Friends of Fulham

 
Is Wenger playing mind games about Berbatov at Arsenal, or is he just a fall-back?

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger appeared to rule out a move for Fulham striker Dimitar Berbatov earlier this month but is the boss playing mind games?

On paper the former Tottenham and Manchester United striker ticks all the boxes Arsenal need ticked – he has the technical quality, he has the proven track record and experience.

His contract expires this summer at Craven Cottage, Fulham could use the financial injection and the player himself seems keen to leave for the other side of London.

However, the man who decides on the criteria seems to have ruled out, or at the very least distanced himself from, the possibility that Arsenal could sign Berbatov.

"I won't go into any specific names. That would be disrespectful. We are assessing our options which are restricted. Berbatov is not a name we have considered," said Wenger this month.

Perhaps the boss does indeed have other targets in mind – perhaps the likes of Diego Costa, Álvaro Morata or Jackson Martinez, as has been suggested. Maybe Wenger is simply playing games with the player and or his current club - and as he says anyway - he won't go into specific names.

For example, Wenger stated just a few days later, as I outlined earlier this week, that he would prefer to negotiate with clubs who are need the cash as it makes potential transfer deals easier to tie up swiftly in January.

Fulham do need to spend this January to give themselves a better shot at survival, with new owner Shad Khan yet to make a major injection in terms of transfer funds, and cashing in on Berbatov may be a way to speed that along.

Given that Berbatov is their highest earner on more than £5 million a year (with his contract soon to expire) one would think the former Manchester United striker would be a player Wenger would indeed be considering.

The reason I believe Wenger may well be bluffing over the potential deal is that he'll want to ensure Fulham are keen to sell for a low price (they have a weak hand in the deal because of his contract situation and the fact he has expressed a desire to leave publicly) and also because Wenger is generally against paying such high wages, especially for a player of 32 years of age.

Berbatov has made it clear he would take a move to the Emirates in a flash and maybe this is Wenger's way of letting him know Arsenal are less than impressed by the prospect of signing him in order to drive down the player's wage demands.

For example, for a chance to join the Premier League leaders and line up alongside Mesut Ozil could very well be enough to make Berbatov take a wage cut which would suit Arsenal and Fulham who could take the money and part with a player who is clearly unhappy and hasn't performed at his best for them of late.


http://hereisthecity.com/en-gb/2014/01/08/jl-is-wenger-playing-mind-games-over-berbatov-transfer-to-arsena/? (http://hereisthecity.com/en-gb/2014/01/08/jl-is-wenger-playing-mind-games-over-berbatov-transfer-to-arsena/?)

 
Ones to Watch: Fulham

safc.com profiles three key men for the Cottagers.

Pajtim Kasami
Swiss international Pajtim Kasami was the match-winner when Fulham visited the Stadium of Light in August and he has continued to impress during the 2013-14 campaign at Craven Cottage.

The 21-year-old began his youth career with Grasshopper before joining Liverpool and then Lazio as he looked to make his break in senior football.

In 2009, Kasami returned to Switzerland with Bellinzona and made ten appearances before moving to Palermo of the Italian Serie A.

An under-17 World Cup winner as a youth, Kasami joined Fulham in 2011 after making 20 appearances in his sole season in Sicily.

Kasami featured mainly in the UEFA Europa League during the 2011-12 season for the Cottagers before joining Luzern on loan a season later.

He made 20 appearances for the Swiss top-flight outfit before returning to Craven Cottage ahead of the 2013-14 Barclays Premier League campaign.

His first Fulham goal came against Sunderland before he announced himself to the Premier League with a wonder strike in Fulham's 4-1 away win at Crystal Palace.

Clint Dempsey
Now in his second spell at Craven Cottage, Clint Dempsey is one of the most successful American's in Barclays Premier League history.

The Texan forward initially moved to Fulham from New England Revolution midway through the 2006-07 campaign and went on to have five more successful seasons in south-west London.

Dempsey picked up the Cottagers' Player of the Year award in both 2011 and 2012 after previously helping Roy Hodgson's side to the UEFA Europa League final in 2010.

In total, he made 225 appearances during his initial spell with Fulham, scoring 60 goals before he moved across the capital to Tottenham Hotspur in 2012.

The 30-year-old spent just one season at White Hart Lane, scoring 12 goals in 43 games before returning to the MLS with the Seattle Sounders.

Following the completion of the MLS season, Dempsey returned to Fulham on a two-month loan deal in December.

Steve Sidwell
Former England youth international Steve Sidwell is now in his fourth season at Craven Cottage after joining the Cottagers from Aston Villa in 2011.

Sidwell progressed through the youth ranks at Arsenal but never made a first-team appearance for the Gunners and, after successful loan spells with Brentford and Brighton & Hove Albion, he joined Reading in 2003.

It was during Sidwell's five seasons at the Madejski Stadium that he began to make a name for himself as the Royals won promotion to the top-flight in 2006.

However, Reading were relegated after just one season in the top-flight and Sidwell left to join Chelsea in 2007.

The Wandsworth-born midfielder spent a year at Stamford Bridge, making 15 appearances and scoring one goal before moving to Villa in 2008.

He was a League Cup runner-up during his time at Villa Park before he left to join Fulham midway through the 2010-11 season.
Sidwell, who was twice an FA Youth Cup winner with Arsenal, has made 95 appearances for Fulham, scoring 13 goals.


http://www.safc.com/news/team-news/2014/january/otw-fulham? (http://www.safc.com/news/team-news/2014/january/otw-fulham?)

 
Rowell Report: Sunderland must take cup mentality into Fulham crunch

AFTER two successful cup games, it is back to Premier League action this weekend, as Sunderland face fellow strugglers Fulham in a crucial match at Craven Cottage.

This game really is a dogfight between two teams fighting for their lives, with points all that matters – and that rarely provides a feast of football.

In their last home game, Fulham did what we can't do, by beating a team around them and gaining a huge three points when West Ham provided the opposition.

It was Fulham who beat us as the Stadium of Light way back in August in the first game of the season, which got our campaign off to the worst possible start, and we've struggled badly in the league ever since.

But Fulham have their own problems – they have the worst goal difference in the Premier League and just a couple of games ago conceded six in the second half of their game at Hull City.

So Sunderland must go there with confidence and a positive attitude, because Rene Meulensteen's men are vulnerable defensively.

The Black Cats need to find the mentality they have when they play cup ties.

Because of our league position, the pressure is greater in league games, but they must deal with that as we can't afford to lose further ground in the battle to avoid the drop.



http://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/sunderland-afc/rowell-report-sunderland-must-take-cup-mentality-into-fulham-crunch-1-6361521 (http://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/sunderland-afc/rowell-report-sunderland-must-take-cup-mentality-into-fulham-crunch-1-6361521)

 
No Fulham move for Lescott - Yet

Fulham have yet to make an offer for unsettled Man City defender Joleon Lescott but could revive their interest later this month.

The Cottagers had been heavily linked with the centre-back and there were reports earlier this week that they had made an official offer for the former Everton man. Several Premier League clubs are monitoring the 31-year-old, with West Ham among those interested, as they hope to take advantage of City's huge squad with their boss Manuel Pellegrini thought to be open to letting him move on in the current transfer window as he is nearing the end of his contract. However, Pellegrini selected the England international in their Capital One Cup semi-final rout of West Ham on Wednesday and, publicly at least, says Lescott, whose deal expires in the summer, will not be leaving this month. "He is not going for the moment," the City boss said. "Joleon Lescott is a very important player for us. He finishes his contract in June. We will see what happens in the future."
Despite those comments, City may well be prepared to let Lescott go if they do receive a suitable offer this month rather than let him go for free at the end of the season and Fulham boss Rene Meulensteen is believed to be ready to bid in the region of £5million for the experienced defender.


Read more at: http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/no-fulham-move-for-lescott---yet-1692618.html? (http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/no-fulham-move-for-lescott---yet-1692618.html?)

 
Ex Men: Fulham

safc.com profiles three of the 34 players to play for both the Black Cats and the Cottagers.

Vic Halom
Halom was one of the key players in Sunderland's 1973 FA Cup winning squad, scoring key goals in the fifth round replay against cup favourites Manchester City and in the semi-final against Arsenal.

The striker was one of Bob Stokoe's earliest signings and repaid all of the £35,000 that Stokoe paid Luton for his services, with some memorable performances in the famous red and white.

Halom had played for Fulham between 1968 and 1971 before joining Luton, scoring 22 goals in 72 league games.

Kevin Ball
Former Sunderland captain Kevin Ball made 388 appearances for the Black Cats in a spell that spanned nine years.

He won two Division One titles in his time on Wearside as well as being part of the squad that reached the 1992 FA Cup Final.

Now Senior Professional Development Coach at Sunderland, Ball is 12th on the all-time appearance list for the Black Cats.

Ball won the Black Cats' Player of the Season award in the 1996-97 season before moving on to a brief spell at Fulham, where he made 18 league appearances, towards the end of his career.

Steed Malbranque
Steed Malbranque made 112 appearances for the Black Cats in a three-year stay on Wearside between 2008 and 2011.

The Belgian-born midfielder was key part of Steve Bruce's side that finished tenth in the Barclays Premier League, Sunderland's highest finish since 2001.

Steed joined Fulham in 2001 in his first venture into English football and he became a fans' favourite at Craven Cottage making 211 appearances and scoring 44 goals.


http://www.safc.com/news/team-news/2014/january/ex-men-fulham? (http://www.safc.com/news/team-news/2014/january/ex-men-fulham?)

 
Dutch duo and Fulham chase Labyad

Vitesse will face competition from Fulham and FC Twente for the transfer of Sporting Lisbon midfielder Zakaria Labyad.

Sporting Lisbon are keen to sell midfielder Labyad, who is yet to make an appearances this season, in order to free up funds for other deals this January.

A return to PSV Eindhoven for Labyad or a move to Ajax have been rumoured, but according to O Jogo in Portugal, it is Fulham, Twente, and Vitesse that have reported to Sporting Lisbon for a deal.

Vitesse are believed to be the favourites with a delegation from the club set to fly to Portugal this weekend in order to hold talks over the player.

Labyad was highly rated at PSV Eindhoven, but after making 45 league appearances for the club, he left for Sporting Lisbon on a free deal, which angered the Eredivisie club.

Since his move to Portugal, the 20-year-old has only appeared 27 times for the club, accumulating three assists, and three goals. Although he was born in Utrecht and represented Netherlands at U-17 level, Labyad has made one appearance for the Moroccan national team.


http://www.football-oranje.com/dutch-duo-and-fulham-chase-labyad/? (http://www.football-oranje.com/dutch-duo-and-fulham-chase-labyad/?)

 
Arsenal, Liverpool and Fulham lead chase for bargain Swedish defender Milosevic

Arsenal, Liverpool and Fulham have been put on alert with the news that highly-rated Swedish centre back Alexander Milosevic is pushing for a move to England.

Milosevic is out of contract at Swedish club AIK in the summer and the player's agent Francesco Di Frisco is hunting for a Barclays Premier League club.

Fulham have tracked the 21-year-old extensively and he is also thought to be a target of Arsenal and Liverpool.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/01/09/article-2536485-1A861E8100000578-138_634x424.jpg)
Case for the defence: Milosevic holds off England's Connor Wickham in an Under 21 international

But they face competition from across Europe with AC Milan, Fiorentina, Celtic and Eintracht Frankfurt all monitoring his progress.

Milosevic is one of the most sought-after young defenders in Europe and has already impressed for club and country.

Arsenal were considering a £3.5million offer for the player back in 2011, but he will now be available for a cut-price deal with his contract set to expire.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/01/09/article-2536485-1A861E5200000578-256_634x446.jpg)
Highly-rated: The AIK star is being tracked by three Barclays Premier League clubs
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/01/09/article-2536485-1A861DA800000578-513_634x407.jpg)
Out of contract: Milosevic's deal at AIK runs out in the summer

Fulham are in desperate need of a centre-back with first-choice Brede Hangeland struggling this season with a persistent back problem.

Former manager Martin Jol was keen on Milosevic and had him scouted, although his replacement Rene Meulensteen is likely to have his own targets.

Milosevic is keen on a move away from Sweden to continue his progress and to compete at the highest level.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2536485/Arsenal-Liverpool-Fulham-lead-chase-bargain-Swedish-defender-Alexander-Milosevic.html#ixzz2pvewkBti (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2536485/Arsenal-Liverpool-Fulham-lead-chase-bargain-Swedish-defender-Alexander-Milosevic.html#ixzz2pvewkBti)
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Heitinga Linked With Fulham Move
   
According to the tabloid press Fulham are suddenly the favourites to land the Dutch star Johnny Heitinga.

This season the 30 year old defender, who is also able to play in midfield, has been out of favour at Everton, only playing a cameo role.

Recently linked with a move to West Ham, a move that Heitinga rejected, it is being intimated that Rene Meulensteen`s close relationship with Heitinga`s agent, a certain Rob Jansen, means that Heitinga could arrive at Craven Cottage for as little as £1 million.

Jansen, talking about his client`s situation, has remarked to the media,

"It`s been frustrating this season."

"Johnny wants to go to Brazil and the only way that will happen is if he plays regularly."

Keep them eyes peeled, I have a feeling that this could be a deal that happens!


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=344829#ixzz2pvfUmqFq (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=344829#ixzz2pvfUmqFq)

 
Morrison wants to quit West Ham this month as Fulham boss Meulensteen eyes £5m bid for former United star

Ravel Morrison does not see a long-term future for himself at West Ham and is keen to leave this month.

The England Under-21 international has been a rare bright spot during the Upton Park club's dismal season.

Sam Allardyce has denied Morrison will be made available for transfer ahead of the transfer deadline.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/01/07/article-2535170-1A6F2FE800000578-375_634x459.jpg)
East to West: Ravel Morrison could be tempted by a link-up with former mentor Rene Meulensteen at Fulham
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/01/09/article-2536463-06530D3700000514-945_634x430.jpg)
Thinking time: Morrison, pictured here scoring a solo effort against Tottenham earlier this season, is considering leaving West Ham
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Happy times: Morrison celebrates a goal against Cardiff in the Capital One Cup but he is now open to quitting Sam Allardyce's struggling side

But Morrison has told close pals he is ready to quit the club, leaving Allardyce with another major problem to deal with.

The former Manchester United youngster's existing deal expires at the end of the next season.

West Ham are keen to extend his £15,000-per-week deal, but Morrison is reluctant to do so.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/01/07/article-2535170-1A6A4DEC00000578-289_634x437.jpg)
Connections: Morrison worked with Fulham boss Rene Meulensteen at Manchester United
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/01/09/article-2536463-062C612600000514-728_634x426.jpg)
Wanted man: Fulham are interested in a £5million move for Morrison this month
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/01/09/article-2536463-1A8197A200000578-981_634x436.jpg)
Hard times: Hammers boss Allardyce watches his side go down 6-0 to Manchester City on Wednesday night

It means the Hammers will have to sell Morrison in this transfer window, or in the summer, to avoid the prospect of losing the talented 20-year-old on a free transfer.

Fulham have shown a firm interest in Morrison ahead of the transfer deadline at the end of the month.

Cottagers boss Rene Meulensteen wants to use his relationship with Morrison to tempt him across London.

Meulensteen worked with Morrison at Manchester United, and the West Ham forward is known to have enjoyed working with the Dutchman.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/01/07/article-2535170-1A6EEDAC00000578-38_634x492.jpg)
Humiliation: Morrison looks down in the dumps after West Ham were thrashed 5-0 at Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup third round


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2536463/Ravel-Morrison-considering-West-Ham-future-Fulham-eye-5m-bid-Hammers-star.html#ixzz2pvflBh7p (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2536463/Ravel-Morrison-considering-West-Ham-future-Fulham-eye-5m-bid-Hammers-star.html#ixzz2pvflBh7p)
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Dream Come True

The first half of 2013/14 has been quite the campaign for Lasse Vigen Christensen; regular Captain for Fulham's unbeaten Under-21 side, the Danish teenager was handed his First Team bow last week.

Often when a youngster is given their debut at a club, they're thrown on for the closing stages of a game already won, but there were still 20 minutes to play at Carrow Road on Saturday when Christensen entered the action, with the match evenly poised at 1-1. 

"I'm happy it was that sort of game to come on in because that shows that the Head Coach has confidence in me," Lasse told fulhamfc.com. "I like to think that I paid his trust back with a decent last 20 minutes, or at least that I didn't do any harm!

"I tried to be positive and do some good things on the pitch, so I'm happy with how it went. I was a bit scared that I wasn't going to enjoy it because it was a big occasion in a game that was pretty even, but when I got on the pitch I had a good feeling and I was happy that it went well.

"It was a very pleasing moment for me. It's what I've been working towards in the two years that I've been here as it's always been a dream to play for a Premier League team. I know it was in the cup but it was still with the First Team. It was a bit of a dream come true."

The Denmark Under-21 international is approaching the two-year anniversary of his arrival at the Club, and he admitted he was delighted with the turnaround time between signing his contract as a 17-year-old, and making his maiden appearance as a First Team player.

"I think if you'd asked when I signed if I'd be happy about where I am now, I'd say that I would take that any day," he said. "I'm happy and I feel like I've grown a lot as a player and as a person.

"Now I'm hopefully on the edge of something quite big so that's what I want to keep trying to build on so that I become a better player. If I keep working hard then hopefully soon in the future more opportunities and experiences will present themselves for me at the Club. But I'm very happy with how it's going right now."

Despite his tender age – he doesn't turn 20 until August – the introduction of Christensen at Carrow Road came as little surprise to Fulham fans, such has been his progression at the Club.

He had already been named on the Whites' bench this season for our 2-0 victory over Aston Villa, while he regularly trains with René Meulensteen and his squad of seasoned professionals.

"Straight after he [Meulensteen] came in I was quite involved for a few games," Christensen explained. "That was very good for me to be in and around the First Team.

"It also helped when I did come on [against Norwich] because it wasn't like it was the first time that I was there and everything was new. It's been good to be around the guys and it gives you a lot of confidence and motivation to keep working hard and to just keep going.

"Training with them definitely helps. Since the new boss came in I've started training more regularly with the First Team and I think that's what I need now, to train more with the guys, to get to know them and for them to get to know me.

"That will lift me as a player, I think, and help me reach the level required to play in the Premier League, because that's a totally different level of football. Tempo-wise and the physicality, it's just so much quicker and when I get up to their level in terms of moving the ball and things like that then I think I'll be alright."

Promptly after Meulensteen took charge of First Team affairs, the Club announced that he would be aided by Under-21s Manager Kit Symons – a move that boded well for our younger players.

"Kit has been a big influence on my career," stated Lasse. "I've been working with him for almost two years and he's helped me a lot. He's been a good coach for me and it's been nice to have him around for us young boys because we're now closer to the First Team than before.

"In Kit we have a man who speaks for us and knows what we can do. He sees us every day and it was nice to have him around for the games I was involved in – it gives you a secure feeling because you have someone who you know will back you, and that was very nice."

Christensen's rise to the Fulham First Team has come on the back of a number of stellar performances for the Under-21s. Sharing the captaincy with Jack Grimmer, the industrious midfielder has led his side to the summit of the league, winning seven and drawing four of their 11 matches to date.

Speaking ahead of their U21 Premier League Cup clash at home to Arsenal on Thursday, Christensen admitted: "It's a bit surreal, to be fair. I don't think that any of us expected that we would be going on such a long unbeaten run.

"I know from last year that at Under-21 level, you'll have different teams every week, you'll have different players. Players will drop down a level for whatever reason so sometimes you'll play a team that has got a lot of first teamers in it who have dropped down.

"But we've managed to be very consistent and put in a lot of good performances. We had a few games where we maybe let our standards slip towards the end, but whenever that was the case everyone would step up and that ensured that we remained unbeaten. That builds momentum and it's created an ongoing effect.

"We just don't want to lose and that's very, very good because, at this level, it can be a bit of an individual league sometimes because everyone wants to get to that next step. But we've got a real team ethic here, and that's something that will help us all in the long run."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/january/09/dream-come-true? (http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/january/09/dream-come-true?)

 
Adams says Vale new-boy Grimmer will make debut at Brentford

LOAN signing Jack Grimmer will make his Port Vale debut at Brentford on Saturday, manager Micky Adams has confirmed.

The 19-year-old Fulham defender can play right back or centre half and, although Adams hasn't confirmed what position the youngster will play, he is preparing to put him into the back four against the league leaders at Griffin Park.

Vale expect to be without Richard Duffy for two to three weeks with an ankle injury. One possibility would be for Grimmer to replace Duffy in central defence alongside Chris Robertson, with Adam Yates at right back and Carl Dickinson on the left.

However, if Grimmer replaced Yates at right back, Liam Chilvers, Joe Davis and Robertson would be competing for two spots in central defence.

Adams said: "There will be changes in the back four, that's for sure. One is enforced with Richard Duffy. Jack Grimmer will play and I will let you people guess the rest.

"Jack can double up as a full back or a centre half."



Read more: http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Adams-says-new-boy-Grimmer-make-debut-Brentford/story-20422888-detail/story.html#ixzz2pvgslzp2 (http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Adams-says-new-boy-Grimmer-make-debut-Brentford/story-20422888-detail/story.html#ixzz2pvgslzp2)

 
Bryan Ruiz will join Betis on loan for the rest of the season on Friday, Fulham will receive just under €1m [Marca]

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BQbZtDSCMAEp_O5.jpg)

Bryan Ruiz's time at Fulham is about to come to an end.

Ruiz, who will come up against England at the World Cup in Costa Rica's last group game, is set to leave Craven Cottage to join La Liga's Real Betis on Friday, according to Spanish paper Marca.

Marca report that Betis have reached an agreement with the Fulham to get Bryan Ruiz on loan until the end of the season. The Costa Rican is set to have his medical in the next 24 hours.

Should the deal come to fruition, Fulham will receive just under €1m as compensation for their striker's services. Ruiz became the club's record signing when he arrived from FC Twente for £10.6m in 2011.

28-year-old Ruiz is currently in his third season at Craven Cottage, however he has failed to hit top form at Fulham this campaign with one Premier League goal in 12 appearances.

Real Betis are rock bottom of the Spanish first division, having scored only 15 goals in 18 games and having only picked up two wins.

Bryan Ruiz - Touch of Class (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEESWI5CP2c#ws)


http://www.101greatgoals.com/blog/bryan-ruiz-will-join-betis-on-loan-for-the-rest-of-the-season-on-friday-fulham-will-receive-just-under-e1m-marca/? (http://www.101greatgoals.com/blog/bryan-ruiz-will-join-betis-on-loan-for-the-rest-of-the-season-on-friday-fulham-will-receive-just-under-e1m-marca/?)

 
Goodbye, Bryan

A few books have actually made a tangible contribution to my life. John Updike's Rabbit series made me appreciate that I wasn't the only idiot in the world and set in motion some quite important events for me.

But well before that it was "The Silence of the Lambs" that really shaped my life.

I once went on a school trip to Scotland and took the book with me. On this trip a number of curious things happened to me and I won't go into them here, but the takeout is that I read Silence of the Lambs and decided I liked the idea of becoming a serial killer hunter like Jack Graham and his FBI people.

This lead to the discovery of psychology as a thing. I went to the University of Surrey where I learned all about psychology. I didn't become an offender profiler at all in the end but I did meet the girl who would go on to be the mother of my children so that was good. All because of the Silence of the Lambs.

So? Well at the end of the book Hannibal Lecter calls Clarice Starling:

Dr. Lecter: [on telephone] Well, Clarice, have the lambs stopped screaming?
Clarice: Dr. Lecter?
Dr. Lecter: Don't bother with a trace, I won't be on long enough.
Clarice: Where are you?
Dr. Lecter: I have no plans to call on you, Clarice. The world's more interesting with you in it. So you take care now to extend me the same courtesy.
Clarice: You know I can't make that promise.
Dr. Lecter: I do wish we could chat longer, but ... [eyeing Dr. Chilton] I'm having an old friend for dinner. Bye.
Clarice: Dr. Lecter? ... Dr. Lecter? ... Dr. Lecter? ... Dr. Lecter? ...

That's what I felt about Bryan Ruiz. The world's more interesting with him in it. Ruiz was a lot better than given credit for but let's face it, the vulnerability was part of the appeal. You don't worry about John Arne Riise; you don't empathise with Giorgios Karagounis; you don't worry whether Scott Parker's feeling okay today. But when Bryan Ruiz plays for Fulham I'm desperate for him to do well. You see that face, a mixture of shock and innocence, and you worry that he's not quite cut out for the hurly burly neanderthalism of English football.

(http://cravencottagenewsround.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/br1.png?w=255&h=300)

The game wore him down. In the end he worked hard – people said he didn't but he did – just not efficiently. Ruiz's answer to not being in the game was to run around in big loping circles, which just served to keep him on the periphery. He didn't have the confidence to stand there, to let the game come to him.

His legacy at Fulham will be those goals. He scored but a handful, and all but one I think were beauties. That chip against Everton when he looked up and perceived a gap over a goalkeeper who was more or less on his line. That scoop against Bolton when the obvious thing to do was certainly not to scoop the ball 20 feet in the air when clean through. The smash against Reading when the ball went from under his feet outside the box to the top corner before anyone knew what was going on, and that bounteous curler against Cardiff when he saw the top corner and potted the ball into it from distance.

Otherwise there were lots of nifty throughballs to Clint Dempsey and lots of unfortunate incidents when he didn't quite work out what he was going to do with the ball next (he really had no business in his own half).

So yes, bummer that he's been jettisoned. In his place may come John Heitinga of Holland and Everton, which would be a bit like replacing Miles Davis on the record player with the Sex Pistols, but whatever.



http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2014/01/09/goodbye-bryan/ (http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2014/01/09/goodbye-bryan/)

 
Fletcher available for Fulham trip

Striker ready for game at Craven Cottage.

Gus Poyet has confirmed that striker Steven Fletcher is fit and available for this weekend's trip to Fulham.

Fletcher, who scored in a 3-1 win at Craven Cottage last season, limped out of the midweek Capital One Cup semi-final win over Manchester United.

However, he has returned to training ahead of Saturday's trip to the capital.

"[Steven] is perfect, he trained today with no problems at all," Sunderland's head coach said.

"We're pleased there's no problem because as you can imagine we were a bit worried."


http://www.safc.com/news/team-news/2014/january/fletcher-available-for-fulham-trip? (http://www.safc.com/news/team-news/2014/january/fletcher-available-for-fulham-trip?)

 
Elsad Wary Of Black Cats

Sunderland may arrive at Craven Cottage on Saturday (3pm) bottom of the league but Elsad Zverotić is expecting a tough test of Fulham's credentials.

The Black Cats are currently four points adrift of safety at the foot of the Barclays Premier League, but have enjoyed an upturn in fortunes of late. Gus Poyet's side have lost just one of their last five league games and also earned a morale-boosting win over Manchester United in the First Leg of their Capital One Cup Semi-Final on Tuesday night.

The Whites, too, are on the up and Zverotić told the official website: "We know that the game against Sunderland is an important one. It's so tight at the moment, and there are a lot of teams that need to fight their way out of where they are in the table.

"They [Sunderland] are at the bottom right now, but they've shown that they're a very capable side on their day. They beat Manchester United 2-1 in the League Cup this week, and that would have given them a lot of confidence.

"They've actually had some very good results; beating Newcastle United, Manchester City and Everton this season. They also defeated Chelsea in the League Cup and ran them close in the league.

"Gus Poyet has come in as Head Coach, and he's having a good effect. He has some good players in his side, and we'll have to be very aware of that when they come to Craven Cottage."

A win for the Whites on Saturday, coupled with results elsewhere, could see René Meulensteen's men go up to the dizzy heights of 13th.

"We opened the season with a win against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light, so hopefully we can get the three points again," said right-back Zverotić, who started last weekend's 1-1 draw with Norwich City in the FA Cup with Budweiser. "If we can do that, then we could really start to push up the table.

"We got a fantastic win against West Ham United on New Year's Day, and it's vital that we build on that. We're playing some good football; if we keep playing the way we have been then I'm sure we'll fine. We're taking one game at a time.

"This is a tough league, one of the best in the world. It's so competitive, but that's the challenge I knew that it would be when I signed. I've enjoyed my time at the Club so far, and I'm determined to help the team as much as a I can."


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/january/09/elsad-wary-of-black-cats? (http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/january/09/elsad-wary-of-black-cats?)

 
Sunderland Tickets Limited

Tickets for Fulham v Sunderland are now limited, and supporters are advised to buy as soon as possible in order to guarantee a seat.

Prices start from just £35 for adults and £15 juniors and can be purchased online at fulhamfc.com/tickets or by calling 0843 208 1234.


Matchday Hospitality Package

Enjoy an extra special day at Craven Cottage with your very own Matchday Hospitality package.

Packages for this match are available from just £99 per person (+VAT). Read more and choose from our wide range of options here.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/january/09/sunderland-tickets-limited? (http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/january/09/sunderland-tickets-limited?)

 
Göttingen Training

Take a look at some of the photos from the Under-18s' first training session since their arrival in Göttingen, Germany.

 
Dempsey rides to the rescue for Fulham

When a club finds itself in trouble, supporters reach out for encouraging precedents.

At Fulham, who climbed out of the Premier League's relegation zone for the first time in eight games with a victory over West Ham in their last match, they reach for the stars and stripes, part of superstitious faith in the United States cavalry in times of trouble.

Go to Craven Cottage and you will see a cafe named McBride's, in honour of the American former striker Brian McBride, whose goals helped the club pull off an apparently impossible escape from the drop into the Championship in 2008.

Glance into the stands in their last two home games and there was Clint Dempsey, the Texan who joined on loan for two months and made his first appearance of that spell in Saturday's 1-1 FA Cup draw at Norwich City.

He should make his home debut in the key league fixture at home to last-place Sunderland on Saturday.

Dempsey knows the territory. He first joined Fulham exactly seven years ago, recruited from the New England Revolution at age 23, one of the several landmarks he has set in his career.

The fee was US$4 million (Dh14.7 million), the highest ever received at that stage by a Major Soccer League club.

His talent, as an attacking midfielder with good ball skills and competitive spirit was clear. The team's difficult circumstances in his first 18 months demanded that he adapt quickly to English football.

Aspects of his game developed: his heading ability, meeting crosses and set pieces, his eye for long-range scoring opportunities.

One such strike, against Juventus in the Europa League to guide Fulham through to the quarter-finals of that competition, puts Dempsey as prominent in the folklore of the club as McBride.

Fulham's unlikely run in Europe that year, 2009/10, would end at the final. That dreamy Europa League campaign gave Dempsey the taste for top-level midweek adventures in Europe, and with his stock rising and his goalscoring record improving, he nursed ambitions for Uefa Champions League status. Fulham, who aspire to mid-table security, were never going to supply that.

The divorce was somewhat messy, though the broad welcome Dempsey received at Craven Cottage when the current loan deal was announced suggests wounds have healed since the summer of 2012.

Then, he exempted himself from pre-season training, his heart apparently set on a move to Liverpool. Initially, they seemed keen, but interest faded as other Anfield targets came into view. Late in that transfer window, he signed with Tottenham Hotspur.

Dempsey has always set elevated targets for himself. He is admired in the US for his ascent from a background of few material resources. The fourth of five children in a family who lived for much of his childhood in a trailer parked at the Texas home of his grandparents, he learnt his sport among Mexican immigrants and commuted long distances to play.

He won a college scholarship on the back of his football. He suffered tragedy at 12 when his sister, a promising tennis player, died from a brain aneurysm.

Medals have eluded him. He has been a runner-up in the Europa League, and with New England, in two MLS Cups, and with the US, in the 2009 Confederations Cup.

At Spurs, he finished fifth in the Premier League in what was a mixed season, personally.

He would not replicate his excellent strike-rate from his final campaign at Fulham – 23 goals in 46 matches across competitions, as a midfielder in a middleweight team. And when Tottenham brought in a half-dozen new players, all suitable for Dempsey's wide midfield positions last August, he recognised that his future opportunities would be limited.

It was a World Cup season. For a man with more than 100 caps, that preyed on his mind. He has three young children, whom he wanted to raise in his home country. Another MLS record was set, when the Seattle Sounders signed Dempsey from Spurs and made him the highest-paid star in the league's history.

It has been a stop-start return to the MLS so far, initially hampered by injury. The Fulham loan coincides with the break in the US domestic calendar. He will return to Seattle by March 8, a day before his 31st birthday.

The US national-team coach, Jurgen Klinsmann, encouraged Dempsey to seek playing time in Europe and backs a player, to whom he has given the captain's armband, to be in peak shape in Brazil in June.

"Clint himself has set the highest benchmark for himself," Klinsmann said. "Obviously, we want the best Clint Dempsey ever and that's what we're going to push him toward as we look toward Brazil."

It will be his third World Cup, and should he get his name on the scoresheet at the finals, he will be the first American to do so in a trio of such tournaments. Should he leave Fulham well clear of the bottom three by early March, any rancour over his previous exit will be erased.



Read more: http://www.thenational.ae/sport/fulham/dempsey-rides-to-the-rescue-for-fulham?#ixzz2pvjE7Vk5 (http://www.thenational.ae/sport/fulham/dempsey-rides-to-the-rescue-for-fulham?#ixzz2pvjE7Vk5)
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Fulham U21 0 Arsenal U21 1: The Ox is back! England winger completes first half as Eisfeld nets only goal for young Gunners

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain completed 45 minutes for Arsenal's Under-21 side as he ended five months of injury frustration with a return to match action.

The England speedster hobbled out of Arsenal's opening Barclays Premier League match against Aston Villa after just a quarter-hour with a damaged knee and endured half-a-season on the sidelines as the Gunners soared to the top of the table.

Clearly keen to put the setback behind him and get miles in the tank, Oxlade-Chamberlain switched constantly between flanks in a lively return, though some aspects of his game are naturally still rusty.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/01/09/article-2536740-1A87AD6200000578-219_634x477.jpg)
Look who's back: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain made his long-awaited comeback for Arsenal Under 21's

His long-awaited return was nearly capped with a goal when he connected sweetly with a half-volley from 25 yards only for Fulham goalkeeper Jesse Joronen to save well.

In the end, that missed chance didn't matter as Thomas Eisfeld scored the decisive goal 14 minutes into the second half to see Arsenal though.

On their first attack of the second half, they broke into the Fulham box and, after Benik Afobe couldn't find a clear sight of goal, Eisfeld nudged the ball left and blasted it into the roof of the net.

The win set up a tantalising last eight clash with London rivals Chelsea, who beat West Ham 2-1 on Monday night.

Arsenal were without their hotshot striker Chuba Akpom, who has joined Brentford on loan, and gave a run-out to another first-teamer in Carl Jenkinson.

Fulham's French prospect Moussa Dembele had the first opening at Motspur Park after being played in by the livewire Ange-Freddy Plumain but he carelessly fired the ball over.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/01/09/article-2536740-1A87C99E00000578-836_634x434.jpg)
England hopefuls: The Ox was among a strong young Gunners line-up, with Carl Jenkinson (left) starting, as well as Benik Afobe (second left) and Emmanuel Frimpong (right)
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/01/09/article-2536740-1A87D48F00000578-579_306x423.jpg)   (http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/01/09/article-2536740-1A87D4AA00000578-181_306x423.jpg)
Comfortable: The youngster looked the part on his return to action, though was naturally quite rusty
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Cover: It was a welcome boost for Arsene Wenger after Theo Walcott was ruled out for the season

Wearing lime green boots, long sleeves and black gloves on a chilly night in south-west London, Oxlade-Chamberlain was immediately into the action. Played in by Afobe after a clever turn, his attempted cheeky chip fell wide of the far post.

Emmanuel Frimpong, on the fringes of the first team for so long but now so unlikely to break into it, at least showed attacking intent, but an early low effort was dragged badly wide.

Kit Symons' Fulham, who are top of the Under-21 League, weren't frightened to commit men forward and Arsenal keeper Matt Macey had to be alert to beat Plumain to the ball in the first of many one-on-one contests.

Oxlade-Chamberlain struggled consistently with corner deliveries, but his devilish free-kick from the left was headed towards goal by Afobe, only for Joronen to tip it onto the crossbar.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/01/09/article-2536740-1A87D66100000578-403_634x436.jpg)
Japanese speed: Flying winger Ryo Myaichi started on the opposite side to Oxlade-Chamberlain
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/01/09/article-2536740-1A87F5B200000578-327_634x464.jpg)
Speedster: Oxlade-Chamberlain shows a trademark run away from a Fulham player

A languid first half finally ignited into life in the five minutes before the break, with good chances at both ends.

Fulham wideman Lyle Della Verde ran at the Arsenal rearguard and after Semi Ajayi made a hash of his initial clearance, he recovered well to block a goalbound follow-up from Ronny Minkwitz.

Moments later, Kristoffer Olsson had played in Eisfeld for Arsenal, only for Joronen to again win a one-on-one duel.

The visitors didn't dare risk Oxlade-Chamberlain for the second half, replacing him with Jon Toral. The Ox will likely have another couple of matches at this level before being slowly reintegrated into the first team. It may come sooner than anticipated given Theo Walcott's long-term injury.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/01/09/article-2536740-1B56F93F000005DC-265_634x459.jpg)
Long lay-off: He had been out of action since injuring his knee against Aston Villa back in August
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/01/09/article-2536740-1A87A1E100000578-657_634x410.jpg)
New surroundings: The midfielder arrives at Motspur Park ready for his comeback against Fulham U21

Fulham started the second period with intent and Plumain broke clear down the left, only to be pushed out wide and forced into releasing a tame shot.

The chances dried up after Eisfeld's 59th minute goal with Arsenal happy to see the game out. But they still had chances to settle things once and for all.

Jenkinson surged down the right and blazed over from the edge of the six yard box, Frimpong got through but saw his effort blocked by the sprawling legs of Joronen before Frimpong was thwarted in similar circumstances.

Ryo Miyaichi was also clean through at one stage as the Fulham defence switched off for a third time but the Japanese forward hesitated, lost his footing and was hunted down by three white-shirted defenders.



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2536740/Fulham-U21-0-Arsenal-U21-1-Alex-Oxlade-Chamberlain-plays-48-minutes-Thomas-Eisfeld-notches-winner-young-Gunners.html#ixzz2pyS5v6XT (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2536740/Fulham-U21-0-Arsenal-U21-1-Alex-Oxlade-Chamberlain-plays-48-minutes-Thomas-Eisfeld-notches-winner-young-Gunners.html#ixzz2pyS5v6XT)
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From Joleon Lescott to Simon Makienok: The top five transfer targets for Fulham this January

We're well into January already and with Clint Dempsey already in the bag, the rumour mill at Fulham is hotting up.

With the likes of West Ham United, Cardiff City and Sunderland plotting significant investment over this next month, it's important that we get things right. So here's the low down of who we're supposedly after, what they're good for and whether we really need them.

1. Joleon Lescott. A tenuous link at best but a few sources have us plotting a loan move for the Manchester City defender and, for what it's worth, it'd be a superb move if we could pull it off. Full of experience at the highest level, Lescott would add infinite knowledge to a porous defence. Perhaps an even more vital asset, though, is his mobility. He's not quite where he used to be in terms of agility and pace, but he is still some way ahead of the more brutish Phillippe Senderos and Fernando Amorebieta. The two stumbling blocks are of course his wages and his likely reluctance to take a step down.

2. Jucilei. This rumour came somewhat out of nowhere but apparently has substance. Jucilei is a defensive midfielder, currently plying his trade in Russia with Anzhi Makhachkala, and carries with him a substantial reputation that belies his mere £4million asking price. The 25-year-old is a strong, well-built player who would help solidify a leaky defence but, just as with Lescott, there are huge doubts over the viability of a deal. Though there are suggestions a bid has already been lodged, a work permit is unlikely. As a Brazillian with only two caps to his name, playing in the UK is going to be a near-impossibility.

3. Johnny Heitinga. Another centre-back, though it's not surprising given how we have defended of late. The Everton man comes with a good pedigree and could well do a job on a temporary basis, but any permanent move would have to be discouraged. Out of favour on Merseyside, a loan move is a very real possibility, with the 30-year-old having already spurned a move to West Ham. A strong, technically proficient defender, Heitinga could well add some much needed class to our back four.

4. Ravel Morrison. The Hammers midfielder wants out of Upton Park and Rene Meulensteen is, apparently, keen to link up with the 20-year-old again, having worked with him at Manchester United. On the surface, it would seem like a good deal – a young, talented prospect stolen from a fellow relegation-battling struggler. But he comes with distinct problems, the most notable of which is his mercurial attitude. On top of that, he's another skillful attacking midfielder among many we already own. Is that something we really need?

5. Simon Makienok. A lanky, Scandinavian striker. Does that ring any bells with Fulham fans? Hopefully, should this deal come to fruition, Makienok will prove to be no David Elm but there is always that risk when you're tapping into unknown markets. Strong and good in the air, the 23-year-old could prove a good addition given Meulensteen's more progressive approach to wing play. But only if the price is right – and at around £3.3million, that could be something of a gamble.



http://metro.co.uk/2014/01/09/from-joleon-lescott-to-simon-makienok-the-top-five-transfer-targets-for-fulham-this-january-4257060/? (http://metro.co.uk/2014/01/09/from-joleon-lescott-to-simon-makienok-the-top-five-transfer-targets-for-fulham-this-january-4257060/?)

 
Ruiz close to completing loan move to Real Betis until the end of the season

Fulham striker Bryan Ruiz is expected to complete his loan move to Real Betis on Friday with the Spanish side paying a loan fee of around £820,000.

The 28-year-old Costa Rican underwent a medical on Thursday and could make his debut against Osasuna on Sunday.

He has struggled to make an impact under Rene Muelensteen and wants first team football ahead of the World Cup in the summer.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/01/09/article-0-1A5325D000000578-529_634x452.jpg)
Leaving: Bryan Ruiz is close to completing a loan move to Real Betis for the end of the season

Costa Rica are in the same group as England and they will meet in the final group game on June 24 in Belo Horizonte.

Ruiz cost Fulham £12million from FC Twente two years ago but the 28-year-old has played just 12 Premier League games this season and scored one goal.

Meulensteen has only used started Ruiz once since taking over at Craven Cottage. Betis, however, are doing even worse than Fulham and sit bottom of La Liga with just 11 points from their first 18 games.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/01/09/article-2536821-1A51399B00000578-655_634x466.jpg)
Not needed: Ruiz has started just once since Meulensteen took over


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2536821/Bryan-Ruiz-close-completing-loan-Real-Betis-end-season.html#ixzz2pyTrPy8K (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2536821/Bryan-Ruiz-close-completing-loan-Real-Betis-end-season.html#ixzz2pyTrPy8K)
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LAWRO'S PREDICTION
(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/72172000/jpg/_72172892_fulham-sunderland.jpg)
Fulham v Sunderland
Sunderland rode their luck a little bit against Manchester United on Tuesday but ended up with a really good win in the first leg of their Capital One Cup semi-final.

It is back to reality for the Black Cats now in their relegation fight and it is these games that are the important ones for them, against another struggling team.

The Cottagers have shaken up their entire coaching setup with the arrivals of Alan Curbishley and now Ray Wilkins to join manager Rene Meulensteen.

After getting thrashed 6-0 by Hull, they bounced back well to beat West Ham in their last league outing, and another home win here would be huge for them.

Sunderland are still down amongst the dead men but, since Gus Poyet took charge in October, they have not been that bad.

The Black Cats have been playing OK and have been competitive in games, but their big problem is that they look goal-shy.

They seem to have to make an awful lot of chances to get a goal and that means they make things very difficult for themselves.

Lawro's prediction: 2-0


http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25666378 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25666378)

 
Fulham Weighing Up Move For Dane As Berbatov Replacement

(http://www.footymatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/simon_makienok_broendby_-_fingre_i_vejret_-_maj_2013-Custom.jpg)

With Dimitar Berbatov reportedly looking to leave Craven Cottage this month, Fulham are lining up a possible replacement for the forward in the shape of Brondby striker Simon Makienok.



The 23-year-old forward has been linked with a move to a number of Premier League clubs over the last couple of weeks, but is in no rush to make a decision on his future according to The Independent. The giant 6ft 7in Danish international is looking to join a club where he can be confident of a top flight future in order to build his career.

Makienok had scored six goals in ten games for Brondby so far this season prior to picking up a hamstring injury in October, but is on his way to recovery. His tall frame and strong physical game is complimented by a good first touch, something which has been thought to please Fulham boss Rene Meulensteen, who would reportedly have to pay in the region of £3.3million for the player.

Simon Makienok Christoffersen | Brondby IF | Skills, Goals, Assists | 2013 HD (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_svojPkPms#ws)

Makienok hit 15 league goals last season, and last year gained his first cap for his national side –  he has six caps so far. The player also turned down a move to Russia last year after Brondby accepted a bid for him, but he is looking carefully at his next move.

Fulham will wait on Berbatov to decide his future before making a move for the Dane, but at 23 and with a lot to offer to the English style of play, Makienok may be a name we hear more of over the coming months.



http://www.footymatters.com/articles/english-football/premier-league/fulham-weighing-up-move-for-dane-as-berbatov-replacement/? (http://www.footymatters.com/articles/english-football/premier-league/fulham-weighing-up-move-for-dane-as-berbatov-replacement/?)

 
Elsad Wary Of Black Cats

Sunderland may arrive at Craven Cottage on Saturday (3pm) bottom of the league but Elsad Zverotić is expecting a tough test of Fulham's credentials.

The Black Cats are currently four points adrift of safety at the foot of the Barclays Premier League, but have enjoyed an upturn in fortunes of late. Gus Poyet's side have lost just one of their last five league games and also earned a morale-boosting win over Manchester United in the First Leg of their Capital One Cup Semi-Final on Tuesday night.

The Whites, too, are on the up and Zverotić told the official website: "We know that the game against Sunderland is an important one. It's so tight at the moment, and there are a lot of teams that need to fight their way out of where they are in the table.

"They [Sunderland] are at the bottom right now, but they've shown that they're a very capable side on their day. They beat Manchester United 2-1 in the League Cup this week, and that would have given them a lot of confidence.

"They've actually had some very good results; beating Newcastle United, Manchester City and Everton this season. They also defeated Chelsea in the League Cup and ran them close in the league.

"Gus Poyet has come in as Head Coach, and he's having a good effect. He has some good players in his side, and we'll have to be very aware of that when they come to Craven Cottage."

A win for the Whites on Saturday, coupled with results elsewhere, could see René Meulensteen's men go up to the dizzy heights of 13th.

"We opened the season with a win against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light, so hopefully we can get the three points again," said right-back Zverotić, who started last weekend's 1-1 draw with Norwich City in the FA Cup with Budweiser. "If we can do that, then we could really start to push up the table.

"We got a fantastic win against West Ham United on New Year's Day, and it's vital that we build on that. We're playing some good football; if we keep playing the way we have been then I'm sure we'll fine. We're taking one game at a time.

"This is a tough league, one of the best in the world. It's so competitive, but that's the challenge I knew that it would be when I signed. I've enjoyed my time at the Club so far, and I'm determined to help the team as much as a I can."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/january/09/elsad-wary-of-black-cats (http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/january/09/elsad-wary-of-black-cats)

 
Head-To-Head

The opposition

Black Cats Head Coach Gus Poyet will be hoping to use Capital One Cup wins over Chelsea and Manchester United in the last month as a springboard to improve his team's Barclays Premier League form.

The two home wins against Jose Mourinho and David Moyes' men have put the Wearsiders in with a good chance of a Wembley appearance, but Poyet knows an urgent upturn in league form is required if they're to avoid relegation.

And with confidence high after Tuesday's 2-1 Semi-Final, First Leg win over Manchester United, Sunderland will be hoping they can turn around their disappointing league campaign which has seen them win only three times this season.

In fairness to the Black Cats, their three triumphs in the Premier League this season have all been impressive. The first saw them narrowly overcome their high-flying neighbours Newcastle United at the end of October, before a solitary Phil Bardsley goal was enough to defeat title hopefuls Manchester City not long after at the Stadium of Light.

They also became only the third (Fulham were the first) side to defeat Everton this season as Ki Sung-Yueng's penalty against the 10-man Toffees inflicted a first – and ultimately only – Goodison Park defeat of the calendar year on the Merseyside outfit.


Last time out

Sunderland 0-1 Fulham 17.08.2013

Pajtim Kasami scored his first Fulham goal as the Whites began the 2013/14 Premier League season with a fine 1-0 win at Sunderland.

Fulham defended resolutely in the first half and managed to keep Sunderland at bay, then, in the 52nd minute, the Swiss midfielder arrived from a corner to head the visitors into the lead. A further defensive shut-down in the second period proved enough to clinch the perfect start to the new campaign.

Sunderland began the brightest as Fulham gave away possession in the early exchanges to allow striker Jozy Altidore a sight of goal, but his shot was deflected well over the bar. Adam Johnson then broke down the right-hand side with a burst of pace on five minutes, but his pass was too late as Altidore was caught offside.

Fulham were on the back foot and struggling to get control of the ball. Cabral shot wide, then a long ball floated over the top found no one and the Whites' first sustained piece of pressure brought about an effort from Kasami which was well blocked. Starting to string some passes together, the visitors began to look more imposing and some nimble footwork from Damien Duff and Adel Taarabt on the wings almost carved an opening.

The Black Cats, with five debutants, were the better team throughout but Kasami headed home from close range for the only goal in the second half.

Ondrej Celustka had the hosts' best chance but his 25-yard shot was saved brilliantly by Maarten Stekelenburg and Ji Dong-Won could have rescued a point for Sunderland in the final minute but he headed Adam Johnson's cross wide.


Players to watch

Adam Johnson: A mercurial winger who forged an impressive reputation at Middlesbrough, Adam Johnson joined his hometown club in August 2012 for a reported £10m from Manchester City where he won Premier League, FA Cup and Community Shield winner's medals. A consistent danger who is able to operate on both flanks at will, Johnson has 12 England caps and two goals but has yet to establish himself as a regular in the national side under Roy Hodgson's management. Johnson, 26, made 40 appearances in his first season on Wearside, scoring five goals, including a fine solo goal in the 3-0 win over Newcastle at St James' Park. So far this season he has made 12 league starts and scored one goal.

John O'Shea: Club captain who was signed by Steve Bruce from Manchester United in 2011, the 32-year-old Republic of Ireland international won an incredible 15 trophies while at Old Trafford and, although he can play at full-back, he is more at home in central defence. He is a five-time Premier League title winner and was in the squad alongside fellow Sunderland centre-half Wes Brown for United in the 2008 UEFA Champions League Final in Moscow as they beat Chelsea on penalties, although he was an unused substitute. O'Shea also won the FA Cup in 2004, the League Cup in 2006, 2009 and 2010 and has lifted four Community Shields and a FIFA Club World Cup. He signed off with a fifth league title win in May 2011 and left Old Trafford having played an impressive 392 times, scoring 15 goals. Capped more than 90 times by his country, O'Shea has become a mainstay in the Sunderland defence over the last two campaigns, with 36 appearances last term, and has played in all 16 Premier League games this season.

Fabio Borini: An unquestionably talented forward currently on loan from Liverpool, Fabio Borini has already etched his name in Sunderland folklore with a sublime strike that decided the Tyne-Wear derby earlier in the season. That remains his only goal in the league this season, but the 22-year-old has proved his worth in the Capital One Cup with crucial strikes against Chelsea in the Quarter-Final and, more recently, against Manchester United in Tuesday's Semi. Capped once by Italy, the former Chelsea and Roma striker has a fine strike on him and could prove to be an important component for Poyet as Sunderland fight relegation.


Magic numbers

2 - Times Saturday's referee Mike Dean has refereed this game before - in 2001 and 2009. Both were won by Fulham

3 - Number of former Manchester United defenders in the Sunderland squad

5 - Sunderland players who are joint-top goalscorers this season with three goals

9 - Fulham's points haul from the last six league games, our best run of form this season

25 - Fulham shots on target over the festive period (21st Dec-1st Jan ), more than any other Premier League team

40 - Percentage of Sunderland's goals scored this season in the first 10 minutes or last five minutes of Premier League games this season

192 - Fouls committed by Fulham in the Premier League this season

216 - Fouls committed by Sunderland in the Premier League this season

1879 - Year both clubs were founded



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/january/09/head-to-head (http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/january/09/head-to-head)

 
Bryan Ruiz's time at Fulham set to be full of collective regret

The Mirror reported yesterday that Fulham's Bryan Ruiz is a transfer-target for La Liga side Real Betis, and there seems to be a general sense of acceptance that the Costa Rican will be leaving Craven Cottage imminently.

What a shame.

Although Ruiz hasn't had the best time in England, and his move to the Premier League will be retrospectively assessed as a failure, my opinion of him as a player really hasn't changed, and that's really because the conditions for him to succeed have never been in place at Fulham.

Over the past two-and-a-half seasons, Ruiz has frequently been used in wider positions when evidently his skill-set is suited to a central-role. His primary attributes – his vision and his passing – are marginalised when deployed close to the touchline, and he has subsequently found it very difficult to influence games from those areas.

It's easy to criticise Martin Jol for that, because on the surface it appears like a clear misallocation of resources, but remember that Ruiz's time at Fulham runs almost parallel to that of Dimitar Berbatov, and there's some significant overlap between where the Costa Rican would be best-utilised and where the Bulgarian ultimately plays – Jol, more often than not, seemed to accommodate one at the expense of the other.

My philosophy with creative attacking-midfielders is fairly simple: they need pace around them to be effective. Had Ruiz had two wingers who provided a vertical threat either side of him, and a forward who played off the back-shoulder of a defence ahead of him, his statistical return in the Premier League would probably have been far more significant – pace is a simple commodity, but it creates passing channels and space for playmakers to take advantage of. Whilst Ruiz never truly adjusted to English football – and that's something he must take some responsibility for – it's easy to argue that Fulham failed to put the players around him who would have helped make his transfer a success.

If he does move, then he will just be remembered as an advanced bit of technology that Martin Jol never fully knew how to use: buttons were pressed, cool things occasionally happened, but ultimately nobody bothered to read the instruction manual.


http://thepremierleagueowl.com/bryan-ruizs-time-at-fulham-set-to-be-full-of-collective-regret/ (http://thepremierleagueowl.com/bryan-ruizs-time-at-fulham-set-to-be-full-of-collective-regret/)

Quote from: WhiteJC on January 10, 2014, 07:24:10 AM

Bryan Ruiz's time at Fulham set to be full of collective regret


If he does move, then he will just be remembered as an advanced bit of technology that Martin Jol never fully knew how to use: buttons were pressed, cool things occasionally happened, but ultimately nobody bothered to read the instruction manual.

That's Ruiz in a sentence - brilliant summing up.

Fulham v Sunderland preview


Clint Dempsey: Poised to make second Premier League bow

Fulham are likely to shuffle their pack again for a home date with Sunderland, having offered game time to youngsters and fringe players in their 1-1 FA Cup third round draw at Norwich.

Clint Dempsey made his second debut for the club in that contest, after joining on a short-term loan, while Darren Bent was back among the goals and both men will be hoping to have done enough to retain their starting berths.

The likes of Scott Parker, Damien Duff and Dimitar Berbatov will be among those pushing for recalls, while there is a chance that goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg (ankle) and defender Matthew Briggs (hernia) could come back into contention. Brede Hangeland is, however, still nursing a back complaint.

Steven Fletcher is set to keep his place in Sunderland's starting line-up after shrugging off a slight knock sustained in the midweek cup win over Manchester United.

Black Cats boss Gus Poyet does not expect any fresh injury concerns and could keep faith in the side that secured their 2-1 first-leg win, although Adam Johnson is pushing for a recall after being singled out by Poyet for special praise.

Poyet is without midfielder Cabral who has moved to Genoa on loan until the end of the season, while goalkeeper Keiren Westwood remains sidelined with a shoulder injury.

 
Sunderland boss Gus Poyet sets his sights on eight wins for Premier League survival
GUS POYET has set his sights on eight wins for Sunderland to secure Premier League survival - starting at Fulham tomorrow.

The Black Cats have won just three of their opening 20 league games.

And Poyet insists that if they are to avoid relegation, their revival can not be delayed much longer.

"We are looking at around 40 points and that means winning eight games and picking up a few draws," he said. "But it is important to get those wins as soon as possible.

"We are right in the mix, which wasn't the case a few weeks ago. Now we have to climb ahead of some teams.

"The Fulham game can change the season, so I am really looking forward to it."

Argentine defender Santiago Vergini will become Sunderland's second signing of the transfer window following the arrival of Marcos Alonso last week.

Poyet had hoped to have the 25-year-old centre-half available for the match at Craven Cottage but the deal won't be done in time.

Meanwhile, Swiss misfit Adilson Cabral has completed his loan move to Genoa.


http://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/359786/Sunderland-boss-Gus-Poyet-sets-his-sights-on-eight-wins-for-Premier-League-survival (http://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/359786/Sunderland-boss-Gus-Poyet-sets-his-sights-on-eight-wins-for-Premier-League-survival)

 
Lee Clark unsure of Dan Burn return as Blues face balancing act over loanees

Blues left to wait over availability of former loanees as boss Lee Clark considers possible replacements for departed trio

(http://i2.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article6457000.ece/ALTERNATES/s615/Lee-Clark-Blues-6457000.jpg)
Lee Clark
Matthew Lewis / Getty Images
Lee Clark has admitted he faces a delicate balancing act over Birmingham City loans.

Dan Burn could return to the club from Fulham after being recalled by them, but Clark in the meantime has to consider alternatives to bring in on a temporary basis.

He is waiting to see what Manchester United have planned for Jesse Lingard, while he also explained why Aaron Mclean wasn't re-engaged from Hull City.

"On the loans, it's a suck it and see," he said.

"Jesse has gone back on Manchester United's say so. They are obviously having a look to see if he's ready to be involved in their squad.

"Dan got called back and was immediately thrown in against Norwich in the FA Cup.

"The people I know there - I have still got a lot of friends at the football club - said he was exceptional on the day.

"The new manager was very, very pleased with him and the staff complimented him on the development we helped Dan with in the first half of the season.

"But that's still not been closed on us. There is still a possibility of us getting him back.

"The challenge for me now is that do I wait right until the last minute for Dan or do I just get a replacement in because of the scenario where we can't get him back?

"It's a balancing act I have got and it's a little bit like that with Jesse as well."

Mclean missed his last two Blues matches with a slight hamstring injury, returned to Hull, played and scored in their FA Cup tie at Middlesbrough.

"Aaron's contract finished on January 1," explained Clark.

"On any loan, it has got to be a three-way agreement. So that's between me, Steve Bruce and Hull and Aaron.

"Myself and Steve had that agreement to extend it, but Aaron decided that he wanted to keep his options open.

"He had a little injury towards the end of his time with us.

"But when he got back after January 1, he was deemed fit by the Hull medical team after rest and recuperation with us.

"If he had stayed with us, he would have trained and been the same.

"Steve decided to throw him in and he scored. That's the way it goes.

"I know for a fact - I have spoken to other managers - that there's five or six other clubs in for Aaron. So he has got a decision to make. We would have liked to have kept him here."

"Obviously the goal posts have moved for us because we know the situation here financially and my priorities are different now in terms of recruitment," Clark continued.

"You don't have to be a rocket scientist to find out where (in what area) I would like to bring players in.

"I have tried really hard over the last eight or nine days and things haven't happened.

"And those reasons are various: clubs wanting loan fees, which we can't pay; players on too much salary for us; young centre-halves that we are after needed by their squads because experienced centre-halves have gone down injured; or actually the players we have wanted have picked up an injury during the course of us speaking to their clubs.

"Also, sometimes, it's the length of the contract that we can offer. We can't offer long-term contracts to people, it's probably working on month to month emergency loan deals. That always doesn't appeal to players.

"So that's the bottom line."

Clark admitted that it was frustrating to see good young players taken out of his hands and go elsewhere.

And he said, in an ideal world, he would like Burn back in the ranks.

"Dan will probably play in the FA Cup replay and they were that impressed with him, they were talking that he might be involved in the league game at the weekend.

"If that happens it would start to diminish even more the chances of getting him back.

"It's a great thing for me I'm losing a player who is going to play in the Premier League.

"But it's just a bit frustrating that I'm watching Match of the Day on a Saturday night and seeing all these players I've worked with performing for different clubs: the Redmonds, Pilkingtons, Morrisons and Burns of this world."


http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/birmingham-city-lee-clark-unsure-6489278? (http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/birmingham-city-lee-clark-unsure-6489278?)

 
The Dossier: Relegation rivals prove West Ham could be better off without Allardyce

Although the Hammers' public backing for their boss is commendable, the likes of Crystal Palace, Sunderland and Fulham show that a fresh approach can be key to survival

Traditionally the biggest tell-tale sign that a manager is under pressure is a public backing from a club's owners. The dreaded 'vote of confidence'. The apparent need to tell the world that, in fact, their employee is doing a good job and has their support often speaks volumes about the real concerns lurking just below the surface.

Sam Allardyce was the latest to be afforded such a privilege, with West Ham co-chairmen David Gold and David Sullivan underlining their faith in their manager and even detailing their troubles with injuries and positive transfer news to appease the fans.

Scorn can easily be thrown in the direction of Upton Park but the fact remains that Gold and Sullivan's backing is commendable. They are attempting to allay Allardyce's fears in the hope that he can concentrate on and improve on-field matters.

After all, the likes of Malky Mackay could only wish for such support when Cardiff City owner Vincent Tan told his former manager to resign or be sacked. Naturally Mackay chose the latter and was shown the door, along with a hefty pay-off.

But when really is the right time to call it a day and turn over a new leaf? When is change good?

So far this season, six Premier League managers have left their clubs - be it by mutual consent or not-so-mutual consent - with four of those clubs currently occupying the bottom five places in the league standings; Sunderland, Fulham, Cardiff and Crystal Palace.

Starting with the league's bottom side, Sunderland, Paolo Di Canio was dismissed on September 23 after a return of just one point from their opening five league games. The Black Cats still reside in 20th place but with a healthier return of 14 points from 20 games - with Gus Poyet leading them to 13 points from his 15 games in charge.

Poyet immediately altered Sunderland's style of play, ditching the formulaic two-up-top approach the Italian utilised, with a slightly more defensive-minded lone striker supported by the likes of Fabio Borini, Sebastian Larsson and Emanuele Giaccherini out wide - while reducing the pressure to perform on the likes of Adam Johnson - who went from playing every minute this season under Di Canio to playing the full 90 minutes just once in the Premier League since the Uruguayan took over.

The former Brighton manager also reinstated Phil Bardsley and Lee Cattermole. The latter made just one appearance under Di Canio this season and was stripped of the captaincy, but has made 11 since Poyet's appointment. The manager recently said he had "no words high enough" to praise the midfielder.

But the true revelation of Poyet's tenure has been the resurgence of Bardsley. The defender was suspended by Di Canio following a string of off-field troubles but has been an ever-present under the new manager. Indeed, he is now the club's joint-top scorer with three goals and was instrumental in Sunderland's 2-1 victory over Manchester United on Tuesday night.

Poyet's answer to Sunderland's problems was to give the squad a much-needed fresh start, and it's worked.
Fulham is a tough one. Results have evidently improved, even performances have more vigour than the last few under Martin Jol but the 6-0 embarrassment at the hands of newly-promoted Hull is an unavoidable black spot as Rene Meulensteen otherwise manages to steady the ship.

The Cottagers were unlucky in defeat at Craven Cottage to Tottenham in the Dutchman's first game in charge, with a man-of-the-match display from Hugo Lloris seeing the home side end up empty-handed, but a much-improved performance from Dimitar Berbatov guided the team to victory over Aston Villa three days later - ending a run of seven consecutive defeats.

And that has been the main highlight of Meulensteen's tenure thus far. He has re-energised the older, more experienced members of the squad, such as Berbatov, Scott Parker and Damien Duff. This, in turn, has given the youngsters a new lease of life - the performances of the likes of Pajtim Kasami and Alexander Kacaniklic had waned after bright starts to the season.

Indeed, Fulham look a far more expansive unit under the former Manchester United first-team coach, and chairman Shahid Khan continues to bolster the club's staff - as shown by the appointments of Alan Curbishley and Ray Wilkins in backroom roles.

Meulensteen has taken charge of seven Premier League games - recording three wins and four defeats - since taking over from Jol and in that time their attacking prowess has increased remarkably; registering 116 shots on goal, 44 of which have been on target. In Jol's last seven games before being sacked, Fulham's record reads 57 shots, 12 on target.

Meulensteen's approach at Craven Cottage was to utilise the vast experience in Fulham's ranks and, in turn, re-inspire the fledging talents, which has evidently worked. But it's still early days.

Speaking of early days, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has taken charge of just one game since replacing the fired Mackay, but it did result in a first win over Newcastle United in 51 years and a place in the FA Cup fourth round.

And, with the Magpies going ahead through Papiss Cisse on the hour-mark, the Norwegian acted quickly to introduce Craig Noone and Frazier Campbell - with the former scoring within two minutes and Solskjaer's ex-Manchester United team-mate notching the winner 10 minutes from time.

Many Cardiff fans were sad to see Mackay go, especially given the circumstances, but the club's record of just one win in their last 10 Premier League games - a run including six defeats - is relegation form. Thus the tactical nous shown by Solskjaer in just 90 minutes, not to mention two titles and a cup with Molde, is very promising indeed and should give fans reason to be optimistic.

Tony Pulis at Crystal Palace is the biggest success story of those battling it out at the bottom. The former Stoke City manager replaced Ian Holloway after his predecessor departed - commendably citing the need for a new approach in an attempt to avoid relegation.

Before Pulis' appointment, the Eagles had just one win to their name - losing the other seven games - and were sticking to Holloway's attempts at expansive football. Pulis has taken charge of eight Premier League games since his appointment and immediately improved Palace's performances.

A return of 10 points, plus an FA Cup third-round win away at West Brom, has seen the Londoners close the gap between themselves and safety from five points to one - and goal difference from minus five to minus one.

Alan Pardew described Pulis' approach as "physically demanding" and "direct", a style he honed at the Britannia Stadium, which is in stark contrast to the open, counter-attacking football under Holloway.

Palace conceded 39 shots on target in Holloway's eight Premier League games in charge - an average of 4.8 per game - with 17 goals conceded - a dire average of 2.12 per game. Under Pulis, the shots-to-game ratio reduces to 3.6, with just eight goals conceded.

The shape of the team is far more concise and regimented under Pulis, giving the squad more direction - vital in a relegation battle that currently, realistically, includes teams all the way up to Hull City in 10th spot.

Pulis' answer to a Crystal Palace side which seemed overawed by their first exposure to top-flight football for the first time since 2004-05 was to, typically, make them a far tougher team to break down. It isn't necessarily pretty but a new-found focus evident at Selhurst Park is crucial.

So, following yet another cup humiliation for West Ham, is now the time for Gold and Sullivan to entertain the thought of a new man? If the Hammers' fellow relegation rivals who are under new direction are anything to go by, then the answer is a resounding yes.



http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/4705/the-dossier/2014/01/10/4530529/-? (http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/4705/the-dossier/2014/01/10/4530529/-?)

 
Alex Kacaniklic vows 6-0 mauling will be a watershed moment for Fulham

Fulham winger Alex Kacaniklic admits the Cottagers' 6-0 hammering at Hull over Christmas acted as a wake-up call in their battle to stay up.

The Tigers scored six second-half goals to embarrass Rene Meulensteen's men on December 28 but Fulham have responded with a win over West Ham in the Premier League and a draw at Norwich in the FA Cup to start 2014 unbeaten.

They will need to maintain that start to the year if they are to beat rock-bottom Sunderland tomorrow at Craven Cottage and continue their climb away from danger.

And Kacaniklic, who has made an impact in the Cottagers' first team this season, believes the defeat at the KC Stadium can act as a turning point.

'It can't happen again,' said the Sweden international. 'Steve Sidwell came out after the game and apologised to the fans. Fair play to Hull, winning 6-0, but they're not Real Madrid.'

Tickets are on general sale for Fulham v Sunderland at Craven Cottage tomorrow at 3pm and can be purchased by visiting www.fulhamfc.com/tickets (http://www.fulhamfc.com/tickets) or by calling 0843 208 1234



http://metro.co.uk/2014/01/10/alex-kacaniklic-vows-6-0-mauling-will-be-a-watershed-moment-for-fulham-4257047/? (http://metro.co.uk/2014/01/10/alex-kacaniklic-vows-6-0-mauling-will-be-a-watershed-moment-for-fulham-4257047/?)

 
Boss wants Sunderland's big names to stand up and be counted at Fulham

GUS Poyet wants his big-name, big-game players to stand up and be counted this weekend.

The Black Cats' boss is determined that Sunderland will finally end their dismal record of failing to beat a bottom half of the table side when they take on fellow strugglers Fulham at Craven Cottage tomorrow.

The Wearsiders have not mustered a win against teams in the bottom half in 10 attempts so far this season and Poyet wants that sequence to end now.

But he believes the key to that goal is for his star players to shine in the capital after a run of just one defeat in their last eight games for Sunderland.

Poyet told the Echo: "I know what we need to get out of the trouble we are in and obviously the key is to win game regularly.

"To do that in this league, you need a number of things.

"The key to games nowadays, especially at the bottom, is that you need to be organised, you need to difficult to beat, you need to be strong, mentally and physically and finally you need the players, the best players, who can produce a bit of magic, to do that for you.

"You need players who can stand out and make the difference after the rest have done their share of the hard work.

"They are normally the best attackers at the club and players who can do something a bit special.

"And I do feel as though it is coming, there are players who are getting better and better, who are making good decisions, who are taking greater responsibility.

"That's so important, because we have our share of match-winners."

Among the players who are capable of that star quality are £12million striker Steven Fletcher, who is overdue a purple patch of goals, £10m former Manchester City winger Adam Johnson, Italian internationals Emanuele Giaccherini and Fabio Borini, as well as South Korean star Ki Sung-Yueng.

Poyet said: "It has been a lot of hard work by everybody, but I see good things coming.

"I mean I don't know if you knew that Fabio Borini was going to take a penalty against Manchester United, but I didn't!

"I suspected Ki Sung-Yueng would take it, but Fabio grabbed the ball and said he wanted to take it.

"I was delighted with that and not just because he scored but because the desire was there.

"And it wouldn't be a case of, if he scored, good decision; if he didn't, bad decision.

"It was good that he wanted to accept the responsibility and that he wanted to take the penalty, that's exactly the sort of attitude we need.

"In the same game, you can look at Adam Johnson, who came on and changed the game for us, in my opinion.

"I know that Marcos Alonso got man-of-the-match against Manchester United, but, having won the penalty, maybe if Adam had got up and scored it, he would have got man-of-the-match.

"I know he was a substitute, but I've had experience of coming on as a substitute and being awarded man-of-the-match.

"For me, Adam was key to our victory because he came on – he was up for it, he was running at United, he was always looking to shoot or make a key pass and he was always positive.

"He has that ability to win you a game with a bit of skill or vision and we need those sort of players to show for us in tomorrow's game and the games ahead."



http://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/sport/football/sunderland-afc/boss-wants-sunderland-s-big-names-to-stand-up-and-be-counted-at-fulham-1-6364149 (http://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/sport/football/sunderland-afc/boss-wants-sunderland-s-big-names-to-stand-up-and-be-counted-at-fulham-1-6364149)

 
Sunderland star set to start at Fulham after injury in Manchester United win

Steven Fletcher is set to keep his place in Sunderland's starting line-up for the Premier League trip to Fulham after shrugging off a slight knock sustained in the midweek Capital One Cup win over Manchester United.

Black Cats boss Gus Poyet does not expect any fresh injury concerns and could keep faith in the side that secured their 2-1 first-leg win, although Adam Johnson is pushing for a recall after being singled out by Poyet for special praise.

Poyet is without midfielder Cabral who has moved to Genoa on loan until the end of the season, while goalkeeper Keiren Westwood remains sidelined with a shoulder injury.

Provisional squad: Mannone, Pickford, Celustka, Dossena, Alonso, Bardsley, O'Shea, Brown, Diakite, Roberge, Cattermole, Gardner, Ki, Giaccherini, Johnson, Larsson, Ba, Karlsson, Mavrias, Colback, Fletcher, Altidore, Borini


http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/sunderland_star_set_to_start_at_fulham_after_injury_in_manchester_united_win_1_3196932 (http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/sunderland_star_set_to_start_at_fulham_after_injury_in_manchester_united_win_1_3196932)

 
Fulham boss hopes to get Bent firing again

Meulensteen says striker can build on last weekend's strike against Norwich City

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On the up: Fulham striker Darren Bent
Rene Meulensteen reckons Darren Bent has put his troubles behind him and can play a part in Fulham's survival bid.

The 29-year-old striker endured a nightmare spell at Aston Villa last season before his summer loan switch to Craven Cottage.

However, Bent has failed to command a regular starting spot and managed just four goals in 18 games.

But manager Meulensteen hopes the former Sunderland frontman has turned the corner following his strike in last weekend's FA Cup draw with Norwich.

He said: "I thought Darren did extremely well and I'm sure that goal will give him confidence. He worked hard and kept going and getting in behind. The goal he took was excellent. He did ever so well.

"He came from a bad period at Villa. [Paul] Lambert was quite clear and injected the team with energy and youthfulness. [Christian] Benteke came in, who was a different type of striker.

"Darren hasn't started many games but there are no issues with fitness levels. I don't see any signs of that in training and I don't get any signals from the medical department. He's a bright lad and trains with a smile on his face."



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-boss-hopes-bent-firing-6489726? (http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-boss-hopes-bent-firing-6489726?)

 
New Deal For Marcus

Fulham Football Club is delighted to announce that Marcus Bettinelli has signed a two-year extension to his contract, which will keep him at Craven Cottage until 30th June 2016.

The goalkeeper, 21, has spent time on the Fulham bench this season as back-up to David Stockdale following Maarten Stekelenburg's injury, having impressed on loan at Accrington Stanley.

Bettinelli had been a key component of James Beattie's side, and a string of confident displays between the sticks helped Stanley in no small part as they climbed out of the Sky Bet League Two relegation zone and up the table.

The youngster is now back at the Store First Stadium on an emergency loan deal until Thursday 30th January.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/january/10/new-deal-for-marcus? (http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/january/10/new-deal-for-marcus?)

 
Fulham v Sunderland preview
Fulham are likely to shuffle their pack again for a home date with Sunderland, having offered game time to youngsters and fringe players in their 1-1 FA Cup third round draw at Norwich.

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Clint Dempsey: Poised to make second Premier League bow

Clint Dempsey made his second debut for the club in that contest, after joining on a short-term loan, while Darren Bent was back among the goals and both men will be hoping to have done enough to retain their starting berths.

The likes of Scott Parker, Damien Duff and Dimitar Berbatov will be among those pushing for recalls, while there is a chance that goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg (ankle) and defender Matthew Briggs (hernia) could come back into contention. Brede Hangeland is, however, still nursing a back complaint.

Steven Fletcher is set to keep his place in Sunderland's starting line-up after shrugging off a slight knock sustained in the midweek cup win over Manchester United.

Black Cats boss Gus Poyet does not expect any fresh injury concerns and could keep faith in the side that secured their 2-1 first-leg win, although Adam Johnson is pushing for a recall after being singled out by Poyet for special praise.

Poyet is without midfielder Cabral who has moved to Genoa on loan until the end of the season, while goalkeeper Keiren Westwood remains sidelined with a shoulder injury.



http://www.football365.com/match/3632010/preview? (http://www.football365.com/match/3632010/preview?)

 
Fan Focus: Chatting With The Cottagers

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For this week's Fan Focus we turn to our SB Nation brethren and allow Andrew Beck from Cottagers Confidential to give us the low down on Fulham.

Fulham haven't had the greatest of seasons so far, has it been as disappointing as everyone makes out?

Andrew Beck: Well if you told me at the beginning of the season Fulham would be 4 points out of 10th place at this point, I wouldn't have been shocked. If you told me they would be in 16th place I wouldn't have been shocked (though I would have been a little perturbed). The fact that only 5 points separates 10th and 17th is quite shocking though and proves that just about anyone in the bottom half of the table could go down.

The biggest problem with Fulham's season so far has been the demoralizing nature of some of the losses. We've been absolutely blown out a few times and didn't even look there was an offensive plan at others. If you take a step back though and just treat a loss like a loss and a win like a win, the season hasn't been that bad. If you just take out the last minute loss to Cardiff and the last minute draw to West Brom, all of a sudden Fulham are in 10th place and no one is fretting at all.

Was it the right decision to get rid of Martin Jol?

AB: Yes. I'm usually not one to blame the manager, but he simply didn't look like he had a plan any more. He was continuously using players out of position, afraid to start any of the youth, and basically conceding games against bigger clubs before the match even started. He was managing like he wanted to leave.

I think if the true story ever comes out, he was hoping to skate through the year, bring in Meulensteen as the Head Coach and then move up to be the Technical Director. However, he mucked things up so bad that it wasn't possible. Instead the club went and hired Alan Curbishley to be the TD.

Now of course you have Rene Meulensteen. Someone I actually wanted to be the boss here when Paolo Di Canio left. What's he been like so far?

AB: So far he's been great. The team has only looked awful once since he took over and that was an away fixture over the holiday period after an away win and before two winnable home fixtures. I think he may have punted that match as soon as the team got down.

He's done all the things you wish Jol had done. He's been tactically flexible. He's played a 4-3-3, a 4-2-3-1, a 4-5-1, and even what might be called a 4-6-0. That last formation was used to great effect to frustrate Man City on our smaller than average pitch.

He's also using players in the right positions and isn't afraid to use the youth. Four of our academy graduates got a debut in the FA Cup match last week. If he can keep the team up, I think the future is bright.

What do you make of bringing in Ray Wilkins and Alan Curbishley?

AB: I'm pretty happy with the Curbishley hire. I've been a proponent of having a Technical Director and a Head Coach working together and both reporting to the CEO for some time. I think the days of one manager being in charge of everything are long gone.

I'm a bit more agnostic about the Wilkins hire. I think he'll make a fine assistant, but I wonder if it was more of a hedge in case the club goes down and Meulensteen doesn't want to manage a Championship club.

On the pitch, who has been Fulham's stand out man this season?

AB: For me, the standout has been Pajtim Kasami.

He's a player that has always been hyped, but never really got a chance. Then last year he was loaned out to the Swiss league where he didn't set the world on fire. He only started the first match of the season this year due to injuries to others, but you probably remember how that worked. Since then he's been a great passer, a hard worker, a willing tackler, and someone who's not afraid to shoot. I don't know if he's been the best Fulham player, but he's been the one who made the greatest leap.

Who has been the most disappointing?

AB: Is it fair to say a player who's barely plaid at all? Fulham's defense has been atrocious this year. And much of that can be laid at the feet of Brede Hangeland. He's barely played and when he did he was slowed by injury. I'm hoping that taking the time off to get surgery and heel will do wonders for him and the Fulham defense when he returns.

Who will Fulham be looking at in the January transfer window to try and pull you out of the mire?

AB: Fulham have seemingly been linked to every player Meulensteen had a relationship with at Manchester United.

I think the team needs a creative box to box central midfielder or deep lying playmaker to take some of the offensive pressure off of Scott Parker. Giorgos Karagounis has done well there, but I don't think he can stand up for a full season. I'd also like to bring in another defender. The club has been linked to a few, and I was hoping for Michael Bradley until today's surprise announcement.

I'd also like to bring in a central defender or left back. If the team is confident Hangeland will return strong and recently recalled Dan Burn can solidify the center, I'd go with a left back. The team has been linked to Ryan Bertrand and Alex Buttner.

Everyone is clamoring for a striker, but I don't necessarily see the need. The team hasn't been that bad at scoring goals, and since Meulensteen took over they've been creating chances at a more than adequate rate. However, if they do sell Berbatov, I reserve the right to change my answer.

Where on the pitch do you think this weekend's game will be won and lost?

AB: Fulham's defense will decide the game. If they play ok, I think Fulham win. If they implode (which has happened a few times), I think things could get ugly.

What's your prediction for the game?

AB: I'd guess a 2-1 win for Fulham.



http://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2014/1/10/5289376/fan-focus-chatting-with-the-cottagers? (http://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2014/1/10/5289376/fan-focus-chatting-with-the-cottagers?)

 
Predicting Progression

Alexander Kačaniklić predicts progression for both himself and the team over the coming months.

And the 22-year-old points to the arrival of René Meulensteen as Fulham's Head Coach as the catalyst.

Kačaniklić tells Saturday's official matchday programme: "I've really enjoyed working with René. Although he hasn't been with us for long, I can see that progress has been made.

"He's very technical, and he has a proven track record of bringing the best out of players. I'll learn a lot from him, and I'm sure that he can help make me become a better player, particularly in terms of adding more goals to my game."

Meulensteen oversees his ninth match from the Whites' dugout on Saturday afternoon. Out of the bottom three and playing with renewed vigour under the Dutchman's guidance, Kačaniklić is adamant that Fulham are heading in the right direction.

Defeat of West Ham United at the Cottage on New Year's Day was an all-important three points; victory over Sunderland will be equally as vital.

"Everyone knew that the game against West Ham was a massive one, and a match that we needed to win," explained Alexander. "I think everyone expected more this season - the fans, staff and the players. It's been a strange campaign, and we've found ourselves in the relegation zone for most of the season - which isn't good enough.

"Sunderland are also fighting for points at the bottom, so this is another massive game. We need to get the win, and I really think that we will - we're determined to get the team into a better position.

"I think we're moving forwards now. Some people have asked if we're starting to see what René Meulensteen's Fulham is all about after nine or 10 games. For me, we saw what his side is all about in his first game against Tottenham Hotspur."

To read the full interview with Kačaniklić, pick up an official matchday programme on Saturday.

Other key content in the only matchday magazine that matters - which is available to download digitally from 9am on Saturday - include:

Chairman Shahid Khan looks ahead to a prosperous 2014
René Meulensteen pens his regular programme notes
Ashkan Dejagah takes the Fulham 50 challenge
Bjarne Goldbaek recalls a famous win over Sunderland in 2001
Former Whites and Black Cats defender Andy Melville assesses Saturday's game
And Ray Houghton is Yesterday's Hero
Priced £3.50, the 84-page publication is available from various sellers on Stevenage Road from two hours before kick-off. Fans can also order copies directly from www.programmemaster.com (http://www.programmemaster.com)

The programme is also available as an app with added video content from 9am on Saturday via Apple's Newsstand or Pocketmags. You can subscribe for the whole season for the digital edition or buy a single issue for £1.99.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/january/10/prog-plug? (http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/january/10/prog-plug?)

 
Could Dimitar Berbatov really do a job for Arsenal?

Twitter went into meltdown, emotions were riled and abuse was fired as the majority of Arsenal fans reacted to the rumour about Dimitar Berbatov possibly joining, with: "We don't want a former Tottenham Hotspur player."

I get that. We have our loyalty but, most of the time, that loyalty is blind.

Did none of you want Sol Campbell?

Sometimes you have to take off your red tinted glasses and think about the situation from purely a footballing point of view rather than beating your chest and proclaiming how much better we are compared to Spurs – the answer is so much.

My initial reaction when I saw us being linked with the Fulham striker was 'Would that really work out?'

One attribute of this Arsène Wenger side is its work ethic, its hustling and harrying of the opposition, pressing high up the pitch and basically giving the opponents no time on the ball.

That hardly screams Dimitar Berbatov to you, does it!?

I actually think it is something of a myth that the former Manchester United striker is lazy.

For some reason, the British football fans love a trier the likes of Dirk Kuyt, Park Ji-Sung and Jamie Mackie adhere themselves to the majority, but why? Just because they chase a lost cause that still trickles out for corner but because they are within a shoelace of controlling it is worth a round of applause?

Sure Berbatov is casual and languid in his style of play but that doesn't make him lazy.

Now, don't get me wrong I love Olivier Giroud and the enthusiasm he shows. However, sometimes this season I've felt he has tried too hard to score. His desire to have receive the ball has often found him out of position.

If Berbatov were to join, you know he'd be in and around the penalty area, which is of course, where you want your strikers.

At £2 million Berbatov could prove to be an absolute steal. He wouldn't threaten the long-term career of Giroud but would offer us a different outlet. The former Bayer Leverkusen striker would be a great option from the bench, in a tight game, much like Dennis Bergkamp, he can conjure up a moment of magic when it doesn't seem possible.

I'd be curious to find out how Berbatov would perform and I think, that maybe, just maybe, it would be a surprising success story.


http://arsenal-mania.com/articles/3110656/Could-Dimitar-Berbatov-really-do-a-job-for-Arsenal.html? (http://arsenal-mania.com/articles/3110656/Could-Dimitar-Berbatov-really-do-a-job-for-Arsenal.html?)

 
Ravel Morrison Wants West Ham Exit: Fulham Prepare £5m Bid

Craven Cottage side target Upton Park youngster.

England Under 21 international Ravel Morrison wants to leave West Ham this month and Fulham are leading the chase to sign the talented midfielder according to the Daily Mail.

The Hammers are keen to keep hold of Morrison but the 20 year old has no intention of signing a contract extension, with his current deal having 18 months to run.

Fulham boss Rene Meulensteen, who worked with Morrison at Man United, will look to tempt the Upton Park star to make the move from East to West London and is ready to make an opening offer of £5m for the player.

West Ham can not afford to lose such a pivotal player at such a crucial point in what has already been something of a disastrous season for Sam Allardyce's side.

Allardyce watched his side crash out of the FA Cup following an embarrassing 5-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest and then came the 6-0 hammering against Man City in the Capital One Cup semi-final first leg clash on Wednesday.

West Ham sit second from bottom and Morrison's progress is perhaps the only pleasing aspect of the 2013/14 campaign.



http://www.caughtoffside.com/2014/01/10/ravel-morrison-wants-west-ham-exit-fulham-prepare-5m-bid/? (http://www.caughtoffside.com/2014/01/10/ravel-morrison-wants-west-ham-exit-fulham-prepare-5m-bid/?)

 
Riise Wants Momentum

John Arne Riise wants Fulham's unbeaten 2014 to extend to a third game when Sunderland arrive at Craven Cottage on Saturday (3pm).

Last weekend's 1-1 cup draw at Norwich City was preceded by a vital three points at home against West Ham United, and the Norwegian left-back fully appreciates the magnitude of the clash with the Black Cats.

"The West Ham game was very important for us and obviously this game on Saturday against Sunderland is going to be very important as well because they're desperate for a win, too," Riise admitted.

"It's a chance for us to get back-to-back wins and that would give us some breathing space from the bottom three. When you play a team in mid-table or down at the bottom where we're at home, people expect us to get the three points a bit more. These are tough games because there's a little bit more pressure on you.

"We go into every game to try to win the game and that is René Meulensteen's message to us in every session; he prepares us to win every game, and that's the right way to approach each match."

Like the Whites, Sunderland have seen a new Head Coach take the reins mid-season, with former Brighton & Hove Albion boss Gus Poyet the man tasked with steering the club to safety.

"I think he's trying to get his philosophy through to the team," Riise said of the Uruguayan. "It's difficult for the players because they know that they're in a fight and they might be more nervous than normal, and that adds to the pressure.

"From our point of view, I think we're too good to be fighting for these positions but we lost seven straight games and that's not the Fulham I know, or have known for many years. René has done exceptionally well to make the players believe that we're good enough to stay up."

Aiding Meulensteen, as he attempts to put more distance between Fulham and the relegation zone, are new recruits Alan Curbishley and Ray Wilkins in their roles as First Team Technical Director and Assistant Head Coach, respectively.

The pair can each boast a plethora of footballing wisdom, having enjoyed enormous success in the game, and Riise admitted it's been a boost having them around.

"They're very highly respected, both of them," he said. "They've been brilliant in the dressing room and they've been helping René a lot with their experience because he wants to learn from different people.

"We don't see much of Curbishley as he's more observing, whereas Ray's in the dressing room and talks before the games and in training. He's very quiet but he gets his message across.

"René, Alan and Ray all respect each other and I think that's the most important thing. It wouldn't be good if one has one idea and the other has another. They support René's ideas and I think they're trying to fulfil René's potential as a coach.

"I think they sit and talk a lot about ideas, that's why René brought in the two of them; to learn from them and to become a more complete Head Coach than he already is."

Another new arrival at the Club is that of Clint Dempsey who returned to Fulham on a two-month loan from Seattle Sounders.

The American scored 60 goals for the Whites in his first spell in SW6, and Riise's looking forward to linking up with him on the field once again.

"It was great playing with him when he was here because he was left wing and I was left-back and we had a great relationship on the pitch," he said. "He's aggressive and he knows the Premier League. I think he'll give us a boost and he's keen on doing really well here.

"He likes to fight and he hates to lose and loves to win. He's versatile on the pitch and can move in any position in the midfield – I think he could give us a few goals that we've been missing.

"He played 90 minutes in the cup game and he felt good after that but obviously it had been a while since he had a game. He's a guy who always stays fit and I think he knew he was going to come back here on loan.

"People think that when you go to the States you're on your way downwards and want to have a quiet life, but he's stayed on top of his game and you can see that in training."


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/january/10/riise-wants-momentum? (http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/january/10/riise-wants-momentum?)

 
PSV and Betis battle for Bryan Ruiz

Dutch newspaper Voetbal International has learned that Fulham forward Bryan Ruiz has been the subject of interest from PSV Eindhoven and Real Betis.

The Costa Rican does not seem to be in the first team plans of new boss Rene Meulensteen and he is widely expected to quit the Cottagers in the winter transfer window.

According to Voetbal International, PSV Eindhoven will offer him a chance to return to Dutch Eredivisie, where he has enjoyed the best years of his career.

The Philips Stadium outfit are looking for attacking reinforcements as they are set to stay without Swedish forward Ola Toivonen.

However, PSV Eindhoven could face a stiff competition for the player's signature from Real Betis, who are desperate to add more firepower to the squad.

Having scored mere 15 goals in 18 La Liga fixtures, los Verdiblancos sit five points adrift of safety, and are priced at 8/13 to get relegated.



http://www.soccernews.com/psv-betis-battle-bryan-ruiz/135825/? (http://www.soccernews.com/psv-betis-battle-bryan-ruiz/135825/?)

 
The stats that prove Fulham are a succulent price to slay Sunderland
Amidst their woes the Cottagers have kept their heads, stepping on those of their relegation rivals.

The story of Fulham's season may seem as if it has been penned in the senseless scrawl of madman, but amidst it all there's a thread of victories over their fellow relegation battlers running through the plot to keep their fans sane.

Rene Meulensteen's west Londoners are a generous 23/20 to down Sunderland's colours for the second time this season.

For those who insist on ignoring Fulham's habit of winning the matches that count the draw is 11/5 and a second away win of the campaign for the Mackems 12/5.

Fulham top a mini-league based on the current Premier League bottom six.

The Cottagers have won four of their six duels in the dogfighters' division-within-a-division and will be buzzing ahead of this clash after defeating West Ham on the banks of Old Man Thames in their last league game.

Sunderland have been shut out in six of their 10 away games this season.

A bashful road attack is likely to aid Fulham's pursuit of maximum reward as Cardiff's late capitulation against the visitors was the sole occasion in which they've scored more than once away all season.

By way of contrast, loyal Cottagers have yet to be sent away from Craven Cottage without a consolation goal at the very least in 12 league games.

What's more, after scoring exactly once in their first seven top tier outings of 2013/14, they've shown some improvement in front of goal lately, notching twice in each of their last three.

The Black Cats would still prop up the league if only the bottom six sides were involved.

While they may have developed a taste for the blood of the fee-fi-fo-fummers of the domestic game, beating both Manchester sides and Chelsea this season, they've yet to get a win on the board against their fellow flailers.

Gus Poyet's mustered only three goals during those clashes too so if Fulham can stick to their newfound penchant for two home goals then victory looks assured.

New bwin.com customers signing up today receive a £20 free bet which could turn a quick profit of £23 smackers if Fulham oblige.

Fulham to beat Sunderland @ 23/20


- See more at: http://bwinbetting.com/leagues/premier-league/stats-prove-fulham-succulent-price-slay-sunderland,50644.html?#sthash.Ay4MVmwk.dpuf (http://bwinbetting.com/leagues/premier-league/stats-prove-fulham-succulent-price-slay-sunderland,50644.html?#sthash.Ay4MVmwk.dpuf)

 
Heitinger Update
   
Yesterday there was a strong rumour, stronger than usual, relating to the possible acquisition of the Everton defender, Johnny Heitinga.

Those who read the article will know that the link came about because of Rene Meulensteen`s friendship with Heitinga`s agent.

Today the scenario appears to have dramatically changed with tabloid reports now inferring that Heitinga, despite advances from West Ham and Norwich City, is set to return to Holland to ensure that, at thirty years of age, he can get to rescue his World Cup dream and play in the 2014 tournament in Brazil.

But, we suspect the situation could change again, it`s that kind of move we`re surmising!


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=344957#ixzz2q0WsM7qt (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=344957#ixzz2q0WsM7qt)