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

[WhiteJC]

 
Jol hints at Salcido exit

CARLOS Salcido could be allowed to leave Fulham.

Boss Martin Jol has hinted that the arrival of John Arne Riise and the emergence of Matthew Briggs has cleared the decks for the Mexican to quit Craven Cottage – but only if the price is right.

The Fulham full-back has failed to settle in the UK following his switch from PSV Eindhoven last summer, with his family returning to Mexico following a burglary at their London home.

However, he is due to return to training at Motspur Park this week following his summer break.

But with Riise having agreed a three-year deal in SW6 on Wednesday, Jol is willing to listen to offers for the wantaway 31-year-old.

The Whites boss insists he will only let Salcido, who is wanted by Chivas Guadalajara, leave if the deal is right for the club.

He told the Chronicle: "It depends on the conditions. We've only got 17 or 18 senior pros left and a lot of youngsters.

"Our second XI is not good enough yet. If we don't get the right deal for Salcido he will stay."



Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/07/15/jol-hints-at-salcido-exit-82029-29059248/?#ixzz1SAMncclM

[Mr Fulham]

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

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

gosh, noooo...he's been so poor lately.

[TheInsider]

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

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

gosh, noooo...he's been so poor lately.

He has the talent though, it's not an easy thing to get into a World Cup winning squad. How old is he now?

[WhiteJC]

 
Crusaders   1 - 3   Fulham


Matthew Briggs, right, celebrates his opener at the Seaview Stadium

ulham took control of their Europa League second qualifying round tie against Crusaders with a battling display in the first leg in Belfast.

The Cottagers fielded another strong line-up but were pushed all the way by the Northern Irish semi-professionals.

Fulham's Matthew Briggs made it 1-0 with a screamer, but Timmy Adamson's fine finish drew the hosts level.

The Crues could not hold on, though, and Bobby Zamora's header and a Danny Murphy penalty sealed the away win.

"We knew it could be tough," said Fulham boss Martin Jol. "They [Crusaders] play a very direct style, with two good, big strikers, and that's always difficult.

"But we came through it well. The only disappointing thing for me was the way we conceded the goal.

"Other than that, though, we did well in the first half and recovered nicely after their goal to win. It was nice to see the youngsters like Briggs and Kerim Frei come in and do well as well."

As the first top-flight English opposition to play at Seaview in a competitive European game since Liverpool back in 1976, Fulham were expected to enjoy an easy ride against Crusaders.

But any suggestions the IFA Premiership outfit would be over-run by their Premier League opponents proved unfounded in an entertaining contest.

The Londoners, without new signing John Arne Riise, were restricted to long-range efforts by the hard-working hosts.

One such long-ranger led to the breakthrough for the visitors, though, as Briggs lashed into the top corner from a half-clearance - not that the hosts capitulated thereafter.

In fact, the Crues surprised Fulham with a fine leveller eight minutes into the second half when summer signing Adamson controlled well inside the box before firing home in off the far post.

Fulham put paid to any hopes of a shock result, however, when Zamora rose to nod in a Damien Duff corner and Murphy converted from the spot after Andy Johnson's chip was handled in the box Paul Leeman.

Meanwhile, asked after the game whether he would be active in the transfer market this summer, Jol said: "We're busy."

On Robbie Keane specifically, he added: "Robbie's a great player, but we've got great strikers here. I'm a big fan of Robbie."



http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/14136438.stm?

[WhiteJC]

 
Martin Jol Seeing Benefits of Fulham's Pre-Season in the Europa League

America or Asia seems to be the question when it comes to pre-season tours for Premier League clubs, with the opportunity to expand their brand across the globe.

Manchester United and Manchester City have crossed the Atlantic, while Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool have chosen the Far East for their long-haul friendlies.

There is another option, although Fulham's participation in the Europa League qualifiers was not entirely their choice, with UEFA granting places through the Fair Play league.

Despite 12 yellow cards and a red in their final three games of the season, Martin Jol took the job at Craven Cottage knowing he would be thrown straight into competitive football.

The Dutchman is seeing the benefits. His side have been getting fitter and they already have three games under their belts where something is at stake.

While new managers try to look at new systems, Jol has been forced to adapt his tactics. NSI Runavik, of the Faroe Islands, looked to frustrate, then Northern Irish side Crusaders played direct football and scented a famous victory.

Jol is learning about his squad quickly and feels the competitive pre-season games can help his side.

He said: "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."

The 3-1 win against Crusaders was on a plastic pitch, with Jol relieved not to pick up injuries during the clash. But the game was a battle for his team, with late goals from Bobby Zamora and Danny Murphy earning their win.

"I thought it was typically British," Jol said. "They made it tough for us until our goal and got tough again after the equaliser. But we concentrated for the full 90 minutes and that was the difference."

" I need to speak to the doctor but as far as I'm aware there are no injuries."

For Northern Ireland international Chris Baird, he knew it would not be an easy victory despite Crusaders being a part-time outfit.

"Crusaders made it very hard for us and I knew that would be the case," he said. "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.

"The tie is never over but we will always fancy our chances at Craven Cottage against anyone."



http://www.fanhouse.co.uk/2011/07/15/martin-jol-seeing-benefits-of-fulhams-pre-season-in-the-europa/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham lead Arsenal, Chelsea, and Spurs in race for Croatian star - reports
Fulham are believed to be leading the chase for Croatian U21 star Ante Vukusic

Fulham have formalised their interest in Croatian Under 21 star Ante Vukusic, according to The Daily Mirror.

Vukusic, who has been labelled as "the new Luka Modric", has been tracked by Chelsea, Arsenal, and Tottenham, but it appears as though Fulham could be leading the chase for the Croatian.

The 20-year-old striker scored 18 times in 40 appearances last season for Hajduk Split.

Despite the possibility of Andy Johnson being sold to Queens Park Rangers, it is believed that Martin Jol is confident Fulham have enough firepower in Bobby Zamora, Moussa Dembele, and Clint Dempsey.

But that hasn't stopped the rumour mill from suggesting that a Fulham bid for Vukusic is imminent. And any bid will reportedly have to start at £5 million.

In addition to the competition Fulham face from other Barclays Premier League sides in the race for the Croatian's signature, German side Wolfsburg have long been linked and French giants Lyon are believed to have made an official approach.



http://www.givemefootball.com/premier-league/fulham-lead-arsenal-chelsea-and-spurs-in-race-for-?

[WhiteJC]

 
Jol to sanction Salcido sale
Cottagers prepared to part with Mexican full-back for the right price

Fulham manager Martin Jol has revealed he will allow defender Carlos Salcido to leave the club if he receives the right offer.

The Mexico international has struggled to establish himself in the first-team at Craven Cottage since moving from PSV Eindhovenlast summer.

Salcido appears to have dropped down the pecking order with the Cottagers following the arrival of former Liverpool defender John Arne Riise this week.

And with the emergence of youngster Matthew Briggs, the 31-year-old full-back's days in west London appear to be numbered.

Jol said: "It depends on the conditions. We've only got 17 or 18 senior pros left and a lot of youngsters.

"Our second XI is not good enough yet. If we don't get the right deal for Salcido he will stay."



http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_7037911,00.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
UEFA Europa League Draw

The UEFA Europa League draw took place on Friday afternoon and the Club can confirm that should Martin Jol's team defeat Crusaders at the Cottage next Thursday, following their 3-1 first leg away victory at Seaview on Thursday evening, the Whites will face MK Domzale of Slovenia or Croatian side RNK Split in the Third Qualifying Round of the UEFA Europa League. 

Confirmation of offical match dates, kick-off times and ticket information will be published on fulhamfc.com in due course.



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/July/UEFAEuropaDraw.aspx#ixzz1SAtx3QYm

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham to face Domzale or RNK Split and Stoke make Europa League bow against Hajduk Split

Fulham will face Domzale of Slovenia or RNK Split of Croatia in the Europa League third qualifying round as long as they can overcome Irish part-timers Crusaders.

Martin Jol's side cruised to a 3-1 first-leg victory in Northern Ireland on Thursday night and will be confident of making it through to the next stage.

Elsewhere Stoke kick off their first ever Europa League campaign against  Croatian side Hajduk Split.


Spot on: Fulham look dead certs to progress to the next round

Tony Pulis' side host the former Champions League semi-finalists at the Britannia on July 28 before a return trip to Split on August 4.

And Dundee United will face Metalurg Skopje of Macedonia or Levski Sofia of Bulgaria if they overcome Slask while Hearts will face Hungarian side Paksi or Tromso of Norway.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2015126/Fulham-play-Domzale-RNK-Split-Stoke-play-Hajduk-Split.html#ixzz1SBKcgHDu

[WhiteJC]

 
Real Zaragoza winger wanted by Wigan, Bolton and Fulham



Wigan, Fulham and Bolton are locked in a battle to sign Real Zaragoza winger Angel Lafita.

The Spanish star has also attracted interest from Fenerbahce and Villarreal but it seems certain he will make a move into the Premier League during the summer.

Reports in Spain suggest that Wigan are the strong favourites to sign him as Roberto Martinez is believed to be a big admirer of the talented winger.

Real Zaragoza are hoping to finalise a deal for West Ham winger Pablo Barrera which will then free Lafita to leave the club.

Wigan could face fierce competition from both Fulham and Bolton who are also keen to sign the 26-year-old.



http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/transfer-rumours/9053/9/real-zaragoza-winger-wanted-wigan-bolton-and-fulham?

[WhiteJC]

 
Stoke City and Fulham head for Croatia in Europa League qualifiers
• Potters handed Hajduk Split tie in third qualifying round
• Fulham to meet RNK Split if they progress

Stoke's first Europa League tie will see them face Hajduk Split of Croatia in the third qualifying round, after the teams were paired together in Friday's draw in Nyon, Switzerland.

The first leg will take place at the Britannia Stadium on 28 July before the FA Cup runners-up travel to Split on 4 August.

Fulham, who are 3-1 up on Crusaders after Thursday's second qualifying round first leg, are also likely to face a team from the same Croatian city, with RNK Split leading Domzale of Slovenia 2-1 heading into their home second leg.

Hearts will meet the Hungarian side Paksi or Tromso of Norway while a clash with either Metalurg Skopje of Macedonia or Bulgaria's Levski Sofia awaits Dundee United if they can overturn a 1-0 first-leg deficit against Poland's Slask Wroclaw.

Europa League third qualifying round draw

Atlético Madrid v Stromsgodset

Young Boys v TPS/Westerlo

Shakhter/FK Ventspils v Crvena Zvezda

Alania Vladikavkaz v Kecskemeti TE/Aktobe

Floriana/AEK v Mlada Boleslav

Zeljeznicar Sarajevo/FC Sheriff v Khazar Lenkoran/Maccabi Tel Aviv

AZ v Flamurtari/Jablonec

Olimpija Ljubljana/Bohemians v Rudar Pljevlja/FK Austria Vienna

Bursaspor v Gomel

Ferencvaros/Aalesund v FK Suduva/IF Elfsborg

Minsk/Gaziantepspor v Legia Warsaw

Hapoel Tel-Aviv v FC Vaduz/Vojvodina

Olimpi Rustavi/Irtysh v Rennes

Levski Sofia v SK Tirana/FC Spartak Trnava

The New Saints FC/FC Midtjylland v Guimarães

Dinamo Bucuresti v FC Iskra-Stal/Varazdin

Karpaty Lviv v Shakhtyor Karagandy/St Patricks

Vllaznia Shkoder/FC Thun v Palermo

KR Reykjavik/MSK Zilina v Llanelli/Dinamo Tbilisi

Omonia Nicosia v FC Tauras/ADO Den Haag

SK Liepajas Metalurgs/SV Red Bull Salzburg v FK Senica

Club Brugge v EB Streymur/FK Qarabag

FC 03 Differdange/Levadia Tallinn v Rad Belgrade/Olympiacos Volou

Mainz v KUPS Kuopio/Gaz Metan

UE Sant Julia/Bnei Yehuda v Helsingborg

Stoke v Hajduk Split

FC Gagra/Anorthosis Famagusta v Juvenes/Dogana/Rabotnicki Kometal

Orebro SK/FK Sarajevo v Sparta Prague

Glentoran/Vorskla Poltava v Sligo

Paks/Tromso v Hearts

Metalurg/Lokomotiv Sofia v Slask Wroclaw/Dundee Utd

FH Hafnarfjordur/Nacional v BK Hacken/FC Honka

SV Ried v Brondby

PAOK Salonika v Mika Ashtarak/Valerenga

Domzale/RNK Split v Crusaders/Fulham



http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/jul/15/europa-league-draw-stoke-fulham?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+theguardian%2Ffootball%2Frss+%28Football%29

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham Close To Signing Serie A Target As Another Appears
by LORK on JULY 15, 2011

Reports in Italian newspaper Gazzetto Della Sport today suggest that Fulham are keeping an eye on Parma right back Zaccardo. The 29 year old, capped 17 times for Italy and holds the dubious honour of scoring an own goal at a World Cup, joined Parma after a shaky season at Wolfsburg in which he still managed to add a Bundesliga Title to his World Cup medal and has been a regular over the past two years with 68 league appearances. Fairly defensive. This transfer wouldn't make sense with Baird at the club, but maybe from the noises Jol is making he doesn't trust our squad and wants to enhance it.

More promising are the noises coming from the Italian media that we have had a bid accepted for 19 year old Palermo midfielder Pajtim Kasami. He was one of the star performers in the recent U21 tournament with Switzerland off the back of an impressive first season at Palermo in which he made 24 appearances. He has already said that he wants to join so this transfer looks like a definite possibility. The young replacement for Murphy we all want perhaps?



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/07/fulham-close-to-signing-serie-a-target-as-another-appears/?

[WhiteJC]

 
A Tough Encounter

Following Friday afternoon's UEFA Europa League Third Round Qualifying draw, which saw Fulham drawn against NK Domzale of Slovenia or Croatian side RNK Split should they defeat Crusaders at the Cottage next week, defender Chris Baird looked back on Thursday's testing European encounter in Belfast.

Baird was well aware of the tough challenge Fulham would face at the Seaview Stadium and the Northern Ireland international praised his team for a professsional perfomance that saw Martin Jol's Team secure a 3-1 lead ahead of next week's return leg at Craven Cottage.
"It was a hard game for us and they certainly made it tough," Baird explained to fulhamfc.com. "We're delighted to get a 3-1 win and be able to take them back to the Cottage next Thursday.

"The Manager told us what to expect and I knew what to expect being from here – they made it hard for us and we knew we were in for a game. Fortunately we got two more goals to finish the first leg off.

"Aaron Hughes and I knew what to expect and we said to a few of the lads that it was going to be a tough game and they would be right on top of us. We weren't wrong and they made it hard for us but we were very professional.

"It was nice to come back [to Belfast], although I'd never played at Seaview before. I really enjoyed it but the win is the most important thing. We got the job done and we'll take them back to the Cottage next week.

"We're on the grass at the Cottage next week so we'll be on a better surface and we're very good at home. Hopefully we'll get the job done and progress through to the next round."

Tickets are now on General Sale for next Thursday evening's (19.30pm) UEFA Europa Qualifying match against Crusaders of Northern Ireland. Secure your seat at the Cottage for another night of European football in SW6! 



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/July/BairdCrusadersReaction.aspx?#ixzz1SBuQYAoV

[WhiteJC]

 
Weekend Action

A Fulham XI will take on Stevenage this Sunday (KO 3pm) at Stevenage Stadium, Broadhall Way, SG2 8RH. Supporters are welcome to attend.

Ticket Prices (Seating):
£15 Adults
£12 Concessions and U18s
£8 U11s

Ticket Prices (Terraces):
£12 Adults
£10 Concessions and U18s
Free for U11s



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/July/SundayFriendly.aspx?#ixzz1SBueeLf3

[WhiteJC]

 
BIS Visit

On Friday the 24th of June, the Director of Enterprise and Small Business, Adam Jackson, from the UK Government Department for Business Innovation and Skills (BIS) visited two different Enterprise projects which were being delivered in Fulham. He was delighted to come and visit Fulham FC Foundation and had a great opportunity to witness the impact the Club's education projects have on young people.

Adam Jackson began his visit by watching Fulham FC Foundation's teacher, Danielle Richards, deliver an engaging Enterprise-based session at the Fulham Cross Girls School. During the lesson, the students worked in groups to discuss how to promote the Club's Grade C matches in order to increase the attendances at these games.

Following this session, he joined Foundation staff as they hosted a graduation ceremony for Year 9 students from Harrodian School in Barnes. The students had spent the previous week studying towards a Business and Enterprise qualification, and as a reward for achieving a 100% pass rate, they were taken on an exciting tour of Craven Cottage.

Adam Jackson said: "I thoroughly enjoyed my visits to Fulham Foundation at Craven Cottage and Fulham Cross School. I was really impressed by the way the Foundation developed a complete 'enterprise education' journey and the very real impact the work is making to young people's lives.

"It was also clear how the involvement of a successful, well known business like Fulham FC can really add value to the school curriculum – by providing credibility and giving the pupils the opportunity to gain praise and respect from professional adults from outside the school and their family. This really creates strong engagement and gives young people more confidence."

Steven Day, CEO of Fulham Football Club Foundation, commented: "We do a great deal of educational work with young people in the local community, which includes providing them with opportunities for lifelong learning. It's great that Adam could attend the day's events in order to see how we are encouraging young business minds to develop."

To find out how your school can get involved in our Enterprise programme or to hear more information about Fulham FC Foundation's Lifelong Learning offer, please contact Lauren Tarrier on [email protected] or visit fulhamfc.com's Life Long Learning page.



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/July/BISVisit.aspx?#ixzz1SBuszlF4