Saturday Fulham Stuff (12/05/12)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Jol mulls over giving Grygera new deal
by DAN on MAY 12, 2012



Martin Jol is considering offering Zdenek Grygera a new contract – but wants the Czech defender to get back to full fitness before making a final decisionabout his Fulham future.

The 31 year-old enjoyed a great start to his Craven Cottage career after joining from Juventus on a free transfer towards the end of the summer transfer window, but his season ended early when he ruptured cruciate knee ligaments against Tottenham in November. Having only signed a short-term contract until the end of the season, the versatile defender's future is up in the air – although Jol admits he feels the club should help him return to fitness before deciding whether to extend his contract.

I feel we owe it to him to keep him here and get him fit, and then we can make a decision, or he can if he has other offers.

The main thing for him is to get fit. That won't be until the middle of July and then we can make a decision. He did well from the first match, which is very unusual [for a player new to English football].

I was very happy with him. He can play left-back, right-back or centre-back, but it's not a minor injury. It isn't easy to come back to full fitness if you're that age.


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2012/05/jol-mulls-over-giving-grygera-new-deal/?

[WhiteJC]

 
A Fine Campaign

Once Sunday's game at Tottenham draws to a close Stephen Kelly will reflect back on 2011/12 as the season he stamped his mark on the Fulham Team, and the Irish international has paid tribute to his manager Martin Jol's show of faith.

Following a string of impressive performances in December, Kelly proceeded to make the right-back slot his own and the 28-year-old admits he was relieved to finally earn the freedom to express himself regularly in the Whites' shirt.

"It's been a big thing for me that Martin Jol has shown confidence in me this season," Kelly told fulhamfc.com.

"I've really enjoyed this campaign and I've taken good confidence from the Manager, he's brought me on and played me and anytime I've played we've tended to perform well and get good results.

"The only time I've missed a game since Christmas is when I've been injured, and fortunately that's not been very often."

Kelly, who was recently announced alongside teammate Damian Duff in Ireland's squad for Euro 2012, believes this consistency has allowed him to hit some of the best form in his career.

"For myself it's just been a matter of, every game, performing at my best and I think I've done that. I've been able to show the Fulham fans here what I am about," he added.

"Before it was stop and start, and I was only playing every couple of weeks, which made it difficult.

"But since I've been playing consistently I've really been able to show my character, and the type of player I am, and really bed myself into the team and that's been fantastic this season, so hopefully I will carry that on for as long as I can."



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2012/May/KellyMatchdayPreview.aspx?#ixzz1ufS20wm4

[WhiteJC]

 
Spurs Odyssey Preview - Spurs v Fulham - 13.05.12

Full Record of Spurs -v- Fulham

Premier       Pl   W   D   L    For-Ag  Pts
Home          10   6   3   1    16 - 5   21
Away          11   3   3   5    15 -16   12
===========================================
Total(Prem)   21   9   6   6    31 - 21  33
===========================================
Football Lge
Home(Div 1)   11   8   3   0    28 - 13  19
Away(Div 1)   11   6   4   1    17 - 12  16
===========================================
Total(Div 1)  22  14   7   1    45 - 25  35
===========================================
Football Lge
Home(Div 2)   11   4   6   1    13 - 8   14
Away(Div 2)   11   4   5   2    20 - 16  13
===========================================
Total(Div 2)  22   8  11   3    33 - 24  27
===========================================
Total(Prem)   21   9   6   6    31 - 21  33
Total(Div 1)  22  14   7   1    45 - 25  35
Total(Div 2)  22   8  11   3    33 - 24  27
===========================================
Grand Total   65  31  24  10   109 - 70  95
===========================================

Last Six Premiership results:-

Spurs

S'derland  0-0   Spurs
Spurs      1-2   Norwich
QPR        1-0   Spurs
Spurs      2-0   Blackburn
Bolton     1-4   Spurs
A. Villa   1-1   Spurs

Fulham

Bolton     0-3   Fulham
Fulham     1-1   Chelsea
Fulham     2-1   Wigan
Everton    4-0   Fulham
Liverpool  0-1   Fulham
Fulham     2-1   S'derland

Pos           P   W  D  L  F-A GD  Pts
4 Spurs  37 19  9  9  64 41  23  66
9 Fulham 37 14 10 13  48 49  -1  52
I want no love-in, just a win!

Tomorrow, we welcome Martin Jol back to White Hart Lane for the first time since his controversial dismissal on the night of 25th October, 2007, when we lost at home to Getafe in the UEFA Cup Group stage. Jol's sacking was a sad episode for the club's board, after it emerged that Sevilla manager Juande Ramos had been courted for the position. (Spurs 1 Getafe 2 - 25th October, 2007). It seemed that Martin Jol was the last person in the stadium to know of his dismissal.

Jol was, and remains a very popular figure amongst the vast majority of Spurs fans. He had, after all, led us to our highest Premier League position (5th on two occasions), and very nearly to the promised land of Champions League football. Despite winning the Carling Cup in 2008, Ramos turned out to be a disaster and had to be replaced almost exactly one year later, by Harry Redknapp, who has taken us beyond the achievements of Jol.

There was a love-in for Jol when we met Fulham at Craven Cottage in November, but I want no love-in tomorrow, just a win. I suspect my words will fall upon stony ground, as there will be plenty of Jol idolatry in the stadium. Not only are we vying to reach the Champions League for a second time in three years, but we are vying to become the top team in London, should Arsenal slip up at West Brom. Third place would save us the pain and anxiety of waiting for the result of the Champions League Final next week.

A win over Fulham won't be easy though, but such a result would also give us the "London League" for this season. Fulham are ahead at the moment, so they are also seeking that position. A win would give Fulham their highest ever Premier League points total, and could enable Jol to match Fulham's highest ever position of seventh.

Jol, and Fulham have every incentive to upset Spurs' aspirations, and despite the potential love-in, there will be no love lost in football terms.

Fulham's season started a full 10 months ago in the first qualifying round of the Europa League, having won the right to take part through the Fair Play League. They played 13 Europa League games until they fell at the Group Stage in December, along with Spurs. There is no doubt that the schedule affected Fulham's early season league form, and it took them till March to climb into the top half. Fulham are second only to Man City in the current 6-game form guide, and have won 8 of their last 13 games. They drew at home and away to Chelsea this season, beat Arsenal at home and drew away, and beat QPR at home and away. Spurs are the only London team to have inflicted defeat upon Fulham in the Premier league this season, (Fulham 1 Spurs 3 - 6th November 2011) and that result was rather flattering.

Fulham are going to have to manage without their top scorer this season, 29 year old Clint Dempsey. Dempsey has played all 37 league games this season, and has scored 17 league goals, but he has an abductor problem apparently and will be missing. Jol did make a useful January signing in Russian striker Pavel Pogrebnyak, who has scored 6 goals in his 11 Premier League games to date. That makes him second highest scorer, just above Bobby Zamora who left for QPR.

Spurs, of course, will be without the suspended Danny Rose, and will have one or two adjustments to make to their team. Scott Parker is apparently still doubtful. If Harry can find three fit centre backs, maybe he'll try a 3-5-2, with Walker and Bale as attacking wing-backs. There has been some talk of Gallas possibly playing at left back, but who does that leave in the middle, with Ledley needing another operation on his kneee in the summer?. On the other hand, a fit Parker would enable Redknapp to play a 4-2-3-1, with Bale at left back, protected by Parker and Sandro in turn. All will be revealed tomorrow, and I'm not going to try and read Harry Redknapp's mind!

It's going to be an exciting last day of the season, and all eyes will be on the Jumbotron as well as the pitch, hoping for a West Brom success against Arsenal, and of course a win for Spurs! Here's hoping! I've gone for a 3-1 to Spurs, and a point for The Baggies!




http://www.spursodyssey.com/1112/prevpackfuh.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
Louis Saha Recounts Memories Of Fulham And The Mistake That Nearly Ended It All...

Louis Saha's autobiography "Thinking Inside the Box" is a witty, thought-provoking and revelatory read. In this extract he reveals the momentary lapse in judgment that almost through his career into jeopardy..



After topping Fulham's scoring charts in the Premier League, Louis Saha went onto play for Everton, Tottenham Hotspur and, of course, Manchester United. In this engaging extract from his upcoming autobiography, however, Saha recounts the momentary lapse in judgement while at Fulham that almost ended it all. Louis Saha – "Thinking Inside the Box" is the intelligent and thought provoking autobiography from the French striker and features the thoughts of Zinedine Zidane, Sir Alex Ferguson and Patrice Evra.

Many people realise too late the importance of choosing between having fun and signing what I like to call the Professional Sportsman's Personal Sacrifice contract. The athlete signs it as proof that he is 100 per cent committed to his goal, which is to become a pro in his favourite sport. Most of all, he seals the deal with himself and must keep the contract in his pocket wherever he goes alone or with friends. He should also have it on him when he goes to school. The contract must always be with him in case he finds himself in a situation that could jeopardise his goals. Whenever the little devil on his shoulder queries his conscience he should take it out of his pocket and read it aloud.

My Professional Sportsman's Personal Sacrifice contract:

I the undersigned Mr X promise before God and myself to act in the best way possible to achieve my goal to become a profes- sional football player. I will fight temptation on a daily basis by any and all means possible.

I promise always to think twice or  even three times before making an important decision. I promise to listen to the advice of experienced advisors and to respect my coaches.

Signed Mr ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...

Dated ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...

Not  to follow  your mates, or indulge in the usual adolescent silliness is hard, but it's crucial to minimise any consequences that could impact on a promising career. Nowadays, if he messes up, there are more ways for a recognised football pro to bounce back. However, a young player who still has to prove his worth is far less likely to be forgiven by his club.

Many people realise too late the importance of choosing between having fun and signing what I like to call the Professional Sportsman's Personal Sacrifice contract

Something almost carnal and, with hindsight, comic which could have had more serious consequences happened at the end of my first season with Fulham, in 2001. I'd been a pro for nearly four years by then, and it was a lesson in temptation.

She was sleek and black with knobbly bits here and there. She was oh, so sophisticated. I loved her charm, her feline shape and sassy ass which made my jaw drop. Once I'd seen her in the magazines she was always on my mind. For months I waited, eager to devour her as a wolf waits for a sheep to stray from its flock. Did I own up to my obsession? Of course I said nothing to my family; especially not my father as he is so serious and wouldn't have understood. I told my girlfriend and our conversation was electrified. I felt small but gave in to temptation. When I removed the packaging, I let out a little whimper. I was not licensed to drive my beautiful KTM Duke and had less experience with motorbikes than an eight-year-old. I remember how I rode her with a great big smile on my face; my dreads whipped by the wind as I went no more than 20 or 30 miles an hour. What a loser!

The euphoria of the previous year with our promotion to the Premier League and playing against Manchester United at Old Trafford the previous week were too much. I had put my Professional Sportsman's Personal Sacrifice contract in the wrong pocket and let go, literally, as my bike was too wild; too ready to leap ahead from a standstill. She was for someone with a lot of riding experience, so I found myself on the pavement outside my house thanks to taking a tight corner a little off-balance on the super-powerful machine. The bike took off and we flew through the air. Boom! I came back to earth with a bump. Fear didn't even get a look in. For a couple of seconds the realisation and acceptance of what was to come overwhelmed me. All of this on the morning of a big match at home to Sunderland. What a moron!

Once I'd seen her in the magazines she was always on my mind. For months I waited, eager to devour her as a wolf waits for a sheep to stray from its flock

I spent the morning trying to cook up a valid explanation for my gashed shin and burned leg. I was covered with bumps and scratches, but it seemed nothing was broken. My wrist hurt like hell and I was stunned by my total lack of self-awareness.  I'd travelled three metres through the air and bitten the dust like Twit of the Year. I was a long way off cool.

We had to take three points at home after our 3-2 defeat against Manchester United in the first game of the season the previous week. Being newly promoted to the Premier League, we were keen to get points on the board to avoid the bookmakers making Fulham favourites for relegation at the end of the season.

My fiancée, my mate Manu and former French international, Sylvain Wiltord, were all planning to watch the game kick-off at 3pm from high up in the stands. But they all ended up waiting with me in A&E as my gash needed stitches to stop it healing into a thickened, raised scar. I soon saw how the medical system in England is creaking at the seams. Two guys with cut scalps following a punch up were sitting calmly on their best behaviour, clearly used to long waiting times. The battered scalps looked set to hang about for hours. If they weren't considered urgent cases, it was pointless me waiting. I got treatment at home and set off, ready for action. Despite my limited knowledge of Shakespeare's language, my story was well-oiled. I invented words and characters. My burned leg was the unfortunate result of me messing up with a frying pan. It was hard to verify. No way could the team doctor suspect a motorbike crash. I'd see soon enough, during the warm-up, if my damaged legs would be able to keep going at the intensity required of a Premier League match. I was not at my best, but the adrenaline rush triggered by the crash and my will to win did the rest. I held up well.  What's more,  I  played  a  good  match  and  scored, clinching victory for us.

Despite my limited knowledge of Shakespeare's language, my story was well-oiled. I invented words and characters.

It could all have ended very differently with irrevocable consequences. For example: I could have broken my leg and got in trouble with my insurers since professional footballers are not allowed to go on two wheels, skis, or do other dangerous sports. Like Matt Jansen and Carlo Cudicini, the former Blackburn Rovers and current Tottenham Hotspurs players, I could have ended up laid off, or making limited appearances and struggling to re-establish myself. Almost certainly the chairman, Mohammed Al Fayed, and my coach, Jean Tigana, would have punished me with a heavy fine and I'd have paid the penalty by earning a bad reputation: playing in the reserves, perhaps never getting back to the top level, breach of contract, unemployment, divorce . . . A split-second mistake can mean the end of the dream: never forget this. Everything can change like dominoes falling the wrong way. The choices we make build our future.

Louis Saha – "Thinking Inside the Box" is out now from Vision Sports Publishing.



http://www.sabotagetimes.com/football-sport/louis-saha-recounts-memories-of-fulham-and-the-mistake-that-nearly-ended-it-all/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Tottenham - Fulham Preview: Spurs targeting third against record-chasing Cottagers
Martin Jol's side are aiming for their best Premier League points haul whilst the hosts look to overhaul Arsenal to leave their Champions League destiny out of Chelsea's hands

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

TOTTENHAM
Friedel
Walker, Kaboul, Nelson, Gallas
Bale, Modric, Parker, Lennon
Van der Vaart
Adebayor

FULHAM
Schwarzer
Kelly, Hughes, Hangeland, Riise
Dembele, Diarra, Murphy, Duff
Frei, Pogrebnak

With Benoit Assou-Ekotto nursing a dislocated shoulder and Danny Rose suspended after his wreckless challenge on Aston Villa's Alan Hutton last week, Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp faces a conundrum at left-back for the final game of the season.

It's likely the more versatile William Gallas will be shifted out to deputise, with Ryan Nelsen coming in at centre-half. Otherwise, the Spurs boss has few headaches, with Scott Parker likely to return in the middle of the park in place of Sandro.

Clint Dempsey, Fulham's standout performer of the season, misses the short trip across London after failing to overcome a groin problem. Promising youngster Kerim Frei will be in line as replacement.

Aside from that blow, Martin Jol is free of selection difficulties, with long term absentees Andrew Johnson, Bryan Ruiz and Steve Sidwell unavailable to feature in the last game of the season.

   DID YOU KNOW?
Fulham boss Martin Jol led Spurs to consecutive fifth place Premier League finishes in the 05/06 and 06/07 seasons.

Fulham's only defeat in a London derby this season came in the reverse fixture, which Spurs won 3-1.

Luka Modric (pictured right) has made 1597 passes in the opposition half this season, the most in the division.

Brede Hangeland has played every minute of the Cottagers' campaign to date.

Fulham are just a point shy of their Premier League record haul of 53 - a high achieved when England manager Roy Hodgson was at the helm in 08/09.

Tottenham have only won one game after falling behind this term.

Nine Spurs players have received five yellow cards or more this season, the worst record in the Premier League.

Tottenham have kept six clean sheets in their last seven clashes with Fulham at White Hart Lane.

Spurs have lost on the final day of the campaign in three of the last four seasons.

If Fulham nick three points and other results go their way, Martin Jol will have led Fulham to their join-highest Premier League finish of seventh place.



http://www.goal.com/en-gb/match/60418/tottenham-vs-fulham/preview

[WhiteJC]

 
Final Spur for Fulham Season

Where once again we won nothing. Except an enormous amount of respect, praise, positive headlines, stability, new followers, momentum and great memories. I'll take it.

Oh yes, and don't forget the 50 plus points on the way. We'd all have settled for that late flourish when nestling alongside Villa in the table early March, having been given a real chasing around the park by a dreadfully average side. Martin arrived last summer with suggestions this team could be aiming for the top six. That doesn't seem so laughable now after our recent form of one loss in seven. In fact I'm almost prepared to go out on a limb right at the top of this piece and suggest 'Fulham are the new Arsenal.'

You achieve little in life without ambition, drive and being open to risk. That sentence could serve as a metaphor for Clint Dempsey's career in football. Apart from this blog I open up my computer each Monday morning and evaluate what balls are still in the air to keep the wolf from the door and turn up the heating in in my old age. Currently, I'm sweating on a big documentary proposal, still pitching a major drama for the stage I wrote in 2010, hoping on a book deal, dreaming of selling my songs in Nashville, negotiating a complicated rights issue with Eurosport, trying to sell my house...You get the drift. Life ebbs and flows like the tides. If it did not, it becomes stagnant.

Enough of the philosophy. What we really want to hear is more points for Fulham this weekend from our final game. Spurs are running scared I read, while we are going there unburdened of worries to decimate them with our free-flowing football. Yeh, right. You think Jol's prepared the team with that mind-set? This is a massive game for 'Arry's boys. We all know you-know-who says he's keen to play in the Champions League. Do you imagine the Spurs camp thinks any different? Their budgets over the summer will be determined by admission to UEFA's charmed circle of elite clubs again next autumn. Qualification will to a degree determine transfers in and out of WHL. Not to mention the hopes of their support. Having looked so fluent and tidy at Christmas, Redknapp will be giving Sandra hell all summer on the sunlounger (while she sorts out his tax returns) should the Spuds season of so much promise end with a sackful of ashes (and no top job with England either, Boo!).

As for Fulham. I doubt results will go in our favour for us to secure 7th, or manage 55 points. And no Clint of course to sprinkle his fairy dust. I can see it ending in a draw though, especially if Spurs get impatient and try to force the issue. We have the ability to frustrate them and play on the break, assuming Frei slots in for the missing Deuce. No Parker for Spurs is a major plus and van der Vaart has tailed off. Golly, I hope the Spuds are as insipid as they were at Loftus Road. Let's all focus our blame on them should Rangers dodge the noose! And while we're on the subject, don't we want with all our heart for Blackpool to come back up in the play-off with West Ham? YES WE DO!

I'm not going to add to the transfer speculation that's dominated all FFC themes since last Sunday's walkabout after the game. Conspiracy theories over Clint's injury niggle? Hmm, that holds water if indeed Spurs think they have a deal on the table and want him both protected and not appearing for us when they need a win. But the season's not over yet. Clint says he'll think over his future in the summer, Jol tells the press Friday there have been no firm offers for either Dembele or Dempsey. He sees them as Fulham players for the future. Mind you, he was saying the same thing about Bobby Zamora all through January...

My guess is the Deuce will walk back into camp early July for pre-season still under contract and see who has been added to the ranks. He'll hear Jol's vision for turning Fulham into a top six side and maybe 'doing a Newcastle.' He may well evaluate the situation and feel yes, this is now a London club that really is on the verge of bigger things, and better the devil you know. I turned in that survey of points thrown away last week to show realistically how much closer we could have come this season. Our Spurs game in November is a perfect case in point. 17 shots on target from us, while Spurs score three from four efforts on goal. Their first was an oggie and we had strong shouts for a penalty ignored as we battered them all 2nd half.

Here's hoping for a spirited display Sunday to end a fine first full season under Martin. Just as Tigana imported what he knew best - talented Frenchies - expect Fulham to seek more reinforcements from Holland. That usually is no bad thing in football. The ship's in good shape and now I'm off to check on our Academy boys and have a chat with Kit and Ray about the next wave of Fulham starlets. I'll be reporting back next week and surveying the season as a whole before watching some cricket. Been to Lord's once already for the Surrey game but it was hard going...forgot to bring my thermal blanket and a hot water bottle.

Thanks again for many kind comments in recent days to the blog, now aproaching its 2nd birthday. Keep the faith and be proud to follow such a unique club. COYW!!!

Twitter@fulhamphil


http://blogs.soccernet.com/fulham/archives/2012/05/final_spur_for_fulham_season.php?

[WhiteJC]

 
Academy Starting XI

Fulham U18s Team to face Blackburn Rovers in the Premier Academy League Final at Craven Cottage (KO 2pm):

1. Roberts, 2. Brister, 3. Kavanagh, 4. Christensen, 5. Grimmer, 6. Pritchard, 7. Williams, 8. Minkwitz (c), 9. Woodrow, 10. Altman, 11. Na Bangna

Subs: 14. Banya, 15. Sambou, 16. Tankovic, 17. Gameiro, 18. O'Reilly

For live updates follow @FulhamFC on our official Twitter feed.



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2012/May/AcademyStartingXI.aspx?#ixzz1ufV8KDeB

[WhiteJC]

 
REDKNAPP: JOL HAS POINT TO PROVE

Harry Redknapp thinks Fulham manager Martin Jol will be out to prove a point when he visits White Hart Lane for the first time since he was sacked as Tottenham boss on Sunday.

Jol became a fans' favourite at the north London club after guiding Spurs to two consecutive fifth-place finishes, but he was controversially sacked in 2007.

Juande Ramos claimed he was made a "dizzying offer" to take over at White Hart Lane while Jol was still in place and the Dutchman heard of his sacking via a text message from his nephew shortly after the club's defeat to Getafe.

Jol has since gone on to have successful spells at Ajax, Hamburg and now Fulham, who have claimed 52 points - one short of the club's Premier League record - under his leadership.

The game is of huge significance to Tottenham as the outcome could determine whether they qualify for the Champions League, but current boss Redknapp is not expecting to receive a helping hand from his opposite number on Sunday afternoon.

Redknapp said: "Martin Jol was the manager here so he will want to come back and do well with Fulham.

"He won't want to do us any favours, that is for sure.

"Fulham are playing really well at the moment so it will be a very difficult game for us but we have to win it."

Should Tottenham win they will seal a fourth-place finish in the Barclays Premier League for the second time in three seasons under Redknapp.

Such a feat would normally secure Champions League football, but Spurs need to finish third to guarantee their passage to Europe's top club competition as Chelsea will take the fourth qualifying spot if they beat Bayern Munich a week today in the European Cup final.

To finish third Spurs will have to beat Fulham and hope Arsenal drop points at West Brom while Newcastle also have an outside chance of gate crashing the top four as they are one point behind Redknapp's team ahead of their visit to Everton.

Spurs striker Jermain Defoe insists his team will not be distracted by all the permutations surrounding Sunday's games.

"We can't think about the other games and all the other permutations, we just have to think about ourselves. That will be our approach," he told Spurs TV Online.

"It's like a cup final for us on Sunday.

"Finishing fourth was the goal at the start of the season and if you look at our squad we should be finishing in the top four."

Spurs produced some stunning displays against Inter and AC Milan last season as they defied the odds to reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League in their debut season in the competition.

Defoe was a spectator for much of the European campaign due to an ankle injury, making his desire to qualify for the competition next year stronger.

"We want to be in the Champions League. It's the elite competition," the 29-year-old said.

"I was injured in first part last year but was involved in the last part.

"I loved everything about it - that music, playing against the best players and the best teams in world so it's important for the whole club to get back in it."

At the turn of the year few would have predicted Spurs' bid for Champions League football would come down to the final day of the season.

The Londoners had gone on an 11-match unbeaten run - drawing just once in the process - towards the end of 2011 and had a chance to move joint top in mid-January.

A terrible run of one win in nine matches through February and March saw Spurs' season take a major wobble, but midfielder Luka Modric thinks the club deserve to finish third thanks to their form earlier in the campaign.

"To finish third would be an amazing achievement," the playmaker said.

"We deserve to finish third if you look at how we have played over the season."



http://www.sportinglife.com/football/premiership/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/12/05/12/SOCCER_Tottenham_Nightlead.html

[WhiteJC]

 
STEPHEN KELLY EYES NEW DEAL

Stephen Kelly will hold contract talks with Fulham next week confident he has done everything possible to earn a new deal from Martin Jol.

The Republic of Ireland international has established himself in the Fulham first team since Jol took charge, making 33 appearances so far and he is keen to stay at Craven Cottage.

Jol has put all contract discussions on hold until after Sunday's Barclays Premier League trip to Tottenham, when a victory would secure Fulham a club record 55 points.

"For myself it's just been a matter of performing at my best every game and I think I've done that. I've been able to show the Fulham fans here what I am about," Kelly told the Fulham website.

"It's been a big thing for me that Martin Jol has shown confidence in me this season.

"Before it was stop and start, and I was only playing every couple of weeks, which made it difficult.

"But since I've been playing consistently I've really been able to show my character, and the type of player I am, and really bed myself into the team.

"That's been fantastic this season so hopefully I will carry that on for as long as I can."

Jol will also hold talks with free agent Danny Murphy next week and he is anxious to tie striker Pavel Pogrebnyak to a long-term deal.

The Russian striker made an immediate impact following his arrival in January, scoring five goals in his first three games.

But Andy Johnson's future at the club looks less certain, with Jol looking to trim his squad down, while Bjorn Helge Riise is set to leave.

Jol revealed the club had received no bids for Clint Dempsey or Mousa Dembele - and he made it clear none would be welcome as Fulham look to strengthen for next season.

"There are no clubs who have come in for bids. Even if they put a bid in they are not for sale," Jol said.

"Of course you worry because I want to keep my best players. If we can do that and add two or three, we could have a very good squad.

"I feel they still will be here (next season)."

Dempsey is out of Sunday's game with a groin injury while Alex Kacaniklic is a doubt after suffering a hamstring problem in training on Friday.

Jol will be making his first return to White Hart Lane since he was sacked in October 2007, months after guiding Spurs to their highest league finish since 1900.

Jol was axed because he had failed to deliver Champions League football by the narrowest of margins - a defeat to West Ham on the final weekend allowed Arsenal to leapfrog them into fourth place.

If Jol's Fulham win at White Hart Lane then Spurs could again miss out on Champions League qualification.

"I feel Spurs need to play in the Champions League," Jol said.

"You can't blame me for wanting the three points to get to 55 points."



http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/12/05/12/SOCCER_Fulham_Nightlead.html&TEAMHD=soccer&BID=165

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List gets longer for Moussa

Manchester City are the latest club to be linked with a move for Fulham star Moussa Dembele but there is a battle on to land him.

The Belgian playmaker looks set to be at the centre of a tug of war this summer with a host of clubs currently monitoring his progress at Craven Cottage, as well as City, Chelsea and Manchester United have also shown a recent interest.

In March, Arsenal, Tottenham and Liverpool were all linked to the 24-year-old, with a fee of between £12-£15million being talked about.

The former AZ Alkmaar player has a year left on his current contract at Fulham and the Cottagers are keen to get him tied down to a new deal for fear of losing him this summer.



http://www.clubcall.com/manchester-city/list-gets-longer-for-moussa-1427953.html?

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IS MOUSSA DEMBELE THE MOST OVER-HYPED PLAYER IN THE PREMIERSHIP?

According to the Daily Mail, Fulham's Moussa Dembele is attracting the interests of the Premier League's elite clubs.

The 24-year-old Belgian has excelled this term after converting into a centre-midfielder under Martin Jol after previously being deployed as a striker. Dembele is usually given a free role within a 3-man Fulham midfield alongside Danny Murphy and Mahamadou Diarra, usually finding himself operating in the playmaker role behind the striker.

His performances in recent months have reportedly attracted the interest of Manchester United, Chelsea, Tottenham, Liverpool and Arsenal – who could be looking to take advantage of Dembele's contract situation at Fulham. The player's contract expires at the end of next season which means The Cottagers could be willing to cash in on the player with talks over a new contract yet to lead to any conclusions.

After signing Dembele for a fee in the region of £5million from AZ Alkmaar in 2010, it is expected that a transfer fee of £10million will be required for Fulham to relinquish their star midfielder this summer – which in today's market would be an attractive figure to many potential suitors.

The question remains however is Dembele worthy of a move to one of the bigger clubs in the Premier League?

The Belgian has been shown to be a technically gifted player; very calm in possession he is also rarely let down by his first touch which has led him to being a composed operator in midfield for Fulham. However whilst being secure in his new midfield surroundings, he has offered very little in the final third this term – contributing a poultry two goals and two assists for his side.

All in all if Dembele was to secure a move to Old Trafford, Stamford Bridge, White Hart Lane or elsewhere – it wouldn't be a move which would inspire many fans who potentially could see it as more of a financially based moved.


http://www.footballtransfertavern.com/2012/05/premiership/is-moussa-dembele-the-most-over-hyped-player-in-the-premiership?

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Jol will be out to get one over Tottenham, warns Redknapp as former boss returns to the Lane

Harry Redknapp thinks Fulham manager Martin Jol will be out to prove a point when he visits White Hart Lane for the first time since he was sacked as Tottenham boss.

Jol became a fans' favourite at the north London club after guiding Spurs to two consecutive fifth-place finishes, but he was controversially sacked in 2007.

Juande Ramos claimed he was made a 'dizzying offer' to take over at White Hart Lane while Jol was still in place and the Dutchman heard of his sacking via a text message from his nephew shortly after the club's defeat to Getafe.


Hard feelings: Martin Jol watches Spurs lose to Getafe in his final match in charge

Jol has since gone on to have successful spells at Ajax, Hamburg and now Fulham, who have claimed 52 points - one short of the club's Premier League record - under his leadership.

The game is of huge significance to Tottenham as the outcome could determine whether they qualify for the Champions League, but current boss Redknapp is not expecting to receive a helping hand from his opposite number.

Redknapp said: 'Martin Jol was the manager here so he will want to come back and do well with Fulham.

He won't want to do us any favours, that is for sure. Fulham are playing really well at the moment so it will be a very difficult game for us but we have to win it.'


Fight to the finish: Harry Redknapp and Spurs are pushing for a Champions League spot

Should Tottenham win they will seal a fourth-place finish in the Barclays Premier League for the second time in three seasons under Redknapp.

Such a feat would normally secure Champions League football, but Spurs need to finish third to guarantee their passage to Europe's top club competition as Chelsea will take the fourth qualifying spot if they beat Bayern Munich in the European Cup final.

To finish third Spurs will have to beat Fulham and hope Arsenal drop points at West Brom while Newcastle also have an outside chance of gate crashing the top four as they are one point behind Redknapp's team ahead of their visit to Everton.

Spurs striker Jermain Defoe insists his team will not be distracted by all the permutations surrounding Sunday's games.

'We can't think about the other games and all the other permutations, we just have to think about ourselves. That will be our approach,' he told Spurs TV Online.


Lofty ambitions: Jermain Defoe will just concentrate on Spurs' performance

'It's like a cup final for us on Sunday. Finishing fourth was the goal at the start of the season and if you look at our squad we should be finishing in the top four.'

Spurs produced some stunning displays against Inter and AC Milan last season as they defied the odds to reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League in their debut season in the competition.

Defoe was a spectator for much of the European campaign due to an ankle injury, making his desire to qualify for the competition next year stronger.

'We want to be in the Champions League. It's the elite competition," the 29-year-old said.

'I was injured in first part last year but was involved in the last part.

'I loved everything about it - that music, playing against the best players and the best teams in world so it's important for the whole club to get back in it.'


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2143390/Martin-Jol-Tottenham-says-Harry-Redknapp-boss-returns.html#ixzz1ufWp4rA8

[WhiteJC]

 
Jol feels star duo will stay
No bids for Dempsey or Dembele, says Fulham boss


Clint Dempsey: Will still be at Fulham next season in the opinion of Martin Jol

Martin Jol claims Fulham have received no bids for Clint Dempsey or Moussa Dembele and insists he wants to keep the duo at Craven Cottage.

Dempsey's 23 goals for the Cottagers this season have prompted speculation linking the American with a move elsewhere.

Belgium international Dembele is also regarded as having a bright future but the Fulham boss has made it clear interest in his best players is not welcome.

"There are no clubs who have come in for bids," said Jol. "Even if they put a bid in they are not for sale.

"Of course you worry because I want to keep my best players. If we can do that and add two or three, we could have a very good squad.

"I feel they still will be here (next season)."

Return

Dempsey will miss Fulham's final game of the Premier League season at Tottenham on Sunday after picking up a groin injury.

The game marks Jol's first return to White Hart Lane since he was sacked by Spurs in October 2007, just months after leading the club to their highest league finish since 1990.

The Dutchman had failed to deliver Champions League football due to a last day defeat at the hands of West Ham, and Tottenham could be set to miss out again if they lose to Fulham.

But Jol's main priority is getting the win that would give his team 55 points for the season and could see them finish seventh if results elsewhere go their way.

"I feel Spurs need to play in the Champions League," he added.

"You can't blame me for wanting the three points to get to 55 points."



http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/7751579/?