International Fans: Germany FFC
(http://www.fulhamfc.com/-/media/Fans/germanyfans.ashx?w=717&h=320)
All summer we are profiling some of Fulham's international fan groups and, ahead of our trip to Werder Bremen, we have reached Germany FFC, which is headed up by Guido Bahr.
How many members do you have and are you all based in one city, or do you come from all over the country? Do you have a website or social media channels so fans can communicate?
We have 16 official members and are joined by 26 other friends and supporters. We all live in different parts of the country, so we tend to watch Fulham's games on the internet and then get together on our Facebook site to discuss what happened.
Have you or the other German fans in your group ever been to a match at Craven Cottage?
We have started to meet up every year in December, where we will take in the sights of London and go to a game.
What is the furthest that any of your members have travelled to see a Fulham match?
The furthest to see a game from one of our number was around 1,100 km to get to the Cottage. However, perhaps one day we will be able to travel even further to watch Fulham in Europe - the shortest distance we have ever had to travel was to Twente Enschede for the UEFA Europa League clash [a 1-0 defeat in December 2011], which was about 20 km.
How did you get started and did a German player introduce you to FFC?
The main reason we have been able to raise our profile in Germany was the run to the Europa League Final in 2010. As a lot of the games happened in Germany - the wins over Wolfsburg and the 0-0 draw with Hamburg - then the Final in Hamburg against Atletico Madrid were a big thing for us.
In recent times, Fulham have also brought in a lot of former Bundesliga stars like Dimitar Berbatov, Mladen Petrić, Sascha Riether and Ashkan Dejagah. Of course, having Manager Martin Jol at the helm has contributed to an increased awareness for the Club.
Indeed, Fulham has a history of having German players like Moritz Volz and Karl-Heinz Riedle who have helped to grow the following in the country over the years.
What is COYW in German?
Come On You Whites is translated as: Auf gehts, ihr weissen!
http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/july/23/germany-ffc? (http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/july/23/germany-ffc?)
New era beckons for Fulham
On August 17th, Fulham FC will begin its 13th consecutive season in the Barclays Premier League, but for the first time the Whites will complete in the Premier League under the stewardship of a new owner, Pakistan-born American billionaire Shahid Khan. Khan's purchase of the club from Mohamed Al-Fayed has signalled the end of an era at Craven Cottage, as our beloved Egyptian has stepped down after 16 unbelievably profitable years on the banks of the Thames. Just what can fans expect next season, on and off the field?
Firstly, it goes without saying that these are undoubtedly exciting, if uncertain, times for Fulham. Whilst Khan is no Roman Abramovich, his arrival will provide a much needed boost to Fulham's financial firepower. Whilst Al-Fayed has rightly been lauded for bringing about the most successful spell in Fulham's history, it cannot be denied that the lack of transfer funds available towards the end of his tenure undoubtedly caused friction between manager Martin Jol and senior officials at the club, with Jol unhappy at the lack of cash at his disposal in the January transfer window. At 84 years of age, Al-Fayed was unwilling to commit to further major purchases and had begun the process of selling his most valuable assets, including Harrods, and had allegedly tried to sell Fulham twice in recent years. In stark contrast, Khan's arrival brings impetus and improved muscle in the transfer market, yet spending is promised on a sustainable and sensible level.
So, on the field, fans can look forward to a more settled campaign. Last summer, the well-documented and untimely departures of Moussa Dembele and Clint Dempsey left large holes in the side that Jol didn't have the time to fill. In January, due to the aforementioned lack of transfer funds, the manager was merely permitted to bring in a host of loan signings, and the team failed to gel. The spectre of relegation lingered over the club, albeit from a distance, up until the last game of the season. This campaign, however, promises much more. Jol has brought in Dutch international goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg to replace the ageing Mark Schwarzer, a fantastic piece of business that seems to have gone under the radar somewhat. Stekelenburg kept goal for Holland in the 2010 World Cup Final and is a full 10 years younger than his Aussie predecessor. Sascha Riether, last season's fans' player of the year, has made his move from Cologne permanent, Ghanaian midfield enforcer Derek Boateng has finally joined after numerous prior attempts to engage his services, and the highly-rated Fernando Amorebieta has also been acquired to shore up an ageing and cumbersome defence. And Fulham hardly had to loosen the purse strings.
Now that Khan has taken over, the rumour mill has understandably been going into overdrive. The most persistent and intriguing rumour links Fulham with out of favour Aston Villa centre forward Darren Bent. It's unclear at present how Bent would fit into the starting line-up, but the potential arrival of the proven Premier League marksman would certainly alleviate the goal burden on Dimitar Berbatov's shoulders. The pre-season tour of Costa Rica resulted in three victories out of three and the training sessions at high altitude will also provide an ideal boost to the fitness levels of the players ahead of a long, gruelling season. It is hoped that key player Bryan Ruiz, who is idolised by fans in his homeland, will be reinvigorated by the trip back to the land of his birth and will really kick on his third season in English football.
All in all, with the under-21s and under-18s continuing to excel, the club debt free (thanks again, Mo) and the promise of new signings, there is much to look forward to ahead of the new season. Shahid Khan has made all the right noises so far about preserving the club's illustrious history and developing and expanding Craven Cottage, but one's things for sure: the moustachioed maker or automobile parts has a very big pair of shoes to fill.
http://www.friendsoffulham.com/wordpress/?p=298 (http://www.friendsoffulham.com/wordpress/?p=298)
Fulham swoop for teenager
Fulham have signed 15-year-old Foday Nabay from Birmingham City, after Blues boss Lee Clark tried in vain to keep hold of the emerging talent.
Nabay handed in a transfer request at the Midlands club before sealing his move to Craven Cottage, much to the dismay of Clark, who was desperate to retain the teenager's services.
Despite his youth, Clark had tipped his starlet to make the step up to senior level in the forthcoming campaign.
He said: "I made it clear to Foday in several meetings with him that he had the potential to become the youngest-ever player to appear for Birmingham City's first-team this season.
"That's how highly I rated him and how highly the club rated him. I wanted him to stay but as a football manager I couldn't have done any more."
Scouts from Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool had been monitoring the England under-16 midfielder in recent years, but the youngster has ended speculation by signing scholarship terms in west London.
http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-swoop-for-teenager-8727627.html (http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-swoop-for-teenager-8727627.html)
Fantasy Picks: Dimitar Berbatov – Fulham
Fantasy Football isn't necessarily about picking the best players, it's more about selecting those who, by way of their importance to their respective sides, are most likely to score points.
Dimitar Berbatov is an obvious candidate for inclusion, not least because Robin van Persie, Luis Suarez, Christian Benteke, and Rickie Lambert were the only forwards to outscore him last season.
In truth, Berbatov – like Fulham as a whole – tailed-off towards the end of 2012/13, but that shouldn't discourage you this time around; this is still a player who is involved in almost everything Fulham do going forward, and who will always pick-up points throughout a season as a result.
The temptation might be to only play him when Fulham are at Craven Cottage, but his goals last year were split 8-to-7 in favour of home games, so you can feel comfortably including him consistently despite any reservations about his side's historical away form.
And for £7.5m, you're not going to be short-changed.
http://thepremierleagueowl.com/fantasy-picks-dimitar-berbatov-fulham/ (http://thepremierleagueowl.com/fantasy-picks-dimitar-berbatov-fulham/)
Noisy neighbours around the country
Since my first Fulham, and indeed football match in December 2003 at the age of 6, the noisy neighbour status has shifted greatly around the Premier League.
Of the biggest rivalries in both my first season and the most recent being: Arsenal/Tottenham, Chelsea/Fulham, Manchester United/City and Liverpool/Everton, 3 out of 4 have undergone a power shift at some point. In 2003/4, Arsenal were the clear winners in 1st, with their North London rivals lying down in 14th. Last season they were separated by 1 point in 4th and 5th respectively. The only match-up without a change in status is our own. Having only beaten Chelsea once since I've watched Fulham, there has been no cause for change in that respect. 03/04 saw Chelsea finish in a very respectable 2nd place, while we achieved a very good 9th. Since then we have always finished below them, most recently with a gap of 3rd to 12th. A lot can be said about the changes in the status quo in the city of Manchester. In the 03/04 season, Manchester United finished 3rd. City all the way down in 16th. I think we all know what happened in the past two years, although United did reclaim both their dignity and their trophy at the end of Sir Rednose's reign. Liverpool have been through a torrid time recently, I've seen them achieve a record high 2nd in the Premier League, I've seen them win the Champions League and the F.A Cup (but not the Intertoto), yet from the 4th place of 03/04 to Everton's narrow escape from relegation in 17th, they have somehow degraded to 7th place, with Everton ahead of them in 6th.
I thought I'd throw in the facts before getting to my point – will there be any surprises or changes in the expected orders? Who will come out on top in Manchester, Liverpool and North London?
I'd like to think that this is the year we finally beat Chelsea again. Even if we have to give Luis Boa Morte a pay-as-you-play contract for those two games. In my lifetime, we have beaten them once. My lovely mug has been in a Shropshire newspaper more times than that.
Chelsea have so far signed Mark Schwarzer, Marco Van Ginkel and Andre Schurrle, so unless Mourinho has got something very special up his sleeve (Wayne Rooney for example) they don't look as though they are going to change much. Admittedly we have signed the same number of players (I'm not counting Riether and Karagounis) but we are looking at a serious defensive improvement. Having said that, unless Jol has something very special up his sleeve – Darren Bent being the most likely – the only substancial change will be their differing tactics from last season. Who knows, maybe we'll get lucky this year.
As for the Manchester rivalry, well I personally think this will be the most exciting season for these two clubs, and for everyone else as a neutral. Both teams with a new manager, City having spent £76.9 on just 4 players. This, I think, will prove to be ineffective in their persuit of the title. Yes, I believe the noisy neighbours in sky blue will go one better than United, but the title will return to London in the hands of the special one.
The North London and Liverpudlian derbies are always, in recent times anyway, closely contested. However, with Everton under the control of a new manager, it may take time for the players to adjust to his style in the league. Liverpool ought to take advantage of this, providing their reportedly unsettled striker stays with them, for one, but also sinks his teeth into the league on his return from suspension. I doubt anything will change in the North London camps, neither team has changed much and the only big thing is whether Bale will keep the phenominal form he had in the last campaign.
And so concludes my first blog on FoF. It's certainly given me some thinking points for the upcoming season. Thank you and as always, COYW
http://www.friendsoffulham.com/wordpress/?p=333 (http://www.friendsoffulham.com/wordpress/?p=333)
Fulham's Brede Hangeland pleased with Costa Rica tour
Fulham captain Brede Hangeland has admitted that the club's pre-season tour of Costa Rica has been "very good" ahead of the new Premier League campaign.
The Cottagers remained unbeaten during their stay in Central America, winning two matches before drawing the final fixture.
"I think it's been a very good week in many ways," Hangeland told the club's official website. "We've trained well, we've played three good games, everyone is free from injury which is quite remarkable after a few weeks of pre-season, so a lot of credit should go to the medical guys.
"Obviously one of the highlights was the fact that the new chairman came to visit us and we got to know him a little bit. It's an exciting time for the club and I think everyone enjoyed the tour in Costa Rica – it's a good start to the pre-season preparations."
Fulham will now travel to Germany where they will face Werder Bremen in a friendly.
http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/news/hangeland-pleased-with-costa-rica-tour_94767.html (http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/news/hangeland-pleased-with-costa-rica-tour_94767.html)
A Tribute and a word of patience.
Last season our only recognized right back was considered to be Stephen Kelly, with Aaron Hughes as first team cover. Once again Fulham supporters raised an eyebrow and uttered the phrase of "Who?" when Sascha Reither was signed on loan from FC Cologne, a club just relegated to the Bundesliga B. As stated above most people had never heard of him unless they followed the German leagues, even then it took a quick Google search to find out that he was a member of the League winning Wolfsburg side (along with Ashkan Dejagah.)
He filled Fulham's three criteria for a new signing. One he was an experienced player in his position, something needed in a mid –table side, in order to avoid any disruption. Two he was cheap, even more so that it was a loan. Third, he played against us in the famous Europa run, well that last one was made up, but it does seem like a large portion of the current squad has lined up against Fulham in Europe.
The season began and it was clear from the start the Reither was exactly what we needed at right back. A set of legs and an engine that would put the Energizer bunny to shame. (Apologies if this analogy doesn't translate directly) The little German can cross, defend and occasionally pop up with a goal. A charming personality and hard work rate quickly endeared him to the Fulham faithful and we couldn't imagine the right side of defense without him. He was many supporters choice for player of the season.
This brings up the next point, as proven with Reither, McBride, Saha and others. It is about the right player for Fulham, regardless of name or transfer fee. While we all wish for that big multimillion signing that would completely revolutionize our squad, it just isn't the Fulham way. A new owner in Shad Khan will not change this, atleast for the moment as there is every indication that the club will be run in the exact same way that it has been during the MAF tenure. If there is a midfielder available that fits our needs and he is at a reasonable price, then we will go out for him. Remember the team just returned from Costa Rica and Fulham holds its cards close to its chest.
When that signing comes in the coming days and you go "who?" or are a little disappointed at the "lack of ambition" in the signing, just remember he could very well be the name on the back of your shirt the next season.
http://www.friendsoffulham.com/wordpress/?p=336 (http://www.friendsoffulham.com/wordpress/?p=336)
Show Your Pride
The team have just returned home from an undefeated pre-season trip to Costa Rica, meaning the highly-anticipated start to the Whites' 2013/14 Barclays Premier League campaign is now not far away.
Whilst pre-season preparations continue, match tickets are now on sale for our opening home league fixtures - and availability at the Cottage is quickly reducing!
Show your pride in the Whites by purchasing a 2013/14 Season Ticket today, ensuring that you're there to cheer the side on at all of our 19 home league games this season – starting with a London derby against Arsenal on Saturday 24th August (12.45pm).
Priced from £449 for adults - less than £24 per game - and £220 for juniors - less than just £12 per game - your Season Ticket will also offer you a range of great benefits across the season.
You can find out more at fulhamfc.com/seasontickets, or call 0843 208 1234 to secure your Season Ticket today.
http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/july/23/show-your-pride? (http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/july/23/show-your-pride?)
Fulham weigh up move for Uruguay midfield star
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Fulham are weighing up a surprise move for Uruguay international Walter Gargano.
Despite signing Derek Boateng, Martin Jol remains in the hunt midfield reinforcements after releasing Simon Davies, Mahamadou Diarra and Chris Baird. And the Dutchman has now turned his attentions to Gargano, who is contracted to Napoli.
The 28-year-old, who was part of the Uruguay side that reached the semi-finals of the 2010 World Cup, faces an uncertain future after spending last season on loan at Inter Milan.
Jol will have to act fast to land the midfielder though, as Benfica are also in pursuit of the former Danubio man.
Read more: http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/transfer-rumours/130723/fulham-weigh-move-uruguay-midfield-star-202223?#ixzz2Zvu7wpTv (http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/transfer-rumours/130723/fulham-weigh-move-uruguay-midfield-star-202223?#ixzz2Zvu7wpTv)
Follow us: @talksport on Twitter
Read more at http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/transfer-rumours/130723/fulham-weigh-move-uruguay-midfield-star-202223?#OsxzIIilUTBrbhul.99 (http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/transfer-rumours/130723/fulham-weigh-move-uruguay-midfield-star-202223?#OsxzIIilUTBrbhul.99)
Fulham beat big boys to England U17 star
Fulham have beaten some of the Premier League's big boys to the signature of 15-year-old schoolboy Foday Nabay from Birmingham City.
Nabay handed in a transfer request at St Andrew's before sealing his move to Craven Cottage, much to the dismay of Birmingham boss Lee Clark, who was desperate to retain the teenager's services. Despite his youth, Clark had tipped Nabay to make the step up to senior level in the forthcoming campaign while he has recently been called up to the England Under-17 squad over a year ahead of schedule. Clark said: "I made it clear to Foday in several meetings with him that he had the potential to become the youngest-ever player to appear for Birmingham City's first team this season. "That's how highly I rated him and how highly the club rated him. I wanted him to stay but as a football manager I couldn't have done any more." Scouts from Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool had been monitoring Nabay, but he chose Fulham instead.
Read more at: http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/fulham-beat-big-boys-to-england-u17-star-1609335.html? (http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/fulham-beat-big-boys-to-england-u17-star-1609335.html?)
Forget year of the snake, it's the year of Bryan.
Bryan Jafet Ruiz González or just Bryan as it states on his kit is entering the third season of his contract at Fulham Football Club. If you were to rate players on how much they divide supporter's opinion on players, Ruiz would finish just behind Senderos and Berbatov. Brought in from FC Twente, via Gent and recent opponents L.D. Alajuelense, there were very high hopes for the Costa Rican, having had a good career in Holland.
It is coming on three years after former Chairman Mo Al Fayed parted with a large sum of money that ventured into Marlet territory, with various numbers bandied about by the papers. As always Fulham announced the transfer as undisclosed so the exact amount is unknown.
The first of Bryan's years here could be described as very unpolished. You could clearly see the talent he had in glimpses with a bit of skill here an amazing pass there or two outrageous chipped goals to mark the arrival of his scoring boots. It took a little while and it looked like a star was emerging by the Thames, but April of that year saw Ruiz injured away at Bolton. It was an abrupt end to a season that threatened to spark into life.
The second season Bryan produced another mixed bag of results. However some of these cannot be placed on one player, let alone the team. Having trained more it looked as Ruiz had put on some more mass in order to cope with the more physical English League, whereas he had free reign of scoring areas in Holland, defenders in England aren't so keen to allow that. Ruiz was ever present in Fulham's first team this season. Once again he showed immeasurable skill and contributed to his team's cause with 5 goals and 7 assists. Rather impressive considering the fact that he was shuffled about Fulham's midfield like a hot potato. He played every position across the top aside from the left and even played two (?) matches in central midfield in a failed Dembele type experiment. While the two players are very similar in the technical aspect, Ruiz does not have the physical prowess to dribble and hold off opposition like Dembele did. (Side note, the Author does not believe Dembele would have been remembered as fondly as he is now if he was never moved to midfield. Ruiz' and Dembele's scoring record is very similar in the forward position)
Ruiz' second season also saw the arrival of a certain Bulgarian by the name of Dimitar Berbatov. It was proven time and time again during this season that both of these players would start regardless of output. After all, one was a high priced signing and the other probably wouldn't have arrived without the current manager and a guarantee of match time. Some would argue that both of these players cannot function in the same match day team. The two players can and do function well together, this is not the issue. The issue with these players is a lack of service. During both months long rough patches of this season the highest attacking player was neither of these. Often times our forward players had to venture into the heart of midfield to receive the ball, which does not make attacking, or counter attacking for that matter an easy task at all. This makes it all the more impressive that Ruiz was Fulham's joint top rated player alongside Dimitar Berbatov, based on Opta Stats.
Production wise that season Bryan averaged 45.8 passes a match, completing 84.8 percent of these. Key passes in the final third came 1.7 times a match, while he was fouled in the same number. Being ever so consistent his tackles averaged 1.7 as well. A better service from deeper in the midfield should help his offensive output this season.
This upcoming season could very well be the season Ruiz wins over those who doubt his purpose at Fulham. A preseason tour of Costa Rica geared very much toward his star in his homeland could do nothing but boost his confidence regardless of his output. There is nothing better to go to your backyard and play in front of those who first saw your career take off. Ruiz definitely made a statement in his homeland, being very much involved in the action. Scoring 3 in 3 and assisting others he looked lively throughout the tour. A well taken volley and a brilliant dummy, fooling both the defender flying in and the keeper were highlights of his tour. While the opposition wasn't up to the English League's standard it was a very good test for the squad as a whole. It was good to see David, Kasami and Mesca given chances and the return of Ashkan Dejagah.
He still has a lot to prove in the upcoming matches versus Parma, Werder Bremen and Real Betis.
Expect to see him get as much time on the pitch as Jol begins to solidify his first team for the coming season. Where will he play? Expect it to be just behind Berbatov, as it was last season. Kasami played well in this position, but not well enough to depose Ruiz in Jol's order. Though there is a possibility he could be tried out on the wing, looking good there in preseason, even though this provided mixed results during last season.
Ruiz has what it takes to be a professional footballer at this level. He has the range of passing, a whole bag of tricks, a wonderful free kick and decent pace and while his finishing last season wasn't the greatest, when he did finish it was classy. Confidence is everything in the profession of a footballer and it looks like Ruiz is full of it. All of his past experiences in the various leagues and his venture into the English League look to come together , and barring injury this could be a very, very good year for Ruiz.
However if footballing doesn't work Bryan could always push some high priced salons newest shampoo, he certainly has the looks for it.
http://www.friendsoffulham.com/wordpress/?p=339 (http://www.friendsoffulham.com/wordpress/?p=339)
Fulham Step Up Moves To Sign Ghanaian Midfielder Rabiu Mohammed
English Premiership side Fulham have intensified their pursuit of Evian midfielder Rabiu Mohammed.
The London-based outfit wants thwart Benfica's effort at landing the Ghanaian international by moving a step closer to his signature.
Martin Jol has money at his disposal after Shadid Khan took charge of the West London club and is keen to strengthen his squad during the summer.
The 23-year-old declaration that he would favour a move to England put's Fulham in good position to lure him to Goodison Park.
Evian are struggling to hold onto the combative midfielder after impressing heavily for the French outfit in the past two seasons.
The Ghana Under-20 World Cup winner shot into prominence again after impressing in Ghana colours at the 2013 African Cup of Nations in South Africa.
He has since gone ahead to command a starting role in the Black Stars.
http://www.afrikansoccer.com/2013/07/fulham-step-up-moves-to-sign-ghanaian-midfielder-rabiu-mohammed/? (http://www.afrikansoccer.com/2013/07/fulham-step-up-moves-to-sign-ghanaian-midfielder-rabiu-mohammed/?)
Napoli Star Eyes Extension As Inter Midfielder On Fulham's Wishlist
The agent of both Marek Hamsik of Napoli and Inter man Walter Gargano is looking to engineer differing futures for the pair.
They were of course teammates at the San Paolo until the Uruguayan left last summer to join the Nerazzurri.
Agent Juraj Venglos is currently in Dimaro with the Partenopei is scheduled to meet with president Aurelio De Laurentiis to discuss a contract extension that would keep the Slovakian ace at the club beyond his current deal, according to SkySport24.
Under the agreement at the moment, Hamsik is set to remain until June 2016 but both parties want a longer stay.
Meanwhile further north, he is mulling over a potential departure for Gargano despite being under the tutelage of ex boss Walter Mazzarri and Fulham are considering making an offer along with Portuguese giants Benfica.
http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2013/07/napoli-star-eyes-extension-as-inter-midfielder-on-fulhams-wishlist/? (http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2013/07/napoli-star-eyes-extension-as-inter-midfielder-on-fulhams-wishlist/?)
Fuham Eye Cut-Price Move for Experienced West Brom Defender
Cottagers are keen to add more defensive reinforcements to their squad this summer.
Fulham are interested in signing West Bromwich Albion defender Liam Ridgewell this summer, according to reports in the Daily Mirror.
The versatile Englishman has only been at the Hawthorns for the past one-and-a-half seasons now, having originally arrived in the Midlands from rivals Birmingham City on a two-and-a-half-year deal for an undisclosed fee in January 2012.
And in the intervening 18-month period, the 29-year-old has appeared in 36 matches in total in all competitions for the Baggies, scoring just the one goal for the club which came in one of his 34 appearances to date in the Premier League for Steve Clarke's men.
However, with the centre back cum full back's current deal with West Brom due to expire next summer, the club are willing to offload Ridgewell now for a small fee rather than risk losing the player for free in the summer of 2014.
And with the Cottager's new American owner Shahid Khan understood to be willing to back head coach Martin Jol with funds in the summer transfer window with which to strengthen a squad that flirted with relegation in the previous campaign, it appears as though Ridgewell could soon be making the move south to Craven Cottage.
http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/07/23/fuham-eye-cut-price-move-for-experienced-west-brom-defender/? (http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/07/23/fuham-eye-cut-price-move-for-experienced-west-brom-defender/?)
Fulham imports 'need months' to adjust, says former striker
FULHAM legend Barry Hayles believes Martin Jol's foreign imports will find life tough in the Premier League.
The Whites have added Fernando Amorebieta, Maarten Stekelenburg and Derek Boateng to the ranks, while Sascha Riether has signed a permanent deal following a successful loan spell.
But Hayles, who smashed 58 goals in 219 games during his five-year spell at Craven Cottage, believes the new arrivals will take time to adjust to the fast pace of English football.
He said: "I think Fulham's foreign players need a couple of months and some even longer to adjust to the pace and physicality of the Premiership.
"I'm just hoping that the players come in and hit the ground running from the start."
Mark Schwarzer was among a string of players to leave Fulham as part of a massive clear-out at the Cottage.
However, Hayles says Schwarzer has left new signing Stekelenburg with big gloves to fill.
He said: "I saw Fulham's youth team recently and Mark's son was there. He said he was expecting him to stay, then Stekelenburg came in and Mark was gone.
"I haven't seen Stekelenburg play. Time will tell if he's a good replacement for Mark. David Stockdale will be looking to challenge for the first-team spot, but hopefully Stekelenburg will do well."
Read more: Fulham Chronicle http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/fulham-fc/2013/07/23/82029-33644851/?#ixzz2Zvw3d086 (http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/fulham-fc/2013/07/23/82029-33644851/?#ixzz2Zvw3d086)
Quote from: WhiteJC on July 24, 2013, 05:17:04 AM
Fulham Step Up Moves To Sign Ghanaian Midfielder Rabiu Mohammed
English Premiership side Fulham have intensified their pursuit of Evian midfielder Rabiu Mohammed.
The London-based outfit wants thwart Benfica's effort at landing the Ghanaian international by moving a step closer to his signature.
Martin Jol has money at his disposal after Shadid Khan took charge of the West London club and is keen to strengthen his squad during the summer.
The 23-year-old declaration that he would favour a move to England put's Fulham in good position to lure him to Goodison Park.
Evian are struggling to hold onto the combative midfielder after impressing heavily for the French outfit in the past two seasons.
The Ghana Under-20 World Cup winner shot into prominence again after impressing in Ghana colours at the 2013 African Cup of Nations in South Africa.
He has since gone ahead to command a starting role in the Black Stars.
http://www.afrikansoccer.com/2013/07/fulham-step-up-moves-to-sign-ghanaian-midfielder-rabiu-mohammed/? (http://www.afrikansoccer.com/2013/07/fulham-step-up-moves-to-sign-ghanaian-midfielder-rabiu-mohammed/?)
lure him to goodison park ? 1500.gif fp.gif 064.gif
Just seen this via twitter:
QuoteNEW Fulham owner Shahid Khan has cut the club's ties with a mysterious money-lending firm.
Since buying out Mohamed Fayed this month, Khan has repaid a £15million loan plus interest which Fulham had taken out with the Vibrac Corporation in April.
The Premier League club had put Craven Cottage up as security for the money.
But documents filed at Companies House reveal the charge Vibrac — a firm based in the British Virgin Islands — held over the Cottagers' home has been paid in full.
Khan's latest move means Fulham are now clear of significant debt.
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/5030292/Shahid-Khan-pays-off-Fulhams-15million-loan-debt.html (http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/5030292/Shahid-Khan-pays-off-Fulhams-15million-loan-debt.html)
Quote from: WhiteJC on July 24, 2013, 05:17:04 AM
Fulham Step Up Moves To Sign Ghanaian Midfielder Rabiu Mohammed
English Premiership side Fulham have intensified their pursuit of Evian midfielder Rabiu Mohammed.
Goodisan park...
The London-based outfit wants thwart Benfica's effort at landing the Ghanaian international by moving a step closer to his signature.
Martin Jol has money at his disposal after Shadid Khan took charge of the West London club and is keen to strengthen his squad during the summer.
The 23-year-old declaration that he would favour a move to England put's Fulham in good position to lure him to Goodison Park.
Evian are struggling to hold onto the combative midfielder after impressing heavily for the French outfit in the past two seasons.
The Ghana Under-20 World Cup winner shot into prominence again after impressing in Ghana colours at the 2013 African Cup of Nations in South Africa.
He has since gone ahead to command a starting role in the Black Stars.
http://www.afrikansoccer.com/2013/07/fulham-step-up-moves-to-sign-ghanaian-midfielder-rabiu-mohammed/? (http://www.afrikansoccer.com/2013/07/fulham-step-up-moves-to-sign-ghanaian-midfielder-rabiu-mohammed/?)
Fulham Pull off Deal For Sierra Leonean Teenage Prodigy Foday Nabay
Fulham have pulled off a deal for Birmingham City junior Foday Nabay.
Birmingham boss Lee Clark said the young Sierra Leonean midfielder had the potential to break into the club's first-team this season.
Nabay has moved after handing in a transfer request and compensation, believed to be in the region of £200,000, has been agreed between the two clubs.
Clark said: "I made it clear to Foday in several meetings with him that he had the potential to become the youngest-ever player to appear for Birmingham City's first-team this season.
"That's how highly I rated him. And how highly the club rated him. I wanted him to stay but as a football manager I couldn't have done any more."
http://www.afrikansoccer.com/2013/07/fulham-pull-off-deal-for-sierra-leonean-teenage-prodigyfoday-nabay/? (http://www.afrikansoccer.com/2013/07/fulham-pull-off-deal-for-sierra-leonean-teenage-prodigyfoday-nabay/?)
Ridgewell (Again)
It`s something that the press mentioned awhile back, a possible interest in the West Bromwich defender, Liam Ridgewell.
Well it`s been inferred that the interest is still there with Fulham set to make a move for the versatile defender who is set to enter the last year of his contract.
No fee for a possible transfer is mentioned by the media but it is intimated that funds are available after the recent takeover that saw Shahid Khan replace Mohamed Al Fayed as our new owner.
Definitely one to keep an eye on we feel!
Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=325863#ixzz2ZyYw3rI8 (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=325863#ixzz2ZyYw3rI8)
Transfer Interest
There could soon be more transfer information to report from Craven Cottage.
Martin Jol, commenting about possible arrivals, is quoted in the morning press as having remarked.
"We are still looking for one or two players to make it 100 per cent."
So who could Fulham be looking at?
Well according to the tabloid papers, top of the list is still Aston Villa`s Darren Bent but Peter Odemwingie, of West Brom, also gets a mention as does the midfielder Mohammed Rabiu.
It`ll be interesting, over the next few weeks, to see which of the three arrives first!
Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=325864#ixzz2ZyZ4mkN4 (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=325864#ixzz2ZyZ4mkN4)
Fulham overtake Newcastle in the race to sign Bent
Agreeing a fee with Aston Villa is still a slight stumbling block, but progress is being made
First Fulham were favourites and then Newcastle in the battle to sign Darren Bent from Aston Villa this summer, but original order has now been restored with the London club back at the head of the market.
Fulham have been backed into 10/11 to be Bent's club at the end of the summer transfer window and the belief is that they have submitted an offer for the England striker.
Offers for Bent so far that have been rejected have been around the £5m mark and as much as Villa want to get their striker's wages off their books, they are still holding out for a fee closer to their £8m valuation.
Newcastle are believed to have most recently offered £5m and the belief is that Fulham have surpassed this figure, even if they are still below Villa's estimation.
Having previously played for Sunderland, Bent has experience of the Tyne-Wear area, but it is thought that the opportunity to return to London, where he was born, is his preferred option.
It is 13/10 that Bent joins Newcastle before September 1st.
With Alan Hutton also close to joining Real Mallorca, albeit on loan, Villa are keen to get their unwanted high earners off their salary list and the departure of Bent could be the moment that they step up their chase for a new creative midfielder to play off the striker.
Villa have already signed Aleksander Tonev and Leandro Bacuna, who could play in the hole, but both are arguably better suited to playing wide.
Hiroshi Kiyotake is one name that has been previously linked and Villa would have extra ammunition if allowing Bent to leave.
http://news.ladbrokes.com/en-gb/football/premier-league/fulham-overtake-newcastle-in-the-race-to-sign-bent_164881.html (http://news.ladbrokes.com/en-gb/football/premier-league/fulham-overtake-newcastle-in-the-race-to-sign-bent_164881.html)
Lazio Consider Snapping Up Ex-Fulham Striker
Lazio are considering signing unattached Croatian striker Mladen Petric as the Biancocelesti look to add some depth to their attack.
The 32-year-old played for Fulham last season but the Cottagers were not impressed enough by the player's tally of five goals in 24 appearancs and thus, chose not to retain his services.
However according to Sportitalia, Petric is being considered by the Biancocelesti as they believe he would be a good addition to the squad.
Prior to his move to the Premier League in 2012, Petric spent four seasons at Hamburg. He has also played for Borussia Dortmund, Basel and Grasshopper during his career while making 45 appearances for the Croatian national team.
http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2013/07/lazio-consider-snapping-up-ex-fulham-striker/? (http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2013/07/lazio-consider-snapping-up-ex-fulham-striker/?)
Should Tottenham take a transfer punt on him?
The search for Tottenham's new number 9 seems to be gathering pace. With reports coming out of Spain from AS suggesting a move for Valencia's Roberto Soldado may be in the offing. However, with such a deal likely to break the Premier League club's transfer record are they not better off taking a risk on a cheaper proven alternative?
Dimitar Berbatov joined Tottenham from Leverkusen in July 2006 for a fee believed to be around the £10m mark. He gained great acclaim for 2 excellent seasons at White Hart Lane where he formed a fantastic partnership with Irishman Robbie Keane. A lazy and at times slothful figure, Spurs fans were won over by his sublime footballing skill which many to this day will remember fondly. He departed the club as part of a protracted saga with Manchester United, in a deal worth around £30m.
Berbatov even at a younger age was never a footballer to rely on out and out pace. His skill and trickery were enough to undo any defence and at the age of 32 this is still very much the case. A stellar year at Fulham where he has netted 15 goals in all competitions shows that the Bulgarian still possesses much the same talents that made him such an icon at Spurs. Upon re-signing the Bulgarian for Fulham, Martin Jol made the following endorsement whilst speaking to the clubs website:
"Dimitar is a player I've always admired. He's a player of great quality and technical ability who will give me the attacking option I've been looking for. When he's not scoring goals, his ingenuity often leads chances being created for his team-mates."
It would be incredibly short sighted of me to think that this is the long-term solution to all Spurs striking problems, because it simply isn't. However, Berbatov would offer an improvement on the current crop of strikers without placing too much of a burden on the finances. Defoe is often harshly criticized for his inability to contribute anything of worth whilst he himself isn't scoring. By contrast as Jol outlines, Berbatov is not only an excellent goalscorer but he can also add to the creativity in the final third. Personally I think Berbatov would be an excellent second striker for Villas-Boas to bring off the bench when Spurs are struggling to break the opposition down. His enigmatic footballing character makes him the sort of player to create that necessary last minute opening when others cannot.
The Bulgarian became notorious at Spurs for his European cup pedigree. His 12 goals in 16 UEFA Cup appearances were key to a couple of decent cup runs for the club. With a busy schedule likely for the North Londoners next term, Berbatov could be extremely useful as an option in cup football.
Could Spurs fans forgive him for the United debacle? It is always difficult when a club puts so much faith in a player, only for the player to turn his back when a better offer comes along. He showed a lack of respect to Tottenham during his move and this is something which he will need to earn back rapidly. Would Spurs be lacking self-respect if they made a move for the Bulgarian? I would expect the Spurs hierarchy would be making the move for financial and footballing reasons if this deal were to happen. If the Gallas and Adebayor deals happened, then Berbatov certainly isn't beyond the realms of possibility. For Levy the only real emotion here is one of quiet satisfaction at largely ripping off United in an overpriced £30m deal.
Would the Bulgarian want to come? Berbatov is a man with an overblown ego, with a belief the team should be built around him. At Fulham this is exactly the case. If he were to move back to Spurs he would be nothing more than a glamorised squad player, who would do his fair share of bench warming. In his early days this would have been an obscene suggestion for the Bulgarian, but now in the twilight of his career it is something he may just have to accept. The trade-off being that plausibly Spurs offer him the ability to have one last shot at achieving trophy success. Not only this but Spurs possess a far greater calibre of footballer than when he left. Sitting at the head of a dynamic midfield of Dembele, Paulinho and Sandro, he will have the supply that most frontman could only dream about.
For Tottenham as a club this deal is a risk worth taking. The player would be extremely cheap due to his age and current contract length. Should the move not work out for the club, a small transfer fee is easily written off. On the current market there really isn't a great depth in striking talent for this kind of price. A top rated striker at the peak of his careers will set a club back £20m, whereas Berbatov with a few years left in him would represent a fraction of that. One of the most talented footballers to play for Spurs in the last decade or so, this man still has a lot left to offer.
Would you be happy with the Bulgarian at Spurs?
http://www.footballfancast.com/premiership/tottenham/should-tottenham-take-a-transfer-punt-on-him? (http://www.footballfancast.com/premiership/tottenham/should-tottenham-take-a-transfer-punt-on-him?)
Fulham make fresh move for Malanda after Belgian midfielder jets in for talks
Fulham could sign Junior Malanda from Zulte Waregem at the second attempt after the midfielder flew into London with his father, who also acts as his adviser.
The official line from Malanda, 18, was that he is visiting family members who live in London, but he is expected to speak to Fulham about a move after almost joining them in January.
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/07/23/article-0-1AC15861000005DC-167_634x472.jpg)
Target: Fulham are set to hold talks with Junior Malanda (left)
Valued at more than £5million then, Malanda is now a free agent after using a Belgian labour law to break his contract.
A tribunal would set a compensation figure for the Belgian side, but at a fraction of his former market value.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2375353/Fulham-make-fresh-Malanda-Belgian-midfielder-jets-talks.html#ixzz2ZyaCXEHq (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2375353/Fulham-make-fresh-Malanda-Belgian-midfielder-jets-talks.html#ixzz2ZyaCXEHq)
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Eyong Enoh's Fulham move in doubt
FULHAM fear their move for Eyong Enoh has been hijacked by Olympiakos.
They want to bring back the Ajax midfielder on a permanent basis following last season's loanspell.
But Martin Jol has baulked at the £2m asking price for the Cameroon international.
Now Eyong, 27, has opened talks with the Greek side.
Fulham could now step up their interest in Evian's Mohammed Rabiu.
Aston Villa outcast Darren Bent, Spurs midfielder Tom Huddlestone and Wolves winger Bakary Sako are also on Jol's wish list.
Fulham are signing Birmingham starlet Foday Nabay for £300,000.
http://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/328321/Eyong-Enoh-s-Fulham-move-in-doubt? (http://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/328321/Eyong-Enoh-s-Fulham-move-in-doubt?)
Newcastle in the clear as Fulham abandon £5m bid for Aston Villa outcast Darren Bent
FULHAM have pulled out of a £5million move for Aston Villa striker Darren Bent, leaving the way clear for Newcastle to make a bid.
The Cottagers were favourites to capture the England striker but Bent's £80,000-a-week wage demands have proved too high.
Newcastle's new director of football Joe Kinnear has made Bent his No1 target after the striker was made available by Villa, who have signed Christian Benteke to a new contract.
Kinnear is in talks with Bent, who still has a property in the North-east after his spell at Sunderland and is keen on a move back to the area.
Magpies manager Alan Pardew is hoping Yohan Cabaye will still be around to provide the supply line to Bent, having insisted the midfield playmaker is not for sale unless Newcastle receive an "astronomical" £20m-plus bid.
France international Cabaye has been linked with a move to Manchester United or a return to French football with Paris Saint-Germain after admitting to being unsettled last season at St James' Park.
But Pardew said: "He is a player I want to keep. He is a great technical player and his personality is fantastic. There is no bid as we speak now."
Pardew has privately indicated only a huge fee would persuade Newcastle owner Mike Ashley to sell, in the same way the club banked a British-record £35m from Liverpool for striker Andy Carroll.
Meanwhile Newcastle have been left sweating on a ban for skipper Fabricio Coloccini after he was sent off for fighting in a friendly against Portuguese side Pacos De Ferreira last night.
http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/417058/Newcastle-in-the-clear-as-Fulham-abandon-5m-bid-for-Aston-Villa-outcast-Darren-Bent (http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/417058/Newcastle-in-the-clear-as-Fulham-abandon-5m-bid-for-Aston-Villa-outcast-Darren-Bent)
Kids For A Quid On Sale
Tickets for the Whites' second home match of the season are now available to buy on General Sale, supporters can purchase up to six tickets from £30 adults and just £1 for juniors!
Round up the family and head on down to the Cottage for an afternoon of family fun as we host West Bromwich Albion on Saturday 14th September (3pm).
There's also a fantastic special offer for our loyal Season Ticket Holders who can purchase up to two additional tickets for just £10 each in the Putney End or the Hammersmith End! These tickets can now be purchased online or by calling the Ticket Office on 0843 208 1234 (Option 3).
Tickets for Fulham v Stoke City will be available on General Sale from 10am on Thursday 25th July and Fulham v Swansea City tickets go on General Sale at 10am on Friday 26th July.
Supporters still have time to secure their seat for all 19 Barclays Premier League home games with a Season Ticket, prices start from £449 adults (less than £24 per game) and £220 juniors (less than £12 per game). Find out more today and buy online at fulhamfc.com/seasontickets.
We've also re-launched our Membership offering for the new season, buy a Membership today and get priority access to tickets, at the same time as Season Ticket Holders. Members will also be entitled to a range of other benefits during the season such as ticket offers and discounts. Prices are just £5 juniors and from £20 adults, find out more and buy online at fulhamfc.com/membership.
Season Ticket Holder special offer will expire 10 days before the match (subject to availability).
Tickets for Under-16s are just £1 when purchased in advance of the match, prices rise to £5 on matchday. Under-14s must be accompanied by an adult.
All tickets are subject to availability, terms, conditions and booking fees apply.
http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/july/24/kids-for-a-quid? (http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/july/24/kids-for-a-quid?)
£80,000 Per Week For Washed-Up Mackem?
Newcastle are in pole position to sign Darren Bent from Aston Villa after Fulham pulled out of the race for his signature.
The 29-year-old is heading for the exit door at Villa Park and it looked as though it would be a straight scrap between Newcastle and Fulham for his signature.
However, reports claim that Fulham boss Martin Jol has baulked at the player's wage demands meaning Newcastle have been given a free run to complete a deal.
Bent is reported to be on £80,000 a week at Villa and it now also remains to be seen if Toon owner Mike Ashley will be willing to pay that on top of the £5million transfer fee.
Pardew has worked with Bent in the past when they were together at Charlton and the striker believes St James' Park could be the place to get his career back on track if a deal can be agreed.
But Ashley does not want to fork out £5m for a player who is almost 30, with no re-sell value.
As for his wages?
Fabricio Coloccini is the top earner at Newcastle on a reported £60,000 per week, and that apparently is the "cap" Ashley has on wages.
An extra £20,000 on top of Colo's wages for a washed up Mackem who couldn't get a game for Aston Villa last season?
http://www.newcastleunited-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/80000_per_week_for_washedup_mackem_800758/index.shtml? (http://www.newcastleunited-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/80000_per_week_for_washedup_mackem_800758/index.shtml?)
Report: Junior Malanda in London to talk with Chelsea, not Fulham
Former Zulte Weregem midfielder Junior Malanda was all over the rumour mill yesterday thanks to the 18-year-old popping up in London. According to most of the British papers, he was there to talk to Fulham. Not so, say Belgian paper De Morgan -- the Cottagers are apparently out of the race. Instead the teenager was chatting to Chelsea.
Het betrof geen echte onderhandelingen, wel een eerste verkennend gesprek met de Engelse topclub, sinds de succesvolle deals met Thibaut Courtois, Romelu Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard en Charly Musonda Jr. tuk op Belgisch talent. Of de babbel tot iets leidde, is niet bekend.
Source: De Morgan (not online) via Press Display.
Google translate gives us this:
It concerned no real negotiations, a first introductory meeting with the English top Club, since the successful deals with Thibaut Courtois, Romelu Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard and Charly Musonda Jr. tuk on Belgian talent. Or the chat led to something, is not known.
If a deal is forthcoming, it doesn't sound like it's too far along. Malanda's a free agent after finding his way to break his contract with Zulte, where he was a teammate of Thorgan Hazard last year, and that means he'd come very cheaply, if he does arrive at all (there would still be compensation due to his former club, however, thanks to his age). He's a powerful, athletic defensive midfielder, and although he wouldn't start for Chelsea immediately, he'd instantly step in as one of our top prospects.
How much can we trust this report? I'm not sure, but Malanda fits Michael Emenalo's acqusition patterns almost to a tee. He's young, talented and will have been heavily scouted while Thorgan Hazard played alongside him, and there's no reason Chelsea wouldn't be looking to bring him aboard apart from the slight concerns of greed raised by him breaking his contract with Zulte.
He's also Belgian, and you know how the club feels about that.
http://www.weaintgotnohistory.com/2013/7/24/4552144/chelsea-fc-transfer-rumours-junior-malanda? (http://www.weaintgotnohistory.com/2013/7/24/4552144/chelsea-fc-transfer-rumours-junior-malanda?)
Fulham planning future success by building exciting youth team
The future looks bright at Fulham, and it is not just because of new rich owner Shad Khan.
When US-based billionaire Shad Khan bought Fulham fron Mohamed Al Fayed earlier this month, he may not have realised the potential of the club he was buying.
Now of course you would expect him to have done his due diligence, but it may be that Fulham's youth academy is at present a secondary concern of his as he gets to grip with learning about the quirks and needs of the first team he has just bought.
Fulham are very much an established Premier League club, but as they showed when they sold their best players Moussa Dembele and Clint Dempsey last summer, they are one which continually needs to evolve to compete.
Which places even more importance on a top notch youth system which can feed in young players to compete for places in the first team and save and even earn the club millions in the long run.
And Fulham's is well placed to succeed.
Fulham were crowned Premier League champions at under-18 level in May, defeating Reading 3-0 in the final.
Their star man was a familiar name if not a familiar face, a 16-year-old striker called Moussa Dembele, no relation as he is French rather than Belgian, who bagged a hat-trick to fire them to victory.
Just the previous season Fulham had won the competition in it's old format, as the 2011/12 Premier League Academy champions.
The team is coached by highly regarded coach Steve Wigley, who once had a 14-game spell as Southampton boss almost a decade ago, and has been involved recently with the England under-21 setup.
A number of players within the squad are expected to make the step up to under-21 level next season, the next step in challenging for first team sports.
But perhaps the most interesting aspect of Fulham's youth drive, is their determination not to rest on their laurels, but to continue to add to their collection of talented prospects.
In January they beat Manchester United and Celtic to the signing of 'Irish sensation' Noe Baba, a 16-year-old Cameroon born player who grew up in the Republic and has captained their under-17 side.
And just this week they have secured the signature of Birmingham City prodigy Foday Nabay, who at just 15 had also attracted the attentions of Manchester City.
This was despite Birmingham manager Lee Clark showing just how highly he rates the Sierra Leone born England youth international:
"I made it abundantly clear to Foday in several meetings with him that he had the potential to become the youngest-ever player to play for Birmingham City Football Club's first team this season at the age of 15."
Birmingham's loss is Fulham's gain, and Nabay added to the mix of Fulham's successful youth set up should steer him well as he embarks on his professional career.
The message is clear, Fulham are not just looking at the here and now, but planning to compete for top 10 Premier League placings for a generation, by snapping up the stars of tomorrow.
For fans, buoyed by the new era feel of the takeover of Shad Khan, it is an exciting time to be connected with Fulham Football Club.
http://hereisthecity.com/2013/07/24/fulham-planning-future-success-by-building-exciting-youth-team/? (http://hereisthecity.com/2013/07/24/fulham-planning-future-success-by-building-exciting-youth-team/?)
Darren Bent
By rich on July 24, 2013
(http://cravencottagenewsround.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/bent.png?w=620)
If there's a more consistent goalscorer than Darren Bent available to us then I'll eat one of my hats.
There seems to have been a bit of a knock on Bent's attitude lately but this doesn't go with what I think I know about him. He came up through the same Ipswich golden generation as the likes of Kieron Dyer, Titus Bramble and Darren Ambrose, but by all accounts was a good character who worked hard for his team and for his career. I used to follow Ipswich quite closely and sensed that Bent was perhaps quite a streaky player, that he could go on long runs out of form but then go on goal bonanzas.
There's no doubt that he's nearer the 'old school' of forward, a la Michael Owen and Fernando Torres, than the new one, a la Christian Benteke, and that's a strike against him. But goals are goals, and Bent has always scored lots of them. His two off years came at Spurs in 2007-08, when he was odd man out in a forward line that was mainly led by Dimitar Berbatov and Robbie Keane, and last year at Villa where Benteke was a one-man wrecking crew.
It's all too easy to label players as having a bad attitude but I don't think there's really any evidence of this around Bent. He feels like a perfect Roy Hodgson 'buy quality at a low price' signing. Whether the current setup is geared towards rehabilitating such talents is questionable – I don't think it is really – but that's not Bent's fault. He'll be a great signing for someone.
http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2013/07/24/darren-bent/? (http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2013/07/24/darren-bent/?)
Naples move hits the buffers
Fulham have seen an approach to Napoli for their Uruguayan defensive midfielder Walter Gargano turned down.
Cottagers boss Martin Jol has been chasing a succession of holding midfielders this summer as he bids to beef up the Fulham engine room ahead of the new campaign. Mohammed Rabiu and Tom Huddlestone have been linked recently, but Gargano is a different player entirely and would have added much-needed steel to the Fulham side as they bid to improve upon their points haul away from home. The 29-year-old spent last season on loan at Inter, but remains under contract at Napoli until 2016 and could see his first-team propsects improve under new coach Rafael Benitez next season. He has over 50 caps for Uruguay and was a key member of their Confederations Cup squad where he was credited with four assists in the tournament.
Read more at: http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/naples-move-hits-the-buffers-1609599.html? (http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/naples-move-hits-the-buffers-1609599.html?)