Friday Fulham Stuff (15/07/11)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham up the Ante as Jol steps up interest in Croatian striker Vukusic

Fulham are interested in Croatian striker Ante Vukusic.

Club scouts have been sent to watch the 20-year-old play for Hajduk Split against Bursaspor in a pre-season friendly.

Vukusic, who has been linked to Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham, scored 18 goals in 40 games last season.




Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2014929/Fulham-interested-Ante-Vukusic.html#ixzz1S9bAS62Q

[WhiteJC]

 
Cottagers edge past Crusaders
Briggs, Zamora and Murphy on target for Fulham

Fulham laboured to a 3-1 victory in the latest instalment of their Europa League qualification campaign despite a scare from part-timers Crusaders.

The Cottagers finally overcame the Northern Ireland Premier League side in the first leg of their second-qualifying round tie with late second-half strikes from Bobby Zamora and Danny Murphy after the Belfast team had cancelled out Matthew Briggs' opener through Timmy Adamson.

It was hard-fought victory for Martin Jol's men on the sapping 4G artificial surface at Seaview.

It took the London side 10 minutes to carve out their first opportunity when Damien Duff cut in from the right and shot straight at keeper Sean O'Neill.

That was the first of three good chances for the Republic of Ireland international in the first period.

On the other flank, Karim Frei also impressed, cutting in from the left wing and testing O'Neill on two occasions. From set-pieces Brede Hangeland was making a nuisance of himself and twice almost converted far-post headers.

After 38 minutes, Crusaders squandered a series of chances to clear Danny Murphy's corner, with the ball eventually rolling out to young full-back Briggs, who rifled it back into the top-left corner of the net to open his account for the club.

Evaporated

Any hopes Fulham had of a straightforward second half soon evaporated as the home team came out at a rasping tempo, Adamson dragging wide after a neat turn two minutes after the restart.

The striker made no mistake seven minutes later when he brought down the ball on edge of the six-yard box, beat the advancing Aaron Hughes and flicked the ball past Mark Schwarzer's outstretched hand.

Seaview erupted and minutes later it almost got even better for the home support when Adamson crashed a close-range shot off the crossbar.

But just as the whiff of an upset was in the air, Fulham snuffed it out, regaining the lead with 15 minutes left when Zamora rose at the near post to head home a Duff corner.

Two minutes later, Crusaders' brave resistance was ended when defender Paul Leeman handled an Andrew Johnson shot in the area to concede a clear-cut penalty.

Murphy converted in clinical fashion, sidefooting the ball low to the O'Neill's left.



http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_7037300,00.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
Back in Action

Just seven days on from making his Fulham debut against NSI Runavik, Kerim Frei was back in competitive action – this time producing a promising 90-minute performance against Crusaders at Seaview.

The 17-year-old impressed with his contribution and, speaking after the match, he was delighted to have got another opportunity in Martin Jol's First Team.

"I feel proud that I played 90 minutes today," he told fulhamfc.com. "The Manager gave me the chance again. All the players were very friendly and they helped me every time. I am very pleased; it's my first full game so I'm quite positive."

In just his second senior appearance, Frei looked far from overawed and was intent on imposing himself on the opposition – even going close to registering his first goal for the Whites.

"I always try to go past the player, look for the one-two with Bobby or AJ. I like to take players on," he explained. "I like the position on the left side, you get lots of the ball in the pocket and you can turn and go forward.

"It would have been the best thing to score, I had two chances but I hope in the future I'll be able to get one."



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/July/FreiCrusadersReaction.aspx?#ixzz1S9bwQn2Y

[WhiteJC]

 
Jol Pleased with Crusaders Win

Speaking after Fulham's UEFA Europa League qualification encounter with Crusaders at Seaview, Fulham Manager Martin Jol was pleased with his side's display.

Crusaders provided stern resistance for the Whites and even after going a goal behind to Matthew Brigg's opener, the Hatchetmen were able to get back on a level footing before ultimately succumbing to a 3-1 defeat.

"It's not easy to play, but on the other hand we are a Premiership club and they are probably semi-professionals but they gave us a good game," said Jol after the match.

"They've got a direct style with two big strikers so we had to keep concentrating over 90 minutes - and that is what we didn't do with the goal [we conceded].

"You have to motivate yourself," the Fulham Manager added. "We said before the game that they'll be battling for the first 60 maybe 70 minutes – then it's probably over.

"Today we tried to play more direct because they play the sort of football you don't expect in the Premiership. If you make an interception, you have to play to Bobby Zamora quicker than we did last week."



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/July/JolCrusadersAwayReaction.aspx?#ixzz1S9cCmDur

[WhiteJC]

 
West Ham and Fulham to miss out on Gradel as Leeds winger eyes move to France

Max Gradel is ready to snub West Ham and Fulham for a shot at the Champions League with Lille.

West Ham have made a £1million bid for Gradel while Martin Jol has also shown an interest in the 23-year-old Leeds United winger who has one year left on his contract. Lille are considering a counter offer.

Meanwhile, West Ham are hoping to finalise Eidur Gudjohnsen's transfer following his medical. The 32-year-old will sign a one year deal.



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2014912/West-Ham-Fulham-miss-Max-Gradel.html#ixzz1S9cRfAyQ

[WhiteJC]

 
Brave Crues edged by Fulham
Crusaders 1 - 3 Fulham

Crusaders put up a brave fight at Seaview before crashing 3-1 to Premier League side Fulham in the Europa League on Thursday night.
But this second qualifying round scrap was no cruise in the park for the Cottagers as up to the 74th minute the score was 1-1 and Crusaders were more than a match for their glamorous opponents.

Keeper Sean O'Neill, making a memorable debut for the Crues, was the first half hero, foiling wingers Damien Duff and Kerim Frei with fine saves.

Despite being the dangerous side going forward the Cottagers were often met with some resilient defending but when their goal arrived it had Premier League class written all over it.

There appeared to be little danger in the 39th minute until Matthew Briggs let fly with a ferocious shot from just inside the penalty area that rifled into the top left hand corner of O'Neill's goal.

It was the left-back's first goal for the London club and a sensational way to open his account.

Timmy Adamson headed wide from a free-kick just after the setback but the former DungannonSwifts frontman conjured his own magic on 54 minutes with the equaliser.

After flicking the ball over Aaron Hughes, his sweet left foot volley from the edge of the six yard box flew into the bottom corner of the net.

Adamson shook the Fulham crossbar with a fierce drive but Fulham spoiled the party with a late surge of goals.

Bobby Zamora headed in Damien Duff's corner on 74 minutes and three minutes later Paul Leeman's handball in the area allowed Danny Murphy to bury a spot-kick beyond O'Neill.

Crusaders: O'Neill; McKeown, McBride, Leeman, Magowan, McCann, Adamson, Dallas (Gargan 71), McMaster, Watson (Faulkner 86), Owens (Rainey 83). Subs not used: Murphy, Halliday, Gibson, Roy.

Fulham: Schwarzer; Hangeland, Hughes, Johnson (B Riise 76), Murphy, Briggs, Baird, Etuhu (Sidwell 76), Frei, Zamora, Duff (Donegan 86). Subs not used: Stockdale, Kelly, Senderos, Halliche.

Referee: Clement Turpin (France).




http://www.u.tv/Sport/Brave-Crues-edged-by-Fulham/d1ad4647-81aa-4465-a365-dd08a5a8f61e?

[WhiteJC]

 
Crusaders 1 – 3 Fulham
by LORK on JULY 15, 2011

Fulham in the end take the game quite comfortably but were within a crossbar of potentially being shocked by the underdog before two late goals from Zamora and Murphy put the game, and most likely the tie, to bed.

The first 20 minutes or so were predictable. Other than fashioning a couple of opportunities when Duff and Frei, the 17 year old Austrian making quite an impression on his first start for the club, found themselves in space from twenty yards and forcing the keeper into a couple of decent saves there was very little in the way of goalmouth action. Still, Fulham dominated possession and left the Crusaders defending deep and in numbers, themselves sometimes getting the ball forward but with very little purpose.

Eventually Fulham started cranking up the pressure, Andy Johnson finding Duff in the box and after a skillful show of close control had a shot blocked from 6 yards before Briggs, another young player who was putting on an impressive display with constant bursting runs deep into the Crusaders' half, notched his first goal for the club. It was a great first goal too and a possible contender for goal of the season, lashing home after a set piece wasn't dealt with by the home side from just outside the box into the top left corner with power and swerve. Just after that Frei, on another characteristic run, darted past three or four defenders before disappointingly scuffing his shot when surely a second Fulham goal was on.

Twenty seconds after the restart Fulham missed another glorious chance to add another to the tally as Johnson crossed from the byline only for Zamora to miss the ball by a matter of inches. The Crusaders however had come out with a bit more intention for the second fourty five too and the warning signs were there when McMaster took a heavy touch with a sight on goal instead of shooting first time before Briggs made an important interception, following which he ran with the ball from his own penalty area to the opposition byline with impressive pace before eventually taking one touch too many and putting it out for a goal kick. Still, Fulham continued to threaten themselves and a clever free kick routine almost resulted in a 25 yard Baird drive nestling into the bottom corner, but O'Brien in goal had other ideas. However, there was to be a twist in the tale. After failing to deal with a ball into the box Adamson took a lovely touch to hook the ball over Aaron Hughes before dispatching the shot from a tight angle. An impressive finish, but something that could have been avoidable.

The Crusaders' goal seemed to make Fulham lose some of their composure as their control on the game slipped for a period and they should have gone behind when a gilt edged opportunity went awry. Dallas sprinted down the left before making mugs of Baird and Hangeland and despite slipping in the area got the ball to the unmarked Adamson 12 yards out who smashed the ball against the crossbar. A lucky escape and it was to be a chance that minnows would rue not taking; Fulham eventually took command of the game again with Frei, who's influence on the game had noticably diminished in the second half, sparked into life, beating several defenders before laying off a shot for Duff which was blocked.

Eventually Fulham made their superior quality count thanks to two goals in three minutes. Zamora got his first for the season after a near post flick on from an inswinging corner by Duff before Johnson's shot was blasted at Leeman's arm in the box from which Murphy got his second in two games from the spot. From thereon the game petered out, Fulham comfortably seeing the last fifteen minutes home, even missing the chance to add a fourth when Sidwell's first touch hit the crossbar, and providing the chance for summer signing Donegan to get some minutes under his belt.

All in all, a deserved victory for Fulham but they were made to work  for it. The result today has surely put any doubts about progressing to bed with the Crusaders needing to score three in the return leg at the Cottage on Thursday.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/07/crusaders-1-3-fulham/?

[WhiteJC]

 
'If he's scoring goals I am happy' – Martin Jol praises Bobby Zamora after Fulham's Europa League win
Cottagers' boss pleased with team's performance and admitted that their Northern Irish opponents gave them a good game, whilst Crusaders boss is flying flag for Irish football

Fulham boss Martin Jol was satisfied with his team's performance in the 3-1 victory in the Europa League second round first leg tie against Crusaders, and reserved special praise for striker Bobby Zamora.

The part-timers gave the Cottagers a fright in the second-half when they levelled up proceedings, but tired towards the end of the game giving Fulham the chance to capitalise.

Goals from Matthew Briggs, Zamora and Danny Murphy, were sandwiched around a debut goal for Crusaders' Timmy Adamson.

Jol told reporters: "In hindsight you could say if you score three goals away from home it's okay.

"We said before the game they will be battling for the first 60, maybe 70 minutes and then it's probably over.

"They gave us a good game, they've got a direct style with two big strikers so we had to keep concentrating over 90 minutes and that's what we didn't do with the goal."

Jol is happy with striker's Zamora's form heading into the new season, now he has been given a run of games following an injury-hit campaign last year.

The Fulham pair worked together at White Hart Lane, and it was the Dutchman who sold the striker to West Ham, but his manager praised Zamora's display in Northern Ireland.

He added: "He's a goalscorer, so if he's scoring goals I am happy."

Crusaders boss Stephen Baxter couldn't have been more delighted with his players after they pushed Premier League opposition all the way to the end of the game.

He said: "We have given an incredible account of ourselves.
"You are talking about part-time players, the gulf in footballing and financial terms is just incredible and for us to give a performance like we have tonight and put them on the rack for a little bit, for five minutes, when we might have gone 2-1 up, maybe even 3-1 up, was fantastic.

"We have given them a game and that's important for Irish league football - we were flying the flag a little bit for what we do over here at part-time level and I think we did it particularly well."



http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2915/europa-league/2011/07/15/2575298/if-hes-scoring-goals-i-am-happy-martin-jol-praises-bobby?

[WhiteJC]

 
Crusaders 1 Fulham 3: match report
Read a full match report of the Europa League second qualifying round first-leg tie between Crusaders and Fulham at the Seaview Stadium, Belfast on Thursday July 14, 2011, kick-off 19.45 BST.


Goal getter: Fulham's Danny Murphy fires in against Crusaders from the penalty spot
Photo: PA

Fulham laboured to victory in the latest instalment of their Europa League qualification campaign despite a scare from part-timers Crusaders.

The Cottagers finally overcame the Northern Ireland Premier League side in the first leg of their second-round round tie with late second-half strikes from Bobby Zamora and Danny Murphy after the Belfast team had cancelled out Matthew Briggs's opener through Timmy Adamson.

It was a hard fought victory for Martin Jol's men on the sapping 4G artificial surface at Seaview.

It took the London side 10 minutes to carve out their first opportunity when Damien Duff cut in from the right and shot straight at keeper Sean O'Neill.

That was the first of three good chances for the Republic of Ireland international in the first period. On the other flank, Karim Frei also impressed, cutting in from the left wing and testing O'Neill on two occasions.

From set-pieces Brede Hangeland was making a nuisance of himself and twice almost converted far-post headers.

After 38 minutes Crusaders squandered a series of chances to clear Danny Murphy's corner, with the ball eventually rolling out to young full-back Briggs, who rifled it back into the top left corner of the net to open his account for the club.

Any hopes Fulham had of a straightforward second half soon evaporated as the home team came out at a rasping tempo, Adamson dragging wide after a neat turn two minutes after the restart.

The striker made no mistake seven minutes later when he brought down the ball on edge of the six yard box, beat the advancing Aaron Hughes and flicked the ball past Mark Schwarzer's outstretched hand.

Seaview erupted and minutes later it almost got even better for the home support when Adamson crashed a close-range shot off the crossbar.

But just as the whiff of upset was in the air, Fulham snuffed it out, regaining the lead with 15 minutes left when Zamora rose at the near post to head home a Duff corner.

Two minutes later, Crusaders' brave resistance was ended when defender Paul Leeman handled an Andrew Johnson shot in the area to concede a clear-cut penalty.

Murphy converted in clinical fashion, sidefooting the ball low to O'Neill's left.



http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/fulham/8637929/Crusaders-1-Fulham-3-match-report.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
Zamora strike keeps Fulham flying
Crusaders 1 Fulham 3

Late goals from Bobby Zamora and Danny Murphy meant Fulham avoided a shock Europa League result last night against Crusaders on their plastic pitch.

The part-timers from Northern Ireland had cancelled out Matthew Briggs's opener at Seaview and scented a famous win before Zamora and Murphy gave the visitors a lead for next week's second leg at Craven Cottage.

"I thought it was typically British," the Fulham manager Martin Jol said. "They made it tough for us until our goal and got tough again after the equaliser. The problem is they play like it is a cup final. You have to motivate yourself. We said before the game they will be battling for the first 60 or 70 minutes then it could be over. It was true, in hindsight. But if you score three goals away from home it's okay."

Despite fears of players suffering injuries on the artificial "4G" surface, Jol picked his strongest team, with a friendly defeat against AFC Wimbledon suggesting his squad lacked the strength in depth to rotate.

They were ahead six minutes before the interval when Paul Leeman's tackle on Zamora fell for Briggs, who brushed David McMaster aside before powering his finish into the top corner for his first goal at senior level.

Crusaders, however, were level nine minutes after the interval when Timmy Adamson struck. The forward collected Jordan Owens's lob into the area before spinning past Hughes and volleying in off the post.

Adamson also struck the crossbar later but Zamora edged Fulham ahead when he headed home Damian Duff's corner, then Murphy scored his penalty after Leeman handled.

Jol feels that playing competitive games is more beneficial than taking the club on tour, adding: "You don't have to go to Asia. You can go to Portugal or somewhere in Europe where it is better. You can have a training camp over six or seven games. I don't see much of a difference, we came here and the hotel was fine. The only problem was the pitch but hopefully people say it is a good experience."



http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/zamora-strike-keeps-fulham-flying-2314124.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
CRUSADERS 1 FULHAM 3: MARTIN JOL'S PLASTIC FANTASTIC

CRUSADERS 1 -- FULHAM 3

FULHAM struck late after Crusaders threatened a shock on their plastic pitch in the Europa League last night.

The part-timers from Northern Ireland had cancelled out Matthew Briggs' opener at Seaview.

But Bobby Zamora's header and Danny Murphy's penalty gave Martin Jol's side a lead for the second leg of the qualifier next week.

Damien Duff was twice denied in the opening stages, with keeper Sean O'Neill pulling off a good save and Stephen McBride hacking one off the line. O'Neill also saved from Kerim Frei on his full debut.

Brede Hangeland was the next to go close but Jol's men did not have to wait long for their opener.

Paul Leeman's clearance fell for left-back Briggs, 20, who belted the ball into the top corner for his first senior goal.

Timmy Adamson cracked home a second-half leveller in the 54th minute after skipping past Aaron Hughes.

And he could have given Crusaders the lead but smashed a shot against the crossbar.

Instead, Zamora headed in from Duff's corner and Murphy scored from the spot after Paul Leeman handled.

Elsewhere, Llanelli recorded a stunning 2-1 win over 1981 Cup Winners' Cup champions Dinamo Tbilisi thanks to two goals from Jordan Follows, but fellow Welsh outfit TNS lost 3-1 against Midtjylland of Denmark.



http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/201190/Crusaders-1-Fulham-3-Martin-Jol-s-plastic-fantastic/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Crusaders give Fulham stars a fright

Sometimes scorelines don't tell the whole story of a match and Fulham's 3-1 victory fails to reflect the spirited showing from Crusaders at Seaview last night.

The truth is that not even Mohamed Al Fayed's millions could buy Fulham a comfortable win in north Belfast.

This was a performance full of commitment and desire from the Carling Premiership underdogs and until the final 16 minutes it appeared that new boy Timmy Adamson's sublime strike would reward them with an incredible draw against Premier League opponents.

The Fulham chairman may have taken the controversial step of erecting a Michael Jackson statue outside the London ground, but someone should have informed him that Crusaders can produce a few thrillers of their own.

The romance of the game was clearly visible as 2,500 fans packed into a venue refurbished for such special occasions.

Europa Cup finalists in 2010, Fulham were everyone's favourites to breeze into the third qualifying round and they have finished the job but Stephen Baxter's side fulfilled their promise of showing plenty of spirit and little fear.

A bunch of part-timers playing their first competitive fixture of the season were expected to be torn apart by a side who finished eighth in the Premier League this year.

But, inspired by Glentoran's and Linfield's response to daunting challenges on the European stage, the Crues made life very uncomfortable for a team packed with international talent.

It took a sensational strike from Matthew Briggs to fire Fulham in front but Adamson's 54th minute equaliser had the Hatchetmen in dreamland.

But a Bobby Zamora header and Danny Murphy penalty ensured manager Martin Jol wasn't throwing tea-cups around at the finish.

Paul Leeman replaced the suspended Colin Coates for his Crusaders bow and there were also debuts for striker Adamson and goalkeeper Sean O'Neill.

Northern Ireland duo Aaron Hughes and Chris Baird were both included in a strong Fulham line-up boasting the formidable attacking prowess of Zamora, Andy Johnson and Damien Duff.

Crusaders were more than a match for their more glamorous opponents in the opening 10 minutes but when Duff let fly in the 11th minute, his drive stung the hands of the diving O'Neill.

O'Neill was called into action again in the 20th minute punching a low shot from Karim Frei around the post.

It looked like something special was required to unlock the Crues defence and it arrived on 39 minutes. The hosts thought they had cleared their lines until Briggs met the ball just inside the penalty box with a piledriver that flew beyond O'Neill into the roof of the net. It was the left-back's first goal for the London side and the 20-year-old will have cherished memories of it for the rest of his career.

In the second half, Briggs then made a vital intervention in defence, taking the ball away from the toes of David McMaster as the winger was about to see his name written in lights.

Baird then found O'Neill difficult to pass as his long range drive was gathered at the base of the post.

On 54 minutes, Adamson produced his moment of magic. Collecting a flick on from Jordan Owens, he lifted the ball over a stunned Hughes with his right foot and used his left foot to volley an angled drive low into the net off the post.

Ten minutes later Adamson was inches away from grabbing his second when he shook the crossbar after Stuart Dallas invited him to shoot.

But there was to be no fairytale draw for the Crues on a memorable evening as Duff's right wing corner was headed firmly past O'Neill by Zamora in the 74th minute and three minutes later Paul Leeman handled Johnson's shot in the box and Murphy slotted the spot-kick beyond O'Neill.

Crusaders: O'Neill; McKeown, McBride, Leeman, Magowan, McCann, Adamson, Dallas (Gargan 71), McMaster, Watson (Faulkner 86), Owens (Rainey 83). Subs not used: Murphy, Halliday, Gibson, Roy.

Fulham: Schwarzer; Hangeland, Hughes, Johnson (B Riise 76), Murphy, Briggs, Baird, Etuhu (Sidwell 76), Frei, Zamora, Duff (Donegan 86). Subs not used: Stockdale, Kelly, Senderos, Halliche.

Referee: Clement Turpin (France).



Read more: http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/european/crusaders-give-fulham-stars-a-fright-16023639.html?#ixzz1S9fZMgva

[WhiteJC]

 
They made it so difficult for us: Chris Baird

Chris Baird paid a glowing tribute to Crusaders last night after the Carling Premiership side gave Premier League outfit Fulham an almighty scare in the Europa League.

This was no one-sided demolition job as Stephen Baxter's merry band of part-timers were dreaming of an extraordinary stalemate when the second round qualifying tie was level at 1-1 in the second half.

Striker Timmy Adamson produced a stunning equaliser after Matthew Briggs fired Martin Jol's side in front but two goals in the last 16 minutes shattered the hosts' dreams.

The Cottagers were made to sweat but a Bobby Zamora header and Danny Murphy penalty saw them bounce off the ropes in style.

"Crusaders made it very hard for us and I knew that would be the case," said the Northern Ireland international, who almost scored with a long-range strike.

"I knew it wouldn't be straightforward. It was a tough game for us but we came here to do a job and we have done that, putting us in a good position for the second leg.

"You have to give them credit, they were a tough team to play. It was not rustiness on our part. We were a bit sloppy ourselves as we went 1-0 up and didn't build on that.

"We took our foot off the pedal and they had the chance to go 2-1 up (when Timmy Adamson struck the crossbar).

"We knew after that we had to step things up and, thankfully, we got the two goals. The tie is never over but we will always fancy our chances at Craven Cottage against anyone."



Read more: http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/european/they-made-it-so-difficult-for-us-chris-baird-16023640.html?#ixzz1S9fpoee9

[WhiteJC]

 
Jol satisfied with tough win

Martin Jol insisted he was satisfied with Fulham's win in Belfast even though his side were pushed all the way by part-time outfit Crusaders.

The Cottagers' manager blamed lapses in concentration for letting the Irish league team back into the contest in the second half.

"In hindsight you could say if you score three goals away from home it's okay," he said after the hard-fought 3-1 victory at Seaview, with the goals coming from Matthew Briggs, Bobby Zamora and a Danny Murphy penalty.

Jol said he knew Crusaders would approach the game like a cup final.

"That was always the problem, so you have to motivate yourself and we said before the game they will be battling for the first 60, maybe 70 minutes and then it's probably over," he added.

"They gave us a good game, they've got a direct style with two big strikers so we had to keep concentrating over 90 minutes and that's what we didn't do with the goal."

Crusaders manager Stephen Baxter said he was extremely proud of his players

"We have given an incredible account of ourselves," he said.

"You are talking about part-time players, the gulf in footballing and financial terms is just incredible and for us to give a performance like we have and put them on the rack for a little bit, for five minutes, when we might have gone 2-1 up, maybe even 3-1 up, was fantastic."

Copyright (c) PA Sport 2009, All Rights Reserved.



http://www.givemefootball.com/premier-league/jol-satisfied-with-tough-win?

[WhiteJC]

 
Frei 'Proud' Of Appearance
by LORK on JULY 15, 2011

Fresh from an impressive performance down at Kingsmeadow on Saturday 17 year old Academy graduate Karim Frei was rewarded with 90 minutes against the Crusaders this evening. As you might expect, he was pretty pleased:

I feel proud that I played 90 minutes today. The Manager gave me the chance again. All the players were very friendly and they helped me every time. I am very pleased; it's my first full game so I'm quite positive."

"I always try to go past the player, look for the one-two with Bobby or AJ. I like to take players on. I like the position on the left side, you get lots of the ball in the pocket and you can turn and go forward.

"It would have been the best thing to score, I had two chances but I hope in the future I'll be able to get one."

Definately one to look out for. From the glimpses I've seen of him, he has the potential to go far.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/07/frei-proud-of-appe/

[WhiteJC]

 
Greening Off To Forest
by LORK on JULY 15, 2011

The Beeb's got a scoop on Greening, who wasn't involved in the matchday squad against the Crusaders, and a potential move to Nottingham Forest. It doesn't mention a price but if it's anything more than a million I'll be suprised. A good buy for Forest if it comes off, Greening plays his part well as a Premier League squad player so he'll surely shine in the Championship again as he has done for West Brom.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/07/greening-off-to-fore/

[WhiteJC]

 
Up The Ante?
by LORK on JULY 15, 2011

Sky Sports reporting that we've had a scout looking at Ante Vukusic. The 20 year old, who has in the past been linked with a host of top clubs, is an under 21 Croatian international playing at Hadjuk Split. I haven't seen him so I can't pass comment but with the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea having previously looked at him he must have a bit of pedigree.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/07/up-the-ante/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham labour to win over Crusaders

Fulham laboured to 3-1 victory in the latest instalment of their Europa League qualification campaign despite a scare from part-timers Crusaders.

The Cottagers finally overcame the Northern Ireland Premier League side in the first leg of their second-round round tie with late second-half strikes from Bobby Zamora and Danny Murphy after the Belfast team had cancelled out Matthew Briggs opener through Timmy Adamson.

It was hard fought victory for Martin Jol's men on the sapping 4G artificial surface at Seaview.

It took the London side 10 minutes to carve out their first opportunity when Damien Duff cut in from the right and shot straight at keeper Sean O'Neill.

That was the first of three good chances for the Republic of Ireland international in the first period.

On the other flank, Karim Frei also impressed, cutting in from the left wing and testing O'Neill on two occasions.

From set-pieces Brede Hangeland was making a nuisance of himself and twice almost converted far-post headers.

After 38 minutes Crusaders squandered a series of chances to clear Danny Murphy's corner, with the ball eventually rolling out to young full-back Briggs, who rifled it back into the top left corner of the net to open his account for the club.

Any hopes Fulham had of a straightforward second half soon evaporated as the home team came out at a rasping tempo, Adamson dragging wide after a neat turn two minutes after the restart.

The striker made no mistake seven minutes later when he brought down the ball on edge of the six yard box, beat the advancing Aaron Hughes and flicked the ball past Mark Schwarzer's outstretched hand.

Seaview erupted and minutes later it almost got even better for the home support when Adamson crashed a close-range shot off the crossbar.

But just as the whiff of upset was in the air, Fulham snuffed it out, regaining the lead with 15 minutes left when Zamora rose at the near post to head home a Duff corner.

Two minutes later, Crusaders' brave resistance was ended when defender Paul Leeman handled an Andrew Johnson shot in the area to concede a clearcut penalty.

Murphy converted in clinical fashion, sidefooting the ball low to the O'Neill's left.




http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-sport/football/article-23970191-fulham-labour-to-win-against-crusadors.do?

[WhiteJC]

 
Jol concedes Crusaders style of play affected Fulham

Fulham boss Martin Jol conceded that Crusaders style of play caused his side problems in their Europa League encounter at Seaview last night.

Goals from Matthew Briggs, Bobby Zamora and Danny Murphy ensure victory but there were worrying times for the Cottagers especially when Timmy Adamson equalised for the hosts in the second half.

"They gave us a good game, they've got a direct style with two big strikers so we had to keep concentrating over 90 minutes and that's what we didn't do with the goal," Jol said. "In hindsight you could say if you score three goals away from home it's okay."

Jol also believed the passion and fight from the home players was also a factor in his side's below par showing and was not happy his side had to play on an artificial pitch.

"That was always the problem, so you have to motivate yourself and we said before the game they will be battling for the first 60, maybe 70 minutes and then it's probably over," he said.

"It was okay, the hotel was fine, the only problem was maybe the pitch, but hopefully tomorrow everybody will say it was good experience,"



http://www.london24.com:80/sport/fulham/jol_concedes_crusaders_style_of_play_affected_fulham_1_964439?

[Frankie-Peter Taylor]

Parma right-back Cristian Zaccardo is a Fulham target (Gazzetta)

Not much detail, but basically Italian press think we want this World Cup winner.