Tuesday Fulham Stuff (21/06/11)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham handed trip to Faroe Islands in Europa League

FULHAM have been paired with NSI Runavik in the first qualifying round of the Europa League.

The Whites were handed a back door into Europe through the Fair Play League and will begin their campaign against their opponents from the Faroe Islands at Craven Cottage on June 30 before the return leg seven days later.

Should Martin Jol's men progress, they will face Northern Ireland's Crusaders in July.



http://www.ealinggazette.co.uk/sport/fulham-fc-ealing/2011/06/20/fulham-handed-trip-to-faroe-islands-in-europa-league-64767-28910254/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Even if we win, nothing will match 2009/10

That we continue to prosper as a fledging and borderline-successful club without the subsequent adage of silverware to our name is quite beyond the game's best economists. You could easily argue that financial backing from an elaborate and provocative Egyptian could provide the answer, but more underlines our consistent high standard.

The expectations of the polished and refined fans, of whom most have seen Fulham in the deepest of seemingly inescapable apertures (take the 95/96 season as an epitome of depression), continue to provide workable foundations upon which Mohammed Al Fayed and the club can effortlessly build upon. We've never assumed ourselves worthy of league titles or cups and yet we rarely lack the faith of the common or garden football fan. Bi-weekly, the fans of the Hammersmith End can be heard to chant the expected cries of support, but on few occasions do they lash out the diatribe on offer at other hosts.

This sinless encouragement and the fluctuating levels of confidence in our own side's ability will make the Europa League journey of 2009/10, regardless of its bitter ending, a piece of folklore most difficult to surpass.

We entered into Europe, entirely willingly and full of youthful exuberance, in the early Summer of 2009. There were few presumptions of success in those preliminary stages, merely excuses to enjoy all that our continent had to offer. A trip to Vilnius and a tie against Amkar Perm provided meek victories with similar aplomb, yet, they opened new doors which led to new corridors for travelling fans, whom had only the Inter-Toto Cup to speak of in corresponding fashion. The meagre FK Vetra facilities and the hostile Russian welcome may have been dampening to the untrained eye but were really the source of unforgettable evenings and, eventually, a memorable journey that others will envy for years to come.

If hope was already dwindling, however, the group stages did little to get us excited. Hodgson, the watchful eye over one of our greatest ever campaigns, palpably felt that the Premier League had growing importance and Europe took a seat on the bench, alongside Eddie Johnson. Moments of sheer magic and wondrous entertainment may have become prevalent, especially against Roma, but we paid our naive commupance in the end, and a result against one of Europe's most prized possessions was never forthcoming. A draw against CSKA Sofia and a lackluster home win over Basel did little for the imaginations either.

It took, quite ironically in fact, given the away Premier League form which marred a 12th place finish, a trip to Basel to truly grip the fans, but the nation was yet to follow. Hodgon's men needed a win and duly delivered, although cutting it fine with a 3-2 victory in Switzerland.

Target man Bobby Zamora provided the inspiration which finally allowed the masses to sit up and take notice. We'd been dealt a difficult tie in Shakhtar Donetsk, the UEFA Cup holders, and the Fulhamish attitude of the fans kicked in when the Ukranians pegged us back in the home tie. The number 25, however, stepped up in the most emphatic of fashions and blasted us into a round of 16 tie of our dreams, or more realistically, our nightmares.

It was only in that round of 16, facing the most uphill of tasks with the most condescending of deficits, though, that belief finally entered the vocabulary of those seated at Craven Cottage on 18th March 2010. Juventus, the self-confessed giants of not just European football, but world football, fought themselves to a cosy 4-1 aggregate lead in the opening minutes of one of Fulham's greatest nights. David Trezeguet wound back the years and leapt up from the floor, in only the way a feigned injury could have coaxed, to add to the Italian's first leg victory. Yet, optimism was to most surprisingly follow; a red card advocated our strenuous passage into the quarter finals and the Fulham faithful never looked back. Clint Dempsey had provided us, so perfectly and so exquisitely, with a reason to believe and a reason to nail our colours to the proverbial continental mast. We had become a side to be entirely wary of.



Wolfsburg were surpassed with such constraint and inadvertent ease that to recall the details would be difficult. Nevertheless, the progress was remarkable and the escalation in class and familiarity became a trademark of the season. Hamburg followed and made way for one of the sternest tests the Craven Cottage outfit have overcome; the deafening roars of the crowd after the victory and the permanently resonating words of a startlingly indulging ITV commentary perfectly encapsulating an evening of such indulgence and merriment that to have been in the stands would have paralleled any marriage or any lottery win: "What an achievement for Roy Hodgson. What an extraordinary achievement for Fulham. A level of success that this lovable, once quaint club, could never previously have dreamed of."

A major European final beckoned, thanks in so small part to Simon Davies mastery of the ball, but such a joyous occasion could never be relived. Atletico Madrid proved too strong for Fulham and a season so extensively fun was finalised in such a deflating manner.

No matter, though, as we had the time of our lives. Fulham were fresh, unique and stimulating and we had proven our point to Europe. We had enjoyed the opportunity, and unlike most, persisted to the greatest of extents. We didn't let the chance idly pass us by and we are the better for it.

A new adventure, though, would never match up to our former flourishes, even if the ending can be rectified. Wins will appear outdated and jubilation will feel second hand. It's not to say we shouldn't progress, it's just to say that our memories should be cherished and not replaced.

Perhaps, then, with this previous experience behind us, we have a greater chance of returning to SW6, trophy in hand. But to assume a run of this calibre would yield such emotion, such footballing competence and such 'disbelieving joy' as yesteryear, would be purely wishful thinking.



http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2011/6/20/2233369/even-if-we-win-nothing-will-match-2009-10?

[WhiteJC]

 
Birmingham City's Craig Gardner - Sunderland, Newcastle or Fulham

West Ham, Blackpool, and Birmingham City were relegated in May in one of the most nerve-racking basement battles in years. Demba Ba has already been snapped up by Newcastle, so who else of their players will be the most attractive to Premiership clubs hoping to bag a bargain ?

Craig Gardner

The Birmingham man's goals from midfield were a vital commodity last season, and he is a potential match winner for whoever he signs for. Sunderland have already made enquiries, but the blues will want as much cash as possible from one of their star assets.

Cost: £7 million

Likely destinations: Sunderland, Newcastle, Fulham.



http://life.hereisthecity.com/2011/06/20/birmingham-citys-craig-gardner-sunderland-newcastle-or-fulham/?

[WhiteJC]

 
MARTIN JOL'S HOPE-FUL OF AN EASY RUN

MARTIN JOL will begin his reign as Fulham boss with a Europa League clash against Faroe Islands minnows NSI Runavik.

Jol takes charge for the first time a week on Thursday, for the first qualifying round first-leg tie at Craven Cottage.

Runavik, who finished third in the Faroe Islands league last season, are already halfway through their domestic campaign.

Jol's side will travel to the Faroes for the second leg on July 7, with the game scheduled for Torshavn since Runavik's 2,000-capacity stadium is not sanctioned for UEFA games.

If Fulham progress, as expected, they will then face Northern Irish side Crusaders . FA Cup runners-up Stoke will enter the Europa League at the third qualifying stage. Birmingham and Tottenham will appear one round later as they look to book a place in the group stages.




http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/197000/Martin-Jol-s-hope-Ful-of-an-easy-Run/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Crusaders hit jackpot with Fulham tie

Yesterday's European draw was very kind to Crusaders, but not so kind to the side who pipped them to the league and cup double last season.

Crusaders hit a European jackpot with a potential Europa League second qualifying round battle with Premier League side Fulham and their two Northern Ireland internationals Aaron Hughes and Chris Baird.

Linfield were left cursing their luck in the second qualifying round of the Champions League as they face a logistical nightmare with a clash against top seeds BATE Borisov, the Belarus Premier League champions.

Glentoran also have a tough encounter against Macedonian outfit Renova in the Europa League, but there was further reason to cheer in north-Belfast when Cliftonville were handed an all-British battle with Welsh side TNS.

But the big winners from the draw are Crusaders — provided the London side overcome NSI Runavik of the Faroe Islands in the first qualifying round.

It would be the first time an Irish League side has come up against English top flight opponents since the Crues lost to Liverpool in the European Cup in 1976 — before the Reds went on to lift the trophy at Wembley the following May.

As well as being a much needed financial shot in the arm for the Shore Road side in financially challenging times, there will be a massive amount of interest in the game.

Thrilled Crues boss Stephen Baxter said: "You can't really predict anything in football, but assuming that Fulham progress it's the biggest occasion for the club since the Liverpool games in the 1970s.

"It's a match that will attract a bumper crowd and hopefully we can pack them all in for what should be a really special occasion for everyone connected with the club.

"It's a huge thing for an Irish League club to take on an English Premier League side with their new manager Martin Jol keen to get off to a good start and top quality players in whatever side they put out.

"They have two Northern Ireland players in Aaron Hughes and Chris Baird and strikers like Andy Johnson and Bobby Zamora and for us to welcome them would be special.

"It's a competitive clash between two very different sides, that rarely happens in today's game and I'm so thrilled for the players who will be excited and the supporters who will want to see it."

Meanwhile, Shamrock Rovers play Flora of Estonia in the Champions League second qualifying round.

Fixtures: Champions League second qualifying round: Linfield v BATE Borisov (Belarus) July 12/13, return leg July 19/20.

Europa League: First qualifying round: TNS (Wales) v Cliftonville June 30, return leg July 7; Renova (Macedonia) v Glentoran June 30, return leg July 7. Second qualifying round: Crusaders v Fulham (England) or NSI Runavik (Faroe Islands) July 14, return leg July 21.



Read more: http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/local/crusaders-hit-jackpot-with-fulham-tie-16014115.html?#ixzz1PtGhZguG

[WhiteJC]

 
WEST BROM FOR MORE TALKS WITH ZOLTAN GERA

WEST BROM are set to hold further talks with former midfielder Zoltan Gera about a return to the Hawthorns.

Gera, who spent four years with the Baggies in his first spell, is out of contract at Fulham.


Read more: http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/254036/West-brom-for-more-talks-with-Zoltan-GeraWest-brom-for-more-talks-with-Zoltan-Gera#ixzz1PtH1IIsQ

[WhiteJC]

 
FULHAM TO FACE NSI RUNAVIK

FULHAM will face NSI Runavik of the Faroe Islands in the first qualifying round of the Europa League.

The Cottagers were handed a place in the draw via the UEFA Fair Play League and the tie will represent a first competitive match in charge for new manager Martin Jol, appointed after Mark Hughes' resignation.

The games will be played on June 30 and July 7, the first leg set for west London.


Read more: http://www.express.co.uk/football/view/254035/Fulham-to-face-NSI-RunavikFulham-to-face-NSI-Runavik#ixzz1PtHHVsAM

[WhiteJC]

 
Spurs join £17m fight for striker

Spurs are locked in a four-way fight for £17m-rated Espanyol striker Pablo Osvaldo.

The 25-year-old Italian-Argentine is one of the summer's most sought-after players after an impressive campaign last season, scoring 13 goals.

Fulham have already had a bid of £10.5milllion turned down and the player's agent, Dario Decoud, insists competition is stiff.

He said: "Atletico Madrid and Tottenham like him, but it is early to speak of a transfer.

"It is true that the two clubs (Inter Milan and Juventus) like the player and I can reveal that there have been contact with them.

"Osvaldo would like to return to Italy and Inter Milan and Juventus are two great teams.

"Now Pablo is on vacation and from July we will know more."



Read more: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Transfer-news-Tottenham-want-Pablo-Osvaldo-of-Espanyol-article750284.html#ixzz1PtHtaVTA
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[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham Draw NSÍ Runavík

The draw for the first and second qualifying rounds of the 2011/12 UEFA Europa League took place in Nyon, Switzerland on Monday.

Fulham were placed in Group 2 and were drawn against NSÍ Runavík in the First Qualifying round.  Should the Whites qualify a Second Round tie against Crusaders awaits.

The Club can now confirm that the home and away legs of the match against NSÍ Runavík will not switch.  However, stadium and kick-off details for the away leg have yet to be confirmed.

UEFA Europa League First Qualification Round

First leg: Fulham v NSÍ Runavík - 30th June

Second leg: NSÍ Runavík v Fulham - 7th July

UEFA Europa League Second Qualification Round

First leg: Crusaders v Fulham or NSÍ Runavík - 14th July

Second leg: Fulham or NSÍ Runavík v Crusaders - 21st July



Ticketing and travel details to follow shortly.



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/June/EuropaQualificationDrawMade.aspx#ixzz1PtI7kopb

[WhiteJC]

 
Trio target Fulham forward
Wolves, Birmingham & Rangers eye Peniket

Skysports.com understands Fulham youngster Richard Peniket is attracting the interest of a number of clubs.

Premier League rivals Wolves, Championship club Birmingham and Scottish champions Rangers are all thought to be monitoring the 19-year-old's situation at Craven Cottage.

The 6ft 3in striker is highly regarded at Fulham after they beat Manchester United to his signature in 2009 when they signed Peniket from Walsall.
Peniket has caught the eye for Wales Under-19s and he also played an instrumental role in helping Fulham win the Southern academy title last season.

Fulham are keen to keep hold of Peniket, but they could face a fight for him if any of the interested trio firm up their interest in talented frontman.



http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_6998651,00.html?

[White Noise]

Fulham hoping for high Fyv


Published: Today


FULHAM have bid £700,000 for Aberdeen's Fraser Fyvie, 18.

Blackburn and Newcastle fancy the midfielder.



Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/3649154/Fulham-have-bid-700000-for-Aberdeens-Fraser-Fyvie-18.html#ixzz1PteLAIv1

[WhiteJC]

 
McLeish targets fast start

New Aston Villa boss Alex McLeish is determined to prove that he is the right man to manage the club and is targeting a winning start against Fulham on August 13 (Villa 15/8 – bet365 – match prices).

The 52-year-old was unveiled to the press on Monday afternoon after making a controversial switch from Birmingham City to their fierce second city rivals.

There has already been a backlash against his appointment with some anti-McLeish graffiti daubed on the walls of Villa Park, while there have been plenty of negative comments on radio phone-in shows in the Midlands.

But the former Scotland boss is no stranger to controversy and pressure having spent five seasons in charge of Rangers and has already admitted that he is not fazed by making the switch across the city.

McLeish feels that the pressure on him to succeed in the early weeks of the new campaign may be greater than for established Premier League managers, but he will have to deal with another new boss when he takes his charges to Craven Cottage to open up proceedings.

"Maybe there is a bit more pressure on me from that point of view to get results," he said. "But, at the same time, it is the remit of every manager, in any job, about getting a good start, a fast start, and Martin Jol will be saying the same thing at Fulham."

The former Motherwell chief is keen to show the Villa faithful what he can do as a coach and wants to enjoy any success with the fans as he looks to take the club to a new level (Villa 12/1 – bet365 – top four finish).

"The message to the fans is let me prove myself and I'll win you over," he added. "It's not a case of proving them wrong because I want to go forward with the Villa fans.

"I want to prove to them that I am the man for this job."



http://football.betsplayer.com/premier-league/mcleish-targets-fast-start/

[White Noise]

http://tribalfootball.com/articles/mcleish-determined-win-over-new-aston-villa-fans-1707271


McLeish determined to win over new Aston Villa fans


21.06.11 | tribalfootball.com


Aston Villa boss Alex McLeish is determined to win over his new fans.

Many Villans are upset with the appointment.

McLeish is determined to win them over, but knows there will be more pressure on him to achieve positive results because of the nature of his move.

He said: "Maybe there is a bit more pressure on me from that point of view to get results.

"But, at the same time, it is the remit of every manager, in any job, about getting a good start, a fast start, and Martin Jol will be saying the same thing at Fulham.

"The message to the fans is let me prove myself and I'll win you over.

"It's not a case of proving them wrong because I want to go forward with the Villa fans.

"I want to prove to them that I am the man for this job."

[White Noise]

http://tribalfootball.com/articles/wolves-open-liverpool-talks-konchesky-1707371


Wolves open Liverpool talks for Konchesky


21.06.11 | tribalfootball.com


Wolves have approached Liverpool for Paul Konchesky.

Skysports.com says Konchesky is widely expected to leave Liverpool this summer with the player not figuring in Kenny Dalglish's long-term plans.

The full-back joined Liverpool from Fulham last summer, but following Dalglish's appointment as replacement for Roy Hodgson, Konchesky was farmed out on loan to Nottingham Forest.

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy is a big admirer of Konchesky and saw a move for him on loan during the January transfer window fail to materialise due to regulations which meant the player could only move to another club on an emergency loan having played for Fulham and Liverpool last season.

[White Noise]

http://tribalfootball.com/articles/fulham-striker-peniket-rangers-sights-1707561


Fulham striker Peniket in Rangers sights


21.06.11 | tribalfootball.com


Fulham striker Richard Peniket is attracting transfer interest.

Peniket is a 6ft 3in Welsh Under-19 striker.

The Scottish Sun says new Rangers boss Ally McCoist is interested in Peniket after missing out on Israeli striker Tomer Hemed at the weekend.

Peniket could be allowed to leave on-loan by Martin Jol this summer.

[WhiteJC]

 
Prem first choice for Diarra
Potters and Cottagers thought to want Mali international

Mahamadou Diarra says a Premier League club would be his preferred destination next season after being linked with moves to Stoke and Fulham.

The defensive midfielder, a former Real Madrid player, is a free agent after his six-month contract at Monaco expired at the end of last season.

The French club are keen to keep him but ex-Lyon man Diarra is expected to leave in search of regular first-team football following their relegation to Ligue 2.

The 30-year-old claims he has several options, but is targeting a switch to the English top-flight.

Favourite

"Yes, the Premier League is somewhere I would love to play and I'm looking forward to that," Diarra told skysports.com.

"I have other contacts, but a very good club in England would be my favourite option."

He added: "I am looking forward to next season. To be honest, if injuries do not come, I will have a great season."

A move to Stoke or Fulham would come with the added incentive of playing Europa League football after both sides booked a spot in the qualifying rounds.

Reports in the African media suggest Diarra is leaning towards a Stoke move as he looks to relaunch his career in Europe, with manager Tony Pulis understood to be keen on the Mali international.



http://www.skysports.com/story/0,,11095_6999006,00.html

[WhiteJC]

 
'SCHWARZENEGGER' JOL GLAD TO BE BACK'

New Fulham manager Martin Jol says he always harboured ambitions to return to English football after his spell in charge of Tottenham.

Jol has been unveiled as Mark Hughes' successor at Craven Cottage, having come close to joining the London club last summer.

Jol, who has been without a club since leaving Ajax last year, spent three years in charge of Tottenham between 2004 and 2007, and he is delighted to be back in the Barclays Premier League.

He said: "Everybody knew I would like to come back. I said that when I left, like Arnold Schwarzenegger I will be back, and I am back."

The Dutchman also revealed one of the main attractions in taking the Cottagers job was that he would be in charge of a club with a proud tradition.

"I think Fulham is a traditional club, like Spurs, West Ham and all the London clubs. They gave me a good feeling and when we played here (with Spurs) we had a couple of good results, and I like the colours, black and white as well.

"I could go on but Fulham are happy, I am happy, so hopefully we can keep it that way."



http://www.football365.com/story/0,17033,8697_6999067,00.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
'Arnie' Jol: I said I'll be back

New Fulham manager Martin Jol says he always harboured ambitions to return to English football after his spell in charge of Tottenham.

Jol has been unveiled as Mark Hughes' successor at Craven Cottage, having come close to joining the London club last summer.

Jol, who has been without a club since leaving Ajax last year, spent three years in charge of Tottenham between 2004 and 2007, and he is delighted to be back in the Premier League.

He said: "Everybody knew I would like to come back. I said that when I left, like Arnold Schwarzenegger I will be back, and I am back."

The Dutchman also revealed one of the main attractions in taking the Cottagers job was that he would be in charge of a club with a proud tradition.

"I think Fulham is a traditional club, like Spurs, West Ham and all the London clubs. They gave me a good feeling and when we played here (with Spurs) we had a couple of good results, and I like the colours, black and white as well.

"I could go on but Fulham are happy, I am happy, so hopefully we can keep it that way."

Jol's first game in charge will be against NSI Runavik of the Faroe Islands in the first qualifying round of the Europa League on June 30, with the away leg following a week later.

Fulham got into the tournament due to their fair play record, and while Jol admits the early timing is not ideal he hopes having a competitive fixture will add bite to their pre-season preparations.

"This is only the second or third time Fulham have been in Europe, he said.

"So I could have said let's start (training) early in June but I thought it was a bad idea. You could consider it a friendly game with a serious touch."

Jol also said he had no frustrations about missing out on a move to Craven Cottage last summer, as Ajax refused to release him.

"Don't forget there was another problem last year as Ajax had to play in the Champions League qualifiers and there was no (release) clause and it was really difficult, but I think this was okay.

"We talked again a couple of weeks ago after Mark Hughes left and I had the same feeling and I made a decision to go back and talk to them and I decided to take the job."

The former Spurs boss insisted he harboured no hard feelings towards his old employers at White Hart Lane.

"I've got a very good relationship with [Tottenham chairman] Daniel [Levy]," he said. "He looked after me, he always did. There's no hard feelings. Of course you'd like to stay - I would like to stay here for four, five years. Hopefully it's realistic.

"I was at Spurs three and a half years so that was probably a record so no hard feelings."

Jol refused to name possible transfer targets but reckons he will need four or five new signings to complement what he feels is already a decent squad.

"It's a good squad good, experienced players with a couple of young exciting players like [Moussa] Dembele who I know very well from Holland," he said.

"Four or five players left the club. We need strength in depth so we probably need a similar number of players - four or five."



http://www.teamtalk.com/fulham/6999076/-Arnie-Jol-I-said-I-ll-be-back?

[White Noise]

Martin Jol outlines Fulham transfer plans


By Jacob Murtagh


Jun 21 2011


MARTIN Jol wants to bring four or five new players to Craven Cottage this summer.

The new Fulham boss showed the door to John Pantsil, Diomansy Kamara, Eddie Johnson and Matthew Saunders on his arrival in SW6.

And the Dutchman wants to replace them before the Premier League campaign gets under way in August.

He said: "Four or five players have left and we want to bring in a similar amount.

"The squad's a bit old, with an average age of 29 or 30. We want to build a young team for the future."


Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/06/21/martin-jol-outlines-fulham-transfer-plans-82029-28914574/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter#ixzz1PukDlvWU

[WhiteJC]

 
Danny Murphy offered Fulham lifeline

MARTIN Jol insists there's no hard feelings with Fulham skipper Danny Murphy.

The veteran midfielder was a bit-part player under the Dutchman during his time at Spurs before his switch to Craven Cottage in 2007.

But Jol insists he has no plans to offload the 34-year-old, and says it was his decision to quit White Hart Lane for SW6.

He said: "We kept in touch and he's a realistic guy. I had the best number four I could've hoped for in Michael Carrick.

"He realised that and there was Tom Huddlestone coming through as well.

"He made the decision to go to Fulham. We have a good relationship."



http://www.ealinggazette.co.uk/sport/fulham-fc-ealing/2011/06/21/danny-murphy-offered-fulham-lifeline-64767-28914642/?