Friday Fulham Stuff (18/11/11)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Frugal Fulham can shut out Sunderland at the Stadium of Light
Don't expect goals this Saturday as Sunderland welcome Fulham to the Stadium of Light



Fulham's visit to Sunderland might not be the weekend's glamour tie but there is plenty to keep punters interested in this clash.

Both teams have endured rather uninspiring starts to their respective seasons, with the sides level on ten points with only goal difference separating Sunderland in 15th and Fulham in 16th.

If anybody was expecting things to drastically change in a flurry of goals this weekend, then it looks as though they will be sorely disappointed.

The goals haven't exactly flowed in the previous few meetings between these teams, with only one of their last six games yielding more than 2.5 goals.

That was in their last encounter when Fulham swept aside the Black Cats 3-0 at the Stadium of Light in April.

That was just the latest in a long line of disappointments for the North East club in clashes against Fulham.

Sunderland have only scored one goal in their previous six games against the Cottagers and none in their last four.

With Fulham boasting the sixth best away defence in the Premier League, Sunderland – who only have the tenth best attack – will have their work cut out to break down Martin Jol's men.

And, as both teams are languishing at the wrong end of the table, this promises to be a tight and tense affair.

Backing under 2.5 goals to be scored at 8/11 looks like the best way of making some cash out of this clash.



http://news.ladbrokes.com/en-gb/football/premier-league/frugal-fulham-can-shut-out-sunderland-at-the-stadium-of-light_082212.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Opta Stats: Sunderland v Fulham

They may be at home, but Sunderland's recent record against Fulham points to a win for the Cottagers
Fulham have used just 20 players in the Premier League so far, fewer than any other team.

Sunderland have failed to score in five of their last six meetings with Fulham, including the last four in a row.

There have been just five goals scored in the last six matches between Fulham and Sunderland.

The Black Cats have only won three of the 14 Premier League meetings with Fulham and only scored in six.

Fulham have won just four of their last 42 Premier league away games.

Sunderland haven't had the same result in back to back Premier League games since they lost to West Brom and Birmingham in succession back in April.

Sunderland have kept just one clean sheet in their last 13 Premier League games at the Stadium of Light.

Clint Dempsey (28) has been fouled more often than any other player in the Premier League this season.

Four of the six goals scored direct from free kicks this season have come in Sunderland matches, two for and two against.

Fulham have conceded a joint-league high 33% of their goals in the final 15 minutes of games this season.



http://betting.betfair.com/football/opta/opta-stats-sunderland-v-fulham-171111.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
Jol returns to Twente with Fulham

FC Twente are already sure of their place in the UEFA Europa League round of 32, and Fulham FC will look to seal the other qualifying slot in Group K as Martin Jol returns to his old club.

Martin Jol's Fulham FC travel to already qualified FC Twente with the visitors secure in the knowledge that three points will guarantee their place in the UEFA Europa League round of 32.

Previous meetings
• The sides drew 1-1 in London on matchday one. The 2010 finalists seemed on course for success in their first game against Dutch opponents when Andrew Johnson gave them a 19th-minute lead, but a ricochet off goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer following Luuk de Jong's header on 41 minutes earned Twente a useful point.

• Twente are yet to win in 12 games against English opposition, boasting the unenviable record W0 D5 L7 (W0 D3 L2 at home). They have drawn their last three games against English clubs in Enschede, either side of a 2-0 loss to Arsenal FC in UEFA Champions League qualifying which was staged in Arnhem.

Match background
• Twente have lost only one of their last 11 European home matches (3-1 against Villarreal CF in last season's UEFA Europa League quarter-finals), recording five wins and five draws in the process.

• Fulham have already played 12 European games this season, since entering the first qualifying round through the UEFA Respect Fair Play system. They have won seven of those, drawing three and losing two. They have won only one of their last four away games.

• The Cottagers are the only team to have made it all the way from the first qualifying round to the group stage this season.

Team facts
• Twente are the top scorers in the group stage to date with 12 goals; they have also had more shots on target than any other side, 38 in total.

• The Dutch outfit are at their deadliest in the latter period of the first half, scoring six of their goals between the 31st minute and the half-time whistle.

• Fulham's Andrew Johnson started the week as the second highest scorer in this season's group stage with five goals. Only RSC Anderlecht's Matías Suárez, with six, had scored more.

• Twente's Ola John has set up four goals in the group stage so far; twice as many as any other player in the competition.

• Bryan Ruiz joined Fulham from Twente on transfer deadline day, but he is not eligible to play for his new club in the UEFA Europa League as he has already represented the Enschede side in Europe this season.

• Fulham's Dutch manager Martin Jol needs no introduction to Twente; he played for the club from 1979 to 1982.

• Jol and his Twente counterpart Co Adriaanse have been on opposite sides on numerous occasions - as players when Jol's ADO Den Haag team took on Adriaanse's FC Utrecht in the 1970s - and as coaches when Jol's Roda JC and RKC Waalwijk teams took on Willem II, AFC Ajax and AZ Alkmaar teams coached by Adriaanse.

• Adriaanse (2000-01) and Jol (2009-10) were both Ajax coaches at one stage in their careers.

• Twente's Nacer Chadli and Fulham's Moussa Dembélé are Belgian international team-mates. Dembélé also made his name in Dutch football with spells at Willem (2005-06) and AZ (2006-10).

• Twente's Denny Landzaat previously played in England for Wigan Athletic FC from 2006 to 2008.

• Fulham's Czech defender Zdeněk Grygera played in the Netherlands for Ajax from 2003 to 2007.



http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/season=2012/matches/round=2000272/match=2007393/prematch/background/index.html?rss=1704729+Jol+returns+to+Twente+with+Fulham

[WhiteJC]

 
OB and Wisła playing catch-up

Group K's chasing teams meet on matchday five, with Odense BK and Wisła Kraków eager to keep their UEFA Europa League dream alive; both will be out if Fulham FC win at FC Twente in the section's other fixture.

Victory is essential for Odense BK and Wisła Kraków as they strive to keep their UEFA Europa League adventure alive; both will be out if Fulham FC win at FC Twente in the group's other fixture.

Previous meetings
• OB beat Wisła 3-1 in Krakow on matchday one, a scoreline that matched their hosts' worst ever home result in Europe. Andraž Kirm (54) had cancelled out an opener from OB's Andreas Johansson (35) but Peter Utaka (80) and substitute Rasmus Falk (90+2) struck to secure the win in Wisła's first meeting with Danish opponents - and OB's first match against Polish opposition.

• In total, 26 games have been played between Polish and Danish sides in UEFA club competition, with the Polish teams recording 11 wins to the Danes' nine, and six matches ending in draws.

Match background
• OB are on a three-game losing streak in Group K, including their last two home games. They have won only once - against Villarreal CF in this season's UEFA Champions League play-off round - in their last five continental fixtures at the Odense Stadion, drawing two and losing two.

• Wisła have won two of their five UEFA away games this season - both victories coming in the qualifying rounds - but have lost all four of their UEFA Cup and UEFA Europa League group stage fixtures on the road, a run that dates back to the 2006/07 competition.

Team facts
• Odense's next goal will be their 100th in the UEFA Cup and UEFA Europa League; this is their 57th appearance in the two competitions.

• Odense are five goals shy of conceding their 150th in UEFA club competition; this will be their 98th UEFA game.

• Wisła's 4-1 defeat at Fulham FC on matchday four marked their 100th game in UEFA club competition; their record in those fixtures is W45 D18 L37.

• Wisła and OB met in a friendly game on 14 February 2009, with OB winning 4-2 at a mid-season training camp in Spain.

• Polish goalkeeper Arkadiusz Onyszko represented OB from 2003 to 2009. He later returned to Poland with Odra Wodzisław. He played against Wisła in the last match of his career before a serious kidney condition prompted his retirement.

• Danish tennis player Caroline Wozniacki, who has Polish roots, was born in Odense when her father, Piotr, was playing for local side Boldklubben 1909. He previously played in Poland for Miedź Legnica and Zagłębie Lubin.

• Coach Henrik Clausen has spent almost his entire career with OB, barring a brief spell as assistant coach at Vejle BK (2001-03). He led the club's youth and reserve teams for a long while before being given the senior job in 2010, guiding them to second place in the league. His side finished fourth in their section in last season's UEFA Europa League group stage - behind VfB Stuttgart, BSC Young Boys and Getafe CF.

• A 1-0 derby defeat at local rivals MKS Cracovia Kraków at the start of November prompted the dismissal of Wisła coach Robert Maaskant, who led the club to the Polish title last season. His assistant Kazimierz Moskal has been placed in temporary charge until the winter break.


http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/season=2012/matches/round=2000272/match=2007392/prematch/background/index.html?rss=1704728+OB+and+Wisła+playing+catch-up

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham trial Whitecaps starlet
Salgado links up with Premier League club


Omar Salgado: On trial with Fulham

Vancouver Whitecaps have confirmed that their striker Omar Salgado has linked up with Premier League side Fulham.

The American youth international arrived in England on Wednesday and has now begun training with the West London outfit.

The 18-year-old picked up a Spanish passport in September, meaning should he impress he would not need a work-permit to finalise a move to Fulham.
"This is a great opportunity for Omar to continue with his development," head coach Martin Rennie told Vancouver's website.

"Not only has he grown as a player in the last year with our club, his involvement with the United States national team program has helped him improve as a professional.

"We're excited that Omar will have the chance to learn in a top professional environment like Fulham FC."

The player himself, who was the overall number one pick in the 2011 MLS SuperDraft, has featured 14 times for the Whitecaps this season.

"It will be an excellent experience," said Salgado.

"It is always good to be able to train with different teams and experience different styles and environments. Opportunities like this help me grow as a player and a person."

Prior to being picked by Vancouver, Salgado had a training spell with Everton.



http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12876_7313320,00.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
Game preview - Sunderland (a)

The story from both camps is perhaps one of over-expectation and under-achievement. Both Sunderland and visitors Fulham have had a torrid opening to the campaign and find themselves languishing in the lower rungs of the Premier League - Fulham 16th with Sunderland one place above.

Maybe, though, the similarities end there. As the crow flies, 390 miles separate Craven Cottage and the Stadium of Light while 219 miles separate the birth place of the respective managers of both sides. Steve Bruce is a man built wholly on solidity, though his teams' style of play contradicts this to a certain extent, while Martin Jol is the epitome of Dutch football's higher echelons of footballing class. He may not have total football down to a tee in England just yet but he has time on his hands.



There is always the argument that Martin Jol may well be the problem for Fulham right now, what with his fluctuating ideas on tactical decisions and the uncanny ability for his team to play exceedingly well and still stumble to what, on occasion, can be humiliating defeat. More than likely, though, it is a mere period of settling in which his new players and staff alike begin to acclimatise to life by the Thames.

Bruce, though, in the Sunderland hot seat, doesn't have such a strong defence to fall back on. He has been at the helm for two years and should, theoretically, know the club down to a minute degree. Results haven't been forthcoming though and they are an expectation, with significant outlays spent over the last 3 summers. Asamoah Gyan's untimely departure won't have helped matters on Wearside, however, and what Bruce probably needs is something quite similar to Jol in the opposite dugout - some temporal leeway.

Sunderland have picked up 5 points from 5 games over the October and November period, featuring one win and two draws. Most recently, they fell to the hands of Manchester United at Old Trafford, where a respectable fight was put up but to no ultimate avail.

Fulham's form has been a tad more difficult to predict. A 3-1 home defeat to Tottenham - one in which the home side could have plausibly won given their second half domination - came on the back of a particularly warming 4-1 win over Wisla Krakow in Europe and a somewhat surprisingly early away win at the DW Stadium.

In last season's parallel fixture, Mark Hughes' Fulham side managed a somewhat startlingly simple 3-0 win up North, Simon Davies taking most of the days plaudits. At home, Fulham were held to a 0-0 draw.

Goalkeeper Simon Mignolet may be a doubt for the host, after breaking his nose while strikers Fraizer Campbell and Connor Wickham are certainties to miss out.

For Fulham, Simon Davies will not be able to replicate his success on this turf last season, with Jol expecting the Welshmen to need another week's rest at least. Grygrea will of course play no part while Steve Sidwell and Stephen Kelly will stay in London.

Predicted line-up: Schwarzer; Riise, Hangeland, Senderos, Hughes; Dempsey, Murphy, Etuhu, Duff; Zamora, Johnson

Score prediction: Sunderland 1 - 0 Fulham



http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2011/11/17/2568630/game-preview-sunderland-a?

[WhiteJC]

 
Jol backs Zamora for England place




Martin Jol has backed Bobby Zamora to make England's Euro 2012 squad, claiming he provides Fabio Capello with the guile other strikers are missing.

Zamora missed two good chances to mark his full international debut with a goal in Tuesday's 1-0 win over Sweden and afterwards branded his own performance as "not the greatest".

But with Wayne Rooney suspended for the group stages of the tournament, there is a place in attack up for grabs and his Fulham boss says 30-year-old Zamora can feel the breach. Jol said: "He was very quick to call himself, but players know when they haven't played well."

He added: "When a striker scores he has done well. It's about performances so if he gets another chance or a couple of chances, he will take it because he is different.

"They are all different. Darren Bent is different, Jermain Defoe is different, Wayne Rooney certainly is different. And I don't feel they have a lot of players who are a real number nine who can hold up the ball.

"It's up to the manager - if he wants to play with a goalscorer, then Bent is probably the best goalscorer in England, he's certainly different to Bobby.

"But if you play Bobby with offensive midfield players he can be very useful. If you play him on his own with a flat midfield, you are better playing Darren Bent.

"They give all the options so I think Capello will think about taking him because he is a different sort of number nine.

"Capello will know he is a number nine who will hold the ball up all the time. His first touch is very good, he's good in the box, he's a link-up number nine.

"Peter Crouch is probably similar. He's better than people give him credit for at holding the ball. But Bobby is probably the most gifted. He's not only a link-up player, not an immobile number nine, he's an intelligent number nine. He's very versatile."



http://www.independent.ie/breaking-news/sport/jol-backs-zamora-for-england-place-2938854.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
Lawro's prediction

Sunderland v Fulham
I thought Fulham would be better under Martin Jol but with the firepower they have at their disposal you expect them to be OK. Away from home though they have been poor.

Sunderland simply have not replaced Darren Bent and Asamoah Gyan and I think they will be dicing with relegation as I just don't know where their goals will come from.

Some of the fans have decided they want Steve Bruce out and Fulham at home is a game that supporters will expect to pick up three points. Bruce has to win and I think Fulham's away form is so bad that they will.

Prediction: 2-1


http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/football_focus/15718873.stm

[WhiteJC]

 
Zamora Support

Although it wasn`t the best of Wembley debuts for Bobby Zamora, our striker does have a world famous fan.

None other than the 1966 World Cup winning hat-trick hero striker Geoff Hurst believes that England could do worse than take Zamora to the 2012 Euro Finals, commenting,

"I like Zamora and think he`s underrated. He`s got a great opportunity to put his name in the picture. He`s one I like and I think he has a good chance."

Hopefully Geoff has called the situation right!



Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=262675#ixzz1e2dV9KpR

[WhiteJC]

 
Stockdale Left in Limbo

Whilst Fabio Capello tried all and sundry in the two recent internationals, against Spain and Sweden, one position was left unaltered!

Although there were three keeper`s in the squad, Fabio looked no further than Joe Hart leaving the other two in limbo.

One of those, our very own David Stockdale (currently on loan at Ipswich Town), would have been dying to get his chance.

But it wasn`t to be.

Instead, having not had the chance to prove himself, on the international stage, Stockdale must now hope that his chances of going to the 2012 Euro Finals remain unhindered and that the likes of Robert Green, Paul Robinson and Ben Foster don`t come back into the reckoning.



Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=262676#ixzz1e2dhgvuk

[WhiteJC]

 
Bobby can be just Fab for Capello! Fulham boss backs Zamora for Euro 2012

Martin Jol has backed Bobby Zamora to make England's Euro 2012 squad, claiming he provides Fabio Capello with the guile other strikers are missing.

Zamora missed two good chances to mark his full international debut with a goal in Tuesday's 1-0 win over Sweden and afterwards branded his own performance as 'not the greatest'.

But with Wayne Rooney suspended for the group stages of the tournament, there is a place in attack up for grabs and his Fulham boss says 30-year-old Zamora can feel the breach.


Give him a chance: Fulham boss Martin Jol has backed Bobby Zamora to star for England at Euro 2012

'He was very quick to call himself, but players know when they haven't played well,' said Jol.

'When a striker scores he has done well.

'It's about performances so if he gets another chance or a couple of chances, he will take it because he is different.

'They are all different. Darren Bent is different, Jermain Defoe is different, Wayne Rooney certainly is different. And I don't feel they have a lot of players who are a real number nine who can hold up the ball.


Hold up: Zamora in action against Sweden at Wembley

'It's up to the manager - if he wants to play with a goalscorer, then Bent is probably the best goalscorer in England, he's certainly different to Bobby.

'But if you play Bobby with offensive midfield players he can be very useful. If you play him on his own with a flat midfield, you are better playing Darren Bent.

'They give all the options so I think Capello will think about taking him because he is a different sort of number nine.

'Capello will know he is a number nine who will hold the ball up all the time. His first touch is very good, he's good in the box, he's a link-up number nine.

'Peter Crouch is probably similar. He's better than people give him credit for at holding the ball. But Bobby is probably the most gifted.

'He's not only a link-up player, not an immobile number nine, he's an intelligent number nine. He's very versatile.'

Zamora will be back in action when Fulham head to Sunderland in the Barclays Premier League on Saturday.

And Jol is hoping to reap the benefits of having a player desperate to prove himself over the rest of the season.

'Even if you are not involved in the national team you should be motivated and I think he is,' added the Dutchman.

'It certainly gives you an extra dimension playing for the national team and hopefully he'll be involved. I think it can certainly help.'

Jol will be without Stephen Kelly at the Stadium of Light after the defender suffered a groin injury on Republic of Ireland duty last week.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2062856/Bobby-Zamora-deserves-Euro-2012-chance-says-Martin-Jol.html#ixzz1e2dv4uGi

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham duo passed fit for Sunderland clash



Sunderland v Fulham

FULHAM are boosted by the return of Aaron Hughes and Philippe Senderos for Saturday's trip to the Stadium of Light.

The defensive duo have been sidelined with thigh problems, but are back in full training and in contention to start as the Whites bid to get back to winning ways.

Stephen Kelly misses out after picking up a groin injury on international duty with the Republic of Ireland, while Steve Sidwell is a major doubt.

The midfielder has had minor surgery to remove a hernia, but will get a chance to prove his fitness in training before the long trip to the North East.

Simon Davies (knee) is still sidelined.



Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/11/17/fulham-duo-passed-fit-for-sunderland-clash-82029-29796253/?#ixzz1e2eWxIl3

[WhiteJC]

 
Amauri agent confirms Tottenham and Fulham target to leave Juventus



Tottenham and Fulham target Amauri is set to leave Juventus in January with both English clubs in the running for his signature.

The forward is no longer wanted by the Turin team and was sent on loan to Parma last season and has not played for the Serie A side since January.

The Brazil-born striker's number 11 shirt was reassigned to Paolo De Ceglie and the club are now ready to offload Amauri in the winter transfer window.

The 31-year-old's agent Ernesto Bronzetti told Sky Italia: "We have found another team to take the player in January.

"There is no deal confirmed but we hope that in the next few days we can speak more clearly. Juventus have no problems with him leaving it is just a matter of how much money. I can not give names and prefer not to say whether it is an English club. All will be revealed in time."



http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/transfer-rumours/1291/34/amauri-agent-confirms-tottenham-and-fulham-target-leave-juventus?

[WhiteJC]

 
Zamora tipped for Euro 2012

Fulham boss Martin Jol has backed Bobby Zamora to make England's Euro 2012 squad, claiming he provides the guile other strikers lack.

Zamora missed two good chances to mark his full international debut with a goal in Tuesday's 1-0 win over Sweden and afterwards branded his own performance as "not the greatest".

However, with Wayne Rooney suspended for the group stages of the tournament, Jol is convinced the 30-year-old could be the man to fill the breach for Fabio Capello.

"He was very quick to call himself but players know when they haven't played well," said the Dutchman. "When a striker scores he has done well. It's about performances so if he gets another chance or a couple of chances, he will take it because he is different.

"They are all different. Darren Bent is different, Jermain Defoe is different, Wayne Rooney certainly is different. And I don't feel they have a lot of players who are a real number nine who can hold up the ball.

"It's up to the manager - if he wants to play with a goalscorer, then Bent is probably the best goalscorer in England, he's certainly different to Bobby. But if you play Bobby with offensive midfield players he can be very useful."



http://www.eatsleepsport.com/fulham/zamora-tipped-for-euro-2012-1335895.html?#.TsYQzWAlE98

[WhiteJC]

 
Free UK Delivery

With a little over a month to go until Christmas Day, Fulham Football Club is providing our fans with an early gift that will be available for a limited time only. This weekend, spend a minimum of £20 on any of the Fulham items from the online store and you will receive standard UK delivery ABSOLUTELY FREE!

There is a wide variety of fantastic products available for you to buy today, so why not choose the perfect gift for a Fulham fan and save yourself the cost of delivery with our superb weekend offer.

For our customer's convenience we have set up an online Christmas Store, where you can easily browse through the selection of unique Fulham gifts that are suitable for any Whites supporter.  For example, the 2000/2001 Season Review Commemorative Coin Set features a memorable DVD that looks back upon the opening season of our Barclays Premier League adventure, complete with a commemorative coin to pay tribute to the journey. Fantastically presented, this would make a lovely gift and remember it will be delivered to you absolutely free!

You could also get your hands on the magnificent 10 Years at the Top book. This outstanding collector's item celebrates Fulham's 10 years of Barclays Premier League football, and includes memories of the incredible moments experienced along the way. With a collection of rare, high quality imagery and unforgettable quotes from the most successful run in the Club's history, you can give a Fulham fan the gift of reliving all of the famous victories and inspiring promotions, as well as capturing the true spirit of Fulham Football Club.

If this wasn't enough, there are also some stylish items from the Fulham Fashion ranges that would make ideal presents this Christmas. The Reflection Pin Stripe Tee comes in striking black with red tipping and features a felt heritage FFC appliqué to the left side of the chest as worn. For an amazing price of just £24.99 and with free delivery, this Tee is a must-have this season.

And from winter's point of view, the Cortina Heavyweight 1879 Black Hoody is of excellent quality and ideal for keeping warm. Complete with a drawstring hood, front pocket and distressed printed crest to the left chest, this is certainly a present all Whites fans can use for those colder matchdays this winter.

Finally, don't forget our unique Chairman Garden Gnome, the ultimate ornament for your garden this Christmas and available at an amazing price of just £17.99!

These fantastic items are all available now in our Christmas store, so why not have a look around today and make the most of free UK delivery when you spend £20.

Happy Christmas!



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/November/FreeUKDelivery.aspx?#ixzz1e2fXkwoY

[WhiteJC]

 
Jol backs Zamora for Euro 2012

Fulham boss Martin Jol has backed Bobby Zamora to make England's European Championship squad, claiming he provides Fabio Capello with the guile other strikers are missing.
Zamora missed two good chances to mark his full international debut with a goal in Tuesday's 1-0 win over Sweden and afterwards branded his own performance as "not the greatest".

But with Wayne Rooney suspended for the group stages of the tournament, there is a place in attack up for grabs and Jol says 30-year-old Zamora can feel the breach.

"He was very quick to call himself but players know when they haven't played well," said Jol.

"When a striker scores he has done well. It's about performances so if he gets another chance or a couple of chances, he will take it because he is different.

"They are all different. Darren Bent is different, Jermain Defoe is different, Wayne Rooney certainly is different. And I don't feel they have a lot of players who are a real number nine who can hold up the ball.

"It's up to the manager - if he wants to play with a goalscorer, then Bent is probably the best goalscorer in England, he's certainly different to Bobby. But if you play Bobby with offensive midfield players he can be very useful."



http://www.england-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/jol_backs_zamora_for_euro_2012_713413/index.shtml?

[WhiteJC]

 
Homecomings

With the most recent international break behind us and none scheduled this spring, Fulham's season can now fully set sail until season's end.

That is, until those obnoxious FA Cup weekends where we're not playing due to an earlier exit from the competition.

Anywho, Saturday will mark just the third time in the past three seasons that Fulham have to travel following an international break. Bizarre, but true:

2008-09
Fulham 2-1 Bolton Wanderers
Fulham 0-0 Sunderland
Fulham 0-1 Liverpool

2009-10
Fulham 2-1 Everton
Fulham 2-0 Hull City
Birmingham 1-0 Fulham

2010-11
Fulham 2-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers
Fulham 1-2 Tottenham Hotspur
Fulham 3-0 Blackpool

2011-12
Fulham 1-1 Blackburn Rovers
Stoke City 2-0 Fulham
Sunderland ?-? Fulham

Here I was thinking our record overall after international breaks is bad when, really, it's pretty darn good: P11 W5 D2 L4. Is that all from the coincidence of our constant home games? Perhaps.

Fulham's record on the road in general is not great, so it's no surprise that we've never even gotten an away point after an international break.

Yet this year it feels a bit worrying. The home match against Blackburn felt like a loss although we nicked a draw. Last month our travel to Stoke City was probably the worst performance of the season.

Here's hoping Saturday is a bit different.



http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2011/11/17/homecomings/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham star set for op



ZDENEK Grygera will go under the knife next month as he starts the long road to recovery following his knee injury.

The Fulham full-back ruptured his cruciate ligaments after getting his studs stuck in the turf during last week's defeat to Spurs.

The injury is likely to keep the Czech out for the rest of the season.

"He will have an operation in December," said boss Martin Jol. "It's the worst injury in football, so he won't be back until May, but it could be later than that.

"He only had a one-year deal at this club, so it's an awful situation for him."



Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/11/17/fulham-star-set-for-op-64767-29796743/?#ixzz1e2gU5gWL

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham boss 'not worried' by AJ contract wrangle



MARTIN Jol insists he's 'not worried' about Andy Johnson's contract saga at Craven Cottage.

Talks with the Fulham frontman over a new deal have stalled after he rejected the club's latest offer of a one-year extension.

The 11-goal striker, who has been linked with west London rivals QPR, wants fresh terms that will tie him to SW6 until 2014.

But boss Jol insists he's not pressing the panic button over the situation.

"I'm not worried," he said. "Of course there's always interest from other clubs but he's still under contract until the end of the season."



http://www.ealinggazette.co.uk/sport/fulham-fc-ealing/2011/11/17/fulham-boss-not-worried-by-aj-contract-wrangle-82029-29796701/?

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The Return of Zamora?
There are current newspaper reports that allege that a worsening of relations between Bobby Zamora and Martin Jol, at Fulham, could result in the centre forward's depature in January.  They then go on to speculate that West Ham may be interested in re-signing their former striker, although there could also be interest from Championshp rivals Crystal Palace.  It may be a case of sports writers putting 2 + 2 together and coming up with = 5, but, nevertheless, it is an intriguing prospect.  Bobby Zamora was always a striker that gave 110% to the Hammers cause and he might very well  welcome a return to a club that he has always supported.  I was told that Zamora attended the recent Brighton Vs Hammers match and I remember at the time wondering if there was any significance in that?  So, I suppose the question is, would it be a good move for both the player and the club, or should they heed the old maxim, 'never go back.'

It looks that Sam Allardyce would like to reinforce central defence by signng free agent, Fransciso Pavon.  Pavon, a former Champions League winner with Real Madrid, certainly has a good pedigree and at 31 years of age should still have plenty to offer.  Pavon certainly seems to be a very good option, but apparently Sam Allardyce has stated that the player's lack of recent competitive football, and corresponding match fitness, could be an obstacle to a deal, as he needs a player that can go in and do a job immediately. Allardyce and his coaching and fitness team are currently running a rule over Pavon's fitness levels, before making a final decision.  Another option mooted in the press is 32 year old Leeds Utd defender, Andy O'Brien.  O'Brien is, of course, ex-Bolton and, moreover, played there there under Allardyce's management.  I should imagine that this is a back up deal, just in case Allardyce fails to land any of his priority loan/free agent targets, but we shall see?

All has gone quiet on the Mervan Celik front, although it is thought that the player recently had a successful trial at the club.  It could be that the deal is more or less tied up for completion in the January window.  The club certainly should not delay in securing it, because there is apparently some interest from other clubs.  Celik would certainly be a good potential signing, not only for the remainder of this season, but also for our much anticipated return to the top tier.  He is pacy, creative, can play on both flanks and scores goals.  We certainly need to make one or two eye catching signings in the January, to give the club a boost, strengthen the squad and send out a clear message of intent for the remainder of the season.  It has been indicated that West Ham have money to spend in January, lets just hope that they actually spend it and spend it well!

The loanee 'revolving door' at Upton Park has continued apace this week with the news that both Robert Hall and Christan Montano have been sent out on loan once again.  Hall will return to Oxford Utd, while Montano has joined Dagenham and Redbridge in League 2.  Hall onviously enjoyed it at Oxford Utd and it is good that he is returning to get some further first team league action.  However, I do hope that Hall will return and make his West Ham first team debut before the conclusion of the season.  While Montano needs to demonstrate at Dagenham and Redbridge that he has both the ability and the attitude to succeed at Upton Park.  He can only do that by training hard, getting selected consistently and impressing in League Two.  I know that it must be fustrating for Montano to be loaned out again, but he must repeat his approach at Notts County and treat it as a positive learning experience and an opportunity to excel.  Marek Stech has now returned from his short loan spell at Yeovil and one can only guess what his position is currently at the club?  I hope that they persuade him to sign a new contract, because I feel that he may well be a better goal keeping prospect than either Boffin or Kuruz and a prospective, eventual successor to Rob Green.

Finally, there was positive news this week on the injury front.  Both Matt Taylor and Guy Demel have returned to fitness and Taylor could make a first team return against Coventry City, this weekend.  Demel has now successfully come through two Developmental Squad games , but may need to work on his conditioning and match fitness, before pushing for inclusion in the first team.  Taylor is crucial to us on the left flank, he gives us balance and is dangerous delivering the ball in to the box, both from open and set plays.  Taylor's return will be most welcome, while Demel is a big, powerful and experienced defender, whose inclusion can only strengthen our rearguard.  In addition, Henri Lansbury is estimated to be within two weeks of a return to full training, which will nicely increase the competition for places in central midfield.   

Finally, in terms of our promotion campaign, it is very much a case of 'so far so good.'  We finished the initial third of season, nicely positioned in 2nd place, with Southampton still within striking distance.  So far, we have been disciplined, efficient and secured results, without ever really hitting the heights, playing wise.  The good thing is that we have been able to secure a confortable 2nd place whilst mostly still playing in' second gear.'  It will be interesting to see if we continue in this vein or whether  the side will now be able to 'move up a gear' in the final two-thirds of the season?  Sam Allardyce promised us that the side would be a lot better by May than it started off in August and there is no good reason to disbelieve him!

As for the forthcoming Coventry City match, I reckon that we will secure another good three away points, with a comfortable 0-2 victory.   COYI!

SJ. Chandos.



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