Friday Fulham Stuff (29/07/11)...

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RNK Split 0-0 Fulham

Fulham endured a frustrating night in Croatia as they struggled to a goalless draw with RNK Split in their Europa League third qualifying round.

After victories over Faroe Islands minnows NSI Runavik and Northern Ireland part-timers Crusaders, the Cottagers had been expected to secure another win at Dugopolje's Stadion Hrvatski Vitezovi.

However, Split proved dogged opponents throughout and were unfortunate not to take the lead in just the sixth minute.

The Reds peppered Mark Schwarzer's goal with numerous chances and Ante Erceg came closest, although he somehow shot wide when through on goal.

The home side missed another gilt-edged chance to score in the dying moments, with substitute Duje Cop missing an equally inviting chance after turning his marker.

Fulham had chances of their own but struggled to break down the resilient Croatian side, to the disappointment of 86 travelling fans.

Heading into the match Martin Jol named a strong starting line-up, with Andrew Johnson and Bobby Zamora again given a chance to hone their strike partnership.

New signings Pajtim Kasami, Csaba Somogyi and Marcel Gecov were all named amongst the Cottagers' substitutes, while the home side included former Zenit St Petersburg defender and 2008 UEFA Cup winner Ivica Krizanac in their starting line-up

Split supporters welcomed Fulham onto the pitch with a sign reading 'resistance is futile' and the visitors were almost forced to heed that warning in the opening minutes of the match.

Ante Erceg fired a shot across goal in the fourth minute before the same player was put through on goal, but the 21-year-old screwed his shot wide when one-on-one with Mark Schwarzer.

The attempt raised the volume in Dugopolje as the visitors struggled to string passes together, with a blocked Damien Duff shot the Cottagers' only moment of note in the opening 25 minutes.

Fulham were continually exposed down the flanks and their frustrations were evident when Dickson Etuhu was booked in the 21st minute for clattering Krizanac.

Split came close from the resulting free-kick, which was driven into the box for Bojan Golubovic to hook over Schwarzer - only for the Australian to backpedal and save.

Split goalkeeper Andrija Vukovic was forced into his first save of the match on the half-hour mark when Zamora fired in an ambitious 25-yard drive after some neat team play.

While the end product was lacking, the Cottagers were beginning to control possession and Johnson forced the goalkeeper into action once more eight minutes later from a tight angle.

RNK, though, were still proving dangerous and an ambitious 30-yard effort from Ante Vitaic looked dangerous until it took a deflection.

Fulham began the second period more positively and came close to scoring five minutes after the restart when Johnson broke down the right and cut the ball back for Matthew Briggs, whose shot into an empty goal was thwarted by a lunging challenge in the six-yard box.

John Arne Riise came close to finding the bottom corner with a low drive three minutes later as the visitors began to take more control of the game, before Zamora blazed a long-range effort wide.

Split began to press once more as the game entered the latter stages and Schwarzer was forced to save when Cop managed to turn his marker and force a shot in the 18-yard box.

Jol brought on Steve Sidwell for Etuhu in a bid to change the game but the only impact the former Aston Villa midfielder made was receiving a yellow card a minute after coming on.

The Fulham boss made another switch with 10 minutes remaining, handing recent signing Kasami his debut in place of the ineffective Zamora.

However, the former Palermo midfielder's introduction failed to gee up his new team-mates and Cop twice came close to scoring in the final 10 minutes.

First he darted a header across the face of the goal, before having the home faithful on their feet when he neatly turned Chris Baird but could only manage a pitiful shot which Schwarzer easily stopped.



http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2011/0728/fulham.html?

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Stalemate in Croatia for turgid Fulham

RNK Split 0 Fulham 0

Fulham endured a frustrating night in Croatia as they struggled to a goalless draw with RNK Split in their Europa League third qualifying round.

After victories over Faroe Islands minnows NSI Runavik and Northern Ireland part-timers Crusaders, the Cottagers had been expected to secure another win at Dugopolje's Stadion Hrvatski Vitezovi.

However, Split proved dogged opponents throughout and were unfortunate not to take the lead in just the sixth minute.

The Reds peppered Mark Schwarzer's goal with numerous chances and Ante Erceg came closest, although he somehow shot wide when through on goal.

The home side missed another gilt-edged chance to score in the dying moments, with substitute Duje Cop missing an equally inviting chance after turning his marker.

Fulham had chances of their own but struggled to break down the resilient Croatian side, to the disappointment of 86 travelling fans.

Heading into the match Martin Jol named a strong starting line-up, with Andrew Johnson and Bobby Zamora again given a chance to hone their strike partnership.

New signings Pajtim Kasami, Csaba Somogyi and Marcel Gecov were all named amongst the Cottagers' substitutes, while the home side included former Zenit St Petersburg defender and 2008 UEFA Cup winner Ivica Krizanac in their starting line-up

Split supporters welcomed Fulham onto the pitch with a sign reading 'resistance is futile' and the visitors were almost forced to heed that warning in the opening minutes of the match.

Ante Erceg fired a shot across goal in the fourth minute before the same player was put through on goal, but the 21-year-old screwed his shot wide when one-on-one with Mark Schwarzer.

The attempt raised the volume in Dugopolje as the visitors struggled to string passes together, with a blocked Damien Duff shot the Cottagers' only moment of note in the opening 25 minutes.

Fulham were continually exposed down the flanks and their frustrations were evident when Dickson Etuhu was booked in the 21st minute for clattering Krizanac.

Split came close from the resulting free-kick, which was driven into the box for Bojan Golubovic to hook over Schwarzer – only for the Australian to backpedal and save.

Split goalkeeper Andrija Vukovic was forced into his first save of the match on the half-hour mark when Zamora fired in an ambitious 25-yard drive after some neat team play.

While the end product was lacking, the Cottagers were beginning to control possession and Johnson forced the goalkeeper into action once more eight minutes later from a tight angle.

RNK, though, were still proving dangerous and an ambitious 30-yard effort from Ante Vitaic looked dangerous until it took a deflection.

Fulham began the second period more positively and came close to scoring five minutes after the restart when Johnson broke down the right and cut the ball back for Matthew Briggs, whose shot into an empty goal was thwarted by a lunging challenge in the six-yard box.

John Arne Riise came close to finding the bottom corner with a low drive three minutes later as the visitors began to take more control of the game, before Zamora blazed a long-range effort wide.

Split began to press once more as the game entered the latter stages and Schwarzer was forced to save when Cop managed to turn his marker and force a shot in the 18-yard box.

Jol brought on Steve Sidwell for Etuhu in a bid to change the game but the only impact the former Aston Villa midfielder made was receiving a yellow card a minute after coming on.

The Fulham boss made another switch with 10 minutes remaining, handing recent signing Kasami his debut in place of the ineffective Zamora.

However, the former Palermo midfielder's introduction failed to gee up his new team-mates and Cop twice came close to scoring in the final 10 minutes.

First he darted a header across the face of the goal, before having the home faithful on their feet when he neatly turned Chris Baird but could only manage a pitiful shot which Schwarzer easily stopped.



Read more: http://www.breakingnews.ie/sport/stalemate-in-croatia-for-turgid-fulham-514626.html#ixzz1TTUrx8YE

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RNK Split 0 Fulham 0: match report
Read a full match report of the Europa League qualifying game between RNK Split and Fulham at Stadion Hrvatski Vitezovi on Thursday July 28 2011.


Split decision: Andy Johnson tries to reak through a resolute RNK Split defence in Fulham's
goalless draw in the Europa League on Thursday Photo: ACTION IMAGES

Fulham endured a frustrating night in Croatia as they struggled to a goalless draw with RNK Split in their Europa League third qualifying round.

After victories over Faroe Islands minnows NSI Runavik and Northern Ireland part-timers Crusaders, the Cottagers had been expected to secure another win at Dugopolje's Stadion Hrvatski Vitezovi.

However, Split proved dogged opponents throughout and were unfortunate not to take the lead in just the sixth minute.

The Reds peppered Mark Schwarzer's goal with numerous chances and Ante Erceg came closest, although he somehow shot wide when through on goal.

The home side missed another gilt-edged chance to score in the dying moments, with substitute Duje Cop missing an equally inviting chance after turning his marker.

Fulham had chances of their own but struggled to break down the resilient Croatian side, to the disappointment of 86 travelling fans.

Heading into the match Martin Jol named a strong starting line-up, with Andrew Johnson and Bobby Zamora again given a chance to hone their strike partnership.

New signings Pajtim Kasami, Csaba Somogyi and Marcel Gecov were all named amongst the Cottagers' substitutes, while the home side included former Zenit St Petersburg defender and 2008 UEFA Cup winner Ivica Krizanac in their starting line-up

Split supporters welcomed Fulham onto the pitch with a sign reading 'resistance is futile' and the visitors were almost forced to heed that warning in the opening minutes of the match.

Ante Erceg fired a shot across goal in the fourth minute before the same player was put through on goal, but the 21-year-old screwed his shot wide when one-on-one with Mark Schwarzer.

The attempt raised the volume in Dugopolje as the visitors struggled to string passes together, with a blocked Damien Duff shot the Cottagers' only moment of note in the opening 25 minutes.

Fulham were continually exposed down the flanks and their frustrations were evident when Dickson Etuhu was booked in the 21st minute for clattering Krizanac.

Split came close from the resulting free-kick, which was driven into the box for Bojan Golubovic to hook over Schwarzer - only for the Australian to backpedal and save.

Split goalkeeper Andrija Vukovic was forced into his first save of the match on the half-hour mark when Zamora fired in an ambitious 25-yard drive after some neat team play.

While the end product was lacking, the Cottagers were beginning to control possession and Johnson forced the goalkeeper into action once more eight minutes later from a tight angle.

RNK, though, were still proving dangerous and an ambitious 30-yard effort from Ante Vitaic looked dangerous until it took a deflection.

Fulham began the second period more positively and came close to scoring five minutes after the restart when Johnson broke down the right and cut the ball back for Matthew Briggs, whose shot into an empty goal was thwarted by a lunging challenge in the six-yard box.

John Arne Riise came close to finding the bottom corner with a low drive three minutes later as the visitors began to take more control of the game, before Zamora blazed a long-range effort wide.

Split began to press once more as the game entered the latter stages and Schwarzer was forced to save when Cop managed to turn his marker and force a shot in the 18-yard box.

Jol brought on Steve Sidwell for Etuhu in a bid to change the game but the only impact the former Aston Villa midfielder made was receiving a yellow card a minute after coming on.

The Fulham boss made another switch with 10 minutes remaining, handing recent signing Kasami his debut in place of the ineffective Zamora.

However, the former Palermo midfielder's introduction failed to gee up his new team-mates and Cop twice came close to scoring in the final 10 minutes.

First he darted a header across the face of the goal, before having the home faithful on their feet when he neatly turned Chris Baird but could only manage a pitiful shot which Schwarzer easily stopped.



http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/fulham/8668944/RNK-Split-0-Fulham-0-match-report.html?

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Fulham FC build foundation for Europa progress

RNK Split 0-0 Fulham

  FULHAM came away from Croatia with a goalless draw which will make them favourites to progress from the third qualifying round in the Europa league.

But the tie is by far their toughest test so far – even though RNK Split are not as steeped in European tradition as city rival Hajduk, who are playing Stoke City in the same competition.

Unlike in previous rounds against NSI Runavik and Crusaders, the Whites did not dominate possession, with the home side claiming an equal share of the ball.

Split also had 11 shots on goal to Fulham's three and tested the Londoner's resolve throughout.

Martin Jol's side were also lucky to keep a clean sheet after Ante Erceg shot wide for the home side when clean through.

Teenager Pajtim Kasami came on for his Fulham debut seven minutes from time just days after making the switch from Serie A side Palermo, but Marcel Gecov stayed on the bench.

The second leg is at Craven Cottage next Thursday.



Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/07/28/fulham-fc-build-foundation-for-europa-progress-64767-29138735/?#ixzz1TTW3E4Vw

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Cottagers held in Croatia
Fulham held to disappointing draw in Croatia

Fulham hold the advantage despite being held to a frustrating goalless draw at RNK Split in their Europa League third qualifying round.

Martin Jol's Cottagers had been expected to secure another win at Dugopolje's Stadion Hrvatski Vitezovi after victories over Faroe Islands minnows NSI Runavik and Northern Ireland part-timers Crusaders in previous rounds.

But the Premier League outfit could not break down a dogged Split side who dominated early on before the Cottagers came more into the game.

The Reds peppered Mark Schwarzer's goal with numerous chances and Ante Erceg came closest early on, although he somehow shot wide when through on goal.

The home side missed another gilt-edged chance to score in the dying moments, with substitute Duje Cop missing an equally inviting chance after turning his marker.

Fulham had chances of their own but struggled to break down the resilient Croatian side, to the disappointment of 86 travelling fans.

Heading into the match Jol named a strong starting line-up, with Andrew Johnson and Bobby Zamora again given a chance to hone their strike partnership.

New signings Pajtim Kasami, Csaba Somogyi and Marcel Gecov were all named amongst the Cottagers' substitutes, while the home side included former Zenit St Petersburg defender and 2008 UEFA Cup winner Ivica Krizanac in their starting line-up.

Resistance futile

Split supporters welcomed Fulham onto the pitch with a sign reading 'resistance is futile' and the visitors were almost forced to heed that warning in the opening minutes of the match.

Erceg fired a shot across goal in the fourth minute before the same player was put through on goal, but the 21-year-old screwed his shot wide when one-on-one with Mark Schwarzer.

The attempt raised the volume in Dugopolje as the visitors struggled to string passes together, with a blocked Damien Duff shot the Cottagers' only moment of note in the opening 25 minutes.

Fulham were continually exposed down the flanks and their frustrations were evident when Dickson Etuhu was booked in the 21st minute for clattering Krizanac.

Split came close from the resulting free-kick, which was driven into the box for Bojan Golubovic to hook over Schwarzer - only for the Australian to backpedal and save.

Split goalkeeper Andrija Vukovic was forced into his first save of the match on the half-hour mark when Zamora fired in an ambitious 25-yard drive after some neat team play.

While the end product was lacking, the Cottagers were beginning to control possession and Johnson forced the goalkeeper into action once more eight minutes later from a tight angle.

RNK, though, were still proving dangerous and an ambitious 30-yard effort from Ante Vitaic looked dangerous until it took a deflection.

More positively
Fulham began the second period more positively and came close to scoring five minutes after the restart when Johnson broke down the right and cut the ball back for Matthew Briggs, whose shot into an empty goal was thwarted by a lunging challenge in the six-yard box.

John Arne Riise came close to finding the bottom corner with a low drive three minutes later as the visitors began to take more control of the game, before Zamora blazed a long-range effort wide.

Split began to press once more as the game entered the latter stages and Schwarzer was forced to save when Cop managed to turn his marker and force a shot in the 18-yard box.

Jol brought on Steve Sidwell for Etuhu in a bid to change the game but the only impact the former Aston Villa midfielder made was receiving a yellow card a minute after coming on.

The Fulham boss made another switch with 10 minutes remaining, handing recent signing Kasami his debut in place of the ineffective Zamora.

However, the former Palermo midfielder's introduction failed to gee up his new team-mates and Cop twice came close to scoring in the final 10 minutes.

First he darted a header across the face of the goal, before having the home faithful on their feet when he neatly turned Chris Baird but could only manage a pitiful shot which Schwarzer easily stopped.




http://www.skysports.com/football/match_report/0,19764,11065_3430884,00.html?

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Jol disappointment
Fulham boss frustrated in Croatia

Fulham boss Martin Jol admits he was disappointed that his side could not get the better of RNK Split on Thursday.

The Cottagers endured a frustrating night in Croatia as they struggled to a goalless draw in the first leg of their Europa League third qualifying round tie.

After victories over Faroese minnows NSI Runavik and Northern Irish part timers Crusaders, Fulham had been expected to secure another win at Dugopolje's Stadion Hrvatski Vitezovi.

However, Split proved dogged opponents throughout and Jolclaimed a draw was a good result in the circumstances.

"I am satisfied with the result," said the Dutchman after the match.

"They played with three at the back and two wing-backs, which made it difficult to pressurise them.

"At the end of the day, we drew 0-0 away from home against a good side. I'm not happy with the result, but satisfied.

"There certainly was not a lack of effort from my players.

"We didn't do enough with the ball in their half and we have to do better."



http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_7066120,00.html?

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Clint Dempsey reacts to Bob Bradley being released as USA boss

Bob Bradley was let go as the manager of the U.S. national team on Thursday and the news seemed to catch at least one of his players off guard.

Midfielder Clint Dempsey hadn't even heard the news when Goal.com contacted him for a comment on U.S. Soccer's move and said he was "surprised" that the move had happened.

Dempsey also made it clear that he was sad to see the manager leave.

"I'm sad to see him go," the Fulham star said exclusively to Goal.com. "But I wish hm the best in the future. He's a good coach and I know he'll do well."

Dempsey became one of the stars of the team under Bradley and was part of the manager's Gold Cup winning side in 2007 as well as a main piece in the USA's run to the Confederations Cup final in 2009, and the 2010 World Cup group winning team.



http://sports.yahoo.com/soccer/news?slug=goal-clintdempseyreactstobobbrad

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Fulham are held to goalless stalemate by Croatian side RNK Split
RNK Split 0-0 Fulham


Fulham's Brede Hangeland, left, and Aaron Hughes, centre, in action during their
side's draw with RNK Split. Photograph: Peter Cziborra/Action Images

The Fulham manager, Martin Jol, admitted he was disappointed not to beat RNK Split but rejected suggestions that his players lacked effort. The club endured a frustrating night in Croatia as they struggled to a goalless draw in the first leg of their Europa League third qualifying round tie.

After victories over the Faroese minnows NSI Runavik and Northern Irish part-timers Crusaders Fulham had been expected to secure another win at Dugopolje's Stadion Hrvatski Vitezovi. However, Split proved dogged opponents throughout and Jol claimed a draw was a good result in the circumstances.

"I am satisfied with the result," the Dutchman said. "They played with three at the back and two wing-backs, which made it difficult to pressurise them. At the end of the day we drew 0-0 away from home against a good side.

"I'm not happy with the result but satisfied. There certainly was not a lack of effort from my players."

Despite naming a strong-looking side, Jol's team struggled to break down the resilient Croatian team – to the disappointment of 86 travelling fans. Fulham were guilty of some poor passing and Split regularly found space down the flanks.

"They changed the formation, with three at the back," Jol added. "Normally we put more pressure on the centre-backs but we had to drop off, which I don't like to do. But they had only three or four good chances, so that is the only thing we have to work on. We didn't do enough with the ball in their half and we have to do better."

The Split manager, Ivan Katalinic, admitted it was a "surprise result". The Reds proved the more dangerous and had two gilt-edged chances to score, with Ante Erceg fluffing a one-on-one opportunity in the sixth minute before the substitute Duje Cop missed an equally inviting chance in the dying minutes.

Jol was impressed with his opponents but backed his side to progress if they raise their game at Craven Cottage. "I expect we will have more initiative in the second leg and we have to play better in their half to score goals," he said. Fulham are likely to have the USA international Clint Dempsey available for next week's match and Moussa Dembélé could feature after a knee injury.

RNK Split: Vukovic, Budisa, Vidic, Krizanac, Milovic, Erceg, Vitaic, Simic, Marcic, Golubovic, Baraban. Subs: Zagorac, Radnic, Rebic, Rasic, Galovic, Barisic, Cop.

Fulham: Schwarzer, Baird, Hangeland, Hughes, Briggs, Duff, Murphy, Etuhu, JA Riise, Zamora, A Johnson. Subs: Somogyi, Kelly, Sidwell, Kasami, Senderos, Gecov, BH Riise.



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

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Home Advantage

Fulham will go into the second leg of their UEFA Europa League third qualifying round tie against RNK Split in a healthy position – having secured a draw against a well-disciplined RNK outfit in Croatia.

Certainly the quality of RNK came as no surprise to Aaron Hughes, as he explained shortly after the match.

"I don't know how everyone else perceived them but, from watching the DVDs, we saw that they were well-organised and a good side," he told fulhamfc.com. "We knew it was going to be a good test – and it was.

"We're reasonably happy that we came away with a clean sheet – when you go away from home you're always happy with that. It would have been nice to get on the score sheet ourselves but they're not a bad side.

"Out here, no matter who you play, physically they're strong and well-organised and they're at home – so they have the incentive to try and cause an upset. The pitch, at times, didn't help us but overall with the conditions and how the opposition played, we've got be happy with the clean sheet. We know we've got a chance taking them back to the Cottage."

The Whites' Croatian opponents will make the trip to London next week and, based on their display on Thursday, Hughes anticipates another tight encounter.

"It will be similar, at times they sat a little bit deep and tried to stop us playing so we can expect something similar - especially since we're at home," he said. "But hopefully the home advantage could stick the tie in our favour – there's still something to play for and I'm sure they'll be thinking the same thing.

"We didn't expect to rock up here and win two or three nil, we would have liked to... it would have been great. But we respect the opposition and that's why we're reasonably happy to come away with a draw."



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/July/HughesRNKAwayReaction.aspx?#ixzz1TTXrbP9x

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Alex L's match report

Danny Murphy's strangely downbeat pre-game comments should be able to be transcribed to his post-game comments as they summed that game up perfectly:

"We played in Europe a few years ago and it became that way. If it was new and the first time I had done it in 10 years then it might be a bit more exciting.

"But it is a job at the end of the day really, to get a job done, the result and get away and on with the next one.

"Hopefully we can get away with no casualties or injuries, so if there is a lack of excitement about it forgive me.

"But at this stage it is still a job that needs doing rather than one you get excited about."

The first half was played at a relatively slow pace, with RNK Split unexpectedly dominating the ball in the early stages. Split players seemed to be everywhere, maybe a reflection of the fact they lined up 5-3-2 and were able to flood the midfield with extra men to outnumber Murphy and Etuhu. Something did not seem right though, they were first to every ball and carved Fulham open twice to create two good chances; the first after some nice interplay on the edge of the box, the second Ivan Baraban bursting through for a one on one with Schwarzer after a simple ball over the top of the Fulham defence. Fortunately for Fulham, both efforts were tame.

The second half started more brightly for Fulham, with more movement off the ball and incisive passing. It seemed as though Martin Jol had managed to inject some urgency in Fulham, but it was not to last. Fulham were quickly back to giving the ball away and once again giving the opposition far too much space. As the game petered out, Fulham brought on Sidwell for Etuhu in an effort to link midfield and attack, but he struggled to awaken a lethargic team content with the draw. New signing 'Hail' Kasami was also given a cameo, particularly impressing as he nutmegged a defender on the wing and hit a nice ball across the face of goal with the outside of his boot. A late chance for Split could have ruined Fulham's night but new signing Duje Cop shot straight at Schwarzer.

Whilst the result was by no means terrible for Fulham, 0-0 away draws in Europe rarely are, the lack of effort from many of the Fulham players was a cause for concern. Fulham will need to up their game significantly for the return leg if they are to progress in the competition, but despite the poor performance in Split, it would surprise me if Fulham were to bow out at this early stage.



http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2011/07/28/alex-ls-match-report/?

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Jol's Assessment

Speaking after the first leg of Fulham's UEFA Europa League qualifier against RNK Split, Manager Martin Jol looked back on the goalless draw and gave his assessment.

"They had probably as much possession as we had, maybe a bit more. But nil-nil away from home against a good side; I'm not happy but I'm satisfied," said the Fulham Manager.

"We knew that they were a good side. The only thing that was probably different was they changed the formation at the back.

"We play in our certain way and normally you can put a bit more pressure on the centre backs – but we couldn't do that – so that is why we had to drop off, too much for my liking.

"They had probably three or four good chances, that is the only thing we have to work on. We didn't do enough with the ball in their half but we will do better at home. I expect that we will have more initiative - we have to play better to score."



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/July/JolSplitAwayReaction.aspx?#ixzz1TTYOvr2Z

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Stoke return victorious, Fulham draw

Stoke City marked their first European tie in 37 years with a 1-0 home victory over Croatia's Hajduk Split in the UEFA Europa League third qualifying round first leg on Thursday.

Jon Walters nodded home the only goal of the game after three minutes at the Britannia Stadium from a Matthew Etherington cross, but Tony Pulis' side were unable to add to their advantage with a tough second leg still ahead.

Fulham, the 2009/10 runners-up, drew 0-0 at another Croatian side RNK Split with manager Martin Jol stating he was satisfied with the result. "They probably had as much possession as we had, maybe a bit more. But nil-nil away from home against a good side; I'm not happy, but I'm satisfied," Jol said.

"They had probably three or four good chances, that is the only thing we have to work on. We didn't do enough with the ball in their half, but we will do better at home. I expect that we will have more initiative - we have to play better to score."

Atletico Madrid, the 2010 winners, saw off Stromsgodset of Norway 2-1 at Vicente-Calderon with former Arsenal star Jose Antonio Reyes scoring both goals just hours after the Spaniards had sold Sergio Aguero to Manchester City for £38 million.

They had probably three or four good chances, that is the only thing we have to work on.
Martin Jol, Fulham manager

Dutch team ADO Den Haag have it all to do to reach the play-off round after suffering a 3-0 loss to Omonia Nicosia in Cyprus. Alex opened the scoring from the penalty spot eight minutes before the interval and second-half goals from Hernan Rengifo and Dimitris Christofi sealed a great night for Omonia.

ADO's Eredivisie rivals AZ Alkmaar enjoyed a more successful evening, beating Czech Repulic opponents Jablonec 2-0 at the AFAS Stadion thanks to second-half goals from Pontus Wernbloom and substitute Johann Gudmundsson.

Palermo fight back
Serie A side Palermo had to twice come from behind to earn a 2-2 draw against FC Thun at the Stadio Renzo Barbera. Josip Ilicic's 13th-minute strike cancelled out Benjamin Luthi's early effort and then, after Marc Schneider had put the Swiss visitors ahead for a second time, substitute Fabrizio Miccoli grabbed another equaliser in stoppage time.

German outfit Mainz were also held to a surprise 1-1 draw by Gaz Metan at the Bruchwegstadion, Taher Bawab scoring what could prove a valuable away goal to get the visitors back on level terms after Niko Bungert's opener.

Rennes took control of their tie against Olimpi Rustavi by winning 5-2 in Georgia, despite Razak Boukari missing a first-half penalty after the hosts had Giorgi Murvelashvili sent off. Boukari and Jonathan Pitroipa each bagged a brace to put the French team in a commanding position ahead of next week's second leg.

In other games, Leony Kweuke's hat-trick lifted Sparta Prague to a convincing 5-0 home victory over FK Sarajevo and Red Star Belgrade triumphed 2-1 at Ventspils thanks to a stoppage-time winner from substitute Bruno Mezenga.



http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=1482429.html?cid=rssfeed&att=

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Jol denies his players lacked effort as Fulham are held goalless

FULHAM manager Martin Jol admitted he was disappointed not to beat RNK Split last night, but refuted suggestions that his players lacked effort.

The Cottagers endured a frustrating night in Croatia as they struggled to a goalless draw in the first leg of their Europa League third qualifying round tie.

After victories over Faroese minnows NSI Runavik and Northern Irish part-timers Crusaders, Fulham had been expected to secure another win at Dugopolje's Stadion Hrvatski Vitezovi. However, Split proved dogged opponents throughout, and Jol claimed a draw was a good result in the circumstances.

"I am satisfied with the result," said the Dutchman after the match. "They played with three at the back and two wing-backs, which made it difficult to pressurise them.

"We drew 0-0 away from home against a good side. I'm not happy with the result, but satisfied. There certainly was not a lack of effort from my players."

Despite naming a strong-looking side, Jol's team struggled to break down the resilient Croatian outfit - to the disappointment of 86 travelling fans. Fulham were guilty of some poor passing and Split regularly found space down the flanks.

"They changed the formation, with three at the back," added Jol. "Normally we put more pressure on the centre-backs, but we had to drop off, which I don't like to do. But they had only three or four good chances, so that is the only thing we have to work on. We didn't do enough with the ball in their half and we have to do better."

Jonathan Walters scored the only goal of Stoke's Europa League third round qualifying tie against Hajduk Split at the Britannia Stadium.

The Republic of Ireland international nodded in from Matthew Etherington's cross after three minutes as the Potters made an impressive start.

Kenwyne Jones had a goal disallowed, before Dean Whitehead and Robert Huth came close, but a dominant Stoke could not extend their lead. The second leg takes place on 4 August.

St Patrick's Athletic face an uphill battle to reach the play-off round of the Europa League after losing the first leg of their third qualifying round tie 2-0 to Karpaty Lviv in Ukraine.

Artem Fedetskiy opened the scoring after 34 minutes and Belarus international Andrei Voronkov came off the bench to double the hosts' lead in stoppage time.



http://sport.scotsman.com/sport/Jol-denies-his-players-lacked.6809439.jp?

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Fulham mull move for Jerome?
by DAN on JULY 29, 2011



The Daily Mirror are reporting that Fulham have joined the race to sign Birmingham City striker Cameron Jerome.

Stoke had agreed a £6m fee with the cash-strapped Blues for the 24 year-old forward but Jerome has failed to agree personal terms during protracted negotiations with the Potters. Other Premier League sides have now sort to capitalise on Stoke's inability to finalise a deal with Jerome. Bolton had a £5m bid for Jerome rejected last month, but Birmingham are understood to be seeking to ease their financial worries after owner Carsten Yeung was arrested on money-laundering and fraud charges and see offloading some of their star names as the best way to do that.

Fulham are mentioned briefly at the end of the Mirror piece and Martin Jol is known to be considering supplementing his striking options ahead of the new season. Jerome scored ten league goals in 2009-10, but struggled to replicate that fine season as Blues struggled last term. The former Cardiff striker mustered just five goals in 42 appearances last term.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/07/fulham-mull-move-for-jerome/?

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Gameiro rushed into Young Roos squad

Fulham striker Corey Gameiro has been called into the Australia squad for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Colombia in place of Mathew Leckie.

The World Game understands Gameiro will fly out from London today to join the team in Colombia for the tournament starting on July 31.

Signed to a professional contract with Fulham,the 18-year-old takes the place of Leckie, who was not released by his Bundesliga club Borussia Monchenglandbach.

Hailing from Port Kembla on the NSW South Coast, Gameiro was a member of a 22-man emerging Socceroos squad that came together under national team coach Holger Osieck, Olyroos coach Aurelio Vidmar and U-20 coach Jan Versleijen in Duisberg, Germany in March.

A product of Illawarra Sports High, Gameiro joined the Cottagers last December.

Versleijen insists that his side will still make its mark at the Under-20s World Cup in Colombia despite the triple of blow of losing Leckie, Brent McGrath and Steve Lustica.

Doubts have been raised over his team's chances of progressing beyond the group stage following the loss of the trio. But Versleijen believes his side can progress to the knock-out stage.

Speaking from the team's high-altitude training camp in the city of Manizales, situated 2180m above sea-level, Versleijen said: "It is disappointing to lose those players, but I have already moved on in my thinking and I haven't changed my view that will get through to the round of 16 at the very least.

"These are things you cannot change ... and you have to find solutions, which is what I am doing. Sure we have lost some quality, but we cannot alter that.

"We are still confident of reaching the next stage. We don't accept that we have been badly weakened because we have depth."

The absence of Leckie has opened the door to either Borussia Dortmund capture Mustafa Amini - who remains on loan at the Mariners - or Central Coast teammate Bernie Ibini-Isei on the right side of an attacking trio featuring Czech Republic-based Kerem Bulut in the centre and FC Utrecht's Tommy Oar on the left.

"I have a tough decision to make on which one of Bernie and Mustafa will start, both of them can play in that position and both have looked sharp so far (in warm-ups against Korea Republic and England). I will make a decision just before the first game," Versleijen said.

One of Versleijen's biggest dilemmas is whether or not to start skipper Ben Kantarovski, who is inching his way back after his long-term knee injury and has featured in both the warm-ups.

The coach views the Newcastle Jets prospect him as a vital cog in his midfield, adding: "He's getting better every day. It hasn't been easy for him to play but it's been vital for him to get game time after almost six months out.

"I will wait until the last minute to decide whether he plays against Ecuador or not."

At the back, Versleijan is likely to name an unchanged combination of Rhyan Grant (Sydney FC), Dylan McGowan (Gold Coast), Trent Sainsbury (Central Coast) and Marc Warren (Sheffield United), all of who started against England.

Versleijan is wary of a counter attacking Ecuador side which conceded just four goals during qualifying and relies heavily on his strength at the back.

"They are patient and hit you on the wings with pace ... they give very little away. They will sit and wait and the key for us throughout this whole tournament will be to keep possession," he said.

"At this level possession is everything. Cheap turnovers destroy you straight away at the World Cup. In Asia, you can maybe get away with it, but not here.

"For me, possession – and knowing when to take a risk – is going to be the most important thing. If we can do that well we will do well.

"This is a big step up from Asia, and it will be interesting to see how we adapt to this level. That's the big challenge."



http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/FIFA-U-20-World-Cup/news/1066625/Gameiro-rushed-into-Young-Roos-squad?

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Fulham frustrated by Split draw

FULHAM manager Martin Jol admitted he was disappointed not to beat RNK Split but refuted suggestions that his players lacked effort.

The Cottagers endured a frustrating night in Croatia as they struggled to a goalless draw in the first leg of their Europa League third qualifying round tie.

After victories over Faroese minnows NSI Runavik and Northern Irish part-timers Crusaders, Fulham had been expected to secure another win at Dugopolje's Stadion Hrvatski Vitezovi.

However, Split proved dogged opponents throughout and Jol claimed a draw was a good result in the circumstances.

"I am satisfied with the result," said the Dutchman after the match.

"I'm not happy with the result, but satisfied."



Read More http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/amateur-football/2011/07/29/fulham-frustrated-by-split-draw-100252-29139567/?#ixzz1TTaDGLtY

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Three Prem clubs chase Birmingham's Jerome

Fulham and Bolton have joined the race for Birmingham striker Cameron Jerome.

Cash-strapped ­following their relegation from the Premier League and the reported freezing of owner Carson Yeung's far Eastern assets after his arrest on money-laundering charges, City need to sell players to raise funds.

Stoke have agreed a fee that could rise to £6million for the 24-year-old, who bagged 10 Premier League goals in 2009-2010 and five in all competitions last year.

However, the striker has failed to settle personal terms despite protracted negotiations.

Now, Bolton - who had a £5m bid for Jerome rejected in June - and Fulham are weighing up offers.



Read more: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/transfer-news/Fulham-Bolton-join-Stoke-in-pursuit-Cameron-Jerome-Birmingham-striker-article778180.html#ixzz1TTafPbLH
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Martin Jol remains confident despite first-leg frustration

Manager Martin Jol believes Fulham will have the initiative next week and has backed his side to progress despite yesterday's goalless draw with RNK Split.

The Cottagers endured a frustrating night in Croatia as they struggled in the Europa League third qualifying round.

After victories over Faroe Islands minnows NSI Runavik and Northern Ireland part-timers Crusaders, Fulham had been expected to secure another win at Dugopolje's Stadion Hrvatski Vitezovi.

However, Split proved dogged opponents throughout and Jol admitted his side will need to up the ante next week.

Jol said: "I don't want to get anyone's hopes up by saying I saw a Croatian player I would like to sign.

"I expect we will have more initiative in the second leg and we have to play better to score goals in their half. I am satisfied with the result.

"They played with three at the back and two wing-backs, which made it difficult to pressurise them. We drew 0-0 away from home against a good side. I'm not happy with the result, but satisfied. There certainly was not a lack of effort from my players."

Despite naming a strong-looking starting line-up, Jol's side struggled to break down the resilient Croatian outfit to the disappointment of 86 travelling fans.

Fulham were guilty of some awry passing and Split regularly found space down the flanks at Dugopolje's Stadion Hrvatski Vitezov.

Jol explained: "They changed the formation, with three at the back.

"Normally we put more pressure on the centre-backs but we had to drop off, which I don't like to do. But they had only three or four good chances, so that is the only thing we have to work on.

"We didn't do enough with the ball in their half and we have to do better."

Fulham are likely to be boosted next week by the return of United States international Clint Dempsey, while Mousa Dembele could feature after a knee injury.

However, Bjorn Helge Riise may be a doubt for next week after collapsing in the post-match warm-down with what appears to be a hamstring injury.



http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-sport/football/article-23973978-martin-jol-remains-confident-despite-first-leg-frustration.do?

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Fulham full back Riise looking forward to Liverpool return

John Arne Riise admits it will be strange when he takes the field against Liverpool and is hopeful of a positive reception when he returns to Anfield.

Riise spent seven years at the club and chose the Reds over his current club as Jean Tigana looked to bring the Norwegian to Craven Cottage from Monaco.

The lure of joining a club such as Liverpool was too good to turn down for the 30-year-old. The Cottagers will make the trip ot the north west in April and although Riise has fond memories of his time at Anfield, he is now focused on the task at hand with his current club.

"I spent seven years at Liverpool so it is going to be strange to play against them but I look forward to going back to Anfield," he said.

"It will be my first time back there and hopefully I get a good reception there.

"But I am a Fulham player now and I am going to do my best and try to score some goals for my team.

"If it is against Manchester United or Liverpool it doesn't matter, I'm just going to do my job."

Riise left Liverpool to join AS Roma in 2008 and spent three years with the Italian side before making the move back to England, where he says he feels more comfortable playing.

"I'm a Fulham player now and it was an easy decision," he said.

"I enjoyed my time in Italy. We fought for some titles and didn't get there in the end, but I needed that experience for my footballing career.

"I've been quite lucky to play in France, England and Italy now so I am enjoying it, but England is my type of football."




http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/fulham_full_back_riise_looking_forward_to_liverpool_return_1_978517?

[WhiteJC]

 
Season Preview: Fulham

With the Premier League currently embroiled in the annual carnival of pre-season transfer speculation, something Fulham F.C. have largely kept out of this summer, it is easy to forget that by the time most of the players were first jetting off on holiday after the end of the last campaign, Fulham had already seen more pre-season drama than most clubs expect to experience in the entire off-season.

Boss Mark Hughes walked out on the club at which it seemed he had slowly laid the foundations for taking them, and him, forward in a serious way.

The ultimately unreciprocated faith and loyalty shown in him by the board, having been under pressure to sack the Welshman after a difficult autumn, was justified. From January to May only five teams, the top five in the final standings, picked up more points than the London club. Fulham won more points in this 19-game period than lauded late-bloomers Everton. They won more points than Spurs.

Enter Martin Jol. A popular appointment amongst fans and neutrals, and a well-liked media figure too, Jol is likely to bring his attacking, attractive style of football to West London. Having said that, the Dutchman is not without his critics, with Guardian columnist Raphael Honigstein tweeting after his appointment at Fulham: "I always thought Martin Jol was a great manager, then I talked to some Hamburg players/agents". More recently, Jol has underachieved at Ajax with a team which included the brilliant Luis Suarez. So how will Fulham fare this season with Jol at the helm?

Manager Martin Jol
Last Season 8th
2011/12 odds: 1001/1
In Pajtim Kasami (Palermo) £3.5m, Marcel Gekov (Slovan Liberec) £650,000, John Arne Riise (Roma) £2.5m, Csaba Somogyi (REAC) Free, Dan Burn (Darlington) Undisclosed

Out Diomansy Kamara (Eskişehirspor) Free, Kagisho Dikgacoi (Crystal Palace) £600,000, Jonathan Greening (Nottm Forest) £610,000, John Pantsil (Leicester) Free, Danny Hoesen (Fortuna Sittard) Loan, David Stockdale (Ipswich) Loan

Keys to the season

It might work in Fulham's favour that the Hughes episode erupted and was resolved so soon after the season ended, acrimonious though the circumstances were. It allows for a smoother, more gradual transition into a new season with a new coach, at a club where there have been no other hugely significant changes during the summer. The squad has not been drastically altered, and many of the club's most important players have been there for a number of years now, meaning that the squad is an established group. It would seem logical that if Jol manages to pick up from where Hughes left off, there is reason for optimism at Craven Cottage.

The Team

In terms of transfers, the versatile and talented Swiss U21 attacking midfielder Pajtim Kasami, and John Arne Riise, probably a more familiar name to English fans, are the club's biggest transfers this summer. The young Kasami will be eager to impress and will add competition and variation to the midfield, while reliability and consistency will be demanded of Riise, capped 96 times for Norway. Both players appear sensible additions to the squad.

Meanwhile, recognised and respected names such as Schwarzer, Hangeland, Dempsey and the evergreen captain Murphy make up an experienced and gelled core of the team, with considerable fire-power up front in Zamora and Dembélé, and an able support cast. Fulham's squad has plenty of promise.

But in recent times Fulham have found goals hard to come by when Zamora isn't in the team, and if Fulham suffer injury problems over the season, this promise may fade.

Key Player

The injury-prone Bobby Zamora. While Clint Dempsey is possibly the best player at the club, arguably one of the league's best, I think if Zamora stays fit and does well, Fulham will do well. Despite only playing half of last season, Zamora contributed five goals and six assists in the league. It is also telling that the thirty year-old played the second half of the season, coinciding with the Cottagers' sharp improvement in form. With Euro 2012 coming up, and places absolutely up for grabs, English strikers will want to make their voices heard this season.

Opening fixtures

Aston Villa (H) Wolves (A) Newcastle (A) Blackburn (H) Man City (H)

Looking at these matches, it would seem Jol has the ideal opportunity to establish his team and set-up from the very beginning. With the side playing itself into form and fitness in the Europa League before the season starts, fans would be forgiven for feeling confident about the opening fixtures.

Where will they finish?

Fulham's squad looks too complete and too settled to be realistically fighting relegation. How well the squad would cope with injuries to important players, however, is questionable. Another deciding factor in whether the Cottagers are to have as successful a season as many fans are hopeful of will be how quickly, and how well, this well-established and smartly strengthened team will adapt to Jol's coaching methods, and how well they can maintain the standard of football they have shown in 2011 so far. 13th




http://backpagefootball.com/premier-league/season-preview-fulham-2/?