Saturday Fulham Stuff (25/06/11)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Mexico's Carlos Salcido doesn't believe there's a favorite in the Gold Cup final

Although Mexico has had a much easier run to the Gold Cup final than the United States, Carlos Salcido doesn't think either nation should be considered the favorite when the two teams meet Saturday night at the Rose Bowl.

"No, I don't think so," the Mexican defender said. "The U.S. is a great team, very compact with great players. They haven't been playing as well as I think their fans are used to seeing them play, but this is a final we're talking about. We know how complex it is to play against them. I just hope Saturday's a great day for Mexico."

The U.S. suffered an embarrassing loss to Panama in the first round before bouncing back with three straight clean sheets, including a 1-0 win over Panama in the semifinals.

Meanwhile, Mexico coasted through the group stage before facing tougher competition in Guatemala and Honduras during the knockout rounds. It needed two extra-time goals to get past Honduras Wednesday night in Houston.

"You go through the different stages and teams get tougher," Salcido said. "They're not willing to give you anything, so the games get tougher. But I think the team's been getting better as we go on, too."

Salcido was forced off the pitch against Honduras in the 56th minute with a foot injury. After the game, he said he was not 100 percent entering the contest and put part of the blame on the poor field quality throughout the tournament.

He will likely be available for the final, but may not start.

"I'll try to be there," he said after the semifinal. "If I have to be on the bench I'll do my best to support the team either way."



http://sports.yahoo.com/soccer/news?slug=goal-mexicoscarlossalcidodoesntb

[WhiteJC]

 
Big Step Forward

The Fulham Badgers football team took part in the Down's Syndrome Association's (DSA's) 'Big Step Forward' event, on 12th June, in order to generate vital funds needed to carry on their specialist training for the 2011/12 season.

The 'Big Step Forward' sponsored walk, took place at Sunbury Court, Teddington, and involved the team trying to complete as many circuits of the half-mile course as possible; to add to the challenge it was far from a dry day! In total they raised just under £4000, which was an amazing effort and testament to the work undertaken to organise the event on behalf of the players, parents and relatives.

The Fulham Badgers (aged between 6 and 23) currently train every Friday evening in Raynes Park and have represented Fulham Football Club in numerous tournaments, which included them hosting the first national DSA football festival at the Club's Motspur Park Training Ground, earlier this year.

For further information on the walk or to make a donation, please visit the Badgers' JustGiving webpage and help this fantastic group of individuals continue to play football next season and beyond.



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/June/BigStepForward.aspx?#ixzz1QGZWJrqF

[WhiteJC]

 
Clint Dempsey offers a toast to U.S.-Mexico soccer rivalry

As soccer rivalries go, it doesn't get much better than the U.S. and Mexico -- at least not in this part of the world.

"I don't think you can get tired of playing against Mexico," says midfielder Clint Dempsey, who will lead the U.S. national team against Mexico in Saturday's Gold Cup final before a sellout crowd of more than 90,000 in the Rose Bowl. "The rivalry is great for soccer."

The two countries have combined to win nine of the previous 10 Gold Cups, with Mexico taking the last one, in 2009, and the U.S. winning three of the four before that. Saturday's winner earns a berth in the next Confederations Cup in Brazil, which will be held a year before the World Cup.

But although a lot of blood has been spilled over the years in what has become an emotional series, Dempsey says it's nothing personal. In fact, he's become a pitchman for Modelo Especial, one of Mexico's most popular beers. And the Texan sees nothing odd about that.

"I grew up near Mexico and learned from a lot of Mexican players, so I definitely have respect and history with Mexico," he says. "In terms of my loyalty, Modelo Especial is a quality beer that's popular here in the United States and in Mexico, and I'm happy to work with the brand."

Surprisingly, Dempsey isn't the first U.S. national team player to find a marketing niche with a Mexican company. Last year Landon Donovan did a series of TV spots for the Mexican lottery, helping soften the American's image south of border while drawing attention to the campaign.

"Mexicans and Mexican Americans are extremely passionate about soccer ... but I think it's difficult to estimate what my fan base is in Mexico," Dempsey says. "I'm sure some may appreciate my style of play but have allegiance to their own country's players. As for the marketing future of American players, I think that it's pretty limitless. A lot of us on the national team play in countries all over the world, so I think we have the ability to interact with not only Americans but can appeal to other markets too given the right fit."



http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/sports_blog/2011/06/clint-dempsey-us-mexico-soccer-gold-cup.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham's Kamara joins Turkey's Eskisehirspor

Fulham's Diomansy Kamara celebrates after scoring against AS Roma during their UEFA Europa League soccer match at the Olympic stadium in Rome November 5, 2009. (Xinhua/Reuters File Photo)

Senegalese striker Diomansy Kamara has joined Turkish football club Eskisehirspor, the club confirmed on Friday.

Kamara, who was recently playing for British Premier League team Fulham, signed a 3-year contract with Eskisehirspor, the club said.

Kamara, born in Paris, France in 1980, began his professional football career with Red Star 93 in 1998.

The striker later joined Italy's Catanzaro and Modena, and then transferred to Premier League's Portsmouth and West Bromwich Albion respectively. Having signed with Fulham in 2007, Kamara also played for Celtic and Leicester City teams on loan.

Source: Xinhua



http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90779/90871/7420550.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
Is total football really the way forward?

There's definitely a profound yet simple message in the cliché "it's possible to have too much of a good thing." Too much chocolate makes you ill, too much alcohol makes you incoherent and too much attacking football leaves you exorbitantly fragile in defence; just ask Blackpool.

But that hasn't stopped Martin Jol, a man whose country put total football on the proverbial map of sport mastery, from insisting change in our style of play is a definite pre-requisite of success. The Dutchman labelled his newly inherited side as "older", while suggesting a squad overhaul may be necessary to truly allow his motion to make progress. About time, I hear you cry, but is a team of European calibre and top 10 consistency really in need of absolute metamorphosis?

As with all teams during the Summer months, we are in dire need of a revolution. To take heed of Alex Ferguson's Manchester United, whom habitually set a transitional precedent which the intelligent would blindly follow, and continue to update a palpably ageing squad, would make the utmost of sense. Mark Schwarzer, Danny Murphy, Andrew Johnson, Simon Davies and Damien Duff all find themselves on the tail end of their respective careers, yet provide us with our most promising first eleven. It may be far from embarrassing and the formula clearly works, but everything has a life span, and that of our squad is thinning.

And, we mustn't forget, as a side that has blessed the Premier League with wondrous football for the best part of three years now, that attacking, fluent and ultimately progressive play, is the most assured and acknowledged way of pleasing the followers. On occasion, a deft Zamora flick can be received as greatly by the home Craven Cottage faithful as a bundled Andrew Johnson goal.

Memories of Lawrie Sanchez only bring forth the red mist in most, but it's not just the flaws in his capabilities that aggravate the Fulham fans; the style of play he put forward was repugnant to say the least. The alluring passes and the classy freedom of Tigana's Fulham were all but a distant memory as the Northern Irishman systematically removed all that was good in SW6.

Hodgson and Hughes have progressively injected resplendence back into our play since Sanchez was thankfully shown the door, but we have always been held back by an intelligible desire to defend our own goal. The away form under both managers provide the evidence, although inroads were gratefully made under Hughes' tutorship.

Perhaps, then, it is time to push on some more and exploit the wondrous talents of Dembele, Zamora and the like. However, such alterations after such credible stability always have the potential to rock the boat.

In the past, this Fulham side have always responded well to change; almost to the extent that continuity appears to breed decline. When Hodgson came in, results instantaneously improved; so emphatically in fact, that relegation was generously avoided. Hughes was appointed after Sir Roy, and returned Fulham to the top ten. Martin Jol, then, should have no problem settling in and taking us onwards and upwards.

Yet, his obvious ambition to reform our idiosyncrasy is what could prove to be his downfall. The Hodgson-Hughes transition didn't hit hard at all - they proved to be similar managers (admittedly, not in personality) with similar methods. Such a simplistic changeover will have helped the players immensely, but it appears such benefits won't arise this time around. The players will need to adapt instinctively and immediately, with competitive action taking place only next week.

The experienced heads of Murphy, Davies and co will find it most easy to cope, but, aren't they the ones Jol would like to dispose of? It seems to almost offer us a viscous circle, and it's clear that the former Spurs boss will have to make compromises in his clearing our sale if he is to preserve the heart of this side and continue to build upon what is already an established team in English football.



That in itself also begs the question, do we really need to be more diverse and refined? Clearly, we possess a side of great ability and, even more clearly, previous managers have been well aware of how to exploit them to the best of their abilities. It would surely make more sense to apply some cohesion with previous bosses and allow for steady, realistic growth, rather than overturning a steadfast regime and risking all that has already been worked for.

There can always be an argument that attacking football will not harm us in the slightest, given our sturdy defence and enviable clean sheet record. However, such records were set under previous coaches and therefore cannot be taken for granted. Yes, Hangeland and Hughes are well vested and difficult to break down, but they won't be immune to lapses of concentration and moments of error if they are not tactically deployed to the best of their abilities.

While the concept may work impressively for Johann Cruyff and Marko Van Basten, maybe it would be best to put the idea of total football to one side for the time being, and, instead, we taking this club onto the next, achievable, step.




http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2011/6/24/2241692/is-total-football-really-the-way-forward

[WhiteJC]

 
I'm not Kean on Steve's job chances - Derek McGovern's Bets of the Day

Statistics say that 25 per cent of Premier League managers will lose their jobs during the course of next season – a further sign that the economy has stalled.

Five went last season and five the season before – I have a suspicion it was the same five.

That's a hell of a turnover but Premier League clubs have a hell of a turnover.

Directors of the top 10 clubs expect their managers to be winning trophies. Directors of the bottom 10 expect their managers to keep them up. Some clubs are going to be disappointed. Usually it's West Ham.


I've done some checking and if over the last two seasons you'd backed every manager in the Premier League not to be in their job come the end of the campaign, you'd be me.

Victor Chandler are betting on how many top-flight bosses pick up their P45 before they pick up their summer-holiday suitcases and make five or six their 11-10 favourite.

I'd be tempted, however, to have a dabble on six or more at 2-1. That way you can cheer every time a manager gets the boot when your normal reaction would be to cheer only if Fergie gets the boot.

Chandler are also betting on which gaffer is first shown the exit door and my advice here is the same as it always is – if you have any red-hot information, please tell me.

Blackburn's Steve Kean is 9-4 favourite for the chop, but be warned that in the last seven seasons some long-priced outsiders have won the Sack Race, including Jose Mourinho (left, at 33-1), Iain Dowie (25-1), Paul Sturrock (20-1) and Martin O'Neill (16-1).

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Bet of the Day

One night I had sex with a girl from one o'clock to five past two. I love it when they put the clocks forward. Get on Nicolas Almagro at 11-8 to beat Mikhail Youzhny at Wimbledon today.

**

The iconic jacket Michael Jackson wore in his hit video Thriller is going under the hammer this weekend.

Bidders at the auction won't put their hand up to signal an increased offer. Instead they have been instructed to theatrically grab the crotch, preferably their own.

It's one of many Jacko items up for sale in Hollywood, along with a fedora, a glove, and three noses, one black.

Auctioneers reckon bidding could well go through the roof and even dangle over the balcony, that's how popular Jacko (inset) was.

He was a black performer who whites could relate to, and then, later in life, a white performer who blacks could relate to.

The ground-breaking Thriller video turned Jacko into the biggest-selling artist of all time. It also turned him into a zombie.

Bookies Victor Chandler offer 5-4 that Jackson's iconic red jacket is flogged for more than $600,000 (£376,000) and 2-1 that it fetches less than $400,000 (£250,000).

**

GEORGE CLOONEY is back on the market but only gorgeous women who like pot-bellied pigs need apply.

Pot-bellied women need apply triple make-up.

Clooney split with drop-dead gorgeous Italian model Elisabetta Canalis when she mentioned the 'B' word that sends shivers down his spine – Batman.

Lizzie talked of babies and marriage and George was Out Of Sight before you could say Good Night And Good Luck.

Most of the time women really are their own worst enemy – but they still blame men. Hills quote just 11-8 for Clooney's next girlfriend to be in her 20s. There's a name for men in their 50s who date 20-somethings – jammy gits.

A teenage girlfriend is a 12-1 chance and there's a name for men in their 50s who date teenage girls – billionaires.



Read more: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/blogs/betting-blog/I-m-not-Kean-on-Steve-Kean-s-job-chances-at-Blackburn-Derek-McGovern-Bets-of-the-Day-article752276.html#ixzz1QGcFL2Ru
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[WhiteJC]

 
Rovers lodge new bid for Cisse

Blackburn have stepped up their interest in Papiss Cisse by making a new bid for the striker, who also interests Arsenal, Liverpool and Fulham.

The Senegalese forward had a sensational season in Germany last year, finishing as second top scorer in the Bundesliga.

The 26-year-old is understood to have been in England this week to hold talks with Rovers as Freiburg accept their star man is set to leave.

But the German club insist that they will not accept anything less than €15million for him.

Rovers lodged a bid back in May, but that is believed to have been half of what Freiburg wanted, so Steve Kean has returned and upped his offer which, if accepted, would break the club's transfer record.

However, there is strong interest in Cisse, particularly from Eastern Europe with Dynamo Kiev, Lokomotiv Moscow and Zenit St Petersburg all keen and the wages on offer in Russia and Ukraine could hamper Blackburn's bid.

Arsenal, Liverpool and Fulham are also thought to have been keeping tabs on Cisse in recent months.

Rovers are looking to bolster their attacking options, and have also been closely linked with Roma's Mirko Vucinic.

His agent admits to have been in England for talks, but a move within Serie A looks more likely with Juventus strongly linked.

Vucinic's agent Alessandro Lucci said: "I've been to England to take stock of the situation.

"The interest of English clubs in him goes back some time.

"But I've also had meetings with Juventus, where we talked about many players and they asked for information on Vucinic."

Blackburn are also keeping tabs on the situation of former star Roque Santa Cruz at Manchester City after he spent the latter part of last season back on loan at Ewood Park.



http://www.teamtalk.com/arsenal/7004246/Rovers-lodge-new-bid-for-Cisse?

[WhiteJC]

 
Dempsey on Mexican rivalry
by DAN on JUNE 25, 2011

More build up to tonight's Gold Cup final. It's difficult for Brits to truly appreciate the extent of the rivalry between the United States and Mexico, so Fulham's Clint Dempsey tries to put it into perspective:

I don't think you can get tired of playing against Mexico. The rivalry is great for soccer.

Dempsey has a particular feel for the rivalry having grown up on the Mexican border and worked as an amabassador for a Mexican beer company.

I grew up near Mexico and learned from a lot of Mexican players, so I definitely have respect and history with Mexico. In terms of my loyalty, Modelo Especial is a quality beer that's popular here in the United States and in Mexico, and I'm happy to work with the brand.

Mexicans and Mexican Americans are extremely passionate about soccer ... but I think it's difficult to estimate what my fan base is in Mexico. I'm sure some may appreciate my style of play but have allegiance to their own country's players. As for the marketing future of American players, I think that it's pretty limitless. A lot of us on the national team play in countries all over the world, so I think we have the ability to interact with not only Americans but can appeal to other markets too given the right fit.

Dempsey's also been talking about the task of playing the final at the Rose Bowl. It's one of the peculiarities of this rivalry that the majority of a sell-out 90,000 crowd will be supporting the Mexicans.

We have fewer fans than any other team. We need more. But we're a strong team. I hope one day we'll get more US fans in the stadiums. For now, we're concentrating on winning.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/06/dempsey-on-mexican-rivalry/?

[WhiteJC]

 
El Hamdaoui 'not welcome at Ajax'
by DAN on JUNE 25, 2011

Fulham target Mounir El Hamdaoui has been told not to report for pre-season training with Ajax next month.

The Moroccan striker received a letter telling him that he is no longer considered part of the club's first team, according to the Dutch newspaper De Telegraaph. If the 26-year-old is still contracted to Ajax on 11 July, he will be expected to train with the youth team in Rotterdam.

Ajax insist that they are not going to sell El Hamdaoui for anything below their valuation of the player, but the relationship between the forward and coach Frank de Boer has proved a rocky one. Matters came to a head after the Dutch Cup semi-final against RKC Waalwijk when de Boer dropped El Hamdaoui after 'something unacceptable happened in the dressing room at half-time'.

El Hamdaoui, who scored 13 goals in 26 appearances for Ajax last season, has been widely linked with a move to Fulham, where he would be reunited with the former Ajax manager Martin Jol.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/06/el-hamdaoui-not-welcome-at-ajax/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Clint Dempsey moves front and center

The face of soccer in the United States is constantly changing.

A nation that spent many, many years as a mere footnote to the world's most popular sport has long tried to raise its own superstar and, to date, the results have been mixed.

The first big splash came in the 1994 World Cup when some little boys wanted to emulate U.S. goalkeeper Tony Meola and others longed to imitate the fancy footwork of Alexi Lalas.

Then came guys like Cobi Jones, who had style to go along with skill. He became an instant hit with fans due to his pedal to the metal approach and ever-present smile.

And not so long ago it was Landon Donovan who was anointed the greatest American-born soccer player, and still stands as its most recognizable star.

The common theme among all of these players is a rich background in soccer — growing up in hotbeds of the sport and diligently climbing the ranks from elite youth clubs to the pros.

Then there's midfielder/striker/wherever-you-need-him Clint Dempsey, who has not only become the straw that stirs the drink for the U.S. National Team, but has also proven American-made players can make a pretty good impact overseas.

His pedigree?

Nacagdoches, Texas, and Greenville, S.C.

In polite soccer conversation neither town comes up very often, although Nacogdoches has strong Tex-Mex ties to the beautiful game and Greenville has Furman University — a school that is known to turn out some good teams and good players.

During his three years in the Upstate Dempsey scored 17 goals and added 19 assists while playing for the Paladins. In 2002 he was named to the All-American Team after guiding Furman to an 18-3-1 mark and spot in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament.

These days, however, he is a goal-scoring machine for the United States and someone who always plays 65 miles per hour in a 35 zone.

The 28-year old has already scored in two different World Cups.

Even more impressive is that while playing for Fulham in England, he has become the all-time leading scorer for the club in Premiere League matches with 33 goals. He was recently named the club's player of the year.

Today he'll be the center of attention when the U.S. takes on Mexico in the finals of the Gold Cup at the Rose Bowl.

It was his goal against Panama on Wednesday that pushed the Americans through, and it might be his leadership and toughness that gives them a chance against a talented Mexican side that is playing at a very high level.

A Texas town with a funny name and a South Carolina city far from the international scene prepared Dempsey for the bright spotlight of European soccer and the role as playmaker for the United States.

For now, his is the face of futbol in the land of football.



http://www.independentmail.com/news/2011/jun/25/clint-dempsey-moves-front-and-center/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Mexico's Carlos Salcido does not believe there is a favourite in the Gold Cup final against USA
The defender expects an even match when his squad takes their rivals in Pasadena and is hoping to make an appearance off the bench having been sidelined with a foot injury

Although Mexico have had a much easier run to the Gold Cup final than the United States, Carlos Salcido doesn't think either nation should be considered the favourite when the two teams meet Saturday night at the Rose Bowl.

"No, I don't think so," the Mexican defender said. "The U.S. is a great team, very compact with great players. They haven't been playing as well as I think their fans are used to seeing them play, but this is a final we're talking about. We know how complex it is to play against them. I just hope Saturday's a great day for Mexico."

The U.S. suffered an embarrassing loss to Panama in the first round before bouncing back with three straight clean sheets, including a 1-0 win over Panama in the semi-finals.

Meanwhile, Mexico coasted through the group stage before facing tougher competition in Guatemala and Honduras during the knockout rounds. They needed two extra-time goals to get past Honduras Wednesday night in Houston.

"You go through the different stages and teams get tougher," Salcido said. "They're not willing to give you anything, so the games get tougher. But I think the team's been getting better as we go on, too."

Salcido was forced off the pitch against Honduras in the 56th minute with a foot injury. After the game, he said he was not 100 per cent entering the contest and put part of the blame on the poor field quality throughout the tournament.

He will likely be available for the final, but may not start.

"I'll try to be there," he said after the semifinal. "If I have to be on the bench I'll do my best to support the team either way."




http://www.goal.com/en/news/2464/gold-cup/2011/06/25/2546941/mexicos-carlos-salcido-does-not-believe-there-is-a-favourite?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham first in pre season games

The Dons' first pre-season game will be at home on Saturday 9 July against Fulham. This will be followed on Tuesday 12 July at Sutton United.

The Fulham game will be against a squad comprising first team players and some reserves/squad players, as Fulham are also involved in the Europa Cup in the same week.

We are still in discussions to replace the home friendly game on Saturday 16 July which was cancelled by Leyton Orient. With that exception, our pre-season fixtures are now complete.




http://www.afcwimbledon.co.uk/news.php?Psection_id=2&Psub_section_id=1&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=xml&Open=5958#tar5958

[WhiteJC]

 
Birmingham refute transfer claims
by DAN on JUNE 25, 2011

A rather strange statement from Birmingham City today, hot the heels of an equally baffling one from Hearts last night.

Whilst it isn't strictly Fulham related, it does mention two Fulham players:

Players recommended by the Board, such as Babel, Odemwingie, Pennant and a Chinese player, for commercial reasons, didn't arrive as no approval was forthcoming from the manager. Players such as Dembele chose not to come and N'Zogbia due to his sudden demand for last minute increase in wages. In the case of Zamora, it was felt there had been quite a few injuries and anyway he signed a massive new contract at Fulham due to our approach.

As the legal dispute is ongoing, it is appropriate that this myth of interference is put to rest once and for all.

You can understand the Birmingham board's desire to defend themselves against any untrue media speculation, but it is particularly clumsily worded. The section about Zamora, who I can't seriously believe Birmingham felt that could sign, reads as though it was written by a five year old. Of course, Moussa Dembele was widely tipped to make the move to Birmingham last summer but eventually decided to join Fulham.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/06/birmingham-refute-transfer-claims/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Rovers lodge new bid for Cisse

Blackburn have stepped up their interest in Papiss Cisse by making a new bid for the striker, who also interests Arsenal, Liverpool and Fulham.

The Senegalese forward had a sensational season in Germany last year, finishing as second top scorer in the Bundesliga.

The 26-year-old is understood to have been in England this week to hold talks with Rovers as Freiburg accept their star man is set to leave.

But the German club insist that they will not accept anything less than €15million for him.

Rovers lodged a bid back in May, but that is believed to have been half of what Freiburg wanted, so Steve Kean has returned and upped his offer which, if accepted, would break the club's transfer record.

However, there is strong interest in Cisse, particularly from Eastern Europe with Dynamo Kiev, Lokomotiv Moscow and Zenit St Petersburg all keen and the wages on offer in Russia and Ukraine could hamper Blackburn's bid.

Arsenal, Liverpool and Fulham are also thought to have been keeping tabs on Cisse in recent months.

Rovers are looking to bolster their attacking options, and have also been closely linked with Roma's Mirko Vucinic.

His agent admits to have been in England for talks, but a move within Serie A looks more likely with Juventus strongly linked.

Vucinic's agent Alessandro Lucci said: "I've been to England to take stock of the situation.

"The interest of English clubs in him goes back some time.

"But I've also had meetings with Juventus, where we talked about many players and they asked for information on Vucinic."

Blackburn are also keeping tabs on the situation of former star Roque Santa Cruz at Manchester City after he spent the latter part of last season back on loan at Ewood Park.



http://www.teamtalk.com/fulham/7004246/Rovers-lodge-new-bid-for-Cisse

[White Noise]

http://fulhamsfinest.com/2011/06/25/top-10-questions-fulham-would-like-answered-this-season/


Top 10 Questions Fulham Would Like Answered This Season


Posted: June 25, 2011 by Kyle in Opinion


So, we have until next Thursday.  That's it.  And the season's back on.  And now that we've announced a friendly with AFC Wimbledon, we've certainly got our hands full with Fulham matches (which trust me, is NOT a bad thing).  So, as we approach another season, what would the club like to know? There were certainly many question marks heading into this offseason, and most of them haven't been answered.  So I figured I'd go over the Top 10 questions that Fulham would like (and most likely will) answered this throughout this season.  As you will see, many of these questions actually piggyback off one another and tie together.  That is, after all, what makes a team...well...a team.  And I would argue not many Premier League clubs embody the "team" concept as Fulham do.

10) Will Clint Dempsey leave for a Champions League team?

To me, I think the question should be more like WHEN will he leave, because he's earned it.  The question lies within whether he wishes to stay his career at Craven Cottage and become a Fulham legend.  He certainly has expressed interest in playing in the Champions League.  So will he leave? We'll have to find out.  It seems like right now at least, he's committed to the Fulham faithful.

Another thing to note about Dempsey: the poor guy has had to prove himself under every other new Fulham manager.  I can't see it happening AGAIN, but heck, it's possible.  I'm sure he's up to the challenge, he always is.  In fact, some have made the argument he's better under severe pressure like being removed from the lineup and having to prove himself again.  But let's hope for his sake he doesn't.  Also, don't take him not starting in the first few games as him being removed from the lineup.  The lineups are going to be a mess the first few matches with the weaker clubs up first.

9) What position is Moussa Dembele best fit for?

He scored 3 goals last season in 24 appearances.  3.  As a striker.  As Only LOLcats can put it...



So, where is Dembele fit for? He's certainly not the pure striker, but he does have the shooting ability.  That being said, it's obvious dribbling is his best attribute.  On his best day, he can weave through anyone's midfield on the attacking half of the middle third.  So, where is he best? Our central midfield is pretty solid as it is.  He could move to the wide areas, but I'm not sure that's where he's at his best.  So do you leave him at striker and sort of play a 4-5-1? This is a question Martin Jol will certainly have to answer to make Moussa Dembele effective.  We've already seen the mancrush Jol has for the Belgian....striker?

How many years left do Danny Murphy, Damien Duff, Mark Schwarzer,  Simon Davies, and Aaron Hughes have?

Many have speculated the end of an era at Fulham, marked by the decline of many of its senior but staple players on the pitch.  Aaron Hughes has been mostly left out of that conversation, as his play is still clearly at a high level, but he is also 31 going on 32 (the same age as Duff).  Danny Murphy has taken the most flak for his age, as many see his speed start to leave him.  But the man who Martin Jol cast away from Spurs has confirmed him as captain for the upcoming season (and rightly so), and it's clear he still commands respect in the Premier League.  But how much longer does he have before he will be ultimately forced to the bench, not able to withstand the grind of a full 90?  Is this his last year? Does Martin Jol not have to worry about a replacement for 2 or 3 years? Or will he be forced to sit him every few matches even this season?  It's something that can be argued over and over and over again between fans, and never come to a definite answer.  Ultimately, the solution will be found on the pitch.  And most likely, it won't be answered until it's too late.

That's where Martin Jol comes in.  He was hired to make decisions like this, and make them correctly.  His job is to predict the decline of these players before it happens.  That's why they pay him the big bucks.  And if he guesses wrong, he could be in for a fight.  Guess too early before he actually declines, and risk angering a Fulham staple (especially in the case of Danny Murphy).  Guess too late, and you have a skeleton on the pitch.  It's certainly something to keep an eye on.  Like I mentioned earlier in the post, many of these questions are linked.  You'll see the next 2 are following right in line with this at the core of the problem.

7) Can Martin Jol make Fulham younger?

Well, in short, duh, of course he can.  But the question lies in the effectiveness of the youth.  Can he get young talent for cheap?  Often, that's going to require him to get them before they hit the big stage, before they're fully ready for Premier League soccer.  So he's going to have to build through the youth.

Also, getting guys in the 27 range wouldn't hurt either.  However, he most likely would have to get cast aways who have failed with another club, and just need a change of scenery.  This isn't easy.  A lot of these guys have angered fan bases with their ineffective play and in turn that disdain has spread to the minds of other fans in the PL, so he may have to make unpopular decisions.  See how much harder this job is than you think? Jol has entered Fulham at a time of success but also a time of transition, and not a clear cut one.  I ask something of Fulham fans: give his decisions a chance.  If he pulls a guy from the lineup you like, give him time.  If he signs a guy you hate, give it a chance.  Then judge.  You never know what's in that crazy Dutch man's head.

6) Who is the goalie going forward?



Mark Schwarzer is old but still pretty darn good.  David Stockdale is untested and new to Jol but a fan favorite.  There are tons of other options out there.  What does he do?  Seems like Stockdale is going to get a chance to prove himself in the Europa League (one of the possible HUGE benefits to playing in Europe).  This is great.  He will get a first hand chance to show the new boss what he's capable of.  Stockdale actually was hurt greatly by Mark Hughes leaving.  While Hughes really liked Schwarzer, it seemed like he recognized the fact that a change was going to have to happen eventually.  And he really rated the young keeper.

Here's the dilemma if you don't already know: Mark Schwarzer is not only a staple at Fulham for a number of years now (which does mean something whether some fans like to admit it or not.  The Yankees HAVE to keep starting Derek Jeter even if he's garbage), but he's also still got a good amount left in the tank.  David Stockdale is really freakin good, but he's untested mostly at the top level.  Before you freak out at me saying he's untested, I don't care what you have to say.  A clean sheet against Bolton and a penalty stop against Manchester United is not "tested." 8 total Premier League appearances is untested, so sit back down.  The guy has yet to handle anything close to the rigors of a whole season in goal for a Premier League club.  The criticism, the scrutiny, the training; he hasn't faced it.  Ok I'll stop hating on Stockdale now.  Personally, I'd throw him in. The issue with not putting him in sooner or later is he'll get upset.  The guy knows he's good, and doesn't want to sit behind Mark Schwarzer forever.  Fulham could lose him.  And nobody wants that.

Now recently in the news, it's been reported that Cameroon goalie Carlos Kameni has been linked with Fulham.  I personally don't buy the rumors, but they've picked up steam recently.  Everything I've read says he's the best goalie Africa has to offer.  And while that's not really saying much to some, he's probably pretty darn good.  And in a day when goalies are relatively cheap, I could see why Jol would be tempted.  The question THEN lies in who leaves? If he brings in Kameni, he's not going to keep 3 top of the line goalkeepers.  He can't, even if he wanted to.  So does he say it's Schwarzer's time and cut him loose, effectively opening up the goalie spot wide open, possibly for an open competition between the two youngsters? Or does he say sorry David, you're place isn't Craven Cottage, and tab Kameni as Schwarzer's replacement when his time comes? I don't personally see how the second option makes much sense, considering Kameni's 27, so by the time Schwarzer runs out of steam, he could be pushing 30, plus the fanbase loves Stockdale, so it would be rough for them to see him go.

It's obviously not an easy one. Then again, none of these are.

5) Who exactly is this weird Dutch guy anyways?

Earlier this week I posted a writeup on Martin Jol by a Spurs blogger.  He spelled out what we can expect from Jol...or did he? Well, Jol has said he wants to play some pretty heavy attacking soccer.  And while that's all well and good for the fans, it puts a lot of pressure on a good number of people, namely the backs. So will Jol keep to his word? It will be interesting to see if he tests out a few new schemes right out of the gates against some relatively weaker opponents in the Europa League as well as the newly announced friendly against AFC Wimbledon.  They certainly provide a wonderful opportunity to run some trials.  Then again, does he want to send a shock wave through the club with a ton of new styles and schemes, or will he ease them in?

And ultimately, will Martin Jol mold his style to the club, or will he mold the club to his style?  That is the big question here.  The offseason has been a lot of talk and very little action, as usually is.  So come game time we'll have to see what exactly is in his head.  He's said multiple times he may have to "overhaul" the club, whatever that means.

4) Can Fulham actually do well on the road?

I have stated it before, and will again: stuff like this baffles me.  Sure, it's easier to win at home.  It's true in every sport.  Some sports have a bigger home field advantage than others.  In soccer, it's pretty big.  But gosh...Fulham has been SO bad on the road and SO good at home, to me, it's a head scratcher.  Just one of those weird anomolies in sports.  But nevertheless, it's been well documented that Fulham loves Craven Cottage and hates traveling.  Maybe Danny Murphy gets motion sickness? Who knows.  But it will be interesting to see if Martin Jol can turn the club from road woes to road warriors.

3) Will Martin Jol use Fulham as a stepping stone, just like everyone else?

Mark Hughes, Roy Hodgeson......Martin Jol? Seems like Fulham fans have recently been manager jaded, and now are expecting the worst.  It's like dating a few girlfriends who all cheat on you, and now you're all mental going into the next relationship.  There's not much to expand here, just the question that remains to be seen.  Jol said he wants to stay here for a while...well duh he said that.  What's he gonna say? "Oh hey guys I'm only here for a little while them I'm OUT y'all." Yeah...no.  That's what I like to call "coach-speak." It's an obvious statament from a member of management that tells us nothing.  It remains to be seen whether he reallyl wants to stay at Fulham for a while.  My gut would tell me he's telling the truth, but how many of our guts were wrong about Mark Hughes?

2) Can Martin Jol get enough bang for his buck?

One of the most important aspects for a Fulham manager.  He's not going to have the funds he had at Tottenham or Ajax or Hamburg.  Not even close.  So getting bang for his buck is going to be huge.  Moussa Dembele and Chris Smalling are perfect examples of this.  He needs to maximize the talent he can get for the money he spends.  And it's NOT easy, especially when making the transition from older to younger.  This one usually takes a few years to see how transfers play out before you finally know whether he was successful or not.

1) Which is more important to the players, the manager, and the fans: Europa League or Premier League?

To me, this is the number one question this year.  It's not one of the more talked about ones, but when you think about it, which is more important to you?

The Europa League run of 2 years ago was magical.  Everyone remembers it and will for the rest of their lives.  But when you think about it........1) they didn't win.  2) it was short term success 3) their Premier League standing did suffer.  So as memorable as it was, it was more short term than long term.  If Martin Jol really wishes to take Fulham to long term success, he needs to weigh his options.  If he can lock down a consistent 7th place finish in the Premier League, that would be something that fans of this club have never experienced before.  It's a heck of a long road, but ultimately would be more fruitful.

Now don't get me wrong, I'm actually not arguing for one side or the other in this dilemma.  I honestly don't know which one I'd rather have more success in.  Another Europa League run (possibly one ending in the club's first silverware) is certainly enticing.  I'm just playing devil's advocate.  I think it's a fair question, one that could go back and forth between two passionate fans holding a beer discussing fanhood things at a BBQ.  One that in the end really has no right answer.

But that's what makes sports so much fun, right? Questions without an answer.  And when you think about it, how many of these 10  questions have right answers? Well....if they did have such a clear cut right answer, they wouldn't be on this list would they?  That is why we watch the sport. That, my friends, is why they play the game.