Monday Fulham Stuff (10/10/11)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Dempsey Seals Win

Clint Dempsey scored a superb goal for the United States against Honduras on Saturday to hand Jurgen Klinsmann his first victory in charge of the US national team.

The contest at the Sun Life Stadium in Miami may have only been a friendly but Dempsey is hoping the win over Honduras will mark the start of a winning streak that carries the US through to the 2014 World Cup Finals in Brazil.

"I didn't know if it was going to come through but I got a little bit lucky," said Dempsey of his 37th minute goal. "I tried to take it on my right foot but I saw it was going to get blocked. I pulled it back and tried to place it with my left foot. I couldn't have hit it any better.

"We didn't play our best in the first 20 minutes but I thought we found the game a little better in the last 20 minutes of the first half. There were difficult conditions for both teams with the wind and the pitch being a bit bumpy. We're happy to get our first win under the new manager and hopefully we can build on it.

"We put pressure on ourselves every game to do well. It's about us continuing to move forward and put us in a good position to qualify for the next World Cup. We have to figure out what our best 11 is and that's what these games are for. We're playing against competition we will see in qualifying. It's about us winning games and we want to win every one."



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/October/DempseyScoresInternational.aspx?#ixzz1aNP0fsks

[WhiteJC]

 
Euro Report

England secured their place at next summer's EURO 2012 Finals but only after relinquishing a two goal advantage in Podgorica as Montenegro came from behind to secure an historic 2-2 draw against Fabio Capello's side. (Group G).

Fulham's Bobby Zamora and David Stockdale, who were both included in Fabio Capello's travelling party, did not feature on Friday night as Montenegro took the plaudits for clinching a UEFA EURO 2012 play-off place thanks to Andrija Delibašić's added-time equaliser.

The Republic of Ireland secured a 2-0 away win over Andorra on Friday night to set up a decisive final Group B qualifier at home against Armenia on Tuesday evening. Giovanni Trapattoni's men know they will at least guarantee second place, and a play-off spot, by avoiding defeat against third-placed Armenia in Dublin on Tuesday.

Fulham's Damien Duff played 75 minutes in Andorra whilst Stephen Kelly was an unused substitute. Kevin Doyle and Aiden McGeady scored the goals that secured all three points for the Irish on Friday night.

Northern Ireland's Euro 2012 dream has ended after a 2-1 defeat to Estonia at Windsor Park. Estonia came from behind against Nigel Worthington's team to move into a play-off place in Group C courtesy of two goals from substitute Konstantin Vassiljev.

Fulham's Chris Baird played the full 90 minutes for Northern Ireland as Aaron Hughes missed out on a final international appearance due to injury. Hughes announced his retirement from international football at the end of the Northern Ireland's qualifying campaign to focus on his club career with Fulham.

Philippe Senderos' Euro 2012 dreams were also shattered on Friday night as Switzerland were beaten 2-0 by Wales as the Swiss finished the game with ten men at the Liberty Stadium. Senderos did not feature in Switzerland's match day squad as Montenegro secured the Group G play-off place.

Mousa Dembele's Belgium sealed a 4-1 win over Kazakhstan to lift Georges Leekens' side into second place in Group A, but Belgium must now win in Germany on Tuesday to be sure of a play-off place. Dembele played the full 90 minutes in Brussels.

Norway will be without their skipper, Brede Hangeland (suspended), for their final Euro 2012 Qualification match against Cyprus in Olso next Tuesday.

Norway are currently in third place in Group H, three points behind Denmark in second. John Arne Riise is expected to play for Norway against Cyprus as Denmark take on Portugal.



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/October/EuroReport.aspx?#ixzz1aNPLwE9H

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham plan Craven Cottage expansion



Premier League club Fulham plan to increase the capacity at their picturesque Craven Cottage ground from 25,700 to 30,000, officials said.
"Fulham has seen unprecedented success both on and off the pitch in recent years, and is now an established Premier League club, qualifying for European competitions and accommodating over 25,000 people on a regular basis," the club's chief executive Alistair Mackintosh said in a statement on their website.
"We are confident a redevelopment will improve the fans matchday experience...whilst remaining sympathetic to the design of this historic ground."
Fulham have played at the Cottage by the banks of the River Thames, regarded as one of the most attractive and traditional grounds in England, since 1896.
Last week Chelsea, who play at Stamford Bridge, two kilometres from Craven Cottage, said they were looking at options to move from the ground which has been their home since they were formed in 1905.



http://fourfourtwo.com/news/england/87584/default.aspx?

[Nick the Swede]

Fulham 6 QPR 0 – Martin Jol gets it right

[A week after THAT win against QPR our newest contributor shares his views on the team selection. Welcome to the HammyEnd team Joseph!]

In Fulham's previous games this season Martin Jol has tried some interesting and constructive, though far from wholly successful experiments with set-up, individual player's positions, and personnel. He can now be justly satisfied that for in this game almost all his tactical decisions and strategic ploys worked out. In particular he is to be congratulated on the following initiatives.

First, in abandoning the 4-2-3-1 very effectively deployed in the mid-week European game and reverting to 4-4-2. The new flexibility that Jol has introduced in adopting different systems so as to adapt to specific circumstances is very welcome.

Secondly, in choosing Andy Johnson and Bobby Zamora as the two front men. This was a far from obvious choice before the game. Although now the man in form, AJ had a hard game in mid week, and there were clearly other contenders. Despite seeming the classic English 'little and quick, with big and powerful' front two combination, AJ and Zamora have over the past three seasons started together on relatively few occasions, due to their respective injury and form problems.

Thirdly, in playing Mousa Dembele on the right of midfield, and Clint Dempsey on the left with licence to get central and forward. I do believe that this is the most effective positioning for both these gifted ballplayers. Dembele is a most exciting player. At his best his rapid change of pace and direction whist retaining close control of the ball, distinctly reminds me of Charlie Cook, (for post baby boomers, he is the great Chelsea Anglo-Scots player of the 1960's.) However he is not an out and out striker, as has been previously tried. Dempsey can be a very brave and effective loan striker, though he is better used as an attacking midfielder.

Fourthly, in sticking with the Hangeland / Baird axis as central defenders. (The Hangeland and Senderos combination used in some earlier games just did not work. With this we even saw some uncharacteristic mistakes on the part of the usually immaculately safe Hangeland.) I do believe that the best potential combination remains the time tested partnership of Hangeland and Hughes. (Baird possibly doesn't have the physical stature to make a regular central defender for all occasions. Lescott was on occasion able to boss him aside in the game against Man City). Baird would be my right (or utility left) back of choice, even though Grygera is a real find as a right back.
Fifthly, in combining Danny Murphy with Steve Sidwell in central midfield. Danny again had a superb game. He is that rare talent, what the Italian's call a "register", a type of playmaker who by his distribution and positioning can rule a game. Murphy aided and abetted by Sidwell, did control the midfield and direct this game. (Jol has also learnt, as did Sparky in the second half of last season, to substitute Murphy in the last quarter before he starts to fade.)

Sixthly, I would like to think that the decision that Baird and Riise should take the goal kicks resulted from a positive tactical decision, and not from any injury problem on the part of the goal keeper. Schwartzer is a truly great goalkeeper, arguably the best in the premiership at picking balls out of the air in difficult situations. If he has a weakness it is in some of his distribution which is not always optimum, particularly from goal kicks. Baird is a soccer artilleryman very much suited to taking goal kicks. (It does make me nostalgic to see a fullback taking gaol kicks. I recall that Tony Macedo, Fulham's goalkeeper in my youth, often ceded this duty to his fullback Jim Langley.)
Lastly, one slight disappointment, in that Jol did not persist with using Mathew Briggs at left back. This season Briggs has shown real potential as a genuine wing-back of quality, (although I was not convinced by Jol's experiment in the early European games to try him as a left winger.) Brigg's performance against Chelsea was particularly impressive. Briggs has real pace, unlike Riise, who although a consummate professional, is now appreciably less quick than in the days of his pomp with Liverpool.

So let us hear it for the new manager, who has been brave enough to try things out, and also got things right...................at least for this Derby game.

Josephus
3.10.2011

http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/10/fulham-6-qpr-0-martin-jol-gets-it-right/

[WhiteJC]

 
Rangers keen on strike pair

QPR are reportedly plotting a double raid on Fulham for strike duo Bobby Zamora and Andrew Johnson.

Zamora is rumoured to have had a bust-up with Cottagers boss Martin Jol and speculation is rife that he is considering putting in a transfer request in the wake of a blazing row with the Dutchman in training.

The England international has been a key figure for Fulham over the last years under the management of Roy Hodgson and Mark Hughes, but talk of unrest may play into the hands of Rangers boss Neil Warnock.

Johnson who netted a hat-trick against Warnock's team in last weekend's 6-0 win for the Cottagers, has been locked in contract talks with the club recently as his existing deal is set to expire at the end of the season.

However, it's understood those negotiations have stalled due to a disagreement over the length of the agreement on offer.

Fulham are unwilling to give him a contract for more than 12 months because of his injury history, but Warnock has never been afraid of a gamble and could take advantage of the stand off in the new year.



http://www.clubcall.com/queens-park-rangers/rangers-keen-on-strike-pair-1306813.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
It's oh so quiet

The International break means there's little Fulham news to talk about. England did what they needed to do and qualified for Euro 2012 but the press had a field day over Rooney's sending off. How perfect for the British media that the man most in the spotlight should rise to the bait and give them something to write about. With hindsight I should have put a bit of money on it.

The interruption to league football must make it difficult for all league clubs to maintain momentum but it's probably still the best solution to fitting the fixtures in. It's frustrating though that we get hit by two pauses so early in the season. Meanwhile, the Rugby World Cup is in full swing down in New Zealand. Wayne Rooney might feel at home there, at least he'd have someone to share the burden of press admonishment. English clubs in the Aviva Premier League have, however, continued to play. Did it used to be like this in Football too? I know we didn't always have the long break in league football, but back then Fulham internationals were few and far between.

We've actually only got eight first teamers away so the club might not be completely devoid of life. Zamora & Stockdale didn't feature in the England game and with no mid-week match will be on their way home already. Damien Duff played 75 minutes in the 2-0 win over Andorra, whilst Stephen Kelly remained on the bench. They have their final qualifier in Dublin on Tuesday night. Chris Baird played 90 minutes in Northern Ireland's disappointing loss versus Estonia. Philippe Senderos picked up an injury in training so failed to play for the Swiss, Moussa Dembele saw 90 minutes in a 4-1 win for Belgium and only John Arne Riise will line-up for Norway against Cyprus as Brede Hangeland is suspended.

Despite this, I read that Martin Jol had returned to Holland for a brief break. I have visions of Motspur Park being like school when the headmaster isn't in and no-one has worked out exactly who's in charge. Lots of running in the corridors, kids playing practical jokes and the occasional fight.

If you're struggling to fill the gap left by a lack of Fulham then perhaps you might enjoy this
interview with Joey Barton on the BBC (apologies to overseas readers). You might not like him very much but I think he's a decent footballer and has a more interesting view of the game than many of his English peers.



http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2011/10/10/its-oh-so-quiet/?

[WhiteJC]

 
FULHAM AT HOME AT THE COTTAGE

Fulham have confirmed they are staying at Craven Cottage and have revealed plans that would see the ground's capacity increase to 30,000.

The stadium has been the Whites' home since 1896 and currently holds 25,700 after several refurbishment projects over the past decade.

Recent speculation suggested Fulham have been looking to move to a new stadium, and a potential ground share with west London neighbours QPR or Chelsea has also been reported.

However, the Cottagers have confirmed to Press Association Sport that no such talks have taken place with either club and that they intend to stay at a redeveloped Craven Cottage.

"Fulham has seen unprecedented success both on and off the pitch in recent years, and is now an established Barclays Premier League club, qualifying for European competitions and accommodating over 25,000 people on a regular basis," Fulham chief executive Alastair Mackintosh said.

"We are confident that a redevelopment will improve the fans matchday experience, and enhance our corporate offering, whilst remaining sympathetic to the design of this historic ground.

"Naturally our core family values, and the tradition of the football club, continue to be at the forefront of everything we do.

"This investment at Craven Cottage demonstrates yet again the chairman's continued ambition to see the club prosper and grow and to continue to compete at this level for many years to come.

"We are still in the very early stages of the planning process and will be holding a public exhibition in mid-October, where we would very much welcome people's thoughts on our initial ideas."

In information released today, Fulham revealed they are looking at ways to develop the Riverside Stand in order to increase the stadium's capacity up to 30,000.

The venue would also be subject to wider facility improvements and, as part of the consultation process, the club will begin speaking to residents, supporters and other interested groups from next week.

Fulham thought they had played their last match at Craven Cottage at the end of the 2001-02 campaign, spending the following season at QPR's Loftus Road with the intention of starting out a new stadium a year later.

Opposition to the proposal put paid to the process and spiralling costs eventually resulted in the Whites aborting plans for a new home.

Instead, the club invested money in refurbishment work to increase Craven Cottage's capacity to 25,700, while upgrading facilities.

Recent reports suggested Fulham have reignited their search for a new ground in west London and would be vying with neighbours QPR and Chelsea for suitable plots.

QPR chief executive officer Philip Beard said on Thursday that the club are looking to leave Loftus Road for a new stadium, preferably in the Shepherd's Bush area.

Chelsea have also hit the headlines as they consider stadium options.

The Blues this week made an offer to Chelsea Pitch Owners - most of whose shareholders are fans - for the stadium's freehold in what has been seen as a precursor to a move to a new 60,000-seater ground.




http://www.sportinglife.com/football/premiership/fulham/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/11/10/08/SOCCER_Fulham.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Riise eyes longer Pompey stay
Fulham midfielder Bjorn Helge Riise is enjoying life at Portsmouth and would be happy to extend his loan spell at the Championship club.

Riise has played two matches for Pompey since he moved to Fratton Park last month on a temporary deal which will expire in early November.

He told the club's official website: "Hopefully I can play my part while I'm here

"I want to do as well as possible during my time at Pompey and help the club climb the table.

"I want to play as many games as I can while I'm here. The only way I'm going to do that is by offering something on the pitch.

"If I can do that then hopefully I can stay at Pompey for longer, because I'm enjoying my time here."




http://www.football365.com/fulham/7233946/Riise-eyes-longer-Pompey-stay?