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Friday Fulham Stuff (17/08/12)...

Started by WhiteJC, August 17, 2012, 07:38:07 AM

Previous topic - Next topic

WhiteJC

 
Good News!
   
According to several sources, all the kerfuffle relating to Moussa Dembele possibly moving to Real Madrid could just have ended.

After dithering over the price for the Spurs midfielder, Luka Modric, it now appears that the Spanish giants of Real Madrid have agreed a £35 million fee with Spurs and that the Croatian will be moving to the Bernabou Stadium thereby, we hope, negating their interest in Moussa.

Keep those fingers crossed everyone!


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=290191#ixzz23mbS0vcB

WhiteJC

 
Norwegians on Target
   
The big risk with playing a round of internationals so close to the start of the new season is that some key operatives may come back crocked.

Here at Vital Fulham we`re still awaiting any news on that front but it does appear it was a productive night for our Norwegian players.

Although Norway lost 3-2, at home to Greece, the Norwegian goals were scored by Hangeland and Riise, nice work lads.


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=290193#ixzz23mbsm59S

WhiteJC

 
Rhodes Makes Headlines Again
   
That man Jordan Rhodes is making the headlines again!

With us suggesting (again) that Fulham may be set to enter the race to bring the Huddersfield striker to Craven Cottage after a move to Ewood Park never materialized, the prolific striker scored on the international stage last night.

Playing for Scotland, Rhodes got on the score-sheet as Scotland beat Australia 3-1.

All we`ll say is go get him Martin Jol, some players are natural born scorers and I reckon this lad is one of them!


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=290192#ixzz23mc4RHjA


WhiteJC

 
Join The Fun

Before the start of the opening match of the season against Norwich, all Fulham fans are invited to Bishops Park. Family Fun Day is back with plenty of activities for everyone to get involved in, all free of charge.

All supporters are invited to come on down from 12pm to take part.

Match tickets are also still available on General Sale - find out more at fulhamfc.com/tickets.

Collect your free goody bags

To celebrate the start of another Barclays Premier League season, free goody bags will be available for junior supporters to collect from the giant inflatable football in Bishops Park from midday.

Make sure you arrive early as we only have a limited number to hand out.

Show off your football skills with the Foundation

There will be a number of small sided football matches taking place inside our two inflatable pitches from 12pm. Young supporters are invited to experience an action packed match where they can showcase their new skills in front of fans heading to the big game.

With no pre-booking required, simply turn up from 12pm and introduce yourselves to our enthusiastic and fully qualified Foundation coaches.



Take on the Target Cage and win a signed football


Why not test your accuracy with the Foundation Target Cage and have a chance of winning a fantastic prize?

One lucky supporter who scores the highest number of points from three shots will win a signed Fulham FC football.

The winner will be contacted the week following the match and if more than one supporter has the same high score, the winner will be selected at random.



Check in to win with Fulham and foursquare


This Saturday, foursquare and Fulham FC will be running a matchday special; the first 20 fans to check-in at Family Fun Day will win a Fulham Monopoly board game.

The check-in special will be available from 12.30pm, if you're one of the first 20 to do so, head over to the giant inflatable football and show your special to one of the members of staff. Hurry though as there are a limited number available, so make sure you don't miss out!



Face Painting and Balloon Modelling


Show your support for Fulham by getting your face painted in Fulham colours before the match. Come on down to one of our Fulham gazebos in Bishops Park before the game!

Our talented balloon modeller will also be on site to make you anything you like! A mini Billy the Badger, a hat in Fulham colours, or test him out with an idea of your own!   



Meet Billy the Badger

Our furry mascot Billy the Badger will be on hand to pose for photos in his new Fulham kit.

He will also take part in some activities so get there early to see him. Make sure you're in Bishops Park from midday to meet him!



Ticket Information

Tickets are still available for the match on General Sale at fulhamfc.com/tickets.



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

WhiteJC

 
HUGHTON ON FULHAM

Manager looks ahead to opening day

THE 2012-13 Barclays Premier League season gets underway on Saturday and Norwich City Manager Chris Hughton is keen to get off to a positive start as he gears his side up for the challenge of Fulham at Craven Cottage.

The new Manager's first competitive game in charge of the Canaries will be against Martin Jol's Cottagers in a 3pm kick-off – a test Hughton is relishing.

He told Canaries Player: "I'm looking forward to the challenges ahead.

"The Premier League is demanding. It's a tough league of quality players, and every game will be difficult.

"It's always nice to get off to a good start, but the whole season is over a long period of time. You can not win your first game but see good things to inspire you going into the next group of games.

"Fulham have had good players, good managers, and they have managed to maintain a good home record. I know they have gone through periods in the past where they've found it difficult to get results away from home, but during that time their home form has been outstanding enough to keep them consistent.

"Martin Jol is a very good friend of mine, who I know from his time at Tottenham. 

"What I have seen Fulham do over a period of time is improve the level of players they have had as the seasons have gone on. Consequently they have now maintained their position, and it's testament to the managers that they have had."

Hughton himself has been busy throughout the summer, bringing in Steven Whittaker, Jacob Butterfield, Robert Snodgrass, and Michael Turner so far – however only two are likely to be available for selection against Fulham.

Whittaker picked up an ankle injury in the 1-0 pre-season win over Celtic, whilst Butterfield is continuing his recovery from a knee injury sustained at former club Barnsley.

"I'm happy with what we've brought in," said Hughton. "They've all been involved, but it was disappointing for Steven Whittaker to have picked up an injury - though he's not too far away.

"In regards to Jacob Butterfield, we were aware that he was going to be a few weeks behind everyone else. He had an injury and an operation, but he is back in training now and I'm very much looking forward to seeing him involved.

"It's good to be able to start a season with most of your first team squad fit, and a good pre-season behind you."

Steve Morison, Russ Martin, Robert Snodgrass, and John Ruddy were all involed in international action on Wednesday night, but returned injury free in time for training on Thursday.

The midweek internationals were particularly pleasing for goalkeeper Ruddy, who finally made his England debut in a 2-1 win over Italy after he came off the bench to replace Jack Butland.

Hughton said: "Firstly it's great for us at Norwich city to have a player involved in an international set up. 

"There are a lot of good young 'keepers, but I think the fact that he was included in the summer programme is important, as is the fact he has been included in the first friendly of the season."



http://www.canaries.co.uk//news/article/hughton-on-fulham-316535.aspx?&pageView=full#anchored

WhiteJC

 
Behind Enemy Lines: Norwich City (H)
by WILL on AUGUST 16, 2012

In what will be a regular post before every game, Hammyend will be interviewing opposition fans to preview the next opposition to play Fulham.

Our first set of questions was answered by Michael Dilley, who used to be the editor of the Norwich City Vital Football blog until the end of last season. Here is his take on the upcoming encounter between the two sides:

Will:Hi Michael and thank you very much for taking the time to answer our questions. Firstly, How long have you supported Norwich for?

Michael A:Well first up unlike a lot of people I'm not a lifelong City fan, and have only really followed them since about 2000. There's a fairly long and convoluted story as to why that is, which I wrote about on for Vital several years ago - http://www.norwich.vitalfootball.co.uk/sitepage.asp?a=96998

Q:You lost Paul Lambert to Aston Villa this summer- do you think this is a significant loss in Norwich and will affect your season a lot?

A:There's no doubt that Lambert leaving is a huge loss for us, he was our most successful manager for years – something he never tired of reminding us – but how if will impact us this year remains to be seen.

Q:Chris Hughton has come in- do you think he is the right man for the job?

A:Absolutely, yes. He was the man most supporters wanted when Lambert walked, and the board moved quickly to get him. He's likely to be given time too which could prove critical if things go south.

Q:How has your pre-season gone, both fixture and transfer-wise?

A:We've bought in what look like a good mix of experience (Whittaker) and prospects (Butterfield, Snodgrass) and more importantly haven't lost anyone key from last season to bigger clubs. The friendly matches have largely gone the way you'd expect, although some are concerned that we haven't exactly been hitting the back of the net on a regular basis.

Q:Many clubs suffer from "second-season syndrome", where they perform much more poorly than they did in the first season. As a club that performed quite well last season, do you think you will suffer from this?

A:We had an incredible season last season, and it's going to be extremely difficult to replicate that points tally and finish this year, so if that constitutes "second season syndrome" then I think it's inevitable. I genuinely don't think we'll go down though, and we're still very much in that "anything above 18th would be a good season" space – although a lot of people would rather not think like that, which could prove interesting down the line.

Q:Do you have any players in the Norwich squad who you think will make a real impression on the Premier League this season?

A:We've got an excellent young squad (if memory serves ours was the youngest squad in the Premier League last season) and several stand out, but I think this could be an excellent year for Jonny Howson. He arrived from Leeds in January and immediately looked the part, and after a solid pre-season should be a big, big player for us.

Q:Who is the Norwich danger man that Fulham should be watching out for in the match?

A:Other than Howson, Anthony Pilkington is one to keep an eye on – and of course we're all waiting to see if Grant Holt can reproduce his heroics of last year.

Q:If you could take one Fulham player for the Norwich Squad, who would it be?

A:Clint Dempsey is a quality player, but I'd go for Hugo Rodallega. Any striker with the sort of pace he has would be lethal in our side with the way we pass the ball around.

Q:How do you see Fulham's season going?

A:To be honest I think it'll be a fairly uneventful year for you guys. I can't see you realistically challenging for Europe, but I'd be very surprised if you were in the relegation shake-up. I'd expect a solid mid-table finish.

Q: And finally, of course, your prediction for the match?

A:We don't exactly have a great recent record at the Cottage, but with a new manager at the helm and new players eager to impress on the opening day I'm going to be very boring and go for a 1-1 draw.



Thanks for answering the questions and may the best team win. Good luck with the new season!



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2012/08/behind-enemy-lines-norwich-city-h/?


WhiteJC

 
Win VIP tickets to watch Man Utd v Fulham at Old Trafford with bwin
Three runners-up will each receive grandstand tickets for Manchester United v Fulham on Saturday, 25 August.

Manchester United's determination to win the Premier League this season has been laid bare by the signing of Robin van Persie and, thanks to bwin, you could be in the VIP seats at Old Trafford to watch the Red Devils play the first home game of their new title campaign.

As the new official online betting and gaming partner of Manchester United, bwin is giving customers the chance to win a pair of VIP tickets to see the Red Devils take on Fulham at Old Trafford on Saturday, 25th August.

Competition entrants could also get their hands on one of three pairs of grandstand tickets to the match if they are unsuccessful in their attempt to win VIP passes.

All you need to do to be in with a chance of winning the VIP tickets is correctly predict the score of Manchester United's first game of the new season away to Everton on Monday, 20th August and answer the following question:

Which former Red Devil is now club captain at Goodison Park?

Send your prediction and the answer to the question, along with your bwin username, to [email protected] before 19:59 on Monday, 20th August 2012 and you'll be eligible for our prize draw.

The names of those who correctly guess the scoreline of Monday's game between Everton and Man Utd, identify the Toffees' club captain and provide their bwin username will be placed into a hat.

Two VIP tickets to watch Manchester United v Fulham on 25th August will then be made available to the first name drawn.

However, your chances of winning a ticket to the game do not end there.

Aside from the winner of the VIP tickets, all those who correctly named the Everton club captain and provided their bwin username – regardless of whether or not they correctly predicted the Everton v Man Utd scoreline – will be entered into a second draw.

The first three names chosen will each receive a pair of grandstand tickets to watch the Red Devils take on the Cottagers.

For updates about the competition and news of further giveaways, make sure you keep an eye on bwinbetting.com, the official bwin Twitter account @bwin and the bwin Facebook page at facebook.com/bwin.

Full terms and conditions for the competition are listed below.

Promotion Terms and Conditions – Man United vs Fulham Ticket Promotion

Promotion Period: This promotion is only valid from 18:00 (GMT +1) on 16 August 2012 to 19:59 (GMT +1) on 20 August 2012.  By taking part in this promotion, you agree to these Specific Promotional Terms and Conditions, as well as our General Terms and Conditions available at:https://help.bwin.com/General/Legal/general_tac_overview.aspx?sc_lang=en
Entry:  To enter, players must:
predict the result of Manchester United's first league game of the season against Everton on Monday 20 August 2012 (the "Prediction"); and
answer the question: "Which former Red Devil is now club captain at Goodison Park?" (the "Question"); and
Send their Prediction and the answer to the Question, along with their registered bwin username, to [email protected] before 19:59 on Monday 20 August 2012.

Prizes:
First Prize: One Pair of VIP Tickets for Manchester United vs Fulham Football Club (the "VIP Tickets").

The tickets permit VIP access for two people to the match played by the Manchester United first team against Fulham Football Club at Old Trafford on Saturday 25 August 2012; seats are located in the VIP area.

Second Prize: Three Pairs of Grandstand Tickets for Manchester United vs Fulham Football Club (the "Grandstand Tickets")

The Tickets permit Grandstand access for two people to the match played by the Manchester United first team against Fulham Football Club at Old Trafford on Saturday 25 August 2012; seats are located in the grandstand.

Prize Draw:
First Prize Draw: Players who submit a correct Prediction and correctly answer the Question will be placed in a draw to win the VIP Tickets and a winner shall be drawn at random. The draw will take place before 23 August 2012 and the first name chosen will win the VIP Tickets.

Second Prize Draw: Players entered in the First Prize Draw who do not win the VIP Tickets will be placed, along with players who do not submit a correct Prediction but do correctly answer the Question, in a draw to win the Grandstand Tickets. This second prize draw will be conducted randomly before 23 August 2012 and the first three names chosen will each win a pair of Grandstand Tickets.

Those players drawn will be referred to as the "Winners". The Winners will be contacted by email to notify them that they have won, which will be sent to the email address which is registered on their bwin account.

Ticket Collection: The Winners must be available to collect the Tickets from the Old Trafford ticket office on Saturday 25 August 2012 prior to kick off.

Eligibility: In order to be eligible for entry into the prize draw, players must:
be over the age of 18;

have a registered bwin account;

be willing to participate in any related publicity campaigns

Cancellation: bwin reserves the right to cancel this competition at any time, or to omit players from the prize draw, with or without reason.

Publicity: We reserve the right to publish the names and details of the prizes won by all players as part of this promotion. We reserve the right to publish photos and news stories around the Winners.

Non-transferable: This prize is non-transferable and must not be sold or given away to any third party without the prior written consent of bwin.  If a Winner is not able to attend the match, they must notify bwin, who will be entitled to re-draw for the Tickets from the list of eligible players.

Identification: Photocard identification will be required in order for Winners to collect the Tickets.  Failure to provide valid proof of identification may result in Winners and their guests not being allowed into the ground.

Transport: Winners will be responsible for their own cost of travel to and from the ground.

Ticket Conditions: Winners and their guests must abide by the ticketing conditions and any breach of these conditions may result in Winners and their guests being refused entry to Old Trafford.



http://bwinbetting.com/leagues/premier-league/win-vip-tickets-watch-man-utds-home-match-season-bwin-com,22600.html?

WhiteJC

 
Hangeland 'not close' to deal
Defender expects decision to be made on future in coming months


Brede Hangeland: 'Not close' to new Fulham deal, according to agent

The agent of Fulham defender Brede Hangeland claims the Norwegian is some distance away from agreeing a new contract at Craven Cottage.

The 31-year-old has been at the club since 2008 but his current deal expires next summer and his agent, Rune Hauge, was quoted on Norwegian TV channel tv2 as saying Hangeland was "not even close" to penning a new contract.

Hangeland was questioned about the situation after he captained Norway in a 3-2 home defeat by Greece and was equally as non-committal.

Obvious

"When we haven't signed a contract at this point, then it's fairly obvious that we haven't reached an agreement. Rune is right about that," he said.

But the former FC Copenhagen defender did admit a decision about his future will be made at some point during the coming months.

He said: "I am quite relaxed compared to many other players who begin to unwind as they have one year left on their contract.

"As long as I do not get injured there is no problem - I'll decide sometime during this year."



http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/7996663/?

WhiteJC

 
Premier League Preview - Fulham
   
NICKNAME: The Cottagers

MANAGER: Martin Jol

STADIUM: Craven Cottage (25700)

LAST SEASON: 9TH

Fulham is a club that continues to punch above their weight and impressively so. Driven on by the goals and creativity of American forward Clint Dempsey, the Whites finished a respectable ninth, picking up several high-profile scalps along the way. Pavel Pogrebnyak and Moussa Dembele were two key figures in the Fulham second half push.

IN: Hugo Rodallega (Wigan, free), Mladen Petric (Hamburg, free), George Williams (MK Dons, free), Sascha Riether (Cologne, loan)

OUT: Dickson Etuhu (Blackburn, undisclosed), Marcel Gecov (AA Gent, undisclosed), Andrew Johnson (QPR, free), Danny Murphy (Blackburn, free), Pavel Pogrebnyak (Reading, free), Bjorn Helge Riise (released), Orlando Sa (released)

PREVIEW:

While Hugo Rodallega is a very useful signing for Fulham, it cannot mask the fact that Pogrebnyak opted for newly-promoted Reading over an experienced top flight side. Couple this with Clint Dempsey's desire to depart and Fulham's future may not be looking quite as rosy as hoped given a good performance last season.

There are still plenty of grounds for optimism - Rodallega consistently over-performing in a relegation-threatened Wigan Athletic side will bolster the attack for one - but in what will be a season of transition for Fulham, can they remain consistent and once again finish in the top half.

KEY PLAYER: Mladen Petric

A new addition to the Fulham squad, Petric will be most remembered for knocking England out of qualitying for the Euorpean Championships in 2008 - England's first defeat at the newly built Wembley that sparked a mass inquest into the side's disappointment. Starting his career in Switzerland with Baden and Grasshoppers, Petric eventually made the move to Swiss giants Basel.

38 goals in 72 games prompted Dortmund to come calling and after a season there he moved on to Hamburg where a fee of around 5m euros was paid out for his services. He was however released last season and free to pursue a move to England, where Martin Jol reunited with the Croatian striker.

PREDICTION: 9TH

I believe that Fulham can maintain their top half status, despite the fact Dempsey could depart. Dembele in particular is a fine player that will be at the heart of the Whites attack - strikers will be sure to profit from his industrious work.

The bulk of the line-up remains the same but the transition of losing some key players could of course go one way or another. I expect that Martin Jol will have his side well drilled coming into the season and steer the ship in the right direction, albeit potentially without star talents.


Read more: http://www.qpr.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=290227#ixzz23mf4sS91


WhiteJC

 
Norwich are there for the taking as Fulham unleash Petric

Fulham begin their Premier League campaign with a home fixture against Norwich and at 17/20 make plenty of appeal to make a winning start against a side who many are tipping for relegation.

The Canaries are 18/5 to gain a surprise result at Craven Cottage with the draw at 27/10.

Paul Lambert has left Carrow Road during the summer and although Chris Hughton has done an excellent job at both Newcastle and Birmingham City in recent seasons, Norwich are there for the taking and anything other than three points would be a disappointing start.

We at BetVictor are asking punters who they think will be Fulham's top goalscorer this season in the Premier League and bet:
Mladen Petric 6/4
Hugo Rodallega 3/1
Clint Dempsey 3/1
Bryan Ruiz 7/1
Moussa Dembele 14s
16s bar

With doubts about the immediate futures of Dempsey and Dembele, and Rodallega not exactly prolific at the DW Stadium, much will be expected of Petric who is 5/1 to grab Saturday's opener.

One of our most popular markets ahead of the season opener is the Premier League Handicap which sees each club priced at 15/1 with champions Manchester City on scratch and every other side having a points start or handicap.

The winner is the club who, when you add up their points and handicap, finish with the most points.

So we are asking which team will overachieve this season. Last term saw Newcastle and Swansea fight it out but who do you think will be the surprise packages of 2012/13? Handicaps include: (all sides are 15/1):

Man City Scratch
Man Utd +3
Chelsea +6
Arsenal +10
Spurs +15
Liverpool +16
Fulham +33
QPR +37
West Ham +41
Southampton +46
Reading +48

The best backed side so far? QPR.

We will examine the Hoops more closely next week but punters obviously believe Mark Hughes has added more quality to his squad in the summer. Add another central defender and I think they look a very good bet at 15/1.

We have a number of season-long match bets/handicaps involving Fulham including:
Fulham to finish higher than QPR 8/13
QPR to finish higher than Fulham 6/5

Fulham + 1.5 points v Sunderland 4/5
Fulham + 6.5 points v Everton 4/5
Fulham +8.5 points v Newcastle 4/5
Fulham -3.5 points v Villa Evens

Our thoughts are that Fulham will finish in the bottom half of the table but have no threat of going down.

We bet 2/5 to finish in the bottom half, 7/4 to finish in the top 10 and 9/1 to be relegated.

If QPR are to be realistic top 10 contenders they ought to get something from the game at Loftus Road against Swansea, who have been the big movers in recent weeks for the drop - they have a new manager and have lost a number of key players from last season.

Rangers are 11/10 to gain all three points with the Swans 29/10 and 12/5 the draw.

Chelsea are 8/13 at Wigan and that looks short enough given the Blues looked a work in progress at Villa Park last weekend.

If they are to challenge the Manchester clubs they need a win. Fernando Torres is 8/1 to be the top Premier League goalscorer and looked sharp against City. He is 4/1 to open the scoring.

We have a very special offer at BetVictor to mark the start of the domestic football season. Place a treble up to a maximum of £50 on this weekend's Premier League fixtures and you will get the same bet free for the second weekend of fixtures irrespective of whether your treble wins or loses.

The most popular treble to date has been Manchester City (H to Saints 1/5), Arsenal (H to Sunderland 2/5) and Chelsea (A to Wigan 3/5) which pays £2.69 to a £1 stake and punters had been latching onto this safe in the knowledge they can have a similar bet next weekend irrespective of whether it wins or loses.

In light of the Robin van Persie signing it will be interesting to see if Manchester United (9/10 at Everton) are now popular in the treble.

For all your weekend odds check out betvictor.com

Be lucky.

Charlie



http://www.westlondonsport.com/features-comment/norwich-are-there-for-the-taking-as-fulham-unleash-petric

WhiteJC

 
Fulham renew interest in wantaway Blackburn midfielder Nzonzi

Fulham have revived interest in Steven Nzonzi following an enquiry from Everton for the Blackburn midfielder.

The 23-year-old is no longer part of manager Steve Kean's plans having refused to play at the end of last season.


On the move? Steven Nzonzi (right) is wanted by Fulham and Everton

Sevilla and Stoke enquired about taking him on loan but he was reluctant to join them while Sunderland dropped interest.

Hull meanwhile have held talks with former Bolton midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker who has attracted interest from Fulham.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2189470/Fulham-want-Steven-NZonzi-Blackburn.html#ixzz23mfsooT2

WhiteJC

 
FM Preview: Fulham v Norwich City 18 Aug 2012

The game between Fulham and Norwich City in the Premier League on 18th August 2012 at 15:00 takes centre stage for FootyMad's preview analysis.

History of the Fulham v Norwich City fixture

Fulham prepare to entertain Norwich City at Craven Cottage on Saturday afternoon, and hold the advantage on previous meetings between the two. Of the 20 games played, Cottagers have recorded 10 wins, and Norwich City have come away with 5 victories.

The most recent encounter between these two sides at Craven Cottage was less than a year ago, in March 2012, the Cottagers carving out a narrow 2-1 victory in a Premier League match.

Recent encounters between the teams
Season   Date   Team   Result   Team   Comp
2011/2012   Sat 31 Mar   Fulham   2-1   Norwich City   Premier League
2011/2012   Sat 31 Dec   Norwich City   1 - 1   Fulham   Premier League
2004/2005   Sun 15 May   Fulham   6 - 0   Norwich City   Premiership
2004/2005   Sat 04 Dec   Norwich City   0 - 1   Fulham   Premiership
2000/2001   Sat 13 Jan   Fulham   2 - 0   Norwich City   League Division One
2000/2001   Mon 28 Aug   Norwich City   0 - 1   Fulham   League Division One
1999/2000   Sat 30 Oct   Fulham   1 - 1   Norwich City   League Division One

Recent respective form guides
Fulham have lost just once in their last six home games, winning four and drawing the other one. A total of 12 goals have been scored by the Cottagers in those games, with 7 conceded.

In complete contrast to Fulham, Norwich City are having a torrid time on their travels, accumulating just 1 victory and 1 draw from their last six played. While the Canaries have hit 6 goals, 10 have hit the back of the wrong net.

Current overall team form
Team   P   W   D   L   F   A   P
Fulham   6   3   1   2   6   9   10
Norwich City   6   2   1   3   8   15   7

FootyMad's prediction ...
Fulham may be coming up against a decent side in Norwich City, but we do believe that its going to result in a narrow home win for the Cottagers. Home Win

Sequence statistics
Team   Sequences
Fulham   Unbeaten in the last 4 home games.
Not drawn a match in their last 5 .
Norwich City   Not won in previous 2 away matches.


http://www.fulham-mad.co.uk/news/prev/fm_preview_fulham_v_norwich_city_18_aug_2012_752556/index.shtml?


WhiteJC

 
Fulham star spurred on by Euro 2012 snub


Stephen Kelly

STEPHEN Kelly admits the heartbreak of Ireland's miserable Euro 2012 campaign has made him even more determined to succeed with Fulham this season.

The right-back failed to make an appearance as the Boys in Green bowed out at the group stage after three defeats on the spin.

Kelly admits his omission was a big blow after helping his country to the finals in Poland and Ukraine.

However, the 28-year-old, who signed a new deal at Craven Cottage last month, insists he's hungrier than ever heading into the new campaign.

He told the Chronicle: "It was really difficult and frustrating not getting a game but these things happen in football and you have to get on with it.

"I thought I would've had an opportunity to play at some point, considering I played in a lot of the qualifiers.

"I helped us get to the championships and when things didn't go our way I thought I might have got a game. The manager had different plans and unfortunately these things happen.

"It's made me even more hungry to come back in and put a stamp on things. After being there and so close to making the tournament, this kind of thing makes you stronger and more determined to prove yourself.

"I've got the bit between my teeth and want to concentrate on doing well for Fulham."

Fulham finished last season in ninth spot, missing out on a spot in the Europa League.

However, Kelly is desperate to have another crack at the competition the Whites reached the final of in 2010.

"Every season you want to improve," he added. "Last year we played some really good football and we want to improve on that and our league position.

"If we finish in a European spot that would be great. As a club I believe that's a goal that's achievable for us because we've done it before.

"I've had two European campaigns with Fulham and really enjoyed both of them. As a club it's a competition we should want to be in.

"If we can stay in and around the top 10 and push for a European spot that would be brilliant."

Fulham kick-off their Premier League campaign at home to Norwich City tomorrow.



Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/fulham-fc/2012/08/17/82029-31639512/?#ixzz23n48g6ET

WhiteJC

 
Fulham Premier League season preview 2012-13
Read a full preview of Fulham's 2012-13 Premier League season including transfer ins and outs, what you may have missed watching the Olympics and a prediction where they will finish.


Photo: GETTY IMAGES

Season preview
Martin Jol's achievement in guiding Fulham into the top 10 of the Premier League last season was hard won. At the end of September last year they had not won a single game and were only kept out of the relegation positions by goal difference.

But to the credit of the chief executive, Alistair Mackintosh, the board did not panic as they could see encouraging signs in the early-season Europa League fixtures. League results duly came. A similarly relaxed approach appears to have prevailed this summer.

The departure of the captain, Danny Murphy, was as surprising as it was saddening for Fulham fans: he made 48 appearances last season and his boots will be hard to fill. Dickson Etuhu, who joins Murphy in leaving Fulham for Blackburn, is less of a miss but is another departure from central midfield.

Jol, a former Eredivisie coach of the year for his work with bringing youngsters into the first team at RKC Waalwijk, is looking to the likes of the 18-year-old Kerim Frei to fill the Murphy void.

He will in time be capable, but it represents a gamble for now. The Mali captain, Mahamadou Diarra, who joined in February, should in theory be a more mobile and technically proficient defensive-midfield presence than Etuhu but needs to prove he is still the player who wore the Real Madrid 90 times.

There have been even bigger holes to fill up front. Pavel Pogrebnyak, who exploded on the Premier League scene with five goals in his first three appearances after joining on loan from Stuttgart in January, will line up against the Cottagers for Reading this season.

Andrew Johnson is another forward to quit the club this summer, joining his former strike partner, Bobby Zamora, who also left the Thames-side for Queen's Park Rangers, in January.

Replacing them is Hugo Rodallega, a free transfer from Wigan Athletic.

But his two goals in 23 Premier League appearances last season — his overall strike rate in three-and-a-half years in England is little better than one in every five games — suggest the Colombian is not likely to be a prolific finisher.

Perhaps the big Croatian Mladen Petric, who rejoined Jol this summer from Hamburg, where they worked together, will get the best out of him but there can be no guarantees the partnership will click.

In short, Jol has taken some risks this summer and faces a challenge to make this team gel. But given his record, it would be wrong to back against him.

Transfer ins and outs:
IN: George Williams (MK Dons, undisclosed), Mladen Petric (Hamburg, free), Hugo Rodallega (Wigan, free), Sascha Riether (Cologne, loan).

OUT: Dickson Etuhu (Blackburn, £1.5m), Marcel Gecov (AA Gent, undisclosed), Danny Murphy (Blackburn, free), Andrew Johnson (QPR, free), Bjorn Helge Riise (Lillestrom SK, free), Orlando Sa (AEL Limassol, free).

What you may have missed while the Olympics was on
Experienced campaigners Danny Murphy and Andrew Johnson have left, the battle to hold onto key man Clint Dempsey rages on. Statue still in place, despite fans' protests.

Player to watch
Mladen Petric arrives on a free from Hamburg. The experienced Croat has 12 goals from 44 internationals and looks the physical type to do well in the Premier League.

Not ready for football yet? Something to get you in the mood
This is still standing watch over the Craven Cottage faithful
Michael Jackson statue unveiled at Fulham



http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/fulham/9475681/Fulham-Premier-League-season-preview-2012-13.html

WhiteJC

 
Fulham vs City preview
   
Craven Cottage isn't exactly the happiest of hunting grounds for Norwich City. Assuming that you, dear reader, are of the yellow and green persuasion, you need not be reminded of that fateful afternoon of May 14th 2005, when the home opposition embarrassingly tore through Nigel Worthington's shell-shocked troops 6-0 to hand them an immediate second tier return.

Thankfully, the encounter this past March resulted in no such dismay and with no such excruciating consequence, but still with little to cheer about and certainly no points to take back to East Anglia. The one consolation was a personal milestone for Aaron Wilbraham, who netted his 100th career goal.

But Aaron Wilbraham won`t be playing this time, and another figure will be a notable absentee. After three glorious seasons under Paul Lambert, the players are faced with the unenviable task of trying to keep up the good work without the man who has been guiding them from the bottom half of the League One table all the way to just outside the top ten of the Premiership. This will be a tough start to life without him.

City's opening day League fixtures in the last few seasons don't exactly inspire confidence either. It's been an entire decade since City won their curtain raiser, with Grimsby Town visiting Norfolk to receive a 4-0 thumping, and in the last 13 seasons that's the only time the Canaries have managed to register a victory right out of the gate.

Questions are already being raised after the club's pre-season campaign, in which goals have seemingly dried up completely, and some fans aren't exactly doing cartwheels over the latest playing staff arrivals when they might've been hoping for more glamorous names appearing at Costa Del Colney.

Chris Hughton will take charge for the first time in a competitive setting. Can he break two hoodoos in his first official game at the helm?

Pre-season- Why we shouldn't get our knickers twisted.

Observe this tweet by @GeraldSteroo who seems a little disgruntled to say the least.

'#ncfc What a shocking preseason we've had. An awful defence, a toothless attack and a clueless manager. 35 points max. #relegation" (234573126514647041[/tweet]][/url] )

I pray the above tweet was in jest, and if it is please discard the following comments. But if it's serious, and there have been similar tweets from fans during the summer...

*Bangs head against the keyboard*

Get a hold of yourselves!

Pre-season isn't about results. At all. It is purely about fitness levels and getting your squad ready for the forthcoming marathon. Gradually as it progresses you generally see a higher class of opposition, thus your players work harder and harder the better the opposition that comes their way, and before you know what's hit you, you'll be ready and waiting for League competition again.

The so-called toothless attack certainly didn't have bad start to their summer programme, with James Vaughan, Grant Holt and Steve Morison all getting amongst the goals early on. Whilst they've dried up a bit now, something Hughton is keen to address, the defence have actually been quite solid, attaining a number of clean sheets and already looking stronger than last season's backline which only managed three shut outs during the entire campaign.

And clueless manager? Chris Hughton? Clueless? Not bloody likely.

The former Newcastle and Birmingham chief will be absolutely determined to prove himself as a Prem boss after he was so cruelly dismissed during his last tenure in the division, and Brum's play-off heartache last spring.

Crucially, he will be surrounded by players who will be just as eager to defy talk of the dreaded "Second season syndrome" and that they can still thrive at this level without Lambert's stewardship. Perhaps even more crucial when it comes to avoiding said syndrome is that Hughton's arrival automatically calls for fresh approaches to aspects of City's game, from formations to playing staff. Just when other clubs think they have them "found out" this time around, Hughton should get them all guessing again.

Speaking of proving one's self, Grant Holt will be all too eager to silence the doubters and maintain his excellent goalscoring return from last season. Safe in the knowledge that he's got the third year added to his contract and peace of mind restored, the stage is set for him to continue to make life miserable for rival defenders. Whilst his total was impressive in itself, don`t forget that he also netted against Man United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Everton. Make no mistake, he's absolutely capable of repeating such feats, and time will tell if he manages to do so.

Ful of it- Opposition.

Fulham will have been chuffed with their top ten finish last term. Prior to that previous meeting in March, they still weren't totally out of the woods in terms of the relegation battle. Early Europa League clashes had left their squad overworked and lagging slightly, but Martin Jol still guided them to 9th place and within just a point of their record Premiership points haul. They registered a first ever Anfield league win, and Pavel Pogrebnyak wrote his own name in the Cottager's history books by becoming the first player on their books to score in his first three games for them in the league.

The departure Danny Murphy has left a slight void, as has Pogrebnyak after he couldn`t agree personal terms with the club`s hierarchy and chose Reading instead. Clint Dempsey's name has been commonly heard round the rumour mill, they've released goalscorer Andy Johnson and former Canary Dickson Etuhu has left for Blackburn.

But even without a proven Premiership striker, they still boast a strong squad. Veteran goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer is as impressive as ever and his number 2, David Stockdale, just can't get a look-in and looks set to be farmed out on loan yet again. Dempsey, if they keep him, is an exceptional player. Hugo Rodallega has arrived from Wigan to boost their forward threat, ditto Mladen Petric who they hope will provide the perfect replacement for AJ and "The Pog." They are armoured with plenty of experience and steel in the shape of Brade Hangeland at the back.

Their own pre-season schedule doesn't exactly look like the sternest of warm-up tests on paper. They battered French Ligue One side OGC Nice 4-0, but otherwise they've not really been tested in the same way City have. They fought the likes of HB Koge of the Danish first division and Lokomotive Liepzig who are from German football's FIFTH tier, which to me hardly seem like the kind of teams you want to play in order to get ready for fellow Premiership teams.

Prediction

Personally I think City have had much sterner pre-season opponents in Ajax and Borussia Monchengladbach, in addition to a couple of tricky customers from the Championship and a battling Celtic, so if anything we may be the sharper of the two teams going into the game. Fulham need a striker, and they`ll likely get one, but apart from Dempsey and perhaps Rodallega, they might not trouble our defence as much as you`d initially think. The jury is out on Petric, at least in this league, but he`ll need to be watched if he starts.

I said right from the start that I`ve maintained every confidence in Hughton`s appointment, and I think we could be good value for a victory this weekend. Watch this space.



Read more: http://www.norwich.vitalfootball.co.uk/sitepage.asp?a=290245#ixzz23n54RZ1y


WhiteJC

 
Repeat of first home game 2006/2007 – Fulham

Manchester United's first home game of the brilliant 2006/2007 season was that 5-1 stuffing of Fulham. We sold our top scorer, Ruud van Nistelrooy and didn't buy a replacement. We brought in Michael Carrick as our new number 16 but there weren't many who had him as their first choice to replace Roy Keane. In contrast, Chelsea, having won consecutive titles, bought one of the best defenders (Ashley Cole), one of the best midfielders (Michael Ballack) and one of the best strikers (Andriy Shevchenko) in Europe. To add to this, Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo, our brightest prospects had apparently fallen out massively following the events of the 2006 World Cup and wouldn't be able to play together. We had no chance, right?

That opening day was one of my favourite starts to the season ever. Whilst no one knew at that stage we would be eight points clear on the day the title was won, all the people that had been slagging us off for months had to hold back with that criticism and rethink whether we actually were dead and buried.

Our first home goal of 2012-2013 is Fulham again and RoM has two tickets to give away thanks to bwin. Simply follow @R_o_M on Twitter and tweet #RoMFulhamTickets.

Kristian Balkin from the Fulham website, Cottagers Confidential, has shared his thoughts ahead of the new season.

Scott the Red: What would have to happen this season for you to class this as a successful one?

Kristian Balkin: A cup run, of any form, would be perfect for us. Our Premier League form over the past few years has been consistent and, on the whole, positive but you get the feeling that, with our squad at least, we've hit a ceiling with finishing 8th or 9th ish. With a few more signings I think we could definitely push on in that respect but, of course, while we may improve, so will everyone else. That's why a cup run would do us some good – we're not bothered if it's the Carling Cup or the FA Cup, just any success would be great. If Birmingham City can do it, while getting themselves relegated, so can we!

STR: How do you feel about your club's business in the transfer window this summer?

KB: Good, but unambitious. As I write this, we haven't spent a penny, instead bringing in Hugo Rodallega and Mladen Petric on free transfers, and supplementing our defence with the loan signing of FC Koln's Sacha Riether. If Petric's pre-season form continues into the Premier League campaign then that deal will prove to be an incredible piece of business while, in his own right, Rodallega is a good signing. He's not a goalscorer – something we've lacked for a while – but he has the quality to impress at the top level, which is all that matters. Riether looks good enough to make the right back spot his own so the three signings we have made are solid. No-one is doubting that we need more, however, and Martin Jol has made suggestions that perhaps even four could come in. We're leaving it incredibly late, however, and the names we're being linked with are hardly inspirational. David N'gog, Jordan Rhodes and Paul Taylor won't have our rivals quaking in their boots. Maybe if you guys give us Berbatov though...

STR: Who do you think will be your most important player this season?

KB: Depends who stays, really. Clint Dempsey would likely have another brilliant campaign but it doesn't look like he'll be around in SW6 to carry his form on. Moussa Dembele would definitely be huge but, again, we can only speculate as to where he'll be by September. For that reason, I'm going to throw in a curve ball and put forward Bryan Ruiz. He was disappointing last season but he was marred by injuries and a quite distinct failure to acclimatise with haste to the English game. He's had a year now, though, and he has started to look sharp. Jol may be tempted to pop the Costa Rican international behind the striker and I think he could really do a job there. He's wonderfully gifted and he can strike a ball with quite some craft – just ask Tim Howard!

STR: How do you rate your manager's ability to take your club forward?

KB: Jol is more progressive than any of our other recent managers – perhaps even Roy Hodgson. Hodgson was an amazing manager – undoubtedly one of the best we'll ever have – but he doesn't look forward in the way the Dutchman does. In only one season at Craven Cottage, he has blooded Matthew Briggs, Kerim Frei, Alex Kacaniklic and, to an extent, Marcello Trotta. I'd expect at least two of them to be very important this season. Jol always has one eye on the future and, quite palpably, that's key to progression.

STR: Who do you think will win the league this season?

KB: You'll be pleased to hear I've vouched for Manchester United. It will be close though, don't get me wrong. Man City still have the superior squad – sorry guys – but I don't see enough about them to keep you at hold for a second season. United still have that unnerving ability to win when they're nowhere near their best and, with Ferguson at the helm, you'll always have that extra air of experience, that extra self belief, that you're deserving of the Premier League title. That is key.

STR: If you could pick one United player to have in your squad who would it be?

KB: I'm sure you've heard it before but we'd quite happily take Wayne Rooney. He's everything you need in a striker and, with him, I needn't worry about the qualities of Rodallega or Petric because we could guarantee goals, work-rate and all that is important is already at a premium. Failing that, I'd have Javier Hernandez for similar reasons.



http://therepublikofmancunia.com/repeat-of-first-home-game-20062007-fulham/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=repeat-of-first-home-game-20062007-fulham

WhiteJC

 
Fulham vs Norwich

Norwich are hopeful midfielders Wes Hoolahan (Achilles) and Anthony Pilkington (hamstring) will be in the squad for Saturday's Barclays Premier League opener at Fulham.

Summer signings Steven Whittaker (ankle) and Jacob Butterfield (knee) will miss out, but Robert Snodgrass and Michael Turner should feature.

Javier Garrido is awaiting international clearance on his season loan from Lazio, so may not be available.

Midfielder David Fox (knee) and defender Elliott Ward (leg) continue their rehabilitation.

Teams

Fulham (from) Will appear here...

Norwich (from): Ruddy, Tierney, R Bennett, Turner, Martin, Pilkington, Johnson, Howson, E Bennett, Holt, Morison, Rudd, Barnett, Hoolahan, Lappin, Surman, Jackson, Snodgrass, Vaughan, Garrido.



http://www.sportinglife.com/football/live/match-preview/261563/norwich-wait-on-midfield-duo?

WhiteJC

 
Cottagers to wait on Hangeland deal

Brede Hangeland claims he will 'decide sometime during this year' to hold deal talks with Fulham, despite being in the final 12 months.


The 31-year-old Norwegian defender has been an integral part of the Cottagers' squad since he joined in 2008 with several rival Premier League clubs, such as Arsenal and Liverpool, being linked with a swoop for him during the past four years.

However, while Hangeland has always stayed put at Craven Cottage, there was a suggestion that he could be pondering his future when agent, Rune Hauge, recently insisted that he was 'not even close' to agreeing an extension.

The former FC Copenhagen stopper has now broken his silence to confirm that he is not in any rush to hold talks about staying on with Fulham, despite having a less than a year to go on his current one.

Speaking after he captained Norway in a 3-2 home defeat by Greece, Hangeland said: "When we haven't signed a contract at this point, then it's fairly obvious that we haven't reached an agreement. Rune is right about that.
He added: "I am quite relaxed compared to many other players who begin to unwind as they have one year left on their contract.

"As long as I do not get injured there is no problem - I'll decide sometime during this year."



http://www.setanta.com/ie/Articles/2012/08/17/Cottagers-to-wait-on-stopper-deal/gnid-151059/?


WhiteJC

 
Fulham back in for Steven Nzonzi



Fulham have revived their interest in Blackburn midfielder Steven Nzonzi.

The 23-year-old wants to leave the Championship side this summer and is no longer part of manager Steve Kean's plans at Ewood Park.

Sevilla, Stoke and Everton are also said to be interested.



http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-back-in-for-steven-nzonzi-8056467.html

WhiteJC

 
Lawro's prediction

Fulham v Norwich

Both these sides had decent seasons last time out, but I think they might struggle this time around.

The key for Fulham boss Martin Jol is going to be whether he can keep Clint Dempsey. If Dempsey follows Bobby Zamora and Andy Johnson in leaving Craven Cottage, then a good proportion of his side's goals from the previous campaign will have left.

They are up against a Norwich team very much built by previous manager Paul Lambert.

Chris Hughton, who has replaced Lambert, is a very good coach and I like the look of Robert Snodgrass, who he has brought in from Leeds.

But Norwich's survival rests on whether their goalscorers Grant Holt and Steve Morison can have the same impact they did last year, and I think that is a very big ask.

Prediction: 2-1


http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19286099