Wednesday Fulham Stuff(25/07/12)...

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Hughes Approves

Fulham defender Aaron Hughes is backing the Club's new signings to shine in the Barclays Premier League.

So far this summer, the Whites have added Mladen Petric and loanee Sascha Riether to their ranks, while Hugo Rodallega has penned a three-year deal at Craven Cottage subject to a work permit.

All are players well known to Fulham. Croatian striker Petric scored against the Whites for Hamburg in a UEFA Europa League tie in 2010, while German right-back Riether played against Fulham in the same competition for VfL Wolfsburg.

Hughes has gone toe-to-toe with Rodallega on countless occasions too during the Colombian's time at Wigan Athletic and the Northern Irishman believes all three arrivals will be beneficial to Fulham.

"They've settled in really well," Hughes told fulhamfc.com. "We've played against them before so we knew what they were like. They're good lads and the atmosphere and group we've got here makes it easy for them to settle in.

"Mladen, he's played against Fulham so we knew what he was like. He's looked like what we expected in the friendly games he's played so far.

"Sascha's done well too. He's looked solid and we're still waiting on Hugo. We know what their qualities are and that can only be a positive for us."

Petric, in particular, impressed on Fulham's pre-season tour of Germany last week, scoring three times in as many friendlies.

"It's always good to get away," said Hughes. "You get to know people better and the games were good run-outs. Of course, the first couple of weeks are more about fitness and getting back into the swing of things but we're well on the way to full fitness."

Back now in England and the sweltering heat of Motspur Park, Hughes and company are continuing their hard work on the training pitch ahead of the new campaign.

"Pre-season is pre-season," he smiled. "It's been quite a long break compared to last year when we only had three and a bit weeks because of the Europa League. It felt like we'd never been away but this year we've had a nice break and it's good to get back into it.

"And then it's always the same; once you've been back a few days you just want the season to start."

Hughes played 29 times for Fulham in all competitions last term but admits his campaign was something of a stop-start one until the latter stages of the season.

"It was frustrating at times," he reflected. "I picked up a couple of injuries early on and then I'd be on the way back when another little niggle popped up. That set me back and then I could only get on the bench.

"It's frustrating but you just have to keep working hard and hope your chance will come. Once I did get back in, I enjoyed it. It certainly finished better than how it was in the middle part!"

Hughes is now looking forward to the start of the new campaign and is expecting the Team to progress even further this season under Martin Jol.

"Hopefully this year, we'll progress again," he added. "We've got new faces again. Not only the ones we've brought in, but a few of the younger lads have stepped up from the Development Squad. There's a bit more responsibility on them and they might see some more minutes this year.

"We need to settle in quickly and find our feet and if we can do that, we'll be good."



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

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In the Chase for a Flying Dutchman
   
A couple of news sources I stumbled upon infer that Fulham are in the market for a player that has an element of Premier League experience.

The inference being that Martin Jol is chasing the former Liverpool winger, now playing for Hoffenheim, Ryan Babel

Babel arrived at Anfield touted as the next superstar but things never really worked out for the Dutchman.

However, at twenty-five years of age, he should be in his prime and that fact is reflected in the fact that Tottenham, Newcastle and Swansea are all, also, showing an interest.


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=287956#ixzz21bOUQ1FM

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Kelly signs new Fulham deal
Ireland international delighted to extend stay with Cottagers


Stephen Kelly: Fulham defender has established himself as first choice right-back for Martin Jol

Stephen Kelly has signed a two-year contract extension with Fulham after establishing himself under Martin Jol at Craven Cottage.

The full-back was a peripheral figure under Roy Hodgson and Mark Hughes after moving to the West London club in 2009, but he was a regular selection for the Dutchman in his first season in charge.

The 28-year-old was keen to stay by the Thames, and after an extended break following his involvement with Republic of Ireland at Euro 2012, he has inked in the deal that sees him commit to Fulham until 2014.

"I'm delighted that it's sorted now and I can hopefully continue on from last year," Kelly told the club's official website.

Fantastic

"It was a really good end to the season with the way we finished off, the way we were playing and I just hope we can continue on with that again.

"Last season was fantastic for me, playing pretty much every game from Christmas onwards and to cement myself as the number one right-back was great and hopefully I can continue on with that this season.

"To sign another contract here is fantastic.

"I'm delighted to be staying at the club and I just want to carry on with the progression I've made over the last year or so."



http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/7930684?

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Tottenham Hotspur make Willian and Moussa Dembele inquiries as Luka Modric move to Madrid edges closer
Tottenham Hotspur have made fresh inquiries about signing either Shakhtar Donetsk's Willian or Fulham's Moussa Dembele as the club prepare to sell Luka Modric to Real Madrid.


Cottage industry: Fulham want £15 million for the Belgian international Moussa Dembele (left), who has long been of interest to Spurs
Photo: AP

There are also fears that a deal to secure Emmanuel Adebayor, despite a fee being agreed with Manchester City, is on the verge of collapse because Spurs remain unwilling to pay the £150-000-a-week wages the striker is demanding.

Fulham want £15 million for the Belgian international Dembele, who has long been of interest to Spurs, and who arrived at Craven Cottage two years ago, under the then manager Mark Hughes, for just £3.2 million and quickly developed into a stylish attacking midfielder. Manchester United have also made inquiries about the 25 year-old.

Shakhtar have set a price of €25 million (£19.5 million) for Willian although the club claimed they rejected an offer of £25.5 million from Chelsea who were in talks to sign the Brazilian international, who is again an attacking midfielder or winger, in January.

Whether Spurs are willing to match the asking price for either Dembele or Willian remains to be seen although new head coach Andre Villas-Boas has to increase his attacking options with, at present, Jermain Defoe his only senior striker.

The deal to sign Adebayor, who was on loan at Spurs last season, has dragged on because he is insisting that he does not take a pay cut from his wages at City.

A fee of over £5 million has already been agreed and Spurs had hoped that City might pass on a portion of that money to Adebayor to get him out of the club.

Willian, meanwhile, has already spoken of his frustration at not being able to secure a move away from the Ukrainian club which he joined in 2007 from Corinthians and has set his heart on the Premier League.

Spurs have already missed out on another Brazilian with Oscar set to join Chelsea for up to £25 million in a deal that could be confirmed as early as Wednesday. Despite constant links Spurs have no interest whatsoever in Chelsea's Daniel Sturridge.

Clearly neither Dembele or Willian would be a direct replacement for Modric with Villas-Boas hoping that a deal can be agreed to acquire midfielder Joao Moutinho, although Spurs will not pay the £24 million being demanded by Porto.

Modric has returned to training with Spurs with the club weighing up whether he should fly out to join up with the squad for the remainder of the pre-season to the United States.

That appears unlikely especially as Real are indicating they will make an improved offer, a straight cash deal of £28 million with no add-ons, although it still falls short of the £40 million being demanded by Spurs for the 26 year-old.

Modric is said to be in shock over the events of the last few days and, although he concedes he was wrong not to turn up for training last Friday, the Croatian is arguing that because of the possibility of an imminent deal with Real it was discussed that it might be better for him not to fly to the United States.

Spurs dispute an agreement was reached although the club did consider leaving Modric, who is training alongside another player set to leave, Steven Pienaar, behind.

Nevertheless he will be fined heavily for his behaviour and there is the possibility of other sanctions although he is upset at being accused of a lack of professionalism by Villas-Boas who tried to sign him for Chelsea last year.

Spurs privately accept that it is in the best interests of everyone that Modric is sold and have told the player he can go but only if the asking price is met.

That's unlikely to happen so there may have to be a compromise although Modric does have four years left on his contract.


http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/tottenham-hotspur/9424561/Tottenham-Hotspur-make-Willian-and-Moussa-Dembele-inquiries-as-Luka-Modric-move-to-Madrid-edges-closer.html

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Fulham, Toon and Swansea on alert as Hoffenheim order Babel to the reserves

Hoffenheim are ready to sell Ryan Babel for £5million.

The 25-year-old former Liverpool winger, who has been linked with Fulham, Newcastle, Swansea and Tottenham, has been told to train with the reserves.


End of the road: Hoffenheim are ready to sell the former Liverpool forward

The Germans will not allow a loan as he has just one year left on contract.

His agent, Winnie Haatrecht, said: 'Apparently, Hoffenheim go very far to offload a player who still has one year on his contract.'


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2178496/Ryan-Babel-set-Hoffenheim-exit-Fulham-Newcastle-Swansea-interested.html#ixzz21bQ99obX

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Manchester United keen on Fulham playmaker

Reports in the Daily Mirror are claiming that Manchester United are preparing a move for Fulham's Moussa Dembele.

The Belgian international, who has made a successful transition from centre forward to a central midfielder, impressed last season after a string of brilliant performances for the Cottagers.

It is reckoned that Fulham manager Martin Jol is aware of Sir Alex Ferguson's interest in the player but will only allow the player to move on for at least £15m.

Dembele has also been linked with a move to Chelsea recently as many see him as an ideal long-term replacement for the Blues' talisman Frank Lampard.

However, Sir Alex has made it clear that he is looking to sign another midfielder and it is understood that he has long admired the former AZ Alkmaar player.

Meanwhile, Fulham have another transfer battle on their hands as it appears Clint Dempsey is nearing a switch to Liverpool.



http://www.cleansheetsallround.co.uk/2012/07/man-utd-keen-on-dembele?

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Allen edges closer as Reds hold firm on Dempsey price

Liverpool are closing in on a deal to bring Swansea City midfielder Joe Allen to Anfield, reports the Liverpool Echo and other national newspapers.

The Telegraph also report Tottenham's interest in the 22 year old midfielder – with Spurs eligible to bid below the £15m clause in Allen's contract that would activate a move to Anfield.

Allen, who is part of the Great Britain men's Olympic squad is understood to have expressed his desire to follow Brendan Rodgers to Merseyside. It now appears a matter of time before a deal is completed – but we've been here before with Gylfi Sigurdsson and LFC will be hoping another target doesn't get away.

The Telegraph also report that Liverpool's pursuit of American forward Clint Dempsey has stalled over price. Fulham are understood to value the 29 year old – who has one year left on his contract – over £10m, while Liverpool are only willing to pay much less than their asking price.

Again, Dempsey is believed to have expressed his desire to join up with Rodgers at Liverpool and that could eventually be vital to a future move being completed.

Meanwhile, the Daily Mail report Queens Park Rangers' interest in taking youngster Raheem Sterling back to Loftus Road on a season long loan.



http://www.thisisanfield.com/2012/07/allen-edges-closer-as-reds-hold-firm-on-dempsey-price/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Tottenham Weighing Up £35m Move For Attacking Duo

Spurs eye major transfer business as Modric nears exit.

Tottenham Hotspur have made enquiries about signing Willian from Shakhtar Donetsk and Fulham's Moussa Dembele, reports the Daily Telegraph.

It is understood that the pair will cost a combined total of around £35 million – the fee Spurs are demanding for want-away Luka Modric – with Shakhtar valuing Willian at £19.5 million and the Cottagers holding out for £15 million for Belgian Dembele.

Spurs will face fierce competition to land the pair, however, with Manchester United also monitoring Dembele's situation and Chelsea chasing Willian.

The Brazilian spoke of his frustration at not being able to secure a move away from the Ukrainians, with the Blues last bid rejected, and will welcome a fresh link to the Premier League with Spurs.

The north Londoners have already lost out on one prodigal Brazilian to the European Champions, with Oscar set to arrive at Stamford Bridge in a £25 million deal next week, and Spurs will hope Chelsea's interest in the 23-year-old is dead.

Dembele, meanwhile, would also jump at the chance to join Spurs but Martin Jol has slapped a hefty price tag on the stylish 25-year-old, who was brought to Craven Cottage for just £3.2 million by then boss Mark Hughes.

It is understood that Spurs must first offload Modric before moving for the pricey pair. The Croatian has hit heart set on a move to Real Madrid but the Spaniards have so far been unwilling to offer more than £27 million plus add-ons for the midfield schemer.

Spurs reportedly retain an interest in Porto's craftsman Joao Moutinho but will not pay the £24 million being demanded by the Portuguese outfit.



http://www.caughtoffside.com/2012/07/25/tottenham-weighing-up-35m-move-for-attacking-duo/?

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Sinclair poised to reject new Swansea contract amid Fulham & Aston Villa interest
The ex-Chelsea man has only 11 months remaining on his current deal in south Wales and will tell the club that he has no intention of renewing it after returning from Olympic duty

EXCLUSIVE
By Wayne Veysey | Chief Correspondent

Scott Sinclair is poised to turn down the chance to sign a new Swansea City contract, paving the way for his exit this summer.

Talks over a new deal for the winger, whose current deal expires in 11 months, began last December but stalled following the departure of Brendan Rodgers to Liverpool.

Sources have told Goal.com that the Swans will arrange a meeting with the player when he returns from the Olympics but the 23-year-old is set to tell the club that he will not extend his contract.

Fulham lead the clubs pursuing the £5 million-rated Sinclair and have made their interest in the player clear but will first need to raise funds, most likely by offloading either Clint Dempsey or Moussa Dembele. Aston Villa could also make a move for the England Under-21 international as Paul Lambert aims to introduce greater creativity to his squad.

Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins has spoken of his desire to sort out the 23-year-old's future and has explained that the winger will not be allowed to run down his contract and leave for nothing.

"At this level of football and with the transfer money which could come in with players leaving in the final year of their contract, we wouldn't want to go down that route again of allowing a player to let his contract run out again," the chairman declared.

"With Scott being a first-team regular we need a decision one way or the other as soon as possible so the manager can be clear in his mind on where the team goes and make sure the squad is right for August."

Interest in Swansea players has spiked after their impressive debut season in the Premier League. Gylfi Sigurdsson has moved to Tottenham on the back of his successful loan at the Liberty Stadium and Goal.com revealed on Tuesday that Liverpool have agreed a £13.5m fee with the Swans for Joe Allen.

The £1.5m signing from Chelsea scored seven league goals for the Welsh club last season and was a key figure in their successful campaign.

Sinclair's career had stalled at Stamford Bridge, which had included loan spells at six different clubs, and it was not until his move to the Liberty Stadium in the summer of 2010 that he began to fulfil the promise that persuaded Chelsea to sign him when he was 16.



http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2012/07/25/3262855/sinclair-poised-to-reject-new-swansea-contract-amid-fulham-aston-?

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Academy Update

Fulham Football Club is delighted to announce that Kit Symons has been appointed U21 Coach. Kit has been instrumental in the recent success of the U18 squad and has now agreed to continue this good work with the newly formed team, which replaces the Reserves under the new structure for football below first team level. Martin Jol has been keen to ensure continuity for our young players as they move into senior football, and Kit's appointment provides the perfect stability that is needed.

Kit Symons said:

"I am thrilled to be appointed U21s Coach which is a very exciting opportunity for me. Hopefully I will be able to continue the successes with the U18s and be able to work closely with some of the same boys as they progress through the ranks to the ultimate goal of First Team players for the football club. It continues to be a really exciting time at Fulham, and being part of that, after so many years of association, is a great feeling."

In addition to this, the Club is very pleased to announce that Steve Wigley has been appointed Academy Head of Coaching and U18 Coach. Steve, who is the current England U21 coach, brings with him a wealth of experience from his time coaching at Southampton, Manchester City, Bolton, Bristol City and Hull City. Steve has had extensive experience of working with young players during his career which will be invaluable in his new role.

Steve Wigley added:

"I am very much looking forward to this new challenge with Fulham and the U18s. I know they've made great progress in the last few seasons, so it's a tough act to follow, but I'm confident I can ensure that we progress and push on to ensure delivery of top class players to the next level."


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

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Breaking Through

Young hopeful Buomesca Tue Na Bangna has explained how he used Fulham's tour of Germany as a chance to build on an already promising start to his time at the Club.

The Portuguese winger arrived last August and, having impressed initially for our Under-18s, he was quickly promoted to the Development Squad - where his performances continually caught the eye.

Kit Symons spoke positively about Mesca (as he is known around Motspur Park), as did former coach Ray Lewington as the plaudits came thick-and-fast. By the end of a successful campaign, Martin Jol was highlighting the youngster's ability and tipping him for a future First Team breakthrough. 

As a result, when Jol's squad embarked on their pre-season tour of Germany, the Manager showed no hesitation in calling the player up alongside a clutch of the Club's most promising young talents.

"It was my first real taste of training at length with the First Team," explained Mesca to fulhamfc.com. "The time we spent in Germany was a great experience for me and I really enjoyed working alongside senior players like Mousa Dembélé, Brede Hangeland and Mahamadou Diarra.

"Getting the chance to work with the Manager and the coaches was invaluable – I felt that I learned so much. It was tough at times, but I like to think that I have improved from the experience. The Manager gave me a chance and hopefully I showed what I can do, although I think there is a lot more to come."

The 19-year-old certainly didn't look overawed by the experience of running out for the First Team, and, in truth, in featuring in all three games in Germany, Mesca was one of our most impressive performers.

A lively second-half debut against HB Køge came before an even more positive second showing, as the youngster cut through the Lokomotive Leipzig defence with ease and played his part in two of Fulham's four goals. An exciting showing in the final game with Kaiserslautern followed, suggesting he will continue to appear throughout the summer. 

"People have asked me whether I was nervous making my debut, but honestly, I'm not someone that gets nervous ahead of matches," he said. "I love playing football and it's something that I have been doing for as long as I can remember. Of course, it is a step up for me, but as long as I have a ball at my feet I am happy.

"If you are nervous it can affect your contribution and that was a time I needed to impress. You have to show that you have what it takes and that you are willing to take the opportunity.

"To play in all three games was amazing and it felt really nice pulling on the shirt for the First Team and running out on to the pitch with the senior players – it was one of those moments you never forget.

"I think I did well and I have had some good feedback from my performances. The Manager and coaches spoke with me a lot and I just want to build on the experience now. I can't get too carried away though, because at the end of the day these were friendly matches and a long way away from the Premier League."

Clearly heartened by the displays of Kerim Frei and Alex Kacaniklic last season, Martin Jol's philosophy of blooding the Club's best young talent looks set to prosper further, and with Mesca heading a long line of potential hopefuls, the future looks bright.

"I have a great opportunity here at Fulham," says the Guinea-Bissau-born youngster. "We have a lot of good young players and looking ahead that is exciting. Martin Jol is someone that likes to bring players through from the Academy and Development Squad and develop their talents further.

"That is great for us younger players, both in terms of motivation and ambition – at Fulham you really feel you have a chance to break through. It is an important summer for me, and hopefully I can continue to improve and move in the right direction.

"Last season, both Kerim and Alex broke into the First Team, as did Marcello [Trotta] too. If I can follow a similar path I would be very, very happy. At the same time, I don't want to think too far ahead because I haven't been training with the First Team for long.

"I know that there is a lot of hard work ahead of me, but of course my goal is to play for the First Team. All I can do is build on what has been a positive summer so far and take the opportunities that I am given."



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

[WhiteJC]

 
Comings and goings



A few years ago Hade and I visited the Czech Republic. It was in some ways a big trip, not least because it was while there that I decided to start writing this blog. But we had a terrific time in so many other ways.

One of the best nights was an evening spent watching Slavia Prague play, a cracking game played in a thunder storm in a small stadium that nevertheless contained an athletics track (it can be done). I really enjoyed the match, played by two teams of very skinny but technically excellent players. This lack of physicality has been a big part of Czech football in recent times. True, they've come up with 'big' players here and there, but your average Czech footballer is more Rosicky than Koller. Small, very good on the ball, pleasing to watch.

So I've always had a soft spot for the national team and for any players from that part of the world (I still have a 'Sivok' Sparta shirt – if he does sign for us as rumoured it'll be on my back for the first game of the season). When we signed Marcel Gecov I was very happy. First impressions were that he conformed to type: neat, nimble, a good passer and team player.  Sadly he never really did get much time on the pitch, and as such it was difficult to get a feel for what he might become one way or another. It seems that he turned down a loan move to Sheffield Wednesday last year, which in retrospect might have been a mistake for him – game time is all important, after all.

Now he's off to Belgium, where I'm sure he'll do well enough. The way he plays I doubt we'll hear too much more of him – that quiet, unobtrusive style means he'll always be a 'bubbling under' type – but hopefully he'll contribute and make himself useful.

My lasting memory of Gecov will, incidentally, be of him as a sub: we sit near the warming up area and nobody watched the game as intently as Gecov; he'd sit or kneel or whatever, zen-like, staring into space, perhaps wondering how we might unlock a tight defence; perhaps wondering what to make for dinner that evening.  In this way he very closely resembled a meerkat (see above).  I'll miss him.

Not leaving us is famous right back Steve Kelly. Kelly – like almost every player who isn't obviously very gifted, it seems – has had to win the crowd over, and in truth has been a bit unfortunate in this regard.  I don't know what the benchmark for right-backs is but the skills many seem to expect of them are held by very few: "he doesn't cross well" is one thing you hear, but if you can give me a pacy right back who is solid at the back and crosses well I'll look at you and say "okay, but where are we going to find one of those?" (It feels like we have one on the left flank, but signing players of Riise's pedigree is exceptional, not normal; usually we must accept some form of compromise.)  Kelly is not perfect, but the same might be said of any number of his teammates, past and present. What he did do is make massive contributions to our Europa League final run, something that the naysayers seem happy to overlook. Kelly seems to be one of those players that people wait on for a mistake. He can have a perfectly good game, but if, in the 54th minute he slices a cross into the stand, boom, there we are: proof of his ordinariness! Chris Baird had to deal with all this, Philippe Senderos, too. It's the way things are.

As long as I've been playing and watching football, right backs have been quiet, reliable types, not prone to outbursts of any kind, just simple players who get on with it and don't let you down. Stephen Kelly fits that description perfectly, is a good player to have about the place, and well deserves his extension.


http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2012/07/25/comings-and-goings/?