Monday Fulham Stuff (04/07/2011)

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham taking NSI Runavik tie seriously

Fulham captain Danny Murphy maintains his side will not take anything for granted against when they look to finish off NSI Runavik in the Faroe Islands on Thursday night and stay on course for the Europa League.

New manager Martin Jol enjoyed a winning start with last week's 3-0 victory in their first qualifying round first leg clash at Craven Cottage, where Murphy netted from the spot.

However, Murphy maintains the squad cannot think the job is already done as their build-up to the new domestic campaign continues in unlikely surroundings of Torshavn.

"It is a difficult one at three-nil. If it was five it would probably be easier. I would expect one or two of the young lads to play maybe," Murphy told the club's official website, www.fulhamfc.com.

"Of course you need the spine of the team, but when you play away it could be a dodgy pitch and it only takes one mistake and you can be a goal down after 10 minutes.

"You have to be careful, but let's be honest, whatever team we play we should be comfortable with a three-nil lead.

"As the game went on at the Cottage we should have scored more goals and wrapped it up."

Fulham were handed the opportunity to compete in Europe via UEFA's Fair Play League, but still have a long road ahead before they can contemplate tackling the group stages.

Having reached the 2010 Europa League final under Roy Hodgson, Murphy would welcome another shot and believes progression through the qualifiers should see Jol's men hit the ground running for their opening Barclays Premier League game against Aston Villa.

"It is a positive that we have got the opportunity to play in Europe again," said the former Liverpool, Charlton and Tottenham midfielder.

"Not everybody is used to doing it so it's going to be a test, but you've got to look at the positives, and the run of two years ago will live long in the memory of everybody associated with Fulham, so why not go on a good run again?

"In July you're playing friendly matches anyway, trying to get fit, so if anything we will be ahead of schedule.

"We might have some tired legs at the end of the season, but then it's down to the manager to rotate players.

"Last time we did it we put ourselves in a safe position fairly early on and we were never in any trouble.

"The problems come if you're trying to fight a relegation battle whilst playing European games.

"Let's hope we're not in that position.

"The squad is as healthy as it's ever been in terms of quality. We are lacking a few numbers and I am sure that will be addressed."

Fulham have been linked with an £8million move for Barcelona forward Jeffren, also on Liverpool's radar.

However, South African midfielder Kagisho Dikgacoi is set to leave Craven Cottage and sign for npower Championship side Crystal Palace.



http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/fulham-taking-nsi-runavik-tie-seriously-2306904.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
Official: Crystal Palace sign Fulham's Kagisho Dikgacoi
The South African international has put pen to paper on a three-year deal with the Championship outfit, with a reported fee in the region of £600,000 sealing the transfer

Crystal Palace have officially signed Kagisho Dikgacoi on a three-year deal from Fulham.

The out-of-favour South African played just one game for the Cottagers in 2010 and was subsequently loaned out to Palace, where he made 13 apperances.

His displays at Selhurt Park persuaded boss Dougie Freedman to instruct the club's chairman to snap him up on a permanent deal, with a £600,000 fee reported to have been agreed, and the transfer has been announced on Palace's official website.

Earlier on Monday, Freedman told reporters: "At only 26 he is only going to get better with more games and I see it as a good investment for the football club."



http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2011/07/04/2560336/official-crystal-palace-sign-fulhams-kagisho-dikgacoi?

[WhiteJC]

 
Murphy wary of Runavik threat
Fulham captain Danny Murphy maintains his side will not take anything for granted when they look to finish off NSI Runavik on Thursday night



New manager Martin Jol enjoyed a winning start with last week's 3-0 victory in their first qualifying round first leg clash at Craven Cottage, where Murphy netted from the spot.

However, Murphy maintains the squad cannot think the job is already done as their build-up to the new domestic campaign continues in unlikely surroundings of Torshavn in the Faroe Islands.

"It is a difficult one at three-nil. If it was five it would probably be easier. I would expect one or two of the young lads to play maybe," Murphy told the club's official website. "Of course you need the spine of the team, but when you play away it could be a dodgy pitch and it only takes one mistake and you can be a goal down after 10 minutes.

"You have to be careful, but let's be honest, whatever team we play we should be comfortable with a three-nil lead.

"As the game went on at the Cottage we should have scored more goals and wrapped it up."

Fulham were handed the opportunity to compete in Europe via UEFA's Fair Play League, but still have a long road ahead before they can contemplate tackling the group stages.

Having reached the 2010 Europa League final under Roy Hodgson, Murphy would welcome another shot and believes progression through the qualifiers should see Jol's men hit the ground running for their opening Premier League game against Aston Villa.

"It is a positive that we have got the opportunity to play in Europe again," said the former Liverpool, Charlton and Tottenham midfielder.

"Not everybody is used to doing it so it's going to be a test, but you've got to look at the positives, and the run of two years ago will live long in the memory of everybody associated with Fulham, so why not go on a good run again?

"In July you're playing friendly matches anyway, trying to get fit, so if anything we will be ahead of schedule.

"We might have some tired legs at the end of the season, but then it's down to the manager to rotate players.

"Last time we did it we put ourselves in a safe position fairly early on and we were never in any trouble.

"The problems come if you're trying to fight a relegation battle whilst playing European games.

"Let's hope we're not in that position.

"The squad is as healthy as it's ever been in terms of quality. We are lacking a few numbers and I am sure that will be addressed."

Fulham have been linked with an £8million move for Barcelona forward Jeffren, also on Liverpool's radar.




http://www.football365.com/fulham/7018745/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Aussie stopper a happy chappy once again


Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer is delighted to still be a Cottager, despite seeing a dream move to Arsenal collapse last summer.

The 38-year-old was on the brink of joining the Gunners, but Fulham dug their heels in to secure his services for another year.

And Schwarzer admits he has no regrets about staying put at Craven Cottage. "Was it a test for me? Without a doubt," he said.

"It is always a big test when there is speculation and an ongoing saga. What you have to do is get your head down and do your job. I showed that I could do that.



http://www.givemefootball.com/premier-league/aussie-stopper-a-happy-chappy-once-again?

[WhiteJC]

 
Kagisho Dikgacoi joins Crystal Palace from Fulham
Dikgacoi excited with Palace deal

Bafana Bafana midfielder Kagisho Dikgacoi has completed his move to Crystal Palace after agreeing on financial terms with the Championship League team today.

Dikgacoi has signed a three-year deal with Palace after parting ways with Premier League outfit Fulham, who were the first team to give him European contract. He spent the latter part of the 2010/11 season on loan with the Eagles.

Speaking to KickOff.com from England, 'KG' confirms that will start training with Crystal Palace tomorrow.

"Everything has been finalised and I have signed a three-year contract. I am very excited and looking forward to helping the team qualify for Premier League next season," Dikgacoi says.   

Ernest Fakude



http://www.kickoff.com/news/22750/kagisho-dikgacoi-joins-crystal-palace-from-fulham.php