Friday Fulham Stuff (16/12/11)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Stockdale keeps options open

David Stockdale is ready for Fulham's big games against Chelsea and Man Utd, but won't rule out a return to Ipswich in the New Year.


Stockdale has been summoned back to Craven Cottage ahead of Fulham's game at home to Bolton Wanderers on Saturday because of Mark Schwarzer's injury.

And, after making 18 appearances during his time with the Championship club, the keeper is ready to step into the breach - although he may be back at Portman Road if the Australian returns after six weeks on the sidelines.

"There may be a chance of me coming back," Stockdale told Ipswich's official website. "That's not really up to me and at the moment I just want to concentrate on getting back and doing my best for Fulham.

"If the chance came for me to come back and it suited all parties then it is definitely something I'd look into though.

"Fulham have got some big games coming up - especially Man Utd and Chelsea - so I want to do well and show people what I've learned at Ipswich and show what I've been doing in games and training, working along some great coaches such as Malcolm Webster.

"I just want to thank everyone at Ipswich for giving me this chance and I really have learned a lot from the experience.

"It would have been nice to have stayed and tried to have got the club into the Premier League, but I've got to concentrate on doing my best for Fulham now."


http://www.setanta.com/ie/Articles/2011/12/15/Keeper-keeps-options-open-/gnid-121909/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Davies: Fulham are a work in progress under Jol

Gordon Davies joined Hawksbee and Quinn after Fulham's Europa League exit and said Martin Jol is fighting an uphill battle with fans at the moment but he expects the Dutchman to come good.


http://www.talksport.co.uk/radio/hawksbee-and-jacobs/blog/2011-12-15/davies-fulham-are-work-progress-under-jol?

[WhiteJC]

 
HANGELAND: EFFORT CAME TO NOTHING

Brede Hangeland was left feeling like Fulham's Europa League exertions were "all for nothing" after they crashed out of the competition on Wednesday night.

The Cottagers started the 14th European match of their mammoth season knowing victory over Group K's bottom side would secure a place in the final 32.

But Fulham squandered victory three minutes into stoppage time as substitute Djiby Fall headed home, with the 2-2 draw resulting in Wisla Krakow finishing second instead.

"It's really hard to take," Hangeland told the club's official website, www.fulhamfc.com.

"We didn't play a good game, but we had by far the better chances and I can't believe we drew.

"To go out like that with the last kick of the ball is very, very frustrating and hard to take.

"I've been thinking about the fact that we started on the 23rd of June and it feels like that was all for nothing at the moment, so it's very, very disappointing."

The Cottagers were the only side this season to have made it all the way from the first qualifying round to the group stage.

The tough schedule has seen Martin Jol's side struggle in the Premier League as they attempt to balance a busy schedule.

Asked whether Fulham's exit could have a positive impact on their league form, Hangeland retorted: "It's not a time for anything positive.

"But it's over and done with and we need to focus on the league and the FA Cup when it gets going."

The west Londoners' safe passage to the knockout stages seemed all-but secured at the interval after two goals in four first-half minutes.

Excellent work down the left flank by Kerim Frei resulted in a low cross to Bobby Zamora, whose lay-off was finished by Clint Dempsey.

Four minutes later Mousa Dembele wriggled free and found Frei with a through ball, which the 18-year-old nonchalantly popped through Stefan Wessels' legs.

However, Fulham capitulated in the second period as Hans Henrik Andreasen's low free-kick and Fall's last-gasp header saw them drop out of the competition.

Next up for the west Londoners is a home clash with Bolton on Saturday, before Manchester United come to SW6 on Wednesday.

"The games are coming thick and fast so we just need to keep going," Hangeland added.

"Sometimes when you have a big disappointment it's good to have a game coming up a few days later to put things right, so I'm sure we'll be up for it.

"I think we'd be up for that game regardless of what happened [against Odense], but it will be nice to get back into action as soon as possible after this massive disappointment."

Fulham players made a swift exit from Craven Cottage after Wednesday's last-gasp disappointment.

Odense, by comparison, were visibly elated with the result, especially Fall after scoring with the final move of the match.

"I am sorry for them but it is football," Fall said.

"I know it is very hard for them but we were able to do something great and we are happy with the game we played.

"You just have to believe. When I came off the bench, all I thought about was the goal.

"We know this team is very good, it is strong but we always believed.

"I was thinking that before I came on and I am happy."



http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/11/12/15/SOCCER_Fulham_Nightlead.html&TEAMHD=soccer&BID=165

[WhiteJC]

 
Chairboys look to keep Trotta

Wycombe hope to keep on-loan striker Marcello Trotta at Adams Park for another month.

Italian Trotta has scored in both of the games he has played in after joining Wanderers on a month-long deal from Fulham.

His stay expires after the League One fixture at Carlisle on Saturday and boss Gary Waddock hopes to sort something out before his side host Exeter on Boxing Day.

"We are talking to Fulham after the game. He's done well in the period of time he's been here. We'll see what Fulham have to say," Waddock said.


http://www.teamtalk.com/fulham/7378918/Chairboys-look-to-keep-Trotta?

[WhiteJC]

 
Is Damien Duff the victim of a vicious Twitter sabotage?

For any Irish fans out there who assumed they were following the Twitter account of Damien Duff, we've some disappointing news for y'all.

It seems that the account that supposedly belonged to one of the best players ever to put on a green shirt, @Duffer16, is in fact a fake.

Suspicions over the legitimacy of the account were raised earlier today when the Fulham Communications Director Sarah Brookes tweeted the following message.



She then posted messages to @Duffer16 and another account which was said to be belonging to the Irish international, @DAMIENDOFFICIAL, telling them to "stop posing as Damien Duff" as "he does not have a Twitter account". She later tweeted Sky pundit Chris Kamara in an attempt to get the word out to the Twitterverse and the BBC's Phil McNulty was amongst those who passed on the message.

The whole situation got a bit murky for a while when @Duffer16 made a counter claim against Sarah Brookes, tweeting:



Although @Duffer16 was not listed as an official Twitter account, there had been nothing in the previous tweets on the account to suggest that he might be an impostor.

Tweets that he sent out to his 6,500+ followers included his take on last night's Europa Cup exit to Odense: "Gutted isn't the word! Should have never let a lead like that slip, no excuses!" and what he thought of Ireland's draw for the Euros a couple of weeks back: "Spain- World and European champions, Croatia- great players, great manager, Italy- ageing side but always do well in major tournaments!"

However, if there was any doubts, the matter was resolved beyond all conclusion with @Duffer16's next tweet, which read:



To be honest, we were always a bit skeptical. This, after all, is a man so fond of the cot that he once said that sleeping was his favourite hobby and we could never imagine that he would become an advocate of the social networking site to the extent that, for example, the extremely annoying Rio Ferdinand is.

Nah, our Duffer is not one for shooting his mouth off and as long as he continues to do his talking on the pitch, we'll all be happy.



http://www.joe.ie/football/football-news/is-damien-duff-the-victim-of-a-vicious-twitter-sabotage-0018664-1?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham's Europa effort 'all for nothing' says Brede Hangeland



Brede Hangeland was left feeling like Fulham's Europa League exertions were "all for nothing" after they crashed out of the competition last night.

The Cottagers started the 14th European match of their mammoth season knowing victory over Group K's bottom side would secure a place in the final 32.

But Fulham squandered victory three minutes into stoppage time as substitute Djiby Fall headed home, with the 2-2 draw resulting in Wisla Krakow finishing second instead.

"It's really hard to take," Hangeland told the club's official website, www.fulhamfc.com.

"We didn't play a good game, but we had by far the better chances and I can't believe we drew.

"To go out like that with the last kick of the ball is very, very frustrating and hard to take.

"I've been thinking about the fact that we started on the 23rd of June and it feels like that was all for nothing at the moment, so it's very, very disappointing."

The Cottagers were the only side this season to have made it all the way from the first qualifying round to the group stage.

The tough schedule has seen Martin Jol's side struggle in the Premier League as they attempt to balance a busy schedule.

Asked whether Fulham's exit could have a positive impact on their league form, Hangeland retorted: "It's not a time for anything positive.

"But it's over and done with and we need to focus on the league and the FA Cup when it gets going."

The west Londoners' safe passage to the knockout stages seemed all-but secured at the interval after two goals in four first-half minutes.

Excellent work down the left flank by Kerim Frei resulted in a low cross to Bobby Zamora, whose lay-off was finished by Clint Dempsey.

Four minutes later Mousa Dembele wriggled free and found Frei with a through ball, which the 18-year-old nonchalantly popped through Stefan Wessels' legs.

However, Fulham capitulated in the second period as Hans Henrik Andreasen's low free-kick and Fall's last-gasp header saw them drop out of the competition.

Next up for the west Londoners is a home clash with Bolton on Saturday, before Manchester United come to SW6 on Wednesday.

"The games are coming thick and fast so we just need to keep going," Hangeland added.

"Sometimes when you have a big disappointment it's good to have a game coming up a few days later to put things right, so I'm sure we'll be up for it.

"I think we'd be up for that game regardless of what happened [against Odense], but it will be nice to get back into action as soon as possible after this massive disappointment."

Fulham players made a swift exit from Craven Cottage after yesterday's last-gasp disappointment.

Odense, by comparison, were visibly elated with the result, especially Fall after scoring with the final move of the match.

"I am sorry for them but it is football," Fall said.

"I know it is very hard for them but we were able to do something great and we are happy with the game we played.

"You just have to believe. When I came off the bench, all I thought about was the goal.

"We know this team is very good, it is strong but we always believed.

"I was thinking that before I came on and I am happy."



http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/fulhams-europa-effort-all-for-nothing-says-brede-hangeland-6277446.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
Jol: Europa League exit won't affect Fulham's January transfer plans

MARTIN Jol is convinced Wednesday's shock elimination from the Europa League will not herald the departure of key players.

The Fulham boss has now lost the bargaining chip of European competition when it comes to negotiating new contracts with existing players or potential new signings in January.

But he is confident it will not be an issue.

"Sometimes they use the Champions League as a sort of excuse for the top players, but I don't think it will affect us," said Jol, whose team was dumped out by a last-minute goal against Odense.

"If that was the case, all these clubs who are not in the top six would have a problem.

"The Premier League is attractive enough to any player, so it's nothing to do with Europe."

The Fulham boss is also convinced the blessing in disguise will be better form in the league, now the players do not face such a heavy workload and will be travelling less.

"It's awful to go out of the competition in the way we did and I think it's a big blow, but every disadvantage has got an advantage," he said.

"Hopefully we will gain something from the fact that we don't have to play these Thursday matches [in the Europa League].

"In the second half, our best players were probably almost worn out or tired. It's probably the 30th game for a few.

"But it's not an excuse because we are a team who can [normally] defend a lead, and we are used to that."



http://www.ealinggazette.co.uk/sport/fulham-fc-ealing/2011/12/15/jol-europa-league-exit-won-t-affect-fulham-s-january-transfer-plans-82029-29960901/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Body Language Poser?

Watching the re-run of the game last night, after I finally dragged myself home, it was interesting to hear what the studio pundits had to say about Bobby Zamora.

Zamora, who has featured heavily in the tabloid press this week as an apparent fall-out with Martin Jol gathers momentum, didn`t have the best of games.

At half time both Pat Nevin and Stan Collymore felt that his body language wasn`t right and that recent events had affected him.

Now, I`m keeping my thoughts to myself but I`d love to know if you think Nevin and Collymore gauged matters right or was it just one of those nights forwards have when nothing goes right for them?

Here at Vital Fulham we`d appreciate your take on the matter!



Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=265783#ixzz1ggUJYClh

[WhiteJC]

 
Welcome Back Stockdale

With Mark Schwarzer sidelined for anything up to six weeks, with a spinal injury, Fulham have recalled David Stockdale.

Stockdale, who had been on loan at Ipswich Town, returned to Craven Cottage yesterday and was present in the crowd as we slipped out of the Europa League last night.

The keeper, who is on the fringe of an England cap, will step straight back into the fray when we play Bolton this weekend.

Welcome back David.



Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=265782#ixzz1ggUfrQdq

[WhiteJC]

 
FA Cup or Bust?

After last nights shock exit from the Europa League, at the hands of Odense, our season is now starting to resemble all those others of recent years.

We`re honest enough to accept that we`re not going to win the Premier League, our Europa League hopes crashed and burned last night and our Carling Cup dreams went under at nearby Stamford Bridge.

Therefore, if this season is to be any different from all those others, apart form the one not too long ago when we flirted with Europa League glory in Hamburg, then the FA Cup take son a whole new meaning.

We play Charlton Athletic, at Craven Cottage, and I sincerely hope we give this marvelous competition the respect it deserves and go for glory, or is that too much to hope for?



Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=265784#ixzz1ggV062oR

[WhiteJC]

 
Jol`s Bitter Pill

Defeat was a bitter pill to swallow for Martin Jol last night.

Before kick-off the money was on Fulham to qualify for the last thirty-two of the competition but events conspired to throw us on the scrapheap.

Speaking after the cruel last gasp goal that decided our fate, it wasn`t hard to detect the disappointment in Jol`s voice when he commented,

"We were 2-1 up and then 30 seconds from the end we did not have the cleverness or experience to keep it in their half."

"We are very disappointed. Normally you have a few minutes to repair but we couldn`t. It was over."

"It is a big blow. But there were positive things in the first half. We put them under more pressure than in the second."

We did but it seemed to me that we let a lethargy set in after the break and Odense were allowed to get back on top of the game.

Continuing, Jol spoke about that last gasp goal clearly laying the blame at the feet of Orland Sa, when he added,

"It was when Sa had the ball on the break, 25 seconds from the end. Instead of going where the space was and keeping the ball there, he went for goal. He lost it, they had the break and we conceded a goal."

Now I`m not sure if those remarks should have remained behind the sanctuary the dressing room door gives but Jol did have one comment to offer that will please those who are fed up of having Sunday`s ruined, when he remarked,

"It was awful to go out as we did but, hopefully, we will gain something from the fact that we no longer have to play these Thursday matches."

A minor compensation though compared to the glory Europe can offer!



Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=265785#ixzz1ggVJoISQ

[WhiteJC]

Bolton Next Up

It's back to Barclays Premier League action on Saturday afternoon when Bolton are the visitors to Craven Cottage.

We have enjoyed some good results against the Trotters in recent years and last season gained a comfortable 3-0 win, with Clint Dempsey twice on target before Brede Hangeland's 65th minute goal secured the points.

The result bought a measure of revenge as, two months earlier, Bolton had won an FA Cup Fifth Round tie at the Cottage, a solitary Ivan Klasnic goal settling the tie in favour of the northerners who were eventually dumped out of the competition in the Semi-Finals when they lost 5-0 to Stoke.

Having enjoyed a successful period midway through the last decade when they twice qualified for the UEFA Cup, Bolton have finished in the lower half of the table in recent seasons, finishing in 14th for the past two years. Currently in charge at the Reebok is Owen Coyle who replaced Gary Megson midway through the 2009/10 campaign.

This term, Wanderers started with an emphatic 4-0 win at QPR, but a narrow defeat at home to Manchester City the following week heralded a run of six straight losses, during which time they twice conceded five goals at the Reebok against Manchester United and Chelsea. A vital win at Wigan failed to prompt an immediate turnaround and was followed by two further defeats, before the Trotters exacted revenge for their FA Cup humiliation by beating Stoke 5-0 at the Reebok.

Entrenched at the bottom end of the table, Coyle's side will be desperate for a result from this and other crucial festive games against Blackburn and Wolves.



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/December/BoltonNextUp.aspx?#ixzz1ggVl6MSl

[WhiteJC]

 
Hangeland dejected with EL exit
Fulham centre-back reflects on draw with Odense


Brede Hangeland: Fulham defender dejected at Europa League exit

Fulham defender Brede Hangeland admits that his side's exit from the Europa League is "hard to take".

The Cottagers needed a victory against Odense at home in Group K on Wednesday to progress to the round of 32, but conceded an injury-time equaliser to draw 2-2.

The result saw Polish side Wisla Krakow finish runners-up in the group, and left Hangeland in disbelief.

"It's really hard to take," the centre-back told Fulham's official website.

"We didn't play a good game, but we had by far the better chances and I can't believe we drew.

"To go out like that with the last kick of the ball is very, very frustrating and hard to take.

"I've been thinking about the fact that we started on the 23rd of June and it feels like that was all for nothing at the moment, so it's very, very disappointing.

"It's not a time for anything positive," added Hangeland.

"But it's over and done with and we need to focus on the league and the FA Cup when it gets going."


http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/7379499/?

[WhiteJC]

 
That goal

As noted, I was in the gents under the Johnny Haynes Stand when this went in.  Like the players, I thought we'd won. Unlike the players I couldn't hold it any longer.

Nevertheless, I was surprised when I saw the replays.  I had expected Orlando Sa to have done something daft.  Then a a couple of respected people on twitter were talking about Frei's showboating (Fulham fans still blaming Sa though).  Then I saw it and.... not what I expected.





http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2011/12/15/that-goal/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Hangeland calls on Fulham to bounce back from Euro shock

Brede Hangeland was left feeling like Fulham's Europa League exertions were 'all for nothing' after they crashed out of the competition.

The Cottagers started the 14th European match of their mammoth season knowing victory over Group K's bottom side would secure a place in the final 32.


Disappointment: Fulham defender Brede Hangeland (left)

But Fulham squandered victory three minutes into stoppage time as substitute Djiby Fall headed home, with the 2-2 draw on Wednesday resulting in Wisla Krakow finishing second instead.

'It's really hard to take,' Hangeland told the club's official website.

'We didn't play a good game, but we had by far the better chances and I can't believe we drew.

'To go out like that with the last kick of the ball is very, very frustrating and hard to take.

'I've been thinking about the fact that we started on the 23rd of June and it feels like that was all for nothing at the moment, so it's very, very disappointing.'

The Cottagers were the only side this season to have made it all the way from the first qualifying round to the group stage.

The tough schedule has seen Martin Jol's side struggle in the Premier League as they attempt to balance a busy schedule.

Asked whether Fulham's exit could have a positive impact on their league form, Hangeland retorted: 'It's not a time for anything positive.


Crushed: The Fulham players were inconsolable after Fall's late strike sent them out

'But it's over and done with and we need to focus on the league and the FA Cup when it gets going.'

The west Londoners' safe passage to the knockout stages seemed all-but secured at the interval after two goals in four first-half minutes.

Excellent work down the left flank by Kerim Frei resulted in a low cross to Bobby Zamora, whose lay-off was finished by Clint Dempsey.

Four minutes later Mousa Dembele wriggled free and found Frei with a through ball, which the 18-year-old nonchalantly popped through Stefan Wessels' legs.

However, Fulham capitulated in the second period as Hans Henrik Andreasen's low free-kick and Fall's last-gasp header saw them drop out of the competition.

Next up for the west Londoners is a home clash with Bolton on Saturday, before Manchester United come to SW6 on Wednesday.

'The games are coming thick and fast so we just need to keep going,' Hangeland added.

'Sometimes when you have a big disappointment it's good to have a game coming up a few days later to put things right, so I'm sure we'll be up for it.

'I think we'd be up for that game regardless of what happened [against Odense], but it will be nice to get back into action as soon as possible after this massive disappointment.'

Fulham players made a swift exit from Craven Cottage after yesterday's last-gasp disappointment.

Odense, by comparison, were visibly elated with the result, especially Fall after scoring with the final move of the match.

'I am sorry for them but it is football,' Fall said.

'I know it is very hard for them but we were able to do something great and we are happy with the game we played.

'You just have to believe. When I came off the bench, all I thought about was the goal.

'We know this team is very good, it is strong but we always believed.

'I was thinking that before I came on and I am happy.'


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2074658/Brede-Hangeland-calls-Fulham-bounce-Euro-shock.html#ixzz1ggXJXmou

[WhiteJC]

 
Spurs Chase Zamora

Tottenham are eyeing Fulham striker Bobby Zamora.

The London Evening Standard says it has been reported that the England international has had a bust-up with Martin Jol, something which the Fulham boss denied yesterday.

Zamora was dropped for the defeat to Swansea on Saturday and Spurs boss Harry Redknapp hopes he can convince Fulham to sell the forward when the transfer window re-opens.

The Spurs manager sees Zamora as the perfect back-up to first choice Emmanuel Adebayor and is determined to strengthen his attack as he expects to sell Roman Pavlyuchenko.


http://www.fulham-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/spurs_chase_zamora_717923/index.shtml?

[WhiteJC]

 
Jol desperate to put good spin on Fulham's exit

Martin Jol attempted to put a positive spin on Fulham's prospects after their untimely midweek exit from the Europa League. The Dutch manager is hoping that his players' Premier League form at least will benefit from their disappointing 2-2 draw with Odense, and said: "It is awful to go out of the competition in the way we did but hopefully we will gain something from the fact that we don't have to play these Thursday matches."

The Cottagers crashed out of Europe on Wednesday night after the Odense substitute Djiby Fall levelled the scores deep into stoppage time. Wisla Krakow finished second in Group K as a result and earned the second qualifying slot.

Jol added: "I think it is a big blow for the club but every disadvantage has an advantage. There were positive things in the first half, like how much we put them under pressure, and the players that made the difference, like [Kerim] Frei with a cross and a goal.

"In the second half our best players were probably almost worn out. They were tired. It is probably the 30th game for a few of them – and that is not an excuse because we are a team that can defend a lead. We were 2-1 up and then 30 seconds from the end we did not have the cleverness or experience to keep it in their half."

The Londoners' safe passage seemed all but secured at the interval after two goals in four first-half minutes through Clint Dempsey and Frei. But Fulham capitulated in the second period as Hans Henrik Andreasen's low free-kick and Fall's last-gasp header saw them drop out of the competition.

"We had so many players in there that wanted to do well," Jol said. "Bairdy [Chris Baird], [Marcel] Gecov, Kerim Frei and even Mousa Dembélé did everything in the first half. At the back, Aaron Hughes got his chance again so they were passionate to do well.

"It was more that we could not pressurise them in the second half and they scored pretty quickly to make it 2-1. And, of course, you are caught in two minds whether to hold back or look for the third one. That is always a problem in football."

Fulham's exit capped a bad day for Jol, who earlier saw goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer ruled out for up to six weeks after suffering a compression injury to his thoracic spine. But while Jol left Craven Cottage deflated, Odense manager Henrik Clausen was a happy man.

"I have to say Fulham looked very sharp in the first half and we had trouble with their deep balls and play down the middle," he said. "But without doing that much different in the second half and scoring through the only two real chances we had, we managed a draw."

Big-spending Paris Saint-Germain also crashed out of the Europa League, a costly exit for the ambitious French club which increases the pressure on coach Antoine Kombouare. PSG grabbed two goals in the last five minutes at Parc des Princes to beat Athletic Bilbao 4-2, but it was all for nothing as Salzburg won 3-2 at Slovan Bratislava to join Bilbao as Group F's qualifiers for the last 32.

"It's very disappointing," said Kombouare. "But when your qualification comes down to one game and your destiny is no longer in your own hands, then things become difficult."


http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/jol-desperate-to-put-good-spin-on-fulhams-exit-6277638.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
MARTIN JOL PLANS A FULHAM CLEAR-OUT

FULHAM face an exodus of senior players next month as Martin Jol tries to stamp his authority on the club.

Starsport understands Jol wants to make a statement in January to stop the dressing-room unrest that threatens to tear the club apart.

He will listen to offers for the likes of Danny Murphy (below), Andy Johnson, Damien Duff and Aaron Hughes.

The four over-30s are unhappy at their treatment by the Dutchman, who has made it clear they are no longer key players.

Jol fears he will not win over the dressing-room until there is a major shake-up and is determined to lower the average age of his squad.

Murphy, 34, and Johnson, 30, are both out of contract next summer, while Hughes, 32, and Duff, 32, have deals which end in 2013.

But while the Fulham boss would also be prepared to sell Bobby Zamora, 30, club chiefs do not want to see their prize asset leave.

The Cottagers are already in talks to sign £6m Ivory Coast striker Lacina Traore from Russian club Kuban Krasnodar.

He scored 15 goals in 27 games for them and has played in the Champions League with Romanian side CFR Cluj.
But the target man's arrival could push England striker Zamora out of the door.

Fulham have also enquired about West Ham midfielder Mark Noble – a direct replacement for Murphy.

Fulham are just three points above the drop zone and crashed out of the Europa League on Wednesday.


http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/225858/Martin-Jol-plans-a-Fulham-clear-out/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Liverpool beat Manchester United and Fulham to £1m signing of Wycombe Wanderers wonderkid Jordan Ibe
The Reds will welcome the League One club's prodigious attacker to Merseyside next summer after he completes his final year at secondary school, with deal "95 per cent done"

Liverpool have reached an agreement with Wycombe Wanderers to sign teen sensation Jordan Ibe after out-bidding Manchester United and Fulham, Goal.com can disclose.

Liverpool's offer of an initial down payment of £750,000, with the final fee rising to £1 million, has been accepted by the League One club.

Sources have told Goal.com that the deal is "95 per cent done" and will be confirmed by the two clubs shortly.

United and Fulham also made recent bids of around £500,000 for the forward, who turned 16 last week and is rated by coaching experts as the outstanding talent in his age group in the country outside of Derby County prodigy Mason Bennett.

However, the two Premier League clubs have now been told they were trumped by Liverpool and that the teenager will finish his final year of secondary school in south London before moving to Merseyside next summer.

As revealed by Goal.com in October, Ibe had trials at Liverpool and Manchester City earlier this year, when he impressed the coaching staffs of both clubs, but it is understood that the player was concerned about uprooting to the north west of England from his home in Southwark as well as the diminished prospect of first-team football.

Chelsea also tried to prise Ibe from Wycombe and made a concerted attempt to sign him last year but the player rebuffed their interest, as he did with all the attention from his Premier League suitors up until now.

However, Michael Carnegie, who works for the Wycombe academy, has been a key figure in persuading Ibe, his family and mentor Richard Dobson, the Wycombe assistant manager who doubles as the club's head of youth, to accept the opportunity of a move to a glamorous Premier League outfit.

It comes only weeks after Liverpool beat their rivals to the signing of another teenage prodigy, 14-year-old Seyi Ojo from MK Dons.

Ibe made headlines when he became Wycombe's youngest debutant since the club entered the Football League, making his first-team bow in a League Cup clash against Colchester in August aged 15 years and 244 days.
He has played 11 matches in total for Wycombe this season and became the club's youngest-ever goalscorer when he was on target on his full debut in late October.

Ibe has built his reputation as a pacy, goalscoring wide attacker but he is expected to eventually mature into an attacking midfielder in the style of Frank Lampard. The 16-year-old has been described by Wycombe manager Gary Waddock as "unbelievable" and a "wonderful talent".

The League One club decided to cash in on the youngster before the new Elite Player Performance Plan comes into effect next season, which will replace the current tribunal system with fixed tariffs for the transfer of homegrown youngsters and will put an end to million pound-plus deals for teenagers.


http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2011/12/16/2804009/liverpool-beat-manchester-united-and-fulham-to-1m-signing-of?

[WhiteJC]

 
Lawro's prediction

Fulham v Bolton
Fulham went out of the Europa League after conceding a late goal on Wednesday and this is a game they must win in order to drag themselves away from the relegation zone.

They tend to squeeze their opponents when playing at home and if you're not quite at your game, you won't get anything from Craven Cottage.

Bolton, meanwhile, are all over the place and no part of the team is functioning particularly well, leaving manager Owen Coyle under all sorts of pressure.

They've lost so many games this season and it's a results business. Nevertheless, it's easy to sack a manager but you have to be absolutely certain the person you bring in is going to be better.

Prediction: 2-1


http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/16196823.stm