Friends of Fulham

 
Fulham man looking forward to derby

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Fulham winger Alex Kacaniklic says he cannot wait to face Chelsea despite his side's current bad run of form.

The Whites have just four points from their opening four games and were booed off last weekend after they conceded a stoppage-time equaliser at home to West Brom

But ahead of Saturday's west London derby at Stamford Bridge, the Sweden international said: "I'm looking forward to it.

"A derby game always adds a bit of extra spice. To play against Chelsea is always good.

"They've got some good young players as well as some experienced ones and what Jose Mourinho has done has proven himself to be one of the best."



http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-looking-forward-to-chelsea-clash? (http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-looking-forward-to-chelsea-clash?)

 
Fulham's Warmest Welcome

Fulham Football Club is to be presented with the VisitFootball Warmest Welcome award for providing top customer service to our fans.

A panel of industry experts from the tourism, football and customer service industries voted that Fulham's staff should win the award for being "a club where all departments are working towards a common goal of improving every supporter's day out."

The awards are part of a national scheme that aims to improve standards of fan experience at football stadia, and VisitFootball is a joint venture between the Premier League and the national tourism board VisitEngland.

VisitFootball has been assessing the care that customers receive at football grounds since August 2010 and gives out annual awards for those who deliver outstanding customer service. It has adapted VisitEngland's 'Visitor Attraction Quality Assurance Scheme', which is used to assess other tourist attractions such as theatres and museums, specifically for football stadia. All 20 clubs in the Barclays Premier League were judged by a professional tourism assessor across eight areas of the supporter match experience, such as ticketing, stewarding, catering, toilets and the club shop.

There were four awards in total, with Manchester United winning Club of the Year, Liverpool awarded Best Fan Innovation, and Wigan Athletic presented with the Unsung Hero accolade. For the awards, the panel brought together the marks and comments of the assessors from Live Tourism to determine which clubs and personnel offered the highest quality for Premier League football fans. The judges' comments explaining why Fulham were awarded Warmest Welcome are as follows:

"The Warmest Welcome Award is about how supporters are treated across every aspect of a football club, from the moment they arrive to the final minute when they leave. What is abundantly clear at Fulham is that this is a club where all departments are working towards a common goal of improving every supporter's day out.

"Staff at Craven Cottage have a friendly can do attitude, balancing hope with reality in managing expectations. Their stewarding is often outstanding, and we loved the team of stewards who have access to an iPad, ensuring not only that fans can get the right information but that they can support their fellow stewards who may not know or have all the answers. Add in reduced catering service times, two new giant video screens and family stand branding and you can see why Fulham provide the warmest of welcomes."

Richard Scudamore, Premier League Chief Executive, said: "Premier League clubs are working harder than ever to ensure that when supporters come to a match they receive excellent service. The passion and commitment of the fans is an integral part of the Premier League's success and English football culture. The VisitFootball Awards won by Manchester United, Liverpool, Fulham, and Wigan demonstrate that not only do our clubs take looking after their fans very seriously, but they are extremely good at it."   

James Berresford, VisitEngland Chief Executive, said: "The Premier League has already been playing its part over the last three years to improve its football welcome and they should be congratulated for taking this so seriously and the progress made so far. It's also important that football clubs continue to build on these improvements and we have certainly seen that with Manchester United, Liverpool, Fulham and Wigan."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/september/19/fulhams-warmest-welcome? (http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/september/19/fulhams-warmest-welcome?)

 
Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shahid Khan has big plans for his struggling NFL team

(http://e1.365dm.com/13/08/660x350/khan_2987062.jpg?20130814151136)
Shahid Khan: Invested heavily in the Jaguars

Jacksonville owner Shahid Khan is determined to raise the profile of his NFL franchise in the UK when the Jaguars play at Wembley Stadium next month.

The Jags take on last season's Super Bowl runners-up San Francisco in the second of two International Series NFL clashes in London on October 27.

Khan signed a deal for the Jaguars to play one "home" match at Wembley in each of the next four years, while he also has big plans for EverBank Field in Florida.

The Fulham owner has already invested $10m in state-of-the-art locker rooms and training facilities which he hopes will help the team bounce back from the worst season in their history.

"We want to have the world's largest scoreboard - 304 feet wide by 54 feet high - and then a level of swimming pools complete with palm trees, cabanas and the whole Florida experience," he said.

Sales

He also revealed that a recent trip to London revealed a surprise in the sales of replica Jaguars shirts and other merchandise.

"There are stores now that are selling NFL merchandise in London, and I walk in and look for the Jaguars and couldn't find anything.

"I asked the lady in the store about it, and she said 'that's our new home team - we're sold out'".

Jacksonville have lost the opening two games of this season, but Khan is confident they will have found their form in time for the daunting clash with the 49ers next month.

Star running-back Maurice Jones-Drew also insisted that Khan was a rare "hands-on" owner who often visits the locker room to talk to players.

"We see him more than most teams see their owners," said Jones-Drew. "He's a good guy, really down-to-earth and want to talk and have a good time and it's rare that you see that."



http://www1.skysports.com/american-football/news/12118/8929546? (http://www1.skysports.com/american-football/news/12118/8929546?)

 
The Night the Lights Went Out in Fulham

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Lights Out at Cottage     mirror.co.uk

I have been wondering for a while now if I have allowed the prejudices of others regarding Fulham's play to cloud my own judgment on the state of football currently on display at the Cottage. If you do any amount of reading regarding the state of Fulham Football Club you will most certainly see a distinct divide about what is happening in the here and now down by the River Thames. As an American Fulham fan I want nothing more than to sit back on a Saturday morning and watch the Whites roll to an impressive win over the days opposition but I have no preconceived notion that I will not come away on as many Saturdays ruing a missed shot or a breakdown in the defense as I will celebrating a superb winner or stunning game preserving save by the keeper. I am well aware that Fulham are not among the entitled and I do try to keep my expectations firmly grounded in hoping for the squad to put in a good shift, for them to cause their fair share of trouble to the opposition's defense and for them to pull out the occasional brilliant performance. In short, I don't expect displays equivalent to those of either Manchester United or the QPR of last season. Somewhere in between will keep me on the up and sitting on the edge of my sofa.

However, of late I have found myself growing rather listless when tuning in on Saturdays. Throughout the week I look forward to match day but as kickoff time approaches I find myself more apprehensive about how Fulham will perform than excited about the possible performance at hand. Unfortunately, I seem to have become pessimistic that Fulham are capable of functioning as an attacking offensive unit. I know I am not the only Fulham fan to hold that point of view but the question I posed to myself this week is whether or not I am being reasonable in my expectations. There are many ways to approach the game and while I have a certain expectation of what I would enjoy seeing Fulham do on the pitch it does not mean the squad cannot be effective playing a style that is not pleasing to my eye. Given that beauty is in the eye of the beholder I started digging into the numbers this week to see what they had to say about Fulham's form over that past two plus years.

To be honest I did not expect to see some line drawn in the sand where you could clearly see that Fulham's on-field direction had taken a dramatic change. I did not expect to be able to point to a date on the calendar and ask what happened in the week leading up to a particular match. I did not expect to see anything to be honest but I did. When you examine the numbers it looks like in the week leading up to the match against Stoke on November 24, 2012 someone flipped off the switch to Fulham's offense and the lights went out FFC's attacking abilities. I will admit that if you look at both the away match to Stoke on 11-24 and the subsequent away match to Chelsea on 11-28 that a dreary 1-0 loss to the Potters and a nil-nil draw to the blue side of Fulham are nothing to cringe about in isolation but when placed in the big picture something happened during this time period, be it intentional or unintentional, that has never been undone.

Fulham started off the 2012-2013 season in rare form. In the twelve matches prior to playing Stoke away the squad had averaged almost 15 shots per contest and nearly six shots per match on goal. In a full 75% or 9 of 12 matches Fulham had put a minimum of 5 shots on goal and taken no less than 11 shots. Now I will admit this was rare air for the Fulham faithful and we all knew it wouldn't last forever but to keep things in perspective for the entire of the 2011-2012 season Fulham put at least 5 shots on goal in 58% of their matches and averaged just over 14 shots per match with just over 5 shots on goal.

The overall trend for last season is not too disturbing when taken as a whole. For the 2012-2013 season the overall shots on goal per game only dropped by one to just over 4 per match and total shots per match dropped by two to just over 12 per match. While that is a trend nobody wants to see it is reasonably understandable given the loss of personnel with the departures of Murphy, Dembele and Dempsey in particular. While the excuses may have grown old as the year wore on during press conferences I will concede that Mr. Jol was right to miss those that left. For me there is also nothing overly disturbing about these trends until you draw a line on the calendar above the November 24th match with Stoke and begin to examine what happened after that date.

I am not trying to examine Martin Jol's qualities as a manager and I cannot say that as I fan I noticed some seismic shift on during the performance against Stoke but the numbers say that there was a change that occurred at Fulham prior to this match and from an offensive perspective it was not for the better. Fulham had been both scoring goals and leaking goals in its first twelve matches with an over 2 goals scored per match average and an over 1.8 goals against per match average going into the matchup with Stoke. For reasons that were perhaps tactical or due to injury or whatever they were it was in the Stoke match that Martin Jol introduced the 4-3-3 for the first time on the season with Baird, Sidwell and Karagounis sitting behind Dejagah, Berbatov and Petric. Perhaps it was a shift to a more defensive way of thinking, perhaps it was a tactical change for just that match and the Chelsea match to follow or perhaps Jol's thinking was somewhere else entirely but whatever happened in those two weeks has carried forward from that point in time with the squad's offensive production spiraling consistently downward.

Including Stoke, in the thirty matches since November 24, 2012 Fulham have only managed to put at least 5 shots on goal 9 times which totals the same number of times they did it and the first twelve matches of 2012-2013 and the under 30% rate is roughly half the rate at which they did it for the 2011-2012 season. During those thirty matches Fulham's average shots per match as fallen to just 10.5 shots per match with just over 3.5 shots per match on goal and if you extrapolate those statistics out to this season Fulham are only averaging 9 shots per match with 3 on goal which are equivalent numbers to the final ten matches of last season.

If you theorize that the purpose of the shift in play was to put a more defensive game plan into action then the numbers would show that the shift has only been mildly effective. For baseline purposes I will say that Fulham averaged 1.26 goals for and 1.34 goals against in the 2011-2012 season but you can take from that what you will. The numbers do show that Fulham managed to reduce the 1.8 goals against average from the first twelve matches of the season to just under 1.5 goals against over the remaining twenty-six matches but they did so at a cost of scoring only 1 goal per match in the final twenty-six compared to 2 per match in the first twelve. This season's small sample size shows 0.75 goals for average compared to a 1.25 goals against average for what it is worth.

Where does this leave Fulham and Martin Jol? In a malaise that must be broken out of. I won't pretend to know what the perfect lineup is or which formation best suits Fulham but I do know the numbers say Fulham needs to find a way to put shots on goal. The performance against West Bromwich was encouraging to some and I will admit the movement was at least a little better but until Fulham finds a way to consistently put shots on goal I will not be convinced that brighter times are ahead and I will continue watching apprehensively expecting the worst instead of hoping for the best.



- See more at: http://www.fulhamusa.com/index.php/news/item/206-the-night-the-lights-went-out-in-fulham?#sthash.IL6nXwaG.dpuf (http://www.fulhamusa.com/index.php/news/item/206-the-night-the-lights-went-out-in-fulham?#sthash.IL6nXwaG.dpuf)

 
Fulham fans are behind Martin Jol ... for now, insist Supporters' Trust

Martin Jol has the backing of Fulham fans despite chants from a small section of supporters calling for the manager to go after Saturday's draw with West Brom.

Cries of "Jol out" could be heard by a vocal minority at the end of the game at Craven Cottage, with some home fans clearly unhappy with their slow start to the season.

Fulham have four points from their opening four Premier League games and Jol, who has one year left on his contract, was forced to defend his record at the club.

Dan Crawford, of the Fulham Supporters' Trust, says the Dutchman has the support of most fans but warns that the consensus of opinion might change if results do not improve.

"The manager has to take some responsibility but calling for his head on the basis or three or four games is a bit of an instant reaction," he said.

"Jol has the backing of the majority of fans but that could change on future results.

"There are a lot of Fulham fans who are uncertain about Jol and the next few months are his audition to take hold of the reins at the club for some time to come.

"The performances of late have not been great but you have got to look at what the alternative [managerial options] are — and there is not an attractive option."

It is understood that new owner Shahid Khan does not want to replace Jol, who has been in charge since replacing Mark Hughes in 2011. Fulham face Chelsea in a  west London derby at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

"Everyone will recognise that  the West Brom result was disappointing," said Crawford.

"The manner of their equaliser and the manner of a couple of the performances, particularly towards the end of last season and the late defeat at Newcastle, have people a little bit worried. But it is incredibly early in the season. There is one way for Jol to answer those critics, win at Stamford Bridge and he would write himself into Fulham folklore."

Meanwhile, Fulham have won the VisitFootball Warmest Welcome award for top customer service.

A panel of experts in tourism, football and customer service chose Fulham for being "a club where all departments are working towards a common goal of improving every supporter's day out".

VisitFootball is a joint venture between the Premier League and VisitEngland, the national tourism board.



http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-fans-are-behind-martin-jol--for-now-insist-supporters-trust-8826442.html (http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-fans-are-behind-martin-jol--for-now-insist-supporters-trust-8826442.html)

 
Michael Jackson statue set to be removed from Fulham stadium Craven Cottage at Mohamed Al Fayed's request
The former Cottagers owner wants to take the statue to another of his properties

The Michael Jackson statue installed at Craven Cottage by former Fulham owner Mohamed Al Fayed is set to be removed.

It appears the former Cottagers owner, who sold the club during the summer to American Shahid Khan, has decided he wants to take the tribute to his former friend to one of his other properties.

The statue was installed in 2011 to commemorate the Thriller singer who Fayed insisted was a fan of the Thames side team (despite only being spotted in SW6 once).

However, the decision to install it at the back of the Hammersmith Stand inside the grounds of Craven Cottage was met with ridicule by many supporters of Fulham.

Fayed paid little attention, telling anyone who didn't like the statue, which includes an inscription from Dickson Etuhu and Jackson lyrics, to "go to hell".

Not all Fulham fans disliked the tribute though, with some seeing the entertaining and eccentric side to its instalment.

A Fulham spokesperson said: "The statue is not part of the Riverside development of the stadium and will be returned to the former chairman in due course."

The decision of Fayed to take the statue, rather than it be be removed by the new owners, will come as a relief to Khan after Fayed threatened to chop his moustache off if he did.



http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/michael-jackson-statue-set-to-be-removed-from-fulham-stadium-craven-cottage-at-mohamed-al-fayeds-request-8826503.html (http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/michael-jackson-statue-set-to-be-removed-from-fulham-stadium-craven-cottage-at-mohamed-al-fayeds-request-8826503.html)

 
Dembele thinks he is 'underrated'- So can Fulham loanee down Tottenham?

Mousa Dembele rates Josh Pritchard - Who could play against him for Tromso IL tonight.

On paper Tottenham Hotspur will be looking at their Norwegian opponents tonight and thinking ... routine win. Indeed, Tromso IL were in fact beaten by Besiktas in the qualifying, only for the Turkish side to be disqualified from the Europa League for match fixing charges.

So here they are, one of the most northern teams in European football travelling down to London to take on Spurs at White Hart Lane.

But for one Tromso player London will not be unfamiliar territory.

Former Manchester United starlet Josh Pritchard is currently on loan at Tromso from Fulham until the end of the season. After initially struggling he is now a regular in the side, playing in various positions, with the central midfield role becoming his new stomping ground.

Arsenal's Aaron Ramsey is 'Rambo' - Exclusive pic

Because of his technical ability and stamina he was adapted into this role at Craven Cottage, and one central midfielder who has made the switch from Fulham to Spurs in recent years is reportedly a fan of Pritchard - according to the youngster.

When speaking to Norwegian source VG Nett yesterday, he made it clear that the Belgian was one fan of his in South West London. When asked about who he looked forward to facing tonight, Pritchard stated:

''Of course Mousa Dembele, because he thinks I'm underrated. It's because I know him from Fulham. It would be a big task, but I do not think he plays. The fight is huge for me. It gives me a chance to prove to the coaches in Fulham that I can play in the Premier League. I hope Tottenham have their best team on the pitch, but they probably play with the bench. Uses the players Jermain Defoe, Erik Lamela, Lewis Holtby, but is doesn't matter who we meet.''

Pritchard is ready to prove something that Dembele reportedly sees - that he has not reached his limit at Fulham. It is fantastic to see a young English talent decide to move to another country in order to adapt their game, in Pritchard's case following a former coach at United in the form of Jon Hil.

It shows ambition, and his ambition knows no bounds - tonight he is not ready to simply lay down and accept defeat...

''Why can we not beat them? It's only football we are talking about.''

But while the result might be important, his performance could be of more significance if he is to break through the ceiling at Fulham Football Club.



http://hereisthecity.com/2013/09/19/mn-dembele-thinks-he-is-underrated-so-can-fulham-loanee-down-tot/? (http://hereisthecity.com/2013/09/19/mn-dembele-thinks-he-is-underrated-so-can-fulham-loanee-down-tot/?)

 
Cox: Mata should start against Fulham

One of the more peculiar developments in Jose Mourinho's second spell at Chelsea has been his apparent distrust of Juan Mata.

The Spanish playmaker, widely regarded as Chelsea's best performer last season, has started just two of the six fixtures under Mourinho so far, and has been withdrawn in both.

Chelsea fans, as well as neutrals who admire Mata's clever positioning and pinpoint through-balls, are desperate for him to be given another chance. However, he didn't impress in last weekend's 1-0 defeat to Everton – where he started in a central attacking position as Chelsea sat deep, but contributed little, appearing uncomfortable at launching counter-attacks.

In fact, Mourinho essentially used Mata in completely the wrong way at Goodison Park. Mourinho wasn't to know the course the match would take, with Everton going ahead shortly before half-time, but essentially Mata was on the pitch when Chelsea were attempting to play on the break, and on the bench when Chelsea were attempting to break down a packed defence.

His talent clearly lends itself to the latter, and Chelsea lacked creativity as they searched for a late equaliser.

Mata was once again a substitute for the shock 2-1 defeat to Basel in midweek, with Oscar, Eden Hazard and new signing Willian favoured in the three attacking roles behind main striker Samuel Eto'o.

Oscar had a good first half, scoring the opener – and he's the one Chelsea player you can understand Mourinho favouring over Mata, given his adaptability and ruthlessness on the break – but overall Chelsea were poor in the final third.

This weekend would be a good opportunity to give Mata another chance in the first team. In the derby against Fulham at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea are likely to be facing a defensive-minded, passive side that puts two banks of four behind the ball and defends solidly.

Mata might not be a fine counter-attacker, but he's the Chelsea player most likely to threat a through-ball between defenders, or find a pocket of space between the lines.

If Mata doesn't start this weekend, you wonder when Mourinho will deem it necessary to play him.




Read more: http://pickourteam.com/premierleague/chelsea/news/19-09-2013/cox-mata-should-start-against-fulham/847485?#ixzz2fPkKlEZR (http://pickourteam.com/premierleague/chelsea/news/19-09-2013/cox-mata-should-start-against-fulham/847485?#ixzz2fPkKlEZR)

 
Berbatov is a doubt for Chelsea clash

Fulham striker Dimitar Berbatov is a doubt for Saturday's west London derby against Chelsea because of a hamstring problem.

Berbatov was forced off with the injury in the second half against West Brom last weekend and manager Martin Jol says the Bulgarian will be assessed ahead of this weekend's game.

"We will assess Berbatov tomorrow with his hamstring," Jol confirmed.

"He's got a tightness there but hopefully he will be okay."

Darren Bent has recovered from a hamstring problem, however, and is available for selection.

And there is good news for Fulham regarding Bryan Ruiz.

The Costa Rican's ankle injury, suffered in the draw with West Brom, is not as bad as first feared, although he will miss the derby.

"Darren is back and hopefully Ruiz will be back next week," Jol added.

"The ankle injury is not as bad as we first thought – it was just one ligament and it has been getting better and better."

Defender Aaron Hughes, goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg and left-back Matthew Briggs are still unavailable because of their respective injuries.



http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/berbatov-is-a-doubt-for-chelsea-clash (http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/berbatov-is-a-doubt-for-chelsea-clash)

 
Fulham suffer Briggs blow

FULHAM full-back Matthew Briggs faces three weeks on the sidelines after undergoing a hernia operation.

The young defender, who has featured twice this season, had surgery in Munich this week.

Boss Martin Jol said: "He's had a hernia operation. He will will be out for at least three weeks."



Read more: Fulham Chronicle http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/fulham-fc/2013/09/19/82029-33862695/?#ixzz2fPl0LgGm (http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/fulham-fc/2013/09/19/82029-33862695/?#ixzz2fPl0LgGm)

 
Fulham boss regrets hitting out at fans

Fulham manager Martin Jol has admitted he regrets hitting out at supporters who barracked him at the weekend.

Some of the Craven Cottage crowd turned on the Dutchman after his team conceded a stoppage-time equaliser against West Brom.

He responded after the 1-1 draw by describing them as "disappointing" and subsequently suggested their expectations are too high.

"I think it's better not to talk about it – I did and I shouldn't have," Jol conceded.

"The supporters pay us to play football for them. They've got an opinion and are entitled to express themselves.

"But to concede in the 93rd minute was very disappointing, not only for them but for me and the club as well."

He added: "I talked about the fact that expectations can make you very unhappy and they can at any club – even the big clubs like Chelsea and Manchester United.

"Seven new players were not even there last week so we still have to find the balance and it's not easy. I think there are 10 or 11 other teams who are not settled either.

"But what I mean is as soon as we gel I think we will be fine."



http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-boss-regrets-hitting-out-at-fans? (http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-boss-regrets-hitting-out-at-fans?)

 
LAWRO'S PREDICTION
(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/69921000/jpg/_69921218_chelsea-fulham.jpg)
Chelsea v Fulham (17:30 BST)

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has not had a good week, with defeats by Everton in the Premier League and then Basel in the Champions League.

They had lots of chances against Everton but, against Basel, I just thought they were trying to be too cute.

You wonder if one or two people are now starting to realise what a good job Rafa Benitez did at Stamford Bridge last season.

Mourinho's first problem is trying to get all of his wonderful attacking midfield players into his system, because he really is spoilt for choice.

His other issue is that none of them are much good to him when they have not got the ball.

Although I still think they will be too strong for Fulham, it could be that he has to try to balance his team differently.

Chelsea have an excellent record in this derby, though, and I cannot see that changing this weekend. If Fulham do win, then some Chelsea fans might be crying for Benitez to come back.

Meanwhile, Fulham boss Martin Jol is coming in for some criticism, which I think is harsh.

I just hope their new owner Shahid Khan was not sitting there listening to chants of 'Jol out' during their draw with West Brom - the Dutchman is a good manager.

Prediction: 2-0


http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24152623 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24152623)

 
Beat Chelsea and we will love you forever, Fulham fans tell under-fire Martin Jol

Fulham manager Martin Jol has been told he can ease the growing unease over his position at Craven Cottage by piling the pressure on Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho.

Former Tottenham and Ajax boss Jol has been backed by the Fulham Supporters' Trust (FST) despite a slow start to the new Premier League season which has led to criticism from a vocal minority of fans.

Mourinho's return to Stamford Bridge for a second spell in charge has stumbled in the last week with a Premier League defeat at Everton followed by a surprise Champions League loss at home to Basle last night.

The two neighbours meet this weekend when Fulham make the short trip to Stamford Bridge and FST spokesman Dan Crawford said: 'The manager has to take some responsibility but calling for his head on the basis or three or four games is a bit of an instant reaction.

'Jol has the backing of the majority of fans, it is incredibly early in the season. There is one way for him to answer those critics, win at Stamford Bridge and he would write himself into Fulham folklore.'



http://metro.co.uk/2013/09/19/beat-chelsea-and-we-will-love-you-forever-fulham-fans-tell-under-fire-martin-jol-4055619/? (http://metro.co.uk/2013/09/19/beat-chelsea-and-we-will-love-you-forever-fulham-fans-tell-under-fire-martin-jol-4055619/?)

 
Jol's Chelsea Preview

Martin Jol is hoping Fulham can extend their good recent record at Stamford Bridge when they face Chelsea on Saturday afternoon (5.30pm).

The previous three SW6 derbies at the Bridge have all ended in stalemates (although Chelsea emerged victorious from the first courtesy of a penalty shoot-out in the League Cup), and the Fulham Manager hopes that statistic breeds confidence among his squad.

"I have to put it in the minds of my players that we had good results [there]," Jol said in Thursday's press conference. "I don't know what that means to have good results in the away matches against them but we still know the way we played against them so maybe that will help.

"I can remember a few games; the penalty kick with Pajtim Kasami that we should have won, but that was for the cup. We had a few situations last year in the away match where we could have scored in the last 10 minutes, so we could have had a win. It's a good thing that we haven't lost, although remember that we lost at home [to Chelsea] a couple of months ago.

"We had three draws there so we did particularly well. It's 10 minutes from our place so it's the same as a home game almost. We've got good support from our supporters, and hopefully we can do something nice.

"We're in the Fulham area with Chelsea and their stadium is in the Fulham area so that's why it's a big and important derby. If you look at the support we always get at Chelsea from our away fans, it's terrific."

Chelsea brought former boss Jose Mourinho back to English football in the summer, but Jol says the managerial change won't affect how his side approaches the game.

"They changed managers, although he [Mourinho] plays almost a similar system now to Rafa Benitez. Before he played a different system in a 4-3-3," he explained. "He changed it a bit so that's different but we're quite confident.

"With or without Mourinho, this is the best league in the world, but I'm happy that he's back. He's almost like a friend to me – he's a very nice guy so we've got a little connection with each other."

The Blues go into the match on the back of a four game winless run, with their most recent fixtures both ending in defeat as they lost 1-0 to Everton in the Barclays Premier League, and 2-1 at home to Basel in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday.

Jol was quizzed as to whether or not that poor run of form will work in Fulham's favour, and the Dutchman admitted that Saturday's derby is already a significant fixture for our hosts.

"I think if we beat them it will be the first time that they've lost three games in a week," he said. "So it puts a little bit more pressure on them, but I don't know if it's an advantage or not.

"When they lost against Everton, it put pressure on them in the Champions League, so they had to win that game. To talk about must-win games, I think that for Chelsea it's a must-win game against us because they want to be champions in England.

"I won't say there's nothing to lose when we go there because it's a difficult game, but I think the last two or three away matches against Chelsea we did quite well."

There could be a significant change to the Fulham starting XI from the one that drew with West Bromwich Albion last Saturday, with Dimitar Berbatov requiring a fitness test on Friday, while Bryan Ruiz will certainly miss out.

"Berbatov will have an assessment on his hamstring which is a bit tight and hopefully he'll be fine," Jol stated. "Bryan Ruiz is out and will be back probably next week. He had a traumatic ankle injury but not as bad as we thought. It's one ligament and it's getting better and better so he'll hopefully be back next week.

"Aaron Hughes has still got a problem with his thigh and Maarten Stekelenburg will be out for the next couple of weeks with his right shoulder. Matthew Briggs had an operation on a hernia so he'll be out for at least three weeks."

At the end of Saturday's 1-1 draw with the Baggies, a smattering of the Cottage crowd directed a series of boos in Jol's direction. Our Manager made some comments about those fans in his post match press conference, although now insists that such action was perhaps a mistake. He did, however, reaffirm that he shared the disappointment of the supporters at not winning the game.

"I think it's better not to talk about it, but I did, and I shouldn't have because they're entitled to express themselves," he said. "They pay us to play football for them and they've got an opinion and to lose [two points] in the 92nd minute was very disappointing, not only for them but for me and the Club.

"I talked about the fact that expectations can make you very unhappy at any club; Chelsea, even Manchester United, big clubs, smaller clubs, and especially at Fulham as well. We feel that we've got good players but five of the seven new players were not even there last week so we still have to find a balance.

"It isn't easy but I think there are probably 10 or 11 other teams that are not settled and play with different players, new players. So what I mean is that as soon as we gel together we'll be fine."

Our Manager also commented on recent media reports stating that former Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen was set to become part of his backroom staff at Fulham; a notion he denies.

"It's the same with 90 per cent of players – it's speculation," Jol explained. "There's nothing in it whatsoever. I know him and he's an excellent coach. We will always look to strengthen with players and with coaches but, now, it's speculation."

Cheer on the Whites in the South-West London derby! Tickets are on sale to all supporters with a Booking History, (max. 4 per person).



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/september/19/jols-chelsea-preview? (http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/september/19/jols-chelsea-preview?)

 
Dimitar Berbatov a doubt for Chelsea clash
The Bulgarian has an injured hamstring

Fulham are sweating on the fitness of key striker Dimitar Berbatov ahead of the West London derby with Chelsea, according to The Fulham and Hammersmith Chronicle.

The Bulgarian limped out of last weekends 1-1 draw with West Bromwich Albion at Craven Cottage.

The hamstring injury he sustained is now threatening to leave the Cottagers without, arguably, their best striker for the short trip to Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

The 32-year-old signed for Fulham from Manchester United at the start of last season and has scored 15 Premier League goals in 36 appearances.

Berbatov has forged a reputation for being one of the most skilful and clinical finishers in England.

In 2008, United shelled out £30 million to lure him from Tottenham Hotspur.

In total Berbatov has 90 goals in seven years playing in England, therefore his manager Martin Jol will be hoping for a speedy recovery.

However, in the event that his main striker is ruled out, the Dutch boss will be boosted by the news that loanee Darren Bent is fit to return to the line-up.

Other attacking options include Hugo Rodallega, Bryan Ruiz, Adel Taarabt and Ashkan Dejagah.

The West London derby will provide both clubs with the opportunity to get back to winning ways.

Fulham haven't won in the Premier League since the opening day and Chelsea are without a win in their last three games in all competitions.

Write for GiveMeSport! Sign-up to the GMS Writing Academy here: http://gms.to/130seMa (http://gms.to/130seMa)

DISCLAIMER: This article has been written by a member of the GiveMeSport Writing Academy and does not represent the views of GiveMeSport.com or SportsNewMedia. The views and opinions expressed are solely that of the author credited at the top of this article. GiveMeSport.com and SportsNewMedia do not take any responsibility for the content of its contributors.



http://www.givemesport.com/382243-dimitar-berbatov-a-doubt-for-chelsea-clash?autoplay=on (http://www.givemesport.com/382243-dimitar-berbatov-a-doubt-for-chelsea-clash?autoplay=on)

 
Premier League: Fulham's Alex Kacaniklic confident of Chelsea upset in weekend derby

(http://e0.365dm.com/13/07/16-9/20/Alexander-Kacaniklic-Fulham_2979657.jpg?20130729124019)
Alex Kacaniklic: Looking forward to Fulham's clash with Chelsea

Alex Kacaniklic is relishing the prospect of taking on Chelsea and believes Fulham can spring a surprise at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea slipped up against Everton last weekend and then suffered a shock home defeat against Basel in the UEFA Champions League on Saturday.

Fulham have also been on a poor run, failing to win in three Premier League games since the victory over Sunderland on the opening day, but Kacaniklic is hopeful they can upset the odds.

"Maybe we'll get the three points next week [against Chelsea], you never know. I'm looking forward to it," Kacaniklic told the Fulham Chronicle.

"What he [Mourinho] has done has proven himself to be one of the best.

"I'm looking forward to that game. To play against Chelsea is always good and they've got some good young players themselves, as well as some experienced ones, so I'm looking forward to it."

Kacaniklic, who has made four appearances for Martin Jol's side this term, admits there will be added spice because it is a derby game.

"Of course it always does," he said. "We want to go there and get some points."



http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/8930036/? (http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/8930036/?)

 
New adidas Mens Leisurewear


Shop from our brand new adidas mens and premium collections today to be in with a chance of winning one of three pieces of adidas luggage!*

Featuring must-haves such as the adidas Essential Black Polo (pictured, £27.99) with FFC crest made from CLIMALITE® COTTON, as worn by one of our brightest young stars, George Williams.

Up for grabs is the large trolley bag (worth £129.99), the small trolley bag (£99.99) or the messenger bag (£44.99), and we have one of each to give away.

Just make a purchase online from the adidas mens collections before midnight on Thursday 26th September to be in with a chance. Check out the ranges online and shop today!

*One entry into the draw will be made per order. Promotion valid for online orders only. 1st prize: adidas large trolley bag, 2nd prize: adidas small trolley bag, 3rd prize: adidas messenger bag. Promotion ends midnight Thursday 26th September. Winners will be notified via email on Friday 27th September when their prize will be despatched from the warehouse.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/september/19/new-adidas-mens-leisurewear? (http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/september/19/new-adidas-mens-leisurewear?)

 
Beat It: Fulham to return Michael Jackson statue to Mohamed Al Fayed
• Fayed insisted late singer was a fan of the club
• Statue not part of Riverside development of stadium

Fulham are to return the statue of Michael Jackson outside Craven Cottage to the club's former owner Mohamed Al Fayed.

The sculpture was installed at the back of the Hammersmith stand in 2011, in tribute to the late singer, whom Fayed insisted was a fan of the west London club.

Fulham were bought by the American Shahid Khan in a £150m deal during the summer, and initially it had appeared the Jackson statue would remain in place.

However, it now appears Fayed will take the statue to one of his other properties as the club press on with plans to revamp their home on the banks of the Thames.

A Fulham spokesperson said: "The statue is not part of the Riverside development of the stadium and will be returned to the former chairman in due course."



http://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/sep/19/fulham-michael-jackson-statue (http://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/sep/19/fulham-michael-jackson-statue)

 
Fulham boss Jol piles pressure on Chelsea ahead of derby clash

MARTIN Jol has turned up the heat on Chelsea ahead of Saturday's west London derby.

The Blues have suffered back-to-back defeats going into the game following Saturday's loss at Everton and last night's shock Champions League reverse against Basel.

And Fulham boss Jol has heaped more pressure on their rivals in the build up to the Stamford Bridge clash.

"For Chelsea it's a must-win game against us because they want to be champions," said the Dutchman.

"I was thinking yesterday if they lost a second game in a week it could be difficult.

"It puts a little bit more pressure on them, but I don't know whether that's an advantage or not."

Jol came under fire from a section of Fulham fans following last weekend's 1-1 draw with West Brom, which extended their winless streak at Craven Cottage to six games.

But the Whites manager insists they will come good when their summer signings start to click.

He added: "We have good players, but five of the seven new players were not there last week, so it's not easy.

"There are 10 or 11 teams who have not settled, but as soon as we gel together we will be fine.

"Sometimes you have to put things in perspective. We're doing better in this transitional period over the past couple of years than people give us credit for."



Read more: Fulham Chronicle http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/fulham-fc/2013/09/19/82029-33863992/?#ixzz2fPoI00MV (http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/fulham-fc/2013/09/19/82029-33863992/?#ixzz2fPoI00MV)

 
Chelsea v Fulham preview: Team strengths, tactics and stats
Check out all the vital statistics ahead of this
weekend's Premier League meeting at Stamford Bridge

(http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8827264.ece/ALTERNATES/w460/ChelseavsFulham.jpg)

Ahead of this
weekend's Premier League meeting, between Chelsea and Fulham, see how the sides
compare on possession, pass accuracy, tactics and much more.



http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/chelsea-v-fulham-preview-team-strengths-tactics-and-stats-8827313.html (http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/chelsea-v-fulham-preview-team-strengths-tactics-and-stats-8827313.html)

 
Meulensteen Wanted by Jol
   
Under-fire Martin Jol could, if the papers are correct, be looking to recruit a new assistant manager.

The tabloid press is insinuating that Jol is hoping to take on board the former Manchester United coach, Rene Meulensteen

Meulensteen opted to leave Old Trafford after the introduction of the new David Moyes regime and took on a post, in Russian football, with Anzhi Makhachkala.

Unfortunately, the 49 year-old only lasted 16 days in his role there, although we suspect very much that may have had something to do with the financial mess that has befallen the big-spenders.

We`ll keep you afoot of any potential developments.


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=332787#ixzz2fPopBWzQ (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=332787#ixzz2fPopBWzQ)

 
Jol: I chose Bent over Everton loanee Lukaku

The Fulham boss decided not to pursue the young Belgian's signature having already brought in Aston Villa's forgotten man, while Sam Allardyce was disappointed to miss out

Fulham manager Martin Jol admits his regret at missing out on Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku last season, but claims he chose Darren Bent over the Belgian this summer.

After sealing a year-long loan move to Everton on transfer deadline day, the 20-year-old will be hoping to rediscover the form that saw him hit 17 Premier League goals during a similar stint at West Brom last season, but Jol insists he held no interest after bringing fellow loanee Bent to Craven Cottage.

"I wanted to have him on loan last year," Jol admitted.

"But, they wanted him to come back if he would have done well before January, and I said 'no, I want him for the whole season', I was wrong, I should have taken him for the four or five months.

"This year was different because they couldn't make their mind up and they needed their strikers.

"On the last day, he went to Everton and there was no chance for us. Because we already had Bent, and you can only have a [certain amount of] similar players."

The Dutchman was not alone in his pursuit of the young striker, as Sam Allardyce admits he held a long-standing interest in bringing Lukaku on loan to West Ham.

"I chased him all summer to be honest," Allardyce told reporters.

"But when it became the final day of the deadline we missed out an Everton managed to secure his position. We were more or less told he was going back to West Brom.

"We tried, but didn't manage to clinch it."



http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2013/09/19/4274030/-? (http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2013/09/19/4274030/-?)

 
Jol: I was wrong to react
Martin Jol admits he was wrong to react to booing from home supporters and accepts they have a right to express frustration.

The Cottagers have failed to build on their 1-0 win at Sunderland on the opening day, losing to Arsenal and also away to Newcastle before conceding a stoppage-time equaliser to West Brom last weekend.

Jeers and cries of "Jol out" from some sections of the home support followed the final whistle against the Baggies, which the Dutchman described as "disappointing" in his post-match interviews.

Fulham Supporters' Trust has called for everyone to get behind the manager - who has been in charge since replacing Mark Hughes in 2011 and continues to have the support of new owner Shahid Khan - ahead of the west London derby with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Jol, though, expressed some regret at his choice of words last weekend, when he also questioned what fans of a club of Fulham's stature should realistically expect.

"I think it is better not to talk about it, but I did, and I shouldn't have because they are entitled to express themselves," Jol told a press conference.

"They pay us to play football for them and they have got an opinion, and to lose [two points] in the 92nd minute was very disappointing - not only for them, but for me and the club.

"I talked about the fact that expectations can make you very unhappy at any club - Chelsea, even Manchester United, big clubs, smaller clubs, and especially at Fulham as well.

"We feel that we have got good players, but five of the seven new players were not even there last week so we still have to find a balance."

Jol remains confident the team's fortune can turn around as the squad integrate.

He said: "It is not easy, but I think there are probably 10 or 11 other teams that are not settled and play with different players, new players, so what I mean is that as soon as we gel together, we will be fine."

Chelsea suffered a surprise 2-1 home defeat in the Champions League against Basle on Wednesday evening, a second successive reverse for Jose Mourinho's men after they had been beaten at Everton.

Jol, though, knows better than to take the Blues lightly.

He said: "I think if we beat them it will be the first time that they have lost three games in a week, so it puts a little bit more pressure on them.

"However, I don't know if it is an advantage or not.

"When they lost against Everton, it put pressure on them in the Champions League, so they had to win that game.

"So to talk about must-win games, I think that for Chelsea this is a must-win game against us because they want to be champions in England."

Fulham are waiting on the fitness of striker Dimitar Berbatov, who has a hamstring problem which forced him off against West Brom.

Forward Darren Bent, though, should be available after his own hamstring concern.

Bryan Ruiz is out, but Jol revealed: "He had a traumatic ankle injury but not as bad as we thought. It's one ligament and it's getting better and better so he'll hopefully be back next week."

Goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg is still not yet match fit, while full-back Matthew Briggs is set for around three weeks out after a hernia operation.


http://www.football365.com/fulham/8930163/-? (http://www.football365.com/fulham/8930163/-?)

 
Eden Hazard v Bryan Ruiz: Head-to-head analysis ahead of the clash between Chelsea and Fulham
Check out all the vital statistics concerning the two sides' forwards
ahead of this weekend's Premier League meeting at Stamford Bridge

(http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8827436.ece/ALTERNATES/w460/HazardvsRuiz.jpg)

Ahead of this weekend's Premier League meeting, between Chelsea and Fulham, see how the sides' forwards Eden Hazard and Bryan Ruiz compare.



http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/eden-hazard-v-bryan-ruiz-headtohead-analysis-ahead-of-the-clash-between-chelsea-and-fulham-8827535.html (http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/eden-hazard-v-bryan-ruiz-headtohead-analysis-ahead-of-the-clash-between-chelsea-and-fulham-8827535.html)

 
Cheerio, Cheerio, Cheerio!
   
I always thought it was an eye-sore and had no place at Craven Cottage so I guess I`m absolutely delighted that it is going.

What am I on about you might be asking, well it`s that damn statue of Michael Jackson.

Apparently our new owner, Shahid Khan, has decreed that it should be removed from where it sits now and returned to Mohamed Al Fayed.

Good riddance I say!


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=332799#ixzz2fPq3fhcG (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=332799#ixzz2fPq3fhcG)

 
Fulham boss Martin Jol sweating on Dimitar Berbatov's fitness for visit to Chelsea

However, Jol is boosted by the return of Darren Bent who has recovered from a hamstring problem

(http://i2.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article2215841.ece/ALTERNATES/s615/Fulham-v-Arsenal-2215841.jpg)
Doubt: Dimitar Berbatov is struggling to be fit for the weekend
Getty

Fulham are sweating on the fitness of star striker Dimitar Berbatov ahead of Saturday's west London derby with Chelsea.

The Bulgarian international limped out of last weekend's draw against West Brom with a hamstring injury and is rated at 50/50 to be ready in time for the Stamford Bridge clash.

Boss Martin Jol is boosted by the return of Darren Bent after he recovered from a hamstring problem that kept him out against the Baggies.

Bryan Ruiz's ankle injury isn't as bad as first feared but faces another week on the sidelines, while Aaron Hughes (thigh), Maarten Stekelenburg (shoulder) and Matthew Briggs (hernia) are also missing.

Jol came under-fire from a section of Fulham fans last weekend following Gareth McAuley's last-gasp leveller that extended their winless run at Craven Cottage to six games.

But the Dutch manager insists the Whites will come good when their summer signings start to click.

He said: "We have good players, but five of the seven new players were not there last week, so it's not easy.

(http://i4.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article2216383.ece/ALTERNATES/s615/Fulham-v-Arsenal-2216383.jpg)
Back again: Darren Bent scores against Arsenal
Reuters

"There are 10 or 11 teams who have not settled, but as soon as we gel together we will be fine.

"Sometimes you have to put things in perspective. We're doing better in this transitional period over the past couple of years than people give us credit for."

Fulham face a Chelsea side hurting from back-to-back defeats this week following the shock Champions League reverse against Basel last night.

And Jol reckons the losses have piled the pressure on their neighbours ahead of the clash.

"For Chelsea it's a must-win game against us because they want to be champions," he said.

"I was thinking yesterday if they lost a second game in a week it could be difficult.

"It puts a little bit more pressure on them, but I don't know whether that's an advantage or not."

The former Spurs chief is looking forward to renewing rivalries with Jose Mourinho, adding: "I'm happy he's back.

"He's almost like a friend to me, a very nice guy. We've got a connection with each other. He's quite popular."



Check out all the latest News, Sport & Celeb gossip at Mirror.co.uk http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/fulham-team-news-martin-jol-2286133#ixzz2fPqLrL9C (http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/fulham-team-news-martin-jol-2286133#ixzz2fPqLrL9C)
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Premier League Preview: Chelsea v Fulham

Chelsea will be desperate to end a four-match winless streak when they host Fulham at Stamford Bridge on Saturday in the Premier League.

Meetings between the two West London sides are normally tight affairs, and Chelsea have won just one of their last five league fixtures against Fulham.

And the match takes on extra significance for the UEFA Europa League winners given their slow start to the season.

Chelsea will enter the Premier League clash without a victory in any competition in a month, and defeats to Everton and Basel in the last week will have caused concern with the club's supporters.

Pressure is already starting to build on returning manager Jose Mourinho, while his decision to loan Romelu Lukaku to Everton has been questioned by many.

New signing Samuel Eto'o has failed to impress in his first two matches for the club after joining from Anzhi Makhachkala, while fellow striker Fernando Torres is still short of form.

And Wednesday's defeat to Basel was a real shock, with Chelsea conceding twice in the last 20 minutes in front of their home fans on Wednesday to lose 2-1 in the UEFA Champions League.

Chelsea defender Gary Cahill is aware that the club's form has been poor, but stopped short of calling it a crisis.

"It's not a disaster but it's not ideal. A club like this wants to win the majority of games it plays," Cahill told the club's official website.

"That's the expectation. It's a blow but it's not the be all and end all.

"We need to win our next game now, as simple as that. The manager will stress that."

Mourinho's unbeaten record in Premier League fixtures at Stamford Bridge is a staggering 62 matches and although Chelsea's struggles will give Fulham a boost, Martin Jol's side are in poor form themselves.

After a 1-0 triumph at Sunderland on the opening day, Fulham have failed to win in the league, leaving them in 14th position in the table.

Fulham looked set for all three points at Craven Cottage on Saturday against struggling West Brom, but conceded in injury time, as Gareth McAuley's header salvaged a point for the visitors in a 1-1 draw.

Star striker Dimitar Berbatov has failed to score in his four Premier League fixtures this season, while loan signing Darren Bent has started just once.

Bent is likely to return from a hamstring injury for the match, while Berbatov – who limped off against West Brom with a hamstring problem of his own – is a doubt.

Attacker Bryan Ruiz (ankle) was also substituted against West Brom and is likely to miss out, while goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg (shoulder) and defenders Aaron Hughes (thigh) and Matthew Briggs (hernia) will not feature.

Chelsea have a clean bill of health and will be hopeful of extending their 14-match unbeaten league run against Fulham.

Of their seven home matches in that run though, just three have been wins, and Mourinho will be desperate to improve that in a potentially season-defining encounter.



http://uk.soccerway.com/news/2013/September/19/premier-league-preview-chelsea-v-fulham/? (http://uk.soccerway.com/news/2013/September/19/premier-league-preview-chelsea-v-fulham/?)

 
Alan Curbishley admits he's always regretted selling Scott Parker at Charlton Athletic

(http://metrouk2.files.wordpress.com/2013/09/ay_118905720-e1379613480390.jpg?w=650&h=437&crop=1#038;h=632)
Back to being the boss: Curbishley takes charge of a training session at Dorking
(Picture: Action Images /Budweiser)

Alan Curbishley has admitted his great regret in football was having to sell Scott Parker when he was manager of Charlton.

Curbishley, who has been out of management since leaving West Ham in 2008, was in charge of the Addicks in two spells between 1984-87 and 1990-93.

And, asked what the hardest sale of his managerial career had been at an event run by Budweiser, he told players of non-league Dorking, it was the transfer of midfielder Parker, a firm favourite at The Valley, in 2004.

Curnishley said: 'Definitely the Parker deal, because we were fourth in the Premier League, we beat Chelsea 4-1 at The Valley and the next week Chelsea made a bid for him and it was impossible to keep him.

'And I couldn't spend the money [Parker cost Chelsea £10million] because we had three or four days before the window closed. We finished seventh and I think we'd have finished in the top five [if we'd not sold Parker] because of the squad we had.'

(http://metrouk2.files.wordpress.com/2013/09/700x100018-e1379613851554.jpg?w=650&h=554&crop=1#038;h=572)
Wanted man: Nine years on from his Chelsea move, Parker is playing for Fulham (Picture: Getty Images)

Coach the Coaches is backed by the League Managers Association (LMA) and aims to help non-league coaches enhance their technical training skills.

The programme was developed to provide clubs with a pre-season confidence boost and help them head into the season with a sense of optimism.

The initiative kicked off with former Birmingham boss Alex McLeish visiting Shepshed Dynamo to help develop their technical skills and ex-Brighton manager Gus Poyet joining Stanway Rovers to help them put together a strong attack.

Tony Pulis, who left Stoke last season, visited Blackfield & Langley to work on their tactical ability and Stuart Pearce talked strategy with the coaches at Oldham Borough.



http://metro.co.uk/2013/09/19/alan-curbishley-admits-hes-always-regretted-selling-scott-parker-at-charlton-athletic-4057097/? (http://metro.co.uk/2013/09/19/alan-curbishley-admits-hes-always-regretted-selling-scott-parker-at-charlton-athletic-4057097/?)

 
EPL Preview: Chelsea v. Fulham

Chelsea will look to regain their form against Fulham at Stamford Bridge on Saturday night.

The Blues have suffered back-to-back defeats to Everton and FC Basel, and have endured their worst start in the Premier League in the Roman Abramovich era.

Despite the club's poor form, Jose Mourinho — who took responsibility for the loss against Basel in midweek — has insisted everyone must 'keep calm.'

"I am the manager, I am responsible for everything," the Portuguese Sky Sports.

"Especially after a bad result. In the good moments I want everyone to shine, in the bad moments I want everyone to keep calm.

"Tomorrow I will not wake up with a smile on my face but at seven o'clock I will work hard to get three points against Fulham.

"In the next match, we go to Bucharest [in the Champions League], we have to get the points to put us in the Champions League. We don't want to play in the Europa League."

However, before Chelsea travel to Bucharest, they must face Fulham at the weekend.

Fulham (1-2-2) have not won since the opening day of the season at Sunderland.

The Cottagers narrowly escaped an embarrassing defeat at the hands of League Two side Burton Albion in Round 2 of the Capital One Cup on 27 August, winning by the slimmest of margins (5-4) on penalties after being held to a 2-2 draw at the infamous Pirelli Stadium.

Players to Watch

For Chelsea, Branislav Ivanovic, Ramires and Eden Hazard have been the standout performers this season, while strikers Andre Schürrle, Demba Ba, Fernando Torres and Samuel Eto'o have been out-of-sorts, to put it mildly.

On the other side of the touchline, Fulham top performers thus far have been Aaron Hughes and one-time Gunner Philippe Senderos, with significant contributions from Bryan Ruiz and Pajtim Kasami.

New signing Fernando Amorebieta has made just one appearance for Fulham this season, and should not start against the Blues on Saturday given his dubious disciplinary record, which includes 13 red cards since 2005.

Last season, Chelsea were held to a 0-0 draw in this fixture, as then-manager Rafael Benitez was booed off the pitch by the club's supporters.

Betting Odds

Although Fulham earned a point from this fixture last term, the Blues are massive favourites to take all three points this time around, and rightfully so.

Chelsea (2/7) v. Fulham (10/1); Draw (9/2)

No matter how poor the Blues' current run of form, do not place a hero bet on Fulham. The Cottagers did not score against Chelsea last season, and it would probably be unreasonable to think they could find the back of the net at the Bridge.



http://www.soccernews.com/bpl-preview-chelsea-v-fulham/128172/? (http://www.soccernews.com/bpl-preview-chelsea-v-fulham/128172/?)

 
Fulham v City u18s: Match preview

City u18s travel to Fulham on Saturday looking to extend their unbeaten league run to five games.

Yet to suffer a loss in the Barclays u18 Premier League this season, the Blues currently sit top of the North Division table, one point ahead of rivals Manchester United.

A last minute winner against Leicester from Bersant Celina was enough to secure all three points two weeks ago, while the boy Blues also saw off Stoke three days earlier thanks to a first City goal for Denzeil Boadu.

This weekend's opponents, Fulham, provide a tough assignment for the young Blues – the Cottagers have taken maximum points from their opening three games.

Jack Byrne is still suspended following his red card against West Brom, but Jason Wilcox welcomes Tosin Adarabioyo back from England duty.

Kick off is at 1pm. We'll have goal updates on twitter, as well as a full match report on mcfc.co.uk.



http://www.mcfc.co.uk/News/Academy-news/2013/September/Fulham-v-City-u18s-match-report? (http://www.mcfc.co.uk/News/Academy-news/2013/September/Fulham-v-City-u18s-match-report?)

 
Jol admits he was wrong to criticise fans after they booed Fulham's draw with West Brom

Fulham boss Martin Jol has admitted he was wrong to criticise fans for booing at the end of their draw with West Brom last weekend.

There were cries of 'Jol out' when West Brom scored a stoppage-time equaliser at Craven Cottage which the Dutchman called 'disappointing.'

But he said yesterday: 'I shouldn't have because they are entitled to express themselves.'

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/09/19/article-0-1BDCB169000005DC-512_636x457.jpg)
Admittance: Martin Jol says Fulham fans are entitled to to express their opinion at the team's performances

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/09/19/article-0-1BE098A4000005DC-720_638x428.jpg)
Leveller: West Brom's last minute equaliser at Fulham last week caused home fans to boo at full time


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2426043/Jol-admits-wrong-criticise-fans-booed-Fulhams-draw-West-Brom.html#ixzz2fPsEjsla (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2426043/Jol-admits-wrong-criticise-fans-booed-Fulhams-draw-West-Brom.html#ixzz2fPsEjsla)
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PRE-MATCH BRIEFING: CHELSEA V FULHAM - PART ONE

For the second Saturday running Chelsea are in tea-time action, and on this occasion it's a local affair. Club historian Rick Glanvill and club statistician Paul Dutton size up the SW6 derby...


TALKING POINTS
It is kind when the neighbours know you are having a bit of a rough time and pop straight round to see how you are. Unfortunately Fulham will not be knocking on the door on Saturday evening with a bottle of red, chocolate and compassion. At the same time, the Whites should prepare themselves just in case the greeting they receive is a bit brisk.

Chelsea's home group stage defeat by a tenacious Basel, our first in the Champions League since the opening match of the 2003/4 campaign proper (an even more surprising 0-2 to Besiktas), follows the narrow league loss at Everton.

The squandered chances of Goodison were not so abundant against the Swiss, which will concern Jose Mourinho. Chelsea may not have a mountain to climb but the Swiss made the route to the knockout stage a little steeper and the Blues need a lift.

Although it is decades since we lost in this branch of the west London derby, Fulham have drawn four of their last seven at the Bridge, including the most recent two. We have not scored more than one home league goal against them since Christmas 2009.

KEY STAT
Sir Bobby Robson was in the Fulham side the last time they won at Stamford Bridge in a top-flight league game, in 1964.


A win for under-pressure Martin Jol's team would inflict a third successive defeat for the first time since May/August 2006, when the newly crowned Premier League champions slipped up in the final two league games against Blackburn and Newcastle and the Community Shield against Liverpool.

The last hat-trick of defeats when it mattered was in September/October 2002 when our failure at Viking Stavanger in the UEFA Cup was sandwiched between league losses at home to West Ham and away to Liverpool.

The Dutch coach has squeezed just one win from a dozen meetings with Chelsea at Tottenham and his current side. The victory came at White Hart Lane and against 10 men. He has drawn four of the others and taken nil points on seven occasions.

The most recent west London derby was in mid-April at the Cottage, the visitors running out easy 3-0 winners.

Jol's men are finding goals equally hard to come by so far this season, notching three in four Premier League outings.

After just four matches no Premier League side can boast a perfect start. That is for the second successive season, but the previous four campaigns all had teams protecting a 100 per cent record at this stage. Are the stronger teams growing weaker or has the general standard improved?

KEY TWEET
Q: Which sacked Fulham manager worked briefly as a scout for Chelsea under Dave Sexton? #CFCPMB


A win will put the Blues above both Manchester clubs, who play each other on Sunday. Chelsea then detour to Swindon Town (our first visit for 20 years) in the League Cup on Tuesday night before facing Tottenham away Saturday lunchtime.



http://www.chelseafc.com/news-article/article/3464348/title/pre-match-briefing-chelsea-v-fulham? (http://www.chelseafc.com/news-article/article/3464348/title/pre-match-briefing-chelsea-v-fulham?)

 
Fulham hold contract talks with Sidwell

Fulham have held talks with Steve Sidwell about extending his contract.

The 30-year-old midfielder's current deal expires at the end of the season and manager Martin Jol is keen for him to stay at Craven Cottage.

"We are talking with Sidwell to extend his contract," the Dutchman confirmed

"I think he wants to stay. We will wait and see."

Sidwell joined Fulham from Aston Villa in 2011 has made 76 appearances for the Whites, scoring 10 goals.

The former Arsenal trainee played for Reading and Chelsea before moving to Villa in 2008.


http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-hold-contract-talks-with-sidwell? (http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-hold-contract-talks-with-sidwell?)

 
Predicting Martin Jol's Fulham Plan to Topple Chelsea

Fulham travel to Stamford Bridge this Saturday hoping to extend Chelsea's run of four winless games.

On the back of three consecutive defeats in the UEFA Super Cup, Premier League and Champions League, it could be the perfect time for Martin Jol's side to record their first victory against the Blues since 2005/06.

It could also be the toughest.

Chelsea have had their worst start to a season since the Roman Abramovich era began, and this weekend they will look to get back on track, with Fulham the potential whipping boys.

However the Cottagers do have reason to feel confident. In the last six Premier League meetings between the two sides, Fulham have held Chelsea to a draw on four occasions.

Last season's SW6 derby saw Jol's team come away from Stamford Bridge with a point from a 0-0 stalemate. A drab affair but a point nonetheless.

There were rumblings of dissatisfaction among the home support then, with Rafa Benitez not long in Chelsea job. Now, the same air of discontent threatens to return if results do not take a turn for the better. It must be the season, as even Fulham fans have been on their manager's back of late.

In last term's fixture, Fulham seemed happy to sit back and defend, allowing the hosts possession and attacking on the break. A tactic that Jol will probably be happy to employ on Saturday.

The Dutchman told Fulham's official website that this is a "must-win" game for the hosts:

I think if we beat them it will be the first time that they've lost three games in a week. So it puts a little bit more pressure on them, but I don't know if it's an advantage or not.

When they lost against Everton, it put pressure on them in the Champions League, so they had to win that game. To talk about must-win games, I think that for Chelsea it's a must-win game against us because they want to be champions in England.

I won't say there's nothing to lose when we go there because it's a difficult game, but I think the last two or three away matches against Chelsea we did quite well.

Over the summer, Jol went about remodeling his squad, most notably signing Scott Parker, Adel Taarabt and Maarten Stekelenburg while bringing Darren Bent in on loan.

Parker may play a pivotal role in this weekend's game. In much the same way that Everton's Gareth Barry managed to impose himself on Chelsea at Goodison Park last week, Parker could be instrumental in breaking up the Blues' play in the center of the pitch.

The former Chelsea man may be 32, but he adds much-needed steel in midfield. He's still a great tackler, vocal and has a tireless work rate. Parker's range of passing and distribution also sees him connecting the back four with Fulham's counter-attacks. In this, Parker takes on a similar role that Danny Murphy had for Fulham—Murphy being a figure that Jol's side have struggled to replace since he departed at the end of the 2011/12 season.

Bryan Ruiz (ankle) is out for this game, as is Aaron Hughes (thigh) and Stekelenburg (shoulder). Dimitar Berbatov will be undergoing fitness tests to see if he is available for selection, as reported by Jacob Murtagh in the Mirror.

Comforting for Fulham is the fact that Chelsea have only scored four goals in the top-flight this season, two of those strikes were from set-pieces and none from a centre-forward.

According to Squawka, the Blues' shot accuracy is only 35 percent and their overall possession stats are 54 percent.

Fulham's numbers are not as different as you would think. The Cottagers have scored three goals so far this season—this figure might have been more, had they not had three goals chalked off for offside against West Bromwich Albion last weekend. In terms of possession they have 49 percent, with a shot accuracy of 48 percent.

Where they differ is in chances created, Chelsea with 50 to Fulham's 25—testament to Mourinho's talent-packed midfield.

And it's here that the game will be won or lost.

Chelsea vs. Fulham head-to-head (last four meetings)
Premier League, April 17, 2013   Fulham 0-3 Chelsea         
Premier League, Nov 28, 2012   Chelsea 0-0 Fulham         
Premier League, April 9, 2012   Fulham 1-1 Chelsea         
Premier League, Dec 26, 2011   Chelsea 1-1 Fulham         
soccerbase.com

Last year, Benitez omitted Juan Mata from his squad, and it will be interesting to see if Mourinho continues to overlook the Spaniard in a starting role. If Fulham can mark Oscar and Eden Hazard as tightly as they did in the same fixture last season, they will snuff out their biggest threat.

Fulham's back five did well against West Brom last weekend, conceding an equalizer in the 90th minute. If they can stay switched on (and perhaps freshness will be in their favour), Chelsea's misfiring strikers may be denied.

"We had chances and chances but we didn't score," Mourinho said in the Guardian after losing to Everton. "If you don't score you can't win, and what you create means nothing. Artistic football is no good without goals."

Following that 1-0 defeat, Mourinho blamed his players' emotional state for their loss. He was quoted in the Independent as saying:

They did not lose the game tactically, they lost it emotionally. Tactically, they knew what they had to do with three at the back. They know the distance they can go. Emotionally, it is different. You see your watch ticking down, 15, 12, 11... it goes very fast when you are losing and they lost a little bit of emotional control.


Fulham will probably opt to go with their preferred 4-2-3-1 against Chelsea, with David Stockdale in goal, Riether as first choice right-back, with Brede Hangeland and Philippe Senderos in central defence and John Arne Riise at left-back.

Steve Sidwell should get the nod to partner Parker as the holding midfielders, with Adel Taarabt providing creativity on the left, the confident-looking Pajtim Kasami in the middle and, in the absence of Ruiz, experienced Damien Duff starting on the right.

If fit, Berbatov is likely to start as the lone striker, with Darren Bent a great option to have on the bench.

Perhaps Fulham can recapture the form they showed on the opening day of the season, when they beat Sunderland at home. If so, it would be their first win against Chelsea in 14 attempts.

As Mourinho put it last weekend in the Mirror, "We are not unbeatable."



http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1780630-predicting-martin-jols-fulham-plan-to-topple-chelsea? (http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1780630-predicting-martin-jols-fulham-plan-to-topple-chelsea?)

 
TIME TO ABANDON THE PIVOT?

Following Chelsea's midweek European disappointment, come Saturday evening Jose Mourinho and his men will be ready to take on local rivals Fulham at Stamford Bridge.

Jose Mourinho refused to scorn his young side despite relinquishing a first half lead against Basel on Tuesday night. Van Ginkel and Willian made their first Chelsea starts, as Samuel Eto'o lead the line with Fernando Torres nowhere to be seen. Juan Mata remained on the bench. After Oscar put the Blues' ahead on half time, Chelsea allowed Basel to win the game in the last twenty minutes.

Chelsea haven't won since the second game of the season against Aston Villa, despite a lengthy international break and European commitments. Whilst the team hasn't been leaking goals at an alarming rate, a problem remains that despite the array of creative, attacking midfielders at the club, the curse of the Chelsea number 9 seems no further from exorcism. Making Romelu Lukaku's deadline day loan move to West Brom all the more peculiar.

One would certainly expect Torres to start this weekend after missing out on the matchday squad midweek. It will also be interesting to see which attacking trio Jose plumps for with Willian now fit and ready, and the fans voicing their opinions over the exclusions of Juan Mata.

A real problem for Mourinho at the moment has been who to play in defensive midfield. The pivot role rarely works playing two attacking minded players such as Lampard and Ramires. Despite Mourinho trying a number of combinations, other then Mikel (who has only started 3 games this season) Chelsea appear to lack  a real anchor man. Many fans are starting to berate the overall balance of the squad that Mourinho has inherited.

Chelsea haven't lost to their neighbours in the league in almost a decade. Fulham themselves have only won once since the start of the season, and languish in 14th place in the premature Premier League table. There were even boo's and jibes toward Martin Jol following last weekend's 1-1 draw with West Brom. At least they are getting rid of that ridiculous MJ statue.

Saturday's match at Stamford Bridge kicks off at 5:30pm.



http://www.cfcnet.co.uk/2013/09/time-to-abandon-the-pivot/? (http://www.cfcnet.co.uk/2013/09/time-to-abandon-the-pivot/?)

 
Putney Bridge could shut for six months during redevelopment


Putney Bridge could be closed for six months if redevelopment goes ahead.

The Grade II listed structure, which connects Fulham and Putney, is in need of urgent repairs to its underlying waterproofing system and carriageway.

It will cost about £1.5m to complete the works, with funding secured from the Department for

Transport (DfT) and the London Bridges Engineering Group (LoBEG.)

The bridge would need to be fully closed for six months or partially closed for 11 months.

Pressure is expected to be placed on surrounding roads and bridges, with 13,977 vehicles using the bridge daily between 7am-7pm, about 20 every minutes.

The structure forms part of the A219 road network and is often busy on Saturdays when Fulham football club is playing at home.

Work needed to redevelop the bridge includes the creation of kerbside drainage, removal of plug joints and increasing the capacity of drainage pipes.

A Wandsworth Council report said: "There are alternative approaches in terms of the bridge being fully or partially closed for the successful execution and completion of the refurbishment works.

"These are currently being explored with the range of stakeholders involved and will be the subject of a future paper to this committee."

Councillors are expected to make a decision on how long the bridge will close for at a future date.



http://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/news/10683320.Putney_Bridge_could_shut_for_six_months_during_redevelopment/?ref=mr (http://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/news/10683320.Putney_Bridge_could_shut_for_six_months_during_redevelopment/?ref=mr)

 
Fulham FC news: Meulensteen close to confirmed

(http://www.sportsdirectnews.com/images/news/32588/538x0/fulham-fc-news-meulensteen-close-to-confirmed.jpg)
Meulensteen [R] with Ferguson [Action Images]

Fulham could unveil Rene Meulensteen as assistant manager to Martin Jol this weekend.

Meulensteen, who was Sir Alex Ferguson's right-hand man at Manchester United from 2007-2013, has been a free agent since his ill-fated spell at Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala.

He joined them in the summer as assistant to Guus Hiddink and was then handed the manager's post after just two games when Hiddink quit. However, Meulensteen was fired just a handful of games later.

The Dutchman was highly-rated by Ferguson at United and new boss David Moyes claimed he wanted to keep Meulensteen as part of his back room staff but Meulensteen refused.

A source said: "Martin and Rene have known each other for years and they would be a perfect fit."

Fulham travel to Stamford Bridge to take on west London rivals Chelsea tomorrow.



http://www.sportsdirectnews.com/premier-league-news/32588-fulham-fc-news-meulensteen-close-to-confirmed.php#.UjwRwBa_wds (http://www.sportsdirectnews.com/premier-league-news/32588-fulham-fc-news-meulensteen-close-to-confirmed.php#.UjwRwBa_wds)

 
Where next?
By rich on September 20, 2013

Just following up on below's post: if there's one thing that watching and studying Roy Hodgson's teams taught us is that attacking and defending are not unconnected.

When Hodgson picks James Milner to man England's left flank he's accepting that he might not create as much as, say, Adam Johnson, but he will more or less ensure that opponents don't get to create much on that flank either. It's important to remember that a goal not conceded is just as valuable as a goal scored; it's virtually impossible to actually measure this defensive contribution but it's there and it's valuable. Provided Hodgson feels he has enough ways to create through other channels, or that he's not too fussed about creating in the first place, Milner remains a sound option.

We've long wondered about the balance of the current Fulham side, but what I think the numbers bear out is that we're adopting an attacking philosophy, by and large, but that the gains going forward are simply not compensating for the holes being left at the back. That's balance, and it's not correct.

Part of this is because our best players are forwards. Berbatov, Ruiz and Bent must play. But all three are more or less one-way players. Jol's default has been to add in at least one more forward player, and then we have Parker and Sidwell both going box-to-box, and Riether likes to overlap, and Riise at least attempted to.

But despite all this we're not creating chances, we're not scoring lots of goals.

So what needs to be fixed? There are perhaps a few options:

Change the balance and field more defensive players. We have Derek Boateng and he did well against Sunderland, and would give Parker and Sidwell justification to play as they do. To do this you would have to sacrifice an attacking player, but as noted, that extra attacking player isn't paying off anyway.

Keep the existing lineup but make them play differently. Parker is a wonderful defensive shield player, and while you'd lose a lot of Riether's value by making him stay back, there's no reason why you can't just get Parker to sit much deeper, tell whoever's at left back not to overlap as much, and generally set a bit more discipline about just how many players are to get ahead of the ball.

The latter might see a trend towards a more counter-attacking philosophy. People say that Berbatov and Ruiz slow down our attacks but I think that's only because the team as a whole is favouring a slow buildup and defences are behind the ball. Ruiz can counter, Berbatov's vision would seem to lend itself to this approach, and Bent's best facing the goal. Riether's overrated by Fulham fans but is the best counter-attacking full-back I've seen at the club. Sidwell has the energy and nous to make late scoring runs into opposing areas. I think we have the talent to play this way.

I am always very nervous of "we should do this" type posts, me being a footballing outsider and all. But when data is on my side, and the data below suggests that the balance of the team is wrong, then there's some justification here.

If we see more tight defending, fast attacks and perhaps even a bit more speculative shooting, we'll know they've been reading!



http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2013/09/20/where-next/? (http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2013/09/20/where-next/?)

 
Inside Stamford Bridge

Chelsea season ticket holder Martyn Landi gives us the lowdown on his side and previews the first SW6 derby of the campaign.


First off, the consensus was extremely positive regarding Jose Mourinho's return in the summer. Were you pleased to see him back?

Absolutely. Not only for what he's achieved in the past with us and in general, but because the atmosphere around the place was horrible last season. Jose is a standard around which we can all gather and in the long run that can only make us a more difficult team to face. He's got the CV and the connection with the fans; on paper it's all there. We'll have to see what the season brings.

What would you categorise as a successful campaign for Chelsea this season?

My heart would say we have to aim to win the title, but given the iffy start I think third would be good, and splitting up the Manchester monopoly even better. Jose loves a trophy so a run in both the domestic competitions would be hoped for and anywhere around the Quarter-Finals of the UEFA Champions League.

We saw some more big spending over the summer – what have you made of your new signings so far?

Well for starters, with the exception of Samuel Eto'o, they're all very young which is a bit of a shift in our transfer policy generally under Roman Abramovich. Marco van Ginkel hasn't featured much yet but had a good Under-21 European Championship and looks a good passer of the ball deeper in midfield. I think Andre Schurrle and Kevin De Bruyne will both be very popular once they bed in because of their pace and directness, and Willian has got good strength and Brazilian flair to go with it. As individuals they're great, the problem is we now have six attacking midfielders for only three spaces, and they're all very similar. There isn't much of a Plan B.

We've also seen a Fulham favourite added to your ranks – Whites fans will tell you you've got a quality number two in Mark Schwarzer.

This surprised us as much as you guys, I'm sure. He'll play the cup games but I imagine that'll be it. In fairness to Mark, he's been a fantastic keeper for years so to have Petr Cech and the younger keepers working with him every day can only be a good thing in my eyes.

You've hit a bit of a rocky patch already some might say, so how do you see Saturday's game going?

I'm not expecting a fantastic spectacle, to be honest. We are very stop-start at the moment and Fulham haven't got going either. The pressures of a derby tend to tighten things up so I'd expect a cagey game. Of course an early goal would make a difference, drawing Fulham out and opening space up for the likes of Eden Hazard, Juan Mata, Willian or Oscar to exploit. The problem is our team is built in such a way that we don't like the opposition compact and behind the ball. And, of course, that's exactly what teams like to do at Stamford Bridge.

What have you made of Fulham so far this season?

I liked the business Martin Jol did in the summer; bringing in the likes of Scott Parker to sure up midfield and even Adel Taarabt because of that flash of brilliance he can produce. On paper that's a very good midfield now and Dimitar Berbatov up front always gives you a chance, although he might miss out this weekend through injury. I'm slightly surprised you've only picked up four points so far, but I think it's more a slow start than anything more serious.

Which Fulham players are you most wary of?

I think Alexander Kačaniklić having is becoming a real prospect, and Berbatov is always a menace around the box. Then you've got the Chelsea old boys in Damien Duff and Steve Sidwell who will be up for proving a point or two.

Talking of former Chelsea players, can Duff, Sidwell and Parker expect warm welcomes?

Duff can in particular. He was wonderful to watch in a front three with Arjen Robben and Didier Drogba and we have great memories of his time with us. Sidwell gave his all while he was here and that's all we can ask for. Scottie Parker will be an interesting one given his association with a certain North London club whose name we won't mention.

The SW6 derby is a game that Fulham fans relish – they've thrown up some decent encounters in recent years and are never a foregone conclusion are they?

Not at all. This is strange derby as Chelsea fans have never really taken it seriously. That's nothing against Fulham - I remember a group of Chelsea fans on the tube recently marvelling at how years ago if they couldn't get to our away game one week they would go to Fulham back when you were in the lower leagues. For some it feels like turning on the second team they've had for years. Obviously you guys have always hated us so it does make for a strange atmosphere and that often translates onto the pitch. The 3-2 win for Chelsea on Boxing Day back in 2005 being the perfect example; we were cruising then let a very determined Fulham back in until Hernan Crespo did his thing.

What's the best and worst thing about a trip to Stamford Bridge?

The atmosphere remains a pain and that's the worst thing. The passion is lacking on two-and-a-half sides of the stadium. The best thing, as I'm sure Fulham fans will agree with, is the setting; SW6 is one of the best places you could ever go to watch football.

What's one song that we're bound to hear on Saturday?

The inevitable chorus of 'Jose Mourinho' even though he waves at us and tells us to stop doing it.

Where's a good place for an away fan to get a pint before the game?

You guys know them all already, I'm sure - it's only down the road!

Score prediction?

I'll go for a cagey 2-1 Chelsea win.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/september/20/inside-stamford-bridge? (http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/september/20/inside-stamford-bridge?)

 
Jackson Statue Update

A message from Chairman Shahid Khan:

"Craven Cottage means the world to generations of Fulham supporters, and I have heard from many of them over the past two months. Our supporters' views on the statue have been made clear. I respect Mr Al Fayed and know he had good intentions in paying an individual tribute. However, the removal of the statue is the right thing for Fulham Football Club."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/september/20/jackson-statue-update? (http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/september/20/jackson-statue-update?)

 
Pritchard's Europa Bow

(http://www.fulhamfc.com/-/media/PlayerActionShots/2013-14/PA-17656658.ashx?w=350&h=250)

Josh Pritchard made his debut in the UEFA Europa League Group Stages on Thursday evening as his loan side Tromso were beaten 3-0 by Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane.

The midfielder played the full 90 minutes of the Group K clash, but his Norwegian side were comfortably beaten by one of the competition's early favourites.

Pritchard proved to be the visitors' most attacking threat in the game, but Spurs were already two goals to the good through Jermain Defoe's brace when the Welshman tried his luck from range to no avail.

The 20-year-old had Tromso's second and final shot in the second half after Lewis Holtby had been dispossessed, but his effort was never likely to trouble Hugo Lloris as it flew harmlessly over the bar.

Christian Eriksen added some gloss to the scoreline late on with a sublime strike to send the London outfit to the top of the group, condemning Tromso to bottom spot in the process.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/september/20/pritchards-europa-bow? (http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/september/20/pritchards-europa-bow?)

I'm not liking that statement from the Supporters' Trust.

 
Big weekend in the Premier League Sack Race

A handful of top-flight managers head into this weekend's matches under pressure making for an exciting time in the early Premier League Sack Race. Paolo Di Canio leads the way at this early stage following a torrid start to the campaign, but the controversial Italian is not alone in feeling that the world is on his shoulders, with the likes of Steve Clarke, Martin Jol, Paul Lambert and even the "Special One" Jose Mourinho coming under fire in the last week.

Jose Mourinho

Chelsea are experiencing an unwanted mini-crisis following back-to-back defeats to Everton and FC Basel. The Blues have got off to their worst Premier League starts since Roman Abramovich took over, having suffered a surprise defeat at Everton last weekend. To make matters worse they were then lambasted by the media a few days later after their shock 2-1 defeat at home to Swiss minnows Basel who condemned Jose Mourinho's men to their first ever opening-day Champions League defeat, while it was their first group stage loss at home in the competition for a whopping 10 years.

Chelsea have now failed to win in four games in all competitions, whilst they have fired blanks in two of those encounters. There is no doubting that Mourinho now heads into Saturday's match at home to Fulham in desperate need of a victory. The Portuguese coach has been criticised for frequently changing his team, while the lack of a permanent presence in attack has raised more than a few eyebrows.

Paolo Di Canio v Steve Clarke

Premier League strugglers West Brom and Sunderland lock horns in an early season relegation nail-bitter on Saturday afternoon at the Hawthorns. The rock-bottom Black Cats have endured a shocking start to the campaign, having picked up just one point from their opening four games, while the Baggies are only a point better off in 19th.

The nerve-shredding match pits together two under-fire managers who are amongst the favourites for the chop, with Paolo Di Canio the 15/8 frontrunner(Sky Bet), while Steve Clarke is priced at 8/1. A vital three points will substantially ease the pressure on the winning manager, whereas a defeat could have grave consequences. However, with neither team in any form at all a draw looks the way to go at 5/2 with Bet Victor.

Martin Jol

Martin Jol was booed off by a section of Fulham fans last weekend after his side let in a last-gasp equaliser to West Brom. The Cottagers have made a slow start to the season with just one win to their name in four games, leaving them 17th in the table.

They now face a daunting trip to Stamford Bridge on Saturday, although it is worth noting that they have drawn their last three away games at Chelsea. But if Fulham fail to take anything from their upcoming home games against Cardiff and Stoke then the fans will no doubt really get on Jol's back and his position will come under severe threat.

Paul Lambert

Aston Villa enjoyed a stunning start to the season after shocking Arsenal 3-1 at the Emirates. The Midlands club were simply blistering on the break and fully deserved the victory. However, since that pulsating performance they have suffered three defeats on the trot, which has seen them plummet down the table to 17th.

Next up is Paul Lambert's former club Norwich at Carrow Rd, which is a venue they won twice at last season, in both the league and cup. However, yet another defeat will almost certainly see Lambert's current odds of 20/1 cut in the Next Premier League To Leave market.



http://www.thesackrace.com/news/20th-september-2013/big-weekend-in-the-premier-league-sack-race? (http://www.thesackrace.com/news/20th-september-2013/big-weekend-in-the-premier-league-sack-race?)

 
Brede's Milestone


Brede Hangeland joined an elite group of Fulham players last Saturday as he made his 250th appearance for the Club in our 1-1 draw with West Bromwich Albion at the Cottage.

Since signing in January 2008, Hangeland has been an integral part of the Whites backline and a cornerstone of the success that the Club has enjoyed in recent years. Rarely injured or suspended, he remains one of the first names on the teamsheet and was rewarded for his loyalty and consistency last summer when Manager Martin Jol handed him the Captain's armband.

As unassuming as ever, Hangeland wasn't aware he'd reached such a milestone until he was informed so by fulhamfc.com this week.

"Was it really?" he asked when told West Brom was his 250th appearance. "I didn't know that but it's not a bad tally in just over five years. I've enjoyed every moment of those 250 games but I'm not someone who cares much for records or achievements. I'm just someone who's keen to do as well as they can in the next game and in the future.

"It's still a great milestone to reach, though, and I'm proud to have played 250 games for the Club in five and a bit years."

Meanwhile, Hangeland says the Whites are raring to go ahead of Saturday's (5.30pm) SW6 derby at Chelsea.

Martin Jol's men make the short trip to Stamford Bridge for this weekend's televised clash, with Hangeland and company desperate to send the travelling supporters home happy.

"The game means a lot to the fans but it means a lot to the players as well," Brede told the official website. "We know it's a big local derby and we always look forward to it. They're normally tight games but also fun games to take part in. So we're all excited and looking forward to Saturday."

Like Fulham, Chelsea have suffered something of a hit-and-miss start to the new season. Indeed, the Blues have lost their last two games – a 1-0 league defeat at Everton last weekend was followed by Wednesday's shock 2-1 reverse to Basel in the UEFA Champions League.

But Hangeland is still more than aware of the threat that Jose Mourinho's side will pose on Saturday.

He continued: "It's definitely not an easy place to go to. They have a fantastic team with world-class players. As I said, they tend to be tight games and we've done quite well there over the last few seasons, picking up some draws. So anything is possible.

"We'll just focus on ourselves, make sure we're well prepared and ready to go. If we do that, it's always possible to get a result."

Fulham were denied three points last weekend by an injury-time equaliser at home to West Bromwich Albion.

The late strike left the Cottage deflated so what better way to raise spirits, says Hangeland, than a favourable result against the Club's local rivals.

"It was very disappointing," stated Hangeland. "I thought we played very well. It's not often you have three disallowed goals and on another day it could have been a comfortable win. But it's in the past now, we can't do much about it so we need to look ahead and try and pick up some points on Saturday. That would be a nice way to react to last week."

A few tickets remain for our trip to Chelsea. Click here for more details.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/september/20/brede-250-not-out? (http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/september/20/brede-250-not-out?)

 
Former Chelsea star wary of Mourinho factor

SCOTT Parker has warned his new Fulham team-mates that Jose Mourinho gives Chelsea a whole new dimension.

Parker knows the Special One well after Mourinho paid £10million to take him to Stamford Bridge in January 2004 during his first spell in charge.

The move did not work out, as the England star struggled to force his way past Frank Lampard, Joe Cole and Claude Makelele into the first team.

Parker left for Newcastle in summer 2005 – but not before he picked up a Premier League winners medal as Mourinho led Chelsea to their first English title for 50 years. And the Portuguese manager made a lasting impression.

Mourinho returned to Chelsea this summer and Parker is also back in SW6, having moved from Tottenham to Fulham in August.

The sides lock horns tomorrow (Saturday).

"It's a big game for us," Parker said. "It's always going to be a big game. We'll go there, set out and try and see what we can do. We'll work on it this week and try and pick up a result if we can.

"He [Mourinho] has added another dimension to Chelsea certainly. For us it's obviously another game against a very, very good team that we'll prepare well for and go and give them a game."

Fulham head into the game on the back of conceding a last-minute equaliser at home to West Brom at the weekend, leading some fans to question boss Martin Jol, however Parker believes signs of improvement are clear.

"We passed the ball really well and looked a well-organised team," Parker added. "I think there are a lot of positives to take."



Read more: Fulham Chronicle http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/fulham-fc/2013/09/20/82029-33864009/?#ixzz2fQkFeopL (http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/fulham-fc/2013/09/20/82029-33864009/?#ixzz2fQkFeopL)

 
Back Fulham to frustrate misfiring Chelsea with bwin offer insurance
The 1-1 is well worth a dabble with money back on your bet if the Blues aren't winning at half-time and full-time.

Chelsea head into their west London face-off against Fulham with the blushes from a Stamford Bridge humbling at the hands of Basel still burning their cheeks and they're set for more frustration with Fulham fancied to nab a 1-1 draw at odds of 19/2.

Martin Jol's side love a low-scoring stalemate in this fixture and with bwin refunding losing single stakes on correct score wagers, as well as a range of other correct score and goalscorer markets if Chelsea aren't ahead at the break and the final whistle, chancing your arm is all the more worthwhile.

Jose Mourinho's side are 1/4 to lick their wounds with a derby day success, the draw is 9/2 and a Cottagers victory is a fanciful 10/1.

The dour recent history of this derby will be known to all die-hards who have dutifully attended renewals over the last three seasons.

With the exception of a 3-0 win for the Blues at Craven Cottage last term – in which Fulham were missing bedrock centre-half Aaron Hughes – each of the six clashes during that period have limboed the 2.5 goals bar.

It's a tasty 6/5 that the unders deliver again.

Two of the last four meetings have seen 1-1 draws posted, with Fulham the ones to equalise once Chelsea had taken the lead on both occasions.

Mourinho's men will be out to banish memories of their campaign-opening Champions League defeat sharpish, but shooting reminiscent of toothless hillbillies blotto on moonshine allowed that mid-week Stamford Bridge smash and grab to happen and their finishing in the Premier League has been no different.

Only 19 of 68 shots from Blue boots have hit the target so far in 2013/14, from which four goals have been notched.

Fulham have been resolute on their travels this term so it may take a moment of wonder from long-shot lashers Frank Lampard or David Luiz to start the scoring.

The pair are 5/1 and 15/1 to score first respectively in another market in which bwin will refund your losing stakes should Chelsea not be winning at half-time and full-time.

However, the Cottagers have conceded a goal or less in their last seven Premier League road trips (including three clean sheets) and with their stopper David Stockdale leading the league for saves the 1-1 may be as entertaining as it gets.

Top bet: Chelsea v Fulham 1-1 correct score @ 19/2


http://bwinbetting.com/leagues/premier-league/fulham-frustrate-misfiring-chelsea-bwin-offer-insurance,45217.html? (http://bwinbetting.com/leagues/premier-league/fulham-frustrate-misfiring-chelsea-bwin-offer-insurance,45217.html?)

 
Chelsea v Fulham

Chelsea will be looking to turn around their stuttering form in the new season when they welcome Fulham to Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

The Blues have endured their worst start to the Premier League in a decade, managing just two wins from their opening four top-flight matches to sit in sixth place with seven points, three behind leaders Liverpool.

The west London giants also suffered defeat in their Champions League opener against FC Basel on Tuesday, the first time they have lost in the opening game of the European Cup in almost 10 years.

Manager Jose Mourinho, meanwhile, will be looking to extend his unbeaten Premier League run at Stamford Bridge, having not tasted defeat in his last 62 home matches in charge of the club.

Fulham have not had the greatest of starts either, with Martin Jol's men having kicked off the campaign well enough, seeing off Sunderland on the opening day, but followed up that result with two defeats before being held by West Brom last time out.

Those results have left the Cottagers 14th in the standings with just four points, one above the relegation zone and in desperate need of more consistency.

In team news, Mourinho will be hoping for an improved showing up front, with Andre Schurrle, Demba Ba, Fernando Torres and Samuel Eto'o all having so far performed below par.

The Portuguese tactician has no new injury or suspension concerns, though, and will be looking to name his strongest possible XI.

Fulham, meanwhile, are set to welcome Dimitar Berbatov back from injury, but Darren Bent and Bryan Ruiz are not expected to play any part.



http://www.football411.com/story/0,22162,14287_8931308,00.html? (http://www.football411.com/story/0,22162,14287_8931308,00.html?)

 
Premier League: Chelsea take on Fulham at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea play host to Fulham on Saturday Night Football live on Sky Sports 1 aiming to avoid a fourth successive defeat.

Chelsea have also made their worst start to a Premier League season in a decade - winning only against Hull and Aston Villa, while drawing at Manchester United and losing at Everton - in an inauspicious opening to Mourinho's second spell as boss.

Mourinho puts his unbeaten run of 62 Premier League matches at Stamford Bridge on the line against west London neighbours Fulham in the week the Blues lost a home Champions League group game for the first time in nearly 10 years.

Chelsea will be boosted by their 14-match unbeaten run against Fulham in the league as they look to silence their critics.

Fulham boss Martin Jol is a man under pressure ahead of the trip across west London.

The Cottagers have failed to win since their opening day of the season victory at Sunderland and last weekend's draw at home to West Brom saw some fans calling for the head of Jol.

In his previous two games as Fulham manager at Stamford Bridge, Jol has picked up two draws and he will be hoping to avoid defeat again on Saturday

Paul Merson's prediction (5pm, Sat, Sky Sports 1 HD)

As I said on Soccer Saturday last week, Chelsea haven't got a centre-forward at the moment. Samuel Eto'o was a great player, but you can't always stay a great player. He's gone over to Russia for a few years and been a lot better than everybody else, so he's picked up a few lazy habits. Now he's come into the hardest league in world football and it will take some getting used to. Fernando Torres isn't fit and I've said from day one that Demba Ba is not a Chelsea-type player.

But the biggest shock is no Juan Mata in the team. Has Jose Mourinho come in and said: 'Who was the best player last season? Who got the most assists? I'll leave him out and we'll see who the Special One is." That's the only way I can explain why Mata isn't playing. Everybody reading this knows he should be in the team so how does the Special One not know?

Fulham aren't the best travellers, they're not in the best form and they won't kick you off the park. This is a nice game for Chelsea after a shocking result in Europe - but they were probably saying that about Basel after losing to Everton. I expect Chelsea to win comfortably.

PAUL PREDICTS: 2-0



http://www1.skysports.com/football/live/match/287328/preview? (http://www1.skysports.com/football/live/match/287328/preview?)

 
REVEALED: Why Fulham owner Khan is finally getting rid of THAT Jacko statue

Fulham owner Shahid Khan believes that removing the Michael Jackson statue from Craven Cottage is the 'right thing' to do for the club.

Former owner Mohamed Al Fayed put up the statue as a tribute to the King of Pop in 2011. The Egyptian initially planned on placing the statue outside Harrods, but after selling the Knightsbridge store in 2010 he switched the site to Craven Cottage.
And he told fans they could 'go to hell' if they did not appreciate the statue.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/09/18/article-2424724-0B79D66C00000578-662_634x459.jpg)
Bad? Mohamed Al Fayed shows off his statue of Michael Jackson at its unveiling in April 2011

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/09/18/article-2424724-0B769A2E00000578-354_306x423.jpg)   (http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/09/18/article-2424724-1ACC4925000005DC-717_306x423.jpg)

But now Khan - who also owns NFL franchise the Jacksonville Jaguars and paid £150m this summer for the Premier League club - says it is right the statue is removed.

He said: 'Craven Cottage means the world to generations of Fulham supporters, and I have heard from many of them over the past two months.

'Our supporters' views on the statue have been made clear. I respect Mr Al Fayed and know he had good intentions in paying an individual tribute. However, the removal of the statue is the right thing for Fulham Football Club.'

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/09/20/article-2426562-1BEDD620000005DC-219_634x501.jpg)
Handing overL Mohamed Al Fayed sold Fulham to Shahid Khan in the summer

The decision to relocate it to Craven Cottage was controversial, with statues at football grounds generally reserved for club legends.

Jackson's links to Fulham are tenuous to say the least - he watched a game against Wigan there as a guest of Al Fayed in 1999 - while the singer was also dogged by controversy during his lifetime.

Al Fayed had joked with Khan that there would be 'big trouble' if the sculpture disappeared.

But a Fulham spokesperson told Sportsmail earlier this week: 'The statue is not part of the Riverside development of the stadium and will be returned to the former chairman in due course.'




Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2426562/Fulham-owner-Shahid-Khan-says-getting-rid-Michael-Jackson-statue-right-thing.html#ixzz2fQlSpk2v (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2426562/Fulham-owner-Shahid-Khan-says-getting-rid-Michael-Jackson-statue-right-thing.html#ixzz2fQlSpk2v)
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Fulham fans want Michael Jackson statue removed so it's 'right thing to do', says club owner Shahid Khan
Fulham chairman Shahid Khan believes removing the controversial Michael Jackson statue outside Craven Cottage is the "right thing" to do.

(http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02676/michael-jackson_2676896b.jpg)
Return to sender: Michael Jackson statie is being sent back to Mohamed Al Fayed Photo: GETTY IMAGES

Former owner Mohamed Al Fayed, a close friend of the late performer, commissioned the statue which was erected outside the west London stadium in April 2011.

The memorial for a man that only visited the ground once shocked many, but Khan promised to get fans' views rather than make a "knee-jerk reaction" after completing his takeover of the club.

Al Fayed warned Khan he would be "in big trouble" if it went, promising to shave off his moustache, but the new owner has decided to take the statue down.

"Craven Cottage means the world to generations of Fulham supporters, and I have heard from many of them over the past two months," he said in a statement.

"Our supporters' views on the statue have been made clear.

"I respect Mr Al Fayed and know he had good intentions in paying an individual tribute. However, the removal of the statue is the right thing for Fulham Football Club."

The statue was commissioned following Jackson's death in June 2009 and was due to be erected at Harrods before Al Fayed sold the Knightsbridge store.

The decision to relocate it to Craven Cottage was controversial, with statues at football grounds generally reserved for club legends.

Jackson's links to Fulham are tenuous to say the least - he watched a game against Wigan there as a guest of Al Fayed in 1999 - while the singer was also dogged by controversy during his lifetime.

Despite that, Al Fayed refuted claims that the memorial is bizarre and lashed out at the naysayers.

"Why is it bizarre?," he said at its unveiling. "Football fans love it.

"If some stupid fans don't understand and appreciate such a gift they can go to hell.

"I don't want them to be fans. If they don't understand and don't believe in things I believe in they can go to Chelsea, they can go to anywhere else."

The statue will now be given back to the former owner Al Fayed as the club presses on with its redevelopment of the Riverside Stand.



http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/fulham/10322769/Fulham-fans-want-Michael-Jackson-statue-removed-so-its-right-thing-to-do-says-club-owner-Shahid-Khan.html (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/fulham/10322769/Fulham-fans-want-Michael-Jackson-statue-removed-so-its-right-thing-to-do-says-club-owner-Shahid-Khan.html)

 
Former Fulham defender Baird rejects QPR in favour of Reading

(http://talksport.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/201309/chris-baird.jpg?itok=jpCdZfQZ)

Former Fulham defender Chris Baird has rejected QPR in favour of a move to their Championship rivals Reading.

The Northern Ireland international has spent the last few weeks training with QPR and was offered a contract at the west London club.

But Harry Redknapp's side have been gazumped by Reading, who offered the 31-year-old an improved deal on Thursday.

Redknapp, who admitted earlier on Friday that he is desperate to sign at least one new defender, faces an injury crisis this weekend as he just two fit centre-backs for the league match at Yeovil Town.



Read more at http://talksport.com/football/former-fulham-defender-baird-rejects-qpr-favour-reading-move-13092060883#YUpKbHiGLjYhwK1e.99 (http://talksport.com/football/former-fulham-defender-baird-rejects-qpr-favour-reading-move-13092060883#YUpKbHiGLjYhwK1e.99)

http://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2013/sep/20/premier-league-10-things-weekend (http://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2013/sep/20/premier-league-10-things-weekend)

QuoteFulham fans should relax and enjoy the ride

All is miserable in West London before the derby. Chelsea are desperate to prevent a three-game losing streak while Fulham fans appear to have lost patience with Martin Jol's focus on the aesthetic over the pragmatic. The former seems entirely understandable – the latter less so. Fulham may have a rich new owner but the idea that they were suddenly going to compete at the upper echelons of the table is ludicrous. Jol showed at Tottenham that with sustained investment and time he was capable of growing a club, improving steadily year on year, but that process is only just beginning at Craven Cottage. In the meantime perhaps the fans should enjoy watching some wonderfully entertaining footballers rather than prematurely worrying about their position in the table. Results will come – any team that has the attacking talents of Dimitar Berbatov, Bryan Ruiz, Darren Bent and Adel Taarabt should possess enough fire power to secure a midtable finish. Unbalanced they may be – but surely it is more fun to see a team skewed to the attacking side of the game rather than dour defensive football aimed at survival and nothing more. TM