Sunday Fulham Stuff (12/08/12)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Hughes extension?
   
Aaron Hughes' Fulham career looks as though it will extend beyond the forthcoming season?

Hughes is in the final year of his contract with the club but "sky sports understands" that talks have opened about extending the 32-year-olds deal.

The defender hasn't often let Fulham down since his arrival from Aston Villa in 2007 has he and has more than repaid the £1m that was paid for him at that time so seeing him extend his spell at Craven Cottage isn't something that too many will disagree with is it?


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=289622#ixzz23JBAaFdZ

[WhiteJC]

 
Which London club will sign Andrey Arshavin?

With the Russian international keen on a stay in the capital where his family is settled which clubs could sign the unwanted Arsenal playmaker? Fulham and QPR are two who have been linked with a deal.

Andrey Arshavin appears set for the exit door at Arsenal as the signings of Lukas Podolski and Santi Cazorla have pushed him even lower down the pecking order at the Emirates. But after initially struggling to settle in the capital the inside scoop is he has turned down offers so far this summer in order to stay in London where his family have now settled.

So which of the capital clubs will want to buy him and do they have a chance?


Chelsea

Despite the obvious Russian connection between Roman Abramovich and the former Zenit St Petersburg star this one is never going to happen. Chelsea have reinforced there wing and playmaker positions immensely this summer with much younger talent as Di Matteo looks toward the future the 31 year old would not fit into those plans.

Likelihood factor: 1 out of 5

Tottenham

Again a move to North London rivals Spurs is unlikely. AVB has previous in trying to use youth more than purchasing players into their 30's not to mention the taboo of moving from The Emirates to White Hart Lane.

Likelihood factor: 0 out of 5

Fulham

Fulham have been reportedly interested in the Russian and with Martin Jol favouring a fluid attacking style of play Arshavin undoubtedly fits that necessity. With a good previous working relationship with Dutch coaches with Guus Hiddink for Russia and Dick Advocaat at Zenit and again the national team this one seems the more likely the more you think about it, however a lot will depend on the future of Clint Dempsey and Moussa Dembele.

Likelihood Factor: 4 out of 5

QPR

They have been buying plenty of players in the window but already have many players who can play up front and he just doesn't strike me as a player Mark Hughes would want to sign. I think a move to QPR is unlikely but the only thing this deal has going for it is that The Hoops could afford him.

Likelihood factor: 3 out of 5

West Ham

They haven't been linked with the man who stole the show four years ago at Euro 2008 and inspired his Zenit team to European glory in the same year; but West Ham could afford the stocky trickster. Sam Allardyce has a history of helping past stars resurrect their career and the recent acquisition of Alou Diarra shows he hasn't given that hobby up. This one could rear up.

Likelihood factor: 3 out of 5

Reading

Now don't worry my geography isn't poor I do realise Reading is not a London club but it is only a short journey away and Berkshire is a pretty good place to raise a family if the truth about Arshavin's reservations about a return to Russia or a Galatasary switch are correct. Plus, Reading have a new Russian owner in Anton Zingarevich who has money to spend, not to mention former Zenit team-mate Pavel Pogrebnyak signing on at the club this summer. Sounds ludicrous at first but stranger things have happened.

Likelihood factor: 2 out of 5



http://hereisthecity.com/2012/08/10/which-london-club-will-sign-andrey-arshavin/?

[WhiteJC]

 
SUNDERLAND AND FULHAM VALUE CALLS FOR TOP TEN FINISH

Sunderland achieved a 13th-place finish last term, but a vast improvement both in terms of performances and results was evident since Martin O'Neill's arrival.

After garnering 11 points from 14 games under Steve Bruce, O'Neill steered the Mackems to 45 points, and a top-half finish looks well within reach this term at 11/10.

Punters should consider O'Neill's highly successful Aston Villa tenure for a point of encouragement regarding this bet.

In four full seasons as manager at Villa Park, O'Neill achieved top-half finishes at a 100 per cent rate, with three consecutive top-six standings emanating from his reign too.

Now taking charge on Wearside for his first full campaign, it looks wise to side with O'Neill and company to break the top ten once again.

What also bodes well for the Black Cats is their capability to dispatch the lesser sides in the Premier League.

Last season, only the eventual top six possessed a better record than Sunderland against sides that finished in the lower half of the table, which is a highly encouraging statistic.

Elsewhere, another side appearing to offer immense value to finish in the top ten is Fulham, who are afforded an 11/8 price to crack the top half.

Like Sunderland, the Cottagers benefit from the stewardship of a manager who has enjoyed consistent impressive league finishes in England's top flight, in Dutch coach Martin Jol.

Former Tottenham boss Jol guided Spurs to three consecutive top-half finishes during his spell at White Hart Lane, including two fifth-place standings in succession.

He also enjoyed a very healthy first campaign in charge of Fulham last season, having a ninth-place finish to show for his efforts with a limited budget.

The much-touted departures of star performers Moussa Dembele and Clint Dempsey have failed to materialise as of yet too, which could prove of great benefit to the Craven Cottage outfit.

With such performers remaining in the ranks, and such a capable boss at the helm, Fulham look good to extend Jol's perfect record of top-half Premier League finishes.



http://www.sportingpreview.com/football2012/2012101.php?

[WhiteJC]

 
Bentley to Fulham, Anichebe to Wigan and Damiao for Spurs?

While the majority of the country pulls on a skintight Team GB top and heads optimistically to the gym, men in boardrooms have been working up a very different kind of sweat. The kind of sweat that comes from doing big business in the transfer window, where the rumours come thick and fast, and there's no time for sentiment. Today's rumours suggest that David Bentley might finally be putting his Spurs nightmare to bed, Brazilian forward Damiao might be heading to the Lane, and Victor Anichebe might be swapping Everton for Wigan. The Life's a Pitch panel is thankfully on hand to mark these rumours out of ten.

First up, Jason Burt of the Telegraph ponders whether time has been called on David Bentley's Spurs career – with the whispers suggesting that he's off to Fulham. "He needs to go somewhere, and Spurs need to get him out," begins Jason. "I can't see him fitting into the system Villas-Boas wants to play. The problem for Spurs is that they paid an awful lot of money for him, he's on a lot of money, and Daniel Levy won't want to lose too much on him. Fulham have to do some business, but there will be financial problems with the deal so I'd give it a six out of ten."

Next, talk turns to Everton and Wigan, and David Walker of the Sunday Mirror discusses this tittle-tattle about Victor Anichebe (pictured) joining Wigan, even though he's Everton through and through. "Wigan are looking to bring in players, and they do tend to look around the North West to pick up one or two cast offs. Anichebe had an awful lot of promise, but he's had a couple of bad injuries. When the right time comes for Everton, I'd give that move a seven out of ten."

Lastly, the People's Tom Hopkinson turns his attention to talk of the Brazil striker Damiao heading to White Hart Lane. "He's been on Levy's radar for a couple of years now, but I think you're looking at a six out of ten when it comes to the likelihood of that transfer happening, purely because they'd like to sort out the deal for Emmanuel Adebayor first."



http://www.lifesapitch.co.uk/laptv/two-minute-warning/bentley-to-fulham-anichebe-to-wigan-and-damiao-for-spurs/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Shaping Up

One week to go before the curtain rises on another Premier League season. Will Fulham be raising the roof at Craven Cottage? Hopefully not, it's only just been put on.

Refurbishment of the famous old ground down by the river gives an indication of club priorities as we prepare for another campaign that holds more prospects of FFC finishing nearer the top of the league than the bottom. While the decision for major construction of a completely new Riverside stand has taken a tad longer to greenlight than expected, few doubted the eventual granting of planning permission. In the near future the club will be accomodating 30,000 plus for home games, confident of selling out on all but a very few of their 19 league fixtures. In contrast, there's little the club can do with our listed Edwardian structure along Stevenage Road, but aesthetically, and historically, a fresh lick of paint to the famous gable end is welcome and appropriate.

Unseen for most of us, a well-planned campaign to recruit and groom the stars of tomorrow has been on-going at Motspur Park for two years. The results from our academy and youth squads are already bearing fruit. Martin Jol will always be judged on results. Lose the first six and his head will be on the block. He also has to subscribe to the club's larger agenda of prudent spending and self-sufficency. That can be a tough call for an inexperienced manager on the rise (see how long Brendan's honeymoon period lasts at Liverpool), as Sanchez found out. It can also be a great test of a manager's character - arise Sir Roy of England.

Martin still has to earn his corn. I suspect in Maf's eyes, along with more than a few fans, we are still awaiting a return on our outlay for Bryan Ruiz. I sense the Costa Rican's form in the next few weeks may determine another possibly spectacular foray into the transfer market. Which brings us onto the Clint Dempsey saga. One reason for refusing to blog too early in the summer is that newspapers and web sites have to be filled with acres of the most absurd garbage. I got utterly bored with the whole Dempsey speculation surrounding Liverpool, a swop for Carroll, various clubs offering the CL route, various managers admiration for the Texan. Start replying or opinionating on this rubbish and the hound is off the leash. If you have nothing interesting to say, keep quiet! I might well post to the world that I am 'desperate to fill the boots of Robert Plant in a re-formed Led Zeppelin,' and that while our sixty-plus blond leviathan is only too happy to croon his way round the bluegrass circuit, Phil Mison cannot wait to wrap his vocal chords around 'Black Dog' for the benefit of world music. Except it aint gonna happen...and I shall keep my vocals for the car CD.

Dempsey's options are limited if he wants to find a club offering CL football. Does he risk uprooting the domestic bliss of life in leafy Wimbledon and exposing his young family to foreign cultures and a new language for the sake of what? Perhaps a place on the bench at PSG or elimination from the group stages by Christmas? Beneficial from Fulham's perspective is how Clint's unstinting progress in the EPL has flown under the radar, even to the extent that his goalscoring return of the past two seasons is seen almost a a 'fluke.' For other watchers, managers here and abroad, they have to persuade club chairman to shell out big money for a player many perceived may just have 'peaked.'

And do I see Clint as a pay rebel who will hold the club to ransom? No. He's been offered the best contract Fulham have ever put on the table. Banking £250,00 a month may sound sweet to the rest of us. Deduct supertax bracket rates from that, agent's commission and the large payments going into his pension fund, then factor in the 50 odd years of living when the tap turns off at a stroke with retirement...Clint will still be giving 100% Saturday come Norwich. Should he become a factor in any transfer swap involving Charlie Adam, Carroll or heaven knows who, Fulham will easily survive his departure. Everyone has their price. Of course, I hope he plays on in Fulham white, but not for a second would I begrudge him a move to pastures new.

Which kinda leads me into Hugo Rodallega to conclude. I can't believe some people doubting his talent. He kept Wigan afloat in the Prem, but in the first-half of last season was made the fall guy for the Latics poor form. He'd made it plain to Martinez he wanted away after giving good service, and that he would run his contract down. As a consequence Martinez found a way to earn Wigan points without Hugo, who got benched. A free transfer coup to Fulham has saved us £4-5 million on our transfer budget. Great business!

Digest that boys and girls and let's hear where you think the team still needs to strengthen. It's very clear there's a financial reality check in play in the market, it's even getting under Fergie's skin (lucky he's got so many biased ref decisions to look forward to) and, to be honest, I don't think there's too big a talent pool out there right now.

Last few days of sun and sea for your correspondent before I point my Mini Cooper back towards ol' London town later this week. Time to start the build up in anticipation and remember...aint it just so much better following this club than anyone else?

Twitter@fulhamphil


http://blogs.soccernet.com/fulham/archives/2012/08/shaping_up.php?

[WhiteJC]

 
Win Fulham v Norwich tickets!

EA SPORTS™, the Official Sports Technology Partner of the Barclays Premier League, has teamed up with the the Fulham Chronicle to offer one lucky reader a pair of tickets to your team's next Barclays Premier League Match.

The winner will also receive a copy of FIFA 13, released on the September 28.

EA SPORTS is the proud sponsor of the Barclays Premier League Player Performance Index. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index is the Barclays Premier League's official statistical index of all 20 Barclays Premier League teams.

The EA SPORTS Team of the Week will be available at www.premierleague.com after each round of the Barclays Premier League. The team will be based on ratings from the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index.

To stand a chance of winning, simply answer the following question: What is the name of Norwich City's new manager?

Email your answer along with your name, address and daytime contact number to [email protected]

Closing date for entries is midday this Monday (August 13). Normal competition rules apply.



Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/fulham-fc/2012/08/11/82029-31602541/?#ixzz23JEZepA7

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham 1 Charlton 2



Brilliant Addicks defeat Premier League opposition in final pre-season friendly
Gary Haines reports from Craven Cottage

Charlton sealed an impressive friendly victory against London neighbours Fulham in their final friendly of the summer on Saturday.

Two goals in eight second-half minutes from Johnnie Jackson and Yann Kermorgant turned the game on its head after Damian Duff's early opener for the Premier League side.

The Addicks were good value for this win too, hanging in the game when up against it in the early stages, and creating plenty of other openings in a heartening second-half display.

Jackson's productive pre-season continued as he leveller matters on the banks of the Rover Thames.

The Addicks skipper pounced to turn home a clipped centre from Kermorgant 20 minutes from time.

And eight minutes later Kermorgant scored what proved to be the winner, hammering home a shot from just inside the box after a cross from Bradley Pritchard was only half-cleared.

Pritchard had seen his stinging drive turned away by Schwarzer earlier in the half and Wright-Phillips was also foiled by the big Australian as the visitors sensed a late third.

Duff had opened the scoring – but not the floodgates – when he started and finished a neat move with just six minutes on the clock, and the Irishman would be a lively presence all game.

His deflected cross hit the bar after the break with Ben Hamer making a smart save from substitute Hugo Rodallega's free-kick.

It was the Addicks who took the spoils at an eerie Craven Cottage, however, scoring both their goals at the Putney Road End, where the Addicks fans were loud and proud in the FA Cup third round clash in January.

Just a handful of stewards and home officials were in situ there this time round, but the final whistle certainly triggered warm applause from the handful present in West London.

Five friendly wins in six, two against high-profile opposition, capped an encouraging pre-season campaign and will set up Chris Powell and co for their Championship assault in just a week's time.

In terms of team news Hamer got a belated taste of Craven Cottage after missing last season's FA Cup clash through suspension.

He sat behind a backline of full-backs Chris Solly and Rhoys Wiggins and central pairing Leon Cort and Michael Morrison.

Dale Stephens, Bradley Pritchard, Danny Hollands and skipper Jackson comprised the midfield unit with Wright-Phillips and Kermorgant up top.

The hosts fielded a strong starting XI skippered by Brede Hangeland and with Bryan Ruiz supporting new signing from Hamburg Mladen Petric up front.

The nearby Olympics rendered the game a private affair but there was very much a big game feel to proceedings from the tannoy announcer 'Diddy' David Hamilton booming out the teams and a pre-match big screen interview with Cottagers boss Martin Jol.

There were stewards aplenty too, and the music also blared out around this quaintest of all the grounds although there was an eerie silence around the four stands with no supporters present.

Home appeals for an opening minute penalty were ignored by referee Andre Marriner after Wiggins' challenge on the tricky Duff.

But the Cottagers were ahead in the sixth minute – with the Irishman on target.

Duff drove in from the left into a central position and fed Kacaniklic on the left before continuing his run into the box.

So he was then well placed to meet the full-back and coolly dispatch his shot into the back of the net.

The Addicks were working hard to keep their hosts at bay, and produced some neat work with no real end product.

Livewire striker Petric won a free-kick after a mistimed challenge from Pritchard on 18 minutes but Hamer confidently watched the set-piece fly wide of his left upright.

After a dangerous Stephens corner was flicked behind by Sascha Riether, the Addicks created their best opening to date from Jackson's follow-up flag-kick midway through the half.

Morrison connected amid a cluster of shirts in the box but his header sailed over the bar and into the empty stand behind the goal.

After Stephens sloppily gave the ball away on the half hour, Ruiz advanced forward and saw his shot clatter the retrieving midfielder and behind for a corner.

After a free-kick – in similar range to the earlier effort – was switched to Chris Baird, the Northern Ireland international saw his shot blocked behind by a defender.

And from that 33rd-minute corner Mahamadou Diarra rose to head Duff's centre off target.

As the interval approached, a quick Cottagers break saw Kacaniklic cut into the box on the left but he could only shoot tamely straight at Hamer.

Hamer then got behind a shot from Moussa Dembele moments later and the Belgian was well tracked by Morrison as he burst through the middle to shoot over.

The centre-back too exception to the antics of the Fulham man in the aftermath and was lectured by the referee after a brief coming together.

In the last seconds of the half a terrific centre from the right from Pritchard just eluded both Jackson and Kermorgant in the box, prompting gasps from the home bench.

That proved the last action of the half as the hosts went in ahead.

Kacaniklic looped a header over the bar five minutes after the restart and Cort and then Solly blocked efforts from Duff after some slick Fulham interplay.

Having warmed up during the break on an exercise bike parallel to the home dug-out, summer signing Hugo Rodallega entered the fray for Kacaniklic.

Kermorgant's low shot was saved by Mark Schwarzer, with Duff powering away on the left and seeing his sweet angled strike saved by Hamer.

Charlton's best opening to date then arrived in the 56th minute via Pritchard.

Well-placed when a cross from the left found him in space on the right, there was nothing wrong with the midfielder's strike.

And it would have been a leveller but for the evergreen fingertips of Schwarzer, who sharply turned the shot to safety.

Having not been tested in the opening period, the Australian was proving his worth with two saves in as many minutes.

And the action was fast and furious at the start of the half with Duff's cross from the left, a minute shy of the hour mark, clattering off a covering Solly before clipping the goal on its way behind.

Wiggins got across well to make a fine covering challenge on Rodallega after a dangerous burst from Ruiz before Salim Kerkar came on for Hollands on 65 minutes. At the same juncture Matt Taylor replaced Cort.

Steve Sidwell replaced Dembele as the substitute board went into overdrive but when the action settled back down, Charlton hauled themselves level 20 minutes from time.

Kermorgant was the creator, clipping a cute diagonal pass from a central berth and Jackson got behind his marker and steered home a shot with the hosts – and possibly the Addicks skipper - waiting for an offside flag that didn't come.

Great skill from Kerkar almost created an opening moments later as the hosts desperately cleared the danger

Ruiz flashed a cross-cum-shot across the face of goal and wide for Fulham – but the Addicks snatched the lead in the 78th minute through Kermorgant.

After a driving run from Stephens, the ball was switched out to Pritchard on the right.

His cross was only half-headed clear as Jackson challenged in the middle and the ball span out deliciously for Kermorgant to smash an unstoppable shot past Schwarzer.

The Australian held a shot from Wright-Phillips and Solly, with only one senior goal in Addicks colours under his belt, drifted in from the right and curled an effort inches over the bar.

That came nine minutes from time with the hard-working Pritchard immediately making way for Lawrie Wilson as Kerim Frei and Matthew Briggs came on for Fulham.

Danger came for the Addicks three minutes later after the long-legged Briggs was desperately fouled by Stephens right on the edge of the box.

Baird touched the ball off to Rodallega whose curving, swerving free-kick was shovelled away by a star-shaped Hamer.

It might have been 3-1 two minutes from time as Jackson's sweeping pass sent Wright-Phillips away on goal.

Confronted with the sizable presence of Schwarzer, the striker opted to go round the big Australian, only to be foiled by a foot with the ball dropping behind for a corner.

The home keeper kept out a curler from Kerkar before the injury-time introduction of Jordan Cook for Wright-Phillips.

But there was scarcely time for the newcomer to work up a sweat as the visitors held firm for a terrific win.

Charlton: Hamer; Solly, Wiggins, Morrison, Cort (Taylor 65); Pritchard (Wilson 81), Stephens, Hollands (Kerkar 65), Jackson; Kermorgant, Wright-Phillips (Cook 90).

Subs (not used): Sullivan, Evina, Wagstaff, Green, Smith, Hayes.

Goals: Jackson 70, Kermorgant 78

Fulham: Schwarzer; Riether, Riise, Hangeland, Baird; Duff, Diarra, Dembele (Sidwell 66), Kacaniklic (Rodallega 54); Ruiz (Frei 81), Petric (Briggs 81).

Subs(not used): Stockdale, Kelly, Kasami, Burn, Trotta.

Goals: Duff 6

Ref: A Marriner

Att: 0



http://www.cafc.co.uk//news/article/20121108-fulham-1-charlton-2-306548.aspx?&pageView=full#anchored

[WhiteJC]

 
Baird's Charlton Reflection

Chris Baird admitted a home defeat to Charlton Athletic was disappointing in Fulham's final pre-season friendly of the summer.

Damien Duff put Fulham into an early lead against Championship Charlton in the behind-closed-doors friendly at Craven Cottage, but the Addicks hit back in the second half to secure a 2-1 win through goals from Johnnie Jackson and Yann Kermorgant.

And while he was frustrated with the defeat, Baird, who started at centre-half, insists next week's Barclays Premier League opener with Norwich City bore much more importance.

"Obviously it's disappointing to lose," he told the official website. "We were excellent in the first half and could have been two or three up. I'm disappointed we didn't get more goals and we were sloppy in the second half and it cost us.

"We're all disappointed but I'd rather lose this one than lose next week. We'll go into next week looking for the three points to start us off."

Charlton's equaliser from Jackson had more than a hint of offside about it, with replays later confirming that a flag should have been raised.

"I knew it was [offside]," said Baird. "I had a good position with Brede, but the assistant referee didn't wave his flag and it's unfortunate.

"For their second goal, I thought I'd got enough on the cross to clear it but it fell to their striker and he struck it well, it was a good finish from the lad.

"That was the story of the second half, they were first onto everything. But we're looking forward to next week and getting off to a good start."

The loss to the Addicks was Fulham's first defeat of their pre-season games this summer and Baird stated: "It's been a good pre-season. That was our first loss. We've still got a week to go and we're looking forward to getting started.

"Fitness-wise everyone looks good. We've had five or six weeks of a good pre-season and we're raring to go for next week. They're always hard games in the Premier League. But we're at home, we fancy ourselves and we'll be looking to get the three points."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2012/August/BairdReflection.aspx?

[WhiteJC]

 
Kermogant sinks Fulham as Addicks spring surprise
by DAN on AUGUST 11, 2012


Leon Cort challenges Mladen Petric during Charlton's win at Craven Cottage (Photo: PA)

For around seventy minutes, this was the pre-season warm-up Martin Jol would have wanted ahead of the start of Fulham's Premier League campaign against Norwich City next weekend. A strong Fulham side, arguably only missing Aaron Hughes and Clint Dempsey from the first choice line-up, settled swiftly to their task and passed their way around a Charlton outfit sharpening up ahead of life in the Championship. The energetic Damien Duff gave the Whites the early lead their expansive football merited, but Jol would have been angered by the lack of urgency after the interval and two goals in seven second half minutes, superbly taken by the Addicks' captain Johnnie Jackson and the excellent Yann Kermogant, gave Chris Powell's side an impressive win.

Charlton's comeback avenged their harsh 4-0 hammering in the FA Cup third round meeting between the sides back in January but Fulham only had their themselves to blame for throwing away a commanding position in a game that they bossed for the first 45 minutes. Duff, easily the game's stand-out performer in the first period, didn't see enough of the ball after the break and Charlton, much improved once Salim Kerkar was introduced as a second-half substitute, punished their labouring hosts.

Kermogant, who scored twelve vital goals last season, found plenty of space between the Fulham midfield and back four as time ticked on and he made the equaliser with a floated diagonal ball that caught Chris Baird pushing up as Brede Hangeland held a higher line. The pair appealed in vain for offside as Jackson, who was lively all afternoon down the Charlton left, sneaked in to steer a composed finish past a stranded Mark Schwarzer. Worse was to come seven minutes later when the French forward found the far corner with a fierce half-volley after Fulham had failed to clear a Bradley Pritchard cross.

The visitors were good value for their victory, with Schwarzer having to dash from his line to deny Bradley Wright-Phillips in injury time with his feet and the Australian goalkeeper also made excellent saves from Pritchard and the mercurial Kerkar. Had full-back Chris Solly scored only his second senior Charlton goal after galloping into space on angle of the eighteen yard box, there could have been few Fulham complaints – but the collapse given their first half superiority was staggering.

Duff was the regular outlet and the Irish winger, eager to make an impression on his only his third summer start since rejoining his club colleagues after his European Championship exploits, might have been awarded a penalty inside the first minute when he was checked by Rhoys Wiggins but referee Andre Marriner waved play on. Duff didn't need to wait long before breaking the deadlock, though, as the opening goal arrived from a flowing Fulham move in the fifth minute. Duff started and finished the moving, picking up possession in a central area and driving towards goal, before picking out Alex Kacaniklic with a fine pass, and coolly converting the Swede's low cross from seven yards.

Fulham looked dangerous going forward for the remainder of the first period, with Bryan Ruiz to the fore. The Costa Rican international looks much sharper with a full pre-season behind him and has struck up a promising partnership with new striker Mladen Petric. Ruiz himself was only denied a second by a fine saving tackle from Dale Stephens and, after Mahmadou Diarra glanced a corner fractionally wide, Kacanklic drilled a shot straight at Ben Hamer after a fast Fulham break and a mazy dribble from Moussa Dembele culminated with the Belgian shooting over and eluding a wild tackle from Michael Morrison, who had headed Charlton's best opening harmlessly over when unattended at a corner.

The early stages of the second half offered little warning of the turnaround to come as Fulham went close to doubling their lead. Kacaniklic, profiting from the space created by a clever Petric run, headed over from a central position and Duff saw two shots blocked in quick succession as a clever jink created half a yard of space in the box. Solly almost inadvertently put the game beyond his team-mates when he deflected a Duff cross on to the top of the Hammersmith End crossbar. Fulham were fitful once Kacaniklic and Ruiz were withdrawn and Charlton, energised by Powell's effective substitutions, grew in confidence and their clinical late finishing inflicted Fulham's first pre-season defeat.

FULHAM (4-2-3-1): Schwarzer; Riether, Riise, Baird, Hangeland; Diarra, Dembele (Sidwell 66); Duff, Kacaniklic (Rodallega 54), Ruiz (Frei 81); Petric (Briggs 81). Subs (not used): Stockdale, Kelly, Burn, Kasami, Trotta.

GOAL: Duff (6).

CHARLTON ATHLETIC (4-4-2): Hamer; Solly, Wiggins, Cort (Taylor 65), Morrison; Hollonds (Kerkar 65), Stephens, Jackson, B. Pritchard (Wilson 81), Jackson; Kermogant, B. Wright-Phillips (Cook 90). Subs (not used): Sullivan, Evina, Wagstaff, Green, Smith, Hayes.

GOALS: Jackson (70), Kermogant (78).

REFEREE: Andre Marriner (West Midlands)

ATTENDANCE: 310.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2012/08/kermogant-sinks-fulham-as-addicks-spring-surprise/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Kacaniklic called into Sweden squad
by DAN on AUGUST 11, 2012



Alex Kacaniklic has been handed his first call-up to the Swedish national squad for next week's friendly against Brazil as a late replacement for the injured Emir Bajrami.

The Fulham winger has been offered an opportunity to impress Erik Hamren after Bajrami injured his back whilst training with Monaco, who he recently joined on loan from FC Twente. Kacaniklic has been capped at under-19 level and been included in under-21 squads but his promotion to the senior side is deserved recognition after his impressive introduction to the Fulham first team during the second half of last season. The twenty year-old, who enjoyed a successful loan spell with Watford, made four appearances under Martin Jol last season, one of which saw him saw a deflected winner at his old club Liverpool.

Wednesday night's friendly against Brazil is Sweden's first fixture since their group stage exit from the summer's European Championship and their last game at the famous Råsunda Stadium before a new national stadium is opened for November's friendly with England.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2012/08/kacaniklic-called-into-sweden-squad/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham and West Ham target wants to leave, confirms Wolves boss

Transfer news: Matt Jarvis has been linked with a move to London

West Ham and Fulham target Matt Jarvis wants to leave the club, manager Stale Solbakken has confirmed.

The winger has been linked with a move to London after his side were relegated from the Premier League last season.

"He wants to leave but it has to be right for Wolves," Solbakken said.

"At the end of the day, I am not making the final decision.

"We are a little unsettled at the moment and everything is not fine. It is stupid to say everything is fine. We have to fight through this."



http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/fulham_and_west_ham_target_wants_to_leave_confirms_wolves_boss_1_1479037?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham defender: I'd rather lose to Charlton today than Norwich next week

Pre-Season Friendly: Fulham 1 Charlton 2

Fulham defender Chris Baird will forget about the Whites' defeat to Charlton as long as they beat Norwich next week.

The west Londoners had taken the lead through Damien Duff but Johnnie Jackson and Yann Kermorgant gave the Addicks the win.

"Obviously it's disappointing to lose," he told the official website. "We were excellent in the first half and could have been two or three up.

"I'm disappointed we didn't get more goals and we were sloppy in the second half and it cost us.

"We're all disappointed but I'd rather lose this one than lose next week. We'll go into next week looking for the three points to start us off."



http://www.london24.com/sport/league-1/charlton-athletic/fulham_defender_i_d_rather_lose_to_charlton_today_than_norwich_next_week_1_1479044?

[WhiteJC]

 
Rodgers will use Adam as bait in new bid to bring Fulham's £10m Dempsey to Liverpool

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers is prepared to jettison Scotland midfielder Charlie Adam in order to sign Fulham's Clint Dempsey.

Rodgers sees the 26-year-old as surplus to requirements at Anfield following the arrival of Joe Allen from Swansea City on Friday and the impressive form of Jonjo Shelvey.

Rodgers and the club's American owners want USA striker Dempsey but have been unable to agree a deal with Fulham, who value him at £10million.


London calling? Charlie Adam (left) could be on the way out of Anfield

But Liverpool hope the inclusion of Adam as part of the package will help push the move forward. Fulham are looking for a creative midfielder following the departure of Danny Murphy.

Rodgers is an admirer of Adam but has been surprised by the emergence of youngster Shelvey, who was picked ahead of his Scottish rival for the Europa League win against Gomel last week.

Like striker Andy Carroll, there are doubts Adam can fit into the quick-passing style Rodgers wants to introduce.


In demand: Clint Dempsey hit 23 goals in 45 games for Fulham last season

Rodgers has already begun breaking up Dalglish's squad by letting Craig Bellamy, Maxi Rodriguez, Dirk Kuyt and Alberto Aquilani leave but he needs more departures to bring in more signings, following the arrivals of Fabio Borini and Allen.

Daniel Agger is the subject of interest from Manchester City, while Liverpool hope to agree a deal which would see £35m Carroll return to Newcastle only 18 months after he joined.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2186960/Clint-Dempsey-Liverpool-Charlie-Adam-used-bait.html#ixzz23JIX2rXE

[HatterDon]

Bentley to Fulham, Anichebe to Wigan and Damiao for Spurs?



First up, Jason Burt of the Telegraph ponders whether time has been called on David Bentley's Spurs career – with the whispers suggesting that he's off to Fulham. "He needs to go somewhere, and Spurs need to get him out," begins Jason. "I can't see him fitting into the system Villas-Boas wants to play. The problem for Spurs is that they paid an awful lot of money for him, he's on a lot of money, and Daniel Levy won't want to lose too much on him. Fulham have to do some business, but there will be financial problems with the deal so I'd give it a six out of ten."



http://www.lifesapitch.co.uk/laptv/two-minute-warning/bentley-to-fulham-anichebe-to-wigan-and-damiao-for-spurs/?

So we're going to get Bentley because Spurs need to offload him, NOT because we need him? To much of the sporting press we are STILL a club whose main aim is to help bigger clubs solve their roster problems. When will they realize that we're not in the Championship or below, and that we compete with those clubs?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham boss wants Sunderland star and Bolton striker – report

Fulham boss Martin Jol is considering a move for Sunderland's Kieran Richardson and is making a surprise £3m bid to sign Bolton Wanderers striker David Ngog, according to The People.

Richardson has been tipped to leave the Stadium of Light for £2m, while Frenchman Ngog has been linked with several clubs since Bolton were relegated last season.

It is also claimed Jol is weighing up a move for Peterborough striker Paul Taylor if he misses out on Huddersfield's Jordan Rhodes.

The Mail on Sunday suggest Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers is prepared to offer Charlie Adam to Fulham as part of an exchange deal for Clint Dempsey.

Meanwhile, Blackpool have rejected the chance to sign Joey Barton from QPR on a season-long loan, the Sunday Mirror say.

It was claimed that Barton was on the verge of a move to Bloomfield Road and that Blackpool were keen to sign him to get one over neighbours Fleetwood Town, where the midfielder had been training.

It is now said that Blackpool did not think it made financial sense to sign a player who is suspended for the first 12 matches of the season.

QPR are ready to tempt St Etienne with a £7.5m offer for young French centre-back Kurt Zouma, according to The Sun on Sunday.

Rangers supposedly face competition from Juventus, who planned to watch the 17-year-old face Lille on Saturday.

And The People pick up on R's boss Mark Hughes' apparent interest in signing William Gallas from Tottenham.

Southampton are confident they will keep defender Luke Shaw in spite of Chelsea's £4m bid, The Sun on Sunday report.

Chelsea are among several leading clubs to have shown an interest in the Saints prospect, 17, but have been told he is not for sale.

Related West London Sport story: Chelsea to table bid for Saints prospect (2 July)

Chelsea expect to complete the signing of Victor Moses from Wigan for £8.5m this week, according to the Daily Star Sunday.

Wigan chairman Dave Whelan said: "I have spoken to Chelsea's chief executive and they are easy to deal with. We have told them the price and they will agree it or not.

"We would much prefer Victor to sign a new contract but he wants to go to Chelsea. It's a good club so we cannot stand in his way."

The Star also say Fernando Torres has two weeks to prove he can fill the boots of Didier Drogba.

It is claimed that if the Spaniard doesn't strike – starting against Manchester City today – boss Roberto Di Matteo won't think twice about replacing him.



http://www.westlondonsport.com/paper-talk/fulham-boss-wants-sunderland-star-and-bolton-striker-report

[WhiteJC]

 
Congratulations Carlos
   
He may not have had the most fruitful of Craven Cottage careers, but it still gave me a sense of pride to see our former Mexican defender, Carlos Salcido, go for gold.

In a thrilling Olympic Football tournament finale, Carlos was part of the Mexico side that pulled off something of a shock in beating Brazil 2-1 yesterday.

Deployed as a midfield enforcer, Salcido`s tough tackling blunted Brazil`s cutting edge and I`m sure, at the final whistle, I spotted a smile on the craggy face of the Mexican.

Well done Carlos from all at Vital Fulham.


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=289717#ixzz23KUf5gm

[WhiteJC]

 
No Way Back?
   
It appears there is no way back for Clint Dempsey now!

All summer we have been prepared for the departure of Clint Dempsey and now it looks very much as if Clint is, if our information is correct, trying to force the issue.

The latest reports infer that Jol is now preparing to leave Dempsey out of our season opener against Norwich City with the 29 year-old striker-come-midfielder looking to push through a move to either of the trio of clubs that are reported to be interested in him - Liverpool, AS Roma and Tottenham.

The only problem, it appears, is that neither of the trio are prepared to pay the asking price of £9 million, although we suspect that this could come down if a deal is not struck by the time the transfer window starts to swing shut.

Stay tuned is all we`ll say!


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=289720#ixzz23KV38iyX

[WhiteJC]

 
Does This One Grab Your Fancy?
   
Rumours that Martin Jol is desperately trying to boost his strike force continue to generate column inches in the Sunday press.

The latest inference is that one target could very well be

Ngog, a French international, came to prominence at Liverpool but is currently being paraded in the colours of recently relegated Bolton Wanderers.

As for the obligatory fee, well £3 million is mentioned.

Like I said, does this one tickle your fancy?


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=289721#ixzz23KVCcuKo

[WhiteJC]

 
Rhodes or Taylor
   
Our apparent insistence on grabbing a striker from the lower league continues to prove interesting.

We believe that our first choice target is the prolific Huddersfield Town striker, Jordan Rhodes. Unfortunately, Blackburn Rovers, despite being a Championship club, appear to be leading this particular race as they`re prepared to offer more money up front than us.

If that is the case, the Sunday tabloid press are now inferring that Jol could turn his attentions to the Peterborough forward, Paul Taylor.

If so, we`d like you to tell us which of the two you`d prefer to see at Craven Cottage.


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=289722#ixzz23KVW2D9K

[WhiteJC]

 
A Decent Price?
   
The Sunday tabloid press have thrown up an interesting possibility.

The insistence is there that Fulham are weighing up a move for the experienced Sunderland player Kieran Richardson.

Richardson is a versatile wing-back (their words not mine) who is on offer for around £2 million.

We also understand that a fee of £2 million could be sufficient to swing a deal for a player who has expressed a desire to return to London.

A deal or no deal?

You decide!


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=289723#ixzz23KVh1Wl6