature in a Premier League game when he came on as a substitute against Middlesbrough in 2007.
Fulham boss Martin Jol seems to rate the player, who can also fill in at centre half, as the 21-year-old has made six starts and two substitute appearances for the Cottagers this season, either side of his stint with Bristol City.
Briggs has made 27 appearances for Fulham since his debut and also had brief spells on loan at Leyton Orient in 2010 and Peterborough United last year.
He has represented England at Under-16, Under-17, Under-19, Under-20 and Under-21 level.
Briggs was part of the England Under-19 squad which reached the final of the European Championship in 2009 and he also travelled to the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Egypt that year.
http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sport/watfordfc/watfordfcnews/10258760._/? (http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sport/watfordfc/watfordfcnews/10258760._/?)
Jol's Sunderland Preview
Martin Jol is targeting three points against Sunderland on Saturday as Fulham bid to reach the 40-point mark as soon as possible.
Three wins will see the Whites surpass that tally and our Manager admits that he is keen to put any lingering flirtation with the relegation zone behind him.
"Like a lot of other teams, we set a target that we would like to have 40 points," the Dutchman said in his press conference on Thursday. "Then we can relax maybe a bit more and, from then on, try to get as high up the table as possible.
"If you see the league over the last five or six years, you will see the same situation. There are three or four clubs down there but, at the end of the year, you always see one or two teams dropping into trouble.
"Wigan Athletic, for example, are almost specialists in getting out of trouble, so there will always be one or two clubs to be dragged into it and we don't want to be one of those clubs.
"Our first target was to stay in the league because that's important for the Club. If you look at the resources all the clubs in the Premier League get at the end of the year, it's virtually eminent or vital for us to stay in the league. And then even 12th or 11th would be fantastic for us."
Victory at the Stadium of Light at the weekend would see Fulham open up a six-point gap ahead of the Black Cats, and Jol stressed the importance of getting wins against the teams around us in the table.
"Of course the Chelsea game has been postponed so I think that is a problem as we now probably won't have a home game in March," he explained. "We will have to play three games possibly in six or seven days and that is not what you like.
"If you look at the games that we should get the points from, Reading and Sunderland for example, hopefully we will get the points from the teams who are in a similar position to us, or below us."
Jol continued: "I felt that although we started [the season] well, Sunderland didn't have the best of starts. But they had a good run of games and are now in the same situation as us.
"We've said before games a couple of times that we need this win – before West Ham United, before Newcastle United and before Stoke City - and we managed to get these nine points so we were ever so pleased to be in that situation.
"But, on the other hand, if we stay on 32 points we will be in trouble anyway, and Sunderland are in a similar situation. They play at home [on Saturday] and, of course, it is not easy to go there because it's a noisy crowd.
"But I think we have done okay away from home lately and, hopefully, we can capitalise on our possession game and our football, because we didn't do that at Norwich City and hopefully we can do that now and get a result and stay above them."
Jol also provided an injury update ahead of the trip to Wearside, with Mahamadou Diarra the only man still on the treatment table.
"We had a good training week," he said. "Diarra had a little setback a week ago and, hopefully, he will be fine in the next three weeks but I can't have a guarantee from my medical staff so that is a problem for him and a problem for us.
"After his operation we thought he was better, he thought he was better, then he felt this aching pain.
"That's it [for injuries] so we are doing quite well on that front. Kieran Richardson was injured and now he's been back over the last two weeks and he will be involved in the squad, so we will have to wait and see if he starts or if he's on the bench.
"He's a versatile player, he can play on the left, he can play in midfield and he can play left-back. And I feel that he should be – not could be – a terrific left-back because he did that before.
"He had a good season with Steve Bruce [at Sunderland] as a left-back but then he played a bit differently so if you give him the licence to express himself I think he will be good as a left-back, but he will be good in midfield as well."
http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/february/28/jols-sunderland-preview? (http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/february/28/jols-sunderland-preview?)
Hangeland close to Fulham deal
MARTIN Jol hopes to tie Fulham captain Brede Hangeland to a new deal within the next fortnight.
The Whites have been locked in talks with the towering defender for the past six months, with the Norwegian's contract due to expire in the summer.
However, boss Jol has revealed he is close to thrashing out terms to keep the 31-year-old at Craven Cottage beyond the end of the season.
He said: "We are talking so that is a positive thing.
"He wants to stay here. Hopefully in the next couple of weeks there will be some news."
Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/fulham-fc/2013/02/28/82029-32899866/?#ixzz2MD5Kv0qo (http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/fulham-fc/2013/02/28/82029-32899866/?#ixzz2MD5Kv0qo)
My Team: Example Talks About The Ups And Downs Of Being A Fulham Fan!
(http://www.zootoday.com/pub/21publish/s/sport/exmple-vide.jpg)
Why Fulham?
I grew up with Craven Cottage at the end of my street. Now I practically live right next to it, so you can't get more local than that. My dad, granddad, uncle and all of my mum's family are Fulham fans. It was unavoidable!
Earliest memory?
Me and my mates used to skateboard down the terraces and run onto the pitch, only to get chased off by the caretaker. Then Mohamed Al Fayed bought the club and introduced tighter security. There was even anti-climbing paint. We'd scale a wall and get covered!
Fondest memory?
Winning promotion to the Premier League in 2001. Four years earlier, we were languishing in the old Division Three! Then came Al Fayed, Kevin Keegan, Jean Tigana and a bunch of new players. We had Luis Boa Morte, Louis Saha and Barry Hayles scoring every week. It was great to watch.
Favourite player?
Louis Saha was brilliant when he was fit and Clint Dempsey comes a close second. We used to go for American barbecue dinners together. He'd have liked to have finished his career at Fulham, but he had his reasons for moving and fans shouldn't be bitter. Plus, he's a rapper!
Favourite chant?
"Al Fayed, whoah!
Al Fayed, whoah!
He wants to be a Brit,
And QPR are sh*t!"
Sh*ttest player?
Steve Marlet. We paid a record £11.5m for a bloke who was supposed to be the new Thierry Henry – and he was f**king useless. He scored 11 goals in just over 50 games. Rubbish.
Favourite kit?
I liked the Nike kit we had a few seasons ago, then we switched to Kappa. Imagine you're Nike – you feel euphoric. The next minute, you're a Kappa slapper. That's like the worst come-down ever!
Team you love to hate?
I'm not one to hold grudges against teams, but I do join in the banter and some of the chants can be funny. Whoever wrote this is a genius:
"We hate Chelsea,
We hate Chelsea,
We hate Chelsea,
We hate Chelsea,
We hate Chelsea,
We hate Chelsea,
We are the Chelsea...haters!"
They've repeated the same line and then flipped it at the end. Clever stuff! Ha!
Favourite manager?
Roy Hodgson is a genuine man. You can't begrudge him for going from Premier League obscurity to a bigger job with Liverpool. Now he's the England boss. Top guy.
Funniest memory?
Michael Jackson once did a lap of honour with Al Fayed, but no one knew it was him! Everyone in the ground wondered why this random-looking bloke was waving to the supporters. When I got home, my mum said, "So what was it like to see Michael Jackson?" I was like, "We all thought it was Al Fayed's weird, skinny bodyguard!" Don't get me started on the statue, either. I can see it from my flat. It's disgusting!
Get to many games?
I go whenever I'm at home and I've sat in nearly every seat! I've had season tickets in the Hammersmith End and the Riverside Stand, and my uncle used to get free tickets for the Johnny Haynes Stand. These days, I often sit in John Arne Riise's box, but for the recent game with Man United, I was in the Directors' Box. It was me, Al Fayed, Sir Bobby Charlton and Roy Hodgson! The floodlights went off that evening. Al Fayed obviously didn't pay his bills!
Best game?
Beating Juventus to reach the quarter-finals of the Europa League in 2010. I was behind the goal when Clint Dempsey chipped in the winner – and hugged about 10 people at once! I couldn't make the Final as I had a gig in Swansea, but I did watch it beforehand. I was in bits when we lost, then I had to walk on stage minutes later. Horrible!
Clint Dempseys Chip (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPkQ6YdRCbQ#ws)
Player you'd swap your missus for?
Manchester City's Yaya Toure
Example's new single Perfect Replacement is out now.
http://www.zootoday.com/sport/archive/2013/02/28/my-team--rapper-example-talks-about-the-ups-and-downs-of-supporting-fulham.htm? (http://www.zootoday.com/sport/archive/2013/02/28/my-team--rapper-example-talks-about-the-ups-and-downs-of-supporting-fulham.htm?)
Fan Focus: A Cosy Little Chat With The Cottagers
For this edition of Fan Focus we speak to top Fulham fan and blogger, Loran O'Connor who you can follow on Twitter @LRCN0CNNR or check out his regular musings on the ace Fulham site, HammyEnd.
Give us the story of Fulham's season so far then...
Lorcan O'Connor: Think of an upside-down bell curve... We started off incredibly well - 2nd after 6 games i think - and then it was the reverse fixture against you actually where everything started going wrong. It was a game we looked like winning comfortably until Hangeland's red, and a game we arguably still should have got a result of, but it halted us completely. Performances tailed off, we lost momentum until the turn of the year and since then we've picked up some wins, lifting us fairly comfortably out of the relegation battle. Now, the agenda is to push for a top 10 place, which is what we expected at the beginning of the season (and is testament to how well we started), but it's disappointing we're already out of the cups.
Dimitar Berbatov - is it as enjoyable to watch him week in, week out as it is for us who only casually see him play?
LO'C: Yes. Even when he has a poor game he is guaranteed to make you say 'wow' at least once, whether it's a delicate touch to pluck the ball from the air, a pass no one else in the ground had seen or a volley in to the top corner. One thing that irregular viewers of Fulham don't appreciate is that when we went through our slump Berbatov, seemingly in protest of some sort, withdrew quite a bit from playing in the interests of the team. It begs the question whether Berbatov makes the team play well or vice versa. The reality is somewhere in between. I wrote about that - and his combination with Ruiz - in length here, which you may find interesting HERE and HERE.
Martin Jol has also made a number of other signings though. Was January good to you?
LO'C: Essentially he padded out the squad enough to carry us to the end of season, which was all we could ask for. It was incredibly disappointing Spurs and Roma pulled out of permanent deals for Huddlestone and Stekelenberg though. Both are fantastic players who would've become very important over the next few years.
Then of course there's Kieran Richardson, who at the time we were disappointed to lose but really we haven't missed a beat without him. How's he getting on?
LO'C: He started off very shakily, never really putting in a performance above 6/10 (being generous) and suffering from injuries. Then Riise lost his form, Briggs couldn't grab his place and Richardson had a chance to make an impression at left back (against his wishes, he joined to play more advanced than he did at Sunderland), where he was really very, very good, scoring a great goal up at Blackpool with the last kick of the game to keep us in the cup. And then he got injured again. I don't know when he's back and Riise has found a bit of form again so I'm not sure what this means for Richardson but certainly I'd play him at left back when he's back and fit.
I always see Fulham in the same group of teams as ourselves in that mid-table mini-league. What will it take for either you or us to ever break out of that, and is it a real possibility one day?
LO'C: It would take one of: big money, exceptionally savvy management at both board and coaching level, a huge bit of luck or a combination of all three. At Fulham, well we are incorporating a Everton-esque model, having basically reunited the Southampton Academy staff of the Bale-Walcott-Chamberlain era, and we are hoping that will help us manifest riches in both money and player quality. Personally from what I understand of our current youth team, it is going to be something special. As for Sunderland, I'm not so sure; it seems so turbulent there at the moment. But we will see. I hope it does happen.
Looking ahead to our game, who do you think will provide the biggest danger for Fulham?
LO'C: Berbatov is the easy answer but I will go with Ruiz, and I'm not trying to be different or edgy here. Just as important to the team, he knits together our attacking game and possession so well. Once in a while he'll pop up with a quite exceptional goal too. A matchwinner in a less subtle sense than Berbatov.
And on the reverse, what are Fulham's weaknesses and who from Sunderland do you think will give you problems?
LO'C: Attack Riise down the flank and you will get joy. I'm hoping Adam Johnson doesn't suddenly spark his Sunderland career in to life here. Set pieces have been poor for us this season too, and although we were very good at those against Stoke and West Ham, they didn't have Larsson. I'm also hoping Lady Luck doesn't play her hand in your favour again!
Finally, what's your prediction for the game and how it will go?
LO'C: We are in a bit of form and playing much better than we were a couple of months ago, but away we are not nearly as elegant. I can see it being a 0-0 or 1-1, with both teams struggling for potency in opposition third.
http://www.rokerreport.com/2013/2/28/4032758/fan-focus-a-cosy-little-chat-with-the-cottagers? (http://www.rokerreport.com/2013/2/28/4032758/fan-focus-a-cosy-little-chat-with-the-cottagers?)
Fulham handed boost ahead of Sunderland trip
Sunderland v Fulham
FULHAM are boosted by the return of Kieran Richardson for Saturday's trip to the Stadium of Light.
The versatile midfielder hasn't featured since the 2-0 defeat at Manchester City on January 19, but is in contention to face his former club.
Kerim Frei will miss out as he builds up his fitness following a pelvic problem, while Mahamadou Diarra faces a further three weeks on the sidelines.
Boss Martin Jol feared Diarra's niggling knee injury could keep him out for the rest of the campaign, but the Dutchman is now hopeful of having the Mali international available again towards the end of March.
He said: "Diarra had a setback a week ago and will hopefully be OK in three weeks.
"After his operation we thought it was better but he felt this aching pain again."
Jol has no fresh injury worries as Fulham look to build on last weekend's win against Stoke.
http://www.ealinggazette.co.uk/sport/fulham-fc-ealing/2013/02/28/82029-32899904/? (http://www.ealinggazette.co.uk/sport/fulham-fc-ealing/2013/02/28/82029-32899904/?)
