Friday Fulham Stuff (17/06/11)...

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Bobby Zamora will bounce back for Fulham next season - Steve Sidwell
The 28-year-old midfielder has spoken of his long friendship with the England striker and believes that he is ready to put last season's broken leg behind him

Fulham midfielder Steve Sidwell believes that striker Bobby Zamora will be back to his best next year having fully recovered from a broken leg.

Zamora had enjoyed a breakthrough season in 2009-10, spearheading the Fulham attack as they reached the Europa League final, but suffered the injury in September 2010, severely disrupting his progress this term.

"The leg break last season came as a massive disappointment and I for one was gutted for him. Up until that point things had been going very well for him – he had just won a deserved England call-up, he had signed a new contract with Fulham and he was on a real high," Sidwell told the club's official website.

"But that's football I suppose, you never know what is around the corner. But he's back now and I know he'll be looking forward to getting the new season started and doing what he does best."

Sidwell, a January arrival at Craven Cottage from Aston Villa, spoke of the friendship between the pair that had begun during their time at Brighton together eight years ago.

"At that time Bobby was probably the best striker outside of the Premier League," he enthused.

"We're going back a long time now, but you could tell that he had the talent to go on and play at the top.

"I was only there for a short spell, but it was apparent that they thought very highly of him down there – he had his own songs and even had newborn babies named after him!

"For whatever reason we just got on, and we remained in touch ever since. We even lined up alongside each other for the England Under-21s, so it's a friendship that goes back a long way.

"We've always followed each others' careers, so it's nice that we've come together now at Fulham. To be honest, he was a big factor in me joining as you would imagine."

Sidwell, who had a difficult time establishing himself at first Chelsea and then Villa Park, acknowledged that both he and Zamora had been given a second chance at Fulham.

"Players seem to thrive here," the 28-year-old observed.

"I think that's because it's a club that is willing to give players a chance. Things might not have been going well for them for a variety of reasons elsewhere, but here they still see the potential.

"There are so many examples of that in this team, from front to back. Some of them probably didn't have the luck that they had hoped for at their previous club, but they have come here and gone on to be very successful.

"That shows what this place is all about and the opportunities that you are given. For some reason, this club gets the best out of us and long may that continue."

Fulham are preparing for the upcoming qualifying rounds of the Europa League after making it into the competition through the Fair Play system.



http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2011/06/16/2534963/bobby-zamora-will-bounce-back-for-fulham-next-season-steve?

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2011 Gold Cup: USA 1-0 Guadeloupe—What We Learned


The Starting XI for the Americans vs. Guadeloupe
Jamie Squire/Getty Images

The Americans pulled through to the quarterfinals as Group C runners up in a not-so-tightly-contested 1-0 victory over Guadeloupe. The scoreline flattered the defeated, as the U.S.—and Clint Dempsey in particular—squandered a handful of easy scoring chances.

The changes Bob Bradley promised beforehand came, though not as drastically as might have been expected. Carlos Bocanegra slid from left back to central defense and Eric Lichaj took the place of Tim Ream. Meanwhile, Chris Wondolowski stepped in for Juan Agudelo. The rest of the side remained the same.

The changes worked, as the Americans dictated the game. The team came out with more energy and were quicker to the ball, and other than another early-minute mental lapse saved by Lichaj (more on that later) and some poor finishing (more on that later, also), Bradley and the Americans, in general, should be commended for taking care of business and setting themselves up for a run to the final.

First, some key changes made by the Yanks and their effect on the outcome:

Smarter Runs

Against Panama, the U.S. were caught offside as many times as this writer was: zero. That means there was no pressure on the Panamanian back line (which, admittedly, set up quite deep after getting the early lead). I attribute that to first, a lack of effort, and second, a lack of experience.

Both of those factors were absent Tuesday, as the American attackers made smarter, more timely runs and the American distribution found them.

Clint Dempsey, in particular, made some spectacular driving runs from the midfield, forcing the Guadeloupe keeper of his line more than once. Altidore made some of those runs early, but faded toward the end of the game, and Wondolowski, while not a striker known for getting behind defenses, made more intelligent runs than the talented-but-green Agudelo.

The intelligent running became even more apparent as the unorganized Guadeloupe defense began chasing the ball after Altidore's cracking goal. This opened up the backside, and stellar cross-field balls from Jermaine Jones and Michael Bradley led to easy goal chances for the Yanks.

But who were those balls to? The answer after this segue...

Width from Fullbacks

While this forces the opponents' defenses to compress, it requires a wide outlet to be effective—otherwise, you have in the middle of the field what my high school basketball coach would call a clusterf....er, nevermind. Modern football demands energetic, attack-minded fullbacks, especially modern football with American personnel. Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan are not wingers. Rather, they are what some may call interiores, wingers who move centrally when in possession (thanks, Zonal Marking).

Regardless, one of the primary problems in the first two group stage matches for the U.S. was a lack of space in the middle. Both Canada and Panama—the latter, in particular—funneled the American attack into the middle of the field like Trojan forces, and while Cherundolo on the right did his share of getting forward, the less-mobile Bocanegra on the left was less a threat.

The introduction of Lichaj—coupled with the swapping of sides between Dempsey and Donovan—changed all of that. Lichaj was relentless, quite possibly the U.S. Man of the Match, constantly barraging forward and providing width to the offense while shutting down every right-sided attacker Guadeloupe had to offer.

Referring back to the above subsection, Lichaj and Cherundolo made some of the most effective and intelligent runs, finding themselves on the receiving end of Jones' and Bradley's cross-field passes. If not for Dempsey's poor night and Donovan's uncharacteristic lack of composure, both would have had an assist or two to show for their efforts.

Second ball dominance

Perhaps the biggest reason the Yanks put up another shutout (mind you, the only goals conceded so far by the Americans are an own-goal and a questionable/silly PK) was the determination to win every second ball.

Generally, America has always been aerially gifted. Clarence Goodson will win most of his challenges in the air thanks to his size and leaping ability. But against Panama, those victories were short-lived, as the Panamanian midfield jumped on every second ball they could.

Tuesday night was a different story. Jones, in particular, was scooping up ball after ball in the midfield, but even Bradley, Dempsey and Wondolowski were winning secondary balls and keeping Guadeloupe from sustaining any sort of attack.

There's nothing tactical about this sort of victory. It's all about determination and work ethic, something most of the Americans displayed against Guadeloupe and something they'll need to keep up, especially against a dangerous Jamaican side in the quarters.

The Negatives

Not everything was peachy after the 1-0 win, though. Two sore thumbs stick out:

Another early minute meltdown: There's something seriously concerning about the way Bradley's men are starting games. Once again, they should have been down 1-0 after Michael Bradley and Goodson failed to clear a corner, and only the diving effort of Lichaj deflected Ronald Zubar's effort to the top of the crossbar. I've never been one to bash Bob Bradley (not that I'm a fan, but I think he's done as well as he can with what he's got, for the most part). However, this is getting ridiculous. All of these breakdown leading to early chances for the other team point to a serious lack of mental preparation. I've no doubt that Bradley is trying to address this issue, but he's not doing it well enough. I have an eerie feeling we haven't seen the last of the early game breakdowns—let's just hope it doesn't cost the Americans a Gold Cup title.

Dempsey and Donovan struggle: You can't win a CONCACAF title when your two best players don't show up. Mexico won't win if Chicharito and Guardado don't produce, nor will the Yanks if Dempsey and Donovan aren't at their best. To be honest, the latter has been more disappointing than the former. Dempsey's casual efforts in front of goal Tuesday are rare and will probably not be repeated again. On the bright side, he was working hard and putting himself in great positions to score. I'll take that sort of game, because it means he'll pop up in those positions again later -- and make no mistake about it: he won't miss again. Donovan, however, has been casual all over the field this tournament. He did reasonably well against Canada, but was a no show for Panama or Guadeloupe, and he's been anonymous in the Red, White and Blue since the World Cup. It's like he's sleepwalking out there. Even his set pieces are coming up shorter than a  Carl Lewis fastball. If he doesn't wake up, it'll be "So Long, Mon!" on Sunday


http://bleacherreport.com/articles/737755-2011-gold-cup-usa-1-0-guadeloupe-what-we-learned?

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Gold Cup: Absences of Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey put twist in preparation for U.S.-Jamaica quarterfinal

J. Meric/GETTY IMAGES -  Landon Donovan, above, and teammate Clint Dempsey will miss three days of training ahead of a Gold Cup quarterfinal against Jamaica at RFK Stadium on Sunday.

While Bob Bradley led nine U.S. national soccer team players through a 90-minute workout at RFK Stadium's training grounds Thursday, 11 others were back at their Arlington hotel utilizing the gym, working on conditioning and resting — a common routine after three tournament games and several travel days.

But because of an unusual arrangement involving the squad's most influential players, Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey, the Americans' operation in Washington is anything but common.

Both were granted permission to attend sibling weddings Saturday, meaning they'll miss three days of workouts and meetings ahead of Sunday's CONCACAF Gold Cup quarterfinal against Jamaica. The U.S. Soccer Federation has arranged transportation on private jets to ensure they arrive without delay or complication.

Bradley said he wasn't familiar with their travel schedules, although both seem likely to land Saturday night.

Bradley played down the impact on match preparations, saying: "We're not concerned. When you are into a tournament like this, the days after a hard game are also regeneration days. Much of our preparation work has been done."

Donovan flew to California for his twin sister's wedding, while Dempsey was off to Texas for his sister's nuptials. According to a USSF spokesman, both requested the time off well before the start of the 12-nation tournament, which is played every two years and serves as the championship for national teams from North and Central America and the Caribbean.

"As a coach, you sometimes have to make difficult decisions," Bradley said. "Certainly we've also respected what family means to players. In these cases, after speaking to the two players, these are important days for them and their families. So you weigh that versus the team, you balance it out and make decisions."

With the winner receiving a berth in the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil, a major tuneup for the World Cup a year later, the Americans made the Gold Cup the focal point of this year's campaign.

Had they performed well in the first round, the absence of Donovan and Dempsey in the days leading to the knockout stage might not have caused much of a stir. But after a flawed victory over Canada, a first-ever loss to Panama and a 1-0 win over tiny Guadeloupe, the U.S. team failed to finish atop its group for the first time since the tournament was founded in 1991.

It hardly seems the time to allow two vital players to take time off, but Bradley kept his promise and Donovan and Dempsey stuck to their plans.

"Chemistry is important, it's still here. I know there isn't any dissention in the group," goalkeeper Tim Howard said. "Life's funny, man. There are all types of things that make the world go round: Your family is important obviously, this team is a family, so we're all here for one another. They'll be here and I'm certain they'll be ready. If they're not, Coach will make the decision."

Like the team as a whole, Donovan and Dempsey have not met expectations in this tournament. Donovan has faded in and out of games, and Dempsey, who scored against Canada, missed several high-quality chances against Guadeloupe on Tuesday, including a tap-in from three yards.

"The first round is always just about coming through it," midfielder Michael Bradley said. "You don't get style points for winning three games 5-0."

Perhaps. But the U.S. team's arch nemesis, Mexico, had no such trouble in group play, winning three matches by a combined 14-1 to secure first place in Group A and a quarterfinal meeting with Guatemala on Saturday night at New Meadowlands Stadium. The United States scored just four goals.

CONCACAF, the governing body for soccer in this region, had the United States and Mexico in mind when it awarded the championship game to the 92,000-seat Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. The nations have combined to win all but one Gold Cup title, and a championship showdown would be a box-office smash for tournament organizers.

While Mexico is on course to reach the final, the United States has failed to exhibit the chemistry and character that provided high drama last year at the World Cup in South Africa.

"With this particular group, we've always been resilient, we've always battled, in the best of times and when times haven't been tremendous," Howard said.

"One of the things we've talked about, and I really enjoy, is that there's a lot more pressure and a finality to it. In the group stages, you are weighing who else won. [Now] after those 90 minutes or extra time, that's it: You're either going home or you're going to Houston."



http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/gold-cup-absences-of-landon-donovan-clint-dempsey-put-twist-in-preparation-for-us-jamaica-quarterfinal/2011/06/16/AGgWLyXH_story.html?wprss=rss_capitals

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Jol the key to any potential move for KG

KAGISHO Dikgacoi's future lies in the hands of new Fulham boss Martin Jol.

The midfielder, who spent the last three months of the season on loan at Selhurst Park, has returned to Craven Cottage and is expected to be there for the start of pre-season.

It is thought that the former Tottenham manager Jol deems Dikgacoi as surplus to requirements, but his full plans for the new Premier League season remain to be seen.

If it becomes clear he is not part of Jol's new revolution at Fulham, then both the player, and Palace would be more than happy with a Selhurst return.

Freedman said: "We have expressed an interest in taking Kagisho back. It does lie in the hands of [Martin] Jol though. They've got a new manager and they're in the Europa League next season, so they might need him, but if he wants to come back on loan then we would be delighted to have him, he did well for us last season."

The South African, who was out of favour at Craven Cottage last year, having made only one substitute appearance, played 13 times for the Eagles during his three-month spell, scoring one freak goal that will live long in the memory of all Palace fans, and while he wants to prove himself at Premier League level, he would also be open to returning to Palace.

He said: "I still want to play in the Premier League, but if Fulham want to send me out on loan again then I don't mind going back to Palace again."

Freedman would love to sign the big central midfielder on a permanent deal, but he believes that any switch is more likely to be a loan move.

He added: "We really like him and he's someone we want to have here next season. I think that's one that's going to take time though. I would like to bring him in either on a permanent basis or on loan, but realistically we are looking at a loan move for KG rather than a permanent one."

While the manager continues to work hard behind the scenes to bring new blood to Selhurst Park, he told the Advertiser that there had been no bids for any of his players, contrary to rumours.

Freedman revealed: "We have not had any bids in for any of our players.

"It's quite quiet at the moment, we are just trying to get targets lined up so we can get going in pre-season."



http://www.thisiscroydontoday.co.uk/Jol-key-potential-KG/story-12788664-detail/story.html?

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Previewing The First Two Rounds Of Europa League Qualifying

Fulham's squad returns from break on June 23rd with their first competitive fixture a week away. While other Premier League clubs will be preparing for lucrative friendlies across the globe, the Cottagers will be looking forward to the joy that is Europa League qualifying.

Because Fulham earned their spot in the second most prestigious continental club competition in Europe via their UEFA Fair Play ranking, they will have to begin their campaign during the first qualifying phase of the tournament, swimming amongst the minnows as a big fish in a small pond. A rare place to be, indeed.

If fortune shines, a short jaunt to Belfast or Neath could be on the horizon. If fortune frowns, Martin Jol and his band of weary men could be plying their trade in Kazakhstan or Azerbaijan. I did mention the joys of qualifying, right?

Fulham's travel plans will be determined on Monday, when the first and second qualifying round matchups are drawn.

So, who could Fulham face in the first two rounds of qualifying? Are there any clubs worth worrying about?



Well, in a word: no.

Because of Fulham's relatively high UEFA coefficient, they will maintain a favored seeding as long as they stay alive in the qualifying rounds. Of the 200 teams who will play during the three-round qualifying phase, only Atlético Madrid and AZ Alkmaar hold higher coefficients than mighty, mighty Fulham.

As comical as it is, Fulham's coefficient of 40.157 is over 31 points higher than the next highest ranked team in the first qualifying round, Elfsborg, and almost twice as big as the second highest ranked team in the second qualifying round, Red Bull Salzburg.

No matter to Fulham, however, as most clubs of any pedigree in these early rounds are similarly seeded and should avoid each other.

Now, a quick preview of the draws for each round:

First Qualifying Round

Match Dates: June 30th and July 7th

Unfavorable Draws:  Kazakh, Azeri and Eastern European Clubs

Favorable Draws: Every other club

There really isn't a team to worry about at the start of the tournament. The strongest of the unseeded teams, Northern Irish "giants" Glentoran, are a shell of their once formidable selves and actually prove a favorable draw compared to clubs such as AZAL PFC Baku and FC Irtysh Pavlodar, each located several thousand miles away.

For all intents and purposes, Jol could send out the reserves and expect a comfortable result against any of these clubs. Not a knock on potential opponents, just a reality of the finances and difference in quality of depth that the clubs possess compared to that of an average Premier League side.

Second Qualifying Round

Match Dates: July 14th and 21st.

Unfavorable Draws: Ferencváros, Örebro, Śląsk Wrocław

Favorable Draws: Every other club

Again, not much to worry about in this group. But there are a few intriguing teams:

Hungary's Ferencváros is one. Purchased a few years ago by Sheffield United owner Kevin McCabe, Ferencváros were once the dominant club in Hungary and a legitimate power in Europe. Those years have long since passed and the Budapest-based club was relegated in 2006 as punishment for teetering on the brink of financial ruin. Now, slowly recovering and increasingly stable, Ferencváros is a legitimate force in Hungary again. They're just not there quite yet.
The Swedish league boasts a handful of quality teams, one of which is Örebro. The club features several capped Swedish players (John Alvbage, Patrik Anttonen, Nordin Gerzic and Michael Almeback) as well as American international Alejandro Bedoya. A major boon for Örebro at this point of the tournament is that their league, the Allsvenskan, is in the third month of their season and the players are at full fitness. Look for Örebro to be a tricky draw for whoever is matched up with them.
Śląsk Wrocław was a surprise in Poland last season, finishing 2nd in the Ekstraklasa head of Legia Warsaw on goal differential. Not too many names jump out from the club's roster outside of Sebastian Mila and Przemysław Kaźmierczak. You may remember Kaźmierczak from a brief spell he had at Derby County three seasons ago.
On the whole, the second phase introduces another crop of marginal teams from slightly less-minor domestic leagues than the first. Only Örebro and Śląsk Wrocław should require long looks.

It will be interesting to see how Jol approaches these early matches. The only questions that Fulham should have much difficulty answering at this phase are those of match fitness and squad selection.



http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2011/6/17/2227459/previewing-the-first-two-rounds-of-europa-league-qualifying-fulham

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Opening weekend - Saturday 13 August

Blackburn v Wolves

Fulham v Aston Villa

Liverpool v Sunderland

Man City v Swansea

Newcastle v Arsenal

QPR v Bolton

Stoke v Chelsea

Tottenham v Everton

West Brom v Man Utd

Wigan v Norwich

Saturday 20 August

Arsenal v Liverpool

Aston Villa v Blackburn

Bolton v Man City

Chelsea v West Brom

Everton v QPR

Man Utd v Tottenham

Norwich v Stoke

Sunderland v Newcastle

Swansea v Wigan

Wolves v Fulham

Saturday 27 August

Aston Villa v Wolves

Blackburn v Everton

Chelsea v Norwich

Liverpool v Bolton

Man Utd v Arsenal

Newcastle v Fulham

Swansea v Sunderland

Tottenham v Man City

West Brom v Stoke

Wigan v QPR



http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/13805912.stm

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Fulham get visit from Villa
Jol to make White Hart Lane return on final day

Martin Jol will make his return to the Premier League as Fulham manager with a home game against Aston Villa.

It has been a summer of change at Craven Cottage since finishing eighth in the Premier League under Mark Hughes, with Joltaking the reins following the Welshman's surprise resignation.

The Dutchman will have already had at least two competitive matches in the Europa League by the time Villa visit on 13th August.

There is another test against Midlands opposition the following week with a journey to Wolves.

Jol's former club and capital rivals Tottenham come to Fulham on 5th November, while there is another all-London clash, away to Chelsea, scheduled for Boxing Day.

The Cottagers travel to newly-promoted Norwich on New Year's Eve before entertaining Arsenal two days later.

Fulham's final home match will be against Sunderland on 5th May before they finish with a trip across town to White Hart Lane.
Full fixtures

August

13 Aston Villa (H)

20 Wolverhampton (A)

27 Newcastle (A)

September

10 Blackburn (H)

17 Man City (H)

24 West Brom (A)

October

1 QPR (H)

15 Stoke (A)

22 Everton (H)

29 Wigan (A)

November

5 Tottenham (H)

19 Sunderland (A)

26 Arsenal (A)

December

3 Liverpool (H)

10 Swansea (A)

17 Bolton (H)

21 Man Utd (H)

26 Chelsea (A)

31 Norwich (A)

January

2 Arsenal (H)

14 Blackburn (A)

21 Newcastle (H)

February

1 West Brom (H)

4 Man City (A)

11 Stoke (H)

25 QPR (A)

March

3 Wolverhampton (H)

10 Aston Villa (A)

17 Swansea (H)

24 Man Utd (A)

31 Norwich (H)

April

7 Bolton (A)

9 Chelsea (H)

14 Liverpool (A)

21 Wigan (H)

28 Everton (A)

May

5 Sunderland (H)

13 Tottenham (A)



http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/June/2011-12FixturesAnnounced.aspx

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McLeish begins Villa reign with tough trip to Fulham
Fixtures released for new Barclays Premier League season.



Alex McLeish will come up against another newly-appointed manager, Martin Jol, when Villa travel to Fulham on the opening day of the 2011-12 Barclays Premier League campaign.

It is the first time since 2006 that the boys in claret and blue have begun a new season on the road as they get ready to travel to Craven Cottage on Saturday August 13.

Blackburn Rovers will be Villa's first opponents at Villa Park when they arrive in B6 on Saturday August 20.

And, a week later, there is some early derby action when Wolverhampton Wanderers make the short journey down the M6.


Champions Manchester United come to Villa Park on Saturday December 3, while a busy festive period sees Villa visit Stoke City on Boxing Day and Chelsea on New Year's Eve.

The other derby days are West Bromwich Albion at home on Saturday October 22, Wolves at Molineux on Saturday January 21 and West Brom at the Hawthorns on Saturday April 28.

Perhaps the toughest period of Villa's fixture calendar is in March and April when they take on Arsenal (A), Chelsea (H) and Liverpool (A) on consecutive weekends.

The final home game of the season is against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday May 5 before McLeish's men round off the 2011-12 campaign against newly-promoted Norwich City at Carrow Road.



http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10265~2377783,00.html?

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Fulham Football Club: Fixtures 2011-2012
Fulham Football Club: Fixtures 2011-2012 – Fulham begin their Premier League campaign with a rare opening day home tie against Aston Villa on Aug 13.


Larger than life: the Fulham mascot is helped by referee Chris Foy
Photo: PA

The pleasure of starting the season at Craven Cottage is then diluted somewhat by two tricky away games against Wolves (Aug 20) and Newcastle (Aug 27).

Back-to-back home games against Blackburn (Sep 10) and Manchester City (Sep 17) follow before a trip away to old manager Roy Hodgson's West Bromwich Albion on (Sep 24).

The first of Fulham's West London derbies comes on Oct 1, when newly-promoted Queens Park Rangers travel the short distance to Craven Cottage.

November pits the Cottagers against their London rivals Tottenham (Nov 5) and Arsenal (Nov 26) between a trip to Sunderland on Nov 19.

In the festive period Martin Jol's side play Manchester United on Dec 21 at Craven Cottage, while Fulham fans won't have to travel far on Boxing Day as they face fellow west Londoners Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

In March Fulham host the other two promoted teams, Swansea (March 17) and Norwich (March 31).

Fulham's season ends with Sunderland at home on May 5 before a London derby away at Tottenham eight days later.



http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/fulham/5557107/Fulham-Football-Club-Fixtures.html?

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Fulham boss rules out move for Blackpool and Spurs strikers

NEW boss Martin Jol has told friends he is 'embarrassed' by some of the players being linked with Fulham.

The Dutchman has made it plain he wants a younger Whites outfit for his first campaign - and 29-year-old DJ Campbell, taking the drop with Blackpool after lasting just one season in the Premiership, is the latest name to leave Jol cold.

The Hammersmith-born striker's agent is unlikely to get the call, and those purporting to represent 30-year-old Robbie Keane can also expect short shrift.

Jol and Keane were previously together at Spurs but that was five years ago - and the Irishman was offered to former Fulham manager Mark Hughes without managing to arouse interest either.

"Martin is a little embarrassed by some of the players Fulham have been linked with," said an insider this week.

"The truth is he wants a younger team of quality that can cope with an exacting Europa League and Premiership campaign."



Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/06/17/fulham-boss-rules-out-move-for-blackpool-and-spurs-strikers-82029-28894576/?#ixzz1PWONyylO

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Cottagers handed soft opening
Fulham Premier League fixtures revealed

Fulham were handed a relatively comfortable start to the season when the Barclays Premier League fixtures were announced earlier today.

Whilst there are no easy games in the English top flight, Aston Villa at home (August 13th) followed by Wolverhampton Wanderers away is not the worst two matches for Martin Jol to bed in at Craven Cottage.

A trip to Newcastle for the third game of the season has a difficult look to it, whilst Blackburn Rovers visit west London for the club's fourth match of the season on the 10th September.

Manchester City's trip to the Cottage is Fulham's only match against a 'big five' team in the opening three months of the season, whilst a date for Jol's diary will be November 5th, when old club Tottenham Hotspur travel to the club.

Back-to-back fixtures against Arsenal away and Liverpool at home have a difficult look about them (26th November and 3rd December), whilst a boxing day derby at Stamford Bridge could provide a post-christmas treat just five days after Manchester United visit Craven Cottage.

The FA Cup third round is scheduled for January 7th, with the reverse fixture against Chelsea penciled in on Monday, 9th April. A trip to Anfield follows five days later, while Jol returns to White Hart Lane on the final day with Fulham on the 13th May.



http://www.givemefootball.com/premier-league/cottagers-handed-soft-opening?

[WhiteJC]

 
U.S. 2, Canada 0: Americans cruise in Gold Cup opener

Jozy Altidore scored in the first half and set up Clint Dempsey's goal in the second, and the United States opened its Gold Cup schedule with a 2-0 win over Canada tonight at Ford Field.

GAME STATS

The 21-year-old Altidore was playing his first game in a Gold Cup, which is the championship of North and Central America and the Caribbean. His goal in the 15th minute put the U.S. ahead, and Dempsey added one in the 62nd off a nice cross from Altidore.

The U.S. bounced back after losing, 4-0, to World Cup champion Spain in an exhibition game Saturday. The Americans have never lost a group stage game at the Gold Cup.

"Coming off the game against Spain, obviously, you got down a little bit," Altidore said. "Now, we've just got to build on it, because it's only going to get harder from here."

The U.S. pressured Canada from the start. Altidore scored after running onto a long pass from Landon Donovan. Although Kevin McKenna was back to defend, Altidore was able to turn and take a low shot from a tough angle to the right of the goal. The ball slipped under goalkeeper Lars Hirschfeld and into the net.

There was little Hirschfeld could do about the second goal. Altidore sent a low cross from to the right of the net, and Dempsey was able to knock the ball in while sliding across the ground near the far post.

"For confidence, it was a good thing," coach Bob Bradley said. "The movement that led to the first goal and the cross to Dempsey for the second both were great plays."

The Americans didn't field their best lineup against Spain, putting more emphasis on the Gold Cup. The tournament champion receives a berth in the 2013 Confederations Cup, an important World Cup tuneup.

The U.S. looked confident and crisp against Canada. Michael Bradley created an early scoring chance off a corner kick, shooting from near the top of the penalty area, but U.S. captain Carlos Bocanegra redirected the ball wide.

Altidore put the Americans ahead soon after that, then ran to the corner flag and kicked at it in celebration.

Juan Agudelo, Altidore's partner up top, poked a shot in the 40th minute that Hirschfeld saved with his left arm. Moments later, he forced the goalkeeper to go sprawling to his right to stop his shot from about 25 yards.

Oguchi Onyewu was left out of the starting lineup for the Americans. Bradley went with Tim Ream and Clarence Goodson in central defense.

"We feel that it's a good combination," Bob Bradley said. "As we've gone through training, we feel like the balance between the two is good."

After looking overmatched against Spain's smooth passing, the Americans didn't allow Canada any good chances inside the penalty area until Simeon Jackson dribbled past Ream and Bocanegra in the 57th minute. Ream was able to recover in time to prevent Jackson from getting a shot through to the goal.

Dempsey nearly made a spectacular play at the other end, back-heeling the ball while diving forward horizontally after Hirschfeld deflected a cross. The ball went out of bounds for a corner kick.

Dempsey's goal came not too long after that, and the Americans held on. U.S. goalkeeper Tim Howard reacted marvelously to deflect Ali Gerba's powerful shot from the edge of the penalty area with his right hand in the 70th minute. About 15 minutes later, Howard smothered a shot near the edge of the 6-yard box, then recovered in time to make another terrific stop on a volley by Gerba from point-blank range.

"Howard was absolute magic," Canadian coach Stephen Hart said. "I almost clapped."

In the first game tonight in Detroit, Panama beat Guadeloupe, 3-2.

NOTES: Freddy Adu was not one of the 18 active players for the U.S. ...

Bradley received a yellow card in the 51st minute when he tangled with Canada's Dwayne De Rosario as the Canadians were trying to set up a free kick. William Johnson of Canada was booked the following minute when he fouled Jermaine Jones from behind while the American was making a nice run through the midfield. ...

Attendance was announced at 28,209. Toward the end of the first half, an American fan club behind one of the goals began chanting "We can't hear you!" at a smaller group of Canadian fans at the opposite end.



http://www.zanesvilletimesrecorder.com/article/C4/20110607/SPORTS17/110607057/U-S-2-Canada-0-Americans-cruise-Gold-Cup-opener?odyssey=nav%7Chead

[WhiteJC]

 
Espanyol striker rules out move to Tottenham or Fulham

Pablo Osvaldo has no interest in playing in the Premier League despite interest from the likes of Fulham and Tottenham.

Harry Redknapp is keen for a striker to boost his side's hopes of finishing in the top four this season and Espanyol frontman Osvaldo is on his radar.

Martin Jol, meanwhile, is eager to stamp his authority on his Fulham team having taken over from Mark Hughes this summer.

Osvaldo moved to Espanyol following a promising loan spell from Bologna and has been at the club since last year.

He netted 13 goals in 24 league appearances for Espanyol last season and the Argentina striker's performances caught the eye of the rest of Europe.

But talkSPORT understands the 25-year-old does not want to leave the club this summer, with Espanyol valuing him at £20million to put off potential suitors.



http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/transfer-rumours/8404/9/espanyol-striker-rules-out-move-tottenham-or-fulham?

[WhiteJC]

 
Swans long odds for flying start
Swansea 9/1 to upset big-spending City in season's opener

Swansea are the bookmaker's favourites to start and end the season bottom of the Barclays Premier League after being handed a daunting opening-day trip to Manchester City.

The Swans are Sky Bet's 9/4 favourites to be bottom after the opening day as they visit the City of Manchester Stadium as 9/1 outsiders, while they are 9/4 to finish bottom and 4/7 for the drop.

The other two newly-promoted sides were handed relatively more forgiving opening day fixtures with QPR 11/8 to begin life in the top-flight with a win when Bolton visit Loftus Road while Norwich visit Wigan with a 5/2 chance of victory.

The opening-day fixture list has also thrown up a trip to Newcastle for Arsenal, where they famously threw away a four-goal lead to draw. Sky Bet offer 100/1 for a repeat of the sensational 4-4 and 7/1 for it to be the weekend's highest-scoring game.

The Gunners have been handed a notably tricky start to the season with their St James' trip followed up with the visit of Liverpool and an away clash with Manchester United, prompting Sky Bet to offer 3/1 for them not to win in August while they are 2/5 to go a seventh season without landing a trophy.

North London rivals Tottenham are also facing a difficult start with the visit of Everton followed by a trip to Old Trafford and the visit of Manchester City.
Spurs are 33/1 to win all three of their opening games as they set their sights on returning to the Champions League for, while Spurs and the Gunners are 10/1 to both not win during a testing opening month of the season.

Chelsea are 4/6 to add to their remarkable nine-year run of winning their opening day fixtures as they travel to Stoke (9/2), while two of the Premier League's newly-appointment managers will go head-to-head with Martin Jol's Fulham 5/4 to beat Aston Villa (7/4), who have officially appointed Alex McLeish as their new manager.

Meanwhile, Jordan Henderson looks set to begin his Liverpool career with the visit of Sunderland and is 5/1 to net against his former club.

Sky Bet offer 8/1 for the Reds, United, Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal all to win and 6/1 for all three of the newly-promoted sides to suffer defeats.



http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_6993864,00.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
Pulis quells Whelan rumours
Potters boss insists midfielder remains part of his plans

Stoke City boss Tony Pulis has dismissed rumours linking Glenn Whelan with a summer transfer away from the club.

The likes of West Ham United and Fulham have been mooted as potential suitors for the midfielder, who joined the Potters from Sheffield Wednesday in 2008.

But Pulis is adamant that Whelan will be remaining at the Britannia Stadium, stressing that the 27-year-old is an important member of his squad.

He told The Sentinel: "The speculation is tittle-tattle. Glenn did smashing for us last season.

"But he has been in a situation that a lot of Premier League players find themselves in.

"They get worn out. I don't just mean physically, but they get mentally drained too and they need to rest.

"Glenn always plays at 100 per cent, he never gives anything less, so it is important to recognise that the demands in the Premier League are different from those in the Championship. There will be times when players just have to rest."



http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_6994005,00.html?

[HatterDon]

And, from our "hot off the presses" department ...

:011: :011: :011: :011: :011: :011: :011:

U.S. 2, Canada 0: Americans cruise in Gold Cup opener

Jozy Altidore scored in the first half and set up Clint Dempsey's goal in the second, and the United States opened its Gold Cup schedule with a 2-0 win over Canada tonight at Ford Field.

GAME STATS

The 21-year-old Altidore was playing his first game in a Gold Cup, which is the championship of North and Central America and the Caribbean. His goal in the 15th minute put the U.S. ahead, and Dempsey added one in the 62nd off a nice cross from Altidore.

The U.S. bounced back after losing, 4-0, to World Cup champion Spain in an exhibition game Saturday. The Americans have never lost a group stage game at the Gold Cup.

"Coming off the game against Spain, obviously, you got down a little bit," Altidore said. "Now, we've just got to build on it, because it's only going to get harder from here."

The U.S. pressured Canada from the start. Altidore scored after running onto a long pass from Landon Donovan. Although Kevin McKenna was back to defend, Altidore was able to turn and take a low shot from a tough angle to the right of the goal. The ball slipped under goalkeeper Lars Hirschfeld and into the net.

There was little Hirschfeld could do about the second goal. Altidore sent a low cross from to the right of the net, and Dempsey was able to knock the ball in while sliding across the ground near the far post.

"For confidence, it was a good thing," coach Bob Bradley said. "The movement that led to the first goal and the cross to Dempsey for the second both were great plays."

The Americans didn't field their best lineup against Spain, putting more emphasis on the Gold Cup. The tournament champion receives a berth in the 2013 Confederations Cup, an important World Cup tuneup.

The U.S. looked confident and crisp against Canada. Michael Bradley created an early scoring chance off a corner kick, shooting from near the top of the penalty area, but U.S. captain Carlos Bocanegra redirected the ball wide.

Altidore put the Americans ahead soon after that, then ran to the corner flag and kicked at it in celebration.

Juan Agudelo, Altidore's partner up top, poked a shot in the 40th minute that Hirschfeld saved with his left arm. Moments later, he forced the goalkeeper to go sprawling to his right to stop his shot from about 25 yards.

Oguchi Onyewu was left out of the starting lineup for the Americans. Bradley went with Tim Ream and Clarence Goodson in central defense.

"We feel that it's a good combination," Bob Bradley said. "As we've gone through training, we feel like the balance between the two is good."

After looking overmatched against Spain's smooth passing, the Americans didn't allow Canada any good chances inside the penalty area until Simeon Jackson dribbled past Ream and Bocanegra in the 57th minute. Ream was able to recover in time to prevent Jackson from getting a shot through to the goal.

Dempsey nearly made a spectacular play at the other end, back-heeling the ball while diving forward horizontally after Hirschfeld deflected a cross. The ball went out of bounds for a corner kick.

Dempsey's goal came not too long after that, and the Americans held on. U.S. goalkeeper Tim Howard reacted marvelously to deflect Ali Gerba's powerful shot from the edge of the penalty area with his right hand in the 70th minute. About 15 minutes later, Howard smothered a shot near the edge of the 6-yard box, then recovered in time to make another terrific stop on a volley by Gerba from point-blank range.

"Howard was absolute magic," Canadian coach Stephen Hart said. "I almost clapped."

In the first game tonight in Detroit, Panama beat Guadeloupe, 3-2.

NOTES: Freddy Adu was not one of the 18 active players for the U.S. ...

Bradley received a yellow card in the 51st minute when he tangled with Canada's Dwayne De Rosario as the Canadians were trying to set up a free kick. William Johnson of Canada was booked the following minute when he fouled Jermaine Jones from behind while the American was making a nice run through the midfield. ...

Attendance was announced at 28,209. Toward the end of the first half, an American fan club behind one of the goals began chanting "We can't hear you!" at a smaller group of Canadian fans at the opposite end.



http://www.zanesvilletimesrecorder.com/article/C4/20110607/SPORTS17/110607057/U-S-2-Canada-0-Americans-cruise-Gold-Cup-opener?odyssey=nav%7Chead

[WhiteJC]

 
Be There In Style For The Fulham Match

It only seems a few days ago that the 2010/11 season ended, but fans are already tuning back in to football as the new 2011/12 season fixtures are announced.  And it's a great start for Wolves as they face Martin Jol's Fulham in the first fixture at Molineux after an away trip to Ewood Park on the opening day of the season.

Wolves will be looking to improve upon the draw in April where a late equalizer broke the hearts of the Molineux faithful and we want to make sure that you get the chance to watch it in style.  At the Wolves Zone we are giving lucky fans the chance to enjoy full hospitality, as well as being chauffeur driven to and from the match.  With Molineux at a reduced capacity whilst developments are underway, make sure you book your place in the Sportingbet box.

The prizes don't stop there though, as Sportingbet are also giving away a pair of tickets to Wolves opening fixture a week earlier away at Blackburn Rovers.  Wolves start where they left off last season against Rovers and whilst the result kept both club's in the Premier League at the end of last term, Wolves will be looking for three points not goal difference this time around.  Make sure your name is in the hat for the season opener.

Get your new season off to a winning start by visiting the www.wolveszone.com  and keep an eye out for plenty more prizes throughout the pre-season.




http://www.wolves.co.uk/page/News/0,,10307~2378143,00.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
United face rebuilding job after departure of ex-Fulham full-back

HAYES & Yeading United face another summer rebuilding job with several of last season's squad set to follow Adam Green out of the exit door.

Only youngsters Nathan Webb and Daniel Wishart had one-year options inserted into their deals last summer and that means that the rest of the squad are not tied to contracts.

The club have cut their playing budget by a mammoth 60 per cent to around £3,000 a week and that means they may not be able to afford senior players including club skipper Peter Holmes and Jamie Hand, along with star striker Elliott Buchanan.

Ex-Fulham left-back Green (pictured) admitted that he just could not afford to wait for a contract offer and he quit the club for Blue Square South Dartford last week.

"No one knows where they stand at Hayes after Garry left," he said. "Since the last game of the season, I had no contact from anyone at the club.

"I have to look after myself as I need to be playing football and need a contract. Dartford made it clear that they needed things done and their manager showed a lot of interest in me.

"I had heard that there would be big changes at Hayes & Yeading and I could not wait and see if there would be an offer on the table.

"I was at Hayes for two years and the fans have been brilliant to me, I have loved every minute of my time at the club and I would love to come back one day."

Several of Green's former team-mates are in the same boat as him as they are weighing up offers from elsewhere, particularly Buchanan, who was watched by Football League scouts last season.

But Hayes & Yeading's director of football, Tony O'Driscoll, has been speaking to players since his appointment to try and convince them to stay.

Key man Hand has spoken to O'Driscoll about the current situation and though the midfielder refused to guarantee he would stay, he said: "I have spoken to Tony, but we do not know whether the club is staying full-time or going part-time next season. That would mean the difference between two completely different types of player. I do not know whether I will stay or not yet, but I have promised that I will speak to Tony before I talk to another club."




http://www.uxbridgegazette.co.uk/west-london-sport/hayesandyeading/2011/06/17/united-face-rebuilding-job-after-departure-of-ex-fulham-full-back-113046-28897023/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Cardiff City appoint Watford's Malky Mackay as manager

Malky Mackay has been appointed Cardiff City manager after Watford gave him permission to speak to the Welsh club.

The 39-year-old replaces Dave Jones at the Cardiff City Stadium, whose six-year reign was ended on 30 May.

Cardiff will pay Watford compensation for former Scotland defender Mackay estimated to be close to £300,000.

Hornets owner Laurence Bassini said: "I'm disappointed to see Malky leave. I do, however, wish him the very best... as he begins work at his new club."

The Bluebirds had an official approach for former Norwich and Celtic defender Mackay rejected by the Hornets on Wednesday.

But after discussions at board level Watford "reluctantly" allowed their manager to talk to their Championship rivals Cardiff.

Watford must now begin their own search for a new manager and Bassini said that if necessary they will take their time in finding the right man.

"We must now move on," Bassini said. "There can be no more important a task at a football club than a managerial appointment.

"The current Board - Graham Taylor, Stuart Timperley and David Fransen - will add vital experience to the process which lies ahead of us now.

"Whether we reach a decision quickly or whether it takes a short while, I'm aware the onus is upon us to get it right for Watford."

Former Newcastle boss Alan Shearer revealed on Wednesday that he had held "unsuccessful" talks with the south Wales club.

Another ex-Newcastle manager, Chris Hughton, ex-West Brom boss Roberto Di Matteo, St Johnstone's Derek McInnes and ex-Barnsley boss Mark Robins had all been linked with the vacant Cardiff job.

Chief executive Gethin Jenkins and director Alan Whiteley led Cardiff's search, while chairman Dato Chan Tien Ghee arrived from Malaysia to complete the deal for Jones' replacement.

Watford chairman Graham Taylor had previously admitted that "Malky is linked with virtually every job that comes up" and the Hornets were well aware their blossoming manager was in the sights of other clubs.

Mackay replaced Brendan Rodgers in the Vicarage Road hotseat in June 2009 after the current Swansea boss departed to Reading.

In his first managerial job Mackay has earned a reputation for playing competitive and attractive football on a modest budget.

The 39-year-old guided the Hornets to 14th in last season's Championship.

With less than two months to go until the start of the new Championship season, Cardiff recognised the need to appoint a new manager as quickly as possible and moved for the man they want, much to Watford's chagrin.

Cardiff's new manager faces a hefty rebuilding process at the club, with 12 players having left including last season's top scorer Jay Bothroyd and fellow striker Michael Chopra.



http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/13680791.stm