Wednesday Fulham Stuff (13/07/11)...

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Fulham limked with move for SAFC midfielder Steed Malbranque

FULHAM are the latest club to be linked with Steed Malbranque after rumoured interest from Blackburn Rovers and QPR in the skilful Sunderland midfielder.

The 31-year-old, in the last year of his contract at the Stadium of Light, is unlikely to be offered a new deal at the Stadium of Light.

And although Black Cats' boss Steve Bruce has come to respect and rate the Belgian over the last two seasons, he is presiding over a squad in transition and is willing to listen to reasonable offers.

The manager knows that with nine signings already this summer and potentially more on the way, he might have to sacrifice one or two of his squad and the likes of Malbranque as well as fellow Roy Keane signings Craig Gordon and Anton Ferdinand are vulnerable.

All three are among the highest earners at the club and if Sunderland could get a fee for Malbranque and his wages off the bill, they would find it hard to turn down.

Fulham boss Martin Jol – who originally signed Malbranque for Spurs in 2006 – knows all about the player's qualities and is believed to see him as a good short-term replacement for Zolten Gera who snubbed a new deal in favour of a move To West Bromwich Albion.

Marlbranque spent five seasons at Craven Cottage before joining Spurs and the chance to finish his playing career in England at the place it started could well appeal.



http://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/sport/football/sunderland-afc/fulham_limked_with_move_for_safc_midfielder_steed_malbranque_1_3572430

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Fulham visit brings delight for Crusaders
Published: Wednesday 13 July 2011, 8.49CET
Northern Irish side Crusaders FC are looking forward to bringing Fulham FC to their Seaview home, with memories of the club's 1976 meetings with Liverpool FC still strong in north Belfast.

Having eliminated NSÍ Runavík to reach the second qualifying round, Fair Play contenders Fulham FC can expect a warm welcome in north Belfast as they visit Crusaders FC in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday.

The last time the Northern Irish league runners-up faced English opposition on the continental stage was 35 years ago when they were drawn against Bob Paisley's Liverpool FC in the first round of the European Champion Clubs' Cup. The part-timers were beaten 2-0 at Anfield on 14 September 1976, succumbing 5-0 at a packed Seaview two weeks later.

It might be the kind of aggregate score a club would prefer to forget, but there was no disgrace for Crues in going down to a side boasting the likes of Kevin Keegan, Ray Clemence, Tommy Smith, Emlyn Hughes and Terry McDermott, who went on to win the European Cup that season, beating VfL Borussia Mönchengladbach 3-1 in the final.

It was the first of the Reds' five European Cups, and memories of their visit to Seaview have been flooding back with the news that Martin Jol's Fulham are heading for Belfast. "To draw an English club in Europe is very special – it really is a dream come true," said Crusaders chairman Stephen Bell, just 12 when Liverpool came to Seaview.

"Those games against Bob Paisley's side of the late-1970s hold a very special place in the club's history," Bell added. "I was a boy when Liverpool beat us in Belfast and I remember jumping over a wee fence to sit near the goals at the Railway End. Seaview was packed; there must have been about 1,000 of us sitting two-or-three deep pitchside.

"We still have newspaper clippings from the match on our boardroom walls at the club," said Bell, who was elected Crusaders chairman two years ago. "I went on a tour of Anfield a few years back and it was a very proud moment seeing our name on a museum exhibit detailing Liverpool's first ever European Cup success during that season."

The Seaview that will host 2009/10 UEFA Europa League finalists Fulham is a world away from the stadium that great Liverpool side played at back in 1976. As well as installing a 4G plastic pitch in 2009, new floodlights and changing room facilities have been built and the Crusaders board recently oversaw the erection of two new all-seater stands at either end of the ground.

"Our seating capacity has been increased to just over 3,000 and the ground is looking terrific," said Bell. "We are very proud of the improvement work. We were hoping to attract an English club to Belfast for a glamour friendly to help open the two new stands. Now we don't have to worry about that. We have a competitive, European tie in front of a sell-out crowd to look forward to against Fulham. It will be an occasion to relish. It's such a wonderful boost for the club."


©UEFA.com 1998-2011. All rights reserved.



http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/newsid=1649806.html?

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Fulham complete signing of John Arne Riise from Roma
Fulham have completed the signing of former Liverpool defender John Arne Riise from Roma for an undisclosed fee


English return: John Arne Riise has returned to the country where he spent seven years with Liverpool
Photo: AFP

The left-back has signed a three-year deal at Craven Cottage and will link up with his brother Bjorn Helge in west London.

Riise has spent the past three seasons in Serie A with Roma, having departed Liverpool in 2008.

The 30-year-old made more than 230 appearances for the Merseysiders after joining them from Monaco in 2001 and admits it is great to be back in England.

"I'm delighted to have completed my transfer to Fulham this morning and am looking forward to playing in the Premier League once again," he told Fulham's official website.

"Fulham is a club that I have been following as my brother, Bjorn, plays here and he speaks very highly of the club and the staff.

"Obviously I also played against the club in the Europa League group stage when they went on to reach the final of the competition.

"I am looking forward to working with Martin Jol and the rest of the squad when I report to training next week."

The Norway international is Martin Jol's second signing of the summer, following the arrival of Hungarian goalkeeper Csaba Somogyi earlier this week.

"John Arne Riise is an experienced international left-back, who will bring a number of qualities to our squad and provide more options for me," said Jol.

"He is used to performing at the very highest level for both club and country and is an accomplished player defensively, who can also contribute to our attacking play.

"I am extremely happy that we've been able to add him to our squad, and believe that he will prove a valuable addition as we progress."



http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/fulham/8634387/Fulham-complete-signing-of-John-Arne-Riise-from-Roma.html

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Crusaders v Fulham Preview: John Arne Riise Signs Ahead of Europa League Tie

Fulham manager Martin Jol is having a busy time of it, preparing his team for the season with competitive matches and also trying to bolster his squad.

On the day his squad travelled to Northern Ireland ahead of their Europa League qualifier against Crusaders, the club also announced the signing of John Arne Riise.

The former Liverpool defender, who arrived from Italian club Roma on a three-year contract, is Jol's second signing following the capture of goalkeeper Csaba Somogyi.

"I'm delighted to have completed my transfer to Fulham this morning and am looking forward to playing in the Premier League once again," Riise told www.fulhamfc.com.

"I know that the club is ambitious, and continues to make good progress each year, under the guidance of the chairman Mohamed Al Fayed. I am looking forward to working with Martin Jol and the rest of the squad when I report to training next week."

Riise's transfer means competition for places is hotting up, and players will be eager to impress Jol during the first leg of the tie, in Belfast, with the return match next week.

Key Match-up: Colin Coates v Bobby Zamora: Coates leads by example in the Crusaders' defence, either in the centre or as a full back. Zamora should give the hosts a few problems and will be raring to go after drawing a blank against NSI Runavik last week in the Faroe Islands.

Form Guide: Fulham will be looking to bounce back after their goalless draw in the second leg against NSI, although they were better at home. Crusaders, who finished second in the IFA Premiership last season, are playing in their first tie of the campaign.

Odds: Crusaders 11/1, Fulham 1/6, Draw 5/1

FULHAM:
Expectation at Fulham is high after reaching the final of the competition two seasons ago and promising campaigns in the Premier League, as Mark Schwarzer explained.

The Australian international goalkeeper said: "We've just got to keep backing up what we've been doing over the last few years.

"The last three seasons have been, for Fulham and a lot of us personally, fantastic. It's possibly been the best three years in a lot of our careers. We need to continue that run.

"We believe that we belong in the top half of the Premier League and we like to think that we can mix it in Europe every couple of seasons.

"The expectation levels are always higher. When I first came here, the club had just avoided relegation with 15 minutes to spare so anything above that was a bonus.

"To then finish seventh, then have such a great run in Europe and finish eighth last year means the expectations are there."

Jol also reflected on the arrival of Riise, suggesting his new signing "will bring a number of qualities to our squad and provide more options for me".

The Dutchman added: "He is used to performing at the very highest level for both club and country, and is an accomplished player defensively, who can also contribute to our attacking play.

"I am extremely happy that we've been able to add him to our squad, and believe that he will prove a valuable addition as we progress."

Strategy: The visitors will look to play at a Premier League pace, to tire out their opponents to take a lead back to Craven Cottage for the second leg.

Injury Update: Moussa Dembele will miss out through an ankle injury, while Carlos Salcido and Clint Dempsey have been on international duty. Riise will join the squad next week.

CRUSADERS:
Crusaders striker Jordan Owens has attracted interest from Blackpool but the offer for the 22-year-old has been laughed off.

He told the Belfast Telegraph: "It wasn't a great deal and what they offered me and the club was not good enough.

"The Crues were not prepared to accept the offer and what they offered me was disgraceful really.

"It was just not acceptable. It came down to their chairman offering a deal which Stephen (Baxter, the manager) laughed at himself.

"They didn't come back to us but we couldn't leave the Irish League and live on what they were offering."

Midfielders Chris Morrow and Declan Caddell may miss out through injury for the hosts.



http://www.fanhouse.co.uk/2011/07/13/crusaders-v-fulham-preview-john-arne-riise-signs-ahead-of-europ/?

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Riise returns to England with Fulham

Norway left-back John Arne Riise has signed for Fulham FC three years after leaving Liverpool FC for AS Roma and links up with his brother for the first time at club level.


John Arne Riise (left) joins his brother Bjørn Helge Riise at Fulham
©Getty Images

John Arne Riise has signed for Fulham FC three years after leaving England's Liverpool FC for AS Roma.

The 30-year-old Norway left-back has agreed a contract running until 2014 after joining Fulham for an undisclosed fee. Capped 96 times, he will link up with younger brother Bjørn Helge Riise for the first time at club level though they have played together for Norway on multiple occasions as well as coming up against each other when Roma met Fulham in the 2009/10 UEFA Europa League group stage. John Arne scored in the Italian club's 2-1 home win against the eventual finalists.

Former Aalesunds FK and AS Monaco FC defender Riise, who played for Liverpool FC over a seven-year period in which they won the 2005 UEFA Champions League and 2006 FA Cup, said: "I'm delighted to have completed my transfer to Fulham and am looking forward to playing in the Premier League once again. Fulham is a club that I have been following as my brother Bjørn plays here and he speaks very highly of the club and the staff."

Manager Martin Jol, whose side visit Northern Ireland's Crusaders FC in the UEFA Europa League second qualifying round first leg on Thursday, added: "John Arne Riise is an experienced international left-back who will bring a number of qualities to our squad and provide more options for me. He is used to performing at the very highest level for both club and country, and is an accomplished player defensively, who can also contribute to our attacking play."




http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/newsid=1650618.html?

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Paintsil certain of England stay

John Paintsil is certain he will stay in English football after he was released by Fulham at the end of last season. 

The Ghana right back has kept a tight lid on his next destination after his deal with Fulham expired but told TV3's Talk Sports program that he is 98% certain he will stay in England.

"It's my first choice and we are close to that but I want everything signed before I talk about it. I have loved my time there so far," he said.

Paintsil has played for West Ham United and Fulham since 2006 when he moved from Israel.

He barely played at West Ham before establishing himself as a Fulham regular under Roy Hodgson in his first two seasons. But he struggled under Mark Hughes and eventually lost his position after scoring three own goals.

He is convinced however that he has done enough in the past to earn another chance at the top level. "No one goes on the field and says I am going to score an own goal, he says. Overall I have shown in the past that I can play in this league. I don't think there is any doubt about that."    



http://www.kickoff.com/news/22951/john-paintsil-certain-of-england-stay.php

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Final Sale Reductions

Final Sale Reductions are now available at Fulham FC with merchandise at highly discounted rates. The sale itself is now in its final stages, so now is the time to steal a deal and take home some cool Fulham FC merchandise.

Why not purchase the Infant Home Kit 2010/11 for the amazing price of just £2.99, a staggering price difference, as it was £24.99! The Kit itself includes Fulham home infant shirt, short and socks, a must for all the Little Whites.

The Classic Collection has also got some amazing offers, such as the dark grey pique polo, featuring the FFC crest applique to the left chest and extra detailing including white tipping to the collar. The price speaks for itself at just £9.99, a full half price!

Or why not take home a few Fulham souvenirs and stock up on all of your Fulham V manchester United DVD's, optical mouse and matt set or London England air freshner at such low prices it's a must!



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/July/FinalSaleReductions.aspx?#ixzz1S00GdMop

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Gerndt wants move
Helsingborg striker ready to move on

Reported Fulham, West Brom and Blackburn target Alexander Gerndt wants to leave Helsingborg, according to the striker's agent.

The Sweden international is also wanted by Dutch side Utrecht, but skysports.com reported earlier in the week that a number of Premier League clubs are interested.

Copenhagen have ended their interest after failing to meet a €4million (£3.5m) asking price and instead signed Pape Pate Diuof from Molde.

But Gerndt, who top scored for Helsingborg last season with 20 goals and has scored seven so far in the current campaign, remains keen to move before the end of the remaining two-and-a-half years on his contract.

"Alexander wants to leave. There are bids that are better than Copenhagen's, but it has to be the right club as well," Gerndt's agent, Per Jonsson, told Swedish news agency TT

"Utrecht is a club that have been interested for quite some time."



http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_7034621,00.html?

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Roma move for Kameni

Roma are closing in on the signing of Espanyol goalkeeper Carlos Kameni.

Fulham had been very interested in landing the Cameroon international, but could not agree terms with the Barcelona outfit.

Kameni's former team-mate, Ivan de la Pena, is now technical co-ordinator at Roma and he has seemingly played a part in the move.

Roma had been linked with Ajax's Maarten Stekelenburg, but they have instead opted for Kameni.

"His [Kameni] arrival is probable," sporting director Walter Sabatini said.

"That means it is something a bit more than just a possibility, even if anything can happen in the market.

"Stekelenburg? He is a great goalkeeper, but the decision was a technical one."

Roma are set to pay €3million for Kameni and have moved for him as Alexander Doni prepares to finalise his move to Liverpool.



http://www.teamtalk.com/fulham/7035382/Roma-move-for-Kameni?

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Former Roma defender Riise joins Fulham

LONDON (Reuters) -- Norway defender John Arne Riise completed his move from AS Roma to Fulham on Wednesday, saying he was delighted to be back in the Premier League and looking forward to joining his brother Bjorn Helge at Craven Cottage.

Fulham said on their website (www.fulhamfc.com) that the 30-year-old had signed a three-year deal for an undisclosed sum.

Riise, who spent seven years at Liverpool and was a member of their 2005 Champions League-winning team, has been at Roma for three years.

"I'm delighted to have completed my transfer to Fulham this morning and am looking forward to playing in the Premier League once again," Riise told the website.

"Fulham is a club that I have been following as my brother, Bjorn, plays here and he speaks very highly of the club and the staff.

"Obviously I also played against the club in the Europa League group stage when they went on to reach the final of the competition."

Riise became new manager Martin Jol's second signing of the close season, following the arrival of Hungarian goalkeeper Csaba Somogyi.

Jol told the website: "John Arne Riise is an experienced international left-back, who will bring a number of qualities to our squad and provide more options for me.

"He is used to performing at the very highest level for both club and country and is an accomplished player defensively, who can also contribute to our attacking play."

Riise will start training next week and will not take part in Fulham's Europa League qualifier against Crusaders in Belfast on Thursday.



Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/soccer/07/13/riise.fulham/index.html#ixzz1S09Dhgsi

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Riise boosts Fulham Norwegian link

New Fulham signing John Arne Riise is delighted to be back in the Barclays Premier League and thinks the Cottagers' Norwegian connection can only benefit the club he joined on Wednesday for an undisclosed fee.

Riise's move will see him link up with brother Bjorn Helge in west London, as well as fellow Norway international Brede Hangeland. The 30-year-old came up against the pair in Fulham's 2010 Europa League run while at Roma and admits it will be special to now play alongside them.

"It was the first time my brother and I played against each other at a high level so it was a big experience for both of us," he told the club's official website. "I managed to score against Fulham - my brother likes that one - and we enjoyed it, but now we can finally play together in a club."

The former Liverpool man added: "[As for Brede], we play next to each other in the national team and hopefully we can do the same here at Fulham. It can only help both Fulham and the national team that we can play together so having three Norwegians at the same club is going to be nice and we're going to enjoy it."

While the left-back admits he will enjoy playing alongside his brother and international team-mate, he insists they did not need to persuade him to join Martin Jol's side.

"Even before I knew of the interest I had heard a lot about how Fulham treated players - how they operate, all the physios, doctors and everything around the club," said Riise, who almost joined the club 10 years ago. I knew it was a great club to come to so I didn't need too much convincing because I knew already.

"But obviously now that everything is done I am really happy and looking forward to starting training and being fit for the season."

Riise is the club's second signing of the summer, following the deal for Hungarian goalkeeper Csaba Somogyi.

He will not travel with Fulham for Thursday's Europa League second qualifying round clash against Crusaders in Northern Ireland, but hopes to be available for next week's second leg and admits he cannot wait to start working with manager Jol.

"I had a chat with a few of the medical staff and stuff about my fitness," he said. "I am already there but I need some football training - a bit of ball work - so hopefully it looks I will be playing in the second leg. A little week of football training and then I am ready."

Press Association




http://www.independent.ie/breaking-news/sport/riise-boosts-fulham-norwegian-link-2821002.html?

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Dikgacoi lured to Palace by promise of games

As soon as Kagisho Dikgacoi was told by Fulham boss Martin Jol he couldn't guarantee him first-team football, he had just one thing on his mind - rejoining Crystal Palace.

The 26-year-old completed his switch across London last week for an undisclosed fee in the region of £300,000, signing a three-year-deal.

The South African international ended last season at Selhurst Park with Palace, having failed to break into the Cottagers team under former manager Mark Hughes. And when he was told by Hughes' successor Jol that he couldn't be certain he would play him this season, Dikgacoi's thoughts immediately turned back to Palace.

"I had a chat with Dougie Freedman before the end of the season and he said he wanted to bring me back so that was one of my options if I couldn't stay at Fulham," he explained.

"I met with Martin and wanted a guarantee of playing but he had only just come in and wasn't sure who to play yet.

"I didn't want to take the risk and stay at Fulham so I wanted to come back to Palace.

"I enjoyed myself here, I was playing week in week out, the lads are great and I got an amazing reception from fans."

Dikgacoi has been joined in the Eagles squad by Australian international midfielder Mile Jedinak, who signed on a free transfer, subject to a work permit, from Gençlerbirliği, on Monday.

He could also find himself playing in front of his Bafana Bafana team-mate and defender Morgan Gould, who is training with the Eagles at their pre-season camp in Exeter this week.

"Morgan can be a good player for Palace," said Dikgacoi.

"He is a good defender and experienced and I don't think Palace will regret signing him.

"I am looking forward to hopefully playing with him and it will be good to have another South African around."



http://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/sport/football/9137963.Dikgacoi_lured_to_Palace_by_promise_of_games/?

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Pantsil: Errors won't discourage clubs from signing me

Ghana defender John Pantsil says his costly mistakes he made at Fulham last season will not dissuade other Premier League sides from signing him.

The right-back lost his starting place in Fulham last season after a series of errors which saw him score a record equaling three own-goals in one season.

He was released by the club at the end of the season so he is in the market in search of new employers.

Pantsil is confident another top-flight club will give him the chance because of his qualities and not the mistakes he unwittingly committed.

"No one goes on the field and says I am going to score an own goal," Pantsil said

"Overall I have shown in the past that I can play in this league. I don't think there is any doubt about that."

Pantsil was a key player for Fulham when they reached the Europa League final.

He played for West Ham United before joining Fulham.



http://www.ghanasoccernet.com/pantsil-errors-wont-discourage-clubs-from-signing-me/?