Friday Fulham Stuff (04/11/11)...

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'It was like Real Madrid of the olden days' - Fulham boss Martin Jol hails Andy Johnson's second goal after European triumph
Win at Craven Cottage delights boss as they downed Polish champions Wisla Krakow 4-1 in a tremendous Europa League encounter

Fulham boss Martin Jol has praised his side's ruthlessness in front of goal after they swept aside Wisla Krakow with a convincing 4-1 scoreline.

The Cottagers shot straight into the lead after Damien Duff capped off a fine move with a classy finish within five minutes before Andraz Firm swiftly equalised.

A spectacular Andrew Johnson volley put the hosts back ahead before Johnson poked home another after a smart set piece routine, before Steve Sidwell powered home to put the icing on the cake.

The resounding win comes in stark contrast to a lot of recent Fulham performances that have ended in stalemates.

"We played some good football," said Jol. "We scored early so that was good. Then we lost the ball in midfield, they broke and played us on the turnover, they're a good footballing team.

"After losing the ball your organisation should be 100 per cent and that was something that wasn't great.

"But after that we scored some great goals. The second goal was amazing, the third one was clever. At 3-1 up I could make some substitutions.

"The only problem has been the 0-0's the 1-1's the draws at home. If we would have scored the winner last week we would have been in a nice position in the league, in the top 10.

"The first goal was a great move but today you can say we were very efficient. Normally we create eight or nine chances and score one goal and today was different."

The game looked in the balance after the two sides traded early strikes, but Andrew Johnson's brace proved the game's decisive moments.

For Jol, the contrasting nature of both strikes proved that Johnson is a man on form.

"If you can come up with those sort of ideas all the time it would be like Real Madrid of the olden days," said Jol about the free-kick Johnson capped off for the third.

"Sometimes it's nice to see something in training come off in games. Johnson scored a hat-trick against QPR so if he does that every game it is unbelievable, but you don't do that every game.

"It is nice to see him get all sorts of goals, the second was very different from the first.  It's good for a striker. It gives you a lot of confidence.

The result puts Fulham back in a commanding position in the Europa League group K, with crucial match-ups against Odense and Twente coming up.

With other managers bemoaning the schedule brought about my involvement in the competition, Jol maintains that it is a tournament in which the club want to do well.

"I have mixed feelings because the target is always to win the competition," continued Jol. "Sometimes you have your doubts sometimes you are very positive, after today we are very positive."



http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2915/europa-league/2011/11/03/2741886/it-was-like-real-madrid-of-the-olden-days-fulham-boss-martin-jol-?

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Jol delight as Fulham find range

Fulham boss Martin Jol has praised his side's ruthlessness in front of goal after they swept aside Wisla Krakow 4-1 in the Europa League.

The English Premier League club shot straight into the lead in Thursday's Group K encounter after Damien Duff capped off a fine move with a classy finish within five minutes, before Andraz Firm swiftly equalised.

A spectacular Andrew Johnson volley put the hosts back ahead at half-time before the striker poked home another after a smart set-piece routine in the second half.

Steve Sidwell powered home a header in the 79th minute to ice the result against the Polish club.

The resounding win comes in stark contrast to several recent Fulham performances that have ended in stalemates.

"We played some good football," Jol said. "We scored early so that was good. Then we lost the ball in midfield, they broke and played us on the turnover - they're a good footballing team."

"After losing the ball your organisation should be 100 percent and that was something that wasn't great."

"But after that we scored some great goals. The second goal was amazing, the third one was clever. At 3-1 up I could make some substitutions."

"The first goal was a great move but today you can say we were very efficient. Normally we create eight or nine chances and score one goal and today was different."

The match looked in the balance after the two sides traded early strikes, but Andrew Johnson's second proved the game's decisive moment.

For Jol, the contrasting nature of both strikes proved that Johnson is a man on form.

"If you can come up with those sort of ideas all the time it would be like Real Madrid of the olden days," Jol said of the free-kick Johnson capped off for the third.

"Sometimes it's nice to see something in training come off in games. Johnson scored a hat-trick against QPR so if he does that every game it is unbelievable, but you don't do that every game."

"It is nice to see him get all sorts of goals, the second was very different from the first. It's good for a striker. It gives you a lot of confidence."

The result puts Fulham back in a commanding position in Group K, with crucial match-ups against Odense and Twente to come.

The London club are on seven points and sit second behind Dutch club Twente, who have 10.

Meanwhile, Wisla Krakow boss Robert Maaskant rued his team's performance in the second half, a period in which they conceded twice after being just 2-1 down at the break.

"(In the) second half, we just lost the goals way too easy," he said.

"A set piece ... no concentration at that moment and I decided that Fulham were a little bit stronger than what we were."



http://www.soccerway.com/news/2011/November/04/jol-delight-as-fulham-find-range/?

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Zamora Pleased

Bobby Zamora was satisfied on Thursday evening after playing his part in a convincing 4-1 victory over Wisla Krakow in the UEFA Europa League.

"We were pleased to win, obviously," he said. "And it was a good performance with a few goals, which is always nice."

The Whites did the damage with goals from Damien Duff and Steve Sidwell either side of two superbly taken strikes from Andrew Johnson, a striker clearly on-form as he took his tally in the competition to eight this season.

"There were some well worked goals, so we were pleased with that," he reflected. "And AJ's on fire – he's the man at the minute, and long may it continue for him and for us.

"After a year out injured he's come back and he's strong. He's proving a point to a lot of people who doubted him."

Zamora played a part in Johnson's second, and Fulham's third, himself – a neatly worked free-kick – but the England man was coy in discussing the origins of a move that looked like it had been very well rehearsed.

"We tried it for the first time the other day," he said. "We've literally done it once in training! It worked brilliantly, so don't go telling everyone, or you'll expose it!"

Fulham came out of the blocks from the off, taking the game to their Polish opponents with high intensity from the first whistle, an approach Zamora revealed was partly fuelled by a sense of injustice from the defeat in Poland two weeks earlier.

"Yeah, we were a bit disappointed with that," he admitted. "So the lads were really up for it tonight. We knew we had to win this one and prove a point to them, so it was nice to win, but now we have to think about a tough game on Sunday."

Indeed, it's back to Premier League action this weekend with the visit of Tottenham Hotspur who may have suffered Europa League defeat in Russia, but managed to rest some of their top stars for Sunday's derby game.

However, Bobby and his team-mates are confident they can get a positive result.

"To be fair, in the past couple of seasons we've put in some good performances against them, so it would be nice to do the same and win, but it's going to be tough," he detailed. "They're a great side with some top players, so it won't be easy.

"But we're at home, which is massive. We've got a great record here, so hopefully we'll put in a good performance again and get a good result."



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/November/ZamoraWislaReaction.aspx?#ixzz1cio8OAlp

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FULHAM 4 WISLA KRAKOW 1: ANDREW JOHNSON'S DOUBLE DELIGHT

ANDREW JOHNSON continued his sensational Europa League form with a Craven Cottage double last night.

The striker found the net with a goal of the season contender and a clever chip to put Fulham in command against the Poles.

Johnson's brace took his tally to eight goals in just 11 games in the competition as Fulham got their Europa League bid back on track.

Damien Duff had given Fulham the lead but they were quickly pegged back by Andraz Kirm.

The Europa League is high on Martin Jol's list of priorities, but that wasn't the only reason the boss threw his big guns at Wisla.

Fulham were still fuming after losing the controversial clash in Krakow a fortnight ago.

They were forced to play with 10 men for over an hour in Poland after Moussa Dembele was shown a straight red for a soft shove on Gervasio Nunez, which the Argentinian made a meal of.

With that and work still to do in Group K for second-placed Fulham, Jol sent out a side with just three changes from the 2-0 weekend win over Wigan.

Wisla villain Nunez was named in the Poles' starting line-up and his every touch was booed.

But the boos turned to cheers when Duff fired Fulham in front in the fifth minute after a slick move involving Clint Dempsey, Bobby Zamora and Johnson.

Wisla hit back four minutes later when Kirm's shot deflected past Mark Schwarzer after Dickson Etuhu was robbed in midfield.

Everyone, including the stadium announcer, thought Fulham had responded in perfect fashion a minute later but Johnson's tap-in was ruled out for offside.

He was not to be denied, though, and there was no chalking off his stunner on the half-hour.

Wisla failed to clear a corner and after Danny Murphy swung the ball back in, Johnson met it with a perfect swivelling right-foot volley which flew in off the post.

The visiting fans didn't like what they were seeing and set off a flare in the stands, which led to the pitch being temporarily covered in smoke.

Dempsey then produced a dazzling solo run which ended with a shot against the bar.

Fulham struck again in the 57th minute when Johnson chipped home from close range after a clever free-kick routine involving Duff and Zamora.

And substitute Steve Sidwell wrapped it up 10 minutes from time.

His initial header from Duff's cross was pushed on to the bar by keeper Sergei Pareiko but he smashed home the rebound.



http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/219039/Fulham-4-Wisla-Krakow-1-Andrew-Johnson-s-double-delight/?

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Fulham handed striker boost



ORLANDO Sa is set to return to training next week as he battles to overcome a hamstring problem.

The Fulham frontman has been sidelined for the past fortnight after limping out of the Europa League defeat against Wisla Krakow last month.

But boss Martin Jol hopes the Portuguese ace will be able to resume sessions at the club's Motspur Park training ground next week.

The striker should be in contention to return to action for Fulham's Premier League clash with Sunderland on November 19.



http://www.ealinggazette.co.uk/sport/fulham-fc-ealing/2011/11/03/fulham-handed-striker-boost-82029-29712951/?

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Zamora issues Johnson contract plea

BOBBY Zamora has urged Fulham to pull out all the stops to keep Andy Johnson at Craven Cottage.

The former England frontman is in the final 12 months of his contract in SW6, with the 30-year-old at loggerheads with the club over a new deal.

Fulham have offered Johnson a one-year extension, but the striker wants fresh terms that will tie his future to the club until 2014.

AJ bagged his 11th goal of the season so far in last night's Europa League win against Wisla Krakow.

And Zamora has urged the club to keep his strike partner with the Whites at all costs.

He said: "AJ's on fire. He's the man at the minute and long may it continue.

"He's massive to the club. Some people say he's had a traumatic couple of years, but he's been injured for one year.

"People say he hasn't done anything for us, but the first season I was here with him he was on fire.

"He's come back after his injury and proved a point to a lot of people, which is good."



http://www.ealinggazette.co.uk/sport/fulham-fc-ealing/2011/11/04/zamora-issues-johnson-contract-plea-82029-29717612/?

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Briggs earns another England U21s call-up
by DAN on NOVEMBER 4, 2011



Fulham's Matthew Briggs has earned another call-up to the England under-21 squad for the European Championship qualifiers against Iceland and Belgium.

The left-back has become a regular in Stuart Pearce's squad after impressing during his two previous outings for the Under-21s. He was named in the side for the last qualifier – a 2-1 win in Norway – but had to pull out after injuring himself in the warm-up. Briggs has enjoyed a strong side to the season with Fulham, pushing new signing John Arne Riise all the way, and making 12 appearances for the first team as he establishes himself as a key member of Martin Jol's squad. Briggs scored his first goal for Fulham in the Europa League qualifier against Crusaders in Belfast.

Pearce, who is hoping to guide England to a fourth successive major championship finals, will be without the on-loan West Ham midfielder Henri Lansbury but offers the likes of Nathaniel Clyne, Lewis Dunk, Jacob Butterfield, Tom Carroll and Alex Nimely the chance to win their first caps at this level.

FULL ENGLAND UNDER-21 SQUAD (FOR GAMES AGAINST ICELAND AND BELGIUM) – GOALKEEPERS: Ben Amos (Manchester United), Jack Butland (Cheltenham Town – loan from Birmingham City), Jason Steele (Middlesbrough).

DEFENDERS: Nathan Baker (Aston Villa), Ryan Bennett (Peterborough United), Matthew Briggs (Fulham), Nathaniel Clyne (Crystal Palace), Craig Dawson (West Bromwich Albion), Lewis Dunk (Brighton & Hove Albion), Jon Flanagan (Liverpool), Martin Kelly (Liverpool), Adam Smith (MK Dons – loan from Tottenham Hotspur).

MIDFIELDERS: Ross Barkley (Everton), acob Butterfield (Barnsley), Tom Carroll (Tottenham Hotspur), Gary Gardner (Aston Villa), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Jason Lowe (Blackburn Rovers), Josh McEachran (Chelsea), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal), Jack Rodwell (Everton).

FORWARDS: Nathan Delfouneso (Aston Villa), Alex Nimely (Middlesbrough – loan from Manchester City), Marvin Sordell (Watford), Connor Wickham (Sunderland).

STANDBY: Joe Bennett (Middlesbrough), Declan Rudd (Norwich City), Jonjo Shelvey (Blackpool – loan from Liverpool), Andros Townsend (Tottenham Hotspur), Dan Gosling (Newcastle United).



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/11/briggs-earns-another-england-u21s-call-up/?

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Fulham's Johnson enjoys strike of a lifetime

Andrew Johnson told UEFA.com that the volley that set Fulham FC on their way to beating Wisła Kraków was "as clean a strike as I've hit in my career" and Bobby Zamora hailed his forward partner.

The key to Fulham FC's vital 4-1 UEFA Europa League Group K defeat of Wisła Kraków was two superb goals from Andrew Johnson and of the first, a scorching volley that restored his side's lead, was "as clean a strike as I've hit in my career". Wisła midfielder Júnior Díaz identified Johnson's second goal, a training ground free-kick move that made it 3-1, as the decisive moment.

Andrew Johnson, Fulham forward
It was a hard game, and it was a hard game away from home. We are delighted to get the three points to give us a great chance of qualifying. We have a couple of big games, FC Twente and Odense coming up, so if we can get another win we'll be safe.

I'm pleased [with the goals]. The main thing was that the team got the win they needed because we lost at their place the other week which was a bit disappointing. I was delighted, the first one was a great ball from Danny Murphy and probably as clean a strike as I've hit in my career. And it was a well-worked free-kick for the second one, something we'd been practising on and I was delighted to get it over the keeper.

I don't think you like going into the last couple of games waiting on other results. You want the incentive and it is up to us to go and do it. It's a massive competition. We got to the final a couple of years ago and everybody knows how important it is to the club and it is to us as well. So I'm delighted to keep on scoring and hopefully I can carry on.

It was a great atmosphere. I'm not sure how many Polish fans were here but they made a great effort so it was a great game, a great atmosphere. Fulham fans were top class like they always are week in, week out and they played their part.

Bobby Zamora, Fulham forward
Pleased to win obviously. A good performance and a few goals for the boys which is nice. Some good goals, some well-worked goals, I'm pleased because AJ's on fire. He's the man at the minute, long may it continue for him.

We were a bit disappointed [to lose in Poland], the lads were up for it. Had to win this one and prove a point, it was nice to beat them. The atmosphere was good, they brought some good fans, a good number of fans, it was a good atmosphere and it was pleasing. We'd worked on that free-kick [that made it 3-1] for the first time the other day. It worked brilliantly.

Júnior Díaz, Wisła midfielder
We tried to do everything we could to win this game, but it was tough. You could say Fulham won easily and they did good work – but so did we. The score is not good for us but tried to do all we could to win.

We had a chance and the opportunities to score [after equalising]. Then Fulham took their chances. The difference was the move from their free-kick for the third goal, I think this goal made a big difference to the game. It was a very good atmosphere, it's very nice to play here.



http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/season=2012/matches/round=2000272/match=2007369/postmatch/quotes/index.html?rss=1711636+Fulham%27s+Johnson+enjoys+strike+of+a+lifetime

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Points over Revenge for Dempsey

Fulham midfielder Clint Dempsey insists three points rather than revenge was the motivating factor against Wisla Krakow.

The Cottagers were beaten 1-0 by the Polish champion two weeks ago in a game marred by Mousa Dembele's controversial sending off.

The incident occurred when an innocuous passage of play flared up in Poland, with Dembele pushing over Wisla's Gervasio Nunez after he caught him on the back of the ankle.

The Argentina midfielder went down clutching his face despite being pushed at shoulder height and, while admitting it was nice to get revenge, Dempsey insists it was not the main motivation for the 4-1 win.

"It was to get the points," the United States international said. "[Revenge] was a bonus, showing the team what kind of quality we do have.

"I thought we did that and the most important thing is that we got the points to help us get out the group stage.

"It was a good game. We would have preferred not to have conceded and kept a clean sheet.

"It was good for some players to get some goals and some assists, which I think will help us going forward.

"At home we always try and take the game to our opponents. I think we play a good style of football.

"We had good movement in the midfield and up front, while our outside backs were overlapping so we had chances and our players stepped up for us."

The victory helped Dempsey and his Fulham team-mates edge closer to the Europa League knockout stages in what was a tempestuous encounter.

Andrew Johnson's brace was complemented by efforts from Damien Duff and Steve Sidwell, propelling Fulham four points clear of Group K rivals Odense BK and Wisla Krakow.

"We have played some good football this season," Fulham manager Martin Jol said. "The only problem is the nil-nils and the one-alls, with three draws at home.

"Even last week if we had won [against Everton] we would be in a nice position in the top 10.

"Today you could say we were very efficient because normally we create eight or nine chances and we score one goal and today we were different."

Meanwhile, Wisla Krakow manager Rob Maaskant thinks counterpart Jol used the Nunez incident in the first game to his advantage.

"Martin Jol played the Nunez card quite well, which gave us a little bit of a hostile situation in this stadium," he said.

"It's always nice for a coach who worked with Luis Suarez [as manager at Ajax] for a year and a half to say something about another player like that.

"That said, I think Nunez did really well."



http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/news/1079821/Points-over-Revenge-for-Dempsey?

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Fulham defender Stephen Kelly eyes Spurs scalp



STEPHEN Kelly is desperate to get one over on his old club when Fulham face Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

The Fulham full-back came through the ranks at White Hart Lane, and went on to make more than 40 appearances for Spurs before his switch to Birmingham City five years ago.

The Irishman beat his former employers with the Blues in 2008, but has never tasted victory against Tottenham with the Whites
Kelly has been restricted to a bit-part player in the Premier League under Martin Jol, but was handed a rare start in last night's Europa League win over Wisla Krakow.

And the 28-year-old hopes he can make a mark against his old team-mates at Craven Cottage.

He said: "I have a lot of time for Tottenham. I went there when I was 16 and was in the first-team ever since I turned 19.

"I had a great spell at the club and only have fond memories. It's a place I hold dear to my heart but they're competition now, and it's always nice to get one over on your old team.

"They're a very good side who have spent a lot of money over the past few years. We've done well against them in the past so there's no reason we can't do it again."



http://www.ealinggazette.co.uk/sport/fulham-fc-ealing/2011/11/04/fulham-defender-stephen-kelly-eyes-spurs-scalp-64767-29717800/?

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Fulham v Wisla Krakow reaction
Martin Jol praised Fulham for their efficiency in front of goal as they turned over Wisla Krakow in comprehensive fashion at Craven Cottage.

The Londoners edged closer to the Europa League knockout stages by securing an impressive 4-1 victory from a tempestuous encounter against the Polish champions.

Andrew Johnson's double was complemented by efforts from Damien Duff and Steve Sidwell, propelling Fulham four points clear of Group K rivals Odense BK and Wisla Krakow.

"We scored early so that was good but then we lost the ball in midfield [and they scored]," he said.

"That said, we scored some great goals. The second goal was amazing and the third one was a clever one.

"If you could come up with ideas like that every week you would be like Real Madrid in the golden days.

"I think sometimes it is nice to see them do something in training and it comes on it the match.

"We have played some good football this season. The only problem is the nil-nils and the one-alls, with three draws at home.

"Even last week if we had won [against Everton] we would be in a nice position in the top 10.

"Today you could say we were very efficient because normally we create eight or nine chances and we score one goal and today we were different."

Johnson was one of Fulham's standout performers this evening, putting his side out of sight after netting a sublime volley.

The 30-year-old has now netted eight Europa League goals this season, which has led to some people suggesting he may be worthy of an England call up.

Jol said: "Johnson for England? What, are they going to play him out on the right like they did before?

"If you keep on scoring everyone says you should be in the England team but, for me, as a second striker he is one of the better ones.

"He scored a hat-trick against QPR and if he could do that every game it would be unbelievable but we are not doing that.

"It was nice to see him score goals because his second goal was completely different to his first so that is good for a striker.

"It gives him a lot of confidence."

There was quite an atmosphere at Thursday evening's match, with Wisla Krakow bringing in excess of 6,000 fans to the stadium.

However, there was a tense atmosphere at Craven Cottage due to Polish fans peppering the home end and a smoke bomb being let off.

Jol warned his players about the potential atmosphere before the match and was pleased with how they carried on undeterred.

"I let the lads know they bought [thousands of] tickets and that it is always strange," he said.

"I had it in Germany playing against Galatasaray and they brought 30,000 and we only had 20,000.

"That was a bit awkward but because of the result and the goals we scored we kept them nice and quiet."

The result saw Fulham avenge their controversial 1-0 defeat in Poland two weeks ago, where Mousa Dembele was sent off.

The Belgium international was sent off for a push on Gervasio Nunez, who went down clutching his face despite being pushed on the shoulder.

Nunez was booed by Fulham fans every time he touched the ball as a consequence and Wisla Krakow manager Rob Maaskant thinks counterpart Jol used the incident to his advantage.

"Martin Jol played the Nunez card quite well, which gave us a little bit of a hostile situation in this stadium," he said.

"It's always nice for a coach who worked with Luis Suarez [as manager at Ajax] for a year and a half to say something about another player like that.

"That said, I think Nunez did really well today."



http://www.football365.com/fulham/7290375/Fulham-v-Wisla-Krakow-reaction?

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Clint Dempsey: Revenge over Wisla is bonus

Fulham midfielder Clint Dempsey insists three points rather than revenge was the motivating factor against Wisla Krakow last night.

The Cottagers were beaten 1-0 by the Polish champions two weeks ago in a game marred by Mousa Dembele's controversial sending off.

The incident occurred when an innocuous passage of play flared up in Poland, with Dembele pushing over Wisla's Gervasio Nunez after he caught him on the back of the ankle.

The Argentinian midfielder went down clutching his face despite being pushed at shoulder height and, while admitting it was nice to get revenge, Dempsey insists it was not the main motivation for the 4-1 win.

"It was to get the points," the United States international said. "[Revenge] was a bonus, showing the team what kind of quality we do have.

"I thought we did that and the most important thing is that we got the points to help us get out the group stage.

"It was a good game. We would have preferred not to have conceded and kept a clean sheet. It was good for some players to get some goals and some assists, which I think will help us going forward.

"At home we always try and take the game to our opponents. I think we play a good style of football. We had good movement in the midfield and up front, while our outside backs were overlapping so we had chances and our players stepped up for us."

The victory helped Dempsey and his Fulham team-mates edge closer to the Europa League knockout stages in what was a tempestuous encounter.

Andrew Johnson's brace was complemented by efforts from Damien Duff and Steve Sidwell, propelling Fulham four points clear of Group K rivals Odense BK and Wisla Krakow.

"We have played some good football this season," Fulham manager Martin Jol said. "The only problem is the nil-nils and the one-alls, with three draws at home.

"Even last week if we had won [against Everton] we would be in a nice position in the top 10. Today you could say we were very efficient because normally we create eight or nine chances and we score one goal and today we were different."

Meanwhile, Wisla Krakow manager Rob Maaskant thinks counterpart Jol used the Nunez incident in the first game to his advantage.

"Martin Jol played the Nunez card quite well, which gave us a little bit of a hostile situation in this stadium," he said.

"It's always nice for a coach who worked with Luis Suarez [as manager at Ajax] for a year and a half to say something about another player like that. That said, I think Nunez did really well."



http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-sport/football/article-24005893-clint-dempsey-revenge-over-wisla-is-bonus.do?

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Smoking Fulham edge to knockout

FULHAM edged closer to the Europa League knockout stages by securing an impressive victory from a tempestuous encounter against Wisla Krakow last night.

The west Londoners dominated the Group K tie from the offset as they avenged their controversial 1-0 defeat in Poland two weeks ago, while also extending their unbeaten home record in Europe to 22 matches.

Damien Duff handed Fulham an early lead by tucking away Andrew Johnson's low cross, but they were soon pegged back as an Andraz Kirm shot deflected in off John Arne Riise.

With in excess of 6,000 fans cheering on Wisla, there was a tense atmosphere at Craven Cottage due to Polish fans peppering the home end and a smoke bomb being let off.

However, Fulham continued undeterred and regained the lead through Johnson's sublime volley on the 30-minute mark.

Johnson then extended the Cottagers' lead after a neat free-kick before sub Steve Sidwell wrapped up the tie .



Read More http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/amateur-football/2011/11/04/smoking-fulham-edge-to-knockout-100252-29717601/?#ixzz1ciuPXuz8

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Fulham Storm To Europa League Victory

Fulham are on the verge of Europa League qualification, as a convincing 4-1 win over Wisla Krakow on Thursday night got their campaign back on track.

Damian Duff opened the scoring for the home side after only five minutes, but the Polish champions equalised soon after through a Andras Kirm strike.

The result was sown up by goals either side of half time, as striker Andrew Johnson bagged a brace, before Steven Sidwell completed the rout.

The win means that the Cottagers are in second place in Group K behind leaders Twente and four points above the side they just beat and Danish outfit OB Odense.

After the game manager Martin Jol was full of praise for his team.

"We scored early so that was good, but then we lost the ball in midfield [and they scored]," the Dutch coach told Sky Sports.

"That said, we scored some great goals. The second goal was amazing and the third one was a clever one.

"If you could come up with ideas like that every week you would be like Real Madrid in the golden days," he stated.

The former Spurs boss also praised goalscorer Johnson, who continues to find the net for the Craven Cottage side on a regular basis.

"He scored a hat-trick against QPR and if he could do that every game it would be unbelievable, but we are not doing that.

"It was nice to see him score goals because his second goal was completely different to his first so that is good for a striker. It gives him a lot of confidence," he concluded.

Fulham now host London rivals Tottenham on Sunday, and will look to take momentum from this comfortable victory.



http://www.footballfancast.com/2011/11/football-news/fulham-storm-to-europa-league-victory?

[WhiteJC]

 
Big Martin Jol

One of the better introductions to the match day experience at White Hart Lane during the last decade has been the clips compilation played over the Jumbotron before the teams come out. The quick pick 'n' mix delight of goals, tackles and saves accompanied by a faux operatic soundtrack ends these days with the French Fawlty lookey-likey in full water bottle destroying mode. For a few years though the image that was left to linger was that of a strong jaw beneath pursed lips and a steely eyed stare. Yes we loved Martin Jol, and Martin Jol loved us.

BMJ, a bit like Redknapp, fell into the role of manager almost by chance after the board's Chosen One, appointed after long deliberation and consultation, proved to have a leaden rather than Ledley like touch. Jacques Santini disappeared around Bonfire Night 2004 (apparently without trace) and Jol was promoted from within. His three seasons in charge were generally successful as he took us back into Europe whilst we took some key steps forward. It wasn't enough though apparently as Levy and chums actively pursued Juande Ramos whilst the big man was still in charge and Jol's managerial reign was brought to an undignified end at some time during the evening of the home defeat to Getafe.

Since then despite some near misses in European competition we've not crossed paths since, until now. It's Fulham and Craven Cottage on Sunday and I bet the home manager cannot wait to take the walk across the pitch in front of the away end when he'll surely receive a greeting befitting the size of the affection we had for the man. If nothing else his face off with Wenger on the Highbury touchline as we chased fourth in 2006 should be high in everyone's list of favoured images.

The man was only a stomach virus away from leading us into the Champions League years. He's got no hair but we don't care, Martin Martin Jol.



http://www.spurs-web.com/spurs-news/big-martin-jol/?

[WhiteJC]

 
We must keep 'on fire' hitman - Zamora

Bobby Zamora has urged Fulham to ensure strike partner Andrew Johnson signs a new contract saying 'he's the man at the minute'.

The England international spoke out about the 30-year-old former Three Lions star, who took his tally to 11 goals in 19 appearances for the season with a brace in Fulham's 4-1 Europa League win against Wisla Krakow at Craven Cottage on Thursday evening.

In addition to renewed calls for Johnson to be given another chance on the international stage, Zamora called on the Cottagers to give him what he wants to ensure he stays put at the club beyond the end of his contact next summer.

He said: "AJ's on fire. He's the man at the minute and long may it continue.

"He's massive to the club. Some people say he's had a traumatic couple of years, but he's been injured for one year.

"People say he hasn't done anything for us, but the first season I was here with him he was on fire.

"He's come back after his injury and proved a point to a lot of people, which is good."

Meanwhile, Johnson was delighted with the win and his two goals on Thursday as he fired in a volley from the edge of the box, before producing a chip over the goalkeeper.

He said: "Everyone knew it was a big game today, we've got another couple of games against FC Twente coming up, so it was a big three points for us and has given us a great chance now.

"I'm delighted. I'm just pleased to be back. I like full form. Full on fitness and training day in, day out and scoring goals which I enjoy doing."



http://www.eatsleepsport.com/fulham/we-must-keep-on-fire-hitman-zamora-1328445.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
Clint: Points were vital, revenge was a bonus
by DAN on NOVEMBER 4, 2011



Clint Dempsey says re-establishing Fulham's bid for a place in the last 32 of the Europa League was the primary motivation ahead of last night's win over Wisla Krakow, but getting some revenge for their disappointing defeat in Poland was a nice bonus.

Martin Jol's side stormed to a 4-1 win at Craven Cottage thanks to an early strike from Damien Duff, two terrific goals from Andy Johnson and a late Steve Sidwell effort. Dempsey was pleased with the many of Fulham's victory:

It was to get the points. Revenge was a bonus, showing the team what kind of quality we do have. I thought we did that and the most important thing is that we got the points to help us get out the group stage.

It was a good game. We would have preferred not to have conceded and kept a clean sheet. It was good for some players to get some goals and some assists, which I think will help us going forward.

At home we always try and take the game to our opponents. I think we play a good style of football. We had good movement in the midfield and up front, while our outside backs were overlapping so we had chances and our players stepped up for us.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/11/clint-points-were-vital-revenge-was-a-bonus/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Dempsey: Revenge not the spur

Fulham midfielder Clint Dempsey insists three points rather than revenge was the motivating factor against Wisla Krakow on Thursday night.

The Cottagers were beaten 1-0 by the Polish champions two weeks ago in a game marred by Mousa Dembele's controversial sending off.

The incident occurred when an innocuous passage of play flared up in Poland, with Dembele pushing over Wisla's Gervasio Nunez after he caught him on the back of the ankle.

The Argentinian midfielder went down clutching his face despite being pushed at shoulder height and, while admitting it was nice to get revenge, Dempsey insists it was not the main motivation for the 4-1 win.

"It was to get the points," the United States international said. "[Revenge] was a bonus, showing the team what kind of quality we do have.

"I thought we did that and the most important thing is that we got the points to help us get out the group stage.

"It was a good game. We would have preferred not to have conceded and kept a clean sheet.

"It was good for some players to get some goals and some assists, which I think will help us going forward.

"At home we always try and take the game to our opponents. I think we play a good style of football.

"We had good movement in the midfield and up front, while our outside backs were overlapping so we had chances and our players stepped up for us."

The victory helped Dempsey and his Fulham team-mates edge closer to the Europa League knockout stages in what was a tempestuous encounter.

Andrew Johnson's brace was complemented by efforts from Damien Duff and Steve Sidwell, propelling Fulham four points clear of Group K rivals Odense BK and Wisla Krakow.

"We have played some good football this season," Fulham manager Martin Jol said. "The only problem is the nil-nils and the one-alls, with three draws at home.

"Even last week if we had won [against Everton] we would be in a nice position in the top 10.

"Today you could say we were very efficient because normally we create eight or nine chances and we score one goal and today we were different."

Meanwhile, Wisla Krakow manager Rob Maaskant thinks counterpart Jol used the Nunez incident in the first game to his advantage.

"Martin Jol played the Nunez card quite well, which gave us a little bit of a hostile situation in this stadium," he said.

"It's always nice for a coach who worked with Luis Suarez [as manager at Ajax] for a year and a half to say something about another player like that.

"That said, I think Nunez did really well."



http://www.teamtalk.com/fulham/7290500/Dempsey-Revenge-not-the-spur?

[WhiteJC]

 
Writeup: Fulham 4-1 Wisla Krakow



European football does strange things to players. Andrew Johnson's league form has been okay – that hat-trick is in the Fulham FC permanent scrapbook – but in Europe he seemingly can't be stopped. Last night he nabbed two more for the collection, and what beauties they were.

But we're getting ahead of ourselves. Fulham scored first, early, when Duff finished off a lovely sweeping move involving Johnson and Zamora. That briefly silenced the Polish masses, although they were happy again a few minutes later when Wisla equalised with a deflected shot.

This gave us a chance to see exactly how many away fans had infiltrated home sections. Infiltrated implies some degree of subtlety though, doesn't it? At any rate, we saw how many away fans were sitting wherever they wanted to, and indeed there were many, brazenly cheering, scarf waving and making themselves loud.  I'm really in two minds about this: on the one hand, by the unofficial laws of football fandom this is "a terrible thing" and indicative of "taking the piss", on the other it contributed to an amazing atmosphere with plenty of good natured fun (no really). If we remove the whole territorial pissings element (hard to do, I appreciate) then segregation is a curious concept: altogther necessary, usually, but also somewhat false. If Fulham fans had bought up all the tickets there wouldn't have been any spare for the Wisla fans, and, let's face it, we haven't had a better atmosphere in the ground since the last European run, and even then I don't know if it was as good as last night.

Perhaps this was because we sat next to the away fans in the Johnny Haynes stand, a deliberate move aimed at taking in a good bit of shouting. True, the flares and smoke were a bit iffy for a wooden construction, but even they added to the atmosphere.

All of which surely added to the quality of what we saw on the pitch. With the score at 1-1 AJ belted a volley across himself and into the top corner, one of those "what?" moments when you question what you've just seen, not least because it was a very un-AJ goal. Credit to the man for showing technique I didn't know he had. The European scene seems to agree with him, eh?

Clint Dempsey then wormed his way through several challenges before hitting the bar with a chip – what a goal that would've been.

We got another when Murphy pinged a free-kick to Zamora, who turned the ball on first time into the path of Johnson, who dinked it over the goalkeeper from close in. A first class move that reminded me of Zanetti's World Cup goal against England (1998?); a good idea, beautifully executed.  Like all of the best things, it looked so simple.  A fourth came when Steve Sidwell bundled home after an initial effort (his? Dempseys?) had been palmed onto the bar following a corner.

Beyond the goals the match itself was lively and entertaining. Wisla's players were largely pretty tidy, with the hated Nunez particularly prominent (Etuhu cleaned him out in the second half with a thumping, legal, but dangerousish tackle).  The 4-1 scoreline perhaps flattered us, but perhaps also reflected the difference in quality between the sides.



http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2011/11/04/writeup-fulham-4-1-wisla-krakow/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham v Tottenham - the opposite view

Funny old week eh.
Harry Redknapp, darling of the media went to hospital for what the press would have you believe was a life saving operation, when in fact it was nothing more than a standard procedure in which Harry was in and out of hospital in a matter of hours. Still, I expect it still gave the Daily Mail an opportunity to moan about foreign doctors.
The we had to go to Russia to play in a game which looked like no one wanted to play in. The only people who did look up for it were the Rubin Kazan fans. In truth I am not surprised when you consider the 4th ranked attraction in Kazan is "the main street" which has been described as a "fairly average shopping street" and "a nice walk"
I'll be honest, during the Kazan game I barely looked up from my computer, instead working on getting my record label off the ground. I even popped out for a curry midway through the 2nd half. It would seems Spurs' general lack of effort is rubbing off on me.
But back on to the good stuff with yet another Sunday 4pm kick off and the return of Martin Jol, the man who single handedly built Spurs, cured all known cancers and gave birth to baby Jesus. No wonder Harry is going to put his feet up this weekend.
Anyway, I love it when we play Fulham. Not because the game generates any guarenteed win but because I get to interview Derek Payne again. This is perhaps one of the fan interviews I look forward to every year. If you like Derek as much as me then why not give him a follow on Twitter – find him in 140 charachters right here

WAFR: Welcome back to What A Fantastic Run. How would you assess Fulham's start to the campaign?
A peculiar mix of the sublime and the predictable. You'd have put money on us coming a cropper at Molineux (Mick McCarthy's grudge match of the season) and losing to the Tony Pulis Rollerball XI. Less predictable was Everton's injury time burglary and the polished, contemptuous dismissal of QPR.
In between there's been sufficient dross against Villa and Blackburn to remind you that the self styled 'greatest league in the world' often isn't.
The season has been a hybrid of rare beauty and the more prosaic like watching the head of Jo Brand welded onto the body of Kim Kardashian.

WAFR: Martin Jol is obviously a manager highly regarded by a lot of Spurs fans but he has appeared to struggle making an impact at Fulham with reports suggesting player falls outs on top of disappointing results. How is his appointment regarded by fans at this stage?
The message boards are schizophrenic. It's either 'Jol out' or 'in Martin we trust': views often expressed by the same person in the same 24 hours.
There have been questions over his tactics, which sometimes betray what little Englanders would call a continental ability to take the confusing option over the simple one. Why for instance, when a full back is injured and there's a ready made replacement on the bench do you bring on an extra centre-half as he did against Everton?
Rumblings in the squad, whether true or not, are to be expected. This side has pretty much picked itself for the last three years with only minor competition for places. With the addition of new players it was always likely someone would get the hump.
On the whole, being easily seduced by events like an away win at Wigan, I'd have to say that most recognise Jol and Fulham as a perfect fit for the long term.

WAFR: Fulham have been a team who look like they have gone a little backwards since Hodgson left the club – it this purely down to losing a manager like Roy or are there other factors involved?
The team went so fast forward under Hodgson that they're probably still adjusting to the g-force. I certainly don't think we've gone backwards.
The problem was that Hodgson built a team for the here-and-now. His mixture of wise heads, loanees and misfits was designed to get us out of trouble, not to look to the future. They over succeeded spectacularly but there was no long term plan. When Hughes came in he tinkered with the tactics and personnel. It was as though he knew the engine needed an overhaul but decided to just buff up the spark plugs. In retrospect, he obviously didn't expect to stick around.
Jol has had to get his head under the bonnet (this is a tortuous motoring analogy, isn't it) and give the outfit a full service.
This means altering the style of play, the over reliance on Zamora, and finding the players to fit an evolving system. It's the sort of job that should have been done two years ago.

WAFR: You have perhaps one of the oldest squads in the Premier League at the moment, are there enough younger players coming through the ranks or will there be enough investment in the team in order to start replacing some of your ageing stars?
The club has quietly acquired some bright young talent. 17 year old Kerim Frei is Steed Malbranque crossbred with the hare from a greyhound track. On the fringes we also have highly rated Tom Donegan, special one ninja Marcel Gecov and the raw but promising Pajtim Kasami. In the distant future, look out for centre-half Dan Burn and striker Marcello 'Delboy' Trotta.
Our U18s are top of their Academy League, the U15s are winning and we've probably got an U6months who are working on their dribbling. For the first time since Sean Davis came through the ranks there's a steady stream of potential first-teamers.

WAFR: You are back in the Europa League this season, a competition many Spurs fans are regarding as an obstructive non event – is there a similar feeling at Fulham?
No, far from it. The Europa League has given us some remarkable memories. If we get through the group stage, away support will be better in Europe than it is for some domestic games.
As I write this before the Wislaw Krakow game, fans are genuinely excited at the prospect of giving diver Nunez a rough time while also working out train timetables from Amsterdam to Enschede.
Let's put it in perspective: for some of us a European tour always used to mean Newport County away.

WAFR: You signed Ruiz in the transfer window, a player that Spurs had been keeping tabs on for a while, what has his impact been? Have you seen £10.6m worth of talent from him yet?
Before his goal against Everton he was generally regarded as a strolling L'Oreal ad.
That extraordinary chip over Tim Howard was a finish of enormous bravery, however. If the ball had simply lobbed into the keeper's arms he would have looked foolish. To do what he did showed remarkable confidence in his own ability.
As he ran to the Riverside stand people were shouting 'did you see that?' and 'oooh, look at his hair!' At £10.6m I think eez wurz eet.

WAFR: Who are going to be your key players this season?
The spine of the team is crucial. From back to front, Schwarzer, Hangeland, Murphy and Zamora hold the key. No change there, then.

WAFR: What is your assessment of the Spurs team this year?
The game against QPR seemed to typify Spurs. Glorious when going forward but also with a hint of vulnerability and a suggestion that shoulders can droop when it doesn't go quite to plan.
You also tried a little too much of the Harlem Globetrotters stuff at 2-0; all those extravagant flicks and backheels were hugely entertaining but at the expense of the simple pass.
There's no reason to doubt that a top four finish is possible although I think that's because, outside of Manchester, standards haven't risen greatly in the Premiership this year.

WAFR: What is your score prediction for Sundays game?
Well, at least it'll be a decent game. This is the match that's a response to the parallel universe where Stoke are always playing Wolves.
This really could be something daft like 3-3.

WAFR: And finally I must ask, how is Michael Jackson?
Still gazing at the Thames with that strange goalkeeper's hunch and microphone welded to his fist. Personally I think he looks more like Colonel Gaddafi on a karaoke night.



http://whatafantasticrun.com/fulham-v-tottenham?