Sunday Fulham Stuff (06/11/11)...

[WhiteJC]

 
U18s sneak past Charlton
by DAN on NOVEMBER 5, 2011

Fulham's under 18s continued their impressive start to the season with a 2-1 win over Charlton Athletic at Motspur Park this morning.

The win keeps them top of the Academy Group A league table on goal difference with a game in hand on second-placed Crystal Palace.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/11/u18s-sneak-past-charlton/?

[WhiteJC]

 
U16s put five past Charlton
by DAN on NOVEMBER 5, 2011

Fulham's under-16s beat Charlton 5-2 at Motspur Park today.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/11/u16s-put-five-past-charlton/?

[WhiteJC]

 
The case for Damien Duff
by DAN on NOVEMBER 5, 2011



I often share the same bus journey home from Hammersmith as a couple of Fulham fans who sit elsewhere at Craven Cottage. Our trips back through west London offer an interesting insight into how others might have viewed the game and give an alternative viewpoint on Martin Jol's reign. Thursday night saw an interesting discussion about the merits of Jol's selection policy and one name kept coming up: Damien Duff.

The experienced Irish winger, who was like a man reborn under Roy Hodgson and for me remains Fulham's best crosser of a ball, hasn't started a league game for Fulham since the middle of September. His domestic appearances have been fleeting since then – the briefest of substitute appearances at Wigan (where he somehow found the time to get booked) and a much longer showing at Stoke after Moussa Dembele limped off injured. Duff did start in Krakow, but after Dembele's sending off saw little of the ball.

He was particularly pumped up for Thursday night's return fixture – and not just for the obvious reasons. A regular for Giovanni Trapattoni, Duff will still want frequent football to earn a spot in the Republic of Ireland side that takes on Estonia in their European Championship play-off next week. It also seems as though he is in direct competition with Dembele for a spot in Jol's side, so he had ample motivation to send a reminder to the manager of his ability.

Not that anybody amongst the Cottage faithful needs such a hint. Duff's professionalism has never been in doubt and he quickly proved anyone who wondered whether he'd lost the sharpness that characterised both his eye-catching entrance to English football and the vibrancy of his displays for Jose Mourinho at Chelsea with the answer upon his return to SW6. He might not have the pace to glide away from defenders in an instant, but will still show an eagerness to take on a full-back. Duff also others something Jol's side have noticeably lacked this season, genuine width, plus the versatility to play on either flank.

Then there's his work ethic. He'll scurry across every blade of grass and work back to protect a defence that seems to have been left to fend for itself in the early days of Jol's tenure – as Rich pointed out yesterday. If John Arne Riise is really going to be encouraged to explore his attacking potential from left back, then Duff's willingness to track back should count in his favour. He could offer similar protection to whoever finally nails down the right full-back spot too.

Including Duff in your side also almost guarantees chances. His hyper-active start against Wisla underline what an attacking asset he can be. Eagerly cutting in from the right, he extended an Estonian goalkeeper who may well face a few more Duff curlers in the coming weeks within three minutes. Then he showed his intelligence in the build-up to his goal, increasing the tempo with a clever flick to Bobby Zamora as space opened up for a Fulham break. When Andy Johnson sped towards the penalty area, Duff was the furthest Fulham player forward and he made no mistake with an assured first-time finish.

It's far from a one-off either. The second half of last season saw Mark Hughes' side pull away from the relegation zone and move beyond mid-table mediocrity. It also coincided with a purple patch of Duff goals. He scored the winner against Newcastle – to his quite obvious enjoyment – and followed that up with an equaliser at Manchester City and two crucial goals against Blackburn. Had he not picked up an Achilles injury in April, Duff could have played a far more active part in Fulham's impressive end to the season.

If Jol is keen to move towards a quicker, more vibrant Fulham then you can understand his preference for Dembele. But it would be a real shame to see Duff relegated to second choice – even at 32, he's too good a performer for that. What's more his experience and discipline could help to contain Gareth Bale tomorrow afternoon.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/11/the-case-for-damien-duff/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Poles Axed

And how sweet it was. The ground rocked to another famous Europa night under the Craven Cottage lights. Four goals provide the coup de grace in supporting the old maxim, "Cheats never prosper."


© Getty Images

Waving my journalistic credentials I have to say the scoreline flattered Fulham a tad, and it was only in the final 20 minutes I felt we really held sway over our opponents from Cracow. Make no mistake. Wisla had ability, plenty of fluidity and crisp passing, invention and - dare I say it - probably a more effective midfield than our own. They also had plenty of sights at goal. We got lucky with one ricochet back off the post, had their finishing matched their approach play, the result might well have been tighter. Also, Schwarzer remains in outstanding form. Pushing 40, we have it on record from inside the camp he remains an absolute beast in the gym and is working harder than ever to retain agility and sharpness.

A year ago I was content to see him shipped out to Arsenal, feeling he was blocking the progress of Stockers. I am happy to admit I was wrong. The big Aussie has staked an early claim for Player of the Season and his EPL stats for clean sheets put him among the elite guardians of the net for the modern era. And while we consider some other vets among the Whites causing concern for the faithful, how refreshing was it Thursday to see Damien back with the fire in his belly. He gave the despicable Nunez a real ear-bashing early on before letting his boots do the talking with a super goal and an assist.

Did Martin read my matchday preview, where I exhorted the gaffer to play with some width? It made all the difference. Duff was a changed player from the one I saw in Cracow in game one. I wonder if he was under instructions that night to tuck in and keep an eye on Briggs.

Before we get too carried away, all the astute FFC fans around me at half-time were as one with the shortcomings still holding us back. My regulars have also rightly flagged up what remains wrong with the side. Riise is a liability in both parts of his game. He no longer has the speed or stamina to continually provide the extra man on the overlap up the left. As Clint has no real pace, but a dogged determination to dribble and dart his way through defences, the Deuce will look to check and duck back inside - inevitably into traffic. Sure, one mazy run saw him forced wide but still pull out a sublime chip that kissed the top of the bar. The Texan is many things, and he's been an outstanding servant to Fulham since 2007, but one thing I've yet to see him do is skin the full-back on the outside with pace.

Now, if you factor in both Dembele and AJ playing to a similar style in recent weeks it's easy to see how we've been horribly narrow in games where we've barely carved out an opening. And your blogger may have come up with the reason. It's 'hold the front page exclusive' stuff.

My source with contacts to one of the playing staff (no names offered so I don't know who) reports the technical and tactical coaching being done is the worst in recent memory. Jol does not oversee all aspects of training and it seems some of the players are having to make it up as they go along. Whatever Jol's Dutch vision for Fulham is post Hughes and Hodgson, to date it seems only to have confused the first team. This may explain rumours of bust ups at Motspur and the body language of some when being subbed. Exasperation with the gaffer's methods seems to have unsettled the side.

But are we on the way to working through it? Let's return to the case against Riise. We've flagged up the lack of pace that once made him such an offensive force. Within 15 minutes on Thursday night he was getting a right old shellacking from Murphy for not getting tight to the Wisla forwards. That's the captain's job. When Danny shouts at you, you listen. Riise was the wrong side of his man at times, dived in and was flat on his arse when he should have stayed on his feet, gets beaten to headers by smaller players, and frankly looks ponderous and unfit.

How many more weeks before Jol faces up to his mistake and replaces him? Put Baird out there. Grygera and Hughes can both slip into the back four if needed. Second problem. Etuhu's had two chances from both Wisla games, but has no composure or nous to be playing a pivotal role high up the midfield four. He was obviously at fault for the Poles leveller. As a destroyer shielding Danny and the back four, fine. Just don't ask Dickson to try anything creative with the ball, he has enough trouble just passing to another white shirt.

Back to the plusses. The link up play going forward was so much brighter. AJ, Bobby and Duff are all on the same wavelength. Clint too when he's not in a sulk. Dembele doesn't even know where the dial on his radio is. He should not be brought back into the set-up at present. But one man who should is our marquee signing from the summer Bryan Ruiz. Jol has made a point of telling us all this week that Bryan is a midfielder who can also contribute goals. We might all question why so much money was spent on yet another midfield man in August when what we really needed was a striker (Demba Ba anyone?). However, if that's where Ruiz plays, can we get to see him regularly and how he shakes up the side?

Spurs up next would be a good place for Ruiz to give us 90 minutes. This league fixture brings an altogether different test. While Wisla Cracow showed evidence of their talent in moving the ball, there was still far too much simulation and play-acting from them again Thursday night. I find it entirely disingenuous for their coach to sourly intimate that 'Jol played the Nunez card cleverly in stoking up the pressure.' Wrong my friend! That was entirely self-inflicted thanks to the atrocious lack of sportsmanship from your players in the first game.

Let's hope the derby Sunday is a good old-fashioned ding-dong between two footballing sides who look to entertain and generally play the game in the right spirit. Tottenham are on a strong run and playing some lovely stuff. Will we see the Fulham side who swept Rangers aside and remain the only club thus far to take points off leaders Man City, or will it be a return to the woeful stuff seen at Wigan?

Something tells me no. Spurs beat us here a year ago with a 'goal' that was blatantly offside. They edged the return with a Bale fluke and were hanging on at the end. Four weeks later in the Cup we murdered them 4-0. I'll settle for 2-0, and another home strike from BZ. We owe them.

And to leave you with this thought...Clever free-kick routines? When was the last time we saw anything like that???

COYW! Twitter@fulhamphil



http://blogs.soccernet.com/fulham/archives/2011/11/poles_axed.php?

[WhiteJC]

 
Old boys spurred on in the friendly derby
Jol and Fulham's former Tottenham contingent are keen to show their north London neighbours what they might be missing

Fulham against Tottenham is one of those local derbies that has acquired the status of rivalry but not real hatred. One club is clearly bigger and more successful than the other, both in terms of direct meetings and broader achievement. So personnel switching between the two are essentially making a move either up or down. The former Spurs contingent who greet their old club at Craven Cottage this afternoon know, whether they admit it or not, that they have dropped down a rung. They may not talk of taking revenge for rejection or of proving a point, but the added incentive is clearly there.

Take Fulham manager Martin Jol, who served at Spurs for three years and four months achieving two fifth places and missing out on a Champions' League appearance by the thickness of a dodgy lasagne. To be sacked at all after such a record, even after a disappointing start to his final season, would be hard to take. Yet the manner of his dismissal was humiliating. Only two games into the season, Spurs representatives were spotted with Juande Ramos, the manager of Seville. During a televised Uefa Cup match at White Hart Lane three months later, a website broke the news that Ramos was taking over; the commentary picked up on the fact leaving viewers looking at pictures of a man who did not officially know his fate.

In the circumstances Jol's generosity toward his former employers is remarkable. "It was a great time. Three years and four months. I still have positive feelings, which is the most important thing."

Bobby Zamora could be excused having almost entirely negative ones, after failing to live up to his potential in a barren spell at Tottenham before recovering some confidence after dropping down to the Championship with West Ham. Since returning to a higher level with Fulham, he has improved his hold-up play to the extent of winning a first England cap. Now he faces a huge day with a game against his old club and then the announcement of whether he has kept his place in Fabio Capello's squad.

"Last couple of years we've put in some good performances against Spurs," he said after the feisty 4-1 win over Wisla Krakow on Thursday. "They're a great side with some top, top players so we know it's gonna be tough. We'll be up for it, we're at home and we have a great record at home."

Like Jol, Danny Murphy, the one member of the former Tottenham quintet who went straight to Fulham, also tries to emphasise the positive, yet he too has underlying regrets. Having turned down Spurs initially in favour of Charlton when leaving Liverpool, he went to White Hart Lane under Jol but views his 18 months there as a learning experience rather than a particularly enjoyable period.

"The good things are always easy to remember, but it's probably one of the only negative spells of my career," he admitted. "It made me stronger, definitely. I think that little lull, without playing so much, maybe gave me the hunger and desire to kick on again and prove a few people wrong."

When Jol was appointed by Fulhamin the summer, Murphy was forced to deny they had ever fallen out. "I think it's not too healthy looking back on the negatives," he added. "I try and focus on the positives of my career. I made some good friends and worked with some good coaches at Tottenham, learned plenty off them, which hopefully I'll be able to use in future years."

Competing with a crop of internationals for a place at Spurs, he failed to convince Jol that he should be the main midfielder and did not play as often as he wanted: "You need a run of games in a team to gain confidence and show what you can do. I never really got that at Tottenham. I'm a player who needs time to grow into a position. I need to evolve a bit when I go to a new team. I've always taken time to play well in a certain role. I didn't quite get the opportunity."

At Fulham he is more influential than at any time. Roy Hodgson made him captain and under Jol he has kept the armband, a regular starting place and his position as the team's main creative force and set-piece specialist. There was no overt display of emotion when he scored two penalties as Fulham ran up a stunning 4-0 half-time lead in the FA Cup against Tottenham last season – which was how the tie ended – but the satisfaction must have been immense.

This season Fulham started early in the Europa League, giving Jol the chance to assess his squad, but their League results were poor. A first win at home, 6-0 against Queens Park Rangers, and then away at Wigan has perked them up.

Fulham have only 12 wins in the teams' 75 meetings but the emphaticmanner of that last one in January will encourage more than just the Tottenham old boys among them.

Fulham v Tottenham Hotspur is on Sky Sports 1 today, kick-off 4pm

From spurs to Fulham: Fab five who proved their Cottage industry

Danny Murphy: Joined Spurs from Charlton in 2005 but was rarely a regular under Martin Jol and moved on to Fulham in August 2007. Has played his best football there since his Liverpool days as main playmaker, and has been captain for four seasons.

Stephen Kelly: Irish full-back who played 44 games for Tottenham without establishing himself. Moved to Craven Cottage via Birmingham in 2009. Currently used more in European games than Premier League.

Martin Jol: The 55 year-old became a Spurs coach in the summer of 2004 and then manager in November when Jacques Santini resigned after 13 games. They finished 9th, 5th and 5th but he was replaced by Juande Ramos in October 2007 with the team 18th. After managing Hamburg and Ajax he joined Fulham in June.

Simon Davies: Joined Tottenham in 1999, making almost 150 appearances before moving to Everton. Signed for Fulham in 2007 and was player of the year the following season.

Bobby Zamora: Made his name asa striker with Brighton but only managed one goal in 18 games for Tottenham before moving to West Ham, then Fulham in 2008. Flourished and won first England cap last year.



http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/old-boys-spurred-on-in-the-friendly-derby-6257943.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
WHITE HART PAIN IS MARTIN JOL IN THE PAST NOW

MARTIN JOL refuses to attack his old club Tottenham and claims he still has a good relationship with their chairman Daniel Levy.

He said: "I think Fulham is a traditional club, like Spurs, West Ham and all the ­London clubs.

"When I was here with Spurs, we had a couple of good results.

"I like the colours, black and white as well, I could go on. But Fulham are happy and I am happy, so hopefully we can keep it that way."

Levy was criticised for the way he ended Jol's tenure at White Hart Lane back in 2007.

The Dutchman said big-money signings were made without consulting him and he was further undermined by claims that Spurs officials were courting other managers.

Levy issued a denial after Jol's eventual replacement, Juande Ramos, revealed he had been offered Jol's job at Spurs before he was let go.

And a long saga ended when the manager was sacked DURING a UEFA Cup match against Getafe.

But speaking ahead of his first game against Tottenham since leaving the club, Jol says he has no bitterness ­towards his former employers.

"I've got a good relationship with Daniel, he always looked after me and there are no hard feelings," he said.

"I was at Spurs for three-and-a-half years, so that was probably a record.

"Of course I'd like to have stayed – but I would like to stay at Fulham for four or five years. Hopefully that's a realistic target."

All eyes will be on Jol today – and on how his team reacts to rumours of his tough demands and rows with certain players.

But keeper Mark Schwarzer insists all the Fulham players are right behind their boss. The Aussie veteran said:

"People will make a lot out of the boss being up against Spurs – but it's just another Premier League game against good opposition for us.

"I know the manager will be focused on us and getting three points, no matter who it's against.

"He's still finding his feet, as all managers do when they come to a club. But all the players have adapted well and I think they are happy with the way things are going.

"We know that consistency is around the corner and we need to improve on that a little bit – but some of the performances have been very encouraging."

Fulham are on a high following their 4-1 hammering of Polish club Wisla Krakow on Thursday night.

They went on the rampage just after Spurs, without several key players, lost 1-0 to Rubin Kazan in Russia.

And Fulham striker Bobby Zamora, who used to play for Spurs, can't wait to tussle with one of his old clubs.

He said: "In the last couple of years we've put in some good performances against them.

"It'd be nice to win but they're a great side with some top, top players. We know it's gonna be tough.

"Unlike us, they rested players during the week – but we'll be up for it. We're at home, which is massive, and we have a great record at home. So we hope we can put in a good performance and get a result."

Zamora is hoping to play against his mate Ledley King, who he played with as a youngster for a local side.

And Zamora added: "I've known Ledley for years and he's a great player. He's been struggling with his knees a little bit but, whenever he goes out there, he performs.

"He just does what he needs to do and when he plays, he really is magnificent. Hopefully he's not playing at the weekend!

"I knew him at Senrab when we were 13 or 14 and he looked then as if he'd definitely make it as a player."

With both sides having strikers in top form, today's clash could come down to which keeper pulls off a great save at the right time.

And the battle between Spurs stopper Brad Friedel 40, and Schwarzer, 39, will be a battle of the Golden Oldies.

Schwarzer, who made his club debut in Australia 21 years ago, said: "Brad has been a fantastic goalkeeper and has done really well.

"When I look at people like Brad it gives me inspiration. I want to keep playing as long as I can.

"We have a fantastic regime at the club with the sports science department and the medical department.

"I exploit them as much as possible to make sure I stay fit.

"My aim is the 2014 World Cup – and then we'll see what happens."

But there is a more pressing matter at hand, this afternoon's clash with Spurs.

And Schwarzer added: "We are all looking forward to this game. Spurs have some great players and want to finish in the top four.

"We know it is a very big game for us. But we just have to try to do our job and hope they have a slightly off day and we can capitalise on it."



http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/219398/White-Hart-pain-is-Martin-Jol-in-the-past-now/?

[WhiteJC]

 
ANDY JOHNSON NETS NEW DEAL

MARTIN JOL is on the brink of giving in to Andy Johnson's contract demands after the striker convinced him of his quality with a brilliant Europa League show for Fulham.

Craven Cottage boss Jol has so far resisted Johnson's request for a three-year deal, instead offering a two-year contract.

But the hotshot (below) continued his amazing form in Europe with two goals against Wisla Krakow on Thursday night – one of which is a contender for goal of the season.

Johnson's double took his tally to eight goals in 11 games in the competition this season – and the striker will be ready to find the back of the net again today against Jol's former side Tottenham.

Hitman Johnson, 30, is wanted by QPR but Jol looks set to offer him the terms he wants in order to stay at the club.

An insider said: "Martin was holding out but Andy's season keeps getting better. It looks like he's earned an extra year. The deal will be on the table before long."



http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/219400/Andy-Johnson-nets-new-deal/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Encouraging Signs

Fulham challenge Tottenham Hotspur at Craven Cottage this afternoon (KO 4pm) and goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer spoke to the press ahead of the game.


Q: This afternoon we face Tottenham Hotspur at Craven Cottage. Spurs are certainly a tough proposition for any team at the moment...

A: Yes, they've got some fantastic players in their squad and they will be looking to get into the top four this season which is a big, big task for them but they've got some unbelievable players, so we know it's a big game for them.

Q: Would you agree that Spurs have one of the most impressive front pairings in the league?

A: Definitely, they don't stop running. And they've got Gareth Bale, he's a phenomenal player as well, They've also got Modric and we all know what a good player he is.

There are a lot of good players at Tottenham and we know it's going to be a massive task for us. Whenever we play at home we go into the game with a little bit more confidence because we always feel we can get something out of the games.

Q: So how do you prepare for Adebayor and van der Vaart? They seem to create anything from all angles.

A: You've just got to get out there and do your job. We will be hoping they have a slightly off day, and then we can capitalise on it.

We beat them in January but that was a long time ago and that was an FA Cup game so we don't want to get carried away.

Q: How is the team at the moment?

A: Well, it's been frustrating at times; we've been playing well and just haven't got the results. Last weekend away at Wigan probably wasn't our best performance but we came away with three points and a clean sheet, and sometimes there is no reason for it.

On Thursday night against Wisla Krakow I thought we were very, very solid and we controlled most of the game. We limited their chances.

Q: How are things under Martin Jol this season? How has the Manager settled in?

A: He's [Jol] done really well. He's still finding his feet just as you would when you come to a new club, but the players are really happy with the way things are going.

We know that consistency is round the corner a little bit and we need to improve on that a little bit, but I think so far what we have shown this season has been very encouraging.



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/November/SchwarzerSpursPreview.aspx?#ixzz1cumRZe6P

[WhiteJC]

 
Writer's Prediction League: Spurs vs. Fulham


The Writer's Prediction League continues, as Ryan Rosenblatt continues to run away with the league after another perfect prediction. This week's challenge comes in the form of a home Fulham side. Fulham is coming off a weekend win vs, Minnesota and midweek vs. Wisla Krakow.

As for our Prediction League, Ryan continues to lead while Bryan Ashlock has moved up the table to push for top spot. The rules remain, one point for a correct prediction, a bonus point for getting the score correct. Here's the current standings:





Name   Score
Ryan   10
Ashlock   7
The Roosevelts   6
Mechanick    4
Kevin   4
Evan   4


This week's predictions after the jump:

Kevin: 2-1 Spurs. We'll be the much better team, but Brede Hangeland puts one in on a set piece.

Ashlock: I hate Fulham and Clint Dempsey is almost as bad as Armand Traore. There I said it! 2-0 Spurs.

Mechanick: An even match where Modric and Dempsey trade blows. 1-1 Draw.

Ryan: I love Craven Cottage, but hate when we have to play there. 1-1 Draw .

The Roosevelts: 2-2 Draw thanks to a late brace by Dempsey

Evan: Spurs extend their seven game EPL unbeaten streak to eight in the balmy London temperatures. 2-1 Spurs.



http://www.cartilagefreecaptain.com/2011/11/6/2541526/writers-prediction-league-bros-vs-pledges?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham v Spurs preview and team news

Martin Jol faces Tottenham Hotspur for the first time since he was unceremoniously sacked by the club in 2007 in what should be an exciting encounter.

Both Fulham and Spurs are attacking sides so this match should be an open contest and several Fulham players will also have the extra incentive of getting one over on their former employers with Danny Murphy, Bobby Zamora and Stephen Kelly all had frustrating times at White Hart Lane.

Fulham though cannot expect too much against an in form Tottenham and with Rafael van der Vaart, Gareth Bale and Emmanuel Adebayor in lethal form Tottenham will be favourites to take all three points.

Jol's side have yet to settle into their league campaign this season and despite drawing with Manchester City in September they've struggled to make Craven Cottage an uncomfortable place for visitors.

Spurs have scored at least two goals for the last seven games while Fulham have been quite wasteful in front of goal.

Team News
Jol may be without captain Danny Murphy who is a doubt after picking up a knock in Thursday's win over Wisla Krakow.

Kevin Bond will continue in the dugout as Harry Redknapp recovers from his heart operation and may in clude William Gallas in his line up after the French man came though Spurs' Europa League loss to Rubin Kazan unscathed but Tom Huddlestone, Michael Dawson and Niko Kranjcar are all still out.


http://www.sportsnewsireland.com/soccer_irish/61932/?

[WhiteJC]

 
MOUSSA DEMBELE READY FOR GARETH BALE

Sweet feet and fleet feet are set to go toe to toe at Craven Cottage on Sunday and that clash of styles between Fulham's Mousa Dembele and Gareth Bale, of Tottenham, should ensure the season's trend of enthralling derbies is maintained.

When considering current individual contributions to the greater good of the Premier League, there are surely few more exciting players to watch than Dembele, whose mesmerising close control makes you wonder if the ball is stitched to his boots, and Bale, the winger whose speed and vision set White Hart Lane alight against Queens Park Rangers last weekend.

And if Fulham boss Martin Jol chooses to face his former club with Dembele starting on the right wing rather than his alternative position in the hole behind striker Bobby Zamora, the Belgium international will be staring Bale straight in the eyes.

Having watched enthralled, just like the rest of us, as Bale completed a wonderful seven-pass move for Spurs's third goal against QPR, Dembele today revealed his eagerness to go up against the Welshman.

The 24-year-old, exactly two years to the day Bale's senior, said: "I like to challenge myself, to compare myself against the best.

I've watched Bale a few times.

He is different from me.

He is more like a player who goes 'whoosh', who is very fast.

"But I saw his second goal on Sunday, and whenever I see something good that another player does, then I will think about it and try to learn from it.

"Nobody is perfect.

Even Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo can sometimes look like players from League One.

But the best players in the world always try to learn from somebody else.

"That is why I like to challenge myself against a big team like Tottenham.

It is not just Bale, they have a lot of really great players.

" Like Scott Parker, who outshone even Bale against Rangers and who on Sunday will engage in an intriguing midfield duel with former Spurs player Danny Murphy.

Having been present on the pitch to witness the veteran Fulham captain inspire only a second League win of the season against Wigan on Saturday - when his raking first-half pass allowed Zamora to set up Clint Dempsey for the vital opening goal - Dembele is backing his man.

He said: "Everybody knows Danny is a very important player for us.

He can pick the right passes.

He has enough experience, so he knows exactly what he has to do.

" Dembele, himself, added Fulham's second goal at the DW Stadium, the surprise being it was his first strike of the season.

The contribution Dembele has made to the Fulham cause since Mark Hughes, Jol's predecessor, bought him from Dutch Eredivisie champions AZ Alkmaar for £5million in the summer of 2010 has been immense.

The hours Dembele devoted as a youngster to practising on basketball courts and inside the family home near the Bercham district of Antwerp, testing the patience of a mother who had to sweep up the resulting shards of shattered crockery, enables him to twist and turn with the balanced dexterity of a slalom skier.

In the wake of the Wigan victory, Jol said: "Mousa is so gifted.

He has all the talent in the world.

But the next step is for him to score [more] goals.

" Dembele accepts that flashy footwork on the pitch is not enough and his overall contribution needs to embrace a better strike rate.

He said: "That is the thing I want to improve most, to score goals.

"For me, in the past, scoring has not always been the most important thing.

My priorities have been to play well, to be important for the team.

"After that, I've always told myself that if I score, then that's just okay.

But now I'm changing my thoughts and I want to score more goals.

Every day in normal training I'm trying to score more.

And after training I stay to practise my shooting as well.

" One of Dembele's rare goals came at Craven Cottage back in January when Fulham thrashed Spurs 4-0 in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

Harry Redknapp was so impressed that in the summer he was reported to have made a tentative inquiry about the player.

Spurs are doing very nicely having banked 19 points from their last seven League games to go fifth in the table.

But Dembele counters that form by pointing out how Fulham have turned the Cottage into a fortress which has borne witness to only one home defeat in domestic and European football this season.

Nicely rested after missing last night's Europa League tie against Wisla Krakow through suspension, Dembele said: "When I talk to my colleagues in the Belgium side - like Marouane Fellaini and Thomas Vermaelen - they all say they don't like to play at Fulham, that it is not easy to play against us at our place.

" He has to hope that holds true for the Spurs players on Sunday, with Fulham only just clear of the relegation zone after a testing campaign.

But Dembele insists the team's lowly standing is a false one.

He added: "We should be higher up.

There has not been one team that we've played this season who were much better than us.

" At the moment, there are not many attacking players much better than Dembele.

And he can confirm that by out-whooshing Bale on Sunday.



http://www.fulhamweb.co.uk/news/Moussa-Dembele-ready-for-Gareth-Bale.aspx

[WhiteJC]

 
BOBBY ZAMORA WILL BE FIGHTING FIT FOR SPURS

Fulham striker Bobby Zamora insists Fulham will be fighting fit and raring to go against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

Spurs left most of their first team at home for last night's 4,000-mile round trip to Russia, while the Whites fielded a near full-strength XI in their Europa League clash against Wisla Krakow.

However, the England striker says they will be back up to speed for the Craven Cottage clash against his former club in two days time.

He said: "We'll be ready for Sunday. We're at home, which is massive as well. We've got a great record here.

"The last couple of years we've put in some good performances against them. It would be nice to win but it's going to be a tough game. They're a great side with some top players."



http://www.fulhamweb.co.uk/news/Bobby-Zamora-will-be-fighting-fit-for-Spurs.aspx

[WhiteJC]

Dempsey proves his worth in energy



Clint Dempsey knows he's not the most ­spectacular player in the Fulham team.

The recent scoring ­exploits of Andrew Johnson, emergence of Bobby Zamora as an ­England player and wing artistry of Damian Duff have tended to hog the ­headlines.

But make no mistake, Dempsey has a vital role for the Craven Cottage club and will be aiming to show it against Spurs today. The American, who mainly operates on the left of midfield, has covered more ground than any other Fulham player so far this season, with 113.2km.

He has also played as a striker for the United States and his eye for goal still shows.

Dempsey's three goals for Fulham this season have come from 30 ­attempts at goal with 63 per cent on target, and he has also contributed three assists.

The 28-year-old is now sixth in the EA SPORTS Player ­Performance Index for efforts on goal.

Dempsey has also been supporting his defence, making 20 interceptions and winning 74 per cent of 19 tackles attempted this season.

Tottenham's Gareth Bale is the fastest rising player in the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, moving up 108 places to 43rd after his double against QPR last Sunday.

Bale has now scored three times from his 27 shots on goal.

The Wales winger has also provided 26­ ­dribbles and 22 crosses for Spurs this season, and covered more ground than any other player against QPR (11.9 km).



Read more: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/blogs/mirror-football-blog/Fulham-midfielder-Clint-Dempsey-proves-his-worth-in-energy-article827699.html#ixzz1cuHfgP45

[WhiteJC]

 
Up next: Tottenham Hotspur (h)
by DAN on NOVEMBER 6, 2011

The Cottage was bouncing on Thursday night and Fulham responded with a vibrant display of flowing football that keeps their hopes of reaching the last 32 of the Europa League nicely on track. Martin Jol's side have seemingly better suited to continental competition than the rigours of the Premier League this season and they face another stern test of their domestic credentials this afternoon with the visit of Tottenham.

The memories of last year's swashbuckling FA Cup success may linger lovingly in the back of our minds, but Spurs have won nine of their last ten league games against Fulham – including the league game at the Cottage last season, which was settled by Tom Huddlestone's controversial goal. Harry Redknapp achieved what Jol fell agonisingly short of at White Hart Lane – a place in the Champions' League – and his side look a good bet to return to Europe's premier club competition again next year if their start to the new campaign is anything to go by.

Tottenham are unbeaten in seven league games since Manchester City swept their aside with a flair that has humbled plenty of Premier League defences already this season. Redknapp's astute summer signings seemed to have supplemented a squad that looked a little laboured after their Champions' League exploits last year. Scott Parker has added steel and guile to the midfield – and looks every inch the international player he always threatened to become – looking a relative steel at £5m. Brad Friedel has replaced Heurelho Gomes, who will always be fondled remembered by the Fulham faithful, in goal and looks set to go on and on, even at 40. Emmanuel Adebayor offers pace and potency up front and has had little trouble in reacclimatising to life in the Premier League, after a loan spell with Real Madrid, scoring three in his first two outings for Spurs.

It wasn't as if Tottenham were struggling for attacking flair before Adebayor arrived. Gareth Bale's 'whoosh' – as a seemingly awestruck Moussa Dembele put it the other day – has captured the attention of plenty of Europe's top sides. The Welsh youngster was always a precocious talent – as we saw when he tore Fulham's defence to shreds on a see-saw day in 2007 – but freed from any defensive shackles has emerged as the league's leading left winger. On the opposite flank, there's an abundance of pace as well in the shape of Aaron Lennon. Lest we forget, the mercurial Rafael van der Vaart could equal the Premier League's consecutive scoring record as he has five goals in his last five games.

On paper, Spurs look formidable – and there won't be any worries as to the fitness of their key players as Kevin Bond and Joe Jordan, currently deputising for Redknapp as he convalesces from heart surgery, took a largely second-string side to Russia for their Europa League engagement in midweek. Where there may be the odd creak could be in central defence with Ledley King, whose consistently high class performances belie a lack of cartilage, likely to be partnered by William Gallas, who has yet to start a league game this season.

Jol's most pressing decision will be whether to test his former employers with the 4-4-2 that ran Wisla ragged or revert to his favoured 4-2-3-1. Andy Johnson fulfilled a wide right role with some success at Wigan but looked much more dangerous as a conventional partner for Bobby Zamora on Thursday – as he did when he gobbled up that hat-trick against QPR. Both Moussa Dembele, a scorer at the DW Stadium, and Bryan Ruiz will be available again, which could see Damien Duff – excellent in midweek – drop to the bench again. Ruiz will most likely start on the sidelines despite his memorial chip that looked to have salvaged at least a point against Everton a fortnight ago. Captain Danny Murphy, withdrawn as a precaution against Wisla, will be desperate to shake off a knee problem to line-up against his old club.

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


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/11/up-next-tottenham-hotspur-h-3/?

[WhiteJC]

 
AJ close to agreeing new contract
by DAN on NOVEMBER 6, 2011



According to the Daily Star, Andy Johnson and Fulham are close to agreement over the striker's new contract.

The parties have been in negotiations for some months now and Fulham had initially been resisting the 30 year-old's demand for a three-year contract. Martin Jol was sticking to the two-year deal that Fulham had already offered, but appears to have been persuaded by Johnson's fine form since he has returned to the first-team. The former England international has scored 11 goals in 19 games, including a fine brace against Wisla Krakow in the Europa League on Thursday.

The Star quotes a 'club insider' as saying:

Martin was holding out but Andy's season keeps getting better. It looks like he's earned an extra year. The deal will be on the table before long.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/11/aj-close-to-agreeing-new-contract/?

[Snibbo]

Fulham v Spurs Preview

Moussa Dembele (suspended) and Bryan Ruiz (illegible) are available for selection.

Does Ruiz have very bad handwriting then?

[WhiteJC]

 
Eighty? (Well Almost)

The combined age of the goalkeepers on show at Craven Cottage this afternoon, is almost eighty!

Keeping goal for Tottenham will be forty year-old Brad Freidel whilst Mark Schwarzer, a mere spring chicken at thirty-nine, will be between the posts for Fulham.

But our Aussie keeper has nothing but respect for those who manage to prolong their careers and still provide a more than decent service between the sticks, remarking ahead of the clash,

"I`m not quite 40 yet, so I take offence to anyone putting me in the same bracket as Brad!"

"But he has been a fantastic goalkeeper and to continue at his age - as I like to say - is fantastic."

"When I look at people like him and also Edwin van der Sar last season, it gives me inspiration to continue playing. These days, clubs have a great sports science and medical department and I exploit them as much as possible."

"I have also done a little e bit of yoga but also a lot of Pilates and gym work"

"I`ve been doing the Pilates for about five years now and I feel it has helped massively. I feel really good and fit."

"Mobility is important and so far that is fine too. I hope I will know when the time comes to stop - and I hope it is a while off yet. One of my aims is to play in the 2014 World Cup."

And we see no reason why that dream cannot be achieved.



Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=261656#ixzz1cvHDkiOM