Tuesday Fulham Stuff (10/07/12)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Liverpool Make Second Enquiry About £10m-Rated Fulham Midfielder

Liverpool are believed to have approached Fulham about the possibility of signing goal-scoring midfielder Clint Dempsey before the start of the new season.

Dempsey was the top scoring midfielder in the Premier League last season as he scored 23 goals in total and it seems he has suitably impressed new Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers.

The Daily Mirror yesterday reported that Rodgers had made a second enquiry about the availability of the 29-year-old who has just one year remaining on his current deal.

Fulham will certainly want to try and convince Dempsey to sign a new contract but should he indicate that he is ready to move on then they may prefer to sell this summer, rather than risk losing him on a free.

The paper suggests that Fulham will be asking for as much as £10million, but the believe that Liverpool will try to land the United States international for around £6m.

Liverpool missed out on signing one goal-scoring midfielder in Gylfi Sigurdsson, who chose to join Tottenham, and will be hoping that they do not once again miss out to a fellow Premier League side.



http://sportsvibe.co.uk/news/football/liverpool-make-second-enquiry-about-10m-rated-fulham-midfielder-18487/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Adomah - All Change!

Yesterday the inference in the Sunday media was that Fulham were looking a the Bristol City winger, Albert Adomah.

With there being doubts about the future of Clint Dempsey, it appeared that Martin Jol was taking steps to soften the blow.

But, yesterday, the inference was that Bristol City weren`t interested in discussing any kind of deal.

If that was the case yesterday, then matters seemed to have changed since then.

The tabloid press are now inferring that Swansea City have declared their intentions to pursue the player and that a price tag of £3 million has been mentioned.

Strange how things can change in such a short space of time!



Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=286712#ixzz20Bg1KH2z

[WhiteJC]

 
West Ham, Fulham and Reading chase Clyne

CRYSTAL Palace are in negotiations with a number of clubs as they seek to resolve Nathaniel Clyne's future.

The 21-year-old is on his way out of Selhurst Park after rejecting a contract extension.

But the Eagles are due compensation for the Stockwell-born right-back, who has been one of their most impressive performers in the past few years.

The South London Press understands that West Ham, Fulham and Reading are the Premier League clubs at the front of the queue for the youngster.

Palace co-chairman Steve Parish told Friday's edition of the South London Press: "We need to do a deal with Clyne.

"There is a bit of action in the background and we know there is a lot of interest.

"It is just about sorting out who it is best to go to and who will put the right money on the table. We're all working to get an outcome.

"Clubs don't want to go down the tribunal route. It is a game of cat and mouse on the fee - we've just got to let that play out."

Palace value Clyne at around £3million but privately seem resigned to the fact that the former Tottenham youngster will move for significantly less.



http://www.southlondon-today.co.uk/Sport.cfm?id=24033&headline=West

[WhiteJC]

 
Clint Dempsey to Liverpool Move 'On the Cards' as Anfield Side Launch £6m Bid for Fulham Attacker



Anfield side close in on Craven Cottage star.

LIVERPOOL want to sign attacking midfielder Clint Dempsey for £6million.

The Fulham star has just one year remaining on his Craven Cottage deal and extension talks have stalled.

A move to Anfield is now on the cards as they prepare a formal bid this week – but Fulham will try to hold out for more cash.

SOURCE: People

One can see why Liverpool, or any side, would be interested in American Clint Dempsey but could the Anfield side really pick up the 29 year old for just £6m? Yes the Fulham man has just a year to run on his current deal but the West London side may not wish to accept such an offer even if it meant losing the player 'on a free' in a year's time.

Dempsey has steadily progressed during his six seasons at Craven Cottage and peaked last term with 23 goals in all competitions. He is a player that Rodgers would be sure to be interested in given that the new Liverpool boss is probably all to aware of the lack of attacking options in his Anfield squad.

Liverpool only have Luis Suarez, Andy Carroll and Craig Bellamy as recognised striking options. The club also has a genuine lack of goal-scoring ability in it's midfield, especially since Steven Gerrard's goal return begun to dip over the past three seasons.

To this end Rodgers made a move to sign Icelandic attacking midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson but the 22 year old moved to Tottenham instead.

Liverpool's American owners may be especially keen to land Dempsey who they may feel could help the club lay the foundations for an improve branding in North America with such a purchase.



http://www.caughtoffside.com/2012/07/09/clint-dempsey-to-liverpool-move-on-the-cards-as-anfield-side-launch-6m-bid-for-fulham-attacker/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Back to Business
by LYDIA on JULY 9, 2012

Pre-season training is something that, in my own sporting experiences, used to scare me as well as excite me. It meant that, firstly, the new season would be starting soon and, secondly, that my body was about to go through some intense fitness training. It was always the latter that slightly scared me but at the same time, there was always a satisfaction whenever the season started and I found that the hard work was quickly paying off.



The Fulham boys returned to their Motspur Park training ground this morning to start their preparations for the new league season in 5-6 weeks time. Jol will have been putting the players through their paces and also will have been giving new boys Sascha Riether and Mladen Petric their first taste of Fulham training. As fans we hope that more new faces will be added to the squad to add strength, particularly in our strike force as, after the departures of Pog and AJ, it is looking a little light! We will also be hoping to avoid the slow start that we have become accustomed to seeing. The last few months of the season look very tough so that increases the need to get off to a good start.


Running- a key aspect of pre-season training

Today that just reminded me just how close the new season is and the excitement is rising to see just what Fulham have in store for us this year.

COYW



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2012/07/back-to-business/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Jol lines up Dempsey alternatives

Martin Jol is reportedly lining up potential replacements for Clint Dempsey who is being tipped to leave Fulham this summer.


The Cottagers boss does not want to lose the American international forward, but it is looking likely that Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers will show his hand in the near future and make a bid in the region of £6million.

That fee could be too good for Jol to resist and reports suggest he is making contingency plans in case Dempsey departs Craven Cottage before the new Premier League season gets underway in mid-August.

The main problem for the Dutch tactician is that many of his targets are being hunted by other clubs with Swansea thought to be lining up a swoop for Bristol City's Albert Adomah.

If Swansea did win the race for Adomah it could result in Jol going for the Swans' Scott Sinclair, while Luciano Narsingh of Dutch club Heerenveen has also been mentioned as a potential recruit.

Wolves' Matt Jarvis has been linked with a move to Fulham, but they were unwilling to meet the asking price and that has paved the way clear for QPR to make a move for his signature.



http://www.setanta.com/ie/Articles/2012/07/09/Jol-lines-up-star-alternatives/gnid-147289/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Manchester United open bidding for Fulham ace Dembele


According to reports Manchester United have tabled a bid for Fulham attacker Moussa Dembele.

The Sunday Times claims United have made an offer for the attacker.

Fulham are said to have rejected the bid, but are prepared to sell provide the price is acceptable.

The midfielder is believed to be on the transfer radar of a number of top clubs from across Europe.



http://www.click-manchester.com/sport/manchester-united/1216917-manchester-united-open-bidding-for-fulham-ace-dembele.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
Pre-Season Matches

The Club can confirm three additional first team pre-season friendly fixtures taking place in Germany between 14 and 21 July.



HB Køge (Denmark) v Fulham

Date: Saturday 14 July 

Kick-Off: 2.00pm local time

Venue: FC Grimma, 04668 Grimma Oettler



FC Lokomotive Leipzig v  Fulham

Date: Wednesday 18 July   

Kick-Off: 7.00pm local time

Venue: Bruno Plache Stadium, Leipzig



FC Kaiserslautern v Fulham

Date: Saturday 21 July 

Kick-Off: 5.00pm local time

Venue: Südstadion, Ludwigshafen



Tickets for these fixtures are available from the host venues.




http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2012/July/PreSeasonMatches.aspx?

[WhiteJC]

 
Liverpool looking to land impressive striker at a bargain price

Brendan Rodgers is looking to exploit the uncertainty looming over Clint Dempsey's future at Fulham to sign him for a meagre £6 million.

Dempsey had his most successful season in front of goal for the Cottagers last time around, scoring 23 times in all competitions to help Martin Jol's side to a credible ninth place. The American however is keen on moving onto a bigger challenge, something that the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool will be able to provide him.

The Reds, who finished just one place above Fulham last term, are looking to reach the top four again under new manager Brendan Rodgers, who seems to have made the signing of Dempsey a high priority after losing out on Gylfi Sigurdsson.

Rodgers is reportedly ready to offer £6 million for the 29-year old, realising that Fulham could be forced into selling him for cheap after having the American reject their two-year contract extension.

Jol is also said to be making contingency plans in case of Dempsey's exit, with Swansea winger Scott Sinclair, Heerenveen player Luciano Narsingh and Bristol City's Albert Adomah all on his watchlist.

Dempsey's move to Anfield could also allow Craig Bellamy to return to Cardiff City only 12 months after signing for the Reds.


http://www.footylatest.com/liverpool-looking-to-land-impressive-striker-at-a-bargain-price/30097?

[WhiteJC]

 
How do you solve a problem like Ruiz? - Fulham FC

Bryan Ruiz Gonzalez, a £10.6m thorn in the side or an expensive diamond yet to show his true worth?

On deadline day 2011 Fulham Football Club announced the £10.6m signing of Costa Rican International Bryan Ruiz, a wave of optimism spread over the fan base. Had we finally signed a striker who is going to net us 15+ goals a season we cried? Alas, it was not to be. A mediocre season for Bryan finally ended with a broken foot at the Reebok Stadium against Bolton Wanderers - a game in which his attacking partner, Clint Dempsey shone like the brightest star of them all. However great the expectations there were games where we saw the real potential of Bryan Ruiz - games such as Bolton, Arsenal and Charlton at home - not mention his exquisite chip against Everton.

Earlier in his career Ruiz played as a striker, scoring 26 goals in 78 games for Belgian side K.A.A Gent before moving to FC Twente Enschende of Holland and scoring 35 goals in 65 games. Playing at the top of a 4-3-3 at FC Twente, Ruiz was top scorer for his team for both seasons he played in Holland.

Bryan's true potential has yet to be realised, for a number of reasons. Firstly, although Bryan has fantastic control and ball retention, he takes too much time over a decision - of course whilst learning a new league this will take time and a problem which the staff an player alike will be aware of. Secondly, position. Bryan has played in two main positions this year for Fulham, RW (Right Wing) and at times as a centre attacking midfielder. Ruiz has mainly been deployed as an RW in a 4-3-3 formation, providing width, crosses and vision to a heavily counter attacking formation. Since his change in league and position his goals per game ratio has dropped - he contributed 2 goals in 27 apps.



Position and formation has a key part to play in exposing the potential of Ruiz, of course Bryan is used to play in a 4-3-3 formation but as an RW in the Barclays Premier League his defensive frailties expose himself and the midfield/RB slot - the Premier League has always had attacking wing backs, for example: Gael Clichy (Manchester City), Bacary Sagna (Arsenal), Patrice Evra (Manchester United) and our own John-Arne Riise. The use of attacking full-backs means that Bryan cannot focus on the main aspect of his game - his attacking prowess, he has great vision, a wonderful left foot and brilliant close control. His creativity can be the key to success at Fulham, if used correctly.

Fulham have great attacking options in Moussa Dembele, Clint Dempsey and Damien Duff and this past year it seems as though Bryan and Fulham have struggled to realise where his most effective position may have been with them in the side. Here is my opinion:

RW - 4-3-3:

As a right winger in a 4-3-3 formation Bryan possesses many qualities that will make him an effective player in the side - he has the ability to take on players, a beautiful delivery and the ability to use both feet effectively, in games he has caused wing-backs a lot of problems and has the ability to get in behind the gap in the full-backs and centre-backs. On the negative side, Bryan is defensively weak his ability to tackle is not up to standard and his lack of raw pace can be exposed easily.

Verdict: 2nd

ST - 4-3-3/4-2-3-1:

As demonstrated with his time abroad, Bryan definitely knows where the goal is, with his two goals this season it is clear to see that he has the technique to finishes chances easily. On the negative side, he doesn't have the strength to cause Premier League CBs a problem.

Verdict: 3rd

CF - 4-2-3-1 :

As previously mentioned, Bryan has a fantastic array of qualities - great vision, technique, passing ability and as proven with his career on the continent a great finisher. As a CF (Centre Forward) within a 4-2-3-1 formation creativity and vision is key - the CFs main role is to be in and around the knock-downs from the lone striker, before recycling the ball on, taking on a defender or shooting. Bryan will receive cover from defensive midfielders and the use of wingers will give him the space he requires to become effective.

Verdict: 1st



Using Bryan in this position also allows Jol to use the attacking threat of Dempsey in an advanced role and the deep lying playmaking ability of Moussa Dembele, yet still maintain balance in the side. Using defensive midfielders should Bryan the space he requires to use the ball wisely and manoeuvre himself into positions where he can put away chances. This year I believe that should Ruiz be used effectively he can regain the form that he showed at Gent and FC Twente and become one of our top scorers.

That in my opinion is how you solve a problem like Ruiz.

Please let me know your thoughts.




http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2012/7/9/3147320/how-do-you-solve-a-problem-like-ruiz-fulham-fc?

[WhiteJC]

Dempsey may sign for Liverpool by Wednesday – report

Liverpool are to bid £7.5m for Clint Dempsey and want to complete his signing from Fulham before leaving for a pre-season trip to the United States next week, according to the Daily Mirror.

It is suggested that the deal could be done as early as Wednesday and that Fulham are open to the idea of a player exchange.

The Sun say Chelsea and Arsenal are interested in midfielder Steven Nzonzi, who has apparently failed to turn up for Blackburn's pre-season training camp in Austria.

It is claimed that Rovers could be willing to sell the 23-year-old for the right price.

Meanwhile, The Daily Telegraph report that the Blues appear to have beaten rivals Tottenham to the signing of Oscar from Internacional, while the Daily Mail say Chelsea have clinched a deal for the highly-rated Brazilian midfielder.

The Mail suggest Oscar's arrival will put Juan Mata's first-team place under threat.




http://www.westlondonsport.com/features-comment/dempsey-could-sign-for-liverpool-by-wednesday-report/

[WhiteJC]

 
Chairman gives latest on Newcastle, West Ham, Man City, Man Utd, Fulham & Reading target

Transfer news: Nathaniel Clyne is still set to leave the Eagles

Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish is working hard to obtain the required fee for out-of-contract star Nathaniel Clyne.

The 21-year-old, has rejected a new deal with the Eagles and he has been tracked by a host of Premier League clubs, including Reading, Fulham, West Ham, Manchester City and Manchester United.

Any club would have to pay compensation and the Eagles are looking to earn £3million from the sale.

"We need to do a deal with Clyne," Parish told the South London Press.

"There is a bit of action in the background and we know there is a lot of interest."

"It is just about sorting out who it is best to go to and who will put the right money on the table. We're all working to get an outcome.

"Clubs don't want to go down the tribunal route. It is a game of cat and mouse on the fee - we've just got to let that play out."



http://www.london24.com/sport/championship/crystal-palace/chairman_gives_latest_on_newcastle_west_ham_man_city_man_utd_fulham_reading_target_1_1439807?

[WhiteJC]

 
Liverpool keen on £7.5million Fulham star Clint Dempsey

New Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has set his sights on Clint Dempsey and is ready to make a £7.5million bid for the Fulham midfielder.

Rodgers wants to seal a deal for the 29-year-old this week, before Liverpool fly to America for the club's pre-season tour.

Fulham are willing to sell Dempsey, whose contract is running down at Craven Cottage, and are open to a possible exchange deal involving a fringe member of Liverpool's squad.

Sources close to Dempsey claim that a deal may be pushed through as soon as Wednesday.




http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/liverpool-keen-on-75million-fulham-star-clint-dempsey-7931750.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Why Fulham fans will feel aggrieved if Clint Dempsey moves to Liverpool



Sorry Clint, we thought you said you wanted to play Champions League football? Yes, we definitely remember that now – it was in amongst all the rhetoric about 'Fulham fans being great' but that you 'needed to test yourself at the highest level'.

Thursday nights on Channel 5 isn't the 'highest level'.

There are lots of reports around today that Clint Dempsey will become a Liverpool player within the next couple of days – although ignore the wag who prematurely put the American on the Anfield club's website this morning, that has since been removed and he or she presumably fired.

That Dempsey wants to leave Fulham is understandable, he's going to be thirty next season and he's unlikely to ever play in the Champions League while he's at Craven Cottage – but then why, at this stage of his career, would he consider a move to a club that definitely won't be playing in that competition this year, and are unlikely to be doing so in any of the next three?

If he makes this move, it's just yet another example of a player using the 'Champions League excuse' to justify leaving a club – if you want to leave, say that.

Supposedly Brendan Rodgers wants to complete this deal before Liverpool depart for their preseason tour of America, so expect some movement within the next couple of days.



http://thepremierleagueowl.com/why-fulham-fans-will-feel-aggrieved-if-clint-dempsey-moves-to-liverpool/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=why-fulham-fans-will-feel-aggrieved-if-clint-dempsey-moves-to-liverpool

[WhiteJC]

 
2012/13 Away Kit Out Now

The all new 2012/13 Oranje Away Kit is now available for fans to buy online, instore at either the Stadium or Fulham Road Club store, or direct by phone on 0843 208 1223.

All fans who pre-ordered the brand new Away Shirt were instantly submitted into a prize draw to win a new SEAT Ibiza Copa. The lucky winner will be announced very soon so keep checking our website as you could be the one driving off in the brand new Ibiza.

Check out the 2012/13 Away Kit online and order it now or head on down to either retail store and get a feel of the new orange kit.

Launch Week Special

Starting from Tuesday 10th July, for one week only, fans who purchase their 2012/13 Away Shirt instore will be entered into a prize draw to win one of three pairs of tickets to our match against Manchester United at Old Trafford, including coach travel, and a signed shirt.*

Also, for one week only, purchase the 2011/12 Season Review DVD with your new shirt and we'll give it to you with 50% off the original DVD price.*

*Offer only available instore when you purchase a 2012/13 Away Shirt. The 50% off discount on the 2011/12 Season Review DVD applies only when bought in conjunction with the 2012/13 Away Shirt.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2012/July/201213AwayKitOutNow.aspx?

[WhiteJC]

 
Rosenior: Dempsey will join a top four club

Former Fulham star, Leroy Rosenior, claims American is destined to play at the highest level of the Premier League.



http://www.talksport.co.uk/radio/richard-keys-and-andy-gray/120710/rosenior-dempsey-will-join-top-four-club-176274?

[WhiteJC]

 
Reds set to raid Cottage

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers will reportedly make a £7.5million offer to sign Fulham star Clint Dempsey this week.


The new Anfield chief revealed on Monday that he hopes to have two new faces on board before the Reds fly to America for their pre-season tour.

And, in addition to Roma forward Fabio Borini, it seems certain that Rodgers will make a big effort to entice 29-year-old United States international attacking midfielder, Dempsey, to the Merseyside outfit.

Cottagers boss Martin Jol had been hopeful of keeping Dempsey at Craven Cottage after he enjoyed a productive season with the Londoners, bagging an impressive 17 Premier League goals.

However, with the player's contract running down, an offer in the region of £7.5million would be far too good to rebuff and it will also enable the Dutch tactician to bring in reinforcements to his squad.

As we revealed on Monday Jol is already lining up several potential replacements for Dempsey, including Bristol City's Albert Adomah, Swansea's Scott Sinclair and Luciano Narsingh of Dutch club Heerenveen.



http://www.setanta.com/ie/Articles/2012/07/10/Reds-set-to-raid-Cottage/gnid-147363/?

[WhiteJC]

 
MK Dons Ticket Information

MK Dons v Fulham



Pre-Season Friendly

Tuesday 7th August (Kick-off 7.45pm)

On sale dates:

Season Ticket Holders: 12th July (unlimited tickets)

General Sale: 16th July (unlimited tickets)

Ticket Prices:

Adults: £12.00

Over 65: £8.00

Under 18: £3.00

Family 3 Ticket: £15.00 (One adult, two children under 16)

Family 4 Ticket: £27.00 (Two adults, two children under 16)

Under 7: Free

(Please note under 7s and family tickets are only available from the ticket office in person or by phone)

A £1.00 discount for Season Ticket Holders will apply if purchased before the 31st July.

18-20 year old Season Ticket Holders also receive a special price of £7.00 if purchased before the 31st July.

Ambulant Disabled: £8.00

Wheelchair users please contact the Fulham Ticket Office for further details.



MK Dons would be grateful if supporters purchased tickets in advance to minimise queues at the away booth.

Tickets may be purchased by Credit Card on 0843 208 1234 (option 3), online at fulhamfc.com or in person from the Ticket Office, Stevenage Road from Monday-Friday 9am-5pm, non-matchday Saturdays from 10am-12am.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2012/July/MKDonsTicketInformation.aspx?