Friday Fulham Stuff (19/08/11)...

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Dnipro Lucky Programme Number

On the back of your programme from Thursday evening we printed a unique reference number. If your number corresponds with our main Lucky Programme Number then you have won yourself a Fulham/Kappa home shirt with a name and number of your choice printed on the back!

This week's winning number:

01085

If you are the lucky winner then simply contact us on [email protected] with a scan or photo of the back of your programme, and we'll be in touch.



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/August/DniproLuckyProgrammeNumber.aspx?#ixzz1VTE5DgSR

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Fulham 3-0 Dnipro - Dempsey double puts Cottagers on course for Europa League

Fulham 3

Hughes 39, Dempsey 43, 49

Dnipro 0

Martin Jol came face to face with Juande Ramos for the first time since the Spaniard took his job at Tottenham Hotspur as Jol's Fulham met Ramos' Dnipro, and undoubtedly left Craven Cottage with a smile on his face knowing a point had been proved.

Jol made four changes from the dour 0-0 draw with Aston Villa. Summer signing Pajtim Kasami was handed his full debut on the right wing, while Stephen Kelly and Matthew Briggs slotted into the full-back positions. It was clear that Jol wanted his team to be fluid. Zamora was left on his own up front when Ukrainians had the ball, but Duff and Dempsey pushed up to form a front three as soon as Murphy or Sidwell brought the ball out from the back.

Both full-backs were encouraged to fly up the touchline to provide a wide option whenever Fulham attacked. After four minutes, Murphy was screaming at full-back Briggs to overlap Duff and offer attacking support. Once the message sank in, the 19-year-old spent more time sprinting past Duff or Dempsey than he did defending the lacklustre Ukrainian attacks.

Ramos had clearly set his side out to pounce on the break, with Derek Boateng and the impressive Denys Kulakov racing forward with the ball at every opportunity. Former Blackburn Rovers striker Nikola Kalinic was the point man for all Dnipro's moves. Unfortunately he showed the same lack of invention as he had at Blackburn and rarely troubled the excellent Brede Hangeland.

After 30 minutes Fulham seemed to have worked out Ramos' simple game plan. Minutes after Dnipro's Boateng, short on ideas, passed the ball straight out of play, Fulham finally opened the scoring. Duff slid a ball past the hapless Guiliano for the overlapping Briggs to swing it into the near post, where Aaron Hughes simply nodded it past former Fulham goalkeeper Jan Latsuvka. It was only Hughes' second goal for the south London side in over 400 games, but his second in a week following his goal for Northern Ireland last week.

Moments later the always impressive Clint Dempsey found himself completely unmarked 10 yards from goal as Sidwell swung a cross in. The United States international will do well to find as much space as that in which to score again. Jol praised Dempsey after the match: "He's a special player," he said, adding: "He could play as a lower 10" up front with Zamora.

Fulham were out promptly after the half-time break, and clearly the message from Jol was more of the same. That is exactly what the Dutchman got. Three minutes in, debutant Kasami swung in a cross after a short corner, which was met by Dempsey to thump past the Dnipro goalkeeper.

Dnipro briefly showed some interest in registering an away goal after that, but the best they could manage was some tame long shots that barely troubled Schwarzer's goal. The Ukrainians tried to change the game after Fulham's third, swapping Boateng and Giuliano for the more attacking Roman Zozulya and Denys Oliniyk, but the best they managed was a muddled run from Kalinic which ended in Schwarzer scooping the ball up from his feet. Dnipro started to control the match in the last twenty minutes, but Fulham faced the challenge down with relative ease. Jol warned afterwards: "They're strong if you let them play like we did in the last twenty minutes."

Ramos declared afterwards that the result "wasn't deserved" and that his side had "played well", but he accepted the chances of progressing where "difficult after that result." The Ukrainian press pestered Ramos with questions about his position after the game, with him declaring he would not consider resigning and he did not fear for the safety of his job.

In the build up to this match Jol insisted he held no ill feeling towards the man who had forced him out at Tottenham. After easily dispensing with the Spaniard's Ukrainian team the Dutchman may well consider that everything worked out in the end.




http://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/p6_1_9032_fulham-3-0-dnipro-dempsey-double-puts-cottagers-on-course-for-europa-league.html?

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Fulham 3-0 Dinipropetrovsk
Cottagers enjoy good start to Europa League campaign

Football: Fulham's love affair with the Europa League continued as they ran out easy winners against their Ukrainian opponents, with a rare Aaron Hughes goal and Clint Dempsey's brace leaving the Cottagers in pole position to reach the group stages.

Dnipro are managed by Juande Ramos who was brought in to replace Fulham manager Martin Jol at Spurs.

They played plenty of short passes but lacked penetration.

It was only when they were three goals down that Dnipro got rid of their inhibitions and showed that they may have been dangerous opposition in the second leg had the tie been closer.

Fulham, who made three changes from the side that drew with Aston Villa on the opening day of the season, should have scored before Hughes got on the end of Matthew Briggs cross.

Briggs himself got behind the defence and shot straight at former Fulham goalkeeper Jan Lastuvka.

The second goal just before half-time saw Clint Dempsey get on the end of a fine cross from Steve Sidwell, the US international beating the offside trap to touch the ball home.

His second followed a quick corner between Pajtim Kasami and Damien Duff, which saw the Swiss under-21 star cross the ball for Dempsey to send a powerful header home.

Bobby Zamora should have added a fourth when he got onto the end of a Kelly cross in the best move of the game, but he sent his left foot shot over the bar.

For the final ten minutes the visitors pressed but their efforts failed to force keeper Mark Schwarzer into anything other than regulation saves.

A three goal cushion should see Fulham safely through.



http://www.morningstaronline.co.uk/index.php/news/content/view/full/108443?

[WhiteJC]

 
Tottenham Set to Be Beaten by London Rivals for £13.75m Costa Rica Star

Fulham could be set to beat London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham to the signature of Bryan Ruiz after they had £7.5m bid rejected on Thursday.

The 26-year-old winger initially attracted the interest of Arsenal and Spurs with both clubs watching him in action last week.

However, according to the Daily Mail, it was Fulham boss Martin Jol who has made the first move with an initial offer of £7.5m.

Although the bid was rejected, the Costa Rica star has a buy-out clause of £13.75m and FC Twente are reluctant to let him leave for any less.

And Twente chairman Joop Munsterman confirmed the club's position, saying: "We could not take the offer seriously. It was too low."

However, Fulham will be encouraged by Ruiz, who revealed he would be interested in a move to the Premier League and would consider the Cottagers if an offer was accepted.

"Fulham are a serious option for me," he told Dutch newspaper Telegraaf. "They also play in the Premier League and that's a great competition. Fulham have contacted my agent. We are open to talks if they make a concrete offer."

Despite Ruiz's admission, he also said he would be happy to stay at Twente if a move did not materialise.

"I am not thinking about a transfer too much, because I can't do anything about what happens," he added.

"Obviously, I'm keen to make a step forward. It's not a problem for me though if I eventually stay at Twente."



http://www.sportsvibe.co.uk/news/football/tottenham-set-to-be-beaten-by-london-rivals-for-13-75m-costa-rica-star-10136/?

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Senderos backs Fulham rotation policy

PHILIPPE Senderos reckons Fulham's success this season depends on dropping players at the right time.

The Swiss international finally creviced open the centre-back glue that bound Aaron Hughes and Brede Hangeland for three seasons in the 0-0 draw against Aston Villa at the weekend.

But the former Arsenal player admits Premier League, European and domestic cup demands will eventually take their toll.

Senderos was rested for last night's Europa League win against Ukrainian side Dnipro, with the Whites back to the coalface in less than 72 hours against Wolves on Sunday.

Should they make the European group stages, another 60-plus games like 2009-10, when Fulham made the final, and Senderos is hoping Martin Jol will drop him and others when the coach sees fits.

Senderos said: "The hard part for the manager is knowing when to rotate and keep everyone fit.

"Everybody should be on a good level at all times, so that when we do need to rotate players, new ones are ready to come in.

"It is totally normal that with all the games there will be dips in form, but we have the squad capable of dealing with it."

Far from missing the plush surrounds of The Emirates, the man who spent seven years with Arsenal revealed the humble surroundings of Craven Cottage offer other delights.

"In this (Fulham) stadium people are much closer to the players and already I feel their warmth. It's nice," he added.



Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/08/19/senderos-backs-fulham-rotation-policy-82029-29266262/?#ixzz1VTFEfrfh

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Job Done!

Martin Jol must have left Craven Cottage a very satisfied man last night.

The 3-0 drubbing of Dnipro has put us in a situation whereby the prospect of competing in the Europa League proper is now a distinct possibility.

Naturally there`ll be difficult moments over in the Ukraine but, barring disaster, Fulham should make it through and those in the Hammersmith end who broke out into a chorus of

"We`re all going on a European Tour

will get their wish.

Before the game, much had been made about Martin Jol coming face-to-face with the person who took his job in the White Hart Lane hot-seat, Juande Ramos.

Jol, before the game, refused to get drawn into any bickering and backstabbing over how things had panned out at White Hart Lane but, following our 3-0 win over Ramos` side, Jol, when pressed about how Ramos is now managing in the backwaters of the Ukraine, couldn`t resist one sly dig, commenting,

"I`ve heard they pay well, and if you get a dizzying offer, you always have to think about it."

Nice on Martin!



Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=251638#ixzz1VTFUTaLW

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WOLVES v Fulham: McCarthy to go with same team that defeated Blackburn

Wolves manager Mick McCarthy is poised to name an unchanged team for Sunday's clash at Molineux against Fulham.

McCarthy has no fresh injury worries to contend with and is set to retain the side that started last weekend's 2-1 win at Blackburn.

Defender Richard Stearman is fit after picking up back problem against Rovers while winger Michael Kightly is challenging for a place on the bench as he continues his comeback from knee problems.

Midfielder Dave Edwards, who has been sidelined since February by a back injury, and striker Sam Vokes, who damaged his ankle earlier this summer, remain some way from being in contention despite returning to training this week.

Midfielder Adlene Guedioura, meanwhile, has travelled to Qatar for specialist treatment as he continues his recovery from ankle surgery.

Squad (from): Hennessey, Stearman, Johnson, Berra, Ward, Hunt, Henry, O'Hara, Jarvis, Fletcher, Doyle, De Vries, Ebanks-Blake, Foley, Elokobi, Zubar, Hammill, Milijas, Kightly, Craddock, Davis, Maierhofer.




Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2027849/WOLVES-v-Fulham-Mick-McCarthy-team-defeated-Blackburn.html#ixzz1VTFlh3i5

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Wolves: Steven Fletcher insists Fulham game will be tough

STEVEN Fletcher says Wolves cannot take Fulham for granted.

The Cottagers arrive at Molineux on Sunday looking to build on their draw with Villa.

"Fulham are a good side who pass the ball well so it will be a tough test," Fletcher said.

"But we're at home where we had a decent record last season and we'll be looking to get a good result.

"We certainly don't want to go through what we went through at the end of last season – it wasn't nice to be involved in.

"Hopefully we can get a decent amount of points over the next run of games to stand us in good stead for later on.

"We've got a good understanding now of what we need to do in the Premier League.

"We've just got to keep working and picking up experience and if we do then we've got a good chance."



Read More http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/wolverhampton-wanderers-fc/wolves-fc-news/2011/08/19/wolves-steven-fletcher-insists-fulham-game-will-be-tough-97319-29265621/?#ixzz1VTG60P3a

[WhiteJC]

 
Stearman fit for Fulham visit

Wolves manager Mick McCarthy is poised to name an unchanged team for Sunday's clash at Molineux against Fulham.

McCarthy has no fresh injury worries to contend with and is set to retain the side that started last weekend's 2-1 win at Blackburn.

Defender Richard Stearman is fit after picking up back problem against Rovers while winger Michael Kightly is challenging for a place on the bench as he continues his comeback from knee problems.

Midfielder Dave Edwards, who has been sidelined since February by a back injury, and striker Sam Vokes, who damaged his ankle earlier this summer, remain some way from being in contention despite returning to training this week.

Midfielder Adlene Guedioura, meanwhile, has travelled to Qatar for
specialist treatment as he continues his recovery from ankle surgery.

Squad (from): Hennessey, Stearman, Johnson, Berra, Ward, Hunt, Henry, O'Hara, Jarvis, Fletcher, Doyle, De Vries, Ebanks-Blake, Foley, Elokobi, Zubar, Hammill, Milijas, Kightly, Craddock, Davis, Maierhofer.



Read more: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Wolves-v-Fulham-team-news-Richard-Stearman-fit-for-unchanged-Wolves-article787280.html#ixzz1VTGUxQ7o
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Jol warns tie is not over

Fulham manager Martin Jol does not believe progression to the Europa League group stage is a formality but admitted he was pleased with last night's convincing defeat of Dnipro.
Clint Dempsey's brace helped the west Londoners secure a comfortable 3-0 first-leg victory after Aaron Hughes broke the deadlock at Craven Cottage.

Despite the scoreline, Dnipro proved stern opposition and were somewhat unfortunate not to grab a potentially all-important away goal.

Jol said: "We were happy to score three goals and not to concede, although we know they are a difficult team to beat away from home. I am very happy with the result".



http://edinburghnews.scotsman.com/sport/Jol-warns-tie-is-not.6821567.jp?

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Wolves looking to build on win

Wolverhampton will be looking to build on their impressive start to the season when they host Fulham at Molineux on Sunday afternoon.

Wolves came back from a goal down to record a 2-1 victory over Blackburn in their Premier League opener last Saturday, with Steven Fletcher and Stephen Ward canceling out Jason Roberts' early opener.

Fletcher, who also scored in last season's opening day win over Stoke, admits he is hoping the club can continue their form when they take on the Cottagers this weekend.

"Fulham are a good side who pass the ball well," he told the club's official website.

"They are one of the good passing sides in the league so it will be a tough test.

"But we're at home where we had a decent record last season and we'll be looking to get a good result."

Meanwhile, Craven Cottage manager Martin Jol will be hoping his side can earn their first win of the league campaign, having been held to a 0-0 draw against Aston Villa last weekend.

The Londoners will head into the match in high spirits though having produced an impressive 3-0 victory over Dnipro in the Europa League on Thursday.

Fulham veteran Clint Dempsey will be hoping to carry his midweek form over to the weekend, with the American having grabbed a brace in their European tie.



http://www.football365.co.za/story/0,22162,14287_7111818,00.html?

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Sharp-shooter Clint Dempsey praises Fulham's back line


Rich pickings: Clint Dempsey scores his first and Fulham's second last night

Clint Dempsey nows a thing or two about attacking football having been Fulham's top scorer last season and he rose to the challenge again last night, scoring twice in a win over Dnipro that effectively sealed his side's place in the group stages of the Europa League.

Yet the sharp-shooting Texan is also aware of the worth of a good defence and today he hailed the strength of the Fulham back line as a prime reason why Martin Jol's squad have made such a stunning start to the new campaign.

A 3-0 win against the Ukrainian side at Craven Cottage not only gives Fulham the upper hand going into next Thursday's play-off second leg in Dnipropetrovsk, it has extended Jol's unbeaten run since succeeding Mark Hughes to eight games in which they have scored 15 goals and conceded just one.

Dempsey, who followed up Aaron Hughes's 38th-minute glanced opener with a left-foot stab and an eight-yard header either side of the break, said: "We knew we needed to get some goals here because it's going to be a difficult away leg.

"Getting three goals is great. But the most important thing is that we were able to keep a clean sheet, even though at times in the second half it looked a little scary as they had some good chances.

"We've been keeping clean sheets pretty well this season - there is only one game in which we haven't done it - and we're pretty excited about that going forward to the second leg where we'll look to put in a professional performance and see it out to the group stage."

Dempsey also believes last night's result will stand Fulham in good stead for Sunday's Premier League clash at Wolves, where last season referee Michael Oliver sent Hughes to the stand during a tempestuous 1-1 draw.

He said: "Wolves are set up well and they fight hard, so we know it's going to be a tough game for us.

"We've got to stay compact and tough to break down defensively. And if we can add some more goals to our account, then that will be great."

Jol faces a selection dilemma after making four changes - giving starts to Stephen Kelly, Matthew Briggs, Steve Sidwell and Pajtim Kasami - from the side that drew 0-0 in last Saturday's Premier League opener at home against Aston Villa.

All four played well, with Briggs, Sidwell and Kasami providing the crosses from which Hughes and Dempsey scored their goals - and all four can make valid cases for retaining their places.

Meanwhile, Jol will today be told by Dutch side FC Twente to increase his £7.5million bid for winger Bryan Ruiz if he is to beat Tottenham to the signature of the 26-year-old Costa Rican. Twente chairman Joop Munsterman revealed: "We could not take the offer from Fulham seriously. It was too low for us."

Although Ruiz, who has previously expressed a desire to play in the Premier League, was recently watched by Spurs boss Harry Redknapp, the player seems more keen to come to west London than north London.

He said: "Fulham are a serious option for me. They have contacted my agent and we are open to talks if they make a concrete offer."



http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-sport/football/article-23979726-sharp-shooter-clint-praises-fulhams-back-line.do?

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Wolverhampton v Fulham
Barclays Premier League
Venue: Molineux Date: Sunday, 21 August Kick-off: 1400 BST Coverage: Watch highlights on Match of the Day 2; listen on BBC Radio 5 live and local radio; text commentary on BBC Sport website and mobiles

TEAM NEWS
Wolves manager Mick McCarthy may name the same side that won 2-1 at Blackburn on the opening day.

Defender Richard Stearman is fit after hurting his back against Rovers, while fit-again winger Michael Kightly will hope to win a place on the bench.

Fulham are set to recall Dickson Etuhu, John Arne Riise, Philippe Senderos and Andrew Johnson, who dropped to the bench for Thursday's European game.

Midfielder Simon Davies is again likely to miss out because of a knee problem.

MATCH PREVIEW
It must have been a strange summer for Wolves fans. Two successful survival missions accomplished, but would frayed nerves be able to handle a third? Well some of those fears must have been allayed by last week's hard-fought victory at Blackburn Rovers, the team that so nearly sent them down in May. What's more they came from behind to win. Mick McCarthy was bold at Ewood Park, a 4-4-2 formation enabling Kevin Doyle and Steven Fletcher to play together in attack.

Injuries permitting, it's difficult to see that changing on Sunday. Summer signing Roger Johnson will be making his home debut - tightening up Wolves' leaky defence is his remit. The new skipper's first challenge on home turf will be to try to stifle the threat of his namesake Andrew. He grabbed a late equaliser here last season but generally Fulham's recent visits have been fruitless. They have suffered six defeats in eight trips since Ray Houghton was amongst their scorers in a 4-0 rout in 1985.

Tiredness could be their chief enemy this time. While Thursday's 3-0 win over Dnipro at Craven Cottage has surely cemented their safe passage into the Europa League group stages, it was their eighth game since the end of June and Martin Jol's squad is a little slimmer than it once was. Last season's draw specialists might be happy to settle for another stalemate to add to last week's goalless draw with Aston Villa.

A draw would dampen the August optimism of the Molineux regulars and for those fans racking their brains, let me help... not since 1998, when Steve Bull and a fresh-faced Robbie Keane led the line, have Wanderers won their first two league games of the season.

MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head

Wolves are unbeaten in their last six home league matches against Fulham since a 4-0 defeat in the old Division Two in March 1985.
Three of the last six meetings between these clubs have ended in draws.

Wolves

Mick McCarthy's side have won three of their last four Premier League games, scoring 10 goals and conceding six.
They have lost just four of their last 12 top-flight matches.
Wolves won only 482 tackles last season - only Birmingham (452) had a worse record.

Fulham

Fulham have kept clean sheets in 10 of their last 13 competitive games (including Europa League qualifiers). They have shut out their opponents in four of their last six Premier League matches.
In the 2010-11 season, Fulham conceded just 23.3% of goals from set pieces, the lowest proportion in the top flight.
They also conceded just one penalty, fewer than any other Premier League side.

[WhiteJC]

 
When Football was Football

...the new stable-mate to Richard Allen's excellent Fulham Reviews is his foray into the hardcover market - pre-order now and save £5.70..!





http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0857330497/ref=cm_sw_r_fa_alp_DbJtob0ZVTGHD

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DEMPSEY: NO JOL IMPACT OVER RAMOS

Fulham midfielder Clint Dempsey declared himself pleased with Thursday night's professional defeat of Dnipro but denied manager Martin Jol's history with Juande Ramos acted as added motivation.

The United States international followed up his first-half effort with a header shortly after the restart to help the Cottagers to an impressive 3-0 home victory against Ramos' side in the Europa League play-off first leg.

The Spaniard replaced Jol as Tottenham manager four years ago but the Dutchman managed to exact some revenge at Craven Cottage.

Dempsey denied the managers' history acted as added motivation and instead preferred to focus on the team's success.

"[Their history] was not something that played on our minds," he said on Monday. "It was about coming out here and winning the game.

"We knew that we needed to get some goals here at home because it's going to be a difficult away leg. We were able to do that.

"Getting three goals is great but the most important thing is that we're able to keep a clean sheet even though at times it maybe looked a little bit scary in the second half. They had some good chances."

He added: "We try to play the right way.

"We have a lot of honest guys on the team that work hard and we have a good core group of guys that have been here through the most successful period in Fulham's history.

"We've had a lot of managers change in a short amount of time.

"But we stick together and every time a manager comes in we all try to get on the same page and do the best that we can.

"We are excited about the new manager that we have and everybody wants to impress.

"These games are important early on, you want to gain his confidence and show him that you want to be out there and play as many games as possible.

"That's what it's about."

Dempsey's goals were complemented by Aaron Hughes' opener, meaning the west Londoners head to Ukraine next week with a three-goal advantage.

The Texas-born midfielder believes the result puts Fulham in a "good position" and admitted he was relieved to net his first goals of the season.

"The first three games I didn't have many shots and that was frustrating," he said.

"I tried to come out tonight and make sure I took advantage of the chances that I did get and I'm happy I have two goals now.

"For the first goal, I had a late run in, it was a great ball in from Siddy (Steve Sidwell).

"I was thinking about taking it on my right foot but at the last minute decided to go with my left. I just had a better feeling with it.

"I was able to redirect it and put it in.

"And then before the cross I was able to make a little room for myself and get the header. So I'm excited about that.

"Obviously, a lot of credit to the people who were putting the balls into the box. But I was pleased to take advantage of the chances I did get tonight."

Dempsey's second goal was set up by summer signing Pajtim Kasami, who made his first start for the Cottagers on Thursday night since moving from Serie A outfit Palermo.

"He's very skilful, he's confident," said Dempsey.

"He tries things and it's about just finding that right balance to know what you can and can't get away with.

"I think that his future looks bright and he put in a good performance tonight."



http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/11/08/19/SOCCER_Fulham.html&TEAMHD=soccer&BID=165

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Fletcher eyes double delight
Striker aiming to make it two PL wins on bounce on Sunday

Wolves striker Steven Fletcher is aiming for more goal joy - and another win - against Fulham at Molineux on Sunday.

The Scot notched last weekend as Mick McCarthy's side came from behind to beat Blackburn 2-1 in the season opener at Ewood Park.

Fletcher was also on the scoresheet when Wolves beat Stoke 2-1on the opening day of last season but McCarthy's side then took another nine games before registering their next success.

The forward hopes the club do not have to wait as long this time around as they seek to avoid last season's relegation battle, although he is expecting a tough examination from the Cottagers.

Fletcher told the club's official website: "That's two seasons in a row I've got off to a good start and hopefully it continues.

"But Fulham are a good side who pass the ball well. They are one of the good passing sides in the league so it will be a tough test.

"But we're at home where we had a decent record last season and we'll be looking to get a good result.

"We certainly don't want to go through what we went through at the end of last season - it wasn't nice to be involved in.

"Hopefully we can get a decent amount of points over the next run of games to stand us in good stead for later on.

"We've got a good understanding now of what we need to do in the Premier League now.

"We've just got to keep working and picking up experience and if we do then we've got a good chance."

Good understanding

Fletcher has developed a good understanding with winger Matt Jarvis since his switch from Burnleylast summer and is hoping to replicate this with strike partner Kevin Doyle after injuries to the pair at different times last term.

He added: "Jarvo is a great player for us and a big asset with his pace and the way he can go by players.

"I've got a great understanding with him as well. When he gets to the line I've got an understanding of where he's going to put the ball.

"It's worked well for us since I arrived here and did well for us last season.

"With Doyler, we were injured at different times last season. We couldn't get a run of games together but hopefully we can get that going now."

Meanwhile, Fletcher has hailed the impact of skipper Roger Johnson since the defender moved to Molineux from relegated Birmingham in the summer.

"Roger has come in this summer but has had two seasons in the Premier League," he added.

"He's a great lad and a good personality in the changing room. He's a bit of a 'geezer'!

"He's certainly fitted in well and is one of those players who will put his body on the line for us which is always good."




http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_7111894,00.html?