Friday Fulham Stuff (01/06/12)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Chelsea to battle Man Utd, Arsenal for Dembele
£10 million-rated striker is set for a summer exit


Liverpool's Jay Spearing (right) chases Fulham's Moussa Dembele during their English Premier League match at Anfield Stadium, Liverpool, England. (AP)

Chelsea are ready to raid Fulham for £10 million-rated striker Moussa Dembele who is also a target of Manchester United and Arsenal, The Sun (http://bit.ly/LV6qJO) reported in an exclusive.

It means the 24-year-old could join his Belgian team-mate Eden Hazard at Stamford Bridge.

Fulham had been hoping to keep Dembele, who has successfully switched from a midfield role.

The midfielder has a year left but Martin Jol's attempt to convince him to sign a new deal seem to have failed.

Liverpool and Tottenham also admire the Belgian who is set for a summer exit.
 
Manchester United could challenge Chelsea if they make a firm offer, the report said.

Dembele has made an impact since his £5m move from AZ Alkmaar in 2010, especially after Fulham manager Jol dropped him back into a deeper central-midfield role in the 2-1 win over Stoke in February.

He has only scored twice this season, but has been instrumental in Fulham's rise to ninth .



http://www.emirates247.com/sports/football/chelsea-to-battle-man-utd-arsenal-for-dembele-2012-05-31-1.461020

[WhiteJC]

 
Swede claims Cottagers interest

Swedish starlet Besnik Rustemaj claims Fulham and Borussia Moenchengladbach are battling for his signature.

The 18-year-old is currently playing for Kalmar in his homeland having joined from Blackburn Rovers in January.

But since returning to Sweden he has caught the eye of a number of scouts and is now claiming he could be on the move to the Premier League or Bundesliga.

"It's up to me to decide which club." Rustemaj told Expressen.

"Both Fulham and Moenchengladbach have said that they are ready to buy me out."



http://www.teamtalk.com/fulham/7787666/Swede-claims-Cottagers-interest?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham in the hunt for former Blackburn forward

Fulham Transfer News: Besnik Rustemaj has claimed that the Whites are interested in signing him

Kalmar forward Besnik Rustemaj has claimed that Fulham and Borussia Moenchengladbach are in the hunt for his signature.

The 18-year-old returned to the Swedish club after leaving Blackburn in January and has caught the eye of a number of scouts, making a return to England possible.

"It's up to me to decide which club." Rustemaj told Expressen.

"Both Fulham and Moenchengladbach have said that they are ready to buy me out."



http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/fulham_in_the_hunt_for_former_blackburn_forward_1_1394311?

[WhiteJC]

 
Dempsey Fighting Fit

Clint Dempsey stepped his return to full fitness following a recent groin injury on Wednesday night by playing in an international friendly match against Brazil for the U.S. Men's National Team.

Dempsey replaced Jose Torres in the 56th minute in front of 67,619 spectators at the FedExField in Maryland as Brazil claimed a 4-1 victory over their hosts.

Neymar and Thiago Silva looked to have earned Brazil a comfortable 2-0 lead going into the break before Herculez Gomez scored on the stroke of half-time to give Jurgen Klinsmann's side hope of a comeback against the five-time FIFA World Cup champions.

However Brazil ran out comfortable winners thanks to two further goals in the second half from Marcelo and Alexandre Pato.

Dempsey's return to full match fitness is likely to continue on Sunday evening when the U.S. take on Canada in Toronto.



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2012/May/DempseyReturns.aspx?#ixzz1wVdxZm78

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham: The Premier League's overachievers?

Despite having three different managers for the past three seasons – Roy Hodgson, Mark Hughes, and Martin Jol – Fulham have maintained mid-table finishes. What is it about the club that enables them to perform so consistently despite such disruption? Why haven't they unravelled in the same way that Aston Villa and Liverpool have after several managerial changes? The Life's A Pitch team takes a look.

"They have everything else in place," explains The People's Dave Kidd, himself a Fulham fan. "They have a good scouting network, they have good sport science, they have good youth development, they have good recruitment. It is a club that is well run, it has a very good chief executive in Alistair Mackintosh, who holds everything together. And that's why they overachieve."

The Times' Rory Smith certainly agrees on the point of good recruitment. "For their budget, their attendance, the amount they spend, it's fantastic. And there are some great players coming through there as well. They've spotted a bargain in players like [Clint] Dempsey, and there's Kerim Frei who is coming though and is an excellent prospect."

But their key asset is a balanced outlook, says the Sunday Mirror's David Walker. "One of the great strengths they've got is a sense of perspective. So they're not getting carried away when they have a run up the league, and when inevitably they lose a few games they're not hiring and firing managers."

The panel also goes on to discuss whether Fulham are the modern day Charlton, whether prize asset Moussa Dembélé will leave this summer, and why it's time Bryan Ruiz delivered



http://www.lifesapitch.co.uk/laptv/fulham-the-premier-leagues-overachievers/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Stockdale Linked to Hammers Move!

The moment we learned that David Stockdale had been overlooked for the England Euro 2012 squad, I expressed fears that his time at Fulham might be coming to an end.

The young keeper had stood in well for Mark Schwarzer when the Australian was injured and his performances saw him earn a call up for the England squad.

But, a lack of first team activity appears to have cost him dearly with the unknown Jack Butland (Birmingham City) replacing the original third choice keeper, John Ruddy (Norwich) in the squad.

To that effect, the fact that gossip is now linking Stockdale with a move to Upton Park, to replace the out of contract Robert Green; doesn`t surprise me in the least.

And if the rumoured price of £5 million is right, you have to say that it seems a fair price although, deep down, I reckon the majority of Fulham fans will feel we`re letting go a keeper who was never really given a fair chance to show he could be Schwarzer`s replacement and serve us for years to come.

But then again, the rules surrounding goalkeepers always seem to be different do they not?



Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=283691#ixzz1wVegqaca

[WhiteJC]

 
The Keeper Konundrum: What To Do With David Stockdale?

This is maybe the most mind-boggling situation and frustrating decision I've seen Fulham have to make.  And as a fan, I'm certainly not jealous of Martin Jol for being in this spot.  It's also an issue for this summer that's really been shoved under the rug, overshadowed by the Clint Dempsey and Moussa Dembele rumors.

The situation I'm talking about is the one of David Stockdale.  The Cottagers have a 39 year old rock in goal in Mark Schwarzer, a guy who signed a contract extension this January to keep him at the Cottage until the end of next season.  Schwarzer has said he even wants to keep playing at a high level until the next World Cup is over, meaning he could be around Fulham for a few more years.

However, they have a talented youngster......well......crap.  He's not even young anymore.  David Stockdale, the now 26 year old man stuck behind the Aussie, is wasting his talent on the bench at Fulham.  He's voiced his frustrations before, and while not having said anything this summer, everyone knows he's running out of time at Fulham if he doesn't get a chance.  He was even inexplicably left off the England Euro 2012 squad as well, strengthing the argument for him to leave and get first-team time elsewhere, so that he can prove his worth.

Everyone involved with Fulham knows just how talented he is, having stepped in for an injured Schwarzer on multiple occasions, playing admirably, and showing us all that he's got immense talent, something no club wants to lose for their future.

But now a perfect opportunity has arose for Stockdale to get first-team Premier League action and make a case we all know he can to make the English squad.  It's been widely reported that talks between Robert Green and West Ham have stalled, opening the door for someone like Stockdale to make a first-team impression.

So now I ask you, the fans, what I think is the most difficult question Martin Jol will have to face in his early time here at Fulham.  In a perfect world, he can keep Schwarzer until he no longer can play at a high level, and then throw David Stockdale in permanently once the Aussie's time has come.  But we all know Stockdale won't wait around another year or two on the bench until he's finally called upon.  But on the other side of the coin, Schwarzer has proved more than capable, plus he's got the loyalty card in his pocket since he's given numerous quality years as Fulham's first-choice goalkeeper.  So what do you do?

I'd love to know what you think Jol should do.  Should he cut ties with Schwarzer after this season and promise the 26 year old he will be the future of Fulham in goal? Or do you sell David, reinvest the money, and hope Schwarzer holds out a few more years? Also, even if you think the club should go with the Englishman, how do you convince him to stick around for another year, given that Schwarzer has signed that extension and will obviously be the first choice for the coming year? A loan might make sense, but then you lose him as your backup option on the bench, leaving the club with Csaba Somygi if Schwarzer – 39 years of age and counting – goes down.  I'm sure he'd accept nothing less than a season-long loan, most of which don't have a recall clause.  Lots of tough questions, leave a comment with your solution! It will be interesting to see how Jol handles this scenario.


http://fulhamsfinest.com/2012/05/31/the-keeper-konundrum-what-to-do-with-david-stockdale/?

[WhiteJC]

 
International Action

There will be no respite for a number of Fulham's First Team players this weekend with senior international matches scheduled to take place in Europe and the USA.

The most high profile match of the weekend will be played at Wembley Stadium where Mousa Dembele is expected to line-up for Belgium against England (KO 5.15pm), in what will be England's final warm-up game ahead of Euro 2012.

Mark Schwarzer will also be in action on Saturday afternoon, as the Qantas Socceroos prepare for their forthcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers with an international friendly against Denmark (KO 5pm) at Parken Stadium.

Following Saturday's fixture in Denmark, Schwarzer and company will compete in two FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Oman (a) on the 8th June and Japan (h) on the 12th June.

Fulham's defensive duo of Brede Hangeland and John Arne Riise will also take part in an international friendly match on Saturday evening, when Norway take on Croatia on home soil at the Ullevaal Stadion.

On Sunday evening Clint Dempsey will continue his return to full fitness when the U.S. Men's National Team challenge Canada in Toronto. Dempsey was introduced as a second half substitute (56 min) against Brazil on Wednesday night and looks certain to feature again this weekend.

Fulham fans can catch an exclusive interview with Mousa Dembele on fulhamfc.com this Saturday ahead of  England's match against Belgium at Wembley.



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2012/June/WeekendInternationalAction.aspx?#ixzz1wVfDcuvJ

[WhiteJC]

 
With Pavel set to star in the Euro 2012 Finals, a deal for his services has yet to be concluded.

However, we believe that the final piece of the jigsaw that will see the Russian stay at Craven Cottage next season will be done shortly.

In fact, the grapevine infers that the deal could be done before the Euro`s kick off this Friday.

Let`s hope so!



Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=283729#ixzz1wYBvarRK

[WhiteJC]

 
Cottage ace cagey over rumours

Moussa Dembele is aware of the interest in him but refused to discuss speculation over his future saying 'for now it is Fulham'.

The 24-year-old £10million-rated Belgian playmaker has attracted interest from a host of clubs this past season with the likes of Manchester United, Premier League champions Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea all thought to be vying for his signature in this transfer window.

Cottagers boss Martin Jol is desperate to keep hold of Dembele, who joined the Londoners after helping AZ Alkmaar lift the Dutch title in 2009, but could be tempted to offload him as he is about to enter the final year of his contract and would be able to leave on a Bosman free transfer next year.

However, when quizzed about a potential switch to Old Trafford or any of the other Premier League big guns, Dembele was keeping his cards close to his chest.

Ahead of Belgium's friendly international against England on Saturday, he said: "I know that there is interest from bigger clubs from the Premier League, but for now it is Fulham.

"Manchester United? Sorry, but I cannot say more about that at this time."


http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/cottage-ace-cagey-over-rumours-1434490.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
Burgers

Poor Romelu Lukaku.   He's improved in training, he's done okay in matches. He's even eaten fewer hamburgers. What more can a man do?!

Just goes to show though, doesn't it? Teams can spend a lot of money on players then never use them.  Chelsea can cover this sort of thing, but arguably, Fulham can't. For every Bjorn-Helge Riise or Fred Stoor you have the equivalent of 250 or so replica shirt sales a week leaving the club's bank account for no gain.

If you have lots of players in a squad who aren't contributing then you're throwing money down the drain. It's something that can happen when you change managers a lot, although Fulham have been okay on this front lately, mainly because the players Roy Hodgson brought in were good enough that subsequent managers were happy to use them (although it has to be said that AJ has been a desperate drain on resources when you look at transfer fee, wages, and meaningful time on the pitch. It'd almost be negligent to give him a new contract when you look back on what's actually happened). 

In any case, when you look through our squad it's quite impressive in terms of the value we've derived from our acquisitions.  Using younger, cheaper players on the bench must make a difference as well.  Good times.



http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2012/06/01/burgers/?

[WhiteJC]

 
How long can Schwarzer keep going?

Mark Schwarzer wants to represent Australia at the next World Cup, but will the veteran goalkeeper be the Socceroos' number one in 2014?

First and foremost, Australia must qualify for the tournament in Brazil and can go a long way to doing so with upcoming games against Oman in Muscat on June 8 and Japan in Brisbane four days later.

Schwarzer, who made his international debut way back in 1993, has firmly established himself as the Socceroos' first choice and is rightfully expected to add to his 95 international appearances in both fixtures.

However the Fulham custodian will be 41 years old when the World Cup kicks off in June 2014 and, if selected, would become the second oldest player ever to appear at the showpiece event (Cameroon striker Roger Milla was 42 when he scored in his final outing at the 1994 World Cup).

The former Middlesbrough goalkeeper has one year left to run on his contract at Premier League side Fulham and will have to rigorously maintain form and fitness to guarantee his role as Australia's top shot stopper ahead of the likes of Adam Federici and Mitchell Langerak.

Federici, 27, is entering his prime in goal, having led his club Reading to the English Championship title and promotion to the Premier League last season.

While he was a late withdrawal to face Oman and Japan due to injury, Federici, who has six international caps to his name, will shoulder much of Reading's survival hopes in the top flight.

Langerak this week signed a contract extension that will keep him at Borussia Dortmund until 2016 in a glowing endorsement by the German champions.

At 23, the youngster from Bundaberg, who came off the bench to lead Dortmund to German Cup success over Bayern Munich last month, could feature in the Socceroos' next four World Cup campaigns.

Eugene Galekovic, Nathan Coe and Brad Jones will also contend for a berth should Australia qualify for a third straight World Cup, ensuring Schwarzer has his work cut out for him.



http://www.sportal.com.au/football-news-display/how-long-can-schwarzer-keep-going-179626

[WhiteJC]

 
Striker set for Cottage decision

Pavel Pogrebnyak is reportedly due to make a decision on his future with Fulham at some stage next week.


The 28-year-old Russia international striker enjoyed a successful loan spell at Craven Cottage in the second half of last season after joining from German Bundesliga outfit Stuttgart.

Pogrebnyak scored six goals in 12 appearances with the Cottagers and boss Martin Jol has been keen to sign him to a permanent contract since the end of the Premier League season earlier this month.

The hitman has been included in his country's final squad for Euro 2012, but it is thought he will make a firm decision on where his future lies before the tournament gets underway in Poland and Ukraine in a week's time.

Jol will hope Pogrebnyak commits to sign a deal at Fulham as he looks to bolster his forward line this summer due to the prospect of Andrew Johnson and Clint Dempsey departing.



http://www.setanta.com/ie/Articles/2012/06/01/Striker-set-for-Cottage-decision/gnid-143901/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham XI Fixtures

The Club can confirm that a Fulham XI will compete in six friendly matches this summer.  Full match details for each fixture will be published on fulhamfc.com in due course.

25th July
Metropolitan Police (a)
KO 7.30pm

27th July
Kingstonian (a)
KO 7.30pm

31 July
Farnborough (a)
7.45pm

03 August
Staines Town (a)
KO 7.30pm

08 August
Tooting & Mitcham (a)
KO 7.30pm

12 August
Walton Casuals (a)
KO 1pm

Further confirmation of friendly fixtures for Martin Jol's First Team or a Fulham XI will be announced first on fulhamfc.com.



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2012/June/FulhamXIFixtures.aspx?#ixzz1wYHTTPdN

[WhiteJC]

 
Azkals now have better chance vs Malaysia: Etheridge

MANILA, Philippines – Filipino-British keeper Neil Etheridge believes the Philippine Azkals now have a better chance at beating Malaysia despite his absence.

Etheridge said they had a good team when they battled Malaysia to a 1-1 tie last March.

"But we have a better team tonight. Without me though," quipped the 6'5" goalie during his guesting on dzMM's Dos por Dos.

Etheridge cannot play against Malaysia game due to his one-game suspension incurred in the AFC Challenge Cup.

He will be serving as a game commentator at the ABS-CBN studios.

Taking his place at the Azkals goal is Filipino-German football professional Roland Muller.

The Azkals will be playing the Malayan Tigers today (June 1) at the Stadium Shah Alam in Selangor.

The game will be aired live on Studio 23. Kickoff time will be at 8:45 p.m.

The players in tonight's game are: Muller, Stephan Schrock, Chieffy Caligdong, Carli De Murga, Denis Wolf, Paul Mulders, Jason Sabio, Rob Gier, Juani Guirado, Angel Guirado and Manny Ott.

The Malaysia game is jus the first of three friendly matches lined up for the Azkals this June.

On June 5, the Filipinos will play against Indonesia at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.

This will be followed by another exhibition game at the Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City against Guam.


http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/sports/06/01/12/azkals-now-have-better-chance-vs-malaysia-etheridge?

[WhiteJC]

 
Poll: Vote for your Fulham player of the season

Who has been the Whites' standout performer?

Fulham surpassed many expectations by finishing in the top 10 this season but which player was the standout over the course of the campaign?

There have been many excellent performances by Whites players as they completed a double over Liverpool and were successful in London derbies.

The only disappointment would have been the early exit in the Europa League after the west Londoners threw away a two goal lead at home to Odense in the final group game.

London24 looks at some of the best players to wear a Fulham shirt this season.

Whites captain DANNY MURPHY had a solid season for the west Londoners. The midfielder led by example, scoring six goals in 48 appearances. But it was his experience that helped his side reach their peak in early 2012.

MOUSA DEMBELE has had the limelight thrust upon him in recent weeks as he has been linked with a move away from Fulham to a bigger club. The Belgian might have only scored twice last season but his skills on the ball were a joy to watch. It will take a lot of effort for Martin Jol to convince the ambitious 24-year-old to remain at Craven Cottage.

JOHN ARNE RIISE has had a solid season at full back. Although he started slowly, the Norwegian gradually improved into one of the club's best players. Although he did not find the net with one of his trademark long-range piledrivers, his defending has been superb.

His partner in defence for club and country, BREDE HANGELAND, has had another excellent season. The 30-year-old's work can go unnoticed but it's his consistency that stands out more than anything.

Finally, CLINT DEMPSEY has had a stunning season, scoring 23 goals in 45 games for the club – the same amount as his return in the previous two seasons combined. Successive hat-tricks at Craven Cottage against Charlton and Newcastle was the highlight of the season. The American has been linked with a move away to a bigger club and it will be Martin Jol's best bit of business in the summer if he can convince Dempsey to stay.

Which player deserves the player of the season award? Vote in our poll or comment through Facebook in the box below.



http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/poll_vote_for_your_fulham_player_of_the_season_1_1396466?