Wednesday Fulham Stuff (05/10/11)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Fine or Not So Fine?

The media certainly seem keen to report on the dark side of life at Fulham don`t they!

After attempting to drive a wedge between Martin Jol and Bobby Zamora, at the weekend, they`re now focusing on an apparent set of rules Jol has introduced that the players, according to the tabloid press, are not too keen on.

One example being stated is an apparent £500 fine for young Kasami.

The fine has, reputedly, been imposed as a punishment for missing the spot kick against Chelsea in the Carling Cup.

Inevitably, a club inside source has stepped forward to provide an opinion, probably for a fistful of tabloid silver, commenting,

"Kasami wouldn`t have been fined if he`d scored it. Some of the new rules are strange to say the least."

"He is a young kid. He was only trying to do his best for the team and he`s ended up being fined £500 for it."

But the knife continues to be twisted with the tabloid going on to claim that these new rules have created unrest in the camp!

Quite why we suddenly flavour of the month when it comes to poison, from the hacks, I`m still trying to fathom out.



Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=257802#ixzz1Zt5TTbM5

[WhiteJC]

 
Hughes Injury Lingers On!

Having missed what seems like numerous Premier League games courtesy of a groin injury, it`s still not good news for Aaron Hughes.

Our defender now looks set to miss the final two Euro 2012 qualifiers for Northern Ireland.

Hopefully, the groin injury will clear up soon so that Hughes can resume Premier League duties for Fulham, preferably alongside Brede Hangeland at the heart of our defence!



Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=257803#ixzz1Zt5mKam4

[WhiteJC]

 
Reserves 6-2 Norwich

Marcello Trotta stole the show once more as his four goals helped Fulham to a comfortable 6-2 defeat of Norwich City.

A frantic opening period saw Josh Passley make an expertly timed tackle to deny Jamar Loza a certain goal, while both Alex Kacaniklic and Cauley Woodrow missed golden opportunities to put their side in front inside the first five minutes.

Norwich responded positively, but in soaking up the early pressure it was Fulham that took the lead when Trotta sent a looping header over Remi Matthews from Kacaniklic's cross on 10 minutes.

Sam Kelly then drew a decent save from Csaba Somogyi from the edge of the box as City sought an equaliser, while Loza also went close with a low drive from the angle.

The visitors certainly impressed in patches, but once more it was Trotta who proved the difference, with the Italian striker taking the deftest of touches from another inviting cross from the left and smashing home in devastating fashion on the half hour mark.

As the Whites asserted themselves further Kacaniklic saw a shot well blocked, while Trotta went close to his and Fulham's third, but saw his header arrow over the bar from Tom Donegan's well-flighted corner.

Clearly disappointed with his miss Trotta was smiling again moments later. Having been felled by George Francomb in the box, the striker saw his resulting spot-kick saved but in reacting quickest to the rebound tapped home to complete his hat-trick.

Loza pulled one back for Norwich six minutes into the second-half when pouncing on Alex Smith's loose back pass and slipping the ball beyond the advance of Somogy, while Harry Toffolo tried his luck from distance.

At the other end another moment of hesitancy at the back allowed Fulham to break through again with Kerim Frei picking the pocket of Francomb and beating Matthews with a cool low finish on 60 minutes.

Five minutes later Trotta made it 5-1 when accelerating through the City defence and striking a left footed effort across the visiting 'keeper and into the far corner for another fine demonstration in finishing.

Half chances fell for both sides soon after, but it was the hosts that showed their ability in front of goal once more when Donegan volleyed in from Kacaniklic's arching delivery to complete an entertaining evening with seven minutes left on the clock.

Norwich did grab a second in injury time, but by that point the damage had long been inflicted as Billy McKinlay's side impressed once more, making it three wins from five Barclays Premier Reserve League South games.


Fulham DS: Somogyi; Dean, Burn, Passley (Donegan 38), A Smith; Harris, Gecov, Frei, Kacaniklic; Trotta (Pritchard 83), Woodrow (Altman 71). (Subs): Bettinelli, Minkwitz

Norwich City Reserves: Matthews; Brindley, Francomb, McKenzie, Toffolo; Dobbs (Hall-Johnson 70), Clunan, Florence (McGeehan 71), Dawkin; Loza (Murphy 78), Kelly. (Sub): Peacock



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/October/ReservesResult.aspx?#ixzz1Zt6BqCA5

[WhiteJC]

 
Rangers Ruined By Firing Fulham

The new look wheels came well and truly off the Warnock's new look car at Craven Cottage on Sunday afternoon as Rangers were comprehensively hammered by Fulham. The home side played very well, the away side couldn't have played much worse but in the end Rangers didn't deserve to be beaten by six goals; it should have been ten!

Warnock was forced to change his side with Traore suspended and his would be replacement Connolly going down with injury in training on Saturday. Hall apparently injured himself in the warm up but still played. Actually played might be overstating it, let's settle on took the field. Kenny was in goal behind a reshaped back four of Orr, Hall, Ferdinand and Young. Barton, Derry and Faurlin were in midfield with Wright-Phillips and Taarabt supporting Bothroyd. Jamie Mackie was named on the bench for the first time since smashing his leg up against Blackburn in January.

Rangers managed the first effort of the game as Wright-Phillips found space and saw a deflected effort claimed by Schwarzer. When play switched to the other end, the Rangers custodian didn't do nearly as well. Dembele found space on the edge of the box, space that was freely available to him and Dempsey all afternoon, and fired in a low shot that Kenny saved. Instead of pushing the ball wide he deflected it straight to Andy Johnson who fired home to give the home side the lead with less than 90 seconds on the clock. Poor keeping and also poor reactions from the defence who didn't think as quickly as Johnson.

Rangers had Hall to thank for keeping it at 1-0 minutes later when Kenny allowed a cross past him and Hall had to hook it acrobatically off the line. That was as good as it got for Hall whose performance for the rest of the afternoon was abject along with so many of his colleagues. Orr was next to clear one off the line after Johnson picked out Dempsey who'd been allowed to run into the box without any midfielder tracking him. The Rangers right back was perfectly positioned to clear the danger. Orr was the pick of the performers on the day.

It proved to only a stay of execution as Rangers shot themselves in the foot minutes later. A hopeful ball over the top looked to be easy enough for Hall to deal with and he should have launched it into the crowd. Instead Kenny came out and got involved, Hall hesitated, Johnson didn't and he nipped in. As he got the ball Kenny cleaned him out for a nailed on penalty. Danny Murphy took the kick and fired it high past the hapless keeper.

Rangers were seeing plenty of the ball but were just shifting it back and forth across the pitch and couldn't find the penetrating pass they needed. Bothroyd was statuesque up front, the good link play we had seen from him in recent games was sadly lacking. Zamora and Johnson were a total contrast with their willingness to run the channels and show for the ball constantly. The R's midfield was totally out of the game and offering little protection to the overworked Orr and Young.

Six minutes before the break Fulham scored their third and once again they were gifted it by rank bad defending. Riise and Dempsey were allowed to work the ball into the box, it was fired across the six yard box and an unmarked Johnson tapped home for his second of the game. There can't have been three softer goals conceded in a game anywhere in the country that weekend.

Half time couldn't come quickly enough. Warnock made two changes with Smith and Campbell replacing Derry and Taarabt. In truth, and to borrow a well worn line from Bob that used to sit in front of us in the Upper Loft, if the 4th official had held up 11 they'd have all walked off! The change in personnel also saw a change to 4-4-2 as he tried to match Fulham up and stifle some of the space in midfield. It didn't work.

Wright-Phillips shot wide and Faurlin then forced a comfortable save from Schwarzer before normal service was resumed. Zamora was allowed to advance into acres of space unmolested before testing Kenny with a shot that he turned past the post. On the hour mark goal number four arrived and would it surprise you to hear that the defending was pub standard once again. Having conceded a free kick Rangers switched off completely, Murphy slipped the ball to the unmarked Johnson and he fired past Kenny for the easiest hat-trick of his life. The only surprise was that Kenny, Ferdinand and Hall didn't tie a bow round the loving match ball for him!

The fifth followed soon after and once again, the defending was below par. A ball was knocked over the top of Orr and Johnson moved into the space whilst Hall stood off him and let him run. He cut the ball back into the box where Dempsey arrived to slot it past Kenny. This had gone from sloppy to humiliating at a rate of knots.

Warnock made his final change when he sent Mackie on for Bothroyd. It was little more than a fitness exercise in truth. The damage already done was beyond repair. Mackie hadn't even seen the ball when number six hit the net. Dempsey found Zamora who, and it may shock you to hear this, was unmarked in the box, and he fired the ball home. That was enough for me and I made for Putney Bridge station and the solace of a cold pint.

The stats for the game would seem to indicate that Rangers were well in this, they weren't. From first whistle to the time I bolted they were second best in every single department. The keeper had a shocker, the back four were all over the place more often than not, the midfield were ineffective and the attack anonymous. If Rangers play as badly as this again in all departments again I will be surprised, and worried! Lessons have to be taken from this from players and management alike.

The only people that come away from the game with any credit are the Rangers travelling support who were a credit to the club throughout. Whilst the home fans sat quietly for the most part despite the hiding their team were handing out, the R's support was raucous throughout, if only their enthusiasm and passion had been matched by the players.

Bradley Orr
Not an easy game to pick a stand out performer from as there wasn't one. Orr was the pick of a verypoor bunch. Two timely first half interceptions probably prevented the score being even worse.

Kenny – 5; Orr – 6, Hall – 4; Ferdinand – 5, Young – 5; Barton – 4, Derry – 4 (Smith – 5), Faurlin – 5; Wright-Phillips – 5; Bothroyd – 4 (Mackie – 5); Taarabt – 5 (Campbell – 5)




http://www.qprnet.com/index.php/match-reports/216-report-fulhama?

[WhiteJC]

 
More rumours of unrest in the Fulham Camp
by LYDIA on OCTOBER 4, 2011

After talks of a bust up between Jol and Zamora before Sundays game, The Sun seems to want to keep the story going for a bit longer by writing that Jol is facing a backlash from the senior players after reportedly fining Kasami £5oo last week. According to reports, Kasami was fined after taking the penalty against Chelsea in the Carling Cup and missing. Although this seems that he is being fined because he missed the kick, it was actually because Orlando Sa was the designated kicker so he has went against the managers wishes. However, I don't think we can take anything too seriously whenever the source is from an unnamed 'Fulham insider'. It was the same thing after the reports of the Fulham-Jol bust up- there was no name given in the article about who said these things. The way the players came out and played on Sunday seems to show that there is no issue between Jol and the players so I think it is just paper talk.

To be fair to Jol, if he has fined Kasami an extremley small amount of money (for a PL footballer of course. As a student, £500 seems like a momentous amount!) for going directly against his instructions then I think that he has the right to do so! This is a matter of disipline, not a punishment for not scoring!



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/10/more-rumours-of-unrest-in-the-fulham-camp/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Six of the Best

Six of the best this week
If you want to show off your Fulham loyalty to your friends look no further than the brand new 2011/12 Third Kit. Worn by your heroes on match days and displaying Fulham's greatest ever player, Johnny Haynes, in a striking gold, this is without doubt a highly popular item for all Fulham fans and is available now!

Alternatively, stick to your colours and wear the white 2011/12 Fulham Home Shirt with pride. A simple and classic design with the bold Fulham logo, there is no better way to highlight your passion for London's oldest professional club.

Thinking of dusting down the old football boots and getting back out on the pitch for a kick about? If so, do it professionally and wear the Fulham Football Club black training shirt. Ideal for playing football, comfortable and athletic, you'll feel like one of the stars and impress all your team mates.

Off the field you may want to impress the family, and there is no better way to do this than with a personalised Fulham Mug. Jazz-up your tea or coffee and ensure everyone keeps their hands off your mug, or show everyone you are definitely Fulham's number one fan!

Or spice up your headwear with a trendy Fulham Sports Cap, available in both black and white so perfectly suitable for all home and away occasions!

Check out the coolest bag around! Send your children to school with a Billy the Badger lunch bag, making sure their food is kept safe! Everyone's favourite mascot is back, and is available to protect your sandwiches for just £9.99.

These are without doubt six of the best, and are available NOW in the Fulham Football Club store and online.





Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/October/Newinthisweekoctober.aspx#ixzz1Zt8CZGl2

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham FC targeting experienced Portuguese winger

Fulham FC manager Martin Jol is believed to have pinpointed the experienced Hannover 96 winger Sergio Pinto as he looks to add more width to his current squad.

The 30 year old has featured for Hannover since transferring from Aachen in 2007 making 108 appearances in midfield although he did feature as a forward for Aachen at the time. Pinto has already played eight times this season, finding the net on one occasion but assisting twice.

At his current age it is unlikely that the Bundesliga club will allow him to leave the club on a loan period alone and Fulham may find that they would have to stump up a full transfer fee. He is currently valued around the £3m mark and whilst enquiries are believed to be at a very early stage, there is the possibility that Pinto could move as early as January.

Jol has targeted a few players since arriving at the club at the beginning of June although he may not have made as many signings as he will have liked. Whilst Pinto's age may be a concern he would compliment the likes of Bobby Zamora and Bryan Ruiz from out wide. Should Fulham go ahead with an offer they may be required to offload a player who is deemed surplus to requirements.



http://www.footybunker.com/fulham-fc-targeting-experienced-portuguese-winger/12194

[WhiteJC]

 
EXCLUSIVE: Martin Jol fines HIMSELF over Carling Cup penalty-kick row

Martin Jol has fined HIMSELF in a bizarre twist to the Fulham penalty-kick row.

Jol angered several of his senior pros by fining rookie Swiss midfielder Pajtim Kasami for missing a spot-kick.

The 19-year-old fluffed his penalty during normal time in Fulham's Carling Cup defeat to Chelsea.

And Jol hit Kasami with a £500 fine because Orlando Sa is the designated taker. Mirror Sport understands, however, that although Jol had told Sa that he was on penalty duty, the Dutchman had not told any of his other players.

As such, he subsequently informed his stunned stars that he would be fining himself as well.

It is the latest odd twist in a number of tales emerging from Craven Cottage suggesting Jol is struggling to keep control of the dressing room.

Some players describe the former Spurs boss as "arrogant" while others are upset that Jol appeared to damn Andy Johnson with faint praise after the striker's two goals in the Europa League against Odense last Thursday.

Jol said after that match: "He is top scorer in Europe if you count qualification matches too. He was a handful.

"He hasn't done it in the league but sometimes you have to give him the opportunities too."

Winger Damien Duff is understood to be unhappy at not having played any part of Sunday's 6-0 win over QPR.



Read more: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Fulham-boss-Martin-Jol-has-fined-HIMSELF-over-Chelsea-Carling-Cup-penalty-kick-row-EXCLUSIVE-article808141.html#ixzz1ZtAqdjxQ
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[WhiteJC]

 
Trotta's Dream

Marcello Trotta

Forward
Age:19
Time at club: 4 years
Height: 185cm
Weight: 80kg

"He's single-minded and fully focused on being as good a player as he can possibly be. He's dedicated his life to being a top player, and he's moving in the right direction to make that happen." Academy Manager Kit Symons

On Sunday afternoon at Craven Cottage, striker Marcello Trotta was presented with an award for Fulham Academy Scholar of the Year following another sensational campaign last year. On Tuesday night Trotta followed that up with four goals in the Reserves 6-2 victory over Norwich City at Motspur Park.

The 19-year-old has made a huge impact at Fulham ever since he made the bold step of leaving Italy for England five years ago, and his goals last term fired the under-18s to unprecedented success.

But, possessing an admirable work ethic and a passionate drive to succeed, he knows the work is only just beginning as he makes the step up to the Development Squad on a regular basis and strives to reach his ultimate goal of representing the Fulham First Team.

Introducing Marcello Trotta:

Being named Academy Scholar of the Year is a proud achievement for me

. It's the best and only award I can get at this age and it shows that the coaches like the way I play. It's a reward that makes me feel very happy with myself after what was a good season.

Last year really was a good one for the under-18s. But that was down to everyone, who worked so hard. This Club had never won the league before, so we achieved something very special. I enjoyed it every time I played, and every day you just wanted to play more and more and more.

There were a few highlights. But none of us will forget the last game of the league season. We needed to win to take the league title, but we were 3-0 down at half-time and thinking that everything we had worked for all year was going to be for nothing. But we came back to win 5-3 and as a result we won the title. That was amazing.

Now I make the next step up to the Development Squad. As a player you always think you're ready for the next level, but you have to go out and prove it on the pitch. So I was pleased to score five goals in one game, against Bolton recently. I hadn't scored a Premier Reserve League goal before that, so it gave me a lot of confidence. Now I'm looking forward to the next games.

Us younger players have been very encouraged by Martin Jol's arrival at the Club. He seems to be looking at us more than previous managers, and he's always trying to get us involved with the First Team. Every time we train with him he gives us advice. As a young player, he's exactly the kind of Manager you want, because it inspires you to always do your best, and he tells you what you need to improve to be better.

Already we have seen that he is happy to give players a chance, regardless of their age. If he thinks you're ready he will push you into the First Team, because he knows that is the only way to prepare us for the Premier League every week, and why not? We have some very good young players here. A few have already been given a chance, and we'd all like to be the next. That is the ultimate goal, but my target for now is just to be involved in the First Team environment, fight for my place and prove myself as much as possible.

As a striker, scoring goals is my life. I've scored more than 25 in each of the past two seasons and every one of them has made me feel so happy, knowing that I'm making a big contribution to the team.

So the dream is to do it at Craven Cottage. I've scored here for the under-18s, and even that made me feel so nice, so I can't imagine what it must be like to score here for the First Team in a Premier League game. That would be amazing, with everyone shouting your name because maybe you've won the game for your team. I can't describe how that would feel, but hopefully I will get to experience it before too long.




Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/October/ThroughTheRanks.aspx?#ixzz1Zv4qZI7W

[WhiteJC]

 
Jones feared for under-strength QPR

Assistant manager Mick Jones has revealed he feared QPR were in line for a thrashing at Fulham in the build-up to Sunday's 6-0 defeat.

Rangers were without the injured Danny Gabbidon and their defensive options were further limited when Matt Connolly, who was to replace the banned Armand Traore, suffered a twisted ankle on the eve of the game.

That prompted Jones, who had watched Fulham ahead of the match, to tell R's boss Neil Warnock he believed Rangers could be heading for trouble.

"I have to say I was a bit fearful and I made those feelings known to Neil," Jones told West London Sport.

"Everything that could go wrong was going wrong for us and I'd seen Fulham and felt if they played both Andy Johnson – who was on fire in their previous game – and Bobby Zamora,  as well as Clint Dempsey and Moussa Dembele, then we might have a problem.

"It was the first time this season all four of those started for Fulham, and we'd had a terrible couple of days going into the match. So it was was the perfect time for Fulham and the worst possible time for us.

"For one reason or another Johnson and Zamora hadn't been playing together, and with the problems we were experiencing going into the game I was fearful of what might happen if they played.

"Unfortunately my fears were realised when they scored in the first couple of minutes and when they scored the second I was thinking 'we could be in for a long, hard afternoon here.'

"There's no problem picking the players up after that because they know the situation we found ourselves in."

Rangers hope Gabbidon will recover from a hamstring problem in time for their next match, at home to Blackburn on 15 October.

Traore will be available for that game and the international break should help Fitz Hall, who played at Fulham despite complaining of a hamstring strain shortly before kick-off.

Jones admitted: "Usually after a bad defeat you want to play again as soon as possible, but in this case the break has come at the right time for us.

"We need that time to get some of those lads fit again and raring to go for the next game. We'll be okay."

Traore will be hit with a fine – part of which will probably be suspended until next year – for his recent sending-off against Aston Villa.

Warnock was furious with the left-back after his late dismissal for a second bookable offence, branding the Traore "a disgrace."

But Warnock was not fazed by Adel Taarabt's reaction to being substituted at the weekend.

Taarabt did not stick around after being told he was being taken off at half-time, but will not face any disciplinary action and Jones has dismissed reports of discontent in the Rangers camp caused by the Moroccan's behaviour.

Jones said: "It's all a load of absolute rubbish, it really is. We're perfectly fine with the situation – it's people outside who have made an issue of it. It's a total non-issue.

"Armand, now he left us in the lurch and you can't do that and expect to not be fined. I think Armand will be a top player but he's got to learn from that. He won't do it again, I'll tell you that."




http://www.westlondonsport.com/qpr/jones-feared-for-under-strength-qpr/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham star set for PFA talks


Fulham's Brede Hangeland will hold talks with the PFA to try and diffuse a row brewing between the squad and boss Martin Jol.
The Dutchman fined Swiss youngster Pajtim Kasami £500 for missing a penalty against Chelsea in last month's Carling Cup defeat at Stamford Bridge.

The 19-year-old took the spot-kick ahead of designated taker Orlando Sa but hit the bar, with the Cottagers going on to lose the shoot-out 4-3.

The decision to fine Kasami has angered several of his team-mates, despite Jol later fining himself for not communicating the decision to discipline the player properly to the rest of the squad.

In a bid to resolve the issue PFA representative Bobby Barnes has revealed he will hold talks with Fulham skipper Hangeland.

"I will bring it up with Brede. I've never heard of anything like this before and it could set a dangerous precedent," said Barnes.

"Managers issue instructions before games but players will make decisions during a match.

"What if a player is supposed to stand in the wall at a free-kick and then ducks out of the way of the ball?

"If the opposition score would he be punished too?'




http://www.eatsleepsport.com/fulham/fulham-star-set-for-pfa-talks-1304013.html?#.ToxxKc3yBqw

[WhiteJC]

 
Kasami Slams Reports

Following recent media speculation surrounding Fulham midfielder Pajtim Kasami, the Swiss U21 international has spoken out to defend Manager Martin Jol whilst on international duty.

On Monday, a national newspaper reported that Kasami had been fined for his penalty miss against Chelsea in the Carling Cup, causing unrest in the Fulham camp. Kasami was quick to dismiss such suggestions whilst taking responsibility for his actions at Stamford Bridge.

"In the heat of the battle at Stamford Bridge I felt confident that I could score when we were awarded a penalty against Chelsea," Kasami explained. "I wasn't fully aware that Orlando Sa was the designated penalty taker for this game, and it was my desire to help my Team that resulted in me stepping forward.

"In hindsight I made the wrong decision and I apologised to the Manager immediately after the game, and we agreed it was a miscommunication.

"Any subsequent action taken against me is a confidential matter between me and the Manager, and I am satisfied with the outcome and have no issues about it.

"As for this matter causing any unrest in the camp, these reports are utter rubbish and I am most disappointed that after such a fantastic win on Sunday, this story is making the wrong kind of headlines."

Brede Hangeland also expressed his disappointment at being used in the story saying: "I haven't even spoken to Pajtim about this, so it's news to me that I'll be discussing his fine with the PFA."



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/October/KasamiStatement.aspx?#ixzz1Zv63Ltc4

[WhiteJC]

 
Johnson strikes impress Jol

Fulham manager Martin Jol set his sights on tying Andrew Johnson down to a new contract after he proved the matchwinner at Odense on Thursday.

The 30-year-old's brace helped the Cottagers end an eight-game winless run and secure three points in Group K of the Europa League at the Odense Stadion.

Johnson, from Bedford, whose contract expires at the end of the season, broke the deadlock with a strike that snuck under goalkeeper Stefan Wessels, before netting a neat curling effort with two minutes to go.

"He is top scorer in Europe if you count qualification matches too. He was a handful," said Jol.

He added: "He hasn't done it in the league but sometimes you have to give him the opportunities too.

"The second goal was unbelievable. The ball was high and he took it on his shoe. It was amazing. It came from nothing.

"We have offered him another two years so there is a lot of confidence in him.

"Sometimes it's better to start talking in December or January. Andy is a good boy and a good worker. He has one year left and hopefully we can change that. If not, it is in his hands. He is a team player and will give you his all.

Many Odense fans felt the 2-0 defeat was harsh given the balance of possession and manager Henrik Clausen was also frustrated by the result.

"The situation in the group is where you'd expect it to be with Fulham and Twente the favourites," he said. "I saw a lot of opportunities to get a point but we didn't so that decreases our chances of going through.

"But there's a long way until December 14 and we still have two home games. Plus if we have a good day at Fulham we still have a chance to go through and I will be very happy."



http://www.bedfordshire-news.co.uk/Sport/Football/Johnson-strikes-impress-Jol-30092011.htm?

[WhiteJC]

 
No unrest at Fulham: Kasami sets the record straight over penalty fine

Fulham midfielder Pajtim Kasami has denied reports that his penalty miss and apparent £500 fine by boss Martin Jol have caused unrest among the squad.

Defender Brede Hangeland has also dismissed any idea that he plans to talk to the PFA about the matter.

Reports on Monday suggested manager Jol was facing dressing-room unrest over his decision to fine 19-year-old Swiss midfielder for missing a spot kick in the Carling Cup game against Chelsea when he was not the designated penalty taker.


Paying the penalty: Pajtim Kasami saw his spot-kick come back off the bar

Portuguese striker Orlando Sa was supposed to be on penalty duty that night, but Kasami took the spot kick, which he hit against the bar.

Kasami, who is away on international duty with the Switzerland U21 team, moved to set the record straight over the incident

He said: 'In the heat of the battle at Stamford Bridge I felt confident that I could score when we were awarded a penalty against Chelsea,'


No problem: Kasami says there is no unrest in the Fulham camp after his penalty miss


No talks: Brede Hangeland has denied he is due to speak to the PFA's Bobby Barnes about the matter

'I wasn't fully aware that Orlando Sa was the designated penalty taker for this game, and it was my desire to help my Team that resulted in me stepping forward.

'In hindsight I made the wrong decision and I apologised to the manager immediately after the game, and we agreed it was a miscommunication.

'Any subsequent action taken against me is a confidential matter between me and the Manager, and I am satisfied with the outcome and have no issues about it.

'As for this matter causing any unrest in the camp, these reports are utter rubbish and I am most disappointed that after such a fantastic win on Sunday, this story is making the wrong kind of headlines.'

Hangeland, who was reported to be meeting Bobby Barnes from the PFA to discuss the issue, denied the reports, he said: 'I haven't even spoken to Pajtim about this, so it's news to me that I'll be discussing his fine with the PFA.'



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2045575/Pajtim-Kasami-sets-record-straight-penalty-fine-Fulham.html#ixzz1Zv6g5HZO

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham unrest played down by players

Pajtim Kasami has rubbished reports of unrest in the Fulham camp and leapt to the defence of manager Martin Jol.

It was reported earlier this week that the 19-year-old summer signing had been reprimanded by Jol for his penalty miss against Chelsea in the Carling Cup last month.

Kasami was reportedly fined £500 for the incident, which subsequently led to unrest within the Fulham team.

The Switzerland Under-21 international has today moved to quash such speculation and apologised to Jol for his actions at Stamford Bridge.

"In the heat of the battle at Stamford Bridge I felt confident that I could score when we were awarded a penalty against Chelsea," he told www.fulhamfc.com.

"I wasn't fully aware that Orlando Sa was the designated penalty taker for this game, and it was my desire to help my team and that resulted in me stepping forward.

"In hindsight I made the wrong decision and I apologised to the manager immediately after the game, and we agreed it was a miscommunication.

"Any subsequent action taken against me is a confidential matter between me and the manager, and I am satisfied with the outcome and have no issues about it.

"As for this matter causing any unrest in the camp, these reports are utter rubbish and I am most disappointed that after such a fantastic win on Sunday, this story is making the wrong kind of headlines."

Fulham defender Brede Hangeland also expressed his disappointment at the story, adding on the club's official website: "I haven't even spoken to Pajtim about this, so it's news to me that I'll be discussing his fine with the PFA."

Jol's relationship with Fulham players has come under increasing scrutiny in recent times and last week he was forced to play down talk of a bust-up with Bobby Zamora.




http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/fulham-unrest-played-down-by-players-2365889.html?

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Fulham bust-up dismissed
Kasami apologies to Jol for penalty miss at Stamford Bridge


Pajtim Kasami has described reports of a breakdown in relationships within the Fulham dressing room as 'utter rubbish'.

The 19-year-old was rumoured to have been fined £500 by boss Martin Jol for his penalty miss against Chelsea in the Carling Cup last month.

It was then alleged there was subsequent unrest within the Fulham team and last week Jol was forced to play down talk of a bust-up with Bobby Zamora.
But Switzerland Under 21 international Kasami has moved to quash such speculation and has apologised to Jol for his actions at Stamford Bridge.

"In the heat of the battle at Stamford Bridge, I felt confident that I could score when we were awarded a penalty against Chelsea," he told Fulham's official website.

Wrong decision

"I wasn't fully aware that Orlando Sa was the designated penalty taker for this game, and it was my desire to help my team and that resulted in me stepping forward.

"In hindsight, I made the wrong decision and I apologised to the manager immediately after the game, and we agreed it was a miscommunication.

"Any subsequent action taken against me is a confidential matter between me and the manager, and I am satisfied with the outcome and have no issues about it.

"As for this matter causing any unrest in the camp, these reports are utter rubbish and I am most disappointed that after such a fantastic win on Sunday, this story is making the wrong kind of headlines."

Fulham defender Brede Hangeland also expressed his disappointment at the story, as he said: "I haven't even spoken to Pajtim about this, so it's news to me that I'll be discussing his fine with the PFA."




http://www.skysports.com/story/0,,11681_7225913,00.html?

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Fulham's Pajtim Kasami rubbishes claims of unrest in Martin Jol's dressing room
Pajtim Kasami has dismissed reports of unrest in the Fulham camp and leapt to the defence of manager Martin Jol.


All fine at the Cottage: Macedonian defender Patjim Kasami says the dressing room at Fulham
remains harmonious Photo: GETTY IMAGES

It was reported earlier this week that the 19-year-old summer signing had been reprimanded by Jol for his penalty miss against Chelsea in the Carling Cup last month.

Kasami was reportedly fined £500 for the incident, which subsequently led to unrest within the Fulham team.
The Switzerland Under-21 international has today moved to quash such speculation and apologised to Jol for his actions at Stamford Bridge.

''In the heat of the battle at Stamford Bridge I felt confident that I could score when we were awarded a penalty against Chelsea,'' he told the club's website.

''I wasn't fully aware that Orlando Sa was the designated penalty taker for this game, and it was my desire to help my team and that resulted in me stepping forward.

''In hindsight I made the wrong decision and I apologised to the manager immediately after the game, and we agreed it was a miscommunication.

''Any subsequent action taken against me is a confidential matter between me and the manager, and I am satisfied with the outcome and have no issues about it.

''As for this matter causing any unrest in the camp, these reports are utter rubbish and I am most disappointed that after such a fantastic win on Sunday, this story is making the wrong kind of headlines.''

Fulham defender Brede Hangeland also expressed his disappointment at the story, adding on the club's official website: ''I haven't even spoken to Pajtim about this, so it's news to me that I'll be discussing his fine with the PFA.''

Jol's relationship with Fulham players has come under increasing scrutiny in recent times and last week he was forced to play down talk of a bust-up with Bobby Zamora.



http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/fulham/8808550/Fulhams-Pajtim-Kasami-rubbishes-claims-of-unrest-in-Martin-Jols-dressing-room.html

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BAIRD DEFENDS NIGEL WORTHINGTON

Northern Ireland's Chris Baird has launched a passionate defence of under-pressure manager Nigel Worthington.

Worthington's current contract expires at the end of the year and a decision on his future is not likely before the last two Euro 2012 qualifiers - at home to Estonia on Friday and against Italy in Pescara four days later - are out of the way.

The former Norwich boss has come in for criticism from some fans, which reached fever pitch when a series of abject defensive errors saw his side lose 4-1 in Tallinn last month to realistically end their play-off hopes.

Predecessor Lawrie Sanchez made some scathing comments about Worthington's tenure in the aftermath of that match, but since then a handful of players have gone on record with their support for the manager.

Baird today became the latest to stand behind Worthington, who has been in the job for four and a half years.

"A lot of guys have said they back Nigel and I'm one of them," Baird told Press Association Sport. "He has been fantastic for us. He has been great for our country and great for the players who have worked under him.

"He's always stuck by us and, personally, he backed me and picked me for big games. He has everyone's respect, he's a good coach and I back him."

If the chants of the travelling fans after defeat in Estonia are anything to go by, Worthington can expect to face at least some negativity at Windsor Park on Friday, but Baird has called for a measure of perspective.

"The fans know that it was three mistakes for three of the goals against Estonia and that's what really killed us," the Fulham man said.

"They aren't silly, they know it was one of those nights and I even thought we played well at times. Let's hope the fans come on Friday and get behind us."

Worthington himself has learned to cope with the pressures of international management since taking the reigns following Sanchez's departure midway through Euro 2008 qualifying.

It would take a highly improbable series of events in the final two rounds for Northern Ireland to leapfrog from fifth in the group to second, but he intends to retain his focus.

"(Criticism) is part and parcel of management," he told Sky Sports News. "We'll give it our best shot and more often than not that has stood us in good stead.

"It's all to play for. Yes it's uphill, but my belief is that we are positive. We have a lot to do but we'll look to go and do it."

Worthington has already lost three of his original 23-man squad for the Group C double header to injury, with Josh McQuoid (virus) and Jamie Ward (hamstring) joining Aaron Hughes, who has been denied a farewell appearance before retirement by a groin problem, in missing out.

Manchester United's Jonny Evans is also expected to miss the games.

The Red Devils are concerned about an ankle injury carried by the defender and kept him back for assessment.

He is not now expected to join his team-mates in Belfast, instead remaining in the north west to regain full fitness.

Evans, who played the full 90 minutes of United's win over Norwich at the weekend, missed the trip to Tallinn through suspension.



http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/11/10/05/SOCCER_N_Ireland_Nightlead.html&TEAMHD=soccer&BID=165