Friends of Fulham

 
Scores In 60% Of CL Games: Fulham Sign Thunderous Mitroglou

(http://www.squawka.com/news/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/reu_1880011.jpg)

Fulham have made their second signing of the day by completing the signing of Olympiakos striker Konstantinos Mitroglou. The Greek striker signs for an undisclosed fee, believed to be in the region of £12.5 million,  and joins Tottenham's Lewis Holtby in making a deadline day move to Craven Cottage.

The Cottagers upped their interest in Mitroglou earlier in the week, but almost missed out on the 25 year old due to a rival offer from London rivals West Ham. However the Greek international chose to move to Fulham instead and has signed a four and a half year deal at the club.  Mitroglou has three goals in five Champions League games this season and has scored 41 goals during his 86 game Olympiakos career.

He became manager Rene Meulensteen's second signing of the day, following hot on the heels of Tottenham winger Holtby. The German international has joined the club on a loan deal until the end of the season.


http://www.squawka.com/news/2014/01/31/scores-in-60-of-cl-games-fulham-sign-thunderous-mitroglou/2014013163111? (http://www.squawka.com/news/2014/01/31/scores-in-60-of-cl-games-fulham-sign-thunderous-mitroglou/2014013163111?)

 
Hughes joins QPR after Fulham exit

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Aaron Hughes has penned a short-term contract until the end of the season at QPR after being released by Fulham.

The Northern Ireland international defender has dropped down to the Championship to join promotion-hopefuls QPR and is relishing the chance to work under Harry Redknapp.

Hughes made 250 appearances for Fulham and was part of the side that drew 1-1 at Sheffield United in the FA Cup fourth round last weekend.

"The opportunity to come here was too good to turn down," said the 34-year-old, who moved to Fulham from Aston Villa in 2007.

"Harry tried to sign me as a youngster when he was at West Ham, so it's nice that I've now got the opportunity to play for him.

"QPR are a club looking to get back into the Premier League and if I can come in and help in some small way, I'll do my best to do that."

Redknapp told the club's official website: "Aaron is a very experienced player and with the injuries we've suffered lately, he's a fantastic addition."

The club have also confirmed the signing of 21-year-old Brazilian striker Dellatorre on loan from Desportivo Brasil.

"He's a young player from Brazil, who our scouts have watched and like," Redknapp said.

"I've not been to Brazil to see him play, but he's appeared on the radar and is a young player who is probably one for the future rather than the here and now."



Read more at http://www.fourfourtwo.com/au/news/hughes-joins-qpr-after-fulham-exit#RDOSS3MhHCI5OitA.99 (http://www.fourfourtwo.com/au/news/hughes-joins-qpr-after-fulham-exit#RDOSS3MhHCI5OitA.99)

 
Rio Ferdinand thanks former United coach for signing Champions League opponent

Kostas Mitroglou will no longer be playing against Manchester United in the Champions League after signing for Fulham.

We brought you the news this morning that Greek media were certain that Kostas Mitroglou would be signing for Fulham today - with the interest from West Ham said to be falling on deaf ears.

The Greek international striker has previously been linked with the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund - but Fulham boss Rene Meulensteen has got his man for a fee in the region of £12 million.

The news is going to be greeted with pleasure at The Cottage - as he certainly seems like more of a rumbustious and rough and ready striker than Dimitar Berbatov, one more built for the Premier League survival battle.

Berbatov is in Monaco - so the goals will now have to come from Mitroglou, who has scored 17 goals in 19 games for the Greek powerhouse this season.

Three of those goals have come in the Champions League - and in his career at the club he has chalked up an impressive record in European competition of 12 goals in 36 appearances - so he is no slouch when it comes to football on the continent.

Interestingly enough, his move now means he will not be charged with bagging goals against a Premier League team in the Champions League.

Mitroglou would have faced up against Manchester United in February and March - and would have been hoping to cause a shock for David Moyes.

So it seems a man who once worked under his predecessor Sir Alex Ferguson has done them a favour. Meulensteen was at United in a coaching capacity between 2001-2006 and 2007-2013 and one of his former players has thanked him from taking away their greatest threat....

However Rio, don't get too comfortable.

Mitroglou might, if he is fit, show what he is worth at Old Trafford on the 9th February.



http://hereisthecity.com/en-gb/2014/01/31/good-work-rio-ferdinand-thanks-former-coach-on-twitter-as-cl-opp/? (http://hereisthecity.com/en-gb/2014/01/31/good-work-rio-ferdinand-thanks-former-coach-on-twitter-as-cl-opp/?)

 
Fulham sign Greek striker Kostas Mitroglou for $18 million, as Cottagers splash the cash

Fulham have been working on this deal for quite some time, and finally they've got their man.

Just hours before the transfer deadline slammed shut, the West London club announced Greek international striker Kostas Mitroglou has signed in a deal thought to be worth $18 million.

Joining from Olympiakos, Mitroglou has given up UEFA Champions League soccer for a relegation battle in the Premier League, but is delighted to get the change to play in England's top-flight.

"I'm very happy that I'm here in the Premier League, and especially with Fulham which is a major club in the league," Mitroglou told Fulham's website. "I'm here because I want to fulfill the Club's targets and I want to help the Club achieve their goals. I was really flattered that they wanted me so badly and I'm really happy to be here."

Mitroglou, 25, has been in sublime form this campaign for Olympiakos after scoring 17 times in 19 games which includes four hat tricks. One of those hat tricks came in Olympiakos' 3-0 win in the Champions League over Anderlecht in October.

This signing is a real coup for the Cottagers, as they added real quality in the window on deadline day.

After signing Lewis Holtby on loan earlier on Friday, Mitroglou's signing signifies American owner Shadid Khan putting his faith in manager Rene Muelensteen.

In six seasons with Olympiakos Mitrglou has made 148 appearances, scoring 62 goals. Whilst there the Athens side won three Super League titles, three Greek Cups and one Greek Super Cup.

He brings goals, international experience and a work-ethic admired by fans of the Greek national team and Olympiakos.

With Dimitar Berbatov seemingly heading out of the door at Craven Cottage, Fulham's fans will be delighted to see the man they call Mitrglou arrive.



http://prosoccertalk.nbcsports.com/2014/01/31/fulham-sign-greek-striker-kostas-mitroglou-for-18-million-as-cottagers-splash-the-cash/? (http://prosoccertalk.nbcsports.com/2014/01/31/fulham-sign-greek-striker-kostas-mitroglou-for-18-million-as-cottagers-splash-the-cash/?)

 
Wenger offered chance to sign Berbatov, turned down opportunity

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His smile is clearly photoshopped - Steve Bardens
The Fulham striker looks set to move on from Fulham today, with Arsenal being offered a shot at capturing him

With Fulham bringing in Greek striker Kostas Mitroglou earlier today from Olympiacos, Dimitar Berbatov - facing an uncertain future after this season with his contract expiring in June - has been relegated to the dreaded bin labeled "Surplus to Requirements."  Given that Arsenal have been pretty active in attempting to secure additional striker help this transfer window, the west London club decided to pick up the phone and give Arsene Wenger a call to see if he wanted the Bulgarian.

And, it appears, Wenger told them nope, no sir, no can do:

Whether or not they'll regret it is purely hindsight in nature and a bit rich to say now, but all we can do is thank the heavens above Wenger kept that forever-frowning man away from the club.  Seriously, has anyone ever seen him smile?

All is not lost for Berbatov, as it appears he's on his way to Monaco instead as a Falcao replacement until the end of the season.


http://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/2014/1/31/5364880/dimitar-berbatov-arsenal-transfer-rumour? (http://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/2014/1/31/5364880/dimitar-berbatov-arsenal-transfer-rumour?)

 
Kostas Mitroglou: Missed opportunity or potential dead wood?

Fulham have just completed the signing of alleged one time Arsenal transfer target Kostas Mitroglou. Although he hasn't been mentioned in relation to Arsenal recently, there was certainly a time when we were heavily linked with the Greek hit man. But what I'd like to know is whether the rest of you Gooners believe this is a target we have missed out on, or if he is not Arsenal quality, and we are better off waiting until the summer for a better striking option.

  The Olympiacos front man definitely knows how to find the back of the net, with 14 goals in 12 appearances in the Greek Super League this season. His numbers in previous seasons have been impressive too, not just in the Greek domestic competitions, but in the Champions League as well. As we have seen on a number of occasions however, the Premier League is a completely different beast, and many players have failed to adapt after looking fantastic overseas.

  It's looking more and more likely that Arsenal won't sign a forward this window, so have we missed out on a player who could contribute to a title push this season? Or will waiting until the summer to hopefully get a world class striker be better for the club in the long run? What do you think Gooners?


http://allarsenal.com/arsenalrumours/kostas-mitroglou-missed-opportunity-or-potential-dead-wood/? (http://allarsenal.com/arsenalrumours/kostas-mitroglou-missed-opportunity-or-potential-dead-wood/?)

 
Spurs U18s 2-3 Fulham U18s

Watch the goals as our U18s pulled off a dramatic late win to progress in the FA Youth Cup, with Pat Roberts scoring three.

Tottenham Hotspur 2-3 Fulham, FA Youth Cup Fourth Round (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71ctoWRcl2c#ws)

Patrick Roberts hit a hat-trick as Fulham won 3-2 at Tottenham Hotspur in the Fourth Round of the FA Youth Cup.

The game, played at Dagenham & Redbridge's Victoria Road ground, started 10 minutes later than scheduled due to an accident on the A2. When play did begin, the Whites couldn't have got off to a worse start as Spurs went in front in the third minute. Nathan Oduwa spun away from Liam Donnelly near the halfway line and burst down the left. His pace was too much for Fulham to deal with and his cross from the byline was met at the far post by Joshua Onomah who slotted into an open goal from seven yards out.

Fulham hit back, constructing their first attack in the eighth minute when Emerson Hyndman won the ball in midfield before sending Dean O'Halloran clear. The striker's touch was heavy, however, allowing Spurs keeper Luke McGee to race out of his goal and save at the Fulham youngster's feet.

George Williams went close for Fulham with a curling effort from the edge of the box in the 22nd minute. But, the Whites drew level from the resulting goal-kick after a horrendous error from Tottenham's Cameron Carter-Vickers. Receiving a short pass from McGee, Carter-Vickers tried to find centre-back partner Filip Lesniak but only resulted in giving the ball straight to Roberts who smashed home.

Spurs went straight down the other end and an angled effort from Shayon Harrison forced Marek Rodàk into a parry, before the same Tottenham player shot wide at the near post after meeting a low cross from Emmanuel Sonupe.

Just before the half-hour mark Conor Ogilvie sent a free-kick from 30 yards inches wide of Rodàk's left-hand post, but it was 2-1 to Fulham in the 33rd minute. Josh Smile cut in from the right before unleashing a left-footed shot from distance that McGee could only parry. Roberts was quickest to the rebound and slotted home to double his and Fulham's tally for the night.

Shortly afterwards Williams jinked into the box and saw a left-footed shot deflected just over by Carter-Vickers, before Steve Wigley made a substitution, Ryheem Sheckleford replacing Elijah Adebayo in the 38th minute.

Oduwa went close to drawing Tottenham level shortly after the break when his shot was blocked near the line after a great run by Onomah. But Spurs were level in the 52nd minute, Oduwa cutting inside and skipping past a couple of Fulham challenges before seeing his shot squirm under Rodàk and over the line.

Fulham should have been back in front in the 58th minute. Williams showed superb skill to turn and speed past Tottenham right-back Kyle Walker-Peters and find Hyndman, but the American could only send a side-footed effort over the bar from 10 yards out.

Hyndman went into the book in the 68th minute for chopping down Walker-Peters just outside the box. Ogilvie took the free-kick and forced Rodàk to tip the ball away with a fierce left-footed drive.

Oduwa was continuing to cause Fulham problems and he flashed a shot across the face of goal and just wide of the far post with 17 minutes remaining.

With the game heading for extra-time, Fulham went back in front in the 82nd minute as Williams saw a shot beaten away by McGee and that boy Roberts was on hand to fire home at the near post to grab his third of the game.

Just moments later both teams were reduced to 10 men. Onomah was fouled by Smile and reacted to it, with the Fulham winger retaliating. Something of a melee then ensued before calm was restored and referee Ashvin Degnarain dismissed both Onomah and Smile.

Spurs threw players forward in the dying minutes in search of an equaliser and Roberts was withdrawn for Josh Walker in injury time as Fulham held on for the win and a place in the Fifth Round away to Manchester City.

Fulham: Rodàk, Donnelly, Burgess, Adebayo (Sheckleford 38), Evans, Smile, Sambou, Hyndman, Williams, Roberts (Walker 90), O'Halloran.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/january/31/spurs-u18-video? (http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/january/31/spurs-u18-video?)

 
Fulham strengthen with Mitroglou and Holtby

Fulham FC have received a boost in their bid to avoid relegation after signing Olympiacos FC striker Kostas Mitroglou for a fee in the region of €15m.

"I am very happy to be here in the Premier League, especially with Fulham," said the 25-year-old Greek international. "I'm here because I want to fulfil the club's goals. I'm flattered they wanted me so badly and I'm delighted to be given the chance to work with René Meulensteen, who has a lot of experience."

Mitroglou arrives in west London on a four-and-a-half-year contract and with a glowing reputation after plundering 41 goals in 86 Greek Super League games since joining Olympiacos from VfL Borussia Mönchengladbach in 2007. He also caught the eye in this season's UEFA Champions League, becoming the first Greek player to hit a hat-trick in the competition against RSC Anderlecht as his side progressed to the round of 16.

Tottenham Hotspur FC midfielder Lewis Holtby has also linked up with Meulensteen's team on loan for the remainder of the campaign. The 23-year-old German international has featured 24 times for Tottenham since leaving FC Schalke 04 last January. Fulham are currently 19th in the Premier League standings, two points adrift of safety.

©UEFA.com 1998-2013. All rights reserved.



http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/newsid=2049249.html? (http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/newsid=2049249.html?)

 
Berbatov in AS Monaco Move
   
This morning, when I arrived at work, all the indications were that Dimitar Berbatov might be on his way back to Spurs.

During the day the scenario has changed considerably!

According to more sources than I`d care to name, it appears that the Bulgarian is on the move to the French club AS Monaco, on loan for the remainder of the season.

Is anyone else as surprised as I am?


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=347860#ixzz2s3YRs39K (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=347860#ixzz2s3YRs39K)

 
Fulham v Southampton

Fulham will be desperate to climb out of the relegation zone when they welcome Southampton to Craven Cottage on Saturday.

The Cottagers have endured a poor run of form that has seen them take just one point from their last four league fixtures. This has seen them slip down to 19th in the standings, two points shy of safety.

While Adel Taarabt has moved off to AC Milan, the arrival of Tottenham midfielder Lewis Holtby on loan is sure to come as a boost to the west London club.

The German is likely to jump straight into the starting line-up where he could be joined by Clint Dempsey who has been involved from the bench since signing on loan from Seattle Sounders. However, John Arne Riise is still out with a hamstring injury.

Conversely, the Saints have recovered slightly from a poor string of results, drawing 2-2 with Arsenal last time out.

Rickie Lambert missed the Gunners' visit due to a hamstring injury but is expected to feature against Fulham.

Victor Wanyama could make his return from a hairline fracture in his leg, but Gaston Ramirez and Dejan Lovren are both out with ankle injuries.


http://www.football411.com/story/0,22162,14287_9143977,00.html? (http://www.football411.com/story/0,22162,14287_9143977,00.html?)

 
Fulham v Southampton: match preview
Read a full match preview of the Premier League game between Fulham and Southampton at Craven Cottage on Saturday Feb 1, 2014, kick-off 15.00 (GMT).

(http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02808/Rickie-Lambert_AI_2808589b.jpg)
Back in front: Rickie Lambert returns in attack for Southampton, at Fulham
Photo: ACTION IMAGES

Saturday, February 1, 2014
Fulham v Southampton
Craven Cottage
Kick-off: 15.00 GMT.
TV: Highlights, BBC ONE Match of the Day.

Fulham (Possible, 4-1-4-1): Stekelenburg; Riether, Hangeland, Burn, Richardson; Parker; Sidwell, Kacaniklic, Dempsey, Dejagah; Rodallega.
Out: Amorebieta, Riise (both unspecified), Briggs (hernia).

Southampton (Possible, 4-2-3-1): Boruc; Chambers, Yoshida, Fonté, Shaw; Cork, Schneiderlin; S Davis, Lallana, Rodriguez; Lambert.
Out: Lovren, Ramírez (both ankle).

Referee: Mike Jones. Matches: 12, R1 Y37.

Betting: Home 11-5, Away Evens, Draw 9-4.

Team News
Fulham are waiting to hear whether can give Lewis Holtby his debut in their game against Southampton on Saturday.

The Cottagers are unsure whether their application to register the Tottenham loanee with the Premier League was processed by the deadline of noon on Friday
.
Defenders John Arne Riise (hamstring) and Fernando Amorebieta (knee) are doubts while striker Kostas Mitroglou signed after the registration deadline. Rickie Lambert will return for Southampton's trip to Fulham in the Premier League.

The England forward has returned to training after a hamstring complaint, while midfielder Victor Wanyama may feature for the first time since a hairline fracture in his leg.

Dejan Lovren and Gastón Ramírez are both absent due to ankle ligament injuries.

Match Notes Fulham have been adding managers and players to their squad in the last month in the hope of beating the drop to the Championship.

To do so, they will need points against Southampton with Manchester United and Liverpool next up for the Cottagers.

The Saints' January was busy off the field but despite Mauricio Pochettino guaranteeing his presence on the South coast until at least the summer, no new signings have joined.

Stat of the game: Fulham have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last eight games, the longest run in the Premier League

Tom Prentke's prediction: Fulham 1 Southampton 1.


http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/premier-league/10602792/Fulham-v-Southampton-match-preview.html (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/premier-league/10602792/Fulham-v-Southampton-match-preview.html)

 
Hughes Moves to QPR!
   
As part of the January transfer window final day madness, it looks as if a fine servant to this club may well have called time on his Craven Cottage career.

Aaron Hughes, who has failed to grab himself a regular starting place this season, alongside Brede Hangeland, has moved down the road to Queens Park Rangers.

Harry Redknapp, a master of last minute transfer window deals, has taken the Northern Ireland international on loan for the remainder of the season.

Here at Vital Fulham we`d like to wish Aaron well as he samples life at Loftus Road trying to assist our neighbours in getting promotion.


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=347872#ixzz2s3ZkX2OB (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=347872#ixzz2s3ZkX2OB)

 
Steve Sidwell v Morgan Schneiderlin: Head-to-head analysis ahead of the clash between Fulham and Southampton

(http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article9099977.ece/ALTERNATES/w620/SidwellVsSchneiderlin.jpg)

Check out all the vital statistics concerning the two sides' players ahead of this weekend's Premier League meeting at the Craven Cottage

Ahead of this weekend's Premier League meeting, between Fulham and Southampton, see how the sides' players Steve Sidwell and Morgan Schneiderlin compare.

Data and graphic provided by whoscored.com


http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/steve-sidwell-v-morgan-schneiderlin-headtohead-analysis-ahead-of-the-clash-between-fulham-and-southampton-9100017.html (http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/steve-sidwell-v-morgan-schneiderlin-headtohead-analysis-ahead-of-the-clash-between-fulham-and-southampton-9100017.html)

 
LAWRO'S PREDICTION
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Fulham v Southampton

Southampton have had their sticky patch and have turned things around of late. They played very well in their draw against Arsenal on Tuesday and will fancy their chances of going to Craven Cottage and winning.

Fulham have the worst defence and worst goal difference in the Premier League and have not won in the league since New Year's Day.

But the Cottagers are at home and they could have a couple of new faces in their team by kick-off because William Kvist has joined on loan from Stuttgart.

Loanee Adel Taarabt has joined AC Milan and Dimitar Berbatov looks like he is on his way out, so you can see why Fulham boss Rene Meulensteen is trying to get another striker, Konstantinos Mitroglou, from Olympiakos.

I thought Fulham would have turned the corner by now, but defensively they are still very poor - and very porous. A draw on Saturday would be a big step in the right direction for them.

Lawro's prediction: 1-1

David's prediction: Fulham have not been very good recently but Southampton have. They had a great start to the season, they dipped a bit but they have hit form again.
Saints did brilliantly in their draw with Arsenal in midweek and I really like Adam Lallana who I think is a brilliant player, one of the few really bright prospects England have got. 1-3


http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25961894 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25961894)

 
Holtby: It Feels Right

New loan signing Lewis Holtby was full of enthusiasm when fulhamfc.com caught up with him on Friday afternoon.

The 23-year-old had earlier put pen to paper as he completed his loan move from Tottenham Hotspur, and he was clearly thrilled to have made the temporary switch across London.

"I'm very happy and I'm looking forward to playing some games," Holtby said. "I'm happy to play for Fulham and I'll try my best to help us stay up. I'm bringing a hunger to play football and win games. I want to play week in, week out to try and help the team with my abilities.

"I'll do what I can to help us beat teams and keep us up and out of the bottom three and ensure that we have a good remainder of the season. I've had very good talks with the gaffer and it just felt right – it's a nice place here. It feels absolutely right and I can't wait to play."

Holtby became René Meulensteen's third signing following the arrivals of Clint Dempsey and William Kvist, while he was joined on Fulham's books later in the day by Greek striker Konstantinos Mitroglou, and he admitted he was impressed by what our Head Coach had to say.

"He told me about the way he wants to play and the way the Club is ticking and that really got me on board," he explained. "From the first meeting when we spoke together, I just got the feeling that I should sign here and hopefully I can play some games and show my abilities. I can't wait to show everyone at Fulham, and all the fans, what I can do.

"I know some of my teammates already; Sascha Riether and Ashkan Dejagah from the Bundesliga, and I know Scotty Parker and Clint Dempsey from my time at Spurs. All of the lads have really made it easy for me to settle in – they're really good lads and the training session was really good as well on the pitch."

The Germany international's desire to swap UEFA Champions League chasing Tottenham for a relegation scrap with the Whites is testament to his character. Playing football matches is the most important thing to Holtby, and when asked if he's confident his new side could avoid the drop, he stated: "Absolutely, I'm very surprised that this team is so close to the bottom of the table because there's a lot of quality in the squad.

"And now we've got the new guys in as well, William and Mitroglou, so there's even more quality coming into the team which is good for the squad as it gets us challenging each other for a spot in the team.

"I'm very positive that we can stay up because, like I said, from the first training session it's clear that there's so much quality here that I don't think there's any way this team could end up in the Championship."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/january/31/holtby-it-feels-right? (http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/january/31/holtby-it-feels-right?)

 
Dimitar Berbatov seals Monaco move

Dimitar Berbatov has completed a loan move to Monaco from Fulham after passing a medical at the Ligue 1 club on Friday.

Earlier in the day, the Press Association had reported that Berbatov, who moved to Craven Cottage at the start of last season, was likely to move to the principality club -- and Monaco confirmed the deal on their Twitter page and official website.

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BfVp0vYCcAAar2H.jpg)

The striker, 33, had been linked with a move back to his former club Tottenham but was given permission by Fulham to speak to Monaco, who wrapped up the move before the deadline.

He said: "I am both happy, excited and a little nervous -- I cannot wait to start training with my new strike partner and begin a new chapter in my career."

The Ligue 1 side targeted Berbatov, who would have been out of contract in the summer, to bolster their attack after Radamel Falcao was ruled out for the rest of the season through injury.

The Bulgarian joined Fulham in August 2012 and proved an instant hit, scoring 15 goals in his first season at Craven Cottage. However, with the club languishing near the bottom of the Premier League table this term, he has struggled, scoring just five.

Cottagers manager Rene Meulensteen brought John Heitinga, Lewis Holtby and Konstantinos Mitroglou to the club on deadline day.


http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1699872?&cc=5739 (http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1699872?&cc=5739)

 
Roy Carroll: Fulham have signed the new Eric Cantona in Konstantinos Mitroglou

OLYMPIAKOS shot-stopper Roy Carroll has compared Fulham new-boy Konstantinos Mitroglou to Manchester United legend Eric Cantona.

(http://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/67/590x/Konstantinos-Mitroglou-457270.jpg)
THE KING? Konstantinos Mitroglou has been compared to Utd great Eric Cantona [GETTY]

The ex-United keeper played with the Greek for two years at Olympiakos, and reckons that Fulham have got themselves a great player for just £11million.

Carroll said: "I've known him for two years at Olympiakos and he has played at the highest level in the Champions League and scored a lot of goals for us there.

"He has been the top goalscorer in Greece for the last two years. He is 26 and hungry and passionate about his football.

"Eric Cantona was a great, great player, one of the best but Konstantinos is very strong.

"I remember watching Cantona on television and he was holding the ball up and that's the type of player Konstantinos is."



http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/457270/Roy-Carroll-Fulham-have-signed-the-new-Eric-Cantona-in-Konstantinos-Mitroglou (http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/457270/Roy-Carroll-Fulham-have-signed-the-new-Eric-Cantona-in-Konstantinos-Mitroglou)

 
Premier League team news: Fulham v Southampton

Fulham are waiting to hear whether can give Spurs loanee Lewis Holtby his debut in their game against Southampton on Saturday.

The Cottagers are unsure whether their application to register the Tottenham loanee with the Premier League was processed by the deadline of noon on Friday.

Defenders John Arne Riise (hamstring) and Fernando Amorebieta (knee) are doubts while striker Kostas Mitroglou signed after the registration deadline.

Rickie Lambert will return for Southampton's trip to Fulham in the Premier League.

The England forward has returned to training after a hamstring complaint, while midfielder Victor Wanyama may feature for the first time since a hairline fracture in his leg.

Dejan Lovren and Gaston Ramirez are both absent due to ankle ligament injuries.

Fulham Squad: Stockdale, Riether, Senderos, Hangeland, Riise, Sidwell, Zverotic, Parker, Duff, Dempsey, Bent, Berbatov, Etheridge, Richardson, Kacaniklic, Karagounis, Kvist, Vigen Christensen, Hughes, Dejagah, Taarabt, Kasami, Amorebieta.

Southampton squad: Boruc, K Davis, Gazzaniga, Clyne, Chambers, Shaw, Fox, Hooiveld, Fonte, Yoshida, Wanyama, Schneiderlin, Cork, Lallana, Isgrove, Ward-Prowse, Do Prado, S Davis, Reed, Rodriguez, Gallagher, Lambert.



http://www.itv.com/sport/football/article/2014-01-31/premier-league-team-news-fulham-v-southampton/? (http://www.itv.com/sport/football/article/2014-01-31/premier-league-team-news-fulham-v-southampton/?)

 
Neil Taylor's Deadline Day Swansea to Fulham Move Hit as Wife Goes into Labour

Transfer deadline day is complicated enough with players, clubs, agents and more all acting and reacting to every minute change or piece of information.

Neil Taylor, the Swansea full-back, looked set for a move to Premier League rivals Fulham on January 31, but on top of the usual question marks hovering around such a deal, the move has been complicated by the fact that his wife has gone into labour.

Fulham, according to the Metro, appeared to have solidified their interest with a £4m offer for Taylor, but his absence from Swansea's training ground was not down to his impending transfer, but the imminent birth of his second child.

With a wife to support and a child to welcome into the world, it would be no surprise if the deal fell through for personal reasons. At the time of writing, with less than four hours to go until the transfer window closes, there was no deal on the horizon.

That said, stranger things have happened when it comes to moves.

And on the positive side, if Taylor finds himself needing to do a medical urgently, he'll already be at the hospital.



http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1943923-neil-taylors-deadline-day-swansea-to-fulham-move-hit-as-wife-goes-into-labour? (http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1943923-neil-taylors-deadline-day-swansea-to-fulham-move-hit-as-wife-goes-into-labour?)

 
Glorious transfer deadline day for Fulham – which is set to get even better

Deadline Day is always a fun prospect for the neutral but, when your club is embroiled in a relegation scrap that becomes ever more fateful with each passing defeat, it's usually something of a gloomy 23 hours, filled with faint hope and regret.

Yet, at Fulham, there has been no such pessimism. Seemingly, it's all gone according to plan.

Konstantinos Mitroglou is confirmed – probably our record transfer. William Kvist has arrived on loan, with an option to sign on permanently in the summer. Lewis Holtby has joined temporarily too.

It all bodes rather well which, in itself, is concerning. Surely, just surely, something is about to go wrong?

If you consider Dimitar Berbatov leaving a bad thing then, yes, some of this optimism is going to go astray in the midst of all this euphoria, as we wave goodbye to an eclectic artist who, in his rare moments of brilliance, was just that: brilliant.


The Bulgarian is off to Monaco, it would seem, which probably suits him perfectly. He was good; Mitroglou aside, probably our most audacious purchase. But he's not cut out for battles at the bottom, and so cashing in makes the utmost sense.

As for the players coming in, each and every deal reeks, gleefully, of ambition and sensibility. Holtby is a fine central midfielder, even if his chances at Tottenham Hotspur have been limited. He is exactly what we have been missing since Moussa Dembele left although – it must be said – they're not necessarily similar players.

Mitroglou comes with all the fanfare you'd ever want. His goals to games ratio is superb and, with a price tag of around £13million, he also comes as a statement of intent from Shahid Khan.

Kvist is lesser known but is, again, an astute acquisition. Formerly held in high regard in Germany, the Danish international should help shore up a midfield that is lacking in depth.

There are more deals on the horizon, too, with a bid lodged for Neil Taylor – if this goes through, it would probably be our best January in years – Larnell Cole and Ryan Tunnicliffe. John Heitinga could arrive too, Fulham having allowed Aaron Hughes to go on loan to Queens Park Rangers.

That deal, which sees the 34-year-old at Loftus Road for the rest of the season, is perhaps the only sad note from today's otherwise outstanding affairs.

To see such a legendary figure leave is sad enough, but to QPR? That's just criminal.


http://metro.co.uk/2014/01/31/glorious-transfer-deadline-day-for-fulham-which-is-set-to-get-even-better-4286007/? (http://metro.co.uk/2014/01/31/glorious-transfer-deadline-day-for-fulham-which-is-set-to-get-even-better-4286007/?)

 
Transfer news: Fulham striker Dimitar Berbatov joins Monaco

Fulham have confirmed striker Dimitar Berbatov has joined Ligue 1 side Monaco.

The 33-year-old's move on transfer deadline day comes after the Cottagers brought in Olympiakos striker Kostas Mitroglou.

Berbatov has scored five goals in 19 appearances for Fulham this season and 19 in 51 since joining on a free transfer from Manchester United on deadline day in August 2012.

He had been linked with a return to former club Tottenham and their north London rivals Arsenal this month but he has instead left the country for the south of France.


http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/9144469/? (http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/9144469/?)

 
Most Expensive Transfer in Greek Football History Finally Sealed


"Fulham Football Club is delighted to announce the signing of Greek international Konstantinos Mitroglou, on a four-and-a-half year deal for an undisclosed sum, which will see the player at Craven Cottage until the summer of 2018." These were the initial words of Fulham's official announcement regarding Kostas Mitroglou's transfer, welcoming the player to the Cottagers "family" and to the English Premier League.

This is the most expensive transfer of a Greek player ever in Greek football history. In addition, the 15 million euro transfer fee paid by Fulham for the Greek striker is also the second highest amount in Europe for the winter transfer window, after the 18 million paid by Zenit Football Club for the Brazilian player Rondon. Fulham reached agreement with both Olympiacos and Mitroglou. Greece 's Olympiakos will receive 15 million euros and Mitroglou a lucrative contract with a salary of 2.5 million euros per year.

Until the time that the Lilywhites officially announced the deal with Mitroglou, many believed that the transfer was on the verge of collapse as West Ham had shown significant interest in the Greek striker. However, Mitroglou wished to continue his career at the West London club as he had already made a commitment to Fulham and wished to honor this.

The cottagers are hoping for great things from Mitroglou, particularly in their efforts to avoid relegation. The challenges that lie ahead for the Greek striker are great but the potential is there for further transfer deals. Many English cubs were monitoring the player's progress and his name was on the shortlist of a number of Premier League managers.

Mitroglou said he is delighted to be part of Fulham and stated that he is ready to seize the opportunity and that he looks forward to working with the club's manager. "I'm very happy to be in the Premier League, and especially with Fulham which is a major club," Mitroglou said on the official website. "I'm here because I want to fulfill the club's targets and I want to help them achieve their goals. I was really flattered that they wanted me so badly and I'm really happy to be here."

"I'm also really happy to be working with René Meulensteen. I know that he has a lot of experience in football. He explained to me how he works and I am really looking forward to working with him."

"I also spoke to Giorgos [Karagounis] before I came here and he told me only good things about Fulham."

His former club, Olympiacos, in an official announcement thanked Mitroglou for his services to the club and wished him the best of luck for the next step in his career.


http://greece.greekreporter.com/2014/01/31/most-expensive-transfer-in-greek-football-history-finally-sealed/? (http://greece.greekreporter.com/2014/01/31/most-expensive-transfer-in-greek-football-history-finally-sealed/?)

 
Berbatov Departs

The Club can confirm that Dimitar Berbatov has joined AS Monaco on a permanent transfer.

Everyone at Fulham would like to thank Dimitar for his contributions over the season and a half he spent at Craven Cottage.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/january/31/berbatov-departs? (http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/january/31/berbatov-departs?)

 
Senderos Exits

The Club can confirm that Philippe Senderos has joined Valencia CF on a permanent transfer.

The Swiss international signed for the Whites in the summer of 2010, making 68 appearances in all competitions.

The Club would like to thank Philippe for his service and wish him well for the future.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/january/31/senderos-exits? (http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/january/31/senderos-exits?)

 
Transfer news: Phillippe Senderos leaves Fulham to join Valencia

(http://e0.365dm.com/13/09/16-9/20/philippe-senderos-fulham-norwich-city-premier-league_3001203.jpg?20130910130003)
Phillippe Senderos: Leaving Fulham for Valencia

Phillippe Senderos has joined Valencia from Fulham on a permanent deal, according to Sky sources.

The Swiss centre-back, whose contract at Craven Cottage was due to expire at the end of the season, was a target for Italian club Lazio.

But he has opted to sign for La Liga side Valencia with just hours remaining before the transfer window was due to close.

Senderos has made 68 appearances for Fulham after joining the west London club from Everton in June 2010.

He has previously played for Arsenal and AC Milan and has 50 international caps for Switzerland.


http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/9144548/? (http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/9144548/?)

 
Philippe Senderos' Fulham exit sees Johnny Heitinga join from Everton

(http://metrouk2.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/1000x73042.jpg?w=650&h=474&crop=1#038;h=730)
Johnny Heitinga could be on his way to Fulham (Picture: Getty)
Philippe Senderos' departure from Fulham is has paved the way for Johnny Heitinga to join the Cottagers from Everton.

The Dutchman has been widely expected to leave the Toffees this month, with Fulham emerging as his likely destination today, despite interest from the likes of Galatasaray, Roma and West Ham.

And now a deal to take him to west London on a free transfer has been completed, thanks to the departure of Senderos.

(http://metrouk2.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/685x100010.jpg?w=650&h=948&crop=1#038;h=1000)
Philippe Senderos has left Fulham (Picture: Getty)
The former Arsenal defender, who joined the Cottagers in 2010 on a free transfer, has completed a permanent move to Spanish side Valencia, with January's deadline day drawing to a close.

The Swiss international made 68 appearances for Fulham in his three-and-a-half years with the club.



http://metro.co.uk/2014/01/31/philippe-senderos-fulham-exit-paves-way-for-johnny-heitinga-to-join-from-everton-4286288/? (http://metro.co.uk/2014/01/31/philippe-senderos-fulham-exit-paves-way-for-johnny-heitinga-to-join-from-everton-4286288/?)

 
Fulham bring in Mitroglou, Holtby and Heitinga

(Reuters) - Fulham signed Greece striker Kostas Mitroglou from Olympiakos Piraeus for an undisclosed fee on transfer deadline day on Friday and allowed Dimitar Berbatov to join Monaco on loan.

The Londoners also brought in Germany midfielder Lewis Holtby on loan from Tottenham Hotspur and Dutch international defender John Heitinga from Everton while Switzerland centre back Philippe Senderos moved to Valencia on a permanent deal.

"The club is delighted to confirm the signing of Mitroglou," the Premier League's second-bottom team said on their website.

The Greek, known to Olympiakos fans as 'Mitrogoal' and 'Pistolero' (The Gunslinger), was with the Athens club for seven years and has given up the prospect of a Champions League tie against Manchester United next month to move to London.

"It was an amazing offer both for Kostas and the club and we wish him all the best in his career," said Olympiakos coach Michel. "We expected to lose him at some point because of the great season he has had so far this year but not so soon."

Mitroglou signed a contract extension a month ago that committed him to Olympiakos until 2017.

He became the first Greek to bag a Champions League hat-trick with a treble at Anderlecht in October and has scored 21 goals in 23 appearances for club and country this season.

BERBATOV LOAN

The 33-year-old former Bulgaria international Berbatov, who has scored four times in 18 league games this season for Fulham, has joined Ligue 1 title challengers Monaco to cover for their Colombia striker Radamel Falcao's long-term injury absence.

Holtby, 23, has moved to Fulham on loan for the rest of the season. He joined Spurs from Schalke 04 a year ago but was unable to establish a regular first-team place.

Holtby scored his only league goal with a spectacular long-range strike at Craven Cottage when Spurs won 2-1 at Fulham last month.

Heitinga has moved to Craven Cottage initially until the end of the season. The 30-year-old, who joined Everton in 2009 from Atletico Madrid, chose Fulham "because the feeling was good".

"The main thing is to keep Fulham in the league and hopefully the boys will start with a win against Southampton," he said of Saturday's home game.

Fulham, who are 19th and in the relegation zone in the Premier League, also said Northern Ireland defender Aaron Hughes had joined Championship (second tier) club Queens Park Rangers.

(Reporting by Steve Tongue, Graham Wood and Justin Palmer, editing by Tony Jimenez and Ken Ferris)


http://uk.reuters.com/article/2014/01/31/uk-soccer-france-berbatov-idUKBREA0U1UI20140131?rpc=401&feedType=RSS&feedName=sportsNews&rpc=401 (http://uk.reuters.com/article/2014/01/31/uk-soccer-france-berbatov-idUKBREA0U1UI20140131?rpc=401&feedType=RSS&feedName=sportsNews&rpc=401)

 
Fulham v Southampton

By John Roder
Match of the Day commentator
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: Craven Cottage Date: Saturday, 1 February

TEAM NEWS

New recruit Lewis Holtby could make his Fulham debut but striker Kostas Mitroglou signed after the registration deadline and loanee William Kvist lacks match practice.

John Arne Riise (hamstring) and Fernando Amorebieta (knee) are doubts.

Saints are hopeful Rickie Lambert will be back after a hamstring problem,
Fit-again midfielder Victor Wanyama is poised for his first action in two months, having been an unused substitute against Arsenal midweek.

MATCH PREVIEW

Fulham will desperately be hoping that history is on their side this weekend. The home side in this fixture usually doesn't lose, and Fulham desperately need points to move away from the relegation zone.

The fact that Southampton were disappointed not to take three points from their midweek draw with Arsenal shows the extent of the task that Rene Meulensteen's side face at Craven Cottage, especially given Fulham's form at the back.

I was in Wales for Match of the Day on Tuesday night to witness Fulham lose at Swansea, when they reached the unwanted milestone of conceding 50 goals in the Premier League this season. Fulham started well at the Liberty Stadium, and should perhaps have scored in the first half, but they were undone by two second-half goals that took deflections on their way in.

The last time the Cottagers kept a clean sheet in the league was way back in early December, with a 2-0 home win over Aston Villa.
Southampton will surely fancy doing the double over the London side, having secured a 2-0 victory when these sides met back in October.

However, Saints have stuttered of late, with only a couple of victories in their last 12 Premier League fixtures, and a host of off-field distractions.

That said, they will be hugely encouraged by their midweek display against the Gunners. I saw them sweep aside Cardiff with ease on Boxing Day, and if the visitors repeat that sort of form it could be a torrid afternoon for the home defence.

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head
Southampton won the corresponding fixture 2-0 in October - climbing to third in the table in the process.

Victory in this fixture invariably goes to the home side. Southampton have only won twice in 28 league matches at Fulham, while the Cottagers only have one league win from 29 trips to the south coast.

Saints last won a league game at Fulham in October 1947.

Fulham
Fulham have won just three of their last 15 Premier League home games (W3, D1, L11).

Their midweek defeat at Swansea was their fourth in their last five league matches, in which they have conceded 15 goals and scored just three.

That defeat brought up their half century of goals conceded in the league this season - an average of 2.17 per game.

The Cottagers have only drawn one league game this season - a Premier League low. Saints, in contrast, have drawn eight.

They have now gone eight league games without keeping a clean sheet, the longest run in the top division.

Under Rene Meulensteen, Fulham have let in 26 goals in 10 league games, more than they conceded under Martin Jol this season (13 games, 24 goals).

Southampton
Southampton have only won two of their last 12 league matches (D4, L6).

They have also won just one of their last eight Premier League away games (W1, D4, L3).

Saints have lost 10 points from winning positions this season. Only Sunderland, Stoke and West Ham have lost more.

Southampton's last two matches have ended 2-2; only one team in Premier League history (Liverpool - September 2002) has drawn three successive matches 2-2.

Rickie Lambert has scored in each of the last two Premier League meetings between the sides.


http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25892225 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25892225)

 
Heitinga Joins Fulham

Fulham Football Club is delighted to announce that Holland international John Heitinga has signed from Everton, initially until the end of the season.

The 30-year-old centre-back joined Everton in 2009 from Atletico Madrid, making 140 appearances for the Merseyside club.

Heitinga came through Ajax's youth academy and made his senior debut for the Amsterdam club in August 2001 against Feyenoord. He went on to make more than 200 appearances during seven successful seasons at Ajax before moving to Spain.

Heitinga played in all of Holland's matches en route to and including the Final of the 2010 World Cup where they lost 1-0 against Spain after extra-time. He has made 87 appearances for his country and has scored seven goals.

He was voted Dutch Footballer of the Year in 2008 and was recognised by Everton supporters as their Player of the Year in 2012.

"I'm really pleased to get the move completed and I'm looking forward to playing my first game," Heitinga told fulhamfc.com. "I think it's a good move for myself and I'm looking forward to meeting my teammates. I've spoken already with René Meulensteen and I think it's the right club for me.

"This is a club with a great history and I always enjoyed playing at Craven Cottage, I really like it as a stadium. It's not one of the biggest but it's got something special.

"Of course, I know Maarten Stekelenburg very well – we were players at Ajax together and we played many years in the national team together.

"I chose Fulham because the feeling was good and what was also important was the conversation between me and René. He knows exactly what he wants and I know exactly what I want. The main thing is to keep Fulham in the league and hopefully the boys will start with a win against Southampton."


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/january/31/heitinga-joins-fulham? (http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/january/31/heitinga-joins-fulham?)

 
Fulham defender Philippe Senderos swaps Craven Cottage for the Mestalla with Valencia

The 28-year-old Swiss' contract in West London was up in the summer but he has opted to jump ship six months early

(http://i4.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article1857095.ece/ALTERNATES/s615/Everton-v-Fulham-Premier-League-1857095.jpg)
Done deal: Swiss defender Senderos leaves Fulham on a permanent contract
Clive Brunskill
Philippe Senderos has completed a permanent move from Fulham to Valencia.

With a host of new faces in on deadline day the Swiss defender has swapped Craven Cottage for the Mestalla.

The 28-year-old's contract in West London was up in the summer but he has opted to jump ship now.

Serie A side Lazio were credited with having an interest, but La Liga is now his destination.

Our man David Maddock reports that Everton defender Jonny Heitinga is still in talks with Fulham over a late switch.



http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/fulham-transfer-news-philippe-senderos-3100026#ixzz2s3ihlUSQ (http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/fulham-transfer-news-philippe-senderos-3100026#ixzz2s3ihlUSQ)
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Fulham too good for the Championship and won't panic in relegation fight insists Damien Duff

"We deserve to stay up - we're a Premier League club. There's plenty of time for us to get out of trouble" says winger before Southampton clash

(http://i2.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article2978747.ece/ALTERNATES/s615/Fulham-v-West-Ham-United-Premier-League-2978747.jpg)
Never again: Fulham's Duff was relegated with Newcastle in 2009
Steve Bardens
Damien Duff says his Fulham side don't belong in the Championship.

The Cottagers are fighting for Premier League survival after a disastrous first half of the season that has left them in the bottom three.

Duff was part of the Newcastle squad relegated in 2009, following his own goal in a crucial basement battle against Aston Villa on the final day of the campaign.

And the experienced Irishman is desperate not to suffer the same fate with the west Londoners five years on.

He said: "We deserve to stay up - we're a Premier League club - but at the end of the day you need to do it out on the pitch.

"We're in the bottom three, but we're not going to panic. The season doesn't end on Saturday, it ends on 11th May.

"There's plenty of time for us to get out of trouble. We've got some good men that are going to fight until the last minute."

Fulham take on Southampton on Saturday afternoon boosted by the loan signings of midfielders Lewis Holtby (Tottenham) and William Kvist (Stuttgart), although Olympiacos striker Kostas Mitroglou completed his move too late to be eligible.

But with three of their next four matches against Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea, Duff admits the visit of Mauricio Pochettino's men is crucial if the Cottagers are to escape the drop.

He added: "Saturday will be tough. It's a must-win and another cup final for us because we need the three points.

"But we have to look at it that we're at the Cottage. Being at home, you always try to use that as an advantage and if we can get back to playing football like we have done, then we'll give them a good game."



http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/fulham-vs-southampton-damien-duff-3098262#ixzz2s3j8hzwe (http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/fulham-vs-southampton-damien-duff-3098262#ixzz2s3j8hzwe)
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Fulham Sign Johnny Heitinga

Fulham have signed Everton centre-back Johnny Heitinga.

Heitinga was desperate for first team football with the world cup fast approaching.

Heitinga signed on a Free transfer initially until the end of the season when he will look at his options.

"I'm really pleased to get the move completed and I'm looking forward to playing my first game," Heitinga told fulhamfc.com. "I think it's a good move for myself and I'm looking forward to meeting my teammates. I've spoken already with René Meulensteen and I think it's the right club for me.

"This is a club with a great history and I always enjoyed playing at Craven Cottage, I really like it as a stadium. It's not one of the biggest but it's got something special.

"Of course I know Maarten Stekelenburg very well – we were players at Ajax together and we played many years in the national team together.

"I chose Fulham because the feeling was good and what was also important was the conversation between me and René. He knows exactly what he wants and I know exactly what I want. The main thing is to keep Fulham in the league and hopefully the boys will start with a win against Southampton."



http://myevertonnews.com/fulham-sign-johnny-heitinga/? (http://myevertonnews.com/fulham-sign-johnny-heitinga/?)

 
Transfer news: Fulham sign Everton's Dutch defender John Heitinga

Fulham have completed the signing of Everton centre-back John Heitinga on a free transfer.

The Dutch international has been looking to secure a move away from Goodison Park throughout the January transfer window.

He rejected a move to West Ham, and had looked set to move abroad with Galatasaray and Roma both expressing an interest in his signature.

But Fulham have persuaded him to move to Craven Cottage.

Heitinga spent four-and-a-half years at Everton, making 140 first-team appearances and scoring five goals.

His final outing for the Blues came in the FA Cup fourth-round win at Stevenage, the centre-back coming off the bench to head Everton's third goal in a 4-0 triumph.


http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11671/9144641? (http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11671/9144641?)

 
Johnny Heitinga joins Rene Meulensteen's Fulham revolution on free transfer from Everton

Johnny Heitinga has completed his move to Fulham on a free transfer.

The former Everton man has signed with the Cottagers after four-and-a-half years with the Toffees.

The versatile 30-year-old signs on the dotted line initially for the remainder of the season.

"I'm really pleased to get the move completed and I'm looking forward to playing my first game," he told the club's official website.

"I think it's a good move for myself and I'm looking forward to meeting my teammates. I've spoken already with Rene Meulensteen and I think it's the right club for me.

"This is a club with a great history and I always enjoyed playing at Craven Cottage, I really like it as a stadium.

"It's not one of the biggest but it's got something special."



http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/fulham-transfer-news-johnny-heitinga-3100097#ixzz2s3kAkVrL (http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/fulham-transfer-news-johnny-heitinga-3100097#ixzz2s3kAkVrL)
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Transfer news: John Heitinga leaves Everton to join Fulham

(http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article9034762.ece/ALTERNATES/w620/Johnny-Heitinga.jpg)
Dutch defender signs deal until the end of the season

Fulham have confirmed the signing of the Dutch defender John Heitinga from Everton, initially until the end of the season.

The 30-year-old moved to Everton in 2009 from Atletico Madrid, but has been unable to break into the Toffees' side this season. He joins Lewis Holtby as a new addition at Craven Cottage. Dimitar Berbatov and Philippe Senderos left the club earlier on deadline day.

Heitinga told Fulham's official website: "I'm really pleased to get the move completed and I'm looking forward to playing my first game. I think it's a good move for myself and I'm looking forward to meeting my teammates. I've spoken already with Rene Meulensteen and I think it's the right club for me.

"This is a club with a great history and I always enjoyed playing at Craven Cottage, I really like it as a stadium. It's not one of the biggest but it's got something special.

"Of course I know [Dutch team-mate] Maarten Stekelenburg very well – we were players at Ajax together and we played many years in the national team together.

"I chose Fulham because the feeling was good and what was also important was the conversation between me and Rene. He knows exactly what he wants and I know exactly what I want. The main thing is to keep Fulham in the league and hopefully the boys will start with a win against Southampton."


http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/transfer-news-john-heitinga-leaves-everton-to-join-fulham-9100585.html (http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/transfer-news-john-heitinga-leaves-everton-to-join-fulham-9100585.html)

 
Defender Leaves Everton for Fulham

It has taken 18 months, but the oft rumored departure of John Heitinga has finally been completed. The Dutch international has moved to Fulham on a free transfer in search of more playing time.

Though his contract still had 6 months left on it, Everton was willing to let the defender go in search of regular first-team football ahead of the World Cup in Brazil this summer. Though fans will be disappointed in not getting a fee for him, Heitinga was on massive wages and his departure frees up money for some new contracts for a few current stars.

In four and a half seasons at the club Heitinga appeared in 115 matches and had several fantastic seasons for the Toffees. He was one of the clubs best players during  2010-11 and 2011-12 seasons. His decline came in 2012 after he was the odd man out with Sylvian Distin and Phil Jagielka. Though he made 26 appearances almost none of them were pretty.

This move also appears to indicate the end of Everton's business in the transfer window. There is always hope of some more moves, but based on comments from Roberto Martinez, it seems unlikely.


http://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2014/1/31/5366328/everton-transfer-news-john-heitinga-fulham? (http://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2014/1/31/5366328/everton-transfer-news-john-heitinga-fulham?)

 
Heitinga moves to Fulham

John Heitinga has left Everton to join fellow Premier League side Fulham on a free transfer until the end of the season.

The Dutchman was desperate to leave Everton before the transfer window slams shut on Friday night, as he searches for first team football.  A move to West Ham was rejected earlier in January, while a deal seemed agreed with Galatasaray only for the Turkish club to pull out at the last minute.

Now Fulham have snapped up the 30-year-old initially until the end of the season, ending a four and a half year spell at Goodison Park.

Heitinga started his career with Ajax, before moving on to Spain with Atletico Madrid in 2008 for a fee close to €10 million. The Dutchman only spent a season in Spain before moving to England with Everton.

After being named Everton's player of the season in 2012, Heitinga lost his place in the first team, and has only made one Premier League appearance this season.

Speaking to Fulham's official site, Heitinga said, "I'm really pleased to get the move completed and I'm looking forward to playing my first game. I think it's a good move for myself and I'm looking forward to meeting my teammates. I've spoken already with René Meulensteen and I think it's the right club for me."

"This is a club with a great history and I always enjoyed playing at Craven Cottage, I really like it as a stadium. It's not one of the biggest but it's got something special.

"Of course I know Maarten Stekelenburg very well – we were players at Ajax together and we played many years in the national team together.

"I chose Fulham because the feeling was good and what was also important was the conversation between me and René. He knows exactly what he wants and I know exactly what I want. The main thing is to keep Fulham in the league and hopefully the boys will start with a win against Southampton."


http://www.football-oranje.com/heitinga-moves-to-fulham/? (http://www.football-oranje.com/heitinga-moves-to-fulham/?)

 
Fulham land Heitinga and push through late deals for Tunnicliffe and Cole

Fulham have completed the signing of Everton defender John Heitinga on a free transfer.

The 30-year-old Dutchman spent four-and-a-half years at Goodison Park, amassing 140 first-team appearances and scoring five goals.

However, Heitinga's playing time has been restricted to just five appearances this term and has been allowed by Everton manager Roberto Martinez to join Fulham on a permanent deal.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/02/01/article-2549784-1B1D175F00000578-960_634x333.jpg)
Defensive boost: Fulham added John Heitinga to the squad on deadline day
'I'm really pleased to get the move completed and I'm looking forward to playing my first game,' Heitinga said.

'I think it's a good move for myself and I'm looking forward to meeting my team-mates.

'I've spoken already with Rene Meulensteen and I think it's the right club for me.

'This is a club with a great history and I always enjoyed playing at Craven Cottage, I really like it as a stadium. It's not one of the biggest but it's got something special.'

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/02/01/article-2549784-1B1D20C900000578-626_634x386.jpg)
Leaving it late: Ryan Tunnicliffe completed his move to Fulham late on deadline day
Heitinga moves to west London initially until the end of the season and will hope to impress enough to earn a call-up to the Holland squad for the World Cup.

The defender came through Ajax's fabled academy before moving to Atletico Madrid in Spain and on to the Premier League with Everton.

'Of course I know Maarten Stekelenburg very well - we were players at Ajax together and we played many years in the national team together,' Heitinga said of the Fulham goalkeeper.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/02/01/article-2549784-1B034C1200000578-763_306x388.jpg)
Signing on: Larnell Cole has also joined Fulham
'I chose Fulham because the feeling was good and what was also important was the conversation between me and Rene.

'He knows exactly what he wants and I know exactly what I want. The main thing is to keep Fulham in the league and hopefully the boys will start with a win against Southampton.'

Fulham also completed deals for Manchester United duo Larnell Cole and Ryan Tunnicliffe before the window shut.

Tunnicliffe, who has been on loan at Ipswich this season, said: 'I've known Rene (Meulensteen) since I was nine and there was talk when he took over that he was interested in me, so it's just picked up steam this week really and I'm here now and glad to sign.

'Rene didn't have to sell Fulham to me, for a start they're in the Premier League and I want to play at the highest level. I know René and I know he's a great coach so I'm just excited to work for him. Fulham's a great club anyway – they've been in the Premier League for a long time now and I just can't wait to get started.

'I want to play at the highest level I possibly can and, to me, that's the Premier League because it's the best league in the world. I want to play as many games as I can and improve as a player because I'm only young, and we'll see where we go from there.'



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2549784/John-Heitinga-joins-Fulham-Everton.html#ixzz2s3lc7sPo (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2549784/John-Heitinga-joins-Fulham-Everton.html#ixzz2s3lc7sPo)
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Fulham show attacking intentions with £11m deal for Kostas Mitroglou
• René Meulensteen lets Dimitar Berbatov leave for Monaco
• Fulham also bring in Lewis Holtby and John Heitinga

René Meulensteen completed the £11m signing of the Olympiakos striker Kostas Mitroglou, along with the loan of Lewis Holtby from Tottenham Hotspur, on a frenetic deadline day at Fulham. Themanager also signed John Heitinga on a free transfer from Everton, while he raided his former club Manchester United for the young midfielders Ryan Tunnicliffe and Larnell Cole.

Meulensteen will make Mitroglou the focal point of his team, having allowed Dimitar Berbatov to leave for Monaco. Berbatov's Fulham contract was due to expire in June and he has signed with the French club for the remainder of the season. Monaco have lost the striker Radamel Falcao to a serious knee injury.

Berbatov' has cut a disgruntled figure in recent weeks, with his agent, Emil Dantchev, having made it clear at the beginning of December that the Bulgarian wanted a move. The 33-year-old has endured a frustrating season, in contrast to his productive 2012-13 campaign for Fulham, and he felt that he needed a fresh challenge.

Fulham have been lifted by their arrivals, who supplemented the earlier loan purchases of Clint Dempsey and William Kvist from Seattle Sounders and Stuttgart respectively, with Mitroglou the headline signing. Fulham have only ever paid more for one player – Steve Marlet, the striker, who cost £11.5m from Lyon in 2001.

Mitroglou, 25, has been in prolific form this season, with 14 goals in 12 league matches for Olympiakos and three in five Champions League ties, all of them coming in the group phase win at Anderlecht, when he became the first Greek player to score a hat-trick in the competition.

Mitroglou, who has eight goals in 28 appearances for his country, has swapped the continuation of Olympiakos' Champions League adventure - they face Manchester United in the last 16 - for Fulham's relegation battle. The club sit second from bottom in the Premier League and are saddled with comfortably the worst goal difference in the division.

Mitroglou said that he consulted Fulham's Greece midfielder, Giorgos Karagounis, before he signed on a four-and-a-half-year contract. "I'm here because I want to fulfil the club's targets," Mitroglou said. "I was really flattered that they wanted me so badly. René Meulensteen explained to me how he works and I am really looking forward to working with him."

Holtby struggled under Tim Sherwood at Tottenham and he has been attracted by the prospect of regular football at Fulham in his favoured central attacking midfield role. The German, who scored the winning goal for Tottenham at Fulham in December, trained with his new teammates for the first time on Friday and he could make the squad for Saturday's visit of Southampton.

Meulensteen, who also moved Philippe Senderos to Valencia on a permanent deal and brought in Heitinga, the Holland centre-half, to bolster a defence that has been shaky all season. He also gave the centre-half, Aaron Hughes, to Queens Park Rangers for the rest of the season, to repay Rangers' gesture in agreeing to terminate Adel Taarabt's season-long loan at Craven Cottage. Meulensteen did not want Taarabt any more and his Rangers counterpart, Harry Redknapp, did not want him back. Taarabt has signed on loan for Milan.

Meulensteen has taken Tunnicliffe, who has been on loan at Ipswich Town, and Cole on permanent contracts. The pair are under-21 players and so do not take up places on the club's 25-man senior squad list.


http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/jan/31/fulham-11m-kostas-mitroglou? (http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/jan/31/fulham-11m-kostas-mitroglou?)

 
United Duo Sign

Fulham Football Club is delighted to announce two further midfield signings for an undisclosed fee, from Manchester United.

Ryan Tunnicliffe and Larnell Cole join on deals until the summer of 2017, with options for a further year.

Tunnicliffe, 21, spent time on loan at Peterborough United, Barnsley and, most recently, this season at Ipswich Town. He made his first-team debut for Manchester United in the 2-1 League Cup win against Newcastle United in 2012.

Cole, 20, arrived as a schoolboy at Manchester United before progressing through the academy. He made his senior debut for United when coming on as a second-half substitute in a League Cup win against Leeds United in 2011. Cole scored a brace in the 3-2 victory against Tottenham Hotspur in last season's Under-21 Final.

The highly-rated young players have worked with Fulham Head Coach René Meulensteen during his time at Old Trafford and they have both represented England at youth level.


Fulham's staff travelled to Manchester to conduct Cole's medical so he was unavailable for photos or comment but, on completion of the deal, Tunnicliffe told the official website: "I've known René since I was nine and there was talk when he took over that he was interested in me, so it's just picked up steam this week really and I'm here now and glad to sign.

"René didn't have to sell Fulham to me, for a start they're in the Premier League and I want to play at the highest level. I know René and I know he's a great coach so I'm just excited to work for him. Fulham's a great club anyway – they've been in the Premier League for a long time now and I just can't wait to get started.

"I want to play at the highest level I possibly can and, to me, that's the Premier League because it's the best league in the world. I want to play as many games as I can and improve as a player because I'm only young, and we'll see where we go from there."


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/february/01/united-duo-sign? (http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/february/01/united-duo-sign?)

 
Did Valencia think they were signing Hangeland instead of Senderos?

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BfWJ_2NCEAEzRS6.jpg)
Not Match of the Day @NOT_MOTD
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Someone call a taxi for Valencia. They think they've signed Brede Hangeland.

In one of the more surprising moves of the transfer window, Valencia signed Fulham defender Philippe Senderos on a permanent deal. The Swiss international's contract was due to expire at the end of the season anyway, but has joined the La Liga side.

However when Valencia announced the deal on their official Twitter page, the news was not accompanied with a picture of Senderos, but rather his teammate Brede Hangeland.

Hangeland fits the bill a bit more when it comes to signing for a major La Liga club, so was it a case of mistaken identity for Valencia when it came to the signing?

The news must have come as a bit of a surprise to Senderos as well, as it looked as if he was going to be pushed down the pecking order at Craven Cottage due to the arrival of Jonny Heitinga. Senderos had played in 12 league games for Fulham this season, but given their poor defensive record, no one would have expected the 2000 and 2001 Champions League runners-up to have come in for the former Arsenal defender.

Heitinga will most likely line up alongside Hangeland in the centre of Fulham's defence after signing a deal initially until the end of the season. He will hope to impress national boss Louis Van Gaal so he can force his way into contention for this summer's World Cup.

Senderos meanwhile will try and help elevate Valencia who are currently in 10th place in La Liga.



http://hereisthecity.com/en-gb/2014/02/01/jm-did-valencia-think-they-were-signing-hangeland-instead-of-sen/? (http://hereisthecity.com/en-gb/2014/02/01/jm-did-valencia-think-they-were-signing-hangeland-instead-of-sen/?)

 
Transfer news: Fulham sign Ryan Tunnicliffe and Larnell Cole from Man Utd

Fulham have bolstered their midfield options with the capture of Ryan Tunnicliffe and Larnell Cole from Manchester United on transfer deadline day.

The pair have moved from Old Trafford for an undisclosed fee and join the Cottagers on deals until the summer of 2017, with options for a further year.

Both know Rene Meulensteen from his time at Manchester United and Tunnicliffe is looking forward to working with the Fulham head coach again.

The 21-year-old told Fulham's official website: "I've known Rene since I was nine and there was talk when he took over that he was interested in me, so it's just picked up steam this week really and I'm here now and glad to sign.

Highest level

"Rene didn't have to sell Fulham to me, for a start they're in the Premier League and I want to play at the highest level. I know René and I know he's a great coach so I'm just excited to work for him. Fulham's a great club anyway - they've been in the Premier League for a long time now and I just can't wait to get started.

"I want to play at the highest level I possibly can and, to me, that's the Premier League because it's the best league in the world. I want to play as many games as I can and improve as a player because I'm only young, and we'll see where we go from there."

Tunnicliffe has previously spent time on loan at Peterborough United, Barnsley and Ipswich Town, while 20-year-old Cole came through the club's academy before making his senior debut for United in a League Cup win against Leeds United in 2011.



http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/9144799/? (http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/9144799/?)

 
Pressure Mounting On Fulham As Saints Look To End 67-Year Hoodoo

FULHAM v SOUTHAMPTON 15:00, Craven Cottage

Fulham are in real trouble after suffering their third consecutive defeat to Swansea in midweek and maybe questioning whether Rene Meulensteen was the right man for the job. The former Manchester United coach has overseen seven defeats and just three victories in his 10 games in charge and some maybe wondering if technical director, Alan Curbishley will have to take over if results do not improve.

On a more positive note for Fulham, Southampton have not won at Craven Cottage since 1947 and Meulensteen has brought in midfielder William Kvist on loan from Stuttgart for the rest of the season.



Southampton claimed an impressive draw with Arsenal on Tuesday, proving that they are still a match for the division's top clubs. The Saints early season form seems to have petered out and the chance of Champions League football seems a distant memory. Although they still remain a respectable ninth in the table, which is five places higher than they finished last term.

It is likely Southampton's record signing, Dani Osvaldo, will join Juventus on loan until the end of the season, with the option of making the move permanent. The Italy forward is currently suspended by Southampton after a training ground fight with team-mate Jose Fonte, which seems to have ended his short career at the club.



What to watch out for: Rickie Lambert and Jay Rodriguez scored in a 2-0 win over Fulham at St Mary's in October and a repeat result could be likely considering the Cottagers' desperate form.

Possible line-ups:

Fulham – Stekelenburg, Reither, Hangeland, Burn, Richardson, Dejagah, Sidwell, Parker, Kacaniklic, Dempsey, Berbatov

Southampton – Boruc, Chambers, Fonte, Yoshida, Shaw; Lallana, Cork, Schneiderlin, Rodriguez, Davis, Lambert

Recent Form: Fulham: WLWLLL; Southampton: WLLWDD

Prediction: 1-2



http://www.footymatters.com/articles/english-football/premier-league/premier-league-preview/pressure-mounting-on-fulham-as-saints-look-to-end-67-year-hoodoo/? (http://www.footymatters.com/articles/english-football/premier-league/premier-league-preview/pressure-mounting-on-fulham-as-saints-look-to-end-67-year-hoodoo/?)

 
Olympic champion: Have Fulham struck gold with Mitroglou?

The Greece international was the undisputed star at Olympiakos but is set to take a massive step up in terms of quality as he bids to save the Cottagers from relegation

Olympiakos will win the Greek Super League at a canter again this season, despite selling Kostas Mitroglou to Fulham. The sale of the striker earned Olympiakos around €15 million. Given the current financial climate around Greek football, that is like winning the lottery.

Olympiakos, though, have as good as surrendered before their Champions League last 16 tie against Manchester United. They would have been a high price before the transfer window. They are rank outsiders now. Still, they will earn more from their winter sales than they could from continued progress in the Champions League. It worked out.

For their €15m, Fulham have acquired the services of one of Europe's hottest properties of the season. While Cristiano Ronaldo was busy putting Zlatan Ibrahimovic and his Sweden cohorts to the sword in the World Cup play-offs, away from the spotlight, Mitroglou was doing the same to Romania. Three of Greece's four goals over the two legs were scored by the forward as a safe passage was granted to the Greeks for Brazil 2014.

"MITROGLYCERIN" screamed Marca alongside a photo of Mitroglou conducting his now familiar Pistolero celebration. Over the course of those two games, Mitroglou continued the sort of form that has brought him widespread acclaim. Fourteen goals in 12 Superleague matches, crucial strikes in the World Cup qualification programme and an outstanding Champions League hat-trick against Anderlecht - the first-ever by a Greek - mean Mitroglou was the name on everyone's lips and on all the back pages.

The problem with having a prolific frontman in any team of a relatively modest calibre is that he stands out like a sore thumb. Emerging goalscorers do not stay off the radar for long and it is inevitable that the club in possession of the player will be fending off enquiry after enquiry. That is the situation in which Olympiakos found themselves over Mitroglou. The price went up to, realistically, twice what Olympiakos would have taken for him, and they cashed out at the right time.

But Fulham should not expect the kind of relentless consistency that Mitroglou showcased at the start of the season. It was a tough slog for Mitroglou to make his name. Inconsistency, disputes with coaches and loan spells all plagued the striker's game before things clicked this term. It was very much evolution which brought plaudits - a slow climb to the top of his game.

Changes in the player's own attitude as well as the conditions around him at his club brought Mitroglou into the form of his career. "He has improved his physical conditioning and his reading of the game," his Olympiakos coach Michel told Spanish radio before the winter break. The Borussia Monchengladbach youth product was allowed to flourish under Michel's new regime at Piraeus.

Rafik Djebbour and last year's player of the year Djamel Abdoun departed meaning coach Michel has finally got around to creating his own side with Mitroglou as the spearhead. "We did not get another player in his place because we were confident that he [Mitroglou] would justify our choice," said sporting director Pierre Issa over the decision not to replace Djebbour. "He has vindicated himself and his talent."

The likes of Vladimir Weiss, sold to Lekhwiya this week, Joel Campbell and, crucially, Javier Saviola, helped to give Olympiakos a new dynamism and threat going forward with the ideas of the Spanish coach now coming across.

"We understand the philosophy of the coach," Mitroglou told Uefa in October. "With new players who came in the summer we play more attacking football. This is I believe our strength." No doubt, Mitroglou himself is an improved player this season. "Before, his goals came almost entirely from inside the box but now come in other ways," his coach said. "He is a player who, at any time, is dangerous to the opposition wherever he is on the pitch."

Mitroglou has hit a goldmine with his move with Greek media reporting that he will earn around €2.5m per season with Fulham - over four times the money he was making with Olympiakos. But he will be made to work for it. He is taking a steep step in the quality of football he will be playing and, with a Fulham club-record fee, comes no small degree of pressure.

He will score goals but will take time to adapt. But that's not a luxury Rene Meulensteen's side have at this point of the season.



http://www.goal.com/en/news/1717/editorial/2014/02/01/4433827/-? (http://www.goal.com/en/news/1717/editorial/2014/02/01/4433827/-?)

 
Traders: Fulham business shrewd

Sky Bet eased Fulham to 4/5 for Premier League relegation on the back of Transfer Deadline Day.

Rene Meulensteen captured Kostas Mitroglou from Olympiacos along with Tottenham's Lewis Holtby on loan, but it was those going the other way who really encouraged Sky Bet's Stuart Dallimore.

He said: "In terms of the relegation picture we feel that Fulham, Cardiff and Crystal Palace all strengthened quite well yesterday.

"One thing worth noting is that Fulham got rid of their two big luxury players in Dimitar Berbatov and Adel Taraabt. This could be a very shrewd move from Meulensteen as you get the feeling that neither would have been the type of player you would like in a relegation scrap.

"West Ham, on the other hand, didn't have a great window really and as a result we've cut them to go down."

West Ham are now 11/8 for the drop ahead of today's clash with Swansea, with Cardiff out to evens and Palace now 6/5. Cardiff have been supported to beat Norwich but Palace face a trip to Arsenal on Sunday.

Arsenal remain 5/1 to lift the title after adding Kim Kallstrom to their squad on Friday, a move which generally underwhelmed the layers.



http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/article/165/9145007/-? (http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/article/165/9145007/-?)

 
100% Duel Success: Fulham Aim To Pinch Monaco Starlet In Late Deal

Fulham are keen on getting a last minute deal for Nicolas Isimat-Mirin from Monaco to bolster a back-line that suffered a loss on deadline day, according to the Daily Star.

The two clubs have already opened up a dialogue with Dimitar Berbatov having agreed to join the club of the principality until the end of the season, and hope to get something themselves from the deal by snapping up Isimat-Mirin.

The defender is surplus to requirements at Stade Louis II, and Fulham are hoping Monaco will loan him to help them cope with the loss of Philippe Senderos.

Fulham have allowed Philippe Senderos to join Valencia on deadline day, and are in need of recruiting urgent cover for a back four that is low on resources.

Monaco are not planning on letting Isimat-Mirin leave on a permanent basis, as he is highly rated at the club, but would be willing to let him go out on loan to gain first team experience in a top division.

Should he sign for Fulham before the transfer window slams shut, he will become Fulham's fifth signing of January, with William Kvist, Clint Dempsey, Lewis Holtby and Kostas Mitroglou having already joined.

Nicolas Isimat-Mirin has only made one appearance for Monaco this season, but won 100% of his duels in the 30 minutes he played in the 2-0 win over Rennes.


http://www.squawka.com/news/2014/01/31/fulham-in-for-mirin/2014013163624? (http://www.squawka.com/news/2014/01/31/fulham-in-for-mirin/2014013163624?)

 
Heitinga Joins Fulham
   
As the hours ticked by before the transfer window slammed shut, it was suggested that Fulham`s move for the Dutch defender, Johnny Heitinga, could go either way.

After all, the Dutchman had already, earlier in the transfer window, rejected a move to West Ham United.

However, it would appear that Rene Meulensteen used his persuasive tongue to get Heitinga to sign on the dotted line.

It would appear Heitinga has signed a permanent deal and that the fee paid, to Everton, hasn`t been disclosed.

Welcome to Craven Cottage Johnny.


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=348026#ixzz2s4VbB3re (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=348026#ixzz2s4VbB3re)

 
Senderos Gone!
   
As the last few hours of the transfer window approached, I gave up on anything serious happening.

After all it had been a long day and my bed, even more so after a few ales, beckoned.

But, by retiring to my bed, I missed one deal that few actually saw coming.

Our Swiss defender, Philippe Senderos, had intimated he might be leaving Craven Cottage but many believed it wouldn`t be until the summer.

However, we were all wrong with Senderos, somehow, getting his wish and signing on the dotted line, albeit on loan, for the Spanish side, Valencia.

Surprised isn`t the word!


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=348027#ixzz2s4VnkEbn (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=348027#ixzz2s4VnkEbn)

 
Trio of Youngsters Go Out On Loan!
   
In wrapping up our extensive coverage of the January transfer window, we thought we`d better mention that three of our promising youngsters have been sent out on loan.

Arthurworry has gone off to Tranmere, Bettinelli has joined Accrington Stanley and Grimmer has joined Port Vale.

Here at Vital Fulham we`d like to wish all three the very best on their loan spells.


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=348028#ixzz2s4VwKpxo (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=348028#ixzz2s4VwKpxo)

 
Berbatov`s Farewell!
   
And so it would appear that we`ve seen the last of Dimitar Berbatov in a Fulham shirt.

The 33 year-old Bulgarian has joined AS Monaco, on loan, for the remainder of this season.

We understand that, following the completion of his loan spell, Berbatov will be a free agent.

Speaking about the challenge playing for AS Monaco provides, Dimitar has remarked.

"I`m happy, excited and a little bit nervous."

"I look forward to opening a new chapter in my career."

Here at Vital Fulham we`d like to thank Dimitar for the service he gave the club, his signing was a surprise and I suspect his departure can be categorized in a similar fashion.


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=348029#ixzz2s4W8hXqj (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=348029#ixzz2s4W8hXqj)

 
Neil Taylor Sees Fulham Move Collapse After Wife Goes Into Labour On Deadline Day

Poised on the very cusp of sealing a move to Fulham, Swansea left-back Neil Taylor saw his hopes of joining the Cottagers dashed on deadline day when his wife chose the most inopportune moment to go into labour.

Having already had a bid rebuffed earlier in the month, Fulham returned with an improved £4million offer on the final day of the window with things said to be progressing nicely until Taylor's wife reportedly decided to start having a baby mid-afternoon which, fairly understandably, scuppered Taylor's plans to travel to west London to tie up the loose ends.

Women!



http://www.whoateallthepies.tv/fulham/184099/neil-taylor-sees-fulham-move-collapse-after-wife-goes-into-labour-on-deadline-day.html? (http://www.whoateallthepies.tv/fulham/184099/neil-taylor-sees-fulham-move-collapse-after-wife-goes-into-labour-on-deadline-day.html?)

 
Aaron Hughes: Fulham Legend

Rene Meulensteen decided enough was enough on deadline day, and went about dismantling Martin Jol squad, with four first team regulars departing – Dimitar Berbatov, Adel Taarabt, Philippe Senderos and Aaron Hughes. While the first three may have had the highest profile moves, to Monaco, AC Milan and Valencia respectively, it will be Aaron Hughes who I'll miss the most.

I'm not going to say he was the player he used to be, because he wasn't. However, he arguably was part of the greatest Fulham centre-back pairing in Premier League history alongside Brede Hangeland.

Hughes and Hangeland brought fear to the heart of many strikers, they knew how to work together instinctively and they were the perfect pairing. Nothing seemed to get past them, and when they were playing, Fulham very rarely seemed to be on the end of thrashings, which have become all too common over the last couple of seasons. The centre back pairing inspired Fulham's turn around in the 2007/08 season, and were crucial to the famous Europa League run of 2009/10.

When Hughes came to Fulham, it was rather quietly, as one of the players brought in under Lawrie Sanchez's Northern Irish revolution. While higher profile names such as David Healy and Steven Davis flopped, Hughes proved to be an inspired buy in his 247 league appearances for Fulham. You knew when he played, he'd give 100% and wouldn't let the team down. I've never been happier when a player scored their first goal for a club, and I was gutted when his goal against West Ham was marred by a defeat.

He resisted attempts to replace him in the team with Philippe Senderos, with Hughes playing at right-back to accommodate the then preferred pairing of Hangeland and Senderos. Hughes bombed forward, but didn't do too badly, but soon Jol realised the errors of his ways, bringing back the coveted Hughes and Hangeland pairing that brought stability to the Fulham team.

This season, he has started to show his age. His reactions aren't as fast as they used to be – he was very lucky not to give away a penalty in his last game for Fulham at Sheffield United. Despite this, it was fitting that he was captain in his last game for the Whites, as he was always a leading presence from the back.

The time is now right for Hughes to leave though if he wants to finish his career with first-team football. Hangeland looks to have a good pairing with Dan Burn, and with Johnny Heitinga coming in, Hughes would have surely fallen further down the pecking order. Even though he's gone to QPR, I still hope he does well.

Good luck Aaron Hughes, you will always be a Fulham Premier League legend.



Read more: http://pickourteam.com/premierleague/fulham/news/01-02-2014/aaron-hughes-fulham-legend/869210?#ixzz2s4WfFFrF (http://pickourteam.com/premierleague/fulham/news/01-02-2014/aaron-hughes-fulham-legend/869210?#ixzz2s4WfFFrF)

 
Fulham Transfers: Complete Break Down Of Cottagers January Window

Fulham made some interesting moves in the final two days of the transfer window.

Clint Dempsey's return on loan could yet prove massive, but the loan of Dimitar Berbatov to AS Monaco remains a bit of a head scratcher.

Bringing in Lewis Holtby on-loan from Tottenham could prove a masterstroke as could the loan signing of William Kvist.

However, the last minute deals for Kostas Mitroglou, John Heitinga, Ryan Tunnicliffe and Larnell Cole could prove more important to the long term future of the club.

Seeing Aaron Hughes sent on loan and Philippe Senderos sold leaves Heitinga with a clear path to the first team and a chance to see his name on the Holland national team for this summer's world cup if he proves he still has what it takes.

In: Clint Dempsey (Loan – Seattle Sounders), William Kvist (Loan – VfB Stuttgart), Lewis Holtby (Loan – Tottenham), John Heitinga (Everton), Kostas Mitroglou (Olympiakos), Ryan Tunnicliffe (Manchester United), Larnell Cole (Manchester United)

Loan: Stephan Athurworrey (Tranmere Rovers), Marcus Bettinelli (Accrington Stanley), Jack Grimmer (Port Vale), Bryan Ruiz (PSV Eindhoven), Dimitar Berbatov (AS Monaco), Aaron Hughes (Queens Park Rangers)

Out: Philippe Senderos (Valencia)


Read more at http://swol.co/fulham-transfers-complete-break-down-of-cottagers-january-window/32683?#0As76WOtPm4bHHz3.99 (http://swol.co/fulham-transfers-complete-break-down-of-cottagers-january-window/32683?#0As76WOtPm4bHHz3.99)

 
How's He Managed That? Ex-Arsenal Flop Joins La Liga Giants

Fulham have lost another one of their central defenders tonight, with the Daily Mail reporting that Valencia have made a move for Philippe Senderos. The Cottagers have already lost Aaron Hughes on deadline day, having loaned the defender to Championship side QPR, but chave now allowed another centre back leave Craven Cottage.

The Mail report that Valencia have completed a move for former Arsenal defender Senderos. The Spanish giants have left it late to make their move, but have swooped to complete a deal for Senderos and end his ten year spell in England.

Senderos has made 12 appearances in the Premier League this season for Fulham, scoring one goal. However, despite this, Rene Meulensteen has allowed the Swiss defender to leave the club. The Fulham boss has club captain Brede Hangeland fit following a spell out with injury and has deemed Senderos surplus to requirements.

With Hangeland and Fernando Amorebieta proving to be Meulentsteen's preferred pairing in defence, and Dan Burn impressing during his recent run in the side,  Fulham have allowed Senderos to leave the club and swap a relegation  battle in London for the sun of La Liga.

Senderos has won 21 of the 38 headed duels that he has contested this season 




http://www.squawka.com/news/2014/01/31/hows-he-managed-that-ex-arsenal-flop-joins-la-liga-giants/2014013163568? (http://www.squawka.com/news/2014/01/31/hows-he-managed-that-ex-arsenal-flop-joins-la-liga-giants/2014013163568?)

 
Taylor Transfer Talk Mystery
   
What was it all about you may ask?

Yesterday, with Fulham having already been reported as having shown an interest in the Swansea full-back Neil Taylor, but with a fee not being agreed, a statement was issued stating it was a transfer that was not going to happen.

At the time we were a little perplexed as to why not!

Well it appears that Taylor might have been a little more pre-occupied with other matters other than a transfer with it being reported that his wife had gone into labour.

Fair-play to the lad, sometimes (not often) there are some things more important than football.


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=348043#ixzz2s4kM3RR1 (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=348043#ixzz2s4kM3RR1)

 
Khan bets big to save Fulham's season

The transfer window shut with Fulham involved in a frenzy of activity that saw the revolving door at the Motspur Park training ground spin faster than a roulette wheel.

Bravo to the new club owner, Shad Khan, for putting up serious funds in the last 48 hours; there has been no investment in the side on this scale for over a decade.

With Fulham languishing in the bottom three following Tuesday's loss at Swansea and Khan tight-lipped over his strategy for the club he bought last August, this blog was pleading for a 20 million pound gamble to stave off impending relegation.

Lo and behold, that's exactly what we got! Whether the credit goes to Khan for his grasp of the situation or CEO Alistair Mackintosh for loosening the purse strings, we shall have to wait for the dust to settle before finding the answer.

As of now, on the eve of the home fixture with Southampton, the bigger picture at Craven Cottage is transformed from the mood at the top of the week. Two things are immediately apparent: Rene Meulensteen and his staff had clearly done their homework in identifying the players they wanted.


http://espnfc.com/blog/_/name/fulham/id/1809?&cc=5739 (http://espnfc.com/blog/_/name/fulham/id/1809?&cc=5739)

 
Lewis Holtby determined to prove his worth at Fulham
Lewis Holtby is determined to "show what he can do" after joining Fulham on loan from Tottenham

Lewis Holtby is determined to "show what he can do" after joining Fulham on loan from Tottenham until the end of the season.

The 23-year-old midfielder has found his first-team opportunities limited at White Hart Lane this season and had been limited to just six Premier League starts for Spurs.

And the German has vowed to prove his worth at Craven Cottage as he looks to help the west London side avoid relegation.

"It's a good opportunity for me and I'd like to thank both clubs especially Spurs for letting this happen and Fulham for letting me play here and show my abilities and giving me some game time," Holtby said.

"I had some really good talks with the gaffer here and everyone at the club made it so easy for me.

"They wanted me so bad and I'll try and give all my abilities to try and keep this club up it's a great challenge.

"I'm happy to be here now and show what I can do. It starts tomorrow against Southampton to try and get three points."



http://www.thesportreview.com/tsr/2014/02/lewis-holtby-determined-to-prove-his-worth-at-fulham/? (http://www.thesportreview.com/tsr/2014/02/lewis-holtby-determined-to-prove-his-worth-at-fulham/?)