Tuesday Fulham Stuff (29/11/11)...

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Fulham midfielder praises side after earning a point at Arsenal

Danny Murphy was delighted with his side's performance

Fulham midfielder Danny Murphy hailed his side after their battling performance earned them a point at Arsenal on Saturday.

A Thomas Vermaelen own-goal gave the Whites the lead but the same player made up for his earlier error to score the equaliser.

"When we got our goal they were on top of us and we were hanging on a bit after they got the equaliser but I suppose that's understandable," said Murphy.

"I think overall our performance was very pleasing because of the manner in which it was given.

"We kept the ball really well, we played them at their own game if you like – we didn't come here and park the bus.



http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/fulham_midfielder_praises_side_after_earning_a_point_at_arsenal_1_1139015?

[WhiteJC]

 
Show Your Colours!

Show Your Colours
There is no denying that Fulham Football Club has some of the most loyal supporters in the country. And now, at the Fulham Road and Stadium Store retail stores, we would like to give all of our passionate fans the opportunity to receive 20% off any new kit when you show your colours!

Come on down to one of our official stores wearing a Fulham shirt from any previous season and you'll be entitled to a 20% discount on any of the 2011/12 Fulham Home, Away or Third Shirts.

What's more, if you're a season ticket holder you can receive this amazing offer on top of your 10% discount too – saving yourself over £13!

With timeless Fulham Shirts designed from past and present, we can't wait to see which classics will be on show over the next couple of days.

Who could forget the black and red check GMB away shirt from the 1996/97 season? Or the White LG home shirt from our great escape in 2007/08? With many historical kits in Fulham's time, come on down and show your colours to earn 20% off what is sure to be another favourite - the 2011/12 Fulham football shirt!

Act fast, because this offer ends at 5pm Wednesday 30th November.

Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/November/ShowYourColours!.aspx?#ixzz1f4xf9whH

[WhiteJC]

 
Wojciech Szczesny praises Fulham resilience and insists Arsenal still have the momentum to challenge Manchester City

Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny had only words of praise for Fulham after the visitors' battling rearguard display held his side to a draw on Saturday.

"Of course, we're always disappointed not to get three points," he told reporters. "I thought we played well, our attitude was fantastic.

The Gunners created a number of clear chances but committed defending from the Cottagers, combined with some outstanding saves from Mark Schwarzer, ensured the two teams shared the spoils.

Szczesny believes his side did all they could to win the game, and that credit must go to Fulham for their resilience and discipline.

"Credit to Fulham, they defended fantastically towards the end and Schwarzer made a few fantastic saves. I think we needed a few more minutes to win the game," the goalkeeper said.

"It didn't happen though and we can only praise the team spirit. We finished on a high, which hopefully we can take into the next game."

He added, "We've still got the momentum so hopefully we can take that onto the Man City and Wigan games. We are still confident."

Despite the lackluster nature of Saturday's result, Szczesny insists there are plenty of positives for his side to take from their performance, and sees no reason why their climb up the Premier League table cannot continue.

"Let's take the positives because we responded well," he said. "I told the lads that after the game.



http://sports.yahoo.com/soccer/news?slug=goal-wojciechszczesnypraisesfulh

[WhiteJC]

 
Murphy urges more from Fulham

Fulham midfielder Danny Murphy says Martin Jol's side are suffering because of their dual European and Premier League commitments.
The Cottagers can book their place in the knockout phase of the competition with a victory over group leaders Twente in Holland this week.

And with tough Premier league fixtures against both Liverpool and Manchester United to come at Craven Cottage before Christmas, Murphy knows it will be hard to keep up the fight on both fronts.

He said: "We're confident in the team and the squad we've got; of course, it's hard mixing Europa League and Premier League but we can't hide behind that," he said.

"We've got to perform better than we have been and get more points on the board.

"But I certainly think if we have many more performances like that we'll be okay."



http://www.eatsleepsport.com/fulham/murphy-urges-more-from-fulham-1344525.html?#.TtSQ9WAcI98

[WhiteJC]

 
Those Last Fifteen Minutes...

May have seen this on a FOF post a few weeks back, but worth re-sharing in light of Saturday's draw:

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

Not sure who we were tied with, but we're probably #1 after Saturday as so far this season we've conceded 6 goals in the final 15 minutes of games.

Last season we conceded 2 goals in the last 15 mins, all season. In 2009-10 it was 7. In 2008-09, 10; and 2007-08, 16. And, just for good measure, 2006-07 saw us concede 11 (past seasons can also be seen here)

Contrast that with the amount of goals scored in the final 15 minutes. This season, 2. Last, 9. Both 2009-10 and 2008-09 saw 6. And both 2007-08 and 2006-07 saw 11.

To paraphrase Don Hymel, conceding late goals and leads was a hallmark of the Sanchez regime. But, although statistically, Martin's tenure looks awfully similar to Lawrie's, it doesn't feel to me the case. Let's just look at each of the 6 goals:

Stoke: Walters '80, Delap '86. Worst performance of the season, and Stoke really should have scored earlier.
Everton: Saha '90, Rodwell '90+3. Immediately after Bobby's awful miss, Saha takes advantage of Hughes' lack of freshness/fitness (Aaron has played once since then); Rodwell scores with the last kick of the ball.
Spurs: Defoe '90+5. Spurred on from Kyle Walker's fumble recovery (that doesn't result in a penalty, immediate red card, and the game presumably being tied) Spurs drive down the field and score a wonder goal off the counterattack.
Arsenal: Vermaelen '82. The only scorer of the game marauds in the area unmarked to notch the game at 1 a piece. This after Arsenal outshot us 12-6 on, 8-4 off; out-cornered us 13-4; and were down from an own goal.
I'm not going to go back four seasons and count every time we conceded late under Sanchez, but I bet a buck or two that I fully recall us conceding most if not all from a winning position: Wigan, Arsenal, Boro, Villa, and Sunderland immediately spring to mind.

Only yesterday have we conceded a goal from a winning position. We were down against Spurs but playing them off the park. At Stoke no one was winning, or even scoring (though they should have been anyway). We should have put the dagger in Everton, but Bobby Zamora ran afoul of Omar's famous omen.

Not sure what, if anything, we can glean from this seeming trend.



http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2011/11/28/those-last-fifteen-minutes/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Captain's rallying call

Fulham midfielder Danny Murphy says Martin Jol's side are suffering because of their dual European and Premier League commitments.

The Cottagers can book their place in the knockout phase of the competition with a victory over group leaders Twente in Holland this week.

And with tough Premier league fixtures against both Liverpool and Manchester United to come at Craven Cottage before Christmas, Murphy knows it will be hard to keep up the fight on both fronts.

He said: "We're confident in the team and the squad we've got; of course, it's hard mixing Europa League and Premier League but we can't hide behind that," he said.

"We've got to perform better than we have been and get more points on the board.

"But I certainly think if we have many more performances like that we'll be okay."



http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/captains-rallying-call-1344525.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham defender singles out Arsenal star for praise

Brede Hangeland praised Robin van Persie

Fulham defender Brede Hangeland heaped praise on Arsenal striker Robin van Persie after the two sides played out a 1-1 draw at the Emirates on Saturday.

Van Persie might not have found the target against the Whites but has 13 Premier League goals already.

"We know Van Persie is on fire and he showed that again on Saturday. He is a really clever player and has really quick movement," Hangeland said.

"He could have scored again, we rode our luck at times. I enjoy the challenge of playing against players like him and he is one of the best at the moment.

Fulham travel to FC Twente on Thursday as they look to ensure a safe passage to the next round of the Europa League.



http://www.london24.com/sport/arsenal/fulham_defender_singles_out_arsenal_star_for_praise_1_1139254?

[WhiteJC]

 
Hangeland - 'Tough month' ahead
Fulham defender aware of what is in store for them


Brede Hangeland: Fulham defender looks ahead to a busy month of December

Fulham defender Brede Hangeland is hopeful that his side's performance against Arsenal at the Emirates will enhance their confidence ahead of a busy month.

The Cottagers held the in-form Gunners to a 1-1 draw in the London derby in the Premier League on Saturday, and are now three points above the relegation zone in 15th.

Fulham's involvement in the Europa League this season means that they will feature in no fewer than eight games in all competitions in December that include fixtures against Liverpool and Manchester United.

But Hangeland says that their performance against Arsenal shows that they can have a productive time next month.

"We're moving in the right direction," said the 30-year-old in The Fulham & Hammersmith Chronicle.

Keep working

"We've had two games at home, Everton and Tottenham, which we should have won.

"That would've given us six more points and everyone would've been really happy.

"We need to keep working on the performance and we'll get the results in the end.

"It's a tough month coming up, but this result gives us a bit of confidence.

"We would've taken a point before the game but when you're nine minutes away from a win you're obviously a little bit disappointed.

"Although we played well they deserved a point."



http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/7339314/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Wing Wonder Tracked

As the January transfer window approaches, speculation is bound to increase when it comes to possible incoming targets.

This morning, one red top has us linked with the flying young Bournemouth winger, Marc Pugh.

Pugh, also being tracked by Blackpool, Southampton, Crystal Palace and Burnley, has already scored nine goals from his wide position and looks to have a bright future.

We`ll monitor any future developments.



Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=263954#ixzz1f50X4ZQv

[WhiteJC]

 
Words of Advice for Zamora

Is Martin Jol getting on Bobby Zamora`s case or is it simply a little bit of sound advice?

For a striker, Bobby Zamora`s record, when it comes to scoring in away games, isn`t the best.

Bobby has failed to hit the net, away from home, since August 2010 and with a place in the 2012 England Euro squad up for grabs, Jol has commented,

"Bobby is brilliant as a No. 9. He is a specific type of player a target man who is one of our main strengths."

"Whether he goes with England to the European Championships depends on what you want."

"As a striker you have to score goals and I hope Bobby can be a bit more productive. We have to believe in ourselves and score goals at the right moments."

If I recall rightly, wasn`t Jol the person who moved Zamora on from Spurs?

With so much speculation regarding Zamora remaining at Craven Cottage, I wonder how Bobby, himself, would view those comments!

Are they sound advice or is Jol on his case?



Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=263956#ixzz1f50mhgM2

[WhiteJC]

 
West Country Raid?

The speculation over the futures of Bobby Zamora and Andy Johnson saw the Sunday press offer a little piece of gossip.

Thrown into the ring, to compensate for the possible loss of the aforementioned duo, is the inference that Fulham could make a move for Nicky Maynard of Bristol City.

But, we should also point out that a resurgence in form, following a change in manager at Ashton Gate, has the player declaring that he wouldn`t mind staying at Bristol City.

A rumour that we feel will result in not a lot of movement!



Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=263993#ixzz1f517XC8f

[WhiteJC]

 
Colombian Targeted

One of the more interesting rumours doing the rounds at the weekend related to a Fulham interest in the Wigan player, Hugo Rodallega.

It appears that Martin Jol has shown an interest in bringing the player to Craven Cottage when the January transfer window opens.

Rodallega is out of contract in June and Wigan could be looking to shift him on to recoup some sort of fee.

In fact the rumour we stumbled on inferred that Jol is so keen on the player he wants to wrap up a deal before the window opens but faces opposition from clubs in Italy, Turkey and the Middle East who are also tracking the player.

We`ll keep you posted!



Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=263994#ixzz1f51JZtJU

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham fancy Cherries star

Fulham have joined the list of clubs tracking in-form Bournemouth winger Marc Pugh ahead of the January transfer window.
Fulham and Southampton have joined Burnley in competing for Pugh who has spent his entire career in England's lower divisions.

Clarets boss Eddie Howe knows the 24-year-old well from his time in charge at Bournemouth and will be favourite to land Pugh if the League One club decide to sell.

Fulham boss Martin Jol will have money to spend in January and knows he could pick up a bargain with Pugh, who has scored nine goals this season, likely to leave the south coast club for less than £500,000.



http://www.eatsleepsport.com/fulham/fulham-fancy-cherries-star-1344589.html?#.TtSTuGAcI98

[WhiteJC]

 
Jol joins list of winger admirers

Fulham have joined the list of clubs tracking in-form Bournemouth winger Marc Pugh ahead of the January transfer window.

Fulham and Southampton have joined Burnley in competing for Pugh who has spent his entire career in England's lower divisions.

Clarets boss Eddie Howe knows the 24-year-old well from his time in charge at Bournemouth and will be favourite to land Pugh if the League One club decide to sell.

Fulham boss Martin Jol will have money to spend in January and knows he could pick up a bargain with Pugh, who has scored nine goals this season, likely to leave the south coast club for less than £500,000.


http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/jol-joins-list-of-winger-admirers-1344589.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham boss Martin Jol calls on Bobby Zamora to score more goals in challenge for Euro 2012 squad place
Dutch boss believes the 30-year-old is good enough to lead the line for England in Poland and Ukraine next summer, but hopes the striker can be "a bit more productive"



Fulham manager Martin Jol believes Bobby Zamora may have to improve his goal tally if he wants to secure a place in the England squad for Euro 2012 next summer.

Zamora again impressed with a hard-working and intelligent display against Arsenal on Saturday, but failed to find the net for the sixth successive Premier League match.

England manager Fabio Capello is believed to be considering Zamora, who featured in the 1-0 friendly victory over Sweden, as an option to lead the line at Euro 2012, especially with Wayne Rooney suspended for the three group matches.

Jol described the striker as one of the club's best assets, but suggested the 30-year-old may need to be more prolific in front of goal if he is to travel to the tournament in Poland and Ukraine.

Speaking to The Sun, Jol said: "Bobby is brilliant as a number nine. He is a specific type of player, a target man who is one of our main strengths.

"Whether he goes with England to the European Championships depends on what you want.

"As a striker, you have to score goals and I hope Bobby can be a bit more productive. We have to believe in ourselves and score goals at the right moments."



http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2011/11/28/2778732/fulham-boss-martin-jol-calls-on-bobby-zamora-to-score-more-goals-?

[WhiteJC]

 
Reserves 2-2 Chelsea

Fulham's Reserves played out a lively 2-2 draw with the reigning Barclays Premier Reserve League champions, Chelsea, on Monday evening at Motspur Park.

In an archetypal 'game of two halves', Billy McKinlay's charges confidently and stylishly surged to a 2-0 lead at the break, but their multi-million pound local rivals rallied in the second period to ensure a share of the spoils in the SW6 derby.

After a minute's silence in honour of Gary Speed, the game began at a frantic pace that Fulham looked the more comfortable with, forcing the Blues onto the back foot with a dangerous break down the right. Tom Donegan played a lofted through-ball into the box to Orlando Sa, but Chelsea 'keeper Jamal Blackman rushed out to intervene.

However, the loose ball fell to Bjorn Helge Riise on the edge of the area and the winger placed a shot towards the top corner of the open net, only for Blackman to recover spectacularly to tip it over.

Chelsea then threatened on eight minutes, left-back Gordon finding himself in space on the edge of the six-yard-box, but his low shot was well blocked by Csaba Somogyi.

At the other end, Blackman was again called into action. Sa raced through on goal, and as he approached the final defender, he squared to Donegan who was running into the penalty area. But as the midfielder shaped to shoot, the Chelsea 'keeper made himself big enough to pull off an impressive block with his leg.

Donegan was again in the thick of things on 12 minutes, picking the ball up in the middle of the park and threading a delightful through-ball to Alex Kacaniklic. The Swedish winger ran clear, but had his shot deflected out for a corner. The resulting set piece was only half-cleared however, and when Riise delivered a second deep centre, Sa rose highest in the box to head home.

Just before the half-hour it was two. Kacaniklic played a delightful through-ball that sliced open the Chelsea defence and Donegan ran through. The midfielder took a touch to cut inside the final defender and then drilled a low shot under Blackman.

The Whites had the ball in the net again before the break, as Riise picked out Sa with a fine ball across the area. However, as the striker side-footed into the net, the linesman raised his flag for offside.
Chelsea should have scored before the interval though as £5million Brazilian Lucas Piazon found himself free in the area. But despite plenty of time to place the ball, Somogyi was equal to the shot, knocking it around the post.

The visitors came out for the second-half with renewed impetus, forcing the Whites' defence into sustained activity for the first time. From one attack down the right, only a late intervention from Josh Pritchard denied Chalobah a close range shot at goal.

Meanwhile at the other end, Blackman made a fine low stop to keep out a dangerous turn and shot from Sa.

But Chelsea did find the net on 70 minutes. Advancing down the left, Chalobah played a teasing lofted pass into the penalty area where Lalkovic was free to side-foot volley past Somogyi who had little chance from close range.

The goal appeared to unsettle the Whites who found themselves defending desperately for a spell shortly afterwards. And they were let off when the ball fell to Magnay at the back post, but the centre-back poked it wide when it appeared easier to score. Mitrovic then had a shot deflected wide as the Blues turned the screw. However, from the resulting corner, Fulham eventually succumbed, Chalubah forcing the ball over the line from close range.

As both sides tired, the match looked headed for a tie until Chelsea were awarded an 87th minute penalty after a Pritchard foul in the box. However, with the game there for the taking, Lalkovic blasted the spot kick over the bar to ensure honours would be shared.

Fulham: Somogyi; Brister, Pritchard, Burn, Kavanagh (Banya 71); Minkwitz, Riise, Harris, Kacaniklic, Donegan (Dean 89); Sa   



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/November/ReservesvChelsea.aspx?#ixzz1f52czFaK

[WhiteJC]

 
Hangeland: We can get points off Liverpool, Man United & Chelsea

Brede Hangeland believes Fulham have a difficult December but backs them to do well against the top sides.

Fulham defender Brede Hangeland believes December is a vital month for his side.

The Whites host Liverpool and Manchester United before Christmas at Craven Cottage followed by a trip to Chelsea on Boxing Day and Hangeland believes they can take points away from the best sides.

"It's a tough month coming up but this gives us lots of confidence to get a result like this that we can take points off any team," he said.

"It's about getting the balance right. Especially at home. You can't go all gung-ho and leave too much space.

"We are moving in the right direction. We had two games at home against Everton and Tottenham which we should have won.

"It's very tight but we just need to keep working on our performances we will get the results we deserve.



http://www.london24.com/sport/chelsea/hangeland_we_can_get_points_off_liverpool_man_united_chelsea_1_1139253?

[WhiteJC]

 
Cottagers can beat the big guns - Hangeland

Defender Brede Hangeland is confident Fulham can pick up points against the Premier League's top clubs ahead of a 'tough' December.

The highly-rated central defender is well aware that Martin Jol's men will have their work cut out to secure some valuable points as they host Liverpool and Manchester United at Craven Cottage, before travelling to local rivals Chelsea on Boxing Day.

However, Hangeland insists they will not be fearful going into the games as they are targeting some positive results.

"It's a tough month coming up but this gives us lots of confidence to get a result like this that we can take points off any team," he said.

"It's about getting the balance right. Especially at home. You can't go all gung-ho and leave too much space.

"We are moving in the right direction. We had two games at home against Everton and Tottenham which we should have won.

"It's very tight but we just need to keep working on our performances we will get the results we deserve."



http://www.eatsleepsport.com/fulham/cottagers-can-beat-the-big-guns-hangeland-1344869.html?#.TtSrAmAcI98

[WhiteJC]

 
The first Ashwater Desk Diary

Got mine today, prodded into action by the realisation that they were selling like hot cakes.

I didn't really know what to expect. A diary? Do I need a diary? Well now I know that I do. The books are terrific, Ken's photos and Martin's notation do just the job, and the whole thing's practically perfect.  Lovely.

You can order yours here. Do so before they sell out!
http://www.ashwaterpress.co.uk/

Some snippets below (apologies about the carpet; our hoover's on the blink).











http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2011/11/29/the-first-ashwater-desk-diary/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Jol's goals warning to Zamora



Martin Jol has told Fulham striker Bobby Zamora that he must score more goals in order to secure a place in England's Euro 2012 squad.


The Cottagers boss has been pleased with the performances of the 30-year-old forward this season despite the fact he has not found the net in six successive Premier League outings.

However, Jol feels that England coach Fabio Capello will look at Zamora's goals scored column when he comes to decide who will replace the suspended Wayne Rooney for the country's three group games at next summer's tournament in Poland and Ukraine.

"Bobby is brilliant as a number nine. He is a specific type of player, a target man who is one of our main strengths," he told The Sun.

"Whether he goes with England to the European Championships depends on what you want.

"As a striker, you have to score goals and I hope Bobby can be a bit more productive. We have to believe in ourselves and score goals at the right moments."



http://www.setanta.com/ie/Articles/2011/11/29/Jols-goals-warning-to-Cottage-ace/gnid-119644/?