Friday Fulham Stuff (22/07/11)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham 4 Crusaders 0: Hot-shot Johnson set for new deal as Jol's men cruise to win

Andy Johnson put Fulham on the way to victory over Crusaders on Thursday night - and is now set for a new contract.

The striker scored the opener as his side strolled into the Europa League third qualifying round with victory over the Northern Irish part-timers.


Opening the floodgates: Andrew Johnson celebrates scoring the first goal at Craven Cottage

Johnson, 30, has under a year left on his current deal and remains a target for Queens Park Rangers, though his £40,000-a-week wages are a stumbling block.

But manager Martin Jol said: 'We are talking with him and his agent so there is not a problem. I feel there are more goals in AJ with every game.'


Back of the net: Johnson slams the opening goal past Crusaders goalkeeper Sean O'Neill

Already leading 3-1 from the first leg, Fulham dominated throughout and took the lead in the 19th minute when Johnson fired home from close range after debutant John Arne Riise's cross.

Damien Duff hit the second from a tight angle, latching on to Philippe Senderos's pass in the 56th minute.

Head boy: Steve Sidwell (grounded) nods in the fourth goal for the Cottagers

Zamora converted Johnson's cross 10 minutes later and Steve Sidwell confirmed Fulham's progress to face Croatian side RNK Split in the next round when he headed in from Duff's corner with 20 minutes to play.

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer's understudy David Stockdale is set for a loan move away from Craven Cottage, with Ipswich and Leeds joining the race.


No way past: Cottagers midfielder Sidwell is tackled by David Magowan


Fine evening's work: Johnson celebrates with Bobby Zamora during their win

Swansea are also keen but Jol said he would insist on being able to recall the 25-year-old, which is not allowed by top-flight clubs under Premier League rules.



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2017261/Fulham-4-Crusaders-0-Martin-Jols-men-march-Europa-League.html#ixzz1SoblztXs

[WhiteJC]

 
Jol praises strikers
Fulham boss delighted with Zamora and Johnson

Fulham boss Martin Jol paid special praise to his strikers after they booked their place in the next round of the Europa League qualifying phase.

Bobby Zamora and Andrew Johnson both netted in the West Londoners' comfortable 4-0 Europa League second qualifying round defeat of Northern Irish outfit Crusaders, which sealed a 7-1 aggregate success.

Zamora and Johnson worked well in tandem throughout the clash and have impressed in the Whites' European campaign.

The duo struggled last season with injuries and only netted 10 goals between them in all competitions, but Jol has backed them to come to the fore this campaign.

"Even if you have got a tough defence you know you can score goals," he said.

"Last year Bobby was of course injured and Andy was the same, he only had 16 starts.

"So we had some trouble with injuries and luckily enough we had [Clint] Dempsey and he was our top scorer

"I feel there is a lot more goals in Andy Johnson. Every game when I see him he is quick and he can score goals.

"I think he has scored three goals already and that is what you want, not the two goals last year.

"He was not satisfied and that was probably because of his injuries and now hopefully we can keep them fit.

"If you saw Bobby in the first half, if he is in the flow he is a very good target."

Pleased

Goals from Damien Duff and Steve Sidwell complemented Zamora and Johnson's efforts and helped Fulham cruise into a third qualifying round tie with Croatian side RNK Split next week.

"You always want to play perfect football and of course the first half we started well," Jol said of his team's performance.

"The first half-an-hour I thought was good. Good movement and everybody was involved.

"After that there were a few sloppy spells and that is not what you want.

"But the second half was okay and of course we had to substitute a few players because we have 17 or 18 players who want to be involved.

"Overall, if you saw the goals, for example, the first goal had many touches and the second goal was thanks to a Philippe Senderos pass.

"Then there was one from Damien Duff so each goal was scored totally differently. And the goal Bobby scored was probably the best one of the evening."



http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_7054751,00.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham Close In On Europa League Spot

Fulham have moved a step closer to European football after beating Crusaders to reach the third round of Europa League qualifying.

Fulham won 4-0 in the second leg at Craven Cottage, and 7-1 on aggregate.

Manager Martin Jol gave a first start to new signing John Arne Riise, who set up Andy Johnson for their first goal after 19 minutes.

Damien Duff, Bobby Zamora and Steve Sidwell added the others.

Fulham will play either Domzale or RNK Split in the third qualifying round.

But Dundee United have been knocked out after losing to Slask Wroclaw on away goals.

Goals from Keith Watson, David Goodwillie and Jon Daly put United on course to win, but the Poles fought back to lose 3-2 on the night - enough for a 3-3 aggregate draw.

Glentoran, Llanelli and The New Saints are also out.



http://www.capitalfm.com/on-air/news-travel/sports-news/fulham-close-in-on-europa-league-spot/

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham put four past Crusaders to set up Croatia trip
Fulham 4 Crusaders 0 (Fulham win 7-1 on agg)


Fulham's Steve Sidwell, right, celebrates his goal with fellow scorer Andrew Johnson
on Thursday. Photograph: Tony O'Brien/Action Images

Fulham kept their European dream alive with a comprehensive victory over Crusaders in the Europa League second qualifying round at Craven Cottage.

The west Londoners' second-leg win came after a comfortable 3-1 victory at Seaview and sets up a trip to the Croatian side RNK Split next week.

Fulham were frustrated in the first half and Andrew Johnson's neat finish to a team move was all they had to show for their barrage of attacks.

However, goals were much easier to come by after the interval as Damien Duff, Bobby Zamora and Steve Sidwell scored to send the majority of the 15,767 supporters home happy.

Martin Jol sent out a strong-looking side as Fulham looked to secure their passage into the third qualifying round, handing the recent signing John Arne Riise his debut.

Crusaders made one change to the side that lost the first leg, with the Northern Irish team starting Ciaran Gargan in place of David McMaster.

Despite needing a huge swing to progress, Crusaders' substantial travelling support bellowed choruses of "We're going to win 3-0" from the offset.

The visitors went close to keeping their hopes alive in the third minute when Stuart Dallas found space to turn and send in a 20-yard shot that sailed just over the bar.

However, Fulham were controlling possession with ease and Johnson almost took advantage with a fizzing drive in the eighth minute.

The Cottagers continued to exert pressure without too much effort and converted that dominance into an opening goal with a slick move in the 19th minute.

Riise squared a cross from the left flank and Zamora's step-over gave Johnson the opportunity to jink wide of his marker and strike low into the bottom left corner.

The home fans thought Sidwell had doubled Fulham's advantage five minutes later, but his neat flick from Johnson's cross had only rippled the side-netting.

Zamora's stooping header tested the goalkeeper, Sean O'Neill, as the home side continued to press, before Crusaders had a chance of their own.

Gargan broke free down the left wing and Timmy Adamson nudged his cross just over the bar after getting ahead of Brede Hangeland in the six-yard box.

It proved to be a mere respite for Crusaders, who were forced to defend for the remainder of the half. Sidwell went close to netting before the interval, shooting just wide.

Fulham continued in the same vein in the second half and only a point-blank save from O'Neill prevented Sidwell nodding home Duff's free-kick.

Sidwell was proving a real thorn in Crusaders' side and came within a whisker of scoring in the 52nd minute with a back-post header that nicked a post before going wide.

However, Duff soon ended any remaining hopes the Northern Irish side had by shooting across O'Neill from a tight angle after latching on to a great ball from Philippe Senderos.

Fulham's third came in the 66th minute after another slick team move, with Duff stepping over Johnson's left-wing cross for Zamora to finish with gusto.

And the west Londoners' advantage was increased further four minutes later as Sidwell finally scored, heading home Duff's corner.

Jol made wholesale changes after the fourth goal and the substitute Bjorn Helge Riise, brother of John Arne, almost made the ideal impact, although his fierce shot went just wide.

The effort was the last moment of note as Fulham secured a place in the third qualifying round




http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/jul/21/fulham-crusaders-europa-league-qualifier?

[WhiteJC]

 
Striking the Balance

Speaking from the post-match press conference, Fulham Manager Martin Jol looked back on Thursday evening's UEFA Europa League qualification win over Crusaders.

"You always want to play perfect football and of course the first-half we started well," Jol said after the match.

"The first half an hour I thought was good. Good movement and everybody was involved.

"After that there were a few sloppy spells and that is not what you want.

"But the second-half was okay and of course we had to substitute a few players because we have 17 or 18 players who want to be involved.

"Overall, if you saw the goals, for example, the first goal had many touches and the second goal was thanks to a Philippe Senderos pass.

"Then there was one from Damien Duff so each goal was scored totally differently. And the goal Bobby scored was probably the best one of the evening.  Last year Bobby was, of course, injured and Andy was the same, he only had 16 starts.

"So we had some trouble with injuries and luckily enough we had [Clint] Dempsey and he was our top scorer

"I feel there is a lot more goals in Andy Johnson. Every game when I see him he is quick and he can score goals. I think he has scored three goals already and that is what you want, not the two goals last year. He was not satisfied and that was probably because of his injuries and now hopefully we can keep them fit. If you saw Bobby in the first half, if he is in the flow he is a very good target."



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/July/JolCrusadersHomeReaction.aspx?#ixzz1Soe6n0HW

[WhiteJC]

 
Looking Sharp

Fulham progressed through to the Third Qualification round of the UEFA Europa League, securing a 4-0 victory with a professional display against Crusaders and Philippe Senderos was certainly pleased with the performance put on by his team against a determined opponent.

"You still have to win these games, they're difficult," the defender said after the match. "Crusaders had nothing to lose and they came here for a good game.

"We tried to put pressure on them from the first minute. We were lucky enough to score in the first-half, which was something positive for us. Then in the second-half we just tried to play and it became easier for us.

"I think some of the movement in the first 30 minutes was amazing, we played one and two touch, giving and going – I think it was the sharpest we've been since we came back. It was great to see the boys moving like this and scoring four goals.

"Playing games now gives the opportunity for the younger lads to get some experience and play in Europe, these are already competitive games. Even if we want to take it as preparation, it's really competitive so we know that we have to win. It gives that bit of extra pressure because we want to go through. Next week it's going to be interesting in Croatia – a tough game away from home. Our goal is to go through and start the season well."



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/July/SenderosCrusadersHomeReaction.aspx#ixzz1SoeL09lo

[WhiteJC]

 
Four-star Fulham crush Crusaders
by DAN on JULY 21, 2011

Fulham cruised into the third qualifying round of the Europa League with a 4-0 second leg victory over a spirited Crusaders side at Craven Cottage. The 7-1 aggregate win sees Fulham travel to Croatia next week for the first leg of their third round qualifier against RNK Split, who booked their place with a 5-2 aggregate win over Domzale.

Martin Jol selected a strong side for the second leg and it proved a wise decision as Crusaders frustrated the Premier League with a display full of grit and resolute defending. New signing John Arne Riise was handed his debut at left back, greeted by ironic chants of 'Mummy's Boy' from those members of the Hammersmith End choir with particularly long memories. This meant Matthew Briggs, who scored his first Fulham goal last week, had more opportunities to get forward from the left side of midfield, and the youngster looked lively early on, creating the Whites' first chance. The England under-20 international burst through the centre of midfield and teed up Andy Johnson, who shot disappointingly straight at the goalkeeper.

The visitors played some attractive football and certainly weren't afraid of throwing players forward. They carved out a couple of half chances, the best of which fell to striker Timmy Adamson, who climbed above Brede Hangeland but nodded Ciaran Gargan's cross wide. They were soon to pay for that lack of composure in front of goal as Fulham took the lead with a counter attack of real quality. Brede Hangeland collected possession midway through the Fulham half and swept a glorious pass into the path of John Arne Riise, who was galloping down the left. Bobby Zamora cleverly dummied the Norwegian's low cross, allowing Johnson to finish with aplomb from ten yards out.

Zamora's presence and movement were causing real problems for Crues. He pulled away from his marker only to tamely head straight at Sean O'Neill, before a clever one-two with Steve Sidwell saw the former Reading midfielder, who enjoyed a nearly faultless evening, scuff his shot wide when clean through on goal. Sidwell, seemingly making the most of a license to roam from the centre of the park, had earlier rippled the side-netting after being found by a precise Johnson cross. The visitors' dogged defending kept the second-leg deficit to a respectable one at half-time, but Fulham's superior sharpness told in the second period.

Sidwell spurned two good chances to double the lead just after the break. O'Neill gathered his soft close-range header from a Duff free-kick, but the far post came to the aid of the Crusaders' goalkeeper when Sidwell popped up at the back post as his header clipped the woodwork and trickled wide. It was left to Duff himself to apply the finishing touch as he raced onto a terrific through ball from Philippe Senderos. The chance appeared to have gone as Duff's first touch took him wide, but the Republic of Ireland winger squeezed his shot inside the far corner effortlessly.

Fulham were rampant now. Ten minutes later, a well-worked third goal arrived. Johnson ran at the ragged Crusaders defence and Duff allowed his cross to run through to an unmarked Zamora, who hammered home gleefully. Sidwell finally grabbed his well-deserved goal just before he was substituted, guiding home a Duff corner from inside the six-yard box. There was time for eye-catching cameos from two of Fulham's substitutes too. Bjorn-Helge Riise almost made an instant impact after replacing his brother, curling a 20-yard piledriver fractionally wide. Swiss starlet Kerim Frei built on his impressive display of a week ago with a brief display of eager running and confidence. It merited a goal, but the 17 year-old was denied by two brave blocks from Crusaders defenders.

FULHAM (4-4-2): Schwarzer; Hughes, J.A. Riise (B.H. Riise 76), Senderos, Hangeland; Murphy, Sidwell (Etuhu 71), Duff, Briggs; Zamora, Johnson (Frei 71). Subs (not used): Etheridge, Kelly, Baird, Trotta.

GOALS: Johnson (19), Duff (56), Zamora (66), Sidwell (70).

CRUSADERS (4-4-2): O'Neill; McKeown, McBride, Leeman, Magowan; McCann (Faulkner 86), Watson, Gargan, Dallas; Adamson (Halliday 84), Owens (Rainey 68). Subs (not used): Murphy, McMaster, Gibson, Roy.

REFEREE: Marios Stamatis (Cyprus).

ATTENDANCE: 15,676.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/07/four-star-fulham-crush-crusaders/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham open contract talks with Andy Johnson

MARTIN Jol says he is hopeful of tying up a new deal with Andy Johnson and insists the striker is integral to his plans.

The former Everton and Crystal Palace marksman, who netted in the 4-0 win against Crusaders on Thursday night, has only one year left on his contract and his name has been linked with other clubs, including west London neighbours QPR.

But the Fulham boss is convinced 30-year-old Johnson can finally put an injury-ravaged 2010 behind him this season and does not want him to leave.

"Yes he is part of our plans for the season," Jol confirmed. "We are talking with him, or his agent, so there's no problem.

"I feel there's a lot more goals in Andy Johnson. Every game when I see him, he's quick, he works hard and he can score goals.

"I think he's got three already, so that is what you want.- not the two or three goals he scored last year.

"He was not satisfied and that was probably because of his injuries and now hopefully we can keep him fit."



http://www.ealinggazette.co.uk/sport/fulham-fc-ealing/2011/07/21/fulham-open-contract-talks-with-andy-johnson-82029-29099584/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham 4 Crusaders 0; agg 7-1: match report
Read a full match report of the Europa League qualifying game second-leg between Fulham and Crusaders at Craven Cottage on Thursday July 21 2011.

Fulham eased into the third round of the Europa League with a controlled display against Crusaders at Craven Cottage.

Leading 3-1 from the first leg of the second-round tie against the Northern Irish part-timers, Martin Jol's side produced an incisive and professional performance.

Debutant John Arne Riise, later substituted for his brother Bjorn Helge, twice missed with long-range strikes before setting up Fulham's first goal. The Norwegian collected a long ball and took it to the edge of the 18-yard box. Andy Johnson then wrong-footed Stephen McBride and slotted the ball home.

Crusaders had scant possession and created little to test Mark Schwarzer. They were exposed after a Philippe Senderos's pass put Damien Duff through on goal for Fulham's second after half-time.

By now, the home side were creating chances at will and Zamora curled in the third after Johnson's through ball. Steve Sidwell grabbed Fulham's fourth with a header that went in off the cross-bar with 20 minutes to go.



http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/fulham/8653214/Fulham-4-Crusaders-0-agg-7-1-match-report.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham to launch an appeal with the Supreme Court over Sir Dave Richards' role in striker Peter Crouch's move to Tottenham
The Court of Appeal have dismissed a ruling leaving the Cottagers with no choice but to go ahead with a further appeal in hope they can remove Richards from his role

Fulham are to lodge an appeal with the Supreme Court after failing again to remove Sir Dave Richards from his position as Premier League chairman.

The Cottagers believe Richards played a pivotal role in Peter Crouch's move from Portsmouth to Tottenham for £9 million - the same amount that Fulham bid for the player - by helping to 'facilitate' the transfer.

The High Court have told the club that the case should be dealt by arbitration, but they want it held in an open court.

Lord Justice Rix, Lord Justice Longmore and Lord Justice Patten at the Court of Appeal agreed with the High Court, leaving Fulham no choice but to take their case to the Supreme Court.

The club released a statement on their official website saying: "Fulham will be seeking permission from the Supreme Court to appeal this decision since it considers that a point of law of general importance is involved and that it has a good prospect of success.

"The decision by the Court of Appeal affects not only the world of football but potentially every company in the land which has a shareholders' agreement or set of articles of association with an arbitration clause."




http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2011/07/21/2585235/fulham-to-launch-an-appeal-with-the-supreme-court-over-sir?

[WhiteJC]

 
Jol's Fulham too slick for Crusaders with Croatia next on the cards

Fulham eased to a 4-0 win over Crusaders at Craven Cottage last night to reach the Europa League third qualifying round 7-1 on aggregate. Martin Jol's side now face a trip to Croatian side RNK Split next week.

The home side were frustrated by the Northern Irish visitors in the first half and Andy Johnson's neat finish in the 19th minute was the only reward for their pressure.

However, goals were much easier to come by after the restart as Damien Duff, Bobby Zamora and Steve Sidwell all scored. "I feel there is a lot more goals in Andy Johnson," Jol said. "Every game when I see him he is quick and he can score goals."



http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/jols-fulham-too-slick-for-crusaders-with-croatia-next-on-the-cards-2318483.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
FULHAM 4 CRUSADERS 0: IT'S CRUS CONTROL AS MARTIN JOL STROLLS THROUGH

FULHAM 4 -- CRUSADERS 0

ANDREW JOHNSON gave Fulham a flying start as they cruised through to the third qualifying round of the Europa League last night.

Johnson took full advantage at Craven Cottage as Martin Jol's men were handed plenty of chances to rub home their first-leg advantage against the Northern Ireland part-timers.

Damien Duff, Bobby Zamora and Steve Sidwell added the others to make it a comfortable passage for the Premier League side.

Jol handed former Liverpool star John Arne Riise his debut and the Norwegian full-back set up the opener on 19 minutes.

Riise raided down the left and fired over a cross that Zamora dummied intelligently.

There was still plenty of work to do but Johnson skipped around Stephen McBride and fired into the bottom corner.

It was his second of the season and a reminder to Jol as his contract heads into its final year.

After that it was a case of shooting practice for Fulham against the visitors.

Sidwell backheeled wide of the post and Zamora had two efforts saved by Sean O'Neill.

Crusaders were still being urged on by their noisy travelling support, despite looking dead and buried.

But Sidwell went closer in the second half when he was found by Zamora but nodded on to the woodwork.

Duff then grabbed the second when he was sent through by Philippe Senderos in the 56th minute.

The Republic of Ireland winger cut in from the right and cracked his finish low into the bottom corner.

The next came from Zamora after Duff dummied the ball into his path from Johnson's cross – and the England striker tucked it away neatly.

Sidwell finally got his goal in the 70th minute when he headed into the roof of the net from a corner.

Riise got a standing ovation when he was replaced by his brother Bjorn with 14 minutes left. The younger Riise curled just wide of the post when he cut inside from the right flank.

Mark Schwarzer made his first save late in the second half when he parried an effort from Ciaran Gargan.

Jol also gave Johnson a breather as Fulham ran out easy winners.




http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/202339/Fulham-4-Crusaders-0-It-s-Crus-control-as-Martin-Jol-strolls-through/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Stockdale Close to Loan Move

Fulham manager Martin Jol has confirmed that Town target David Stockdale is close to a loan move, probably to a Championship club. The 25-year-old was left out of the squad as the Cottagers defeated Northern Irishmen Crusaders 4-0 in the Europa Cup last night with the Blues understood to be the favourites to sign the goalkeeper ahead of Leeds if the former Darlington man is loaned to a Championship side.


Jol says Stockdale, who was first linked with Town on Thursday, is near to a move, although his destination depends on continuing discussions regarding a recall clause: "Yes, he is close, but of course there is a little issue with the recall.

"We can't recall him if he is playing in the Premier League. Maybe there is a bit of space [for manoeuvre] but I don't want to talk about it.

"[If we cannot insert a release clause], then we have to put him in the Championship. But there is a possibility he could go to the Premier League."

Town boss Paul Jewell has been on the look-out for another keeper all summer, targeting former Coventry man Keiren Westwood prior to his switch to Sunderland.



http://www.twtd.co.uk/news.php?storyid=18799

[WhiteJC]

 
Europa League: Leeman proud of Crusaders effort

Timmy Adamson and Paul Leeman both said Crusaders were leaving Craven Cottage last night with their heads held high.

The Crues suffered a 4-0 defeat in the second qualifying round of their Europa League battle with Premier League side Fulham, sinking 7-1 on aggregate.

But the visitors' phenomenal work-rate, and a little slice of luck, ensured the scoreline didn't flatter the hosts any further.

The Cottagers made the breakthrough on 19 minutes through Andy Johnson and second half strikes from Damien Duff, Bobby Zamora and Steve Sidwell killed off the spirited challenge of the visitors in their new blue away strip.

Adamson, who scored in the first leg and almost netted in west London last night, said he would never forget his first two competitive clashes with Stephen Baxter's side after joining from Dungannon Swifts.

"It was the best experience of all our football careers," said Adamson. "Fulham are quality and their quality came through but I thought we gave a great account of ourselves in both legs.

"We can certainly hold our heads high. It's been the biggest games since the 1970s for the club so we are all delighted. It's massive for the Irish League and I think we can be proud of the way we played.

"Martin Jol (Fulham's manager) even came into our dressing room after the game and said 'well done', which he doesn't normally do. I think that speaks volumes about the way we performed.

"The way this club is set up at the minute, they deserve everything they get. Now they are reaping the rewards of all the hard work that has been done."

Former Glentoran stalwart Paul Leeman is thankful he doesn't have to tussle with Zamora and Johnson every Saturday in the Carling Premiership.

"You are playing against top class players, we are talking the top of the tree," said the centre-back. "They are superstars and it's simply the stuff of dreams for us to be on the same pitch as them.

"Regardless of the scoreline, it was a fantastic experience and we will take a lot out of it in terms of our fitness and the good things that we did and what we can do better. Overall, it's just been fantastic.

"They kept the ball really well and they are so sharp and fit, that's the big difference. But we did well at certain spells and it was just their class and strength that came through. It's easy to forget this team made it to the final of the Europa League, that's what we were up against. Let's not kid ourselves, we did all we could and we can be proud of that."



Read more: http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/local/europa-league-leeman-proud-of-crusaders-effort-16026420.html?#ixzz1Soh0Zouf

[WhiteJC]

 
Briggs receives Jol backing
Fulham - Matthew Briggs has a bright future at Craven Cottage

Fulham boss Martin Jol has given his full backing to left back Matthew Briggs, despite the recent arrival of John Arne Riise at Craven Cottage.

Briggs, who joined the Cottagers in 2006, was loaned out to Leyton Orient last year, but Jol has ruled out sending him off again after describing the 20-year-old as an exciting player.

"He is not like a talented boy, for me he is already there," he confirmed. "I think he's a good part of our squad and that is why I don't want to put him on loan somewhere - I want to keep him.

"I have seen him over the last couple of weeks and I think he could be an exciting player."

John Arne Riise, 30, joins from Roma with a wealth of Barclays Premier League football experience with Liverpool, but also knows European football inside out having played for Norwegian, Italian and French teams.

His continental experience will boost Fulham's Europa League campaign, which continues on Thursday 21. The Cottagers will hope to build on a 3-1 first leg lead over Northern Irish side Crusaders, and despite Jol's praise, Briggs looks bench-bound for the home fixture as Riise takes up his new role at the back.

Riise has recently claimed that his former club Liverpool wanted him to return to Anfield, as Kenny Dalglish's quest for a left back drags on.

But Martin Jol, 55, snapped up the player before the Reds could make an offer.




http://www.givemefootball.com/premier-league/briggs-receives-jol-backing?

[WhiteJC]

 
Europa League: Fulham show no mercy to Crusaders

Fulham 4 Crusaders 0 (Fulham win 7-1 on aggregate): The party is over but it was fun while it lasted.

The floodgates opened by the Thames last night and at Craven Cottage you could hear the roof coming down on Crusaders' short but sweet Europa League adventure.

After struggling to turn on the style at Seaview, the Premier League side showed little mercy in the return leg of this second qualifying round battle.

Martin Jol's men, never in danger of underestimating the Crues after the first instalment of this glamour tie for the underdogs, cut through the Hatchemen at times with a ruthless, professional approach.

Of course, not even the most deluded or optimistic Crusaders supporter would have predicted a win over the Cottagers so the 420 visiting fans in the Johnny Haynes Stand weren't going to let anything ruin their party mood.

The part-time players, not familiar with the task of wrestling with World Cup and international stars, return to north Belfast with their heads held high and dreams of doing it all again.

The 2010 Europa League finalists, boasting a healthy 3-1 lead from the first leg, showed a distinct lack of complacency in front of the 15,676 crowd but the Shore Road side battled hard in west London.

Fulham led only 1-0 at the break through Andy Johnson's 19th minute strike but they cut loose after the interval with goals from Damien Duff, Bobby Zamora and Steve Sidwell.

Northern Ireland skipper Aaron Hughes fulfilled a right-back role as Chris Baird dropped to the bench with former Liverpool full-back John Arne Riise making his debut after joining from Roma.

Crues boss Stephen Baxter handed Ciaran Gargan a starting slot on the left, with David McMaster dropping to the bench.

Rather than showing signs of nerves, the visitors producing the first shot in anger when Stuart Dallas cleared the crossbar with a drive from just outside the area.

The hosts broke down Crusaders' resistance in the 19th minute and it was a sweet move. Duff's cross was dummied by Zamora and Johnson skipped past Stephen McBride before slotting the ball low past Sean O'Neill from 10 yards.

But Crusaders, wearing their blue strip, held their nerve and even came close to conjuring up an equaliser on 35 minutes, Gargan's left wing cross flicked over the crossbar by Timmy Adamson.

The Crues rode their luck four minutes before the break when Sidwell dragged his shot wide of the target while well placed.

Sidwell was guilty of another miss at the start of the second half as his downward header went narrowly wide. Philippe Senderos also missed the chance to net when he nodded the ball straight at O'Neill from close range.

But on 56 minutes Senderos made up for his glaring error by sliding through a perfectly timed pass for Duff who beat the offside trap and David Magowan's last ditch tackle to poke a low angled drive into the bottom corner of the net.

Fulham were now getting into the groove and on 65 minutes it was 3-0. This time Johnson's cross was dummied by Duff and Zamo

ra curled a sweet strike past O'Neill. Five minutes later the Crues defence was hesitant again as Sidwell dived low to head in Duff's corner from close range.

As expected, Fulham march on in Europe without too much stress but Crusaders' performances hint at another successful season.

Supporters and players have placed the club in a very positive light following this remarkable chapter in its history.

And they can dream, if at full strength, Crusaders would have beaten Fulham!

FULHAM: Schwarzer, Hughes, Hangeland, Senderos, Briggs, Duff, Murphy, Sidwell, John Arne Riise, Zamora, Andrew Johnson. Subs: Etheridge, Kelly, Baird, Bjorn Helge Riise, Etuhu, Frei, Trotter.

CRUSADERS: O'Neill, McKeown, Magowan, Leeman, McBride, Gargan, McCann, Watson, Dallas, Adamson, Owens. Subs: Murphy, Rainey, McMaster, Halliday, Gibson, Faulkner, Roy.

Referee: Marios Stamatis (Cyprus)



Read more: http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/local/europa-league-fulham-show-no-mercy-to-crusaders-16026423.html?#ixzz1Sohbn3Mo

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham Dispatch Crusaders, Move On To Face RNK Split

Fulham scored four times, Crusaders didn't. And just like that, the Whites are through to the third round of Europa League qualifying after dispatching their Northern Irish opponents by a total aggregate score of 7-1.

Andy Johnson, Bobby Zamora, Steve Sidwell and Damien Duff all chipped in with goals for Fulham. John Arne Riise made his debut for , lining up as a left midfielder ahead of Matthew Briggs and Kerim Frei also found his way onto the field again.

A nice, relatively easy workout, allowing the blooding of new and young players and for the team to finalize preparations for the Premier League season.

Sounds good to me.

Martin Jol seemed pleased with the performance as well and particularly smitten with Johnson's display.

"I feel there is a lot more goals in Andy Johnson. Every game when I see him he is quick and he can score goals. I think he has scored three goals already and that is what you want, not the two goals last year. He was not satisfied and that was probably because of his injuries and now hopefully we can keep (him) fit."

The result moves Fulham on to the next round of qualifying, where they'll face Croatian side RNK Split. Split earned their place in the coming round after dispatching Slovenia's Domžale by a 5-2 aggregate score.




http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2011/7/22/2287890/fulham-dispatch-crusaders-move-on-to-face-rnk-split?

[WhiteJC]

 
John Arne Riise is setting his sights on European glory with Fulham

FULHAM defender John Arne Riise has dismissed the Europa League naysayers and believes the Cottagers can achieve something special this year.

The west Londoners gained a place in the competition through the Fair Play league, which resulted in their season starting on June 30 against NSI Runavik.

Having seen off the Faroese minnows with relative ease, Fulham faced Northern Ireland part-timers Crusaders last night winning the game 7-1 on aggregate, with a 4-0 victory at Craven Cottage.

Fulham have a special relationship with the competition after finishing as runner-up in 2010 and former Liverpool player Riise is gunning for further success.


"You can see by the team the manager puts out that we're taking this competition seriously," he said.

"He wants to play to win and I think we are in this competition because it is great to be in Europe.

"And like I said to you, getting to the final was a great achievement for the club and if we can do something similar this year it is going to be awesome."



Read More http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/amateur-football/2011/07/22/john-arne-riise-is-setting-his-sights-on-european-glory-with-fulham-100252-29099612/?#ixzz1SoiBfTNw

[WhiteJC]

 
Stockdale set for move
Ipswich, Leeds & Swansea wait on Fulham decision

Fulham boss Martin Jol has revealed David Stockdale is likely to go out on loan this season.

Stockdale was a notable absentee from the squad for Thursday's Europa League qualifying win over Crusaders on Thursday night as he looks to sort out his future.

Swansea and Leeds have both expressed an interest in signing Stockdale with Ipswich the latest club to join the chase for the England squad member.

Premier League new boys Swansea have seen a bid rejected for Stockdale, while Leeds have lined up Stockdale as a replacement for Kasper Schmeichel.
Ipswich are believed to be favourites for Stockdale's signature, with Fulham preferring to loan him out to a Championship club so that they can include a recall clause in his deal.

Asked whether the Fulham number two was likely to head out on loan, Jol said: "Yes, he is close but of course there is a little issue with the recall.

Recall issue

"We can't recall him if he is playing in the Premier League. Maybe there is a bit of space [for manoeuvre] but I don't want to talk about it.

"[If we cannot insert a release clause], then we have to put him in the Championship. But there is a possibility he could go to the Premier League."



http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_7054909,00.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
Limited number of Fulham tickets available to season card holders



Tickets for the first away day at Fulham are now on sale to 2011-12 season card holders - although there are a limited number left.

So get in quick to snap up tickets for the game - with the remaining ones restricted views.

They are available to buy online by clicking the icon below, in person at either Villa Ticket Office at Villa Park or New Street or by phoning the hotline on 0800 612 0970.

It should be a cracking clash on Saturday August 13 with two new managers locking horns.


Alex McLeish will be looking to mastermind an opening day win for his Villa troops while Martin Jol will be looking to do exactly the same, after succeeding Mark Hughes.

It's never an easy assignment at Craven Cottage so fan support will be vital as Villa look for all three points.

The team will be backed by an allocation of 1,700 fans with prices at £35 for adults, £25 for O65s and U21s and £15 for U16s.

If there are still tickets available next week, they will go on sale to supporters who attended an away fixture in the 2010-11 season from Wednesday July 27.

From Wednesday August 3 they are on sale to supporters with away booking history.

Tickets are now on general sale for the game against Braga in Portugal, with Villa set to step up the pre-season preparations with the match on Saturday August 6.

There is an initial allocation of 350 tickets for this game and the price is £18.02, with no concessions.

Villa also travel to Pride Park for a friendly clash with Derby County.

This game is on August 3, with a 7.45pm kick-off and ticket prices are dependent on your season ticket status.

If you are a 2011-12 season card holders it's £10 for adults and £5 for U18s and O60s.

Non-season card holders and matchday prices are £12 for adults and £6 for U18s and O60s.



http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10265~2398946,00.html?