Thursday Fulham Stuff (08/12/11)...

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Fulham star to be rushed back from surgery for Swansea clash

Steve Sidwell, formerly of Chelsea Reading and Aston Villa is set to return for the Whites

Fulham midfielder Steve Sidwell is set to be rushed back from injury to play against Swansea after Danny Murphy was ruled out with an ankle injury.

Murphy was helped off the field in the closing stages of his side's 1-0 win over Liverpool on Monday.

"Danny's ankle has swollen up. It looks a bad one and hopefully it's just one match he misses – but it could be a couple of weeks," Fulham boss Martin Jol said.

"Hopefully he (Sidwell) can be fit for the next game. He needed a minor operation and they told me maybe he would play the next match after 10 days, but he still feels it – it's still painful after the operation. Hopefully he will be OK."

Jol will be hoping Murphy will be able to play a part in his side's must-win Europa League Group K game against Odense on December 14.

Meanwhile, Liverpool will not be appealing Jay Spearing's red card from Monday night's clash.



http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/fulham_star_to_be_rushed_back_from_surgery_for_swansea_clash_1_1147604?

[WhiteJC]

 
Ruiz on Fulham
by DAN on DECEMBER 7, 2011



Bryan Ruiz has given an interview to Dutch football magazine Voetbal International in which he admits that Fulham were not his first choice for a summer transfer.

The Costa Rican winger freely admits that he didn't know an awful lot about Fulham prior to their interest in signing him from FC Twente and that an attractive financial package and several conversations with manager Martin Jol persuaded persuaded him to sign for the Cottagers. Ruiz was interested in joining Tottenham – describing them as 'a club you don't say no to' – but was disappointed that Harry Redknapp, who had him watched by his scouts, decided against following up his initial interest.

Ruiz also felt that, perhaps because of the amount of money Fulham paid for him, he suffered from exceedingly high expectations when he first joined Fulham. He acknowledges that he was a key part of the Twente side that won their first title but believes he will need some time – perhaps as long as a year – to adjust to the pace of the game in England, become physically stronger and be able to make quicker decisions. There have, however, been signs of improvement of late – particularly at Arsenal and against Liverpool on Monday night, when he played a quite brilliant through ball early on for Moussa Dembele.

Ruiz has also been a little frustrated at his lack of game time so far at Fulham. He feels that he needs regular football in order to improve on his fitness and get into a rhythm. It should be noted, however, that the Costa Rican winger has started both of Fulham's last two league games and Martin Jol has recently acknowledged that he feels ready to include Ruiz in his starting line-up.


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/12/ruiz-on-fulham/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham defender Rafik Halliche is having a trial with Celtic.

He featured for the Glasgow club's reserve team in a match against Hibernian on Wednesday ahead of a possible move to Parkhead.

Halliche is surplus to requirements at Fulham and agreed a loan move to Swansea in August.

But he returned to Craven Cottage after the Welsh club were denied international clearance by Fifa.



http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/celtic-hand-trial-to-fulham-defender/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Hoos is new Chief Executive at Turf Moor

American Lee Hoos, formerly with Fulham, Southampton and Leicester City, is Burnley Football Club's new Chief Executive and will take over from Paul Fletcher on Tuesday next week after the annual general meeting.

When I learned the news this morning via a phone call I thought we'd gone and signed former West Brom and Coventry striker Lee Hughes, now at  Coventry, and was just wondering how controversial decision that might be, when I realised it was Hoos and not Hughes.

Hoos is a 50-year-old from Maryland, USA, and first got into football in England after working for Mohammed Al Fayed at Harrods and then at Fulham. After eight years at Craven Cottage he became the chief executive of both Southampton in 2006, working for the south coast club at the time that the duck shooting Rupert Lowe was chairman.

In the summer of 2008 he moved to Leicester where one of his early decisions was to appoint Nigel Pearson, who had been at Southampton in the previous season, as the new manager. He arrived just as Leicester had been relegated and in his two years there they won a promotion and then reached the Championship play offs.

He left in October of last year with Burnley Football Club today signalling his return to football with his appointment at Turf Moor.
Hoos said: "It's a privilege to be named as Chief Executive of Burnley Football Club and I am absolutely delighted to be joining a club that, in my opinion, is going places. Burnley has an excellent Board of Directors and, as a long standing admirer, a very, very good manager in Eddie Howe.

"I know the people - and chairman Barry Kilby in particular - because I have been in football here for a while now and when I heard about the opportunity to work here it was a chance I couldn't pass up. I come here with high hopes and the number one priority has to be to get this club back into the Premier League.

"That's the shared vision of everybody at the club and in my opinion everybody has a part to play. Burnley has already shown that can be achieved and there is no reason at all why we can't get back there again."

Chairman Barry Kilby, in welcoming the new man said: "I would like to say a very big thank you to Paul (Fletcher) for making such a solid contribution to the club in the past three years.

"Lee has previously worked under Mohamed Al Fayed at Fulham, managed during a difficult situation at Southampton and then worked under Milan Mandaric at Leicester. Dealing with such varied situations, handing tough financial problems and then working with some very powerful people means he brings a wealth of experience here.

"I have no doubt he will be a big appointment as he carries out the policy of the Board of Directors."

Paul Fletcher will remain at the club until the end of the season. The former Burnley striker has, somewhat unfairly in my view, been labelled as the man with the megaphone and the bread bin stand.

He's certainly been very supportive of Clarets Mad and our relationship with him during his time back at Turf Moor has been nothing short of excellent. I now wish the new man well and hope he can take the club forward, something we all very much want.


http://www.clarets-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/hoos_is_new_chief_executive_at_turf_moor_716852/index.shtml?

[WhiteJC]

 
Celtic take Fulham defender Rafik Halliche on trial

Celtic have taken Fulham's Algerian international Rafik Halliche on trial.

The 25-year-old, who plays in central defence has fallen out of favour at Craven Cottage.

If Celtic are impressed they could sign him in January with the player having played in a bounce game at Celtic's training ground on Wednesday.

Halliche has previously played for NA Hussein Dey, Benfica and Nacional and has been capped on 21 occasions for his country, scoring once.

He came close to joining Swansea on the final day of the summer transfer window but the Welsh club did not receive international clearance to complete the switch.

The bounce match also gave Celtic manager Neil Lennon an opportunity to see players who have recently come back from injury - including Kelvin Wilson, Thomas Rogne and James Keatings - while those lacking match practice such as Paddy McCourt and Charlie Mulgrew also played.

"It was a really worthwhile exercise with Kelvin, Scott, Thomas, Paddy and Mo all getting a good run-out," said Lennon on the official Celtic website.

"I was pleased with the performance and the attitude of the players was great.

"Bangura was excellent and scored two great goals. I was delighted with his performance, and it will have done him the world of good.

"He has looked good in training recently, so he really needed that game time because it will now stand him in good stead for the games coming up."

Halliche has yet to start a match for Fulham, having come on as a substitute against Peterborough United in the FA Cup in January 2011, and against Stoke City in the Premier League two weeks later.


http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/16075282.stm?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham keeping tabs on Bristol City winger
by DAN on DECEMBER 7, 2011



Sky Sports reports that Fulham are keeping a close eye on Bristol City winger Albert Adomah.

Several Premier League clubs have been alerted to Adomah's outstanding Championship displays over the last month, despite City insisting that they have no desire to sell their best players in the January transfer window. While Nicky Maynard, long rumoured to be a Fulham target, is out of contract at the end of season, Adomah signed a three-year deal at the end of the last campaign, meaning any interested parties would have to table a big bid to interest City in selling.

Sky believe that Fulham may make an official offer once the window reopens but also report that Aston Villa, Sunderland, Bolton Wanderers, Everton, Sunderland and Stoke City have all had Adomah watched. The 23 year-old, who won his first cap for Ghana against Brazil at Craven Cottage in September, has scored five goals in 21 appearances for City this season. He scored ten times in 67 appearances since joining City from Barnet for a tribunal-mandated £150,000 in July 2007.


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/12/fulham-keeping-tabs-on-bristol-city-winger/?

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Bryan Ruiz: I wanted Spurs switch and only joined Fulham for the cash
Fulham striker Bryan Ruiz has stunned fans by admitting he wanted to join Tottenham, and only came to Craven Cottage for the money.


Not smelling of roses: Ruiz has put his foot in it with Fulham fans (Picture: AP)

The £10.6million deadline day signing has struggled for form since joining from Twente, and has managed just one goal in ten appearances for his new club.

Now the Costa Rican international has done yet more damaged to his reputation among Cottagers supporters by revealing White Hart Lane was his ideal destination of choice.

Ruiz told Dutch magazine Voetbal International: 'I did not want Fulham. Previously Tottenham were interested. This is a club that you say "yes" to. But it was never real.

'On August 30 Fulham arrived in the bidding. My manager called and said there was an agreement between the clubs and that we were going to London. I hesitated again, but he convinced me.

'Attractive financial terms and a conversation with Martin Jol won me over.'



Read more: http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/football/884146-bryan-ruiz-i-wanted-spurs-switch-and-only-joined-fulham-for-the-cash#ixzz1fvpqi493

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham 1-0 Liverpool

Dempsey downs 10-man Liverpool
Fulham striker Clint Dempsey struck a late winner as Liverpool's outstanding form on the road ended with a controversial 1-0 defeat at Craven Cottage.

Dempsey stabbed home a long-range 85th-minute shot by Danny Murphy that had bounced off the arms of Jose Reina, to secure only Fulham's third Barclays Premier League win of the season.

However, a sense of grievance cloaked Liverpool's night after they were denied a strong claim to a penalty and a legitimate goal from Luis Suarez was disallowed for offside, before Jay Spearing was shown a straight red card.

Philippe Senderos hacked down Charlie Adam with referee Kevin Friend claiming the tackle was executed just outside the area in what was a desperately tight call.

Worse was to come when Suarez produced a brilliant finish after jinking his way clear, only for a flag to be raised even though the Uruguay striker was onside.

The final insult was delivered in the 72nd minute when Spearing, making his first Premier League start of the season, was shown a straight red card.

Spearing, who had replaced knee-injury victim Lucas Leiva in the starting line-up, caught Mousa Dembele with a sliding challenge, but only after cleanly winning the ball in what was a harsh call.

The result denied Liverpool a record-equalling seventh successive away win in all competitions as they endured their first defeat in 12 games.

They dominated long spells of the game yet their defence was unpicked with five minutes gone, Bryan Ruiz finding Dembele with a wonderful through-ball.

Dembele was through on goal but his first touch was disappointing, giving Reina the time to close down the space.

The lively start continued when Suarez picked out Andy Carroll only for the England striker to stab his shot straight at Mark Schwarzer.

Schwarzer was then forced to dive to his right to deny Adam following some inventive build-up play from Liverpool.

It was then Reina's turn to scramble across goal as Dembele directed a fine effort towards the bottom-left corner, and moments later Dempsey tested the Spaniard.

Liverpool were the more incisive side going forward, though they could ill-afford any lapses in concentration with Fulham showing flourishes in attack.

Jordan Henderson struck the right post having expertly glided his way into a shooting position and shortly after he combined with Carroll to set up a chance for Suarez that crept wide.

On two occasions Dempsey tried his luck from just outside the area, but Reina was alert to one while the second struck the advertising boards.

Suarez was hacked down on the edge of the area but Adam's kick was easily dealt with by Senderos.

Bellamy brought down Dempsey, resulting in a face-off between the two with Fulham's American forward the aggressor, though Friend booked both players.

Jose Enrique fired a dangerous shot that Schwarzer did well to palm clear of danger as Liverpool controlled the early exchanges of the second half.

Fulham were lucky to escape a penalty in the 59th minute when Senderos brought down Adam.

The initial tackle appeared to have been made just outside the line, but contact continued well inside the area.

Friend was well positioned and refused to award a penalty with Bellamy hitting the free-kick into the wall.

Carroll, Liverpool's #35million signing from Newcastle, saw a shot head towards the corner flag and was taunted with chants of "what a waste of money".

Suarez had his goal disallowed and Liverpool's frustration boiled over in the 72nd minute when Spearing was sent off for his challenge on Dembele.

Dembele had the bit between his teeth as Fulham pushed for the winner, going close on two occasions.

At the other end substitute Stewart Downing hit the left post as a frantic climax beckoned.

The killer blow landed with six minutes of normal time remaining, starting with Murphy pulling the trigger from well outside the area.

Reina failed to control the ball and the lurking Dempsey was able to convert from close range.


http://www.fulham-mad.co.uk/rprt/mtch/fulham_10_liverpool_716678/index.shtml?

[WhiteJC]

 
Riise - We can beat anyone
Full-back buoyed by Reds victory


John Arne Riise: Thinks Fulham's win against Liverpool has given the squad the belief they can beat anyone

Fulham defender John Arne Riise believes Monday night's win over Liverpool has given the squad the belief they can beat anyone in the Premier League.

Clint Dempsey grabbed the only goal of the game at Craven Cottage to give Martin Jol's men only their second home league win of the season and deny the Reds a seventh straight away victory.

Such is the compact nature of the top flight at present the result lifted the Cottagers three places to 13th and to within three points of eighth placed Stoke City.
Norway defender Riise, who played for Liverpool between 2001 and 2008, feels the confidence gained from victory against his former employers could be the catalyst for a league revival.

"Taking three points against Liverpool, who have been in good form lately, makes us sure that we can beat anyone," he told the club's official website.

"But now we look ahead to a new game against Swansea on Saturday which is going to be very hard as well.

"We've played some very good football lately and it could have gone either way on Monday. I think a draw would have been fair, but I'm very glad Clint scored and it was a very important goal for us.

Massive

"There are a lot of games coming up now so we need to get the points as soon as possible. We have some massive teams coming up and it was a big game for us on Monday.

"The table never lies, that's the main thing. We just have to get more points on the board and start climbing up the table."

Riise admitted that the win was extra special given it was against his old side but insists that the three points were the most important thing.

"I was happy to get a win and it was special for me because it was the first time that I have played against Liverpool," added the 31-year-old, who moved to Craven Cottage from Roma last summer.

"It was special and an emotional high when the final whistle went. I'm very happy and I really enjoyed it because it was an important three points for us."


http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/7357918/?

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Hangeland targets mid-table push after Liverpool win



Fulham defender Brede Hangeland believes his side's inconsistency means they are just as likely to pick up points against the Premier League's big guns as their lesser lights.

Martin Jol's side beat Liverpool on Monday to move five points clear of the relegation zone.

And the Norwegian admits no-one at the west London club has enjoyed being near the bottom three - but he hopes they can now move into mid-table.

"I feel the way we played against Liverpool and what we showed at Arsenal last week shows it doesn't matter who we play, we are just as likely to pick up points against the big boys as much as the so-called weaker teams," said the centre-back.

"If you look at the League table everyone can see how important this game was. We all know what we can do and, as long as we keep on putting in good performances, we will get out reward in the end.

"It's not nice to be were we have been in the table so hopefully we'll move up as soon as possible."


http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/1356/03/hangeland-targets-mid-table-push-after-liverpool-win?

[WhiteJC]

 
Halliche impresses on trial
Fulham centre-back plays 90 minutes for Celtic in friendly


Rafik Halliche: Fulham defender is on trail at Celtic

Neil Lennon used Wednesday's friendly with Hibernian to asses Fulham's Algerian centre-back Rafik Halliche.

The 25-year-old is on trial at Celtic Park and impressed in the 3-0 win in which Mo Bangura scored twice, with Scott Brown bagging the other.

Halliche is contracted at Craven Cottage until June 2013, but has been deemed surplus to requirements by boss Martin Jol.
The game also gave match practise to Northern Ireland international Paddy McCourt and Charlie Mulgrew, and helped Kelvin Wilson, Thomas Rogne and James Keatings step up their return from injury.

Worthwhile

Lennon told the club's official website: "It was a really worthwhile exercise with Kelvin, Scott, Thomas, Paddy and Mo all getting a good run-out.

"I was pleased with the performance and the attitude of the players was great.

"Bangura was excellent and scored two great goals. I was delighted with his performance, and it will have done him the world of good.

"He has looked good in training recently, so he really needed that game time because it will now stand him in good stead for the games coming up."


http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/7358033/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Ruiz Pledges Loyalty to FFC

Following media reports today concerning interviews I gave in Holland last week about my move to Fulham Football Club, I wish to make it known to the Club's supporters that as soon as Fulham's interest was apparent to me in the summer, and despite very public interest from other clubs, I was only ever intent on joining FFC.

As I said on the day I signed, I was attracted by the Club's ambition and the opportunity to play under Martin Jol. Fulham felt far more personal to me than any of the other clubs I visited and there was no question of me joining any other Premier League team once I had spoken to Fulham's representatives.

The truth of the matter is I'm delighted to be at Fulham Football Club. I'm back in the Team, we're playing well and I feel like I'm showing my true form. We started the week brilliantly against Liverpool and I just want to focus on helping the Team against Swansea on Saturday. I am indebted to the Chairman and Martin Jol for bringing me here and I want to thank the Fulham fans for the warm reception and affection they always show towards me.



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/December/RuizStatement.aspx?#ixzz1fvtYeNzh

[WhiteJC]

 
Suarez in the dock again as FA charge Liverpool striker over finger to Fulham fans

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez was on Wednesday night charged over his one - fingered salute at Fulham on Monday night.

And the club's disciplinary headaches did not stop there as they were also charged with failing to control their players during the ill-tempered defeat.

Suarez was the target of a barrage of abuse and repeatedly called a 'cheat' by Fulham fans, angered by what they perceived as his diving.


Finger of fury: Luis Suarez gestured toward the Fulham fans on Monday night

He was pictured making the obscene gesture to home supporters moments after the final whistle sounded.

An FA statement confirmed: 'Luis Suarez is charged with improper conduct in relation to an alleged gesture made towards the Fulham fans at the end of the fixture.'

Suarez is already facing FA charges for allegedly aiming a racial slur at Manchester United defender Patrice Evra during the 1-1 draw at Anfield on October 15.

He has requested a personal hearing regarding that incident and this latest charge will come as another unwanted problem going into the congested festive period.


Tumble: The Fulham fans accused Suarez of cheating when he went to ground

If Suarez is found guilty of racially abusing Evra he is likely to face a long ban.

FA sources have indicated to Sportsmail that the former Ajax star is more likely to be fined over the incident at Craven Cottage.

Nevertheless, Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish takes a dim view of Suarez's indiscipline.

And his mood will not have improved after the FA charged the club for their protests fol lowing Jay Spearing's red card on Monday night.

Referee Kevin Friend awarded a straight red for the midfielder's tackle on Moussa Dembele.

Spearing clearly made contact with the ball first, but his follow through resulted in him catching Dembele nastily just above the ankle.

Liverpool players surrounded Friend, incensed by his decision to dismiss their team-mate, though the club have since decided against an appeal.


Testing time: Suarez and Liverpool were left frustrated at Craven Cottage

An FA statement read: 'Liverpool Football Club have been charged with failing to ensure its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion, following the dismissal of Jay Spearing.'

Chelsea were recently fined £20,000 after pleading guilty to an identical charge for an offence during the 1-0 defeat at Queens Park Rangers in October.

Liverpool have until 4pm on Monday to decide whether to appeal against both charges. A statement released on Wednesday night read: 'The club will take the appropriate time to properly review the documentation sent to us before making any further comment.'


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/article-2071160/Luis-Suarez-charged-FA-gesture-Fulham-fans.html#ixzz1fvtzuvPs

[WhiteJC]

 
Ruiz: Move not about money


Bryan Ruiz has swiftly rebuffed reports that he only joined Fulham for the money.

The 26-year-old moved from FC Twente on transfer deadline day for a reported fee of £10.6million despite interest from several other Premier League clubs. However, Ruiz reportedly told Dutch magazine Voetbal International he would rather have signed for London rivals Tottenham and only moved to Craven Cottage for the money.

He has moved to deny the comments, saying: "Following media reports concerning interviews I gave in Holland last week about my move to Fulham Football Club, I wish to make it known to the club's supporters that as soon as Fulham's interest was apparent to me in the summer, and despite very public interest from other clubs, I was only ever intent on joining FFC."

He added: "As I said on the day I signed, I was attracted by the club's ambition and the opportunity to play under Martin Jol.

"Fulham felt far more personal to me than any of the other clubs I visited and there was no question of me joining any other Premier League team once I had spoken to Fulham's representatives.

"The truth of the matter is I'm delighted to be at Fulham Football Club.

"I'm back in the team, we're playing well and I feel like I'm showing my true form.

"We started the week brilliantly against Liverpool and I just want to focus on helping the team against Swansea on Saturday.

"I am indebted to the chairman and Martin Jol for bringing me here and I want to thank the Fulham fans for the warm reception and affection they always show towards me. "

Ruiz has endured a frustrating start to life in west London due to struggles with form and fitness, only playing his first 90 minutes in Monday's 1-0 defeat of Liverpool.


http://www.independent.ie/breaking-news/sport/ruiz-move-not-about-money-2957646.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
Double charge for Reds
Suarez and Liverpool in hot water following defeat at Fulham

Luis Suarez has been charged by the Football Association for an alleged gesture at Fulham's fans, with the club accused of failing to control their players.

Uruguay international Suarez is believed to have gestured towards Cottagers fans as he left the field following Monday's 1-0 defeat at Craven Cottage.

Liverpool could also be in hot water for their players' reactions after referee Kevin Friend issued Jay Spearing with a second-half red card for his challenge on Moussa Dembele.
A number of Reds players remonstrated with the official, an incident that occurred prior to Clint Dempsey's late winner for Fulham.
Liverpool have until Monday, December 12th to respond to both charges.

The Merseysiders have confirmed they have been notified by the FA of the charges and they are 'properly' reviewing the documentation before making further comment.

Supported

The news is another blow for Suarez, who is currently preparing his defence against a charge of making racist comments to Manchester United defender Patrice Evra.

The French full-back alleged Suarez racially abused him during a 1-1 draw at Anfield in October and, after a lengthy investigation, the FA decided he did have a case to answer.

Suarez denies the allegations and is being fully supported by the club in fighting the charge.

Manager Kenny Dalglish defended his player on Monday evening after Suarez was targeted with taunts of "cheat" by Fulham fans, who felt the striker went to ground too easily when challenged.

Dalglish described the chants as "scandalous", and added: "At the end of the day, we will look after Luis the best we can and I think it is about time he got a bit of protection from some people."


http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/7358124/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham's Bryan Ruiz reveals he wanted to move to Tottenham Hotspur

Fulham's Bryan Ruiz has reportedly admitted that he wanted to move to Spurs in the summer, rather than their London Premier League rivals.

The Costa Rican international moved to Craven Cottage from FC Twente in August and in an interview with Dutch magazine Voetbal International he said: "I did not want Fulham. Previously Tottenham were interested. This is a club that you say 'yes' to. But it was never real.

"On August 30 Fulham arrived in the bidding. My manager called and said there was an agreement between the clubs and that we were going to London. I hesitated again but he convinced me.

"Attractive financial terms and a conversation with Martin Jol won we over."



http://www.guardian-series.co.uk/sport/spurs/9407298._I_wanted_to_join_Spurs_/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Ruiz hits back at claims he wanted Spurs move and only joined Fulham for the money

Bryan Ruiz has swiftly rebuffed reports that he only joined Fulham for the money.

The 26-year-old moved from FC Twente on transfer deadline day for a reported fee of £10.6million despite interest from several other Premier League clubs.


Report: Ruiz was quoted as saying he only joined Fulham because the money was good

However, Ruiz reportedly told Dutch magazine Voetbal International he would rather have signed for London rivals Tottenham and only moved to Craven Cottage for the money.

The Costa Rica international has this evening moved quickly to deny the comments.


Famous faces: Ruiz joined from FC Twente in the summer

'Following media reports today concerning interviews I gave in Holland last week about my move to Fulham Football Club, I wish to make it known to the club's supporters that as soon as Fulham's interest was apparent to me in the summer, and despite very public interest from other clubs, I was only ever intent on joining FFC,' Ruiz said in a statement.

'As I said on the day I signed, I was attracted by the club's ambition and the opportunity to play under Martin Jol.

'Fulham felt far more personal to me than any of the other clubs I visited and there was no question of me joining any other Premier League team once I had spoken to Fulham's representatives.

'The truth of the matter is I'm delighted to be at Fulham Football Club. "I'm back in the team, we're playing well and I feel like I'm showing my true form.

'We started the week brilliantly against Liverpool and I just want to focus on helping the team against Swansea on Saturday.

'I am indebted to the chairman and Martin Jol for bringing me here and I want to thank the Fulham fans for the warm reception and affection they always show towards me.'

Ruiz has endured a frustrating start to life in west London due to struggles with form and fitness, only playing his first 90 minutes in Monday's 1-0 defeat of Liverpool.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2071254/Bryan-Ruiz-denies-report-joined-Fulham-money.html#ixzz1fvwGbN5E

[WhiteJC]

 
Luis Suárez and Liverpool charged by FA over Fulham incidents
• Uruguayan striker charged for alleged obscene gesture
• Club charged over players surrounding referee


Luis Suárez appeared to feel hard done by after his experiences at Fulham on
Monday night. Photograph: Kerim Okten/EPA

Luis Suárez has been charged with improper conduct and Liverpool with failing to ensure their players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion for incidents that occurred during the 1-0 defeat at Fulham on Monday evening.

Suárez was pictured allegedly making an obscene gesture towards Fulham fans as he walked towards the tunnel at the end of the match and when Jay Spearing was sent off for a dangerous tackle on Moussa Dembélé on 72 minutes, the Liverpool players surrounded Kevin Friend, the referee, to protest against the decision.

Regarding the charges a statement on the Football Association website said: "Liverpool Football Club have been charged by the FA with failing to ensure its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion, following the dismissal of Jay Spearing. The charge is in relation to Liverpool's Premier League fixture at Fulham on 5 December 2011. The club has until 4pm on Monday 12 December to respond to the charge. Luis Suárez has also been charged following an incident in the same game. The Liverpool player is charged with improper conduct, in relation to an alleged gesture made towards the Fulham fans at the end of the fixture. The player has until 4pm on Monday 12 December to respond to the charge."

A short statement on Liverpool's website said: "Liverpool FC today received notification from the Football Association of their decision to charge both the club and Luis Suárez following the game against Fulham. The club will take the appropriate time to properly review the documentation sent to us before making any further comment."

The count against Suárez follows the Uruguayan being charged by the FA with racially abusing Patrice Evra when Manchester United played Liverpool on 15 October. Evra told the French TV station Canal Plus that Suárez had used a racist insult to him "at least 10 times".

While Suárez strongly denies the allegation and Liverpool have stated they are "fully supportive of him", an FA statement said at the time: "The FA has today charged Liverpool's Luis Suarez following an incident that occurred during the Liverpool versus Manchester United fixture at Anfield on 15 October 2011. It is alleged that Suárez used abusive and/or insulting words and/or behaviour towards Manchester United's Patrice Evra contrary to FA rules. It is further alleged that this included a reference to the ethnic origin and/or colour and/or race of Patrice Evra."

The charges related to the Fulham game are bound to further anger Kenny Dalglish, who called for more protection for his players after Suárez reacted at Craven Cottage to fans who were apparently calling him "cheat".

The manager said: "Scandalous. I would like to see you write that in the paper because you would be in a bit of trouble as well. You write what you want to write. At the end of the day, we will look after Luis the best we can and I think it is about time he got a wee bit of protection from some people."

Suárez will hope to be found innocent regarding both of the charges against him as he may feel that, unfairly or not, he is beginning to acquire the wrong reputation due to these two incidents. If found guilty of one or both of the charges the striker could face a heavy fine or a ban or both. However, each charge will be taken in isolation so there is no possible multiplier effect regarding the sanctions Suárez may receive.


http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/dec/07/luis-suarez-liverpool-charged-fulham?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+theguardian%2Ffootball%2Frss+%28Football%29

[WhiteJC]

 
Manchester United: the new Fulham
A result needed in Basle to qualify from the group? Sound familiar?
Let's hope it's as entertaining a match.

EDIT: Seems not, given Fulham managed a win. United were dire and devoid of ideas up front and deservedly lost.


http://cottagers.blogspot.com/2011/12/manchester-united-new-fulham.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
Ruiz - I didn't move for money
Striker insists rumours over Spurs are unfounded


Bryan Ruiz: Says he didn't move to Fulham for money

Fulham striker Bryan Ruiz has dismissed reports he only moved to Craven Cottage for the money.

The 26-year-old moved to Craven Cottage from FC Twente on the final day of the summer transfer window for a reported £10.6million.

He was linked with a move to a number of other Premier League clubs including Liverpool, Arsenaland Tottenham,

Dutch magazine Voetball International claimed Ruiz told them he would rather have joined Spurs, but opted for Fulham because of the money.

However the Costa Rica international issued a statement to dispel the reports.

"Following media reports today concerning interviews I gave in Holland last week about my move to Fulham Football Club, I wish to make it known to the club's supporters that as soon as Fulham's interest was apparent to me in the summer, and despite very public interest from other clubs, I was only ever intent on joining FFC," he said.

Ambition

"As I said on the day I signed, I was attracted by the club's ambition and the opportunity to play under Martin Jol.
"Fulham felt far more personal to me than any of the other clubs I visited and there was no question of me joining any other Premier League team once I had spoken to Fulham's representatives.

"The truth of the matter is I'm delighted to be at Fulham Football Club.

"I'm back in the team, we're playing well and I feel like I'm showing my true form.

"We started the week brilliantly against Liverpool and I just want to focus on helping the team against Swansea on Saturday.

"I am indebted to the chairman and Martin Jol for bringing me here and I want to thank the Fulham fans for the warm reception and affection they always show towards me."



http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/7358111/?