Friday Fulham Stuff (09/12/11)...i

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Fulham boss rules out move for Manchester United striker

MARTIN Jol has rubbished reports linking him with a move for Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov.

Fulham have been linked with a January loan swoop for the Bulgarian frontman, who boss Jol knows from his time in charge of Spurs.

However, the Craven Cottage chief insists Berba won't be coming to SW6.

He said: "That is just paper talk. Dimitar Berbatov is at Man United and is quite happy. And if he moves I don't think it will be possible for our club to get him, you know?

"He is certainly a very good striker, he was very good for me, but it is just paper talk."



Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/12/08/fulham-boss-rules-out-move-for-manchester-united-striker-82029-29921162/?#ixzz1g1PesO2g

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Jol could include Davies in squad

Martin Jol could include Simon Davies in his squad to face Swansea City this weekend.

The Fulham midfielder is yet to feature in the league this season because of a knee problem but is back in training and looks set to return to first-team action in the near future.

Whites boss Jol will assess Davies on Friday and the ex-Wales international could travel to the Liberty Stadium.

Davies appeared to be making a good recovery from the injury but suffered complications, and in August it was announced that he faced a longer spell out of action.

Meanwhile, skipper Danny Murphy has picked up a knock and faces fitness ahead of Saturday's game, as does Steve Sidwell.

Defender Chris Baird is expected to miss the match for personal reasons, while Damien Duff will be absent again because of a calf problem.


http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-boss-considers-recalling-welsh-star-simon-davies-for-swansea-city-match/?

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Murphy faces Swansea fitness test
by DAN on DECEMBER 8, 2011



Danny Murphy will have a fitness test tomorrow in a bid to beat his ankle injury and captain Fulham at Swansea on Saturday.

The veteran midfielder is determined not to miss Fulham's next fixture despite limping out of Monday's win over Liverpool during injury-time. The 34 year-old was forced off after injuring his ankle in a late challenge and manager Martin Jol was downbeat in the post-match press conference, expecting his influential midfielder to miss at least the trip to Wales. But Murphy remains keen to keep his place in the Fulham midfield and will undergo a strenuous fitness test tomorrow afternoon.

Steve Sidwell faces another fitness test on his hernia problem, having returned from a quick visit to a specialist in Munich this week in search of a second opinion. Young Czech midfielder Marcel Gecov, who replaced Murphy against Liverpool on Monday, would be in line for a first league start alongside Dickson Etuhu, who Jol praised as one of his most consistent performers of late, if both Murphy and Sidwell were unavailable.

Jol revealed that he could include Simon Davies, who played 70 minutes for the reserves against West Brom on Tuesday, in the squad for the trip to the Liberty Stadium if the Welsh midfielder comes through tomorrow's training session unscathed. It would an earlier than expected return to the first team for Davies, who has been out of action for four months since injuring his knee in Jol's first game against NSI Runavik.

Fulham are likely to be without both Chris Baird and Damien Duff on Saturday, however. Baird is still set to be unavailable for personal reasons, while Duff is sidelined by the calf injury he aggravated against FC Twente last week. The Republic of Ireland international is expected to return to training next week and Swiss teenager Kerim Frei, who was on the bench against Liverpool, should feature again in the matchday 18.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/12/murphy-faces-swansea-fitness-test/?

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Ruiz shows signs of breaking free
by DAN on DECEMBER 8, 2011



Bryan Ruiz has been in the news this week. Hot off the heels of an interview with a Dutch football magazine in which the Costa Rican midfielder suggested that he was keener on joining Tottenham than Fulham in August came a Fulham statement in which Ruiz insisted he was delighted to be a target of Martin Jol's and was looking forward to continuing his progress at Craven Cottage.

Ruiz has now started the last two Fulham league games and completed his first 90 minutes for the club against Liverpool on Monday night. The difference between the stuttering, ponderous debut against Blackburn and the intelligent movement and range of passing that Ruiz displayed against Kenny Dalglish's side was marked. It's not as though anyone truly believed Jol had bought a dud, but there was concern about just how long it would take a very continental player to adapt to the physicality of the Premier League.

Ruiz certainly looks a lot stronger and quicker than in his early days at Fulham, but for me the key to unlocking his unquestionable talent is by utilising him in the right areas. He threaded a splendid through pass through for Moussa Dembele early on against Liverpool and it is noticeable from the chalkboard comparison with that Blackburn game that he was much more advanced on Monday night:

~: CHALKBOARD :~

I've seen some suggestions that Ruiz was a little careless with the ball but he misplaced only 11 of his 55 passes and most of those – as you can see from the red lines above – were adventurous forward balls. Ruiz was just as good at retaining possession at Arsenal, albeit from a deeper position, which was understandable as Fulham had to get through a lot of defensive work at the Emirates and were protecting a 1-0 lead for much of the second half. Against the Gunners, Ruiz only had five unsuccessful passes. You get the odd touch of real class from Ruiz, too, such as the lovely flicked ball out to Danny Murphy at the start of the second half.

He should start Saturday's game against Swansea – another good footballing side who would be unlikely to bundle him off the ball – and could get the space to influence proceedings. Given that he likes to drift in from the right flank, the fluidity of those floating midfielders behind Bobby Zamora will be crucial. After a slow start, the signs are certainly promising for the man with the flowing locks.


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/12/ruiz-shows-signs-of-breaking-free/?

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Tony Gale recalls his Fulham career
by DAN on DECEMBER 8, 2011

Former Fulham defender Tony Gale was on talkSPORT this morning with Richard Keys and Andy Gray. He reminisced about his long career in football, touching on the humorous side of his time at Craven Cottage as well as at West Ham. The full interview – up on the radio station's website – is well worth a listen.

For those who may only know Gale as a commentator or a pundit, he made 277 league appearances for Fulham between 1977 and 1984 before moving on to play for West Ham, Blackburn, Crystal Palace and, finally, Maidenhead. He won a single cap for the England under-21 side in 1982.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/12/tony-gale-recalls-his-fulham-career/?

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Riise: We can beat anyone
John Arne Riise believes Fulham's win over Liverpool on Monday has given the squad the belief they can beat anyone in the division.



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.

"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://www.football365.com/fulham/7362749/Riise-We-can-beat-anyone?

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Graham fit to face Fulham
by DAN on DECEMBER 8, 2011



Swansea have been handed a massive boost by the news that top scorer Danny Graham will be fit to face Fulham on Saturday.

Swansea's record signing had missed last weekend's disappointing defeat at Blackburn with an achilles injury but the 26 year-old has been passed fit to take on Martin Jol's side at the Liberty Stadium. Graham has scored four goals since joining the Swans from Watford for £3.5m in July.

Brendan Rogers will also have defender Stephen Caulker, who has been missing since September with a knee injury, back in his squad for Saturday's game. Swansea will definitely be without full-back Angel Rangel, who is expected to be out for at least another fortnight after damaging ankle ligaments against Aston Villa.


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/12/graham-fit-to-face-fulham/?

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Cottagers rule out double swoop
Fulham manager Martin Jol has ruled out January moves for Dimitar Berbatov and Raul - as he believes in Mousa Dembele he has the better player.

With the transfer window reopening in less than a month, speculation has begun over reinforcements the Dutchman may bring to the club in January.

Marseille's Andre-Pierre Gignac has been heavily linked with a move to Fulham, while Wigan striker Hugo Rodallega and former Real Madrid man Raul have also been mentioned.

The latter would be a particularly audacious signing and Jol has quashed talk of a move for Spain's all-time record scorer, insisting Dembele can be just as good.

"It is not our philosophy [to make signings like Raul]," he said. "He is a star but I have another star in that position, who will probably be the same as Raul in the future. Mousa Dembele is on the way to becoming a fantastic player.

"Bryan Ruiz can also play there and we have a young player that can play in that position that you probably don't know in Kerim Frei. I have Pajtim Kasami, who is 19 years old, so I would probably be crazy to get another player in that position."

Jol also ruled out a move for Manchester United striker Berbatov, who he knows well having originally brought him to England while in charge of Tottenham.

"That is just paper talk," he said. "Dimitar Berbatov is at Man United and is quite happy. And if he moves I don't think it will be possible for our club to get him, you know?

"He is certainly a very good striker, he was very good for me, but it is just paper talk."

Fulham may face Berbatov's side in the latter stages of the Europa League after last night's Champions League exit at Basle.

The Cottagers face Odense next Wednesday night looking to make the knockout stages, where they would be in the draw alongside Manchester rivals United and City.

"I feel that they will be very disappointed, especially Manchester United," Jol said. "They were tipped probably to win the Champions League because they are capable of doing so, but that is football.

"They went there to Basle, who are a team that could surprise any other team. They are fighters.

"Manchester City did their job, got their win and hoping that Villarreal would get the points at home against Napoli. It didn't come off but, as I say, that is football."

On the Europa League, Jol added: "We are happy to play at that level and that is why we do it with strong teams.

"Other clubs will probably make different decisions and play other teams, like Tottenham did. Then you will probably get punished, but maybe they are fine with that situation because there is always an advantage.

"Even if you lose a game or get knocked out of the Europa League [there are advantages], but our principle is to do the best we can in Europe and get as far as possible."

Before attention turns to the Europa League, Fulham travel to Swansea in the Barclays Premier League this weekend.

Damien Duff and Chris Baird will miss the trip to the Liberty Stadium, while Steve Sidwell remains a doubt as he recovers from a hernia operation.

There is good news, though, concerning the fitness of Danny Murphy, who was expected to definitely miss the Swansea match after picking up an ankle knock against Liverpool on Monday.

"Danny is probably involved because he is a quick healer," Jol said. "He will have a test as well tomorrow.

"His ankle was swollen up but it is better now so I hope he can be involved. It's touch and go."

Long-term absentee Simon Davies may also be involved after stepping up his recovery from a knee injury.

"Simon played 70 minutes for the first time with the reserves and looked well," Jol added.

"He gave himself seven out of 10 fitness-wise so I will, if he is fine on Friday, involve him in the squad."



http://www.football365.com/fulham/7362779/Cottagers-rule-out-double-swoop?

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JOL NOT EYEING BERBATOV OR RAUL

Fulham manager Martin Jol has ruled out January moves for Dimitar Berbatov and Raul - as he believes in Mousa Dembele he has the better player.

With the transfer window reopening in less than a month, speculation has begun over reinforcements the Dutchman may bring to the club in January.

Marseille's Andre-Pierre Gignac has been heavily linked with a move to Fulham, while Wigan striker Hugo Rodallega and former Real Madrid man Raul have also been mentioned.

The latter would be a particularly audacious signing and Jol has quashed talk of a move for Spain's all-time record scorer, insisting Dembele can be just as good.

"It is not our philosophy [to make signings like Raul]," he said. "He is a star but I have another star in that position, who will probably be the same as Raul in the future. Mousa Dembele is on the way to becoming a fantastic player.

"Bryan Ruiz can also play there and we have a young player that can play in that position that you probably don't know in Kerim Frei. I have Pajtim Kasami, who is 19 years old, so I would probably be crazy to get another player in that position."

Jol also ruled out a move for Manchester United striker Berbatov, who he knows well having originally brought him to England while in charge of Tottenham.

"That is just paper talk," he said. "Dimitar Berbatov is at Man United and is quite happy. And if he moves I don't think it will be possible for our club to get him, you know?

"He is certainly a very good striker, he was very good for me, but it is just paper talk."

Fulham may face Berbatov's side in the latter stages of the Europa League after last night's Champions League exit at Basle.

The Cottagers face Odense next Wednesday night looking to make the knockout stages, where they would be in the draw alongside Manchester rivals United and City.

"I feel that they will be very disappointed, especially Manchester United," Jol said. "They were tipped probably to win the Champions League because they are capable of doing so, but that is football.

"They went there to Basle, who are a team that could surprise any other team. They are fighters.

"Manchester City did their job, got their win and hoping that Villarreal would get the points at home against Napoli. It didn't come off but, as I say, that is football."

On the Europa League, Jol added: "We are happy to play at that level and that is why we do it with strong teams.

"Other clubs will probably make different decisions and play other teams, like Tottenham did. Then you will probably get punished, but maybe they are fine with that situation because there is always an advantage.

"Even if you lose a game or get knocked out of the Europa League [there are advantages], but our principle is to do the best we can in Europe and get as far as possible."

Before attention turns to the Europa League, Fulham travel to Swansea in the Barclays Premier League this weekend.

Damien Duff and Chris Baird will miss the trip to the Liberty Stadium, while Steve Sidwell remains a doubt as he recovers from a hernia operation.

There is good news, though, concerning the fitness of Danny Murphy, who was expected to definitely miss the Swansea match after picking up an ankle knock against Liverpool on Monday.

"Danny is probably involved because he is a quick healer," Jol said. "He will have a test as well tomorrow.

"His ankle was swollen up but it is better now so I hope he can be involved. It's touch and go."

Long-term absentee Simon Davies may also be involved after stepping up his recovery from a knee injury.

"Simon played 70 minutes for the first time with the reserves and looked well," Jol added.

"He gave himself seven out of 10 fitness-wise so I will, if he is fine on Friday, involve him in the squad."



http://www.sportinglife.com/football/premiership/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/11/12/08/SOCCER_Fulham_Nightlead.html

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Fulham sweat on skipper ahead of Swansea City clash

Swansea City v Fulham

FULHAM captain Danny Murphy faces a late fitness test ahead of Saturday's trip to the Liberty Stadium.

The midfielder suffered an ankle injury in the dying minutes of Monday night's victory over Liverpool, with boss Martin Jol expecting to be without the 34-year-old for the next week.

However, Murphy's injury isn't as bad as first feared, and he will be given a chance to prove his fitness in training tomorrow.

Steve Sidwell will also be put through his paces as he steps up his recovery from a hernia op, so Marcel Gecov is on standby in case the pair fail to recover in time.

However, there is better news for Jol as Simon Davies played 70 minutes for the reserves against West Brom earlier this week.

The Welsh winger has been sidelined for four months with a knee injury, but could be included in the squad if he comes through training unscathed tomorrow.

But Damien Duff (calf) and Chris Baird (personal reasons) miss out.



Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/12/08/fulham-sweat-on-skipper-ahead-of-swansea-city-clash-82029-29920595/?#ixzz1g1THYyz4

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Jol compares Dembele to Raul


Fulham manager Martin Jol believes that in Mousa Dembele he has a player that can reach the same heights as Spanish legend Raul.

With the transfer window reopening in January, speculation has begun over reinforcements the Dutchman may bring in. Marseille's Andre-Pierre Gignac has been heavily linked with a move, as has Wigan striker Hugo Rodallega and former Real Madrid man Raul.

The latter would be particularly audacious but Jol has quashed talk of a move for Spain's all-time record scorer, and said: "It is not our philosophy. [Raul] is a star but I have another star in that position, who will probably be the same as Raul in the future. Mousa Dembele is on the way to becoming a fantastic player."

He added: "Bryan Ruiz can also play there and we have a young player that can play in that position that you probably don't know in Kerim Frei. I have Pajtim Kasami, who is 19 years old, so I would probably be crazy to get another player in that position."

Jol also ruled out a move for Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov, who he knows well having originally brought him to England while in charge of Tottenham.

"That is just paper talk," he said. "Dimitar Berbatov is at Man United and is quite happy. And if he moves I don't think it will be possible for our club to get him, you know?

"He is certainly a very good striker, he was very good for me, but it is just paper talk."

Fulham travel to Swansea in the Barclays Premier League this weekend boosted by news concerning the fitness of Danny Murphy, who was expected to definitely miss the Swansea match after picking up an ankle knock against Liverpool on Monday.

"Danny is probably involved because he is a quick healer," Jol said. "He will have a test as well [on Friday].

"His ankle was swollen up but it is better now so I hope he can be involved. It's touch and go."



http://www.independent.ie/breaking-news/sport/jol-compares-dembele-to-raul-2958874.html?

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Content Jol dismisses Raul link

Martin Jol insists he is not looking to bring Raul to Fulham as he believes Moussa Dembele can hit the same heights as the Real Madrid legend.

With the transfer window reopening in less than a month, speculation has begun over reinforcements Jol may bring to the club in January. Marseille's Andre-Pierre Gignac has been heavily linked with a move to Fulham, while Wigan striker Hugo Rodallega and Schalke striker Raul have also been mentioned.

The latter would be a particularly audacious signing and Jol has quashed talk of a move for Spain's all-time record scorer, insisting Dembele can be just as good.

"It is not our philosophy [to make signings like Raul]," he said. "He is a star but I have another star in that position who will probably be the same as Raul in the future. Moussa Dembele is on the way to becoming a fantastic player.

"Bryan Ruiz can also play there and we have a young player that can play in that position that you probably don't know in Kerim Frei. I have Pajtim Kasami, who is 19 years old, so I would probably be crazy to get another player in that position."

Jol also ruled out a move for Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov, who he knows well having originally brought him to England while in charge of Tottenham.

"That is just paper talk," he said. "Dimitar Berbatov is at Man United and is quite happy. And if he moves I don't think it will be possible for our club to get him, you know? He is certainly a very good striker, he was very good for me, but it is just paper talk."

Fulham may face Berbatov's side in the latter stages of the Europa League after their Champions League exit at Basel. Fulham face Odense next Wednesday night looking to make the knockout stages, where they would be in the draw alongside Manchester rivals United and City.

"I feel that they will be very disappointed, especially Manchester United," Jol said. "They were tipped probably to win the Champions League because they are capable of doing so, but that is football.

"They went there to Basel, who are a team that could surprise any other team. They are fighters. Manchester City did their job, got their win and hoping that Villarreal would get the points at home against Napoli. It didn't come off but, as I say, that is football."

On the Europa League, Jol added: "We are happy to play at that level and that is why we do it with strong teams.

"Other clubs will probably make different decisions and play other teams, like Tottenham did. Then you will probably get punished, but maybe they are fine with that situation because there is always an advantage.

"Even if you lose a game or get knocked out of the Europa League [there are advantages], but our principle is to do the best we can in Europe and get as far as possible."

Before attention turns to the Europa League, Fulham travel to Swansea in the Premier League this weekend. Damien Duff and Chris Baird will miss the trip to the Liberty Stadium, while Steve Sidwell remains a doubt as he recovers from a hernia operation.

There is good news, though, concerning the fitness of Danny Murphy, who was expected to definitely miss the Swansea match after picking up an ankle knock against Liverpool on Monday.

"Danny is probably involved because he is a quick healer," Jol said. "He will have a test as well tomorrow. His ankle was swollen up but it is better now so I hope he can be involved. It's touch and go."

Long-term absentee Simon Davies may also be involved after stepping up his recovery from a knee injury. "Simon played 70 minutes for the first time with the reserves and looked well," Jol added. "He gave himself seven out of ten fitness-wise so I will, if he is fine on Friday, involve him in the squad."



http://www.espn.co.uk/football/sport/story/125423.html?CMP=OTC-RSS

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Fulham fortress awaits OB

Fulham FC are unbeaten in 22 European home games and will need to keep that record going against eliminated Odense BK if they are to be certain of finishing second in Group K.


Martin Jol leads a Fulham training session
©Getty Images

Fulham FC will look to hold off Wisła Kraków and claim a place in the UEFA Europa League round of 32 as they take on Group K's bottom side, Odense BK.

• The 2010 finalists are sure to go through with a win against eliminated OB, and will go through regardless if Wisła fail to beat section winners FC Twente in Poland.

Previous meetings
• Two Andrew Johnson goals secured a 2-0 win for Fulham when the sides met on matchday two in the Cottagers' first game against Danish opponents. His low drive squirmed under Stefan Wessels for the first on 36 minutes and he wrapped up victory with a second two minutes from time.

• Fulham midfielder Steve Sidwell scored a 25th-minute own goal in Aston Villa FC's 2-2 draw away to OB in the 2008 UEFA Intertoto Cup.

• OB have lost five of their seven games against English opponents, drawing the other two; in England their record is W0 D1 L2. That lone away draw came in London, 1-1 against Arsenal FC in the 1993/94 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup first round.

Match background
• Fulham have already played 13 European games this season, since entering the first qualifying round through the UEFA Fair Play system. The Cottagers are the only side this season to have made it all the way from the first qualifying round to the group stage.

• Fulham remain unbeaten in 22 European home games (17 wins and five draws) stretching back to their debut, a 0-0 UEFA Intertoto Cup draw against FC Haka on 6 July 2002. A 1-1 draw with FC Twente on matchday one ended a run of nine European wins at Craven Cottage.

• OB have been alternating wins and defeats for their last five European away games. If that pattern is to continue, they are due a victory on the banks of the River Thames.

• OB's last six European away games have produced 31 goals: 12 for OB and 19 for their opponents.

Team facts
• Fulham midfielder Sidwell turns 29 on the day of the match.

• OB have conceded 147 goals in UEFA competition. This will be their 99th game.

• RSC Anderlecht's Matías Suárez remains the competition's top scorer with six goals, one ahead of Fulham's Johnson – suspended after receiving a red card on matchday five.

• A number of OB players have experience of English football:
Eric Djemba-Djemba (Manchester United FC 2003-05, Aston Villa FC 2005-06)
Andreas Johansson (Wigan Athletic FC 2005-07)
Bernard Mendy (Bolton Wanderers FC 2002-03, Hull City AFC 2008-10)
Morten Skoubo (West Bromwich Albion FC 2004)
Stefan Wessels (Everton FC 2007-08)

• Former Denmark midfielder Claus Jensen played for Fulham from 2004 until his retirement in 2007.

• A former midfielder, capped three times for the Netherlands, Fulham manager Martin Jol played in Germany and England as well as his home country. He has coached in all three nations too with Tottenham Hotspur FC, Hamburger SV and AFC Ajax.

• Henrik Clausen has spent almost his entire career with OB, barring a brief spell as assistant coach at Vejle BK between 2001 and 2003. He led the club's youth and reserve teams before being given the senior job in 2010, leading them to second place in the league. His side finished bottom in their section in last season's UEFA Europa League group stage behind VfB Stuttgart, BSC Young Boys and Getafe CF.



http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/season=2012/matches/round=2000272/match=2007405/prematch/background/index.html?rss=1704741+Fulham+fortress+awaits+OB

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Ruiz Shocker

Our big-money summer signing may well have upset the apple-cart.

Bryan Ruiz has made some comments in a Dutch magazine that infer his move to Fulham may well have been money driven.

The comments read as thus,

"I didn`t want to go to Fulham at all. I was happy with Tottenham`s previous interest in me. They are a dream club."

"Attractive financial terms, and a talk with Martin Jol, dragged me over the line."

Clearly, embarrassed by the printing of these comments, Ruiz has back-tracked and issued the following statement to Fulham supporters,

"I wish to make it known to the club`s supporters that as soon as Fulham`s interest was apparent to me, and despite very public interest from other clubs, I was only ever intent on joining Fulham Football Club."

"The truth of the matter is I`m delighted to be at Fulham. I feel like I`m showing my true form."

Has anyone got any views about either statement?

It`s probably best if I keep quiet on this one!



Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=265040#ixzz1g1UjeXhj

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Jol rules out Berbatov
Cottagers boss not expecting to sign United striker

Martin Jol has played down the prospect of Fulham making an audacious signing, stating Dimitar Berbatov is unlikely to join.

The Cottagers have been linked with a host of strikers recently, including the likes of Andre-Pierre Gignac, Hugo Rodallega, Raul and Berbatov.
Jol is not looking to sign ex-Real Madrid man Raul, 34, stating they have a talent in Moussa Dembele who could have a career like the Spanish legend.

The club also have emerging talents in the shape of Kerim Frei and Pajtim Kasami and Jol does not want to stifle their progress by bringing in more experienced names.

Fulham have also been linked with Berbatov, who Jol worked with during his time at Tottenham, but the Dutchman does not believe the striker would leave Old Trafford for Craven Cottage.

Philosophy

"It is not our philosophy [to make signings like Raul]," commented Jol.

"He is a star but I have another star in that position, who will probably be the same as Raul in the future. Moussa Dembele is on the way to becoming a fantastic player.

"Bryan Ruiz can also play there and we have a young player that can play in that position that you probably don't know in Kerim Frei. I have Pajtim Kasami, who is 19 years old, so I would probably be crazy to get another player in that position.

"Dimitar Berbatov is at Man United and is quite happy. And if he moves I don't think it will be possible for our club to get him, you know?

"He is certainly a very good striker, he was very good for me, but it is just paper talk."

Boost

Fulham travel to Swansea in the Premier League this weekend and they could have playmaker Danny Murphy available.

The experienced midfielder picked up an ankle injury in Monday's win over Liverpool, but is recovering quickly.

"Danny is probably involved because he is a quick healer," he continued. "He will have a test as well tomorrow.

"His ankle was swollen up but it is better now so I hope he can be involved. It's touch and go."



http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/7362966/?

[WhiteJC]

 
U18s beaten by Palace
by DAN on DECEMBER 8, 2011

Fulham's Under 18s missed the opportunity to return to the top of the Academy Group A table as they were beaten 1-0 by Crystal Palace at Motspur Park this afternoon.

The Whites enjoyed a lot of possession but failed to cancel out the Palace goal scored by Vance Bola.


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/12/u18s-beaten-by-palace/?

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Routledge set to start against Fulham?
by DAN on DECEMBER 8, 2011



Swansea boss Brendan Rogers is considering handing Wayne Routledge a start against Fulham on Saturday.

Routledge has only made six league starts for the Swans this season but impressed Rogers went he came off the bench to good effect in the defeat at Blackburn last weekend. With Joe Allen suspended after his sending off at Ewood Park, the Swansea boss will need to reshape his midfield and he gave a strong hint this afternoon that the 26 year-old winger could start against one of his former clubs:

We would rather have Joe with us, of course, because you want your best players available as often as possible.  But the players who came on at Blackburn did terrifically for us. I thought Wayne Routledge was outstanding when he came on.

You need your front players to create goals and score goals and, whenever Wayne has played in his favourite position, he has done that. He was excellent last Saturday and he is really pushing to get in the side.

Routledge spent the 2006-07 season on loan at Craven Cottage from Tottenham, making 28 appearances and scoring his only goal against Leicester City in the FA Cup.


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/12/routledge-set-to-start-against-fulham/?

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Swansea v Fulham preview, team news & odds

Swansea City welcome Fulham to the Liberty Stadium on Saturday, with the Cottagers hoping to build on last Monday's 1-0 triumph at home over Liverpool.

Martin Jol's side leapfrogged the Swans into 13th place in the Premier League table following that win over Liverpool.

15th place Swansea have failed to win any of their last four matches, last tasting victory in a 3-1 victory over Bolton Wanderers on October 29, and last weekend suffered a heavy defeat after Yakubu scored all four goals in a 4-2 loss to Blackburn at Ewood Park.

The Swans, however, will look to bounce back by continuing their excellent home form which has seen them boast the best defensive record in the league.

"Our home games are important for us." says Swansea manager Brendan Rogers.

"We know it will be a tough game because Fulham have a lot of experience in their team, but it's a game we want to win. We won't abandon our style. Our game is based on controlling the game and when we do that we have a great chance of winning games because we're an effective team.

"Ultimately, it's about winning games but as long as we get in the right areas, we will always create chances and score goals.

Team news:

Fulham: Republic of Ireland winger Damian Duff (calf) and Fulham Captain Danny Murphy (ankle) are both under fitness clouds. "Danny will have a test on Friday evening but he's a quick healer. His ankle was swollen up after the game on Monday but it's better now." explains manager Martin Jol." I'm hopeful that he'll be involved on Saturday." Defender Zdenek Grygera is a long-term casualty with a knee injury, while Chris Baird is unavailable to face Swansea due to personal reasons.

Fulham's welsh winger Simon Davis has been sidelined for four months with a knee injury, but made a successful 70 minute return for the reserves earlier this week, and could be included in Saturday's squad.

Swansea: Swansea will have striker Danny Graham fit again to face Fulham. The striker sat out last weekend's 4-2 defeat at Blackburn Rovers with an Achilles problem.

Defender Angle Rangel will definitely miss the tie with an ankle injury, but defender Stephen Caulker, who has been out with a knee injury since September, has been cleared to play.

Alan Tate is a long-term absentee with a broken leg, while midfielder Joe Allen is suspended after being sent off in the Blackburn match.

An in-form Fulham side will be tricky customers for Brendan Rodgers' team. The Swans need to make sure they bounce back immediately from their disappointment at Blackburn, and open up a bigger gap from the sides currently in the relegation zone.



http://www.sportsnewsireland.com/soccer_irish/69219/?

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Graham Set For Return vs Fulham

Swansea City are set to receive a boost on Saturday as striker Danny Graham is fit again to face Fulham at home.

An achilles problem meant the former Watford man missed last Saturday's trip to Blackburn Rovers.

BBC Sport are also reporting that Spurs loanee Steven Caulker is available for selection again after a long spell out with a knee injury.

Joe Allen is unavailable though after picking up two bookings during the 4-2 defeat at Blackburn.



Read more: http://www.swansea.vitalfootball.co.uk/sitepage.asp?a=265058#ixzz1g1Y65PXP

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Christmas Retail Offer

Today's Advent Offer is an incredible 50% off the Limited Edition Commemorative Third Shirt. You can own this one of a kind commemorative boxed Fulham shirt for just £49.99, saving yourself a total of £50!

Prior to the purchase of Fulham FC by Chairman Mohamed Al Fayed back in 1997, fans could have never of dreamed of a consecutive decade in the top flight but those dreams have come true.

To celebrate Fulham's 10 years in the Barclays Premier League, you can buy this never-to-be repeated commemorative boxed shirt. Only 500 have been made, each including the Chairman's signature embroidered in gold and numbered 001-500, along with a certificate of authenticity.

This truly unique piece of Fulham's history is available to buy today, so act fast and make the most of the 50% discount. With this fantastic item and many more special gift ideas, have a look at our Christmas Store and find the perfect gift to give a White's fan this year.

Check back daily to the Fulham retail store to make the most of our Daily Advent offers in the build up to Christmas.



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/December/DailyAdventOffer-9thDecember.aspx?#ixzz1g1ZATZ6H