Saturday Fulham Stuff (23/07/11)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Stockdale Could Stay In The Premiership On Loan

Fulham boss Martin Jol says it's a 'possibility' that goalkeeper David Stockdale could go out on loan to a Premier League club.

Swansea City manager Brendan Rodgers is looking to bring in another goalkeeper following the departure of Dorus De Vries and the arrival of Jose Moreira.

The Irishman is continuing to keep his options open with regards to his goalkeeper targets, rather than going all out to get one player in particular.

Nottingham Forest's Lee Camp is another shot-stopper near the top of Rodgers' wanted list, but Steve McLaren is adamant he is not for sale.

Therefore the Swans boss may turn his attentions back to Stockdale, as it initially looked like a loan move would be highly unlikely due to Fulham not being able to include a 24-hour recall clause in the deal. If he went to a Championship side like Leeds United or Ipswich Town, who are both interested, the Cottagers would be able to instantly recall him if they needed to.

Martin Jol also insists he is not for sale, but it now appears that something could be arranged to give Stockdale Premiership experience at Swansea City via a loan move:

'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.'



Read more: http://www.swansea.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=248143#ixzz1SuD495IF

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham ready to sell Marsh-Brown?
by DAN on JULY 22, 2011

Sky Sports are reporting that Fulham are open to offers for their England youth international Keanu Marsh-Brown.

The 18 year-old was prised away from the Arsenal academy in 2004 and has been one of Fulham's most highly-rated youth players in recent years. Marsh-Brown, who can play either at right back or on the right side of midfield, has yet to make a first-team appearance for Fulham and spent the second half of last season on loan at MK Dons. The Hammersmith-born youngster made 18 appearances for the League One side as they reached the play-offs.

Martin Jol was expected to send Marsh-Brown out on loan again, but Sky Sports suggest that, if a suitor were to match Fulham's valuation, Marsh-Brown could make a permanent move.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/07/fulham-ready-to-sell-marsh-brown/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Leicester sign former Fulham and West Ham full-back Pantsil on a free

Leicester manager Sven Goran Eriksson has signed Ghana defender John Pantsil on a three-year contract.

The 30-year-old, with more than 100 Premier League appearances at West Ham and Fulham, failed to agree a new contract at Craven Cottage.




Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2017847/Leicester-City-sign-John-Pantsil.html#ixzz1SuDfuvAf

[WhiteJC]

 
Premier League interest mounts in former West Ham midfielder Hitzlsperger

Former West Ham star Thomas Hitzlsperger is at the centre of a tug-of-war between three Barclays Premier League teams.

Wolves, Queens Park Rangers and Fulham are all interested in signing the central midfielder, 29, who is available on a free transfer.



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2017833/Premier-League-mounts-Thomas-Hitzlsperger.html#ixzz1SuDuyKPc

[WhiteJC]

 
MARTIN JOL FACING SPLITTING HEADACHE AT FULHAM

FULHAM striker Moussa Dembele is set to return from injury next week and give Martin Jol a selection headache.

Martin Jol rates Dembele highly but has seen Andy Johnson score twice in Europa League games while the Belgium international has been out with an ankle problem.

They will be competing for a starting place on Thursday against Croatian side RNK Split in the third round of qualifiers, with Jol saying: "Dembele is probably fit to be in the group next week."

Dembele was brought to the club a year ago for £5m from AZ Alkmaar but struggled with his fitness and scored just five times.

But he is determined to make an impact in his second season at Craven Cottage.

"I am here to make a difference and I believe that I can help take this club forward," he said.

"I'm happy with how things have gone. The team have done well and after a difficult start to the season, things came together for us.

"It was kind of a new chapter for Fulham, but we learned a lot and I think we can expect even more next season."

Team-mate Aaron Hughes admits it will be tough to break up Johnson's partnership with Bobby Zamora.

He said: "It's almost like a typical big man, small man strike partnership that we've seen in the Premier League throughout the years.

"They have a good understanding and they had that before a couple of injuries to each player disrupted that a little bit.

So it's nice to see them back together again because they do work well together.

"And with (Damien)Duff coming off the wing and making a little triangle, it can cause problems.

"It's nice to see them cause a bit of havoc."




http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/202501/Martin-Jol-facing-splitting-headache-at-Fulham/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Crusaders gave Fulham a real battle: Hughes

Aaron Hughes has admitted he would not relish another European scrap with an Irish League side in Belfast.

The Northern Ireland skipper performed an unfamiliar right back role for Fulham at Craven Cottage on Thursday night as Crusaders were swept aside 4-0, losing their Europa League second qualifying round tie 7-1 on aggregate.

Goals from Andy Johnson, Damien Duff, Bobby Zamora and Steve Sidwell secured a comfortable win for Martin Jol's side but Crusaders can be proud of their performances, with the golden moment provided by Timmy Adamson as he skipped past Hughes to find the target at Seaview.

Hughes is normally in Belfast on international duty but the Crusaders double-header captured his imagination and he got what he expected from the Hatchetmen — a fierce battle.

"If last week's game is anything to go by another European clash in Belfast will be another tough one for us," said Hughes. "We expected that with them being at home and with the crowd behind them.

"It's a chance to cause an upset but we came through it and we were happy to keep a clean sheet at Craven Cottage.

"We're happy to be in the next round and you have to go where the draw takes you, but it was nice for the fans to see a Premier League team in Belfast."

The Cookstown man said that patience was the key as Crusaders showed their defensive qualities in the first half on Thursday night.

"We knew it wasn't going to be an easy one," he added. "If we didn't approach the game properly we knew we would come unstuck.

"The important thing was to get the goals in Belfast and that gave us something to build on.

"They weren't as offensive as at home and they hit us on the counter-attack a few times, creating a few openings but we stayed patient and got the goals."

The 31-year-old also thanked the Crues for the hospitality shown to Fulham at Seaview.

"It's a reflection of the country and its people," he added.

"I'm very proud of where I come from and the respect was mutual.

"I think people have a lot of time for this club because we don't take anyone for granted and we do things the right way.

"It's strange because I'm usually leading out the Northern Ireland team in Belfast, but the fans have been very supportive."




Read more: http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/local/crusaders-gave-fulham-a-real-battle-hughes-16026968.html?#ixzz1SuEdt4UK

[WhiteJC]

 
Striker headache looms for Fulham

Fulham striker Moussa Dembele's return from injury is giving Martin Jol a selection headache.

New boss Jol rates Dembele but has seen Andrew Johnson score twice in their Europa League games while the Belgium international has been out with an ankle problem.

The pair will be competing for a starting place on Thursday against Croatian side RNK Split in the third qualifying round after Jol said: "Dembele is probably fit to be in the group next week."

Dembele was brought in a year ago from AZ Alkmaar for £5million but struggled with his fitness and scored only five goals.

He is determined to make an impact in his second season at Craven Cottage.

"I am here to make a difference and I believe that I can help take this club forward," he said.

"I'm happy with how things have gone so far. The team have done well and after a difficult start to the season, things came together for us.

"It was kind of a new chapter for Fulham but we learned a lot and I think we can expect even more next season."

Team-mate Aaron Hughes admits it will be tough to break up Johnson's partnership with Bobby Zamora.

He said: "It's a typical big man-small man partnership. They had a good understanding before injuries disrupted it."



Read more: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Fulham-news-Moussa-Dembele-fit-after-ankle-injury-intends-give-Martin-Jol-striker-selection-headache-article774437.html#ixzz1SuFUygb5
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[WhiteJC]

 
You The Manager: The Mirror's football writers reveal their teams

So what is the best team money can buy? Everyone thinks they can pick a better line-up than the managers, but when it comes to reality will they be any good?

Rooney or Torres, Hart or Cech, Lampard or Gerrard? It's tough.

Here, the Daily Mirror's team of reporters name their top teams.

And after a hectic first few weeks of the transfer window, they also give their verdict on who they think has been the best buy so far.


Just to make it tougher, they have been given the budget of playing in You the Manager, rather than Roberto Mancini's open cheque book.

Sign up now to play at www.mirror.co.uk/ytm for your chance to win.

*

OLIVER HOLT
Signing of the summer so far: Charlie Adam

A lot of people, even some Liverpool fans, are saying that Adam stood out at Blackpool because it is a small club and he was a good player in a poor team. But I think Adam's a lot better than that. He's got a sweet left foot and superb passing ability. He is a fine dead-ball specialist and he's got nerve, too. He'll be a great creative force at Liverpool and a good foil for Steven Gerrard. He will also contribute goals as well as assists. I think he'll make a big impact straight away.

TEAM
W Szczesny 7.3m

K Walker 6.2m

J Terry 8.8m

JA Riise 5m

C Hill 5.8m

B Emerton 8m

S Holden 9.2m

C Adam 13m

J Allen 5m

G Holt 11.1m

W Rooney 19m

*

MARTIN LIPTON
Signing of the summer so far: Ashley Young

Strengthening from a position of superiority is the neatest trick of all and Young's arrival gives Manchester United more depth. He made a big step forward with Aston Villa and England last term and showed his growing self-belief by opting for the Old Trafford goldfish bowl. Previously his temperament in big games has been questioned but Young began to look the real deal and now has the chance to prove Sir Alex Ferguson right. Can play on either flank or behind the front man, giving United extra attacking options. Made a huge difference when he came on for England against Switzerland in June, providing further evidence of his flowering.

TEAM
D De Gea 8m

M Wilson 4.8m

N Vidic 8.8m

J Woodgate 4.8m

J O'Shea 6.9m

S Sinclair 10.5m

N De Jong 8.4m

D Pratley 5m

P Odemwingie 13m

R Van Persie 18.5m

S Fletcher 11.1m

*

DARREN LEWIS
Signing of the summer so far: David De Gea

Sir Alex Ferguson has opted for the Atletico Madrid man to succeed Edwin van der Sar after scouting the Spaniard extensively. Agile, composed and with a good command of his area, De Gea showed glimpses of his ability at the European Under-21 Championship. Can he cope with the pressure of the big game at club level? Well he has already helped Atletico win the Europa League and the UEFA Super Cup...

TEAM
D De Gea 8m

JA Riise 5m

D Agger 6.2m

W Gallas 7m

K Naughton 5.2m

J Wilshere 14.2m

D Whitehead 5.4m

D Pratley 5m

W Rooney 19m

D Ba 11m

P Odemwingie £13m

*

DAVID ANDERSON
Signing of the summer so far: Charlie Adam

In terms of value for money, it has to be a toss up between Sunderland landing David Vaughan on a free and Liverpool picking up Adam for a knockdown price. Adam edges it for me and in a summer when £20million is the going rate for a decent midfielder, he is an absolute steal at just over £7m. He is a good age, British and proved last season he can hack it in the top flight. He has a sweet left foot and is one of the best passers in the Premier League. He is a deadball specialist and Andy Carroll will thrive on his superb delivery from corners. His passing style will be ideally suited to Liverpool's game, even if he is prone to the odd Hollywood ball.

TEAM
J Hart 8.5m

B Sagna 8.2m

V Kompany 8.6m

N Vidic 8.8m

G Clichy 8m

D Pratley 5m

D Vaughan 9m

H Ben Arfa 5.9m

S Coleman 6.8m

C Dempsey 11.9m

W Rooney 19m

*

SIMON BIRD
Signing of the summer so far: Connor Wickham

The £8.2million Sunderland paid out to land Wickham from Ipswich has to go down as money brilliantly spent. The England Under-21 striker will almost certainly double in value and after the losses of darren Bent and Jordan henderson, he has helped breathe new optimism into the Stadium of Light. Boss Steve Bruce says he will not rush the 18-yearold, but if Wickham starts scoring goals early on it will be hard to leave him out of the side.

TEAM
S Given 7.3m

P Bardsley 5.8m

F Coloccini 6.8m

J O'Shea 6.9m

W Brown 6.2m

J Enrique 7.2m

J Barton 13.2m

H Ben Arfa 5.9m

A Johnson 11.9m

D Bent 18.2m

C Wickham 8.2m

*

MIKE WALTERS
Signing of the summer so far: Adam

He scored more goals and contributed more assists than Footballer of the Year Scott Parker last season and his arrival at Liverpool will at last ease the burden on Steve Gerrard to provide goals, creativity, spark and leadership. In two years at Blackpool, his market value soared from £500,000 to £9m - in truth, he's worth a lot more. With or without Andy Carroll, watch Liverpool go if their axis of Gerrard-Adam-Suarez clicks into gear early.

TEAM
P Cech 8.5m

P Scharner 4.1m

V Kompany 8.6m

N Vidic 8.8m

L Baines 8.6m

A Crofts 6.8m

J McEachran 5.6m

C Adam 13m

J Thomas 8.8m

D Drogba 18m

S Ameobi 8.2m

*

JAMES NURSEY
Signing of the summer so far: Ashley Young.

England international Young will be a big hit at Manchester United. He can score, create and is superb at set-pieces. He has already impressed in pre-season and I expect him to become a key performer for both United and England this year. Young also has an admirable work ethic and will track-back to help his team-mates. He is linking up well with Patrice Evra on the left in friendlies for United, where they are building a good understanding. Expect Young to also win plenty of free-kicks - especially in the Champions League, where referees will blow up regularly for fouls on him.

TEAM
W Hennessey 5.3m

J Enrique 7.2m

G Cahill 7.5m

R Shawcross 7.2m

S Warnock 6.2m

S Larsson 8.7m

C Gardner 9.1m

G Dorrans 9.6m

A Young 14.8m

G Holt 11.1m

B Zamora 13m

*

DAVID MADDOCK
Signing of the summer so far: Phil Jones

One well-respected judge watched him during this summer's European U21 Championship and was moved to offer a comparison to Duncan Edwards. Not that he was suggesting Jones is in the same class as the Manchester United legend, more that the former Blackburn defender looked like man playing alongside boys, just as Edwards had seemed all those years ago. Jones is a rare gem, and he will only get better. I expect him to develop into a commanding leader, and become England captain one day.

TEAM
P Reina 8.2m

P Neville 12.9m

JA Riise 5m

V Kompany 8.6m

L Baines 8.6m

F Malouda 14.6m

M Fellaini 12.9m

C Adam 13m

S Downing 13.5m

W Rooney 19m

J Hernandez 18.2m

*

JOHN CROSS
Signing of the summer so far: Gervinho

Arsenal's new boy gets my vote to be, at £12million, one of the deals of the season. The Ivory Coast international is strong, powerful, exciting and is versatile to play in most positions along the front. He had the best assists record in the French top flight last season as his Lille won the title. Watch him go.

TEAM
P Cech 8.5m

J O'Shea 6.9m

G Bale 14.2m

N Vidic 8.8m

L Baines 8.6m

F Lampard 15m

L Modric 14.8m

S Gerrard 13.9m

S Nasri 15m

W Rooney 19m

L Suarez 18.7m



Read more: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Fantasy-Football-Who-did-Daily-Mirror-football-writers-pick-their-teams-article774451.html#ixzz1SuGPfCuL
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[WhiteJC]

 
Chelsea allow midfielder to leave on loan to London rivals

Chelsea are considering loaning out teenage midfielder Josh McEachran to Fulham.

Although new Blues boss Andre Villas Boas is highly impressed with the young Englishman, he is also aware that he cannot offer him the regular first team football that he craves.

Villas Boas believes that a season on loan in the Premier League would best accelerate McEachran's development, and Fulham boss Martin Jol is a known admirer.

Relationships between the two clubs are strong despite their rivalry on the pitch, and Gael Kakuta enjoyed a spell at Craven Cottage last season.

Chelsea are on the verge of signing Barcelona midfielder Oriol Romeu, meaning McEachran's likely playing time at Stamford Bridge would be further diminished.

However, if the midfielder becomes a Premier League regular at 18, he could become the complete footballer many are tipping him to be.




http://www.fanatix.com/news/chelsea-allow-midfielder-to-leave-on-loan-to-london-rivals-466/

[White Noise]

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_7055032,00.html


Swans step in for Pavone


Rodgers holds talks with free agent's representative


Last Updated: July 22, 2011 9:05am



Swansea have been told they must move quickly if they want to win the race for Argentine striker Mariano Pavone.

Blackburn have been unable to finalise a deal for the 29-year-old, while skysports.com has previously revealed that Liverpool and Fulham are also interested.

But Swansea boss Brendan Rodgers hopes to snatch Pavone from under the nose of his Premier League rivals after holding talks with the representative of the free agent.

Pavone, though, is eager to quickly find a new club and his agent, Barry McIntosh, has therefore advised Swansea not to take their time.

"Mariano has been left in limbo because of the Blackburn situation," McIntosh is quoted as saying in the Daily Mirror.

Money
"He just needs to go to a club where he will have a chance to play and Swansea could be that platform.

"If it was just about money, he would not go to Swansea. But I'm a believer that there is more to football than just money. If the difference is only 10p elsewhere then the player will go to Swansea.

"They have Spanish players at the club, they have a British manager who speaks Spanish and has made a real effort.

"I know the area of Swansea and the club well from previous dealings.

"The player has offers from elsewhere so they must move fast, but it would be a great move for him."

[WhiteJC]

 
Dembele aims to raise the bar
by DAN on JULY 23, 2011

Moussa Dembele is determined to improve on his first season in English football as he nears a return to fitness following an ankle injury.

The Belgian forward made a bright start to his Fulham career after completing a £5m transfer from AZ Alkmaar last summer but struggled to maintain that momentum during an injury-hit season. Dembele scored five times in 29 appearances under Mark Hughes and has yet to feature for new boss Martin Jol, who has pinpointed the 24 year-0ld as one of Fulham's key players, due to injury.

Jol has tipped Dembele to return to the squad for next week's Europa League trip to RNK Split and Dembele has revealed that he wants to build on his debut season.

I am here to make a difference and I believe that I can help take this club forward. I'm happy with how things have gone.

The team have done well and after a difficult start to the season, things came together for us. It was kind of a new chapter for Fulham, but we learned a lot and I think we can expect even more next season



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/07/dembele-aims-to-raise-the-bar/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Championing Briggs!

Earlier this week I ran a little article that expressed fears that the signing of John Arne Riise may affect the development of young Matthew Briggs!

I pointed out that Briggs had done a more than capable job when called upon and had my fears that he`s either be benched or just remain a squad player.

Thankfully, that doesn`t appear to be the case!

Against Crusaders, Matthew was asked to switch flanks and showed his versatility by, once again, giving a decent performance.

I suspect we`ll be seeing a lot more of this lad this season!



Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=248180#ixzz1SuuAclSW

[WhiteJC]

 
It Ain`t Half Hot Mum!

Having safely negotiated a safe passage through to the third qualifying round, we`re set to play RNK Split.

It means a trip to Croatia, next Thursday, to contest a game in temperatures that will border on sweltering.

It`s expected to be greater than 30 degrees centigrade and Aaron Hughes, speaking about such matters has commented,

"This isn`t football weather - it`s for the beach."

"You don`t look forward to that so much when you must run around."

"A night like the Crusaders game is good."

"But the preparation will be no different for a Premier League game."

A victory over our next opposition will then see us take part in a play-off to reach the Euorpa League proper. It already seems like a long journey does it not!



Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=248183#ixzz1SuuPTXjX

[WhiteJC]

 
Leeds United: Deal for Fulham's Stockdale hits the buffers

Leeds United's interest in David Stockdale appears to be dead after the club failed to reach a deal with Fulham over the signing of the England goalkeeper.

United were prominent in a group of clubs bidding to acquire Stockdale on loan but a proposed transfer to Elland Road is understood to have fallen through due to the terms set by Fulham and their insistence on the provision of a recall clause.

Leeds switched their attention to 25-year-old Stockdale after holding unsuccessful talks with Preston North End's Andy Lonergan but manager Simon Grayson is once again reassessing his options with the start of the season closing in rapidly.

Ipswich Town and Swansea City were also on the trail of Leeds-born Stockdale, a keeper who was named in an England squad for the first time last season, but Fulham have refused to bend on their demand for a 24-hour recall clause in any loan deal, with manager Martin Jol saying: "He is close (to a transfer) but there is a little issue with the recall."

Fulham are also believed to be seeking a loan fee for Stockdale.

United's search for a new keeper and a replacement for Kasper Schmeichel is becoming increasingly urgent with two weeks to go before the Championship season begins.

The club opened negotiations with Lonergan earlier this month and an agreement with the 27-year-old is still believed to be a possibility despite United refusing to meet his initial wage demands.

Newcastle United's Fraser Forster is also thought to be in Leeds' sights, though Newcastle value the youngster at around £2million.

United, meanwhile, were expected to field a new trialist in today's friendly against Sheffield Wednesday, Hungarian international Boldizsar Bodor.

The 29-year-old left-back – most recently on the books of Dutch club Roda JC – trained with Leeds yesterday and was due to feature in Grayson's squad at Hillsborough.



http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/leeds-united/latest-whites-news/leeds_united_deal_for_fulham_s_stockdale_hits_the_buffers_1_3609803

[WhiteJC]

 
Jewell Expecting Double Signing On Monday

Town manager Paul Jewell says he is hopeful of making two further additions to his squad on Monday. Those players are likely to be Fulham keeper David Stockdale, who will join on loan, and Arsenal striker or wideman Jay Emmanuel-Thomas.

Speaking after last night's 1-1 draw at Southend, Jewell wouldn't be drawn on specific names for fear of jeopardising the deals: "I don't want to say anything which might upset the clubs we're dealing with.

"I'm not trying to be evasive but hopefully we'll have two new players in the building on Monday.

"I have to be respectful. I've been in the game long enough and don't want to say something that people could take offence to and change their minds. But I'll be disappointed if we don't have two new players available for the Colchester game.

"One is a loan and one is a permanent signing. When I got on the bus today, as far as I was aware, fees were agreed. Nothing official, but I think I'll be disappointed if it doesn't progress over the weekend."

On Thursday, the Blues were linked with a loan move for Stockdale, 25, and with a £1 million permanent deal for 20-year-old Emmanuel-Thomas.

Stockdale seems certain to be the loanee and Emmanuel-Thomas would appear to be the other expected addition, although one report in the local press in South Yorkshire claims Town have confirmed their interest in Ched Evans, but this may just be a reference to Jewell's comment earlier in the week that Evans is "on the list" when he also said no bid had been made for the Welshman.

Leeds were also interested in signing Stockdale on loan but are reported to have been unable to agree a deal with the Cottagers. Swansea recently made an unsuccessful attempt to sign the former York and Darlington man on a permanent basis.

Town are likely to have to pay a loan fee for Stockdale, who was named in two full England squads last season, while Fulham have also insisted on a recall clause.



http://www.twtd.co.uk/news.php?storyid=18808