Friday Fulham Stuff (18/05/12)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham extend Diarra deal

Fulham have agreed a one-year contract extension with midfielder Mahamadou Diarra. The Malian, whose former clubs include Real Madrid and Monaco, joined the Cottagers as a free agent in January until the end of the season.

That deal included an option to extend his stay for another year, with the club confirming that the clause has now been activated.

Diarra made 11 appearances last season as Fulham finished ninth in the Premier League.



http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=1633052.html?cid=rssfeed&att=

[WhiteJC]

 
Great Fulham Goals

This summer, after securing a 12th consecutive Premier League campaign, we're celebrating Fulham's greatest goals since we were promoted to England's top flight in 2001.

We want your suggestions as we establish the 20 greatest goals scored by the Whites, in any competition, from Louis Saha's lob at Old Trafford to Mousa Dembele's winner against Sunderland in our most recent Craven Cottage outing.

Whether you prefer Danny Murphy's invaluable header at Fratton Park, Jon Harley's thunderbolt against Aston Villa, or Clint Dempsey's unbelievable chip against Italian giants Juventus, give us your opinions on our official Facebook page or Twitter feed – not forgetting to add the #GreatFulhamGoals hash tag!

The final 20 will be unveiled chronologically throughout the summer on fulhamfc.com, with your best quotes included.



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2012/May/GreatFulhamGoals.aspx?#ixzz1vBmXQeyM

[WhiteJC]

 
MURPHY: WE'VE DONE VERY WELL

Fulham captain Danny Murphy believes the west Londoners can be proud of finishing ninth in the Barclays Premier League this season.

The Cottagers have endured a mammoth campaign that began on June 30 due to the Europa League, which they had to juggle with domestic exertions.

Their European exit saw Martin Jol's side recover from a slow start to finish ninth in the table, with only goal difference separating them and Liverpool in the spot above.

Murphy has been impressed by the Whites' performances this season and looks back at the 2011/12 campaign with pride.

"We've done very well this season, that's the way I'd describe it," he told the club's official website.

"Over the last four years we've been in the top 10 three times, and the only year we weren't we were a couple of places below because of the Europa League run.

"So to maintain that level of consistency and to continue progressing our style and the way we've played as well has been a really, really great achievement by the lads.

"We started the season reasonably slowly I think, for whatever reason - whether it was the amount of games with the Europa League as well - but we don't seem to start seasons particularly well.

"We always seem to come good in the second part of the campaign though, and that happened again this season.

"Of course there have been some highlights and some low points, like any season.

"But overall, especially at home, the level of performance has been really good and the only real area of improvement that we need to make, and we have done for years, like most teams in the Premier League, is our away form.

"But even that really, with the amount of points we've picked up on the road, has been OK - it's been more about the level of performance on the road that's not lived up to maybe what we expected it to be."

Murphy's future at the club has yet to be decided as negotiations continue over the extension of his contract past the summer.

While the 35-year-old may have played his last game for Fulham, he predicts a bright future lies ahead for the club.

"Overall I'm thoroughly pleased with the season and the emergence of players such as Kerim Frei and Alex Kacaniklic is also very encouraging," he said.

"Pavel Pogrebnyak came in halfway through the season after Bobby [Zamora] left and hit the ground running and made a big difference for us.

"So there have been some new additions for us if you like in bringing the youngsters through and there has been a nice blend and a nice mix and I think the future's bright in that respect.

"There are a lot of lads in their first season here that maybe haven't played as many games as they would have liked - people like [Pajtim] Kasami and [Marcel] Gecov - who have learnt a lot this year and got used to what it's about and I think they'll come strong next year."



http://www.sportinglife.com/football/premiership/fulham/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/12/05/15/SOCCER_Fulham_Nightlead.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Diarra extends deal at Fulham... but can Jol persuade Dembele and Dempsey to do same?

Mahamadou Diarra has penned a contract extension at Fulham which will keep hi at the club until the summer of 2013.

Diarra joined Fulham in January and signed a deal with an option to extend until 2013 which has now been activated.

The 30-year-old former Real Madrid midfielder who once cost a reported £22million, was temporarily without a club after leaving Monaco last summer and has been trying to resurrect his career in the Barclays Premier League.


Stayer: Diarra will remain at the Cottage for another 12 months

He made 11 appearances and scored one goal for Martin Jol's team during the second half of the season as Fulham claimed ninth place in the Barclays Premier League.

The Cottagers' Dutch boss will be hoping he can tie key stars, such as Mousa Dembele, Danny Murphy and Clint Dempsey to extended contracts.


Moussa get him to stay: Dembele's future remains uncertain


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2145847/Mahamadou-Diarra-extends-deal-Fulham.html#ixzz1vBn0B4gB

[WhiteJC]

 
Wigan Athletic rival Everton and Fulham for Villarreal ace De Guzman

According to reports Wigan Athletic are interested in Villarreal attacking midfielder Jonathan de Guzman.

It is understood that Latics boss Roberto Martinez has followed De Guzman's progress since he first moved to Spain with Real Mallorca.

However, it is understood that the Spaniard will face competition from Premier League rivals Everton and Fulham.

The Holland international is set to be sold this summer following Villarreal's relegation and is attracting major interest from England and his homeland.



http://www.clicklancashire.com/sport/wigan-athletic-fc/1212432-wigan-athletic-rival-everton-and-fulham-for-villarreal-ace-de-guzman.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
Riise poised for Fulham exit



BJORN Helge Riise is set to leave Fulham when his contract at Craven Cottage expires next month.

The Norwegian winger has endured a frustrating spell in SW6 following his £2million move from Lillestrom in 2009.

Riise has made just five league starts for the Whites, and just 15 in all competitions, spending most of his time stuck in the stands.

The 28-year-old has featured only four times under Martin Jol, although the last of those came in a Europa League qualifier in July.

Riise spent a spell on loan at Championship strugglers Portsmouth as his chances of first-team football in SW6 were limited.

However, he failed to make an impact at Fratton Park where he was restricted to just two appearances.

And it is understood Riise is ready to leave Fulham this summer in search of regular game time elsewhere.


http://www.ealinggazette.co.uk/sport/fulham-fc-ealing/2012/05/17/riise-poised-for-fulham-exit-64767-30992169/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham crowned Academy League champions
Kit Symons proud of players after they defeat Blackburn Rovers in Craven Cottage final


Fulham forward Cauley Woodrow scores the first goal in the Academy League final

Fulham Under-18s manager Kit Symons says he is delighted with the progress of his players this season after they were crowned 2011/12 Premier Academy League Champions.

Fulham secured the title with a 2-0 victory over Blackburn Rovers in the Premier Academy League Final at Craven Cottage last weekend, which was watched by the club's manager Martin Jol, his first-team squad and almost 1,000 fans.

Cauley Woodrow scored the first goal for Fulham on 55 minutes, firing home Na Bangna's low cross, while Ryan Williams made sure of the win with seven minutes to go.

"Everyone in the changing rooms afterwards, as you would imagine, was very jubilant and extremely happy, and rightly so after a good season's work," Symons told Fulham's official website.

"For a lot of the boys it was the second time that they'd won their league which was a great achievement to do two years running.

"They narrowly lost in the final last season so to go and win it this year was a culmination of two years' really hard work from them and I'm thrilled they've got a trophy to show for it in the end.

"Again, I still maintain that winning leagues and trophies is not what youth football is all about because individual development is the most important thing but, individually, I think they've all developed really, really well.

"So we're delighted with the progress the players have made but also, part of that individual development is the winning mentality and if you've got enough players with this winning mentality then you can't help but win games and win cups and win leagues."

Fulham and Blackburn were the last teams standing after a hard-fought Premier Academy League campaign, which features 40 clubs from the Premier League and Football League.

All teams with Academy status take part in the competition, with the clubs split into four groups of 10.

Each team plays 28 fixtures, taking on each side in their group twice as well as playing another 10 inter-group matches.

The top side in each group makes it through to the semi-finals, with the winners of those single-leg matches battling it out in the final for the right to be called Premier Academy League champions.

Fulham made sure of a place in their second straight final after winning Group A by one point from Southampton and defeating Leicester City 2-1 in the play-off semi-final.

Blackburn Rovers, meanwhile, edged Manchester City to top spot in Group C with the help of eight wins in their last nine matches, including a crucial 1-0 victory over Manchester United in the final match of the season.

The Under-18s then reached the final with a 2-0 win over Newcastle United.

Rovers have had a hectic climax to the campaign as they also reached the FA Youth Cup final, only to lose to Chelsea over two legs.

"The lads have had a great season but [the Fulham match] looked like a game too far," Blackburn Rovers Under-18s coach Terry McPhillips told the club's official website.

"Good luck to Fulham, they deserved to win, but if we had brought anywhere near our game to the table then it would have been us, but we haven't.

"To be fair to the lads it has been a long hard season so we have to give them that one. They now go on their holidays after a great season, they can hold their heads high."


http://www.premierleague.com/en-gb/news/news/fulham-crowned-academy-league-champions.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
Sometimes there's a man...



I don't care if there's no 'end product'. I've honestly never seen a footballer who's as fun to watch as Mousa Dembele.

We sit in what I used to think of as "Paintil Corner", the area of the Riverside where John Paintsil was most active when defending the Hammersmith End.  The thing with being that close to the action is that you lose a lot of perspective, but you do grow to appreciate the speed and nimbleness of top level football. Everything is bang-bang-bang, and the gifted players alone are able to come up with constructive solutions to messy problems.

Danny Murphy can do that thing where the ball rolls across his body. Bryan Ruiz has Chris Waddle's ability to glide beyond a hypnotised defender on the back of no obvious deception. Dembele is extraoardinary. He reminds me of Barry Sanders or one of those great American Football running backs, his balance and acceleration being such that he's working to different rules to everyone else. And up close you really get to see how impressive this is. He's quick, but he's strong and decisive as well. It's brilliant to see him receive the ball, shift it in that da-de-da-de-gone! way of his: The Hammersmith Quickstep, gone in half a second.

He couldn't be more different to Clint Dempsey, not least in their attitudes to goals. Dempsey's best when he's arriving and hitting the ball first time; Dembele almost sees it as his duty to take a few touches (and earlier in the year this was frustrating people). Outside of tackling (which we know he's good at) I honestly can't remember him doing anything 'out of control', at least not in the getting your shorts dirty sense. So while Dempsey will crash the area on the off chance, Dembele lurks, sits back, waiting to do things on his own terms. Dempsey thrives because he's better able to interpret chaos than others; Dembele's is a more orderly form of genius. It's part of why they've become such terrific team-mates.

Fulham have cobbled together an attacking unit that can beat you in a number of ways. It's a work in progress and still needs pace somewhere (can we have Valencia, Sir Alex?) but the parts in this machine are about as good as we can hope for. Losing Dembele and Dempsey in one summer would be a huge shame. I don't doubt that we could replace them to the extent that we could finish top 10 again, but these two are unusual, and were the league not so very competitive, could easily lead Fulham to something strange.

It won't happen, but I hope both go to clubs where they'll play regularly and have a chance to thrive. Dempsey feels perhaps a year late on this; Dembele perhaps a year early, but both will command big money. We're not going to say no, I don't imagine.


https://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2012/05/17/8628/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Clint Dempsey: Possible English Premier League Destinations for USMNT Star


Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images

Clint Dempsey is the biggest American name in football abroad. He is in the prime of his career. Having taken the record for most goals scored by an American, he may get a shot at Champions League Football.

Come summer, Dempsey's name will be one that will circulate with many big clubs. After all, he did appear on Peter Webster's list of the 50 Biggest Names on the Market this Summer and Who Will Sign Them.

The 29-year-old midfielder would be best to stay in the Premier League. He knows how to succeed in the English game. His contract expires at the end of the season.

It will be interesting to see if Fulham tries to keep him, but he may be too expensive to stay at Craven Cottage a while longer.

There's always a possibility that Dempsey winds up staying at Craven Cottage. When Dempsey was brought in shortly after the 2006 World Cup, Fulham looked like a team that would be close to relegation. He helped keep Fulham in the Premier League and helped them get to European competition.

Loyalty could be a deciding factor, but good money might be hard for the Cottagers to pass up. There is still a possibility, however, that Dempsey stays at Fulham.

Should the Texan be moved, it is very likely that it will be a record transfer fee for an American player. The current record for an American happened when Villarreal paid $10 million for Jozy Altidore in 2008 from the New York Red Bulls.

hese are some of the big Premier League clubs that Dempsey could end up with.

Stay at Fulham
Before getting into discussion about other teams. There is always the possibility that Dempsey stays at Craven Cottage.

If Fulham are looking to take care of the money side of things, they will welcome offers for Dempsey. If the right offer comes their way, Fulham will sell him.

The Guardian's Jacob Steinberg says it will be a fight for the cottagers should they want to keep him. Martin Jol insists that they will not sell Dempsey and hope for a contract extension. That could be just a way to drive up the price for their American star midfielder.

Everton
Joining fellow countryman Tim Howard maybe tempting for Dempsey. Landon Donovan had two successful loan spells at Goodison Park.

The Toffees could use somebody versatile. Donovan worked well on the right side, so why not Dempsey?

Everton is on the up right now. They can bolster themselves if they bring in Dempsey.

The Daily Star Sunday reported that the Toffees are keen on signing the Texan. Bleacher Report's Matt Cheetham thinks Everton is a realistic destination for Dempsey.

The question becomes a matter of whether or not Everton are ready to fork over the cash for Dempsey. With other big clubs throwing their name into the rumour hat, this may be a longshot.

Liverpool
This is a longshot. Liverpool need some help with depth. Jordan Henderson is still young and can drastically improve. The Mirror seems to think different.

Perhaps bringing in a guy like Clint Dempsey could help Henderson. He could learn from the veteran and perhaps build some character while learning from an American.

Having a guy like Dempsey could take away attention from Steven Gerrard. The Liverpool skipper could use someone who can be a scoring threat on the right side. It would simply give Gerrard more options on the right side. In other words, defenders will have to mark Gerrard, Suarez and Dempsey.

Add Andy Carroll in there and you have to put the tallest guy on the pitch on him to prevent Carroll from getting his head to the ball. Dempsey showed he can score with his head against Chelsea. 

To simplify it all, Liverpool need goals. The Reds have relied on Suarez way too much to get them goals. If teams can defend Suarez, then they really do not have trouble beating Liverpool. Considering that some of the expensive signings that have not worked out for the Reds, Dempsey would seem cheap for the scoring threat he brings.

If Dirk Kuyt does leave, Liverpool will need someone with some versatility.

Maybe Liverpool owner and Fenway Sports Group CEO, John W. Henry (an American) lobbies to bring the American into the squad. After all, Henry and Fenway Sports Group owns the Boston Red Sox. Dempsey played for the New England Revolution. Tom Werner has also hinted at interest in Dempsey multiple times.

Tottenham
Spurs just missed out on finishing in the top three by a single point. They are are in the Champions League qualifying round so Spurs is one of the teams that Dempsey could go to in order to get a taste of Champions League Football.

According to The Guardian, Spurs will have to compete with Arsenal in order to sign Dempsey.

Manchester United
According to The Guardian, Manchester United could be a possible destination. With several Americans in the boardroom, Dempsey could be heading to Old Trafford.

The major concern here would be his playing time and where he would fit in. The Red Devils will have to be revamped if they want to win more titles. Their early Champions League exit and failure to secure the title amped up the talks of the need to bring in fresh faces. Dempsey could be one of those guys to fill in some gaps that United have in their midfield.

Chelsea
This wouldn't be a marquee signing that some Chelsea fans may want. With Frank Lampard getting older and with Daniel Sturridge breaking in, Dempsey could find a way to make it work. The Blues do need more depth on their team and will be spending some money this summer. It is just a matter of if Dempsey will be part of the summer spending at Stamford Bridge.

Financially, Chelsea wouldn't hesitate to write a bigger check and waive it under Dempsey's nose.

Arsenal
Arsenal are the amongst the favorites to get the Texan's services. The Gunners have been the team mentioned most when Dempsey's name comes up.

Arsene Wenger has said that Dempsey would be a perfect fit for the Gunners' system. He is reportedly ready to make an offer that Fulham could not turn down. Wenger would like Dempsey to play in a supporting role with Robin van Persie and newest signing Lukas Podolski, according to The Sun.

What the Gunners will do in regards to van Persie is still up in the air. Will Dempsey get to play with him? Arsenal have been said to have offered RvP a £250,000 a week salary where he would make £1 million a month.



http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1140286-us-mens-national-team-possible-premier-league-destinations-for-clint-dempsey?

[WhiteJC]

 
Brentford target Fulham winger


BRENTFORD have launched an ambitious bid to sign Fulham winger Bjorn Helge Riise.

Bees boss Uwe Rosler told the Chronicle last week he wants to bring in as many as six new players to bolster his squad for next season.

Rosler revealed he has already offered deals to three targets as he looks to get some of his signings in place in time for pre-season training in July.

It is understood the German manager is lining up a move for Fulham outcast Riise, who is set to leave Craven Cottage when his contract expires this summer.

Rosler knows the Norwegian well from his time in charge of Lillestrom, where Riise went on to gain full international honours.

Roy Hodgson brought the player to Fulham in a £2million deal in 2009, but he has barely featured in the past two seasons under Mark Hughes and Martin Jol.

Riise was shipped out on loan to Sheffield United and later Portsmouth as his chances of first-team football in SW6 were limited.

However, he failed to make a serious impact at either club, and has spent most of the past 18 months kicking his heels on the sidelines.

He looks certain to be released by the Whites and Rosler is ready to offer the 28-year-old the chance to revive his career with the Bees.

Riise is believed to be keen to remain in England where his young family are settled, while his older brother, John Arne, is also based in London following his move to Fulham last summer.

However, the one stumbling block could be Brentford struggling to meet Riise's wage demands if he agrees to make the drop to League One.


http://www.hounslowchronicle.co.uk/west-london-sport/west-london-brentford-fc/2012/05/18/brentford-target-fulham-winger-109642-30992000/?

[Mr Fulham]

Clint Dempsey: Possible English Premier League Destinations for USMNT Star


Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images

Clint Dempsey is the biggest American name in football abroad. He is in the prime of his career. Having taken the record for most goals scored by an American, he may get a shot at Champions League Football.

Come summer, Dempsey's name will be one that will circulate with many big clubs. After all, he did appear on Peter Webster's list of the 50 Biggest Names on the Market this Summer and Who Will Sign Them.

The 29-year-old midfielder would be best to stay in the Premier League. He knows how to succeed in the English game. His contract expires at the end of the season.

It will be interesting to see if Fulham tries to keep him, but he may be too expensive to stay at Craven Cottage a while longer.

There's always a possibility that Dempsey winds up staying at Craven Cottage. When Dempsey was brought in shortly after the 2006 World Cup, Fulham looked like a team that would be close to relegation. He helped keep Fulham in the Premier League and helped them get to European competition.

Loyalty could be a deciding factor, but good money might be hard for the Cottagers to pass up. There is still a possibility, however, that Dempsey stays at Fulham.

Should the Texan be moved, it is very likely that it will be a record transfer fee for an American player. The current record for an American happened when Villarreal paid $10 million for Jozy Altidore in 2008 from the New York Red Bulls.

hese are some of the big Premier League clubs that Dempsey could end up with.

Stay at Fulham
Before getting into discussion about other teams. There is always the possibility that Dempsey stays at Craven Cottage.

If Fulham are looking to take care of the money side of things, they will welcome offers for Dempsey. If the right offer comes their way, Fulham will sell him.

The Guardian's Jacob Steinberg says it will be a fight for the cottagers should they want to keep him. Martin Jol insists that they will not sell Dempsey and hope for a contract extension. That could be just a way to drive up the price for their American star midfielder.

Everton
Joining fellow countryman Tim Howard maybe tempting for Dempsey. Landon Donovan had two successful loan spells at Goodison Park.

The Toffees could use somebody versatile. Donovan worked well on the right side, so why not Dempsey?

Everton is on the up right now. They can bolster themselves if they bring in Dempsey.

The Daily Star Sunday reported that the Toffees are keen on signing the Texan. Bleacher Report's Matt Cheetham thinks Everton is a realistic destination for Dempsey.

The question becomes a matter of whether or not Everton are ready to fork over the cash for Dempsey. With other big clubs throwing their name into the rumour hat, this may be a longshot.

Liverpool
This is a longshot. Liverpool need some help with depth. Jordan Henderson is still young and can drastically improve. The Mirror seems to think different.

Perhaps bringing in a guy like Clint Dempsey could help Henderson. He could learn from the veteran and perhaps build some character while learning from an American.

Having a guy like Dempsey could take away attention from Steven Gerrard. The Liverpool skipper could use someone who can be a scoring threat on the right side. It would simply give Gerrard more options on the right side. In other words, defenders will have to mark Gerrard, Suarez and Dempsey.

Add Andy Carroll in there and you have to put the tallest guy on the pitch on him to prevent Carroll from getting his head to the ball. Dempsey showed he can score with his head against Chelsea. 

To simplify it all, Liverpool need goals. The Reds have relied on Suarez way too much to get them goals. If teams can defend Suarez, then they really do not have trouble beating Liverpool. Considering that some of the expensive signings that have not worked out for the Reds, Dempsey would seem cheap for the scoring threat he brings.

If Dirk Kuyt does leave, Liverpool will need someone with some versatility.

Maybe Liverpool owner and Fenway Sports Group CEO, John W. Henry (an American) lobbies to bring the American into the squad. After all, Henry and Fenway Sports Group owns the Boston Red Sox. Dempsey played for the New England Revolution. Tom Werner has also hinted at interest in Dempsey multiple times.

Tottenham
Spurs just missed out on finishing in the top three by a single point. They are are in the Champions League qualifying round so Spurs is one of the teams that Dempsey could go to in order to get a taste of Champions League Football.

According to The Guardian, Spurs will have to compete with Arsenal in order to sign Dempsey.

Manchester United
According to The Guardian, Manchester United could be a possible destination. With several Americans in the boardroom, Dempsey could be heading to Old Trafford.

The major concern here would be his playing time and where he would fit in. The Red Devils will have to be revamped if they want to win more titles. Their early Champions League exit and failure to secure the title amped up the talks of the need to bring in fresh faces. Dempsey could be one of those guys to fill in some gaps that United have in their midfield.

Chelsea
This wouldn't be a marquee signing that some Chelsea fans may want. With Frank Lampard getting older and with Daniel Sturridge breaking in, Dempsey could find a way to make it work. The Blues do need more depth on their team and will be spending some money this summer. It is just a matter of if Dempsey will be part of the summer spending at Stamford Bridge.

Financially, Chelsea wouldn't hesitate to write a bigger check and waive it under Dempsey's nose.

Arsenal
Arsenal are the amongst the favorites to get the Texan's services. The Gunners have been the team mentioned most when Dempsey's name comes up.

Arsene Wenger has said that Dempsey would be a perfect fit for the Gunners' system. He is reportedly ready to make an offer that Fulham could not turn down. Wenger would like Dempsey to play in a supporting role with Robin van Persie and newest signing Lukas Podolski, according to The Sun.

What the Gunners will do in regards to van Persie is still up in the air. Will Dempsey get to play with him? Arsenal have been said to have offered RvP a £250,000 a week salary where he would make £1 million a month.



http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1140286-us-mens-national-team-possible-premier-league-destinations-for-clint-dempsey?

:dead horse: :dead horse: :dead horse: :dead horse: :dead horse:

[WhiteJC]

 
Etuhu's Fulham future in the balance

MARTIN Jol admits Dickson Etuhu's impatience could see him depart in the summer if Fulham receive any offers for him.

The Nigerian international has not been able to convince the Whites boss of his worth this season, making only nine Premier League starts – the last of which was against Man City at the beginning of February.

Jol has preferred Steve Sidwell as Danny Murphy's partner in the holding midfield role and Etuhu was given an even clearer indication that he is not seen as a first-choice player when an injury to Sidwell prompted the boss to draft in Mahamadou Diarra.

Etuhu turns 30 next month and will not want to waste another season and Jol will listen to approaches for the midfielder, who cost £1.5m when he moved from Sunderland in August 2008. He is under contract until summer 2013.

"Dickson is too good to be on the bench," Jol said. "That is what he tells me and I know that. We will have to find a solution for him."

"I like Dickson. He is a good player. But we've also got players like Diarra and Sidwell.

"I think Dickson is a defensive midfield player. The only thing is, Danny Murphy is a link-up player who has played in his position, so that is a bit awkward, because if you play with Dickson, you play with two defensive midfield players. He knows that.

"He has not been first choice, but in football you never know because if Danny Murphy were to be injured, for example – and, touch wood, he never misses a game – then there will be an opportunity for Dickson again.

"If he plays like he plays in training, the situation can change. But if they are not patient enough, then maybe you have to find a different solution."



Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/fulham-fc/2012/05/18/etuhu-s-fulham-future-in-the-balance-82029-30994559/?#ixzz1vENTaCBc

[WhiteJC]

 
Diarra signs contract extension
by DAN on MAY 18, 2012



Fulham confirmed yesterday afternoon that Mahamadou Diarra had signed a one-year contract with the club, extending his stay at Craven Cottage until next summer.

The Mali midfielder, who joined on a short-term deal as a free agent in January, impressed Martin Jol with some powerful performances towards the end of the campaign as he built up his match sharpness. He became a regular in the first-team having initially been used as a substitute and formed a fine partnership with Danny Murphy in midfield. The 30 year-old made eleven appearances, scoring in the 3-0 win over Bolton in April.

The former Real Madrid and Monaco midfielder has taken up the option of extending his contract until 2013 under the terms of the initial deal which brought him to Fulham.


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2012/05/diarra-signs-contract-extension/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Cottage chief eyes midfielder 'solution'

Martin Jol has admitted that Dickson Etuhu could leave Fulham in the summer due to his inability to get into the first team.

The Cottagers chief made the admission when discussing his plans for the transfer window as Etuhu was left kicking his heels on the bench for most of last season, making just nine Premier League starts.

Steve Sidwell was preferred as Danny Murphy's partner in the holding midfield role, while Mahamadou Diarra was brought in to replace him when he suffered an injury during the second half of the season.

Diarra was handed a new 12-month contract extension on Thursday, while Sidwell should be back to full fitness for next season which leaves 29-year-old Etuhu well down the pecking order at Craven Cottage.

And, Jol has revealed that the Nigerian, who joined from Sunderland in a £1.5million deal in August 2008 and has a year remaining on his current contract, could be given the green light to depart.

"Dickson is too good to be on the bench," Jol said in the Chronicle. "That is what he tells me and I know that. We will have to find a solution for him."

"I like Dickson. He is a good player. But we've also got players like Diarra and Sidwell.

"I think Dickson is a defensive midfield player. The only thing is, Danny Murphy is a link-up player who has played in his position, so that is a bit awkward, because if you play with Dickson, you play with two defensive midfield players. He knows that.

"He has not been first choice, but in football you never know because if Danny Murphy were to be injured, for example - and, touch wood, he never misses a game - then there will be an opportunity for Dickson again.

"If he plays like he plays in training, the situation can change. But if they are not patient enough, then maybe you have to find a different solution."



http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/cottage-chief-eyes-midfielder-solution-1430317.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
Villas-Boas snubbed by Roma as old boy Montella returns to Eternal City

Andre Villas-Boas looks set to miss out on the Roma manager's job after Vincenzo Montella agreed a two-year deal to return to the Italian capital.

Villas-Boas, sacked by Chelsea in March, was close to being offered the post after meeting Roma officials including general manager Franco Baldini.


When in Rome: Vincenzo Montella has agreed to take charge of the Giallorossi

But the Italians decided they wanted someone with links to the club and former striker Montella, with over 200 appearances, fitted the bill.

Roma are negotiating a compensation package with Catania for Montella, who had a loan spell at Fulham in 2007.

Villas-Boas has also been linked with Liverpool since Kenny Dalglish was shown the door earlier this week.

Blues owner Roman Abramovich finally called time on Villas-Boas reign at Stamford Bridge after a 1-0 defeat to West Bromwich at The Hawthorns on March 3.


Missed out: Andre Villas-Boas will not be taking charge of Roma


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2146246/Andre-Villas-Boas-snubbed-Roma.html#ixzz1vEOSwDuX

[WhiteJC]

 
Eight-way fight on for N'Zonzi
Steven N'Zonzi has been linked with no less than eight Premier League clubs as the race to sign the Blackburn midfielder begins in earnest.

N'Zonzi has been a pivotal player for Rovers since moving from Amiens in 2009.

In January Rovers fended off interest in the midfielder, but now their relegation has been confirmed, Sky Sports reports that they will not stand in his way, subject to their valuation being met.

Rovers will be looking to cut their budget now they are in the Championship and N'Zonzi is one of their most prized assets.

Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham, Liverpool, Newcastle, Everton, Sunderland and Fulham are all among the clubs looking at making a move for the 23-year-old.

It is reported that a number of clubs are already in contact with N'Zonzi's representatives as he looks set for a move straight back to the Premier League.



http://www.football365.com/newcastle-united/7763536/Eight-way-fight-on-for-N-Zonzi?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham on verge of Rhodes deal

Martin Jol looks set to complete his first summer signing for Fulham with the capture of Huddersfield Town goal machine, Jordan Rhodes.

Rhodes, Huddersfield's leading goal scorer last season, with 40 goals in all competitions, is keen to realise his dream of playing in the Premiership and the Cottagers have offered a reported £3.5 million for the red-hot striker.

Jol has been a big fan of Rhodes over the last few months and Fulham look set to complete the signing after Huddersfield's League One play-off final against Sheffield United. Rhodes will be looking to end his Town career on a high by securing promotion for his current employer's to the Championship.

Rhodes, who secured his first cap for Scotland in a recent friendly, is looking to nail down a permanent place in Scottish squad and a move to a Premier League club would be ideal.

Aston Villa, Norwich City and Everton had all been keeping tabs on the League One star but Fulham look to have beaten the competition for his signature and will look to complete the transfer before Rhodes goes on holiday for the summer.



http://www.sportsnewsireland.com/soccer_irish/107272/?