http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/old-boss-set-for-defender-swoop-1078910.html (http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/old-boss-set-for-defender-swoop-1078910.html)
Old boss set for defender swoop
Fulham, 15:12, July 19, 2010
Liverpool are reportedly showing an interest in Fulham left-back Paul Konchesky as they seek a replacement for Emiliano Insua.
The News of the World claim former Cottagers boss Roy Hodgson is planning to raid his old club to plug the gap left vacant by Insua's departure to Fiorentina for £5m.
Konchesky has been a long-time target for Birmingham City after refusing to sign a new deal at Craven Cottage and with him entering his final year of his contract with Fulham, Hodgson could pick him up relatively cheaply.
It's believed the 29-year-old would be available for a cut-price £2m and the Reds are prepared to move quickly to secure his signature despite Hodgson's reluctance to break up his old team.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/fulham/7899354/Martin-Jol-keen-to-be-reunited-with-Robbie-Keane-at-Fulham.html (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/fulham/7899354/Martin-Jol-keen-to-be-reunited-with-Robbie-Keane-at-Fulham.html)
Martin Jol keen to be reunited with Robbie Keane at Fulham
Martin Jol is believed to have identified Robbie Keane, the Tottenham striker, as his primary target should he, as expected, be appointed as Fulham manager in the next 48 hours.
(http://i.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph/multimedia/archive/01682/jol_1682027c.jpg)
The Craven Cottage club are thought to be close to agreeing a compensation package with Jol's current employers, Ajax, and the former Tottenham manager is expected to be in place to take charge of Fulham's pre-season friendly with Halmstads on Thursday.
Jol still owns a house near London and is known to be keen on a return to the Premier League, while Fulham would be able to offer the Dutchman considerable spending power as they look to bolster a squad which made an unexpected appearance in the Europa League final last season.
Should the deal go through, Jol is expected to launch an immediate bid to beat Aston Villa and Celtic to the signature of Keane, the Irish international who is considered surplus to requirements at Spurs.
Keane returned to White Hart Lane for £13 million in January last year just six months after joining Liverpool for £20 million but was loaned out to Celtic for the second half of last season, scoring 12 goals.
The Scottish Premier League side are keen to extend that loan for another season, while Villa manager Martin O'Neill is believed to be considering offering Spurs £6 million for the former Coventry, Wolves, Leeds and Inter Milan forward.
Keane, though, would like to remain in the capital and a forward will top Jol's to-do list should he replace Roy Hodgson after Andy Johnson, who has endured an injury-plagued two years since moving to Fulham from Everton, suffered another set-back in his return from a knee complaint.
Johnson made just 13 appearances last season and has not featured in either of Fulham's two warm-up games so far this summer.
West Bromwich midfielder Graham Dorrans has turned down a move to West Ham and has instead signed a new four-year deal with the club.
Fellow midfielder Borja Valero, the club's £4.7 million record signing, has agreed a loan switch to Villarreal.
Liam Lawrence has confirmed he could leave Stoke before the new season. Celtic and Wolves are keen.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/scottishpremier/rangers/7899276/Teenager-Krister-Wemberg-keen-to-impress-during-Rangers-trial.html (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/scottishpremier/rangers/7899276/Teenager-Krister-Wemberg-keen-to-impress-during-Rangers-trial.html)
Teenager Krister Wemberg keen to impress during Rangers trial
Rangers have brought Norway Under-19 defender Krister Wemberg to Glasgow with a view to signing the Moss FK player
By Ewing Grahame.
Published: 9:28PM BST 19 Jul 2010
The 18 year-old has already undergone unsuccessful trials with Everton in 2008 and Fulham earlier this year.
Ironically, manager Walter Smith and his players leave on Tuesday for Australia to compete in a four-team tournament with Blackburn Rovers, AEK Athens and hosts Sydney FC, so Wemberg will be assessed by coaches at the club's Murray Park training complex.
Inter Milan tell Manchester City to pay £34m for Mario Balotelli
By SIMON CASS
Last updated at 8:51 PM on 19th July 2010
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2010/07/19/article-1295938-07F5A043000005DC-978_306x423.jpg)
Pastures new? Mario Balotelli won't be an Inter player much longer
Inter Milan will demand £34million from Manchester City for Mario Balotelli with new manager Rafa Benitez ready to cash in on the temperamental striker.
A City delegation was in Milan last week to thrash out a deal for the striker, 19, although an opening offer of £20m was rebuffed.
A renewed effort to reunite Balotelli with former Inter coach Roberto Mancini is expected this week, although City are likely to offer less than the European champions' asking price, with the remainder payable in performance-related instalments.
Progress has stalled because Balotelli's agent Mino Raiola has been busy sorting out Martin Jol's move from Ajax to Fulham.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1296078/Manchester-City-told-pay-34million-Inter-Milan-ace-Mario-Balotelli.html?ito=feeds-newsxml#ixzz0uAGxXbfI (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1296078/Manchester-City-told-pay-34million-Inter-Milan-ace-Mario-Balotelli.html?ito=feeds-newsxml#ixzz0uAGxXbfI)
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11688_6270623,00.html (http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11688_6270623,00.html)
Swans to open Pratley talks
New boss Rodgers hoping to convince midfielder to stay put
(http://img.skysports.com/10/02/218x298/Pratley_2416294.jpg)
Swansea will open fresh contract talks with highly-rated midfielder Darren Pratley in an attempt to keep him at the Liberty Stadium.
Pratley has attracted interest from a number of clubs in recent times with Championship rivals Nottingham Forest reportedly having a £1million bid for the 25-year-old turned down.
City chairman Hew Jenkins denied the club had received an offer from Forest and assured supporters that every effort will be made to keep Swansea's top players at the Liberty Stadium.
The Swans recently appointed Brendan Rogers as their new manager following the departure of Paulo Sousa to Leicester City.
Pressure
And Jenkins is hoping the new man in charge can persuade Pratley to remain in south Wales.
"Now that our new manager (Brendan Rodgers) is in place, we will be looking to start discussions with Darren Pratley over a new contract," Jenkins told the club's official website.
"I had a private conversation with Nottingham Forest a few weeks ago which, as we agreed, will stay private.
"I assume that today's story is an attempt by agents to put pressure on us. It is certainly not a new story, so I am very disappointed. But I can state quite categorically that we will not be pressurised or bullied by anyone.
"We will deal with things the right way for our football club. I can assure supporters that nobody will leave this club unless the deal is right for us and every other option has been exhausted."
Fulham manager-elect Martin Jol given £20m and he's Keane on Tottenham striker Robbie
By Simon Cass Last updated at 10:11 PM on 19th July 2010
Fulham manager-elect Martin Jol is eager to bring Tottenham striker Robbie Keane to Craven Cottage after being promised a £20million transfer kitty by club owner Mohamed Al Fayed.
Jol spent Monday afternoon in Holland with Fulham officials finalising his move from Ajax, despite the Dutch side making a last-ditch attempt to keep him.
Also present were the former Spurs and Hamburg manager's agent Mino Raiola and his brother Cock Jol, who is expected to join the staff at Craven Cottage.
And once his expected move to west London is rubber-stamped, Jol is ready to spend a large chunk of his transfer windfall, far more than was given to Roy Hodgson, to engineer a reunion with Keane, 30.
The pair worked well at White Hart Lane, and with Harry Redknapp ready to listen to offers for the striker, who spent the back end of last season on loan at Celtic, Jol will try to pip Aston Villa to his signature. Spurs would be willing to listen to offers in the region of £5m.
Steve Sidwell's £2m move from Villa to Fulham should be completed once Jol's appointment as manager is official. The Dutchman could also be in the market for a goalkeeper if Arsenal complete the signing of Australia No 1 Mark Schwarzer.
Jol's move back to England has been smoothed by the fact that a release clause was included in his contract, allowing him to return to a Barclays Premier League club in return for compensation of around £1m.
The 54-year-old's basic salary will be around £1.5m a year, with a wide range of performance-related bonuses. Jol is said to have fallen out with Ajax's board over the sale of the club's top stars.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1296100/Fulham-manager-elect-Martin-Jol-given-20m-hes-Keane-Tottenham-striker-Robbie.html?ito=feeds-newsxml#ixzz0uAQqhCLr (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1296100/Fulham-manager-elect-Martin-Jol-given-20m-hes-Keane-Tottenham-striker-Robbie.html?ito=feeds-newsxml#ixzz0uAQqhCLr)
AJAX BEG MARTIN JOL NOT TO LEAVE THEM FOR FULHAM - Express
Martin Jol was in talks with Ajax as the club tride to dissuade him from leaving for Fulham
Tuesday July 20,2010
By Tony Banks Have your say(0)
MARTIN JOL was locked in talks with Ajax last night as the club made a last-ditch effort to persuade him not to leave for Fulham.
Jol, who has been promised a £25million transfer budget by Fulham owner Mohamed Al Fayed and had already targeted Tottenham misfit Robbie Keane and England keeper David James, has presented Ajax's under-fire board with a list of demands he insists are fulfilled if he is to stay.
Former Spurs manager Jol, 54, wants guarantees that if top stars such as Luis Suarez and Gregory van der Wiel are sold he will get cash to replace them. But the club lost £12m last year and have to sell.
Fulham are still confident they can lure their man from Amsterdam and are hoping to unveil him in the next 24 hours.
Jol had earlier said: "On Thursday evening Fulham contacted me. They said they wanted me as their new manager and contacted Ajax. The Premier League is the best competition in the world, and I like London very much. Fulham is a great opportunity.
The Premier League is the best competition in the world, and I like London very much. Fulham is a great opportunity.
Martin Jol
"The way it is going at Ajax we cannot play for the title, or the biggest prizes. For the past two weeks I have been very worried about what is going to happen. In the past they have paid too much for not so good players and now they have no money to invest in the squad."
Jol, who also had further talks with Fulham chief executive Alistair Mackintosh yesterday, will be handed the biggest transfer war chest provided for a Fulham manager if the deal is done – dwarfing those made available to Kevin Keegan and Jean Tigana earlier in Al Fayed's time at the helm of the club.
Compensation for Jol is likely to work out at about £1m. He has a get-out clause in his Ajax contract, which has two years left to run, that he could leave for a set amount to a Premier League club.
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He would be on a basic £1.75m a year at Craven Cottage but will receive bonuses if he can get the club into Europe, achieve a top-six place, or win a cup. If he can manage one or more of those his total income would top the £2.5m a year he earns at Ajax.
Fulham's No1 priority is a strikerand Keane – who is also a £6m target for Aston Villa – had some of his best years at Tottenham under Jol between 2004-07. The need is all the more urgent as £12m Andrew Johnson has suffered a setback in his recovery from knee ligament surgery, and has flown to the USA for specialist treatment after making just 13 appearances last season.
James is another target as Australia's World Cup keeper Mark Schwarzer is set to join Arsenal in the next few weeks while West Ham's Robert Green is another option.
Jol wants to take his brother Cornelius, who acts as his personal adviser, to Craven Cottage with him, along with fitness coach Mike Lindemann, if a deal can be done.
Former Ipswich and Holland star Arnold Muhren, who was a youth coach under Jol at the Amsterdam Arena last season, said: "I know Martin is unhappy because he wants to buy some new players but the club won't let him because money is tight.
"They won't buy anyone without selling players first. There is no other money to spend.
"I wouldn't blame Martin if he left. Fulham are a good club. They play good football and reached the Europa League final last season. Maybe he is thinking that there are better prospects for him back in London."
Fulham leave for a pre-season tour of Sweden today, with the first game at Halmstad on Thursday night.'I am worried about the future here – and I like London'
http://www.sportinglife.com/others/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=others/10/07/20/manual_075627.html (http://www.sportinglife.com/others/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=others/10/07/20/manual_075627.html)
Also: Martin Jol has been promised he will have around £20m to spend on new players should he become the Fulham manager. The Fulham board yesterday continued to negotiate with Ajax over compensation for Jol, whose potential departure from the famous Dutch club has caused outrage in the Netherlands.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/7899750/Premier-League-Transfer-Talk-Club-by-club-Football-Transfers-Football-Rumours-19-July.html (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/7899750/Premier-League-Transfer-Talk-Club-by-club-Football-Transfers-Football-Rumours-19-July.html)
Fulham
Martin Jol will be unveiled as Fulham's new manager tomorrow. (Sun)
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says he isn't looking to sign goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer. (Sky Sports)
... But Fulham have lined up Rangers' Allan McGregor just in case the Australian does leave Craven Cottage. (People)
Aston Villa midfielder Steve Sidwell has rejected West Ham to join Fulham in a £2 million deal. (Mail)
http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/lifestyle/Steve-spot/article-2433074-detail/article.html (http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/lifestyle/Steve-spot/article-2433074-detail/article.html)
Steve was spot on
S TEVE Coppell's analysis of England's shameful performance in the World Cup was spot on and increases my admiration of him.
Sadly, his prediction that nothing will change will probably prove correct. Big money will see to that and the FA will be impotent against the moguls. Like the banks, failure and incompetence is highly rewarded.
The whole charade was started by Tommy Trinder as the chairman of Fulham, who decided to pay Johnny Haynes £100 per week when everyone else got £10. He was a comedian.
The Premier League managers who control the quality of the England squad, paradoxically, have no interest in the national team, their only concerns being the Saturday league fixture and their club's position in the table.
Capello should be retained; he picked the best squad available. The humiliated fans must now vote with their feet. If Alex Ferguson and co came out to a crowd of 5,000 in the first match of the season things would change. Otherwise I fear the beautiful game will become just another victim of the poisonous philosophy of capitalism.
Dave Macnab,
Whitchurch.
Quote from: os5889 on July 20, 2010, 08:06:05 AM
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/7899750/Premier-League-Transfer-Talk-Club-by-club-Football-Transfers-Football-Rumours-19-July.html (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/7899750/Premier-League-Transfer-Talk-Club-by-club-Football-Transfers-Football-Rumours-19-July.html)
Fulham
Martin Jol will be unveiled as Fulham's new manager tomorrow. (Sun)
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says he isn't looking to sign goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer. (Sky Sports)
... But Fulham have lined up Rangers' Allan McGregor just in case the Australian does leave Craven Cottage. (People)
Aston Villa midfielder Steve Sidwell has rejected West Ham to join Fulham in a £2 million deal. (Mail)
Good work and good finds os5889. Btw, love your oics and keep them coming!
Quote from: os5889 on July 20, 2010, 08:04:44 AM
http://www.sportinglife.com/others/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=others/10/07/20/manual_075627.html (http://www.sportinglife.com/others/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=others/10/07/20/manual_075627.html)
Also: Martin Jol has been promised he will have around £20m to spend on new players should he become the Fulham manager. The Fulham board yesterday continued to negotiate with Ajax over compensation for Jol, whose potential departure from the famous Dutch club has caused outrage in the Netherlands.
I read somewhere that it would be 25m to spend.
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/international/fulhambound-jol-keane-to-take-robbie-to-cottage-14881008.html# (http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/international/fulhambound-jol-keane-to-take-robbie-to-cottage-14881008.html#)
Fulham-bound Jol Keane to take Robbie to Cottage
Tuesday, 20 July 2010
Martin Jol has made Republic of Ireland captain Robbie Keane his No 1 target if, as expected, he takes over as Fulham manager.
Such a move would also benefit Republic manager Giovanni Trapattoni, as Keane would be likely to play regularly at Craven Cottage, where he would dovetail with international colleague Damien Duff.
Jol made Keane his captain when the pair were together at Tottenham, and the manager still holds the Dubliner in high regard; the £6m fee on his head is unlikely to put off the Cottagers.
There is likely to be stiff competition from Aston Villa for the 30-year-old's signature, but the prospect of being able to stay in London should make Fulham the most attractive option for a player who has spent much of his career on the move.
The fee would represent a significant chunk of the £20m which Jol has been promised to bring in new recruits this summer should he take over.
Fulham yesterday continued to negotiate with Ajax over compensation for Jol, whose potential departure from the famous Dutch club has caused outrage in the Netherlands.
Jol also spent hours in talks with Ajax, who hope they can convince him to stay. The likelihood, however, is that a Fulham deal will be announced today.
The Dutchman could also have to find a new goalkeeper should Mark Schwarzer move to Arsenal, with David James a short-term option.
Read more: http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/international/fulhambound-jol-keane-to-take-robbie-to-cottage-14881008.html##ixzz0uCiTV8SZ (http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/international/fulhambound-jol-keane-to-take-robbie-to-cottage-14881008.html##ixzz0uCiTV8SZ)
http://www.espnstar.com/football/premier-league/news/detail/item469513/Jol-eyes-Keane-reunion-at-Fulham/ (http://www.espnstar.com/football/premier-league/news/detail/item469513/Jol-eyes-Keane-reunion-at-Fulham/)
Jol eyes Keane reunion at Fulham
Soon-to-be Fulham manager Martin Jol is eager to bring Robbie Keane to Craven Cottage after being promised a £20 million transfer kitty.
According to The Daily Mail, the former Tottenham boss spent the entire Monday afternoon finalizing the deal that would see him abandon Ajax Amsterdam and go on board the vacant managerial position left by Roy Hodgson at Fulham.
Once the move is completed, Jol is set to spend the majority of his transfer kitty given by Fulham owner Mohamed Al Fayed to engineer a reunion with Keane at Craven Cottage.
Both Keane and Jol worked well at White Hart Lane and with Harry Redknapp willing to offload the 30-year-old, Jol is ready to pounce on his former player but will have Aston Villa to compete with.
It is believed that Spurs are willing to listen to offers within the range of £5 million.
http://www.southasiablog.com/2010/07/arsenal-coach-wenger-is-still-unable-to.html (http://www.southasiablog.com/2010/07/arsenal-coach-wenger-is-still-unable-to.html)
Arsenal Coach Wenger is Still Unable to get a Top Class Goalkeeper
When it comes to finding top class players, Arsene Wenger is surely second to none in World Football. He took quite a few young players and turned them to world class footballers. Now, he needs to find a top class goalkeeper for Arsenal so that the club can mount a serious challenge both in England and in Europe.
Last season, goalkeeping was one of the major problems that the club faced. Both Manuel Almunia and Łukasz Fabiański were inconsistent. A few weeks ago, Arsenal was linked with a number of goalkeepers playing in European leagues. Just a few days ago, it seemed that the joining of Australian national football team and Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer was just a matter of time.
Now, it is almost clear that Fulham will not sell Mark Schwarzer just the way Arsenal is not prepared to sell Cesc Fabregas.
Fulham midfielder Jonathan Greening has requested the club not to sell the goalkeeper. He said to Fulham Chronicle, "Mark's one of the best keepers I've ever played with. His quality's there for all to see and he was a big part of our European campaign last season. He's a massive player and we must do all we can to keep him."
Of course, there are still a few weeks to go before the summer transfer window will close. Even there are almost 4 weeks before the start of new EPL season. So, Wenger has enough time in his hand.
http://www.tribalfootball.com/sean-davis-delighted-bolton-playing-comeback-985331 (http://www.tribalfootball.com/sean-davis-delighted-bolton-playing-comeback-985331)
Sean Davis delighted with Bolton playing comeback
20.07.10 | tribalfootball.com
READ MORE NEWS ON: Bolton, Fulham
Sean Davis was delighted with his playing return for Bolton Wanderers yesterday.
The midfielder was given 45 minutes against Charleston Battery.
"It's great to be back," Davis told the Bolton News. "The hard part was when you're on crutches for 12 weeks, you can't run, can't do anything until the injury has started to run its course.
"It has been really tough at times but there have been a lot of people who have helped me out, and I owe them a lot.
"It takes time and I've got to be sensible about it. The main thing is to be fit for the Fulham game on August 14 – but I'm on track, and that's really encouraging at the moment."
http://blogs.bettor.com/Diego-Forlan-a-constant-ray-of-light-for-country-and-club-a17517 (http://blogs.bettor.com/Diego-Forlan-a-constant-ray-of-light-for-country-and-club-a17517)
Diego Forlan: a constant ray of light for country and club
Forlan is in the form of his life. The former Manchester United man is enjoying the form of his life, scoring 29 times for his nation, the Celeste. He scored twice in the Europa league final, to record a historic win for his club. He is also a two time winner of the Pichichi Trophy and has once captured the European Golden Shoe.
Forlan is known for his marvellous technical impressive finishing abilities. He is known to be two footed, meaning he can score with both feet with ease. The quality of being ambi-dextrous is rare itself but being able to do that with feet is a skill on a whole new level. Owing to his height and agility, he is a lethal threat in aerial battles, and not many defenders can cover him up when he jumps for the ball.
Football was in Forlan's blood, as his father was a regular in Uruguay's World Cup campaign of 1966 and 1974. His maternal uncle was the coach of Chile in 1962. He was a tennis player up till the age of 14 but all that changed soon and his fame plummeted upwards when he caught attention of the eyes of Manchester United coach Alex Ferguson after he scored 40 goals in 90 appearances, therefore in 2002, he joined the Red Devils.
However he could not quite, adjust in United, and scored only 17 goals in 98 appearances. He was a fan favourite when he sunk Liverpool due to his 2 strikes at Anfield, because of which United won the memorable decider for the title as of a 2-1 victory. His striking partner, Ruud Van Nistelrooy, greatly shadowed his capabilities as he had scored 150 goals in 210 appearances. He however won the league three times in his time at United. Eventually it was speculated that he will be sold out and indeed he was sold, with Wayne Rooney signing for United in the same month.
He headed to Villarreal in August 2004, where he was back with what he was known for; scoring goals. He scored 25 times for the Spanish side, where he topped La Liga's goal scorers as well as winning the European shoe. He spent two successful seasons with Villarreal, and then moved to Atletico Madrid; Spanish style of football perhaps suited him and he again was in top form.
He bagged 23 goals in 07/08 season and further 35 goals in the next one and was regarded as one of the top strikers in Spain as well as in Europe. He played a major role in Atletico Madrid's hunt for the Europa League. His single goal was enough to stop Liverpool at home in the semi finals. In the away fixture, Liverpool looked like winning the bout at a score of 2-1, when Forlan scored again, and Ateltico Madrid reached the final. There they met Fulham, and Forlan scored both goals for his side to lift the coveted trophy. It was Atletico Madrid's first European Trophy.
Forlan's international career has also been successful. He has scored 27 times for his country, and has scored in both the 2002 FIFA World Cup as well as the 2010 FIFA World Cup. He scored his first goal in a friendly against Saudi Arabia, which his team lost.
He scored the equalising goal against Senegal from a volley for Uruguay, but were eliminated in the group stages. He was then promoted to a first choice striker and scored six times in the Germany 2006 qualifiers. He then scored another 7 goals in 13 appearances for his side in the 2010 qualifiers.
In 2010 World Cup, he formed a formidable partnership with Luis Suarez, and scored in almost all matches. He scored twice against the host nation, one from the penalty spot and the other from a long range shoot. He scored the equalising goal for Uruguay in the match against Ghana in the quarter finals. The match ultimately came to penalty shootouts where Uruguay won, sending Ghana out of the World Cup. He also got the best footballer award at the end of the tournament.
The 30 year old front man is on the top of his game, and uses his superior abilities and lethal finishing tormenting any defence he is placed against. He is athletic, strong and fearless, and can score goal from free kicks and headers as well. With these skills a long and lustrous career can be expected of him.
http://blog.thestar.com.my/permalink.asp?id=31647&cat=26 (http://blog.thestar.com.my/permalink.asp?id=31647&cat=26)
Chris Smalling set to impress
Posted by: Sri9532
Manchester United's new gun, Chris Smalling seems to be making a great impression so far, this after his recent move from Fulham.
Smalling is young (20), talented and has fresh legs, but with the strength and amount of good players at United, I wonder how much of a chance he will get to play.
Of course now he can enjoy himself with United's tour of North America, and this without the likes of Rio and Vidic, which will probably allow him the chance to feature in a few games. But what happens when they get back. How much will he play.
That's the case with United. It's a hard fact to assimilate but that's the situation. A lot of the young stars only get to feature in matches that do not bear much relevance.
Boro target Dawson submits another transfer
Middlesbrough target Craig Dawson is believed to have handed in a second transfer request at Rochdale.
The former Manchester City trainee is regarded as one of the best young defenders in the lower divisions and helped the Spotland club to promotion from League Two last term.
However, he submitted an unsuccessful first transfer request in June after Boro had a reported £400,000 offer turned down.
But it would seem that the 20-year-old is still keen to move on and a second request to leave the club has now followed.
Meanwhile, it is understood that Boro's original offer currently remains on the table, although with both Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur previously interested it may still have to be increased.
Read more: http://www.middlesbrough.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=205356#ixzz0uCjoJILw (http://www.middlesbrough.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=205356#ixzz0uCjoJILw)
Quote from: os5889 on July 20, 2010, 08:13:59 AM
http://blog.thestar.com.my/permalink.asp?id=31647&cat=26 (http://blog.thestar.com.my/permalink.asp?id=31647&cat=26)
Chris Smalling set to impress
Posted by: Sri9532
Manchester United's new gun, Chris Smalling seems to be making a great impression so far, this after his recent move from Fulham.
Smalling is young (20), talented and has fresh legs, but with the strength and amount of good players at United, I wonder how much of a chance he will get to play.
Of course now he can enjoy himself with United's tour of North America, and this without the likes of Rio and Vidic, which will probably allow him the chance to feature in a few games. But what happens when they get back. How much will he play.
That's the case with United. It's a hard fact to assimilate but that's the situation. A lot of the young stars only get to feature in matches that do not bear much relevance.
Is this suppose to be a joke or something?
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_6270864,00.html (http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_6270864,00.html)
Jol explains Fulham lure
Dutchman cannot wait for England return
Martin Jol has revealed why he is planning to leave Ajax to return to the Premier League with Fulham.
Fulham have targeted former Tottenham boss Jol to succeed Roy Hodgson at Craven Cottage following the Englishman's departure to Liverpool.
The Cottagers are thought to be thrashing out a compensation deal with Ajax for Jol and hope to have their new man on board before Thursday's pre-season friendly with Halmstad.
Jol insists the Fulham job is too good to turn down because he is unsure of Ajax's future as they plan to sell some of their best players.
"On Thursday evening Fulham contacted me. Fulham said they wanted me as their new manager and they contacted Ajax," Jol told the Daily Mirror.
"The Premier League is the best competition in the world, and I like London very much. Fulham is a great opportunity.
Worried
"The way it is going at Ajax we cannot play for the title, or the biggest prizes.
"For the past two weeks I have been very worried about what is going to happen with Ajax.
"In the past they have paid too much for not so good players and now they have no money to invest in the squad."
http://blogs.bettor.com/English-Premier-League-Martin-Jol-A-Favorite-To-Take-Over-At-Fulham-a17553 (http://blogs.bettor.com/English-Premier-League-Martin-Jol-A-Favorite-To-Take-Over-At-Fulham-a17553)
English Premier League: Martin Jol A Favorite To Take Over At Fulham
The former Tottenham boss, Martin Jol is a favorite to take up the manager's job at Fulham. Fulham lost their previous manager Roy Hodgson, to Liverpool as the Englishman took over at Liverpool earlier on in the summer.
Hodgson did remarkably well with Fulham as he took them to the Europa League final which the London club lost eventually to the Spanish club Athletico Madrid. Hodgson also maintained a top half premier league spot for Fulham and even managed to defeat the reigning English champions of 2008-2009 season, Manchester United, by a score line of three goals to nil at craven cottage.
Martin Jol is currently at the Dutch club Ajax Amsterdam. Jol took them to a second placed finish in the Dutch football league and has helped the club develop recent World Cup stars such as Van Der Weil, Luis Suarez and Maarten Stekelenburg. Ajax Amsterdam is a renowned for developing young stars through its youth academy. Previously, Ajax has blessed football with talents such as Ruud Van Nistelrooy, Johann Cruyff and Clarence Seedorf.
However, unfortunately because of Dutch league's lower financial appeal than the Spanish and English leagues, Ajax have had to sell their superstars to higher bidders in other more commercially active European leagues. Ajax, therefore has been termed as a selling club.
Arnold Muhren, who was part of Ajax's youth setup under Martin Jol in the 2009-2010 season lately come out and told the press that, Martin Jol is quite unhappy at Ajax because of the clubs selling attitude. Recently at the World Cup, Luis Suarez played brilliantly for the Uruguayan national team. Suarez has turned into a lethal goal poacher under Martin Jol at Ajax and scored around 35 goals last season.
Other Ajax stars include the young Dutch right back, Van Der Weil who played in the FIFA 2010 World Cup final for Netherlands. Van Der Weil's team mate Maarten Stekelenburg also plays at Ajax and has been refined into a fine goalkeeper for Ajax under Jol's guidance.
Muhren said that, Martin Jol wants to sign another striker at Ajax but the club officials have told him that they will not give him any transfer money unless he agrees to sell some of the club's current stars. Muhren also added that, Jol's negotiations with Fulham F.C have already begun.
Ex-Ajax youth coach went onto say that, Jol might be thinking that Fulham is much more of an opportunity for him because they made the Europa league final last season. He also stated that, if the Dutchman thinks he does not possess the squad at Ajax to challenge other teams for the title in the Dutch league, then he might opt for Fulham.
Commenting on Martin Jol's capabilities as a manager, Muhren said that Jol did brilliantly at Spurs and at Hamburg as well. He also said that Martin Jol has a good reputation in Holland because he just lost the league title by just one point in the 2009-2010 season.
http://www.football365.com/story/0,17033,8671_6270860,00.html (http://www.football365.com/story/0,17033,8671_6270860,00.html)
COULD JOL REJECT FULHAM?
Is Martin Jol having second thoughts about joining Fulham? The Times thinks he might be.
The paper says that the Dutchman was in talks last night with Ajax as the club try to convince him to stay. It also describes Jol as 'worried that Hodgson may have overachieved by making up for the squad limitations with good organisation, as Fulham finished seventh two seasons ago and reached the Europa League final last season' and 'concerned' that moving to Craven Cottage would be a 'step down'.
Jol himself is reported to have confirmed on Monday night that: "The Premier League is the best competition in the world and I like London very much. Fulham is a great opportunity. The way it is going at Ajax we cannot play for the title or the biggest prizes."
OR WILL HE JOIN TO CHASE KEANE, JAMES, SIDWELL AND IRELAND?
Elsewhere, however, Jol's appointment is being talked up as a done deal to the extent that the papers are already discussing his transfer targets.
'Martin Jol is likely to make a bid for the Tottenham striker Robbie Keane if, as expected, he takes over at Fulham this week. The Dutchman managed Keane at White Hart Lane and has been promised about £20m to spend on transfers should he accept the job at Craven Cottage,' says The Guardian.
A concurring Independent adds that 'Keane, 30, would be available for a fee of around £6m, although Fulham are likely to face competition from Aston Villa for the striker's signature.
'Jol could also have to find a new goalkeeper should Mark Schwarzer move to Arsenal, with England keeper David James a potential short-term option. Villa midfielder Steve Sidwell is another possible recruit, for a fee of £2m.'
And the Daily Mirror reckons that Jol is 'is keen on rivalling Aston Villa for Manchester City midfielder Stephen Ireland.'
http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/145240/Martin-Jol-to-join-Fulham-with-massive-transfer-kitty/ (http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/145240/Martin-Jol-to-join-Fulham-with-massive-transfer-kitty/)
MARTIN JOL TO JOIN FULHAM WITH MASSIVE TRANSFER KITTY
MARTIN JOL will be unveiled as Fulham boss before Thursday's friendly with Halmstad – and is bringing his brother with him.
The Cottagers flew to Sweden yesterday to begin their pre-season tour with caretaker boss Ray Lewington still in charge.
But Lewington's future is now in doubt because Jol wants his brother Cornelis to join him at Craven Cottage as assistant coach.
Former Tottenham boss Jol is also bringing fitness coach Mike Lindemann with him from Amsterdam.
The trio helped Ajax finish second in the Dutch league last season behind Steve McClaren's FC Twente.
Fulham are expected to pay Ajax £1.2m in compensation for Jol, who has agreed terms of around £2m a year with the west Londoners.
Arnold Muhren was a youth coach under Jol last season and claims that Jol is being forced out because of a lack of backing in the transfer market.
Former Manchester United star Muhren said: "Fulham is a good club. They reached the Europa League final last year.
"Maybe he is thinking there are better prospects for him at Fulham. His record speaks for itself.
"He did well at Spurs and did well at Hamburg before leaving them for the same reason he wants to leave Ajax now – he wasn't getting enough support.
"I know Martin is unhappy at Ajax because he wants to buy new players – but because the club lost £18m last year, they won't let him.
"There are a lot of players they want to sell.
''He wants to bring new players in, but they won't let him without selling players first. There is no other money to spend. I wouldn't blame him if he left."
Jol has been told by Fulham owner Mohamed Al Fayed that transfer funds will be made available at Craven Cottage.
Al Fayed has just pocketed £1.5bn from the sale of Harrods and is keen to hand a sizeable transfer kitty to Roy Hodgson's successor.
Quote from: os5889 on July 20, 2010, 08:06:52 AM
http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/lifestyle/Steve-spot/article-2433074-detail/article.html (http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/lifestyle/Steve-spot/article-2433074-detail/article.html)
Steve was spot on
S TEVE Coppell's analysis of England's shameful performance in the World Cup was spot on and increases my admiration of him.
Sadly, his prediction that nothing will change will probably prove correct. Big money will see to that and the FA will be impotent against the moguls. Like the banks, failure and incompetence is highly rewarded.
The whole charade was started by Tommy Trinder as the chairman of Fulham, who decided to pay Johnny Haynes £100 per week when everyone else got £10. He was a comedian.
The Premier League managers who control the quality of the England squad, paradoxically, have no interest in the national team, their only concerns being the Saturday league fixture and their club's position in the table.
Capello should be retained; he picked the best squad available. The humiliated fans must now vote with their feet. If Alex Ferguson and co came out to a crowd of 5,000 in the first match of the season things would change. Otherwise I fear the beautiful game will become just another victim of the poisonous philosophy of capitalism.
Dave Macnab,
Whitchurch.
Idiot. I hate reading anything that suggests the abolition of the maximum wage in football was a bad thing. Freakin idiot.
GSM) - Fulham will have to look further for their new coach: their No 1 target Martin Jol has decided to stay at Ajax.
Yesterday it was reported Fulham were negotiating with Jol and his representative. Today, De Telegraaf says the Dutch coach has decided to stay true to Ajax after talks with the management last night.
Jol has vowed to stay at the Amsterdam side despite the firm interest of Fulham. However, the former Tottenham manager has urged Ajax to invest in the squad because he believes this is necessary to compete at the top this season.
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/premiership/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/10/07/20/SOCCER_Ajax.html&TEAMHD=premiership (http://www.sportinglife.com/football/premiership/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/10/07/20/SOCCER_Ajax.html&TEAMHD=premiership)
Martin Jol is prepared to snub Fulham and remain at Ajax, providing the club allow him to strengthen the squad this summer.
Jol is reportedly Fulham's first choice to replace Roy Hodgson, who has joined Liverpool, but the Dutchman has hinted he will remain in Amsterdam after talks with the Ajax hierarchy.
"They (Fulham) were interested but in principle I will stay at Ajax," Jol told Amsterdam-based newspaper De Telegraaf.
Jol had been told he was not able to recruit this summer until Holland right-back Gregory van der Wiel and Uruguay striker Luis Suarez had departed - freeing up funds.
But, following talks with financial director Jeroen Slop and chief executive Rik van den Boog, Jol has been reassured he can bring in a cheap right-wing option and then spend more if the likes of Van der Wiel and Suarez leave.
The plan needs to be approved by the club's supervisory board - headed by Uri Coronel - but that is unlikely to be a problem after they recruited Jol just a year ago.
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/20072010/63/jol-set-stay-ajax-talks.html (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/20072010/63/jol-set-stay-ajax-talks.html)
Jol set to stay after Ajax talks
Martin Jol is prepared to snub Fulham and remain at Ajax, providing the club allow him to strengthen the squad this summer.
Jol is reportedly Fulham's first choice to replace Roy Hodgson, who has joined Liverpool, but the Dutchman has hinted he will remain in Amsterdam after talks with the Ajax hierarchy.
"They (Fulham) were interested but in principle I will stay at Ajax," Jol told Amsterdam-based newspaper De Telegraaf on Tuesday morning.
Jol had been told he was not able to recruit this summer until Holland right-back Gregory van der Wiel and Uruguay striker Luis Suarez had departed - freeing up funds.
But, following talks with financial director Jeroen Slop and chief executive Rik van den Boog, Jol has been reassured he can bring in a cheap right-wing option and then spend more if the likes of Van der Wiel and Suarez leave.
The plan needs to be approved by the club's supervisory board - headed by Uri Coronel - but that is unlikely to be a problem after they recruited Jol just a year ago.
Martin Jol relishing Fulham move to splash cash at Craven Cottage
Frustrated: Jol was hampered at Ajax
Martin Jol admitted he jumped at the chance to join Fulham as he will be able to spend some money.
Jol spent Monday afternoon in Holland with Fulham officials finalising his move from Ajax, despite the Dutch side making a last-ditch attempt to keep him.
But the former Tottenham manager, sacked at White Hart Lane three years ago, had no intention of staying in Amsterdam due to his frustration at losing his best players.
He will be handed a £20million transfer kitty at Craven Cottage as owner Mohamed Al Fayed looks ahead to life without Roy Hodgson, now in charge of Liverpool.
'On Thursday evening Fulham contacted me. Fulham said they wanted me as their new manager and they contacted Ajax,' said Jol.
'The Premier League is the best competition in the world, and I like London very much. Fulham is a great opportunity.
'The way it is going at Ajax we cannot play for the title, or the biggest prizes.'
Jol was unhappy at the prospect of losing the likes of Uruguay World Cup striker Luis Suarez and added: 'For the past two weeks I have been very worried about what is going to happen with Ajax.
'In the past they have paid too much for not so good players and now they have no money to invest in the squad.'
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1296168/Martin-Jol-relishing-Fulham-move.html#ixzz0uCxpLAIQ (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1296168/Martin-Jol-relishing-Fulham-move.html#ixzz0uCxpLAIQ)
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5jptC1K0tPkdEWl-D44TQI3--ffvQ (http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5jptC1K0tPkdEWl-D44TQI3--ffvQ)
Jol set to stay after Ajax talks
(UKPA) – 7 minutes ago
Martin Jol is prepared to snub Fulham and remain at Ajax, providing the club allow him to strengthen the squad this summer.
Jol is reportedly Fulham's first choice to replace Roy Hodgson, who has joined Liverpool, but the Dutchman has hinted he will remain in Amsterdam after talks with the Ajax hierarchy.
"They (Fulham) were interested but in principle I will stay at Ajax," Jol told Amsterdam-based newspaper De Telegraaf.
Jol had been told he was not able to recruit this summer until Holland right-back Gregory van der Wiel and Uruguay striker Luis Suarez had departed - freeing up funds.
But, following talks with financial director Jeroen Slop and chief executive Rik van den Boog, Jol has been reassured he can bring in a cheap right-wing option and then spend more if the likes of Van der Wiel and Suarez leave.
The plan needs to be approved by the club's supervisory board - headed by Uri Coronel - but that is unlikely to be a problem after they recruited Jol just a year ago.
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_6270933,00.html (http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_6270933,00.html)
Martin Jol has revealed he is set to snub Fulham to stay with Dutch giants Ajax.
Former Tottenham manager Jol was expected to be named the Fulham boss this week after holding talks with the West London club about succeeding Roy Hodgson at Craven Cottage.
Jol had earlier indicated he was prepared to leave Ajax and move to Fulham because of uncertainty over the futures of a number of star players at Ajax.
However, it appears Jol has agreed to stick with Ajax after last-ditch talks with the club's hierarchy.
"They (Fulham) were interested but in principle I will stay at Ajax," Jol told De Telegraaf.
The news will come as a blow to Fulham as they had thought they had landed their man to replace Hodgson and means they will have go back to the drawing board as they search for a new manager.
Quote from: os5889 on July 20, 2010, 08:52:56 AM
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/premiership/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/10/07/20/SOCCER_Ajax.html&TEAMHD=premiership (http://www.sportinglife.com/football/premiership/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/10/07/20/SOCCER_Ajax.html&TEAMHD=premiership)
Martin Jol is prepared to snub Fulham and remain at Ajax, providing the club allow him to strengthen the squad this summer.
Jol is reportedly Fulham's first choice to replace Roy Hodgson, who has joined Liverpool, but the Dutchman has hinted he will remain in Amsterdam after talks with the Ajax hierarchy.
"They (Fulham) were interested but in principle I will stay at Ajax," Jol told Amsterdam-based newspaper De Telegraaf.
Jol had been told he was not able to recruit this summer until Holland right-back Gregory van der Wiel and Uruguay striker Luis Suarez had departed - freeing up funds.
But, following talks with financial director Jeroen Slop and chief executive Rik van den Boog, Jol has been reassured he can bring in a cheap right-wing option and then spend more if the likes of Van der Wiel and Suarez leave.
The plan needs to be approved by the club's supervisory board - headed by Uri Coronel - but that is unlikely to be a problem after they recruited Jol just a year ago.
As someone said, it seems like he was just trying to get the Ajax hierarchy to pull their finger out. Hope it's not like that but surely he wouldn't leave Ajax for us. Curbishley might be getting a phone call after all...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/f/fulham/8829195.stm (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/f/fulham/8829195.stm)
Ajax coach Martin Jol still in frame to be Fulham boss
Martin Jol is still weighing up whether to become Fulham manager, despite reports in the Netherlands claiming he will stay with Ajax "in principle".
http://www.98fm.com/news-sport/sport/fulham-keane-premier-2007943/ (http://www.98fm.com/news-sport/sport/fulham-keane-premier-2007943/)
Jol Closes the Door on The Cottage
It's claimed this morning that Martin Jol has agreed in principle to stay on at Ajax. Reports from Holland say Jol will turn down the advances of Fulham if Ajax give him a fighting fund to bolster his panel this summer. It was thought Jol would make an offer for his former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – if he were to make the switch to the Cottage – that now looks unlikely. Sven Goran Eriksson now appears to be the front runner to replace Roy Hodgson.
Elsewhere in the transfer market today – another of Keane's possible suitors – Aston Villa – are thought to be on the verge of making a €12 million offer for the Celtic winger Aiden McGeady. Martin O'Neill's hoping to be reunited with his former Parkhead player.
Meanwhile Man City have rubbished reports by the agent of Chelsea striker Didier Drogba that his client was the subject of a €23 million bid by the Sky Blues.
http://www.bettingpress.com/category/Football/Next-Fulham-FC-manager--Martin-Jol-to-reject-Fulham-FC-role-201007200032/ (http://www.bettingpress.com/category/Football/Next-Fulham-FC-manager--Martin-Jol-to-reject-Fulham-FC-role-201007200032/)
Next Fulham FC manager - Martin Jol to reject Fulham FC role?
Bet on the new manager at Ladbrokes, sign-up today using bonus code F25 and get a free bet worth £25.
Former Tottenham Hotspur manager Martin Jol looks set to deal Fulham FC a massive blow by rejecting the opportunity to become their new manager.
Fulham, who are in need of a new manager after Roy Hodgson left to join Liverpool FC, were confident they would convince Jol to move back to London but that has not been the case.
Jol had indicated he was prepared to leave Ajax and move to Fulham because of uncertainty over the futures of a number of his star players at Ajax.
However, it now looks like Jol will remain in Holland after holding emergency talks.
Jol told De Telegraaf: "They (Fulham) were interested but in principle I will stay at Ajax,."
Despite this claim Ladbrokes still have Jol as joint-favourite to take over at Fulham FC with Dave Jones at 2/1.Next Fulham FC manager - Martin Jol to reject Fulham FC role?
Who will be the next Fulham FC manager?(credit: Sorodorin)
Betting Press Staff - 20 Jul 2010
Cottagers need to look elsewhere?
Bet on the new manager at Ladbrokes, sign-up today using bonus code F25 and get a free bet worth £25.
Former Tottenham Hotspur manager Martin Jol looks set to deal Fulham FC a massive blow by rejecting the opportunity to become their new manager.
Fulham, who are in need of a new manager after Roy Hodgson left to join Liverpool FC, were confident they would convince Jol to move back to London but that has not been the case.
Jol had indicated he was prepared to leave Ajax and move to Fulham because of uncertainty over the futures of a number of his star players at Ajax.
However, it now looks like Jol will remain in Holland after holding emergency talks.
Jol told De Telegraaf: "They (Fulham) were interested but in principle I will stay at Ajax,."
Despite this claim Ladbrokes still have Jol as joint-favourite to take over at Fulham FC with Dave Jones at 2/1.
http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/jol-staying-at-ajax-1079048.html (http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/jol-staying-at-ajax-1079048.html)
Jol staying at Ajax
Fulham, 10:12, July 20, 2010
Fulham could miss out on their number one target to replace Roy Hodgso,n as Martin Jol says he may be prepared to stay at Ajax.
Fulham thought they had got a deal done for the former Spurs boss but that now looks less likely, as Jol has made it clear that if he is handed the cash he wants to strengthen the Amsterdam side, then he will stay in the Dutch capital.
Following talks with Ajax, Jol told Amsterdam-based newspaper De Telegraaf: "They (Fulham) were interested, but in principle I will stay at Ajax."
Although all is not lost with Jol, it does look like the club may have to consider going back to the drawing board.
http://betting.betfred.com/713/sport-betting-news/fulham-fears-over-jol/ (http://betting.betfred.com/713/sport-betting-news/fulham-fears-over-jol/)
FULHAM FEARS OVER JOL
20.07.2010 at 10:08 am | Posted In: Football Betting, Sport Betting News with No Comments
Fulham's hopes of appointing Martin Jol as the new manager at Craven Cottage for the new Premier League season (Fulham 8/1 To Be Relegated) have been hit by the news the Dutchman will consider the prospect of staying at Ajax.
The former Tottenham boss looked certain to take over at Craven Cottage this week, after becoming disillusioned at the Amsterdam Arena.
Jol is understood to have been told that he could not have any transfer funds unless Dutch right-back Gregory van der Wiel and Uruguay striker Luis Suarez were sold this summer.
However, Jol has now held talks with Ajax's financial director Jeroen Slop and chief executive Rik van den Boog, where it is reported he was told he could bring in a right winger.
It appears that Jol may have been satisfied by the board agreeing to his demands and is set to leave Fulham back to square one in their search for a new boss, ahead of the side's Premier League opener at Bolton (Fulham 7/4, Bolton 5/4, draw 9/4 – Match Betting) on August 14.
"They (Fulham) were interested but in principle I will stay at Ajax," Jol told Amsterdam-based newspaper De Telegraaf.
http://www.footylatest.com/jol-targets-spurs-striker-as-confusion-takes-hold-over-fulham-job/15439 (http://www.footylatest.com/jol-targets-spurs-striker-as-confusion-takes-hold-over-fulham-job/15439)
Jol targets Spurs striker as Confusion takes hold over Fulham job
Robbie Keane may not be the most popular figure at Spurs at the moment, but he sure is still an appealing target to his former manager Martin Jol who is said to have set eyes on a reunion with the Irish man at the Cottage after Jol's contract with Fulham has been signed and sealed.
The Dutchman has been promised the sum of £20m be made available for him to invest in the current transfer market, and the Daily Mail claims Jol is set to make Keane his 1st buy.
Keane's valuation in the market has dropped from £18+ million to just £5m in the last 3 years in which he was transfered numerous times but never managed to settle in one place. First he moved out from the Lane to Anfield, couldn't blend, found his way back to Spurs but couldn't regain his place in the starting line-up. He then went off to Celtic on loan and he left his mark with the Glasgow based club although they still lost the SPL title race by a big margin, and now -back at Spurs- Keano was waiting for Aston Villa's Martin O'Neill to come for his rescue before Jol volunteered for the job.
It is still unclear though as to whether Jol will be appointed at the Cottage in the 1st place. The Dutchman did an apparent U-turn stunt on Monday afternoon stating he will stay at Ajax 'in principle' leaving everyone at a loss of what exactly he was up to next.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/f/fulham/8829195.stm (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/f/fulham/8829195.stm)
Ajax coach Martin Jol still in frame to be Fulham boss
Martin Jol is still weighing up whether to become Fulham boss, despite reports in the Netherlands that he has agreed to stay with Ajax "in principle".
Fulham held talks with the 54-year-old Dutchman and hoped to appoint him as Roy Hodgson's successor this week.
Officials from the Premier League club are in Amsterdam attempting to secure the services of their top target.
The deal may hinge on whether Ajax will let Jol keep his star players and provide funds for new signings.
Jol had been told he was not able to recruit this summer until Netherlands right-back Gregory van der Wiel and Uruguay striker Luis Suarez had departed to free up funds.
There were also suggestions that Dutch international goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg could be leaving the Amsterdam Arena.
It would appear that situation has now changed but Fulham remain hopeful of landing the former Tottenham manager.
Ivory Coast coach Sven-Goran Eriksson had also been linked with the vacancy at Craven Cottage, while United States coach Bob Bradley and Switzerland's Ottmar Hitzfeld were other names in the running.
Eriksson is thought to have held talks with Fulham but the Swede revealed last week that he was considering a lucrative offer to stay on as Ivory Coast head coach.
Hitzfeld then ruled himself out of contention and a statement from the United States Soccer Federation outlined its intention to extend Bradley's current contract.
Jol, who was sacked by Spurs in October 2007, still owns a house in England and the Dutchman has reportedly been offered a rolling contract.
Although Fulham reached the Europa League final in May, Ajax will be playing Champions League football in September providing they come through qualifying.
They were pipped to the Dutch league title last season by FC Twente, who were managed by former England boss Steve McClaren.
http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2010/07/20/2033614/fulham-target-martin-jol-happy-to-remain-with-ajax-in (http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2010/07/20/2033614/fulham-target-martin-jol-happy-to-remain-with-ajax-in)
Fulham target Martin Jol happy to remain with Ajax 'in principle' if funds are available
Dutchman had clashed with board over transfer kitty...
Martin Jol looks set to spurn Fulham and remain at Ajax after a showdon meeting over the club's available transfer budget.
The Dutchman - reportedly Fulham's main target to takeover from Roy Hodgson - is worried at the potential mass of key players leaving Ajax with no funds being made available to bring in any new talent.
But both parties have come to a solution and Jol told the Telegraaf: "They [Fulham] were interested, but in principle I will stay at Ajax."
On Monday Jol had admitted to being tempted with a move to west London and revealed he had been in contact with the Cottagers.
"On Thursday evening Fulham contacted me. Fulham said they wanted me as their new manager and they contacted Ajax," Jol told The Daily Mirror.
"The Premier League is the best competition in the world, and I like London very much. Fulham is a great opportunity.
"The way it is going at Ajax we cannot play for the title, or the biggest prizes," he added.
"For the past two weeks I have been very worried about what is going to happen with Ajax.
"In the past they have paid too much for not so good players and now they have no money to invest in the squad."
After the inevitable sale of Gregory van der Wiel to Bayern Munich, Jol will push to bring in a striker and a winger, or it least one, in time for the Champions League qualifier against PAOK Salonika next week.
His funds are very much restricted to bargains and free transfer but Jol is satisfied he can at least re-strengthen the team, having been linked with former players Tom de Mul - now at Sevilla - and Wigan's Daniel de Ridder.
This, however, is yet to be cleared by the board, and if they reject the requests of the manager he could still yet leave.
On Tuesday morning, Jol told De Telegraaf: "They (Fulham) were interested, but in principle I will stay at Ajax."
V
"On Thursday evening Fulham contacted me," he said. "Fulham said they wanted me as their new manager and they contacted Ajax. The Premier League is the best competition in the world, and I like London very much. Fulham is a great opportunity....
http://www.joe.ie/003762/1/1/story/why-jol-will-be-spurred-on-to-achieve-at-fulham (http://www.joe.ie/003762/1/1/story/why-jol-will-be-spurred-on-to-achieve-at-fulham)
WHY JOL WILL BE SPURRED ON TO ACHIEVE AT FULHAM
13 minutes ago
Martin Jol was harshly dealt with at Spurs. Now that he's back in London we take a look at his career and ask whether he can continue Fulham's success.
By Conor Hogan
Harry Redknapp is the greatest man who ever drew breath. That's the impression you might get from reading certain English publications. Martin Jol was sacked by Spurs in 2007, yet was only a bad lasagne away from getting Spurs into the Champions League in '06, the achievement Redknapp currently sees himself beatified for.
Jol had a successful career in Holland before joining Spurs as their assistant, winning two Dutch Coach of the Year awards and a Dutch cup with two fairly small clubs.
In fact, eyebrows were raised when he accepted a mere coaching position at the North London club, but he must have been aware of what kind of flake Jacques Santini was, and that he wouldn't have to wait very long for an opportunity. The Frenchman couldn't find a house, and left Spurs after a mere 13 games, leaving Jol in charge and determined to make the most of it.
Tottenham
Tottenham recovered from the Santini fiasco that season, and many were impressed with Jol, despite Spurs only finishing in their annual position of ninth. Five wins in a row in December earned him the Manager of the Month Award, and they should have had a famous victory over Man United at Old Trafford in July, but for the worst decision in the history of mankind.
A top five finish followed, but it could've been even better. All they needed on the final day to get into the Champions League was a win against a ninth place West Ham side with absolutely nothing to play for. Unfortunately, half the team were struck down with food poisoning, allowing West Ham to grab a 2-0 win, and Arsenal to overtake Tottenham in the table. The incident inspired a famous Arsenal chant.
This was Spurs' highest league finish since 1990, and he achieved a second consecutive fifth place the following year. This wasn't good enough for the impatient Tottenham board, however, and they actively pursued Juande Ramos behind his back. Signings were made without his consent too, the finally indignity coming when he found out he was losing his job in a text message.
With all the Spurs board's duplicity, perhaps it was karma that the Ramos move was a disaster. The Spaniard could only lead Tottenham to eleventh place the first year, and was sacked the following year after the worst start to a season in the club's history.
Redemption
Meanwhile Jol was having a bit of a redemption. Not that Jol's reputation needed to be redeemed, as it was only members of the Spurs board who didn't realise his value. But if there was anyone left to doubt him, his next few jobs should have changed their opinions.
The first post he took was in Germany with Hamburg. Despite having to sell players such as Football Manager superstar Rafael van der Vaart, Vincent Kompany and Mohamed Zidan at the start of the season, Jol helped Hamburg to be genuine title contenders. He also got them to the semi-finals of both the Uefa Cup and the German cup.
The next job he accepted was in 2009-2010 with Ajax. Under Jol, the Amsterdam club won an incredible 14 consecutive matches, and scored 106 goals in only 34 games. They won the Dutch cup, and were very unlucky not to win the league, finishing a point behind Steve McClaren's FC Twente.
Spurs had success too last year, Redknapp's strategy of buying back the players that played under Jol that Ramos had sold paying off. Who's to say that if Spurs hadn't been patient with Jol that he wouldn't have got them into the Champions League by now, and that they might have saved themselves a couple of years and a hell of a lot of money
London Calling
Martin Jol has a track record of success at every club he has managed, and could prove to be an exceptional acquisition for Mohamed Al-Fayed at Fulham. In the last few years he has proved that he can make an immediate impact, as he improved both Hamburg and Ajax with only a season to work with them.
Fulham might seem like a small job for someone as successful as Jol, but then again was it not a small club for Hodgson too, until it earned him the opportunity to manage Liverpool? Jol will still have the bulk of the team that Hodgson steered to the Europa League final, and without the distraction of Europe they have an outside chance of a top seven finish.
With Tottenham Champions League bound, the distraction could prove fatal to their league form, and Jol might even mastermind a finish ahead of the team that so cruelly discarded him.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5hLCBTI3Pw9a7uAeXVzN1r86SJNLA (http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5hLCBTI3Pw9a7uAeXVzN1r86SJNLA)
Ajax blocking Jol Fulham move
(UKPA) – 43 minutes ago
Martin Jol's appointment as Fulham manager is being held up by Ajax's refusal to negotiate over compensation.
It is understood that Jol wants to succeed Roy Hodgson at Craven Cottage but his path is being blocked by Ajax, who are keen to retain the 54-year-old. The development contradicts earlier reports in the Dutch media that stated Jol is prepared to snub Fulham, providing Ajax give him the funds to strengthen the squad this summer.
"They (Fulham) were interested but in principle I will stay at Ajax," Jol told Amsterdam-based newspaper De Telegraaf.
Jol had been told he was not able to recruit this summer until Holland right-back Gregory van der Wiel and Uruguay striker Luis Suarez had departed - freeing up funds.
But, following talks with financial director Jeroen Slop and chief executive Rik van den Boog, Jol has been reassured he can bring in a cheap right-wing option and then spend more if the likes of Van der Wiel and Suarez leave.
The plan needs to be approved by the club's supervisory board - headed by Uri Coronel - but that is unlikely to be a problem after they recruited Jol just a year ago.
http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/sport/8280245.Davis_return_can_give_us_a_lift_____Knight/ (http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/sport/8280245.Davis_return_can_give_us_a_lift_____Knight/)
Davis return can give us a lift – Knight
ZAT Knight cannot wait to see Sean Davis back in full swing for Wanderers.
After seeing his team-mate come through his first 45 minutes in 10 months against Charleston Battery on Saturday night, the big defender is already looking forward to lining-up alongside him against their old club Fulham on the opening day of the season.
Speaking from the club's North American tour, Knight believes Davis will be eager to make up for lost time.
"He only managed two games for us last season, he was so unlucky," the centre-half said. "So to have him back fully fit and fresh will be great for us. He's such a quality player.
"He'll have that hunger, feeling that he's missed a year, so he's going to want to repay himself, the club and the team.
"We just want him to get right and stay strong for the season, not just for himself but for the team as well."
Davis missed the opening pre-season game against Charlotte after suffering a slight reaction to the knee injury, which had kept him out of action since the end of last August.
But he returned with a bang on Saturday, playing 45 minutes alongside fellow long-term casualty, Joey O'Brien.
Knight has warned his mate, however, that he should not rush his comeback, even if that means he misses Wanderers' opening day game against Fulham.
"It's great to have him back in training and doing well," he said.
"He had a bit of an irritation with his knee the other day after training and got a bit down but I told him he's come a long way.
"He needs to just keep on going and make sure he's right for the 14th against Fulham.
"I have told him next time he feels a little niggle, don't try and work through it, just relax and take a bit of time.
"Everyone knows what Sean can do and where he has come from. The coaching staff and the medical staff just want him to be in tip-top shape for the start of the season, even if it's not the 14th."
http://www.tribalfootball.com/eriksson-furious-over-fulham-snub-986281 (http://www.tribalfootball.com/eriksson-furious-over-fulham-snub-986281)
Eriksson furious over Fulham snub
21.07.10 | tribalfootball.com
READ MORE NEWS ON: Fulham, World Cup
Ivory Coast World Cup coach Sven Goran Eriksson is upset over rejection from Fulham chairman Mohamed al Fayed, it has been revealed.
Al Fayed has decided to push the boat out to land Martin Jol from Ajax as Roy Hodgson's replacement.
The People says Eriksson is said to be furious that Fulham have turned to Jol, after believing that the Craven Cottage job would be his.
If Fulham fail to land Jol, their options will be severely limited. Huddersfield boss Lee Clark and Croatia chief Slaven Bilic are still possible options..
