Monday Fulham Stuff (16/07/12)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Cardiff tipped to snub bid as Fulham are linked with Carlton Cole

Cardiff City are set to reject an offer from Fulham for Peter Whittingham, according to The Sun on Sunday, while West Ham striker Carlton Cole has been linked with a move to Craven Cottage.

It is claimed Fulham will offer £2.5m for Bluebirds midfielder Whittingham, who scored 13 goals last season.

The Sunday Express say Fulham want Fraser Fyvie, 19, who has turned down a new deal at Aberdeen, while The Sun suggest the Whites are one of several clubs interested in Burnley striker Charlie Austin.

There is continued speculation about Clint Dempsey's future, with the Daily Star on Sunday reporting that Liverpool's American owners have sanctioned an £8m bid to buy him from Fulham.

The People, however, suggest the Anfield club's offer is unlikely to be more than £6m.

Striker Andy Carroll has been linked with a move to west London as part of a possible deal for Dempsey.

The former Newcastle man is also wanted by West Ham, and The People say Fulham will move for Cole if the Hammers get Carroll.



http://www.westlondonsport.com/paper-talk/cardiff-tipped-to-snub-bid-as-fulham-are-linked-with-carlton-cole/

[fulhamben]

slow day

[WhiteJC]

 
The after-effects of Martin Jol's pre-season fitness regime
by DAN on JULY 15, 2012

Dickson Etuhu's posted a picture on his Twitter account this morning showing him and Moussa Dembele recovering from a training session during Fulham's pre-season tour of Germany.


Tough session, boys?
From the photographic evidence, it certainly looks as though Martin Jol and his coaches are putting the players through their paces.

The Whites kick-off their build up to the domestic season with a friendly against Danish opposition, in the form of HB Køge, in Leipzig.


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2012/07/the-after-effects-of-martin-jols-pre-season-fitness-regime/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Dempsey - A Matter of Time?
   
It looks like it`s only a matter of time before Clint Dempsey moves to Anfield.

Liverpool`s interest in signing the 29 year-old striker is well known and now it would appear that the only stumbling block is the fee.

The tabloid press are inferring that Liverpool are looking at paying £6 million for the American whilst Fulham are holding out for more.

However, because of his age, Liverpool are reluctant to offer more than their initial bid.

I guess we`ll just have to see how this one pans out won`t we!


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=287173#ixzz20kqV3Nda

[WhiteJC]

 
Hangeland Welcomes New Strikers
   
Our towering centre back, Brede Hangeland, has provided the tabloid press with some encouraging words with regards to the two strikers Martin Jol has recently signed.

With Zamora, Johnson and Pogrebnyak gone and with Dempsey likely to follow, Jol has recruited Hugo Rodallega and Mladen Petric, from Wigan and Hamburg respectively, prompting Hangeland to remark,

"We`re happy to have them both here. They are good players with a good track record."

"I remember Mladen as a good player - I`ve played against him when he represented Croatia."

"He`s a talented player who knows how to find the back of the net. So he will be a good signing for us."

Let`s all hope so!


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=287174#ixzz20kqcRLP8

[WhiteJC]

 
Cole linked to Fulham!
   
I`m not sure that Andy Carroll will be heading south even though the £35 million striker doesn`t appear to be in Brendan Rodgers plans, at Liverpool.

However the tabloid press are determined to add fuel to the fire and the big suggestion this morning relates to Carroll deciding to join his best friend, Kevin Nolan, at West Ham.

If that were to be the case, the inference is made that Fulham would look to bring the West Ham centre forward, Carlton Cole to Craven Cottage.

Apparently, Martin Jol is along time admirer of the former England striker and tried to sign him for Spurs when Cole was at Chelsea.

Another rumour I suspect will come to nothing!


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=287175#ixzz20kqrKiuD

[WhiteJC]

 
Welcome Back
   
Zdenek Grygera`s first season at Craven Cottage was, to put it bluntly, a disaster.

The defender, very early on in the season, suffered a career threatening cruciate knee ligament injury.

Thankfully, Grygera has made a full recovery from the injury and is hoping that Fulham reward him with a new contract.


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=287176#ixzz20kr0nHCd

[WhiteJC]

 
Losing Out
   
Our reputed interest in the Aberdeen midfielder, Fraser Fyvie, has been reported by this site on several occasions.

The 19 year-old Aberdeen player is reckoned to have a bright future in the game and with the lad having only one year left on his contract the Scottish club are receptive to offers for the player.

Unfortunately, it looks as if we`ve been beaten to the punch by Wigan who, according to the tabloid press, have made Aberdeen a better offer for the lad than we have.

Some you win, some you lose!


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=287178#ixzz20kr96upm

[WhiteJC]

 
Rodgers gets go ahead for Liverpool Dempsey offer

Liverpool's American owners having given the green light to sign fellow country-man Clint Dempsey from Fulham, with the move reportedly ending Andy Carroll's Anfield stint, according to the Daily Star.



Brendan Rodgers has been linked with a move for the 29-year-old who has spent five years at Fulham, often being linked with a move to a top four club. However the arrival of Rodgers has led to increased speculation the American international will make the move north.

The former New York Revolution player has become one of the star players in the Premier League and last season he contributed 23 goals to Fulham's season, earning the Fulham 'Player of the season' award.

According to the report, Liverpool's owner John W Henry would love to add Dempsey to the new look side and has reportedly instructed Rodgers to proceed with a bid for the Fulham attacker, which could spell the end of Andy Carroll's Merseyside career.

Fulham will hope to use Dempsey as a bargaining tool to bring Carroll to Craven Cottage, initially on a 12-month loan deal with a view to a permanent deal after Brendan Rodgers insisted that he would allow the England international to leave on loan.

Rodgers is hoping to snap Dempsey up for a reported £8million, though with Fulham thought to be holding out for closer to £10million – the prospect of Carroll as a makeweight in the deal could see it complete.



http://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/p6_1_15777_rodgers-gets-go-ahead-for-liverpool-dempsey-offer.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Jol plays hardball over Dempsey
by DAN on JULY 15, 2012


Martin Jol's keen to cling on to Clint Dempsey
After the feverish midweek tabloid tittle-tattle, it appears as though there's plenty of steel to Fulham's stance over Clint Dempsey's future.

The redtops and the broadsheets appear united in reporting that Martin Jol is determined to hold onto the American midfielder. The Sunday Times' Jonathan Northcroft has filed a piece for the paper's football shorts scotching any suggestions of a swap deal involving Andy Carroll and claiming that 'Jol wants to retain the American and unite him with Carroll in a new look Fulham attack alongside recent signing Hugo Rodallega'.

The picture is complicated by two things. Dempsey has a year left on his current contract and his intimated that he would like his next contract to be a long-term deal, stretching to four years. The ambitious Texan has never hidden his desire to test himself at the highest level possible, but a move to Liverpool would not realise his ambition to play in the Champions' League. Furthermore, Fulham value Dempsey, who would be an attractive signing for John W. Henry's Fenway Sports Group, at around £10m following his 23 goals last season, a fee that would be at least £2m above what Liverpool are currently prepared to pay. There have been no official approaches for the 29 year-old, who flew to Germany for Fulham's pre-season tour on Friday.

Carroll's intentions are also unknown. There is not likely to be a place for him in Rodgers' remodelled Liverpool side, with a more European 4-3-3 system similar to one that brought such success during Swansea's first season in the top flight designed to bring the best of Luis Suarez and Fabio Borini, although the England striker is still on an extended holiday after Euro 2012 and won't be back with Liverpool until he joins their American tour on Monday week. Getting rid of a 23 year-old international striker, rumoured to be on £80,000 until 2016, will be easier said than done as Carroll is reportedly unlikely to be interested in a loan move.


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2012/07/jol-plays-hardball-over-dempsey/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham Raid Paris Saint-Germain for 16-year-old Striking Prospect

Fulham have raided Paris Saint-Germain for exciting young striker Moussa Dembele.

The 16-year-old, who has the same name as Fulham first team hitman Moussa Dembele, has decided to try his luck in England in the hope he can follow in the footsteps of his namesake at the Cottagers.

Dembele is highly rated in France and has turned out for France's Under-16 side.


http://www.insidefutbol.com/2012/07/15/fulham-raid-paris-saint-germain-for-16-year-old-striking-prospect/65458/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Petric makes first Fulham appearance
by DAN on JULY 15, 2012

New signing Mladen Petric is making his first appearance in a Fulham shirt during the second half of the Whites' friendly against HB Køge in Germany this afternoon.

Martin Jol completely changed his side at half-time in a pre-arranged move to boost the fitness levels of all his squad. Petric, who joined on a free transfer earlier this month from Hamburg, is part of an forward trio that also includes talented youngster Buomesca Tué Na Bangna and Kerim Frei. Jol's side struggled to break down a dogged and disciplined Køge defence in the first period, but Marcello Trotta did draw a superb save from goalkeeper Morten Haastrup Jensen just before the break.

German international Sascha Riether is also making his first appearance for Fulham since completing a season-long loan from Cologne.

FULHAM SECOND HALF XI (4-2-3-1): Stockdale; Riether, J.A. Riise, Hughes, Hangeland; Diarra, Sidwell; Dembele, Frei, Bangna; Petric.


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2012/07/petric-makes-first-fulham-appearance/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham fail to find the net in first friendly
by DAN on JULY 15, 2012


Mladen Petric made his first Fulham appearance in the pre-season draw against HB Køge this afternoon
Fulham were held to a goalless draw by Danish outfit HB Køge in their first pre-season friendly this afternoon. Martin Jol's side made most of the running but were denied by a contribution of fine goalkeeping from Morten Haastrup Jensen and some wayward finishing in Leipzig.

Jol selected an experimental side for the first match of Fulham's tour of Germany, with Academy graduate Alex Brister making his first first-team appearance at right back. Marcel Gecov anchored the midfield, with youngsters Alex Kacaniklic, Laurie Dalla Valle and Marcello Trotta also starting. Mark Schwarzer captained the team but had a largely quiet afternoon, apart from fielding an early Nicolaj Madsen header.

Matthew Briggs, who played the first 45 minutes before being replaced by John Arne Riise at half-time, made plenty of energetic forays down the left flank and produced a couple of teasing crosses but there were few clear cut chances as HB Køge, who are a fortnight away from the start of their domestic season, managed to resist sustained Fulham pressure with defensive discipline. Towards the end of the first half, the Danish defence nearly buckled but Jensen produced a fine save to keep out Trotta's instinctive volley.

Jol switched his entire side around at half-time giving first Fulham appearances to new signings Sascha Riechter and Mladen Petric but Steve Sidwell's long-awaited return from a hernia operation lasted just fifteen minutes before he was withdrawn as a precaution. One of the substitutes, Buomesca Tué Na Bangna, wasted little time in showcasing just why he's so highly rated at Motspur Park. The Portuguese youth international went on a number of mazy dribbles, one of which culminated with a shot that was deflected wide, and Riise's powerful drive was aimed straight at the unbeatable Jensen in the Køge goal. The Danes might have snatched an unforgettable victory themselves had the impressive Madsen not dragged a shot wide from a great position.

Petric quickly got himself involved in the game, making a number of threatening runs, and was perhaps unfortunate not to mark his debut with a goal. Twice the Croat came close to scoring from set plays. Firstly, he was fractions away from making contact with a fizzing Riise free-kick from left and, with eight minutes to play, Petric headed Frei's inviting corner over the bar. The 31 year-old sent another header over as timed ticked away, while Riise spurned a great chance to grab a late winner when he failed to find the target when clean through on goal at the death.

Early pre-season friendlies are more about building up fitness than recording wins although Jol will be anxious for his side to step up a gear when they face Lokomotiv Leipzig on Wednesday evening.

HB KOGE (4-4-2): Jensen; Rubin, M Rochester, T. Christensen, Madsen; Kaagh, Nicklaw, L Rochester, M Christensen; Rømer, Richter.

FULHAM (4-4-2): Schwarzer (Stockdale 45); Brister (Riether 45), Briggs (J.A. Riise 45), Baird (Hughes 45), Halliche (Hangeland); Etuhu (Diarra 45), Gecov (Sidwell 45, Baird 60), Davies (Frei 45), Kacaniklic (Dembele 45); Dalla Valle (Bangna 45), Trotta (Petric 45).


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2012/07/fulham-fail-to-find-the-net-in-first-friendly/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham held in pre-season opener as Jol's men fail to break down Danish side

Fulham played out a goalless draw against HB Koge of Denmark in their first pre-season match in Leipzig.

Veteran goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer captained the side which included a mix of first-team players and reserves at FC Grimma's Stadion der Freundschaft.


New boy: Striker Mladen Petric made his first appearance for Fulham

There were few chances during the first half, with Marcello Trotta's volley well saved by the Koge goalkeeper.

Following the restart, Fulham manager Martin Jol changed his entire XI, which saw new signings Sascha Riether and Mladen Petric make their bow.


Looking to impress: Youngster Alex Kacaniklic looks to make his mark in the Fulham side

However, despite more pressure, the Cottagers continued to be frustrated as Mesca's drive was deflected wide then John Arne Riise's shot was straight at the keeper.

There were late chances for Petric, who headed over, and Riise, who dragged his shot wide when clear.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2173920/Fulham-0-HB-Koge-0-Martin-Jols-men-held-pre-season-opener.html#ixzz20kshOREu

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham friendly frustration
New Cottagers signings feature in second-half

Fulham were held to a goalless draw against Denmark's HB Koge during their pre-season trip to Germany.

Cottagers boss Martin Jol used his squad to the maximum during the frustrating stalemate in Leipzig with new signings Sascha Riether and Mladen Petric making their bow after the interval.

Veteran goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer captained the side in the first half which saw few chances created at FC Grimma's Stadion der Freundschaft.

Fulham's powerful striker Marcello Trotta had the best opportunity of the half, but his volley was well saved by the Koge goalkeeper.

Jol then changed his entire team for the restart, bringing in Fulham newcomers in the shape of former Cologne defender Riether and Croatian striker Petric.

However, despite more pressure, the Cottagers continued to be frustrated as Mesca, tipped as Fulham's next rising star, had a drive deflected wide before John Arne Riise's shot was straight down the 'keeper's throat.

There were late chances for Petric who headed over, and Riise who dragged his shot wide when clear, but Koge held on to share the spoils.



http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/7903111/?

[WhiteJC]

 
A Good Workout

John Arne Riise believes Fulham may not have got the result they wanted but the outlook is considerably brighter after a productive workout against HB Koge.

The Whites dominated proceedings at FC Grimma's Stadion der Freundschaft despite challenging a team way further down the line with their own preparations, with the Danish First Division kicking off in two weeks' time.

And although the decisive goal eluded them, Riise insists that the 0-0 draw leaves the Team in great shape as they seek to build on their match sharpness.

"We've been back only for a week and this was a good workout," Riise said.

"It's always hard to start the first game, we knew that we were all going to play one half each so it was important to get some match fitness in.

"Most of the players are looking sharp and we've been taking care of ourselves in the holidays and it's been good but we know that there is still four or five weeks of hard work still left before the first game of the season.

"But Scandinavian players always work hard, they never give up. It was hard to play against them."

One player certainly not tiring as the final whistle drew closer was galloping left-back Riise, who sprung the Koge offside trap after 88 minutes only to see his effort whistle past the post.

"I knew I was onside and I was looking for Mladen Petric but he was marked and I was thinking about either chipping the goalkeeper or bending the ball around.

"I bent it round but caught the ball a little bit too straight.

"At the end of the day we deserved to win but the most important thing is not to pick up injuries and work hard.

"Everyone is fine, Steve Sidwell got a knock but apart from that I think everyone is good." 



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

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham held by HB Koge

Fulham played out a goalless draw against HB Koge of Denmark in their first pre-season match in Leipzig.

Veteran goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer captained the side which included a mix of first-team players and reserves at FC Grimma's Stadion der Freundschaft.

There were few chances during the first half, with Marcello Trotta's volley well saved by the Koge goalkeeper.

Following the restart, Fulham manager Martin Jol changed his entire XI, which saw new signings Sascha Riether and Mladen Petric make their bow.

However, despite more pressure, the Cottagers continued to be frustrated as Mesca's drive was deflected wide then John Arne Riise's shot was straight at the keeper.

There were late chances for Petric, who headed over, and Riise, who dragged his shot wide when clear.



http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1124819?&cc=5739

[WhiteJC]

 
Clint Dempsey: Impact Soccer Star Will Have on US If He Goes to Liverpool


Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

American soccer star Clint Dempsey could have a new home in Liverpool soon.

If the US Men's National Team midfielder ends up leaving Fulham for Liverpool, then the implications could be enormous for a burgeoning soccer fanbase in the US.

Dempsey has been impressive for Fulham, scoring 23 goals and contributing six assists 2011-12.

Unfortunately for American fans, Fulham is in the shadows of Europe's elite squads, hiding Dempsey's success from American eyes.

Already with a strong American backing, Liverpool would be ideal for Dempsey, as more Americans could witness his rise on the pitch.

A move to the Reds would put Dempsey among the few American stars to play for a legitimate soccer club, and put the 29-year-old back in the spotlight.

The move makes sense for Liverpool as well.

The Reds would benefit tremendously from Dempsey's versatility. A great dribbler and superb playmaker, Dempsey is a threat to score or create for his teammates.

A creative style, Dempsey's game will be exciting for Liverpool fans, as they watch him tear up the field.

Put Dempsey alongside Luis Suarez and Steven Gerrard, and Liverpool could feature one of the most potent three-headed monsters in the Premier League.

An already talented team, Liverpool would not need to rely on Dempsey to do most of the heavy lifting as he did for Fulham. Instead, he should be able to coexist alongside Liverpool's other stars.

Although Manchester City still boasts an impressive squad and Chelsea is always lethal, Dempsey could have Liverpool as a capable dark horse next season.

Success in Anfield would be critical in boosting soccer viewership in the states.

American fans would have the chance to support a refreshing alternative to EPL powerhouses Manchester United and Chelsea, by cheering on the Texas native in Liverpool.

A transfer to Liverpool would also be monumental for American soccer, as it would signify the heavy courting of an American soccer player by a legitimate European club.

If the stars align, Demspey will be in red next season, leaving Fulham for a chance at American soccer immortality in Liverpool.



http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1259394-clint-dempsey-impact-soccer-star-will-have-on-us-if-he-goes-to-liverpool?

[WhiteJC]

 
Brown keen to add to Dons
Premier League clubs express interest in teenager


Fraser Fyvie: The teenage midfielder has attracted interest from the English Premier League

Aberdeen manager Craig Brown wants to add more players to his squad and admits Fraser Fyvie is expected to exit Pittodrie soon.

Brown has signed wingers Niall McGinn and Jonny Hayes from Celtic and Inverness, respectively, in the summer with the likes of Kari Arnason and Darren Mackie moving on.

Brown also believes that youngsters such as Joe Shaughnessy and Nicky Low, who were on loan with Forfar last season, will make an impact this term.

"I think with maybe another signing to give us the cover we'll be ready to start the season," Brown told RedTV.

Fyvie

"We have got several irons in the fire but if we don't it's not the end of the world. We have signed seven young players - four under-19s and three from Forfar."

The Dons, who thrashed Arbroath 5-1 in a friendly on Saturday, are likely to lose highly-rated midfielder Fyvie in the coming weeks to an English Premier League side after the 19-year-old refused to extend on his contract which runs out in December.

"There's been interest, I'm told, from Fulham and Wigan," said former Scotland boss Brown.

"He has got his agent on the case trying to get him sorted before the start of the season."


http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11681/7903396/Brown-keen-to-add-to-Dons?

[beijing ben]

Clint Dempsey: Impact Soccer Star Will Have on US If He Goes to Liverpool


Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

American soccer star Clint Dempsey could have a new home in Liverpool soon.

If the US Men's National Team midfielder ends up leaving Fulham for Liverpool, then the implications could be enormous for a burgeoning soccer fanbase in the US.

Dempsey has been impressive for Fulham, scoring 23 goals and contributing six assists 2011-12.

Unfortunately for American fans, Fulham is in the shadows of Europe's elite squads, hiding Dempsey's success from American eyes.

Already with a strong American backing, Liverpool would be ideal for Dempsey, as more Americans could witness his rise on the pitch.

A move to the Reds would put Dempsey among the few American stars to play for a legitimate soccer club, and put the 29-year-old back in the spotlight.

The move makes sense for Liverpool as well.

The Reds would benefit tremendously from Dempsey's versatility. A great dribbler and superb playmaker, Dempsey is a threat to score or create for his teammates.

A creative style, Dempsey's game will be exciting for Liverpool fans, as they watch him tear up the field.

Put Dempsey alongside Luis Suarez and Steven Gerrard, and Liverpool could feature one of the most potent three-headed monsters in the Premier League.

An already talented team, Liverpool would not need to rely on Dempsey to do most of the heavy lifting as he did for Fulham. Instead, he should be able to coexist alongside Liverpool's other stars.

Although Manchester City still boasts an impressive squad and Chelsea is always lethal, Dempsey could have Liverpool as a capable dark horse next season.

Success in Anfield would be critical in boosting soccer viewership in the states.

American fans would have the chance to support a refreshing alternative to EPL powerhouses Manchester United and Chelsea, by cheering on the Texas native in Liverpool.

A transfer to Liverpool would also be monumental for American soccer, as it would signify the heavy courting of an American soccer player by a legitimate European club.

If the stars align, Demspey will be in red next season, leaving Fulham for a chance at American soccer immortality in Liverpool.



http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1259394-clint-dempsey-impact-soccer-star-will-have-on-us-if-he-goes-to-liverpool?

Wow! We are not a legitimate club! I had no idea...