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Sunday Fulham Stuff (11/09/11)...

Started by WhiteJC, September 11, 2011, 08:15:18 AM

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WhiteJC

 
Jol targets first win

Fulham boss Martin Jol admits it is vital his side finally pick up a Premier League victory when they host fellow-strugglers Blackburn on Sunday (Fulham 4/6, Blackburn 9/2, draw 13/5 – Match Betting with bet365).

The Cottagers have had a difficult start to the season, picking up just a point from their opening three games, but take on a Rovers side at home on Sunday who have lost all three of their games so far.

With that in mind, Jol has targeted a win at Craven Cottage as his side aim to kick-start to their season (Fulham 7/1 to be relegated).

"We need the points. It doesn't matter where you play, we need points and to get out of a situation where we are bottom of the league," the Dutchman said.

"All the teams that are there will tell you the same so they will try to win and we will try to get the result."

Jol made his move in the transfer window on deadline day when he bolstered his squad with three new signings, bringing in Bryan Ruiz, Zdenek Grygera and Orlando Sa, but he is unlikely to hand all three their debuts against Rovers on Sunday.



http://football.betsplayer.com/premier-league/jol-targets-first-win/

WhiteJC

 
Jol targets Fulham win against old friends Twente

Fulham FC's Dutch manager Martin Jol comes up against his former side as FC Twente travel to Craven Cottage for their opening UEFA Europa League Group K game.

Fulham FC's Dutch boss Martin Jol will be up against his countrymen as the 2009/10 UEFA Europa League finalists take on FC Twente in their opening UEFA Europa League Group K game.

Previous meetings
• The sides are meeting for the first time in Europe and this is also Fulham's maiden experience of Dutch opponents.

• Twente are yet to win in 11 games against English sides, boasting the unenviable record W0 D4 L7 (W0 D1 L5 in England). Their two previous games in London ended in a 4-0 loss at Arsenal FC in the 2008/09 UEFA Champions League third qualifying round and a 4-1 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur FC in last season's UEFA Champions League group stage.

Match background
• Fulham have already played eight European games this season, since entering the first qualifying round through the UEFA Respect Fair Play system. They have won six of those and drawn two.

• The Cottagers are the only side to have made it all the way from the first qualifying round to the group stage this season.

• Fulham remain unbeaten in 20 European home games (16 wins and four draws) stretching back to their European debut, a 0-0 UEFA Intertoto Cup draw against FC Haka on 6 July 2002. They have won their last nine continental fixtures at Craven Cottage, where they have not conceded a goal in UEFA matches this season.

• Twente have gone four games (three defeats and a draw) without a win on their European travels since beating FC Rubin Kazan 2-0 in last season's UEFA Europa League round of 32.

Team facts
• Bryan Ruiz joined Fulham from Twente on transfer deadline day, but he is not eligible to play for his new club in the UEFA Europa League as he has already represented the Enschede side in Europe this season.

• Fulham's Dutch manager Martin Jol needs no introduction to Twente; he played for the club from 1979 to 1982.

• Jol and his Twente counterpart Co Adriaanse have been on opposite sides on numerous occasions: as players when Jol's ADO Den Haag side took on Adriaanse's FC Utrecht in the 1970s, and as coaches when Jol's Roda JC and RKC Waalwijk teams took on Willem II, AFC Ajax and AZ Alkmaar teams coached by Adriaanse.

• Adriaanse (2000-01) and Jol (2009-10) were both Ajax coaches at one stage in their careers.

• Twente's Nacer Chadli and Fulham's Moussa Dembélé are Belgian international team-mates. Dembélé also made his name in Dutch football with spells at Willem (2005-06) and AZ (2006-10).

• Twente's Denny Landzaat previously played in England for Wigan Athletic FC from 2006 to 2008.

• Fulham's Czech defender Zdeněk Grygera played in the Netherlands for Ajax from 2003 to 2007.



http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/season=2012/matches/round=2000272/match=2007296/prematch/background/index.html?rss=1669401+Jol+targets+Fulham+win+against+old+friends+Twente

WhiteJC

 
Beauty and the Beast

It's Blackburn this Sunday and a great chance to put three points on the board. A fixture I remember fondly from our promotion year in 2000.

And if you were at the Cottage that autumnal October afternoon you will understand why. An encounter between two of the big guns for promotion had enticed down the Sky cameras for what promised to be a tasty affair. Fulham had made a perfect 100% start to the season under Tigana with nine wins from nine, while Blackburn managed by Graeme Souness also saw themselves as an ambitious side with the budget and pedigree to be back in the Premiership, which of course they had won in 1995.

The two managers offered the tv audience a compelling contrast along the touchline. Our magnificent Frenchman oozed style and panache, with Souness at any given moment looking ready to chin the next guy who stared at him a moment too long.

Never an easy man to interview, though I had managed it once in Monaco when Tigana was lifting the French title, our toothpick-chewing genius felt the game as intensely as any fan, but was a modicum of self-restraint and loath to show any emotion. Not so his adversary that day. It's little wonder that the excitable Scot actually flew across the Atlantic right after the game to undergo corrective heart surgery.

The match itself was exciting enough, though not a classic. Rovers gave us a real test, taking the lead inside four minutes through Matt Jansen. We'd been sweeping all before us to this point, but it took a rather dodgy penalty from King Louis in the second half to maintain our unbeaten start and head the table.

What made the day memorable for me was that I escorted Miss Great Britain to the game and we were guests of honour of the chairman and his party. It was champagne all the way and best seats in the house. Well it was for the delectable lady. She was gently detached from your blogger by Max Clifford (then enjoying a short period in the sun as Mo's PR retainer) and ensconced in the 'royal box' alongside al Fayed and his brother. Yours truly was two rows below. The real reason we were there was for Miss GB to make the half-time draw with David down on the pitch. I'd set the whole thing up knowing the game was on Sky. Miss GB (I shall refrain from naming her) I had actually spotted in my local shopping precinct with her mum. Of course, I had to approach her with the 'hey baby, I can make you are a star,' routine and found out she lived 15 minutes from my house. Actually, she didn't need any help from me, was a really sweet and genuine girl, and we actually became friends. On occasion I was fortunate enough to accompany her to events when she needed an escort.


XXXXXX ©

Anyway, both TV and the tabloids gave us plenty of exposure out on the pitch, after which David suggested on the mike the fans might like to see Miss GB close up and 'would you like her to make a lap of the ground?' You can guess the response to that. She looked at me in a moment of panic and said would I escort her? Chivalry took over. I turned up the collar of my long black overcoat, slipped on my Ray-bans and with an appropriate (I hope) Pacino-esque scowl marched round the touchline behind the blond bombshell. The abuse heaped upon the 'minder' was in direct proportion to the wolf whistles and appreciation showered on our radiant guest. What a laugh. And I still have the pictures from the Sun to prove it all really happened...

It didn't end there. After the game Mo whisked the little lady off to meet the players while I was left to make small talk with the sponsors and finish off the canapés. We departed with an open invitation to 'attend any future games as we wished and the Chairman promised our local beauty a role as 'Fulham's new lucky mascot with promotional work at Harrods.

None of this came to pass of course. Four weeks later after a couple of phone rebuttals it was evident the Chairman had moved on to other targets. Michael Jackson perhaps was back on the line? Our moment had come and gone. But it had been a day to remember.

I'd be amused to hear from anyone in the crowd who remembers that day. Due to the shades a number of my buddies failed to recognize me out there...

I will be at the game Sunday, and not in disguise, nor sadly with the lovely lady herself. She married a local estate agent and now has three kids, her beauty pageant days a thing of the past. As to the game, Fulham at full strength, the new signings raring to go, Bobby hopefully back to his best, and Rovers everybody's hot tip for relegation. Well, there can only be one result surely...can't there???

THREE POINTS for the Whites to get us away from the foot of the table please. I will settle for 1-0 with a scruffy goal in the last ten minutes, but I fancy us to win by two or three. Blackburn are without Dunn, Pedersen and – crucially – Ryan Nelsen. They were on the slide when we last saw them in March and only a last minute pen (contentious too) from BZ got us the 3-2 win. We may need a strong ref Sunday too, it's early in the season maybe but I already sense a hint of desperation in the Rovers camp.

Yes, footie is back. Hope you enjoy the game.



http://blogs.soccernet.com/fulham/archives/2011/09/beauty_and_the_beast.php?


WhiteJC

 
Fulham manager Martin Jol eager to begin winning games after poor start to the season
The Dutchman has seen his charges start the campaign poorly, but with the aid of his three new signings believes they can pull a much-needed streak of victories together

Fulham manager Martin Jol has urged his team to begin a winning streak in the Premier League against Blackburn on Sunday.

The Cottagers have only picked up one point in their first three matches, whilst their opponents have lost all their games so far.

Jol believes his side can use Sunday's match to catapult themselves into a healthy position in the table.

"It doesn't matter where you play, we need points and to get out of a situation where we are bottom of the league," Jol said according to the Daily Mail.

"All the teams that are there will tell you the same so they will try to win and we will try to get the result.

"I feel (the need to win) is probably the same as for the opposition. We need the points."

The Cottagers have struggled with a lack of depth in their team and also trying to juggle Premier Leaue games with Europa League matches.

The Dutchman had no choice but to add players to his squad on deadline day, purchasing Bryan Ruiz, Zdenek Grygera and Orlando Sa.

While the signings have been an encouraging sign, Jol concedes they will not all feature straight away.

"I would have a worry playing all three of them on Sunday," he said. 'We have got a good team and I wouldn't play all them. Why should I?"

"We have a good team, especially at home.

He added: "I don't feel the programme helped, of course, because we played one home game - where I still think we should have had a win - and then we play three away matches.

"That is never easy and I think Fulham have won eight games in the last three years away from home so we have to do better in that respect.

Fulham's next Europa League game is against FC Twente – the team Jol captured Ruiz form – but believes the Costa Rican will take some time to settle in.

"Most of the people will tell you that Luis Suarez was one of the few that never had a problem [playing in a new league]," he said.

"He fitted in straight away but most of the other players will tell you that the tempo is a bit higher, the pace, the quality of the game is very good in England.

"It wouldn't be strange or awkward if they need a couple of weeks to gel with the other players.

"There was never a feeling that he would leave us or go somewhere else.

"Twente were good and everybody knows we have got the budget so everybody knows I am happy to stay within the budget with these four or five players."




http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2011/09/10/2659974/fulham-manager-martin-jol-eager-to-begin-winning-games-after?

WhiteJC

 
New broom Ruiz plans to sweep Fulham to the top


Bryan Ruiz, the Costa Rican striker, is Fulham's star summer signing. Back home he is known as La Escoba (The Broom) or La Comadreja (The Weasel), bizarrely complimentary nicknames referring to his slender appearance and ability to steal and keep the ball in tight situations. Now the £10.6 million transfer deadline-day signing from the Dutch side FC Twente is waiting to see what name the Fulham fans come up with for him after his debut against Blackburn Rovers this afternoon.

He is confident he can live up to their expectations and help deliver a first win of the season for the manager, Martin Jol, because he claims he thrived under the pressure when Steve McClaren made him Twente's record signing two years ago. Ruiz, 26, rates McClaren as one of the best coaches in football, a long way from his tarnished reputation as England manager.

The former Middlesbrough manager successfully reinvented himself in the Netherlands, where he was named manager of the year for leading Twente to their first Eredivisie title at the expense of Jol's Ajax. It was a feat he could not have achieved without the goals and skills of his Costa Rican signing.

Ruiz explained: "McClaren has been a big influence. When I was playing for Ghent in Belgium and had the chance to go to Twente I wasn't sure because they were not one of the best clubs in Holland. But he convinced me to go there because he said he knew me and my qualities and I could do well and make my next step in a few years. So I went and he really changed me.

"In the first year with him I scored 24 goals and we were champions for the first time in the club's history, so his influence on my career is great."

Ruiz, who has 43 international caps, appears to have similar faith in Jol, who convinced him to sign for Fulham despite a late bid from Newcastle. And he hopes that having pipped Jol to the title in Holland by a point they can now join forces to make a success of things in west London.

With Blackburn and Fulham both chasing their first win of the season and Ruiz yet to visit Craven Cottage, it could be an interesting day for the protagonists, with fellow deadline- day signings Orlando Sa from Porto and the former Juventus defender Zdenek Grygera likely to start on the bench.

Ruiz, who will be cup-tied when his new team-mates face his former Twente colleagues in the Europa League on Thursday, concluded: "I always wanted to play in the best league in the world and Martin Jol convinced me Fulham was the right club. He wants to combine the Dutch style with the English and he thinks I can do that here. It is up to me now."

Fulham v Blackburn is on Sky Sports 1 this afternoon, kick-off 4pm



http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/new-broom-ruiz-plans-to-sweep-fulham-to-the-top-2352778.html?

WhiteJC

 
Ruiz makes Fulham vow

BRYAN Ruiz insists he can handle the pressure of being Fulham's big-money signing.

The Whites splashed out more than £10million on the Costa Rican on transfer deadline day, fending off late competition from Newcastle United for the 26-year-old's signature.

Ruiz smashed 24 goals as FC Twente romped to the Dutch title in 2010, pipping Martin Jol's Ajax to the championship.

And he is set to be handed his Fulham debut in tomorrow's clash with Blackburn Rovers at Craven Cottage.

"When I went to Twente from Genk I was the most expensive player," said Ruiz.

"It was big pressure but I just tried to do my job. I like this kind of challenge.

"I have a desire to succeed at this level.

"The coach knows me well from his time at Ajax and has high hopes of me. He wants to develop a combination of English and Dutch football and that should be good for me.

"This is a new challenge for me and I am well aware of the demands of playing in England."



Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/09/11/ruiz-makes-fulham-vow-82029-29398088/?#ixzz1Xd1Axjs4


WhiteJC

 
Up next: Blackburn Rovers (h)
by DAN on SEPTEMBER 11, 2011

Must win games seem to come round earlier than usual these days. It used to be that managers were given a year – or two – to settle into a new job, evaluate the side and introduce their new signings. The pace just isn't that leisurely in the Premier League nowadays. Steve Kean, once Fulham's academy director and then Chris Coleman's assistant, has been under pressure almost ever since he replaced Sam Allardyce at Ewood Park after Blackburn's colourful new owners made the first of several surprising decisions. Martin Jol might not have reached the same level of scrutiny as Kean, who was predictably installed as the favourite to be the first manager removed this season, but his sluggish start at Craven Cottage needs arresting – and fast.

Fulham perhaps played their best football of the campaign up at Newcastle a fortnight ago but failed to take anything from the game. Alarming defensive lapses – and an anonymous attack – have eroded the pre-season feelgood factor within weeks of Jol's arrival. The Dutchman did at least restore the natural order of things to Fulham's back four up at St. James' Park, although new arrival Zdenik Grygera may replace Chris Baird at right back this afternoon. The signing of Bryan Ruiz, whose transfer came at the end of a fraught deadline day, has at least given the Fulham faithful greater reason for optimism. The Costa Rican winger didn't make it easy for us all though: there was a rumour he was headed to Newcastle late in the piece on deadline day and then his participation this weekend was placed in doubt by a delay to his work permit. Fulham rushed their fitness coaches out to Madrid to keep him in shape and Ruiz responded with six goals in three minutes during his first full training session.

Whether Ruiz will start against Blackburn later on today remains to be seen. He's had only a handful of training sessions with his new team-mates but the temptation to throw the new signing straight in must be heavy. Jol's side have looked woefully short of invention in the opening weeks of the season – lacking a goal threat at Wolves in particular – and Ruiz's pace and trickery, although untested in the Premier League as yet, would certainly provide Bobby Zamora, who should return to the starting line-up after an ankle injury, with the kind of service upon which the Fulham talisman can feast. Jol will have to earn his money in deciding who should make way for Ruiz and which system would best suit his side. A form of the 4-2-3-1 upon which the new manager seems to have settled would allow Jol to shoehorn most of the club's creative talent into one eleven, even if Moussa Dembele might have to start from the bench.

Blackburn will be just as desperate as the Whites to right their poor start to the new campaign. He'll have his new signings to choose from as part of the match-day squad at Craven Cottage. Scott Dann looks a shrewd purchase to shore up the leaky Rovers defence and the former Birmingham man should go straight into the side alongside the powerful Chris Samba at centre back as Ryan Nelsen faces a fitness test on his knee injury. Morten Gamst Pedersen, a scorer at Aston Villa and frequent scourge of Fulham, is missing with a hamstring injury, whilst a similar problem could rule out midfielder David Dunn.

The rest of Kean's summer arrivals are all available for selection. Jordan Slew, who was interesting Fulham at one point in the summer, and Yakubu arrived on deadline day to supplement Blackburn's attacking resources. Montenegrin midfielder Simon Vukcevic came in without too much fanfare, despite a significant transfer fee, an eye for goal and a successful career on the continent to his name. He could make his debut against Fulham and add some more creativity to an already industrious Rovers midfield.

The Glaswegian has spoken in the run-up to this game about the happy memories of his eight years at Fulham, although many believe it was Coleman's reluctance to replace Kean with a more experienced sidekick that hastened the popular former skipper's departure. Kean will be hoping for a morale-boosting win, if only to convince those fans that have reportedly written to Venky's asking the owners to show him the door that he deserves more time. Fulham will view this fixture as an ideal opportunity to kickstart their season ahead of two tough tests next week: Twente on Thursday and Manchester City's visit next weekend. Anyone underestimating Rovers, though, should recall how close they came to leaving the Cottage with a point last season. It promises to be another nervy afternoon.

MY FULHAM XI (4-2-3-1): Schwarzer; Baird, J.A. Riise, Hughes, Hangeland; Etuhu, Murphy; Duff, Dempsey, Ruiz; Zamora. Subs: Etheridge, Senderos, Gygera, Sidwell, Kasami, Dembele, A. Johnson.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/09/up-next-blackburn-rovers-h/?

WhiteJC

 
FULHAM V BLACKBURN: RUIZ IS A BROLLY

FULHAM'S £10million new boy Bryan Ruiz is set to make his Premier League debut today . . . hailing England's so-called "Wally with the Brolly" as a hero.

As far as the Costa Rican striker is concerned Steve McClaren, the man England fans still love to hate, is up there with Muhammad Ali.

Ruiz said: "To me he is the greatest. The best coach I have ever played under. What he did with me and FC Twente is legend."

Ruiz scored 36 goals in 61 games after the former England coach lured him to Dutch side Twente from Gent.

It was a four-minute Ruiz hat trick against Sparta Rotterdam, the fastest ever in Holland, that persuaded Fulham boss Martin Jol to sign him. And Ruiz admits one of the main reasons he joined Fulham is because Jol reminded him of McClaren.

Ruiz said: "I know Mr McClaren's reputation went down somewhat after England but I wouldn't be where I am today if it hadn't been for him."



http://www.express.co.uk/football/view/270519/Fulham-v-Blackburn-Ruiz-is-a-brolly-good-swing?

WhiteJC

 
PREMIER LEAGUE LIVE: Fulham v Blackburn - follow the action from Craven Cottage as it happens

Follow Sportsmail's coverage of the Barclays Premier League and Sunday's final game as Fulham host Blackburn at Craven Cottage. Both sides are still looking for their first league wins of the season having scored just three goals between them. Email me your thoughts on the match at [email protected] or contact me on twitter @Ripinho.

***Follow live coverage from 3.40pm***


Consolation: Clint Dempsey's (left) late strike in the 2-1 defeat at Newcastle is Fulham's only Premier League goal




Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2035632/Fulham-v-Blackburn-live.html#ixzz1Xd252qHI


WhiteJC

 
FULHAM v BLACKBURN
MATCH STATS AND FACTS


Fulham have scored at least twice in five of their last six league games at Craven Cottage.

Clint Dempsey has scored three goals in his last four appearances against Blackburn.

The Whites have found the net three times in their last two games at home to Rovers.

Blackburn have lost only two of their last 10 games against Fulham, although they have been beaten on their last two trips to Craven Cottage, conceding a total of six goals.

This fixture has not produced a goalless draw since 1983 when the sides met at Ewood Park in a Division Two game.

Martin Jol's men have lost only one of their last 10 PL matches at home.

Blackburn are on a run of three straight league defeats, they have not lost four in a row since December 2008 under Paul Ince.

Fulham have used only four substitutes in the top-flight this season, fewer than any other side.

Fulham have kept clean sheets in 10 of their last 16 competitive games (including Europa League qualifiers). However, they have conceded four goals in their last two league games.

This will be their 12th match of the season.

Fulham's only home league defeat in 2011 is their 5-2 loss to Liverpool on 9 May.

Damien Duff needs one more goal to reach 50 in the Premier League.

Rovers have lost their opening three Premier League games for the first time.

The last time they began a top-flight season with three successive defeats was in 1947-48, when they were eventually relegated. That year they drew their fourth game 0-0.

Victory would give Rovers their 300th away win in the top flight.

Blackburn have lost seven of their last 10 away league games (W1, D2, L7). Their only win was the 3-2 victory at Wolves on the final day of last season.



http://www.sportingpreview.com/football2012/11120787.php?

WhiteJC

 
Here to Impress

Bryan Ruiz will make his first trip to Craven Cottage on Sunday afternoon ahead of Fulham's match against Blackburn Rovers (KO 4pm) and after securing his move to SW6 the former FC Twente star is focused on adapting to the pace of the Barclays Premier League as quickly as possible.

"It's a very nice feeling to be at Fulham," said Ruiz. "What I felt here [when I arrived] was really great and to have the confidence of the Manager was really great. I think I took the right decision and I hope I can do really well here. I expect a lot from myself this season.

"I've joined a Club where the manager knows me as well which is very important. He was a big influence. I didn't know a lot about Fulham so when I came here but Martin Jol spoke to me and he really convinced me about the way he works and the way he wants the team to play.

"It's a big challenge but I know he wants me in his team and that's important for me. It's up to me now – I wanted to come and show my qualities.

"I know the Premier League is a very strong and fast League. I'll do my best and show my quality here and I want to help us achieve the best possible position we can. I've already had two training sessions this week and it's more dynamic [than in Holland].

"I'm playing in the Premier League now and it's the best league competition in the world. That has always been a dream for me and I've joined a club that is growing.

"I know it's going to be harder than Holland and I have to adapt fast. It might be really hard in the beginning but I will do my best to adapt as fast as I can."

Ruiz believes he will not be affected by the weight of expectation following his move to Craven Cottage, and revealed ahead of Sunday's game that he previously thrived on being FC Twente's record signing when he took the Dutch League by storm.

"I don't think about it [pressure] – I just play the best I can," said Ruiz. "I like the kind of challenge when there is pressure. I'm the kind of guy who likes to take responsibility and I like the pressure.

"I know Fulham paid a lot for me but it was same when I went to Twente. It was the most expensive transfer for Twente at the time and it was big pressure but I just tried to do my best."

Ruiz is capable of playing in a number of attacking positions and is hoping he will get the chance to impress Fulham's supporters at Craven Cottage on Sunday, on what will be his first visit to SW6.

"I'm not a number nine player. I won't score 40 goals a season but I will score goals and provide assists. I like to play on the left or right side or number ten. The manager knows I can play in those positions.

"I hope I can play [against Blackburn] but I'm not sure whether I will or not. I'm excited to be playing my first ever Premier League match and whether I play one minute or ninety, I'll do my best.

"I really don't know the stadium yet as I haven't been there yet, but I hear it's very nice. It's a traditional stadium but that's what makes it nice – I will see on Sunday!"

Ruiz is not only adapting to a new way of life on the pitch, but is also finding his feet off the pitch as he gets used to his new surroundings in West London. One thing is for sure, Ruiz is a man determined to repay the faith showed in him by Fulham and the Club's supporters in double quick time.

"London – it's a new city and a new experience and challenge for me. Everything is on the opposite side including the cars! It's nice to have a new experience and I'm looking forward to starting my career here and living my life here.

"I've received so many messages and I have to thank all the people that are supporting me. I will give more than 100% for them because I know they are expecting a lot from me – but I expect a lot from myself."




Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/September/RuizArrives.aspx?#ixzz1Xd2uDSCo

WhiteJC

 
Pay on the Gate

Fulham return to Barclays Premier League action this afternoon against Blackburn Rovers at Craven Cottage. Fulham fans wishing to attend today's game can purchase their tickets at the gate. The match will kick-off at 4pm.

U16s tickets for today's game can be purchased at the gate for just £5 whilst adult tickets are priced from £30.

Every child attending this afternoon's match will be entitled to collect their own "Come on you Whites" banging stick to help cheer their team on!

Families that get down to the Cottage early will be able to treat their children to a Kids Meal deal which will include a mini hotdog, Capri Sun drink, Freddo bar and a packet of crisps for only £4.00.

Billy the Badger will be on hand before the game and we are delighted to welcome the Surrey FA along with Epsom Eagles and Claygate Royals.

At half-time fans are encouraged to stay in their seats and witness the next generation of Fulham players as the Academy's U10s deliver a skills demonstration. We'll also be hearing from former player and Academy Manager Kit Symons.



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/September/BlackburnPayontheGate.aspx?#ixzz1Xd35Ffo8


WhiteJC

 
Ruiz raring to go
by DAN on SEPTEMBER 11, 2011



There are plenty of interviews with Bryan Ruiz floating around this morning. Our new signing is profiled extensively on the offal, which perhaps gives an indication that the club expect him to play a big part this afternoon.

It's a very nice feeling to be at Fulham. What I felt here was really great and to have the confidence of the Manager was really great. I think I took the right decision and I hope I can do really well here. I expect a lot from myself this season

I've joined a club where the manager knows me as well which is very important. He was a big influence. I didn't know a lot about Fulham so when I came here but Martin Jol spoke to me and he really convinced me about the way he works and the way he wants the team to play.

Ruiz says he's excited about the opportunity to play in the Premier League.

It's a big challenge but I know he wants me in his team and that's important for me. It's up to me now – I wanted to come and show my qualities.

I know the Premier League is a very strong and fast league. I'll do my best and show my quality here and I want to help us achieve the best possible position we can. I've already had two training sessions this week and it's more dynamic [than in Holland].

I'm playing in the Premier League now and it's the best league competition in the world. That has always been a dream for me and I've joined a club that is growing.

I know it's going to be harder than Holland and I have to adapt fast. It might be really hard in the beginning but I will do my best to adapt as fast as I can.

The Costa Rican says he won't be bothered by the £10.6m that Fulham paid FC Twente for his services. He's used to pressure of a big fee after his arrival in Holland.

I don't think about it [pressure] – I just play the best I can. I like the kind of challenge when there is pressure. I'm the kind of guy who likes to take responsibility and I like the pressure.

I know Fulham paid a lot for me but it was same when I went to Twente. It was the most expensive transfer for Twente at the time and it was big pressure but I just tried to do my best.

He also does his best to play down expectations as to his goalscoring, but there's a cheeky little confidence there as well.

I'm not a number nine player. I won't score 40 goals a season but I will score goals and provide assists. I like to play on the left or right side or number ten. The manager knows I can play in those positions.

I hope I can play [against Blackburn] but I'm not sure whether I will or not. I'm excited to be playing my first ever Premier League match and whether I play one minute or ninety, I'll do my best.

The Sunday papers have picked up on Ruiz's appreciation for former England coach Steve McClaren, who took him to Twente from Gent and took the Reds to the first league title in their history.

McClaren has been a big influence. When I was playing for Ghent in Belgium and had the chance to go to Twente I wasn't sure because they were not one of the best clubs in Holland. But he convinced me to go there because he said he knew me and my qualities and I could do well and make my next step in a few years. So I went and he really changed me.

In the first year with him I scored 24 goals and we were champions for the first time in the club's history, so his influence on my career is great.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/09/ruiz-raring-to-go/?

WhiteJC

 
Jol wants win
by DAN on SEPTEMBER 11, 2011



Martin Jol is desperate to get a first league win under his belt and end Fulham's poor start to the season against Blackburn Rovers this afternoon.

Fulham have just one point from three games – having lost their two away matches at Wolves and Newcastle – and will kick-off against Rovers with both sides in the relegation zone. Jol knows that he needs to get some wins on the board.

It doesn't matter where you play, we need points and to get out of a situation where we are bottom of the league. All the teams that are there will tell you the same so they will try to win and we will try to get the result. I feel (the need to win) is probably the same as for the opposition. We need the points.

Jol has revealed that he doesn't expect to start all of his new signings this afternoon. Bryan Ruiz is probably most likely to start, whilst Zdenek Grygera and Orlando Sa could start from the bench.

I would have a worry playing all three of them on Sunday. We have got a good team and I wouldn't play all them. Why should I? We have a good team, especially at home.

The Fulham boss believes that Fulham's start to the campaign hasn't been helped by two successive away games and admits the Whites will need to improve their dire record away from Craven Cottage.

I don't feel the programme helped, of course, because we played one home game – where I still think we should have had a win – and then we play three away matches. That is never easy and I think Fulham have won eight games in the last three years away from home so we have to do better in that respect.

Jol has also sought to play down people's expectations of Ruiz, insisting that the Costa Rican may need time to adapt to the demands of English football.

Most of the people will tell you that Luis Suarez was one of the few that never had a problem. He fitted in straight away but most of the other players will tell you that the tempo is a bit higher, the pace, the quality of the game is very good in England.

It wouldn't be strange or awkward if they need a couple of weeks to gel with the other players. There was never a feeling that he would leave us or go somewhere else. Twente were good and everybody knows we have got the budget so everybody knows I am happy to stay within the budget with these four or five players.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/09/jol-wants-win/?

WhiteJC

 
Why Garry Cook will be instantly forgotten and Blackburn fans are finally waking up and smelling the chicken

Garry Cook is gone and will be instantly forgotten.

He left Manchester City with typical gracelessness. He refused to apologise for the distress caused to a cancer sufferer.

Cook lied, but portrayed himself as a victim of "significant personal focus". He was no media martyr, merely a liability in a high profile business.

He exposed himself, as a foolish man who compromised his club's values.

City, and the wider football community, will not miss him.

Bye Bye Brother.

'Onuoha What You Did Last Summer'! The web's funniest Garry Cook book titles

Simon Mullock;s Manchester City column: Why Garry Cook hasn't been the victim of a media witch hunt 

***

Blackburn fans are in revolt. They've had enough of the cartoon capers of their club's owners Venky's.

They're calling on them to sack Steve Kean.

Understandable, given the prospect of another damaging defeat at Fulham today.

One question, however.

What kept you, people?

Some of us have been leading from the front for a while.

***

Managers can be desperados. One is notorious for ­tapping up chairmen of rival clubs. Another literally chased a ­director around a car park.

But Lawrie Sanchez broke an ­unwritten rule by touting himself for Nigel Worthington's job as Northern Ireland boss. Worthy gets the most out of limited ­resources.

Sanchez's behaviour challenges his ­credibility, considering he walked away from Northern Ireland to join Fulham.

It begs the question of his commitment to his job as Barnet manager.

He will live to regret it.

***

Ignore the simpering clowns in ITV's commentary box.

The rugby world will relish England's embarrassment.

They were arrogant, ignorant, and incompetent against Argentina.

Wearing all black, in New Zealand was an unnecessary heresy. It may have made the marketing monkeys happy.

But why make the simple mistake of being so easy to hate?

***



Read more: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/michael-calvin/Michael-Calvin-Manchester-City-Garry-Cook-Blackburn-Venkys-Steve-Kean-Lawrie-Sanchez-article796769.html#ixzz1Xd4BmInm
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WhiteJC

 
New Fulham signing credits McClaren with his career rise



If Bryan Ruiz makes a stunning debut against Blackburn today, Fulham fans can thank the unlikely figure of Steve McClaren.

Fulham's attacking £10.6m Costa Rican credits the tainted former England boss as the being the biggest influence in his career.

And it was the help and advice of McClaren, now struggling at Nottingham Forest, that made him such a major Premier League target this summer.

The former England manager re-established his reputation in Holland when he steered FC Twente to a league title in 2010.


Ruiz explained: "McClaren has been a big influence. When I was playing for Gent in Belgium and had the chance to go to Twente I wasn't sure because they were not one of the best clubs in Holland.

"But once I spoke to him he convinced me to go there because he said he knew me and my qualities and I could do well and make my next step in a few years. So I went and he really changed me.

"In the first year with him I scored 24 goals and we were champions for the first time in the club's history so his influence on my career is great.

"I have heard his reputation went down a bit here but as a person and a manager I think he is really good; one of the best trainers I have come across in my career. He can see many things, things not everyone can see and I think he is still a really good trainer."

Ruiz scored a Dutch record four-minute hat-trick during that memorable Dutch season when Twente pipped Martin Jol's Ajax to the title by a single point.

From rivals in the Netherlands to colleagues in west London, Fulham boss Jol describes Ruiz as "the best player in Holland' and his star signing is confident he will help his new club to a first win of the season.

The likeable 26-year-old, who turned down Newcastle to sign for Fulham, added: "I know Fulham have paid a lot, but it was the same when I went to Twente as their most expensive transfer and it was big pressure.

"I just tried to do my best, as I did with Gent in Belgium. I am a guy who likes to take responsibility and I like that pressure.

"I always wanted to play in the best league in the world and Martin Jol convinced me Fulham was the right club. He wants to combine the Dutch style with the English and he thinks I can do that here."




Read more: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Fulham-signing-Bryan-Ruiz-credits-FC-Twente-and-Nottingham-Forest-manager-Steve-McClaren-with-career-rise-article796807.html#ixzz1Xd4Xi3cE
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WhiteJC

 
Fulham    v    Blackburn

By Jonathan Pearce
BBC Match of the Day commentator


Barclays Premier League
Venue: Craven Cottage Date: Sunday, 11 September Kick-off: 1600 BST Coverage: Watch live on Sky Sports 1 and 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
Fulham could give debuts to new signings Bryan Ruiz, Zdenek Grygera and Orlando Sa.

Simon Davies remains sidelined by a knee injury, while the Londoners will assess John Arne Riise, who returned from injury on international duty.

Blackburn are without midfielder Morten Gamst Pedersen because of a hamstring problem, while Ryan Nelsen and David Dunn are rated doubtful.

New signings Yakubu, Scott Dann and Simon Vukcevic could make their debuts.

MATCH PREVIEW
History could be made at Craven Cottage. Blackburn have never lost their opening four league matches since helping found the Football League in 1888. They have already made their worst start since 1947-48 ,when they were relegated. And unless Fulham win, it will be the Londoners' worst Premier League start. Early pressure is rising.

But both managers need time to bed in the new arrivals. Fulham have strengthened their defence with 31-year-old Zdenek Grygera. But it's at the other end where they needed support for Andrew Johnson and Bobby Zamora, who got the winner in this fixture last season with an 89th-minute penalty.

The £10.6m spent on Costa Rican Bryan Ruiz is a big gamble, but he scored 33 goals in 61 league games in two very good years at FC Twente and I'll take Fulham to start moving up the table quickly, even if the Europa League campaign will be a drain.

Clint Dempsey has a good scoring record in this fixture. If he plays, don't be surprised if he gets the winner. Only Liverpool have notched an away league win at the Cottage this year and I can't see Rovers pulling it off. They've only kept one clean sheet on their travels in 22 games, and 12 points from their last 17 matches is relegation form.

Scott Dann is an excellent signing who will shore up their defence. Serbian midfielder Radosav Petrovic went into the 2010 World Cup with top clubs chasing him, while David Goodwillie had enough talent to be named Scotland's Young Player of the Year. And Montenegro international Simon Vukcevic rediscovered his form at Sporting Lisbon after tantrums at Saturn in Russia.

But can Steve Kean harness that talent and answer the biggest riddle of them all? Will he be able to turn Yakubu into the bustling striker he was before his 2008 Achilles injury? If he can, Rovers have a goalscorer to steer them away from danger. It's a big if!

MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head

Blackburn have lost only two of their last 10 games against Fulham, although they have been beaten on their last two trips to Craven Cottage, conceding a total of six goals.
This fixture has not produced a goalless draw since 1983 when the sides met at Ewood Park in a Division Two game.
Fulham

Fulham have kept clean sheets in 10 of their last 16 competitive games (including Europa League qualifiers). However, they have conceded four goals in their last two league games.
This will be their 12th match of the season.
Fulham's only home league defeat in 2011 is their 5-2 loss to Liverpool on 9 May.
Damien Duff needs one more goal to reach 50 in the Premier League.
Blackburn

Rovers have lost their opening three Premier League games for the first time.
The last time they began a top-flight season with three successive defeats was in 1947-48, when they were eventually relegated. That year they drew their fourth game 0-0.
Victory would give Rovers their 300th away win in the top flight.
Blackburn have lost seven of their last 10 away league games (W1, D2, L7). Their only win was the 3-2 victory at Wolves on the final day of last season.



http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/14778563.stm

White Noise


http://www.people.co.uk/sport/football/football-hotline/2011/09/11/fulham-boss-jol-set-to-re-ignite-interest-in-malbranque-102039-23411463/



Fulham boss Jol set to re-ignite interest in Malbranque


Sep 11 2011


by Dave Kidd, The People


FULHAM boss Martin Jol will re-ignite his interest in Steed Malbranque after the midfield man terminated his contract with French club St Etienne.

Jol, who signed Malbranque from Fulham for Spurs in 2006, had enquired about signing the Frenchman this summer and will look into the option again now the player is a free agent.

He was a firm favourite at Fulham for five years as the London club established themselves in the Premier League.

Malbranque, 31, left Sunderland at the end of last season and had been at St Etienne for only a fortnight before he suddenly quit.

Rumours spread that he had left to care for a son who was suffering from cancer but Malbranque does not have a son.



White Noise


http://www.people.co.uk/sport/football/news/2011/09/11/fulham-s-new-signing-ruiz-turned-down-toon-to-join-jol-s-revolution-102039-23411411/



Fulham's new signing Ruiz turned down Toon to join Jol's revolution


Sep 11 2011


by Dave Kidd, The People


BRYAN RUIZ gave Fulham a whirl – because he prefers Martin Jol to Geordie choppers.

Jol completed his first big-money capture as Craven Cottage chief with a £10.6million deal for FC Twente star Ruiz on transfer deadline night.

The swoop was put in jeopardy when Newcastle sent down a helicopter to try to steal the hitman.

Yet boss Jol laughed off the last-minute threat from Newcastle, claiming Fulham chairman Mohamed Al Fayed 'has a bigger chopper than the Magpies'.

And Costa Rican Ruiz reckons his head was never going to be turned by the Toon antics.

Ruiz, 26, said: "I heard about the helicopter. Newcastle were interested but I had a good feeling about Fulham and wanted to stay here. Martin Jol was a big influence on me. He told me he wants to combine the English and Dutch styles and he knows how I can fit into the team.

"I can play as a No.10, a second striker, or on the left or right flank. I'm not a No.9 but I've always scored goals. I know people are expecting a lot from me here because Fulham have spent a lot of money on me."

Ruiz, who is likely to make his debut against Blackburn today, broke Jol's heart two years ago – he was the 24-goal top-scorer for Steve McClaren's FC Twente when they pipped Jol's Ajax side to the Dutch title.

Ruiz recalled: "There was just one point in it between Twente and Ajax that season. Martin Jol did well because he got 85 points in a 34-match season but Twente had 86. It's unbelievable in Holland that you can have 85 points and not be champions.

"It was one of the best memories of my life, it was the first title in Twente's history. I think the moment was not so nice for Martin but I hope it'll be good for us together here at Fulham. He must have seen something he liked in me.

"Steve McClaren was very influential on me. I was at Gent in Belgium and wasn't sure about going to Twente as they were not one of the top clubs in Holland but he convinced me and in the first year, I scored 24 goals and we were champions.

"He's one of the best coaches I've worked with even though I know his reputation may have gone down a bit over here."

Ruiz, cup-tied for Thursday's Europa League qualifier against his old side Twente, won fame in Holland for scoring the fastest hat-trick in Dutch League history.

He said: "It was strange. It was against Sparta Rotterdam, we needed to win but it was 0-0 at half-time. Within four minutes of the second half, I'd scored three. Certainly the greatest four minutes in my career."


WhiteJC

 
Jol: Fulham need points as much as Blackburn Rovers

Fulham manager Martin Jol admits his side need to secure some points from today's Barclays Premier League against Blackburn Rovers.

While Rovers have started the season in poor fashion, losing all the games, the Cottagers have only managed one point from the first three matches.

Jol said: "I feel [the need to win] is probably the same as for the opposition.

"We need the points.

"It doesn't matter where you play, we need points and to get out of a situation where we are bottom of the league.

"All the teams that are there will tell you the same so they will try to win and we will try to get the result."



http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/blackburn_rovers/news/9244852.Jol__Fulham_need_points_as_much_as_Blackburn_Rovers/?