Monday Fulham Stuff (31/10/11)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Momo Diame Injured in Horror Challenge

Wigan Athletic not only lost their 8th consecutive game on Saturday when Fulham ran out 2-0 winners at the DW Stadium, but they also lost influential midfield man Momo Diame when a horror challenge from Steve Sidwell put paid to the Senegal international's afternoon.

Diame started the game brightly and was quickly identified by the visitors as the dangerman, Fulham right back Grygera upended Diame with a challenge and rightly received a booking on 10 minutes, just two minutes later Sidwell made no mistake as he scythed down Diame with a horrendous tackle worthy of a red card, to think that referee Mike Jones didn't even blow for a free-kick is quite unbelievable

Following lengthy treatment Diame tried to continue but was unable to and left the field to be replaced by James McArthur, I suppose from the Fulham point of view 'job done', lets just hope that Diame isn't too badly injured and can make a full recovery in time for Sundays trip to face Wolves.


Steve Sidwell gets his man


By permission of Bernard Platt/Wigan Athletic


Read more: http://www.wigan.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=260883#ixzz1cLF5dbi1

[WhiteJC]

 
Jol happy to see wheel of fortune turn in his favour
Wigan 0 Fulham 2

In an era where establishing a Premier League foothold has proved beyond the majority of promoted clubs, Fulham and Wigan deserve high praise for refusing to surrender their hard-earned elite status since securing it in 2001 and 2006 respectively.

The signs before this match were that, with this season's three newcomers all having started so promisingly, the losers would be installed among the favourites to make a return to the Championship next May.

Wigan proved the most unfortunate of fall guys as they, not Fulham, slipped into the relegation mire a quarter of the way into the campaign. Dominant they may have been, but ineffective they undoubtedly were as they continued an alarming losing habit of eight straight defeats in all competitions.

However there has been no vociferous dissatisfaction among the Wigan faithful towards Roberto Martinez – as there has been with Steve Kean up the road at Blackburn – who earlier this year banked a sizeable chunk of moral support when refusing to take the option of a move to Aston Villa.

If justice had been done on Saturday, Martinez and his deflated troops would have earned themselves vital breathing space in advance of what are potentially winnable fixtures against Wolves, Blackburn and Sunderland.

Gary Caldwell, Wigan's struggling captain, must shoulder much of the blame for this latest reverse, heading appallingly over the bar from inside the six-yard box in the first-half. That miss, along with another in the closing stages by the centre-back, emphasised the hard-luck stories brought about by Victor Moses and Maynor Figueroa striking the frame of the Fulham goal.

Martin Jol, manager of a Fulham side who had not won on this ground in 11 visits, appreciated that fortune prevailed a week after it deserted his side against Everton. Jol was grateful that Clint Dempsey extended his record against Wigan to six goals in nine meetings. A clinching second, also against the run of play by Moussa Dembele just before the end, flattered the visitors.



http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/jol-happy-to-see-wheel-of-fortune-turn-in-his-favour-6252821.html

[Oakeshott]

The guy should watch Sidwell's tackle on the Sky viewing of the match. As the commentator noted at the time, a crunching tackle but perfectly timed and fair. He clearly got the ball first, with the Wigan player unfortunatly injured by the subsequent collision.

[WhiteJC]

 
Australians abroad: Fulham's Mark Schwarzer denies Wigan, while Nikita Rukavytsya makes maiden Bundesliga start
It wasn't a weekend for Aussie goalscorers, however Sasa Ognenovski netted in Korea, while Ukraine-born Nikita Rukavytsya was handed his debut league start in Germany

Veteran Australian goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer came under pressure and made some fine saves but had a few worrying moments as Fulham won 2-0 at Wigan in the Premier League on Saturday.

Schwarzer, who turned 39 earlier this month, was forced into plenty of action by the Latics who were frustrated to see Clint Dempsey and Moussa Dembele score the only goals of the game despite having the bulk of the opportunities.

The Australian goalkeeper did well in the opening 45 to first deny David Jones, then brilliantly tip over a fine Ben Watson effort.

However, Schwarzer looked uneasy from a low cross from Victor Moses which he fumbled narrowly past the post, before Dempsey put the Cottagers ahead.

The Socceroo came under more pressure with Moses and Maynor Figueroa both hitting the woodwork before Dembele completed the victory which moves Fulham up to 15th.

Fringe Socceroo Nikita Rukavytsya was handed his debut Bundesliga start by Hertha coach Markus Babbel in the 3-2 victory at Wolfsburg on Saturday.

Rukavytsya, who netted in Hertha's midweek DFB-Pokal victory, was lively out wide for his team, whipping in a free-kick which was headed into the back of the net, but disallowed for offside.

The Australian also had a good chance on goal in the second half, when Sotiros Kyrgiakos' clearance rebounded into his direction but his effort was saved.

Rukavytsya was eventually replaced on 82 minutes but put in a busy display which may open up more first-team chances for him.

Tim Cahill (Everton): The Socceroos superstar was left out of the Toffees squad which lost 1-0 to champions Manchester United in Saturday's early kick-off. Cahill, who hasn't had a great start to the season, was out injured.

Chris Herd (Aston Villa): Villa boss Alex McLeish showed faith in him by giving him another start in the 2-2 draw with Sunderland on Saturday. Herd was sent off last week but the Villans successfully appealed the suspension during the week.

Vince Grella (Blackburn): Battling injury as missed the Rovers squad for the 3-3 draw with Norwich on Saturday.

Scott McDonald & Rhys Williams (Middlesbrough): McDonald's poor run in front of goal continued after spurning a great chance in Boro's 3-0 loss to Southampton in England's Championship on Saturday. McDonald rounded the keeper but shot wide on the stroke of half-time in the defeat. Williams played a full game while McDonald was replaced just past the hour mark.

Adam Federici (Reading): Kept another clean sheet, including a late save from a Mile Jedinak header, as Reading drew 0-0 with Crystal Palace.

Mile Jedinak (Crystal Palace): Saw his goalbound header saved by compatriot Federici in the goalless draw with the Royals.

Neil Kilkenny (Bristol City): Put in a full shift as the Robins claimed an important 2-1 victory over Barnsley.

Paddy Kisnorbo (Leeds United): Made his first appearance in six weeks as a 32nd-minute substitute in Leeds' 1-1 draw with Cardiff on Sunday.

Mathew Leckie (Borussia Monchengladbach): Didn't make the Foals squad for Saturday's 2-1 win over Hannover in Germany's Bundesliga despite being fit after injury.

Mitchell Langerak (Borussia Dortmund): After a midweek clean sheet in the DFB-Pokal, Langerak warmed the bench as Dortmund drew 1-1 with Stuttgart.

Robbie Kruse (Fortuna Dusseldorf): The young attacker made his second start for Fortuna and had a lively game, unselfishly setting up the fourth goal in the 5-2 win over FSV Frankfurt in Germany's 2.Bundesliga on Sunday.

Tommy Oar, Adam Sarota & Michael Zullo (FC Utrecht): Zullo put in a full shift, while Oar and Sarota were left on the bench by new Utrecht boss Jan Wouters, as they lost 3-1 to NEC Nijmegen in the Dutch Eredivisie on Sunday.

Brett Holman & James Holland (AZ Alkmaar): Both Aussies were absent as AZ stayed top of the pile in the Netherlands after a 1-0 win at Heracles on Sunday.

Carl Valeri (Sassuolo): Played a full game in the middle of the park as Sassuolo moved up to third in Serie B after a 1-0 win over his former club Grosseto on Saturday.

David Carney (Alcorcon): Didn't make the squad again as Alcorcon defeated Guadalajara 1-0 in Spain's Segunda Division on Saturday.

Luke Wilkshire (Dinamo Moscow): Put in a full shift as his side defeated Tom Tomsk 2-0 in Russia's Premier League on Sunday.

James Troisi (Kayserispor): Came off the bench on 75 minutes as Kayserispor lost 2-0 at home to Galatasaray in Turkey's Super Lig on Sunday.

Nathan Burns (AEK Athens): Didn't make the AEK squad which defeated Aris 3-0 in Greece's Super League on Sunday.

Brent McGrath (Brondby): Was an unused substitute as Brondby drew 1-1 with Aalborg in Denmark's Superliga.

Scott Chipperfield (FC Basel): Was a 61st-minute substitute in the 4-1 win over Grasshoppers in Switzerland's Super League.

Matt McKay (Rangers): Encouragingly made the Rangers bench, but didn't get a run, as they won 2-1 over Aberdeen in Scotland's Premier League on Saturday.

Ryan McGowan (Hearts): Wasn't involved as Hearts lost 1-0 at home to Kilmarnock.

Aaron Mooy (St Mirren): Still missing with a back problem as St Mirren won 1-0 at St Johnstone.

Kerem Bulut (Mlada Boleslav): Missed out as Mlada thrashed Sparta Prague 3-0 in Czech Republic's Gambrinus Liga on Saturday.

Steve Lustica & Ljubo Milicevic (Hajduk Split): Both did not play as Hajduk lost 2-1 at home to Inter Zapresic in Croatia's Prva HNL on Sunday.

Mark Bresciano (Al Nasr): Made his debut for Al Nasr as they lost 1-0 at home to Al Wahda on Saturday in UAE's Pro-League. Al Nasr are bottom of the league after three games.

Lucas Neill (Al Jazira): Played a full game as Al Jazira defeated Bani Yas 3-1 on Friday night, to move the champions into top spot.

Matthew Spiranovic (Urawa Red Diamonds): For the third consecutive game, Spiranovic was an unused sub as Urawa lost the J-League Cup final 1-0 to Kashima Antlers after extra-time on Saturday.

Mark Milligan (JEF United Chiba): Played a full game in defence as United slipped to another defeat, 1-0 at home to Tokushima Vortis in Japan's J2-League on Sunday. Fifth-placed United are winless in their past five matches.

Sasa Ognenovski (Seongnam Ilhwa): The big defender played a full game and scored Seongnam's 58th-minute goal which levelled things up, but they eventually lost 3-1 to Pohang Steelers in Korea's K-League on Sunday.

Luke DeVere (Gyeongnam FC): Put in a full shift as Gyeongnam's top six hopes ended after a disappointing 3-0 home loss to FC Seoul. Gyeongnam finished the season in eighth.

Robbie Cornthwaite (Chunnam Dragons): Wasn't available as Chunnam also missed the play-offs after a 1-1 draw with Jeonbuk Motors on Sunday. Chunnam finished seventh.

Iain Fyfe (Busan I'Park): The ex-Adelaide United defender was the only Aussie to make the Korean play-offs as Busan defeated Gangwon 2-0 to clinch fifth spot. Fyfe was an unused sub.

Dino Djulbic (Shaanxi Chanba): Came off the bench on 84 minutes to score a stoppage-time winner in the 3-2 victory over Joel Griffiths' Beijing Guoan in China's Super League on Saturday.



http://www.goal.com/en/news/1775/asian-editorials/2011/10/31/2735805/australians-abroad-fulhams-mark-schwarzer-denies-wigan-while?

[WhiteJC]

Fulham boss Jol: Dempsey as good as any winger in country

Fulham boss Martin Jol believes they have the best wide player in the Premier League.

Jol was delighted with USA international Clint Dempsey in victory over Wigan Athletic.

Jol claimed: "There's not another wide player on the left in England who will be more productive than Clint."

Dempsey became the joint-highest scoring American in Premier League history with Brian McBride on 36.



http://www.tribalfootball.com/articles/fulham-boss-jol-dempsey-good-any-winger-country-2019051?utm_source=taxonomy_landing_page

[WhiteJC]

 
Ibe rejects Fulham move
by DAN on OCTOBER 31, 2011



The Sun reports that teenage Wycombe striker Jordan Ibe has rejected a £100,000 move to Fulham because he has his sights set on joining a bigger club.

The 15 year-old scored his first senior goal for Wanderers on Saturday with a fine finish from 18 yards in the defeat by Sheffield Wednesday – before being booked for celebrating with his family. Ibe has been tracked by the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United and sees his future at one of the Premier League's top clubs.

The youngster has already had a trial at Melwood, where he impressed Kenny Dalglish, and is also being watched by scouts from Manchester City. He is Wycombe's youngest player since the club entered the Football League having made his senior debut aged 15 years and 244 days in a League Cup tie against Colchester in August. Saturday's game against Sheffield Wednesday was his first league start.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/10/ibe-rejects-fulham-move/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Schwarzer happy with home ground advantage

Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer has declared that his club "don't fear anyone" when they are at Craven Cottage.

The Cottagers have only suffered one loss at home this campaign and Schwarzer believes the reason is due the club's positive attitude at home.

"We don't fear anyone," the Australian international told talkSPORT.

"There are some teams out there with fantastic players and you've got to show teams the utmost respect but anything can happen and we give ourselves every opportunity of getting a result."

"That has been the case ever since I have been at the club, whoever came to play us at Craven Cottage we've always felt we were in with a chance."

Fulham will be hoping to build on this impressive home form when they face Wisla Krakow in their Europa League clash on Thursday before facing London rivals Tottenham on Sunday.



http://www.soccerway.com/news/2011/October/31/schwarzer-happy-with-home-ground-advantage/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Zamora's form admission
Striker not happy with his performance against Wigan

Fulham striker Bobby Zamora admits he needs to up his game if he is to force his way back into the England squad.

Zamora is hoping to stake his claim for a place in Fabio Capello's squad for next month's upcoming friendlies with Spain and Sweden and establish himself in the squad with a place up for grabs due to Wayne Rooney's three-match suspension.

Despite setting up the first goal in Fulham's 2-0 win at Wigan on Saturday, Zamora was not happy with his performance and feels he needs to do more to catch the eye of Capello.

Play better

"I certainly need to play a bit better than that to be anywhere near the squad," admitted Zamora.

"I did have an assist for the first goal, but I want to play better than that and I wasn't happy with my performance.

"I think goalscoring is what Fabio Capello is looking for in his strikers.

"You can work as hard as you like and the first season I came here, I did the role Moussa (Dembele) did today, which is sitting, screening and running around like a nutter.

"You don't get any credit for that sort of work unless you get a goal. That's what any striker is judged on and I know that's what I'll be judged on."



http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/7283121/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Cottage not big enough for starlet

Wycombe striker Jordan Ibe has reportedly snubbed a possible £100,000 switch to Fulham because he wants to join a bigger club.
The Cottagers have been heavily linked with the 15-year-old schoolboy, who has broken into the Wanderers' first-team this season and subsequently scored his first senior goal for the League One outfit on Saturday in the defeat by Sheffield Wednesday.

And, following reports of a £100,000 offer from the Londoners to try and entice Ibe to Craven Cottage, it seems he has his sights set significantly higher.

Ibe has already spent time on trial with Liverpool at the club's Melwood training ground, where he impressed manager Kenny Dalglish and his coaching staff, while Manchester City have also sent scouts to watch him on several occasions.

Therefore, it seems he will not be short of Premier League suitors when he looks to move, although Ibe is said to be happy to stay with Wycombe for the remainder of this season to gain more first-team football and also because he is in his final year of secondary school in south London.



http://www.eatsleepsport.com/fulham/cottage-not-big-enough-for-starlet-1325636.html?#.Tq6OPGAlE98

[WhiteJC]

 
Stanley Black & Decker becomes a new sponsor of Fulham FC

Football Sponsorship

Stanley Black & Decker, the world's largest tools and security company, continues its successful global outdoor marketing campaign to increase brand awareness for its key brands with an expansion of its European Football campaign.

The programme, which has exclusively contained LED elements for the past two seasons, will now include a sponsorship of English Premier League club Fulham FC for the next two seasons.

The new multi-faceted relationship as the Official and Exclusive Tools and Security Partner of Fulham FC contains a variety of key partnership elements, including highly visible LED perimeter advertising that will be the anchor of the program and will feature branding for the Stanley, DEWALT and Black & Decker brands throughout the Club's home matches.

The programme also contains a variety of other top-level marketing and promotional elements that will allow Stanley Black & Decker to promote the association with Fulham FC across a wide range of global channels.

"As a 168 year old company, we're excited at this opportunity to partner with a club such as Fulham, the oldest continuously active professional club in London, that also has a long history and tradition similar to our own.

"Fulham's long footballing tradition, its passionate fan base, the fan friendly atmosphere of Craven Cottage, and global LED exposure that is among the best in the EPL, is all in perfect keeping with our strategic goals.

"In essence to support and increase global brand recognition and sales activities for our portfolio of world class brands," explained Scott Bannell, VP of Global Corporate Brand Management for Stanley Black & Decker.

"This partnership with Fulham FC will play an important role in continuing to effectively promote the Stanley Black & Decker portfolio of brands, and we are excited to now be a part of the Fulham FC family."

Alistair Mackintosh, CEO Fulham Football Club added, "Fulham Football Club is delighted to announce a new partnership with Stanley Black & Decker, a brand with a long and impressive history. We look forward to developing this partnership over the next two seasons through joint activation programmes and a considerable match day presence."


http://www.fcbusiness.co.uk/news/article/newsitem=1497/title=stanley+black++decker+becomes+a+new+sponsor+of+fulham+fc?

[WhiteJC]

 
Grygera given Fulham challenge

MARTIN Jol has thrown down the gauntlet to Zdenek Grygera to earn a new deal at Craven Cottage.

The former Juventus defender has been in impressive form for the Whites since his switch to SW6 in the summer.

However, the Fulham full-back only agreed a one-year stay with a further year's option.

And boss Jol has challenged the 31-year-old Czech to keep up his level of performances.

He said: "Grygera has been good from the first game. We have agreements with him, and if he plays a certain role and does well we'll sit down [and talk].

"However, the risk is he could go to another club as well."



Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/10/31/grygera-given-fulham-challenge-82029-29692073/?#ixzz1cMPMJ5VO

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham to sign Reading stopper as veteran replacement

Adam Federici is being linked with a move to Fulham at the end of this season as the tenure of Mark Schwarzer at Craven Cottage appears to be coming to an end.

News has been making the rounds that the elder Australian international will be moving abroad at season's end, with the Bundesliga reportedly a distinct possibility. Schwarzer has been with the West London club since 2008 but at the age of 39, is now looking towards a deal that will see him finish his career at the highest standard possible.

Federici is a younger prospect at the relatively modest age of 27, and has made over 100 appearances for the Royals.

The former Wolves stopper may also take satisfaction in replacing the man who has kept him from making an impact on the international level also, as he has been limited to just six games for the national team while mentor Schwarzer has racked up an impressive 92 matches.

Should the move come to pass, Federici will have David Stockdale to compete with for the Number 1 spot at the Premier League side.

Stockdale, who is currently on loan at Ipswich Town, earned his first England call-up earlier this year and will return to the Cottage eager to reclaim the spot he occupied for a time in the 2010-11 campaign.

It's currently unknown how much Reading would be looking to sell their keeper for.



http://www.footybunker.com/fulham-to-sign-reading-stopper-as-veteran-replacement/13495

[WhiteJC]

 
Chairman Collects Award

Mohamed Al Fayed recently had the honour of being presented with the Excellence Guirlande d'Honneur 2011 by the Federation Internationale Cinema Television Sportifs.

"When I financed the production of the film "Chariots of Fire" thirty years ago, I never imagined that I would be standing on a stage in Milan three decades later, to receive one of the most prestigious awards the world of sport has to offer.

"But that is what happened on Friday, 28 October, in an auditorium called Grattacielo Pirelli. In front of an audience comprising Olympic champions, in both the summer and winter games, and film makers from all over the world, I was presented with the Excellence Guirlande d'Honneur 2011 by the Federation Internationale Cinema Television Sportifs.

"The award, a beautiful golden garland of laurel leaves and interlocking rings was presented by Professor Franco B. Ascani, the President of the Federation.

"Professor Ascani made a most gracious and generous speech about my role in bringing to the world the story of two great British athletes, Eric Liddell and Harold Abrahams, who triumphed at the Paris Olympics of 1924. By their own force of will and moral courage, Liddell and Abrahams overcome the obstacles put in their way.

"In Liddell's case, he resisted pressure to make him run on a Sunday. Because of his Christian principles, he declined to do so and therefore lost his chance to win a Gold Medal in his favourite distance. Unwavering in his moral conviction, he switched to another race and still managed to win Gold. In the case of Abrahams, he endured vile social snobbery and outright racial prejudice, because he was a Jew, but defied his detractors by winning the 100 meters and taking the Gold Medal for Great Britain, the country that had made him feel an outsider.

"When my dear, beloved son Dodi brought me the script for "Chariots", he told me that no one would put up the money to make the film. At the time, the film industry believed that sex and violence were all the public wanted to see on the screen. I knew better. "Chariots" has no sex, violence, bad language or car chases but it was a hit all over the world because people love a story of courage and triumph over adversity.

"I had no hesitation in financing the film. Dodi became its Associate Producer.

"The film won four Academy Awards, including one for the music by the great Italian screen composer Ennio Morricone. It was hailed as a great British film. But it would never have seen the light of a cinema projector had not an Egyptian had faith in a script that hitherto had been gathering dust on a shelf.

"Professor Ascani said that the film, called "Moments of Glory" in Italy, was one of the greatest ever sporting films. That is why FICTS decided to make this special 30th. anniversary award to me. I was delighted to see that previous winners of the Guirlande d'Honneur include Robert Redford, Pele, Alberto Tomba the great Italian skier and Ennio Morricone.

"It was a great night in Milan. Afterwards, I celebrated with a couple of slices of authentic Sicilian pizza. A great day, thanks to FICTS, Professor Ascani and all the people who were so kind and generous to their visitor."

Mohamed Al Fayed



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/October/ChairmanCollectsAward.aspx?#ixzz1cMWseuz6

[WhiteJC]

 
Martinez hits out at Fulham
Wigan boss slams Cottagers' tackling after Diame injinjury


Roberto Martinez: Wigan boss says the tackling on Mohamed Diame was horrific

Roberto Martinez has labelled Fulham's tackling as "horrific" after Mohamed Diame was forced off after just 10 minutes of their 2-0 defeat on Saturday.

The Senegal international suffered two blows to the ankle in quick succession in challenges by Zdenek Grygera and Steve Sidwell.
Latics boss Martinez is awaiting the results of a scan on the injury and hopes Diame has not suffered serious damage.

Martinez told the Wigan Evening Post: "The injury to Momo was really disappointing.

"He had two horrific challenges in the space of about 30 seconds, really early in the game and it was just something where I don't think the referee gave any sort of protection.

"He was very fortunate with the first one, not so lucky the second time.

"We're hoping it's just a twisted ankle, after a really bad tackle. It's hard to tell at the moment though; we'll have to see how it develops.

"He'll have a scan to discover the real damage and if it's a ligament tear as well. If it is, it's going to be a really long period."



http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/7283486/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Schwarzer - We fear nobody
Keeper insists Cottagers' home form this season has made them fearless


Mark Schwarzer: Insists Fulham are fearless due to their form at home this season

Mark Schwarzer claims that he and his Fulham team-mates are a force to be reckoned with ahead of two huge home games this week.

The Australia international goalkeeper helped earn Martin Jol's men their first away win of the season with an important 2-0 victory at struggling Wigan on Saturday.

But the former Middlesbrough and Bradford keeper insists it is his side's home form which has led to a feeling of buoyancy.

The Craven Cottage outfit have only lost once at home this campaign, holding title contenders Chelsea and obliterating fellow London club QPR in the process.

Fulham's home form has pleased Schwarzer as he looks to tackle Polish side Wisla Krakow in the Europa League on Thursday before an all-London affair against rivals Tottenham on Sunday afternoon.

"There are some teams out there with fantastic players and you've got to show teams the utmost respect but anything can happen and we give ourselves every opportunity of getting a result," said Schwarzer.

"That has been the case ever since I have been at the club, whoever came to play us at Craven Cottage we've always felt we were with a chance."



http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/7283488/?