Tuesday Fulham Stuff (21/08/12)...

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Fulham Football Club announces new sponsor

Fulham Football Club has announced that Worldlink Sport, the sport and gaming division of Worldlink Group, will serve as the club's official betting and gaming partner for the next three years.

According to an official press release, the agreement, which began with Fulham FC's first match of the 2012/13 Premier League season, 'will see Worldlink provide dedicated desktop and mobile applications together with its licensed bookmaking partner, BetButler.'

"I am absolutely delighted to welcome Worldlink as one of our key partners," said Fulham chief executive Alistair Mackintosh. "They impressed us not only with their product but their commitment to a long term partnership and we are looking forward to building a successful relationship with them over the next three years."

Worldlink managing director Neil Riches added, "I am thrilled to be announcing the partnership with Fulham FC. We are looking forward to providing the Fulham fans with an enhanced betting experience, and developing a long term relationship with a club of such international prestige and one that has got off to such a fantastic start to the season."

Finanacial terms of the new agreement were not released.


http://www.sportspromedia.com/news/fulham_football_club_announces_new_sponsor/?utm_source=Feeds&utm_campaign=soccer&utm_medium=rss

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Going by the Maths
   
Mladen Petric could well be a twenty goal a season man.

Having gotten off the mark, in the Premier League, on Saturday with a sparkling brace in the 5-0 rout of Norwich City, Petric has been receiving praise from the gaffer with Martin Jol commenting,

"If you look at strikers and their statistics, Petric is in the group of players who will score goals, Not probably 20 in 20 games but he will score one in two. That is a good record."

Going by that, one in two would give us 19 Premier League goals, a damn fine return from somebody who Jol picked up on a free transfer


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=290715#ixzz249EJsB3r

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Keeper off on Loan!
   
News broke this morning that Fulham had done a loan deal with Dartford.

The Blue Square Bet Premier side has taken our promising goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli on a month long loan deal.

Hopefully the deal will be beneficial to both parties.


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=290716#ixzz249Eb7ZCm

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Jol Wants a Change
   
Several leading managers have their own thought son the way the transfer market operates and in particular the transfer windows.

Despite our great star to the season Martin Jol remains fearful that he could still see a couple of his first team squad leave before the transfer window shuts at the end of this month.

Speaking about the current system, Martin Jol has indicated that he`d like to see a change with the boss remarking after the 5-0 victory over Norwich City,

"I would like to have a change."

"If we start the season then all this nonsense should stop, because two weeks into the season you could lose your best players."

"It`s long enough. If you look at the window now it`s awful because there are a lot of clubs waiting."

"If they have got the money they will come in and of course you have players with clauses and if you pay the money then they can go as well."

"We should stop the window when the first game is played."

Do you agree with Martin or is the system fine as it is?


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=290717#ixzz249Eo1AiU

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Former Fulham striker makes Parma move



Stefano Okaka, the former Fulham striker, has completed his move from Roma to Parma.

Okaka, 23, who was out of favour in the Italian capital, has joined Parma permanently after impressing during a loan spell at the club earlier this year.

The 23-year-old came through the ranks at Roma, but managed just 34 Serie A outings for the club since making his first-team debut in 2005.

Following his Roma debut, he was loaned out on five separate occasions, including a brief spell at Fulham during the 2010/11 season.

Okaka enjoyed a moderately successful time in west London, bagging three goals in 13 appearances.



Read more at http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/transfer-rumours/120820/former-fulham-striker-makes-parma-move-179100?#DvqC28Pwu6U0LvJ2.99

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Konate working on Prem move
Senegalese star keen on English switch


Moussa Konate: Caught the eye at the 2012 Olympics

Moussa Konate, who shone for Senegal at the 2012 Olympics, admits he has an agent working on securing him a move to England.

The 19-year-old forward netted five times at the London Games, bringing him to the attention of Premier League scouts.

Konate is currently on the books of Israeli outfit Maccabi Tel Aviv, who snapped him up in the summer of 2011.

He is, however, prepared to admit that the lure of the English top-flight would be too great to turn down if an enticing offer was put to him.

Atmosphere

"My agent is Moustapha Kamara, he is in Marseille, and he has given a mandate to an agent in England to represent me," said Konate.

"Any club that is interested can contact Mr Joseph Donkor in England.

"I want to play in England. I loved the Olympics and the atmosphere in the stadiums.

"It is a great league. No disrespect to the Israel league, but the Premier League is top quality."

Konate has been linked with Norwich, West Brom, Swansea, Fulham and Stoke.



http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11709/8006590?

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Fulham discover the new Kaka, Alex Kacaniklic, in 5-0 rout of Norwich while Clint Dempsey sits it out
Without anyone noticing, Fulham have managed to replace Clint Dempsey with Kaka. The only difference is that rather than marching to a samba beat, Fulham are being inspired by a 21-year-old Swede.


Roving role: Alex Kacaniklic goes in for the tackle against Robert Snodgrass, in Fulham's 5-0 win against Norwich 
Photo: ACTION IMAGES/PETER CZIBORRA

Fulham's Kaka is Alex Kacaniklic, whose impenetrable surname ensured that he was given the moniker of the famous Brazilian on moving to Craven Cottage from Liverpool two years ago.

It is a heady name to live up to, but the signs are positive. With Dempsey sitting out Saturday's sumptuous victory over Norwich as the wrangle over his potential move away threatens to enter saga territory, Kacaniklic took his chance.

Assuming a roving role from a nominal position on the left of midfield, the youngster linked superbly with Mladen Petric, the Croatian striker who scored two goals and made the fourth for Kacaniklic in an outstanding debut.

And those two, combined with the flair of Mousa Dembele and Bryan Ruiz behind them, give Martin Jol cause for optimism. The Dutchman rightly railed afterwards against a transfer window that continues into the season, but there is a mood at Craven Cottage that Fulham can cope with or without their recalcitrant American.

"We're not going to struggle for goals as we've got good attacking players and we've got a good team," Kacaniklic said after Fulham moved serenely to the top of the table.

"We've got plenty of options and it's up to the manager who he picks.

"We have a good mix of older players and young players coming through and so it looks like it's going to be a good season.

"As for being called Kaka, that's from my surname obviously. I don't want to be compared to anyone. He's a great player and I'm just making my name for myself now."

Yet while this is an exciting world for Kacaniklic, Jol wears the weary look of a man who has seen it all before.

"I had the same thing at Hamburg when Vincent Kompany and Rafael van der Vaart left in the same week," he complained when asked about the frustration of doing transfer deals while the season is in progress.

"I would like a change to all this nonsense because if you are two weeks into the season you could lose your best players. We should stop the window when the first game is played."

Yet that was Jol's only gripe after the sort of afternoon managers dream of. Ruiz, Dembele and Mahamadou Diarra were superb in midfield, while Petric provided the cutting edge. Norwich City were simply blown away and their manager, Chris Hughton, knows there is much work to do.

Their next opponents, though, are Mark Hughes' QPR, who also suffered a five-goal defeat.

"Well at least there's one manager who will be feeling as bad as me at this moment," said Hughton, gallows humour kicking in.

Both teams will strengthen before the transfer window closes, yet the suspicion is that Fulham will feel confident no matter where Dempsey's future lies.



http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/premier-league/9486271/Fulham-discover-the-new-Kaka-Alex-Kacaniklic-in-5-0-rout-of-Norwich-while-Clint-Dempsey-sits-it-out.html

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Sunderland hoping to pip Liverpool to Fulham's Dempsey before window slams shut

Sunderland want to speak to Fulham over Liverpool target Clint Dempsey and are keen on Crystal Palace's Wilfried Zaha and Dnipro full back Ivan Strinic.

Dempsey has been linked with a move to Anfield all summer, but may be persuaded to travel to the Northeast instead.


Choice to make: Clint Dempsey is likely to be leaving Fulham before the transfer window closes

Fulham are considering a move for ex-Arsenal striker Eduardo, who is at Shakhtar Donetsk and Brescia's Omar El Kaddouri, 21.

Sunderland are still waiting on the £12million signing of Steven Fletcher from Wolves.

The Scot handed in a transfer request at Wolves, and is expected to move north.



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2191227/Sunderland-hoping-pip-Liverpool-Fulhams-Clint-Dempsey.html#ixzz249Gf5B5U

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Twente defender Douglas set to choose between Fulham and Newcastle

FC Twente's defender Douglas is set to decide between Newcastle or Fulham after both clubs offered £4.5m to secure his services.

The Brazilian centre-back has one year to run on his current contract and has been tracked by Newcastle throughout the summer.


Decision time: Douglas (centre) has the option to join either Fulham or Newcastle

The North East club had tabled an offer of £40,000 a week at the beginning of summer as the 24-year-old looked set to be on his way to St James's Park.

But he could yet change his mind, with Martin Jol's Fulham matching Newcastle's bid for Douglas.

The Brazilian joined Twente in 2007, and has since made more than 100 appearances for the Dutch club.


Long term target: Newcastle have been linked with the player for months. but Fulham could yet pip the Toon to the Brazilian



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2191238/Douglas-set-choose-Fulham-Newcastle.html#ixzz249GzP51P

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FULHAM IN TALKS WITH EDUARDO

FULHAM are in talks with former Arsenal star Eduardo as a possible £7 million replacement for rebel forward Clint Dempsey.

Fulham have turned to the Shakhtar Donetsk striker as the man they want to replace the United States international, who was fined last week for refusing to play for the club.


http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/340977?

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Glenn Moore: Shame that Dempsey's on strike. Bigger shame the PFA says nothing
Sporting Matters: He brings into disrepute the rights the PFA fought for over generations

Clint Dempsey grew up in a trailer park in a small east Texas town where one in four families has a single parent and one in five is below the poverty line. Both Dempsey's parents were at home but to finance the three-times-a-week, six-hour round trips they made to Dallas to enable the teenaged Clint to attend training, the family went without holidays and sold possessions.

While a teenager, Dempsey lost his sister, a promising tennis junior, to a brain aneurysm. "Not everything has been cupcakes and ice cream and happy endings," he once said. "It's been a grind. It's been tough. But that's what made me who I am."

What he is at the moment is a footballer on strike. A man who has turned his back on the club which brought him to England, made him a global star and has handsomely paid him for six years.

In the new post-Olympic mood, this is another own-goal for football, but why should Dempsey care about that? In five years' time, possibly less, he is likely to be back in the United States playing out his career in Major League Soccer. In an ideal world, he would like to be able to return to Craven Cottage and be feted, but it will not be high on his priorities. He knows as well as any footballer how quickly his status can go from indispensable to expendable. His life experiences have taught him that he and his family come first, and to seize opportunities when they arise.

The opportunity currently on his horizon is the chance to play for Liverpool, a club whose history has for some years outstripped its performance but which remains a drawcard. Dempsey is now 29, the same age as Robin van Persie, and like Manchester United's latest recruit the American knows he has one big move left in him.

As with Van Persie at Arsenal, Dempsey has one year left on his contract, which means next year he can leave for nothing. But Dempsey does not want to wait, he wants to be in at the beginning of Brendan Rodgers' revolution because he knows in football a lot can happen in a year. Dempsey may be injured then, or out of form, Rodgers may have signed someone else, the Fenway Sports Group may refuse to sanction a long-term £50,000-a-week-plus deal for a 30-year-old.

Traditionally what happens in these circumstances is the clubs agree a fee and the player moves, but Liverpool are yet to bid and are unlikely to match Fulham's valuation of a player who is of similar age to Van Persie, more versatile and with a better injury record. In the meantime, Dempsey has broken with convention and is facing the bitter contempt of the fans who once hailed him, and the wider disgust of the football world.

Two years ago, Fulham's manager walked out to join Liverpool, yet Roy Hodgson is now an admired England manager and still popular at Craven Cottage. So why the opprobrium for Dempsey? Many of the fans who jeered him at the weekend would happily walk out of their current job if they received a better offer elsewhere.

One factor is that while most Fulham fans can understand Dempsey desiring to play in the Champions League, Liverpool show few signs of returning to a competition they last graced in 2010. From a wider perspective, the difference is that Dempsey, unlike Hodgson and most football fans, has an enviable security of contract. Even when a club goes bust the players still get paid. Clubs may make life uncomfortable for unwanted players, but they cannot sack them.

Dempsey has every right to want to move, but he should honour his contract until he gets his wish. The Professional Footballers' Association should be condemning Dempsey for refusing to play, for he is bringing into disrepute the rights they have fought for over generations. Their silence is deafening.

Yet Dempsey could be forgiven for feeling cynical about the fans' outrage. In December 2010, Carlos Tevez handed in a written transfer request. In June 2011, he said from Argentina he would not return to Manchester even on vacation. In September 2011, he refused to come on as a substitute in Munich and spent much of the winter playing golf in South America. Even when Tevez returned to score several goals in the title run-in, it seemed that this was merely a means of putting himself in the shop window for a transfer to Italy, Spain or Paris.

But no one wanted him, so he remains in Manchester – and when on Sunday he scored City's first goal of the season he was cheered to the rafters. If Dempsey ends up staying at Fulham will he, too, be welcomed back into the fold as soon as the goals go in, or will Fulham fans be more principled?

Patience, please...Rodgers has had one game

Liverpool's team bus had barely turned on to the M6 before the airwaves and message boards began humming with criticism of Brendan Rodgers after Saturday's defeat at the Hawthorns. Ninety minutes was all it took to pass judgement for some members of a support that can appear to believe it has a divine right to titles.

That is worrying for Rodgers who is trying to change the culture and style of a hotch-potch squad recruited by four different managers. In indicating results are unlikely to pick up quickly he was looking way beyond a run of fixtures featuring last season's top three plus Sunderland away.

When Robbie Savage is cast as the voice of reason it is a sure sign that others have lost touch with reality but he may be right in suggesting Rodgers's task could take three years. Bill Shankly's first match as Liverpool manager was a 4-0 drubbing at home to Cardiff City. His second was a 3-0 defeat at Charlton and he took more than two years to lift Liverpool out of the Second Division. Fortunately for him, and Liverpool, there were no phone-ins nor message boards back then and not just because few people had telephones and the web was not yet invented. It was a more patient, saner age.

Federer defies age and old adages with return to top

If there was more evidence at Lord's yesterday for the old adage that it is harder to stay at the top than to get there, England's cricketers can take heart from weekend events in Cincinnati. For it must be harder still to return to the summit after being deposed by younger rivals. Yet Roger Federer's despatch of Novak Djokovic in the Masters final not only confirmed that the 31-year-old Swiss will go into the US Open as favourite, it also cemented his status as world No 1, regained at Wimbledon after two years in which his crown was worn by Djokovic and Rafael Nadal.

Prior to Wimbledon, Federer went 18 months without a Grand Slam title, dropping out of the top three for the first time in nine years. His career seemed on the slide. He is back, and in some style. It is true Nadal's knee injury has eased the path, but staying fit is part of being a champion.



http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/glenn-moore-shame-that-dempseys-on-strike-bigger-shame-the-pfa-says-nothing-8063419.html

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Cottage chief in new striker links

Martin Jol has been linked with Bolton striker David N'Gog and Peterborough's Paul Taylor as he bids to bolster Fulham's forward line.

The Cottagers chief has drafted in Hugo Rodallega and Mladen Petric so far this summer to counter the loss of Andrew Johnson to QPR on a Bosman free and Pavel Pavel Pogrebnyak, who opted to join Reading despite a successful six-month loan spell at Craven Cottage last season.

However, as Bobby Zamora left for QPR in January and Clint Dempsey continues to be linked with a move away, Jol is still looking to reinforce his attack.

The Dutchman was linked with an £8million bid for Celtic hitman Gary Hooper last week, but he has been given short shrift from the Hoops so is switching his sights elsewhere.

It is thought N'Gog, who endured a disappointing 12 months with Bolton following his move from Liverpool last summer, is one possible target.

The 23-year-old scored three goals in 33 appearances at the Reebok Stadium, but Jol could be set to take a gamble and snap him up for the Cottagers.

Meanwhile, 25-year-old Taylor, who scored 12 goals in his debut season in the Championship for Posh last season, is another possible target after he was placed on the transfer list following his decision to snub a new contract at London Road.

Posh boss Darren Ferguson revealed last week that he has already snubbed one offer from a mystery top-flight club, while Everton have also been linked.



http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/cottage-chief-in-new-striker-links-1453825.html?

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Manchester United Set On Last-Day Swoop For Dembele

Kaka to Old Trafford may be proving an entertaining distraction but the Cutter understands that Manchester United still intend to make a £9m swoop for Fulham midfielder Moussa Dembele before the transfer window closes.

Alex Ferguson has long coveted the 25 year old Belgian but mainly from afar and despite there being much speculation linking the player with a move north that dates back to January it is only this week that a firm bid has been made.

The bid – believed to be a derisory £5m – was immediately rebuffed by the Fulham hierarchy who considered it insulting for one of the best Premier League performers of last term but that was simply an opening move by United who are now expected to return with a more realistic offer.

Dembele only has twelve months remaining on his contract – something that United are understandably using as a bargaining chip – but the London side can justifiably point out that the same applied to Robin van Persie who headed to Manchester last week for a king's ransom. This stand-off is set to be resolved with the higher sum though how much depends on Berbatov being shifted off the wage bill first is open to interpretation and the likelihood is that either or both movements will take place on the final day of the August window.

What has smoothed the path for United's approach has been the apparent dropping out of contention of Real Madrid who were mooted to be interested should their attempt to prise Luca Modric from Spurs fail. It is now believed that the Spanish giants are so convinced that Modric is bound for the Bernabau they have put all their eggs in the single proverbial basket and are no longer considering alternative options.

Ironically it is precisely this that prompted Sunday's linking of Kaka to United but whether there is substance to these claims or not has no bearing on Ferguson's pursuit of Dembele who he views as the ideal man to add some much-needed craft and scheming to the heart of United's midfield.

Fulham boss Martin Jol spoke this week of his dislike of the transfer window. As he faces waking up on September 1st without both Clint Dempsey and Dembele who on earth can blame him?



http://www.thedaisycutter.co.uk/2012/08/manchester-united-set-on-last-day-swoop-for-dembele/?

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Manchester United's dire defensive situation will continue for Fulham

If you're a Manchester United supporter -- which I assume most of you are if you're reading this -- you're likely still haunted by Marouane Fellaini abusing poor Michael Carrick at Goodison Park. Our midfield maestro -- who was forced into emergency central-defense duty due to the current injuries to Rio Ferdinand, Jonny Evans, Chris Smalling, and Phil Jones -- competed bravely but he was simply overwhelmed by Everton's big Belgian. It's very possible that Carrick will be asked to continue in this role though for the upcoming ties versus Fulham on Saturday and versus Southampton on September 2. After Monday night's contest in Merseyside, United manager Sir Alex Ferguson provided this update on his dire defensive situation:

"I don't think any of them [Ferdinand, Evans, Smalling, Jones] will be fit for Saturday. Hopefully Jonny Evans is getting near. Obvoiusly we've got a good week's training now and that will bring him on a good bit. Hopefully in a couple of weeks we should be okay."

- Ferguson | Source: MUTV

It's being speculated that Rio is likely out for about 4 weeks (mid-September return), Jones possibly out for about 4 weeks as well, Smalling unavailable until mid-October, and Evans soon from ankle injury. After the away tie to Southampton on September, United don't play again until September 15 due to an international break. Hopefully by the time the break concludes, Sir Alex will actually have a few options in central-defense. In the mean time, we're going to have to get by with Carrick or maybe youngster Scott Wootton -- who joined the club for it's preseason tour -- will get a run. The 20-year-old defender has spent the past few seasons out on loan. The situation is certainly something to be concerned about as Fulham just bagged five goals in their season opener versus Norwich City while Southampton surprisingly were a handful for Manchester City at the Etihad.



http://www.thebusbybabe.com/2012/8/21/3257160/manchester-united-central-defence-injury-situation?

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Cottager's Heartbeat | Dembélé and Diarra | Stats Analysis

In the 2011-12 season there were only six midfielders who passed the ball better than Fulham's Moussa Dembélé. Using the new Top Stats engine we're able to quickly trim away the fat and look at those players who played at least 1400′ in the Premier League a season ago. Of those, Dembélé was the 12th best player in the Premier League when it came to pass accuracy, attempting 1681 passes in 2940′ and completing 88.64% of those attempts. Only Leon Britton (93.49%), Joe Allen (91.18%), Samir Nasri (91.01%), Mikel Arteta (90.58%), Yaya Toure (90.49%), Michael Carrick (90.10%) and Scott Parker (89.58%) bested Dembélé's passing accuracy from midfield.  In addition to his proficient ball movement, he was a creative force from the centre of Fulham's midfield creating 51 chances in 2940′.

Within the 2011-12 Fulham squad there were three players who accounted for 182 of the team's 425 chances created. Danny Murphy (76), Clint Dempsey (55) and Dembélé (51) each provided more than 50 chances, with Dempsey (49) and Dembélé (48) creating the most chances from open play.  Murphy departed Craven Cottage over the summer and, despite manager Martin Jol leaving the door open for a return, Dempsey was held out of the opening fixture amid questions over his fitness after demanding a transfer from the club. With the two of them out of the side, Dembélé, at left, featured as the heart of the Cottager's midfield in their opening day victory over Norwich City.

Jol has strengthened his side this summer, with the additions of Hugo Rodallega, in from Wigan Athletic, and Mladen Petric, in from Hamburg SV. Petric plays as a striker, and will be utilized by the Cottagers in a role similar to that of departed forward Andrew Johnson. Last season Johnson created just 17 chances for Fulham in 1244′.  Rodallega was more impressive for the Latics a season ago. While he was on the pitch for only 1243′ he did create 22 chances – including an impressive display in Wigan's 0-1 loss against Manchester City on 16 Jan when he created three chances.  Either player may be used to fill Dempsey's vacant role, and may be able to succeed in replicating some of the American talisman's form. However, the impending departure of Dempsey and the transfers of Murphy to Blackburn have created a void in Jol's side that must be filled from within.

It should be noted, Dembélé is not alone in the heart of Fulham's midfield. He plies his trade alongside former Real Madrid defensive midfielder Mahamadou Diarra. Diarra signed with Fulham last February after having been without a club following the 2010-11 season.  In the later stages of the season, Diarra became an important figure in the side.  His passing numbers (546/618 87% completion), tackling (won 13/16 – 81%) and tenacious attack of 50/50 balls (won 39/64 ground duels – 61%;  won 7/11 aerial duels – 64%) were impressive, particularly as he played only 753′ for FFC. Diarra continues to impress this season, the 31-year-old was the leading passer for Fulham in their win over the Canaries as he completed 85 of 90 passes (94%) and won four of six duels as well as his only tackle. Diarra, unlike Dembélé, plays deep in the midfield but this has not prevented him from being successful creating chances for his teammates. Over his 11 matches with Fulham in 2011-12, he created three chances on two occasions (26 March vs. Man Utd; 21 April vs. Wigan) and two chances on two other occasions  He finished the season with 16 chances created and one assist to his credit. Extrapolated over a full season, 3420′, that would amount to 50 chances created.  It is unlikely that the Mali international would be able to play a full slate of games, but even if he contributes 40 chances while playing as a holding midfielder, that would be substantial for this side.

The 5-0 rout of the Canaries does show the value of Dembélé as he moves up the pitch. Diarra played more than half of his passes in his own end and only 15% of his passes in the final third. While final third passes do not directly correspond to chances created, they can provide valuable information on player positioning throughout the match. Below, we can see that Dembélé played only one-third of his passes in the defensive end, one-third inside his opponent's side of midfield and one-third in the attacking end.



Dembélé completing 44 of 47 passes in Norwich's half is a testament to his skill on the ball, but it is also a valuable statistic for Jol's side. The fewer times the ball is given away – intercepted or played out-of-bounds – the more possession Fulham retain and the greater the opportunity to create a chance and, ideally, a goal.  This player tracker from ESPN Gamecast shows that the average position for Dembélé (#30) was inside his opponents half while Diarra's (#19) average position was inside Fulham's own half. This may appear to be a small differential, but it does illustrate their relative positions to one another and the other players in their side over the course of a match. Of course, we expect to see information confirming what we already believe, that Diarra is the more defensive midfielder whilst Dembélé ventures farther into the attack.



Interestingly, Dembélé did not create a single chance in the win on Saturday. Bryan Ruiz (3), Riise (3), Duff (2), Petric, Riether and Hangeland all created chances in the fixture. While Martin Jol will no doubt be delighted with the result, the numbers from last year paint a different picture. Over the course of the entire season Riise (27), Hangeland (11), and Duff 32) did not create as many chances as Danny Murphy (76).  Dembélé has been rumoured to be departing Craven Cottage for Diarra's old home in Madrid. With Murphy having already gone, and Dempsey looking likely to follow, it will be of the utmost importance that Martin Jol retain the services of the Belgian playmaker. Although he is not the only creative force in the side – his play is instrumental in creating chances and successfully retaining possession in the attack.



http://www.eplindex.com/17781/cottagers-heartbeat-dembl-diarra-stats-analysis.html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=cottagers-heartbeat-dembl-diarra-stats-analysis

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Former Fulham man McBride: Dempsey would succeed at Liverpool
Former USA international believes his compatriot has the ability and determination to become a star at Anfield and is delighted to be part of the Wembley FC project


Jamie Sabau

EXCLUSIVE
By Shane Evans

Former Fulham striker Brian McBride has insisted current want-away Cottagers star Clint Dempsey would be a success at Liverpool, were he to move to Anfield.

The 29-year-old has attempted to force through a move already this summer by not featuring on a pre-season tour with the club and has now refused to play for Martin Jol's team until ge is transferred.

The dutch manager has insisted he would welcome Dempsey back into his squad readily, and that no bids have been made but the former Fulham striker is sure his compatriot would shine on Merseyside.

"If you're asking me if I think Clint can succeed [at Liverpool]? For sure," McBride told Goal.com. "He's got not only the talent and the ability but he's a very determined individual. He adapts extremely well to so many different situations.

"Take Fulham for example. He's had four or five different coaches. He's always put his head down and showed them what he's made of.

"I think that's a sign of not only a very good player but one that is able to adapt and make the transition regardless of who the manager is."

McBride is currently playing with Wembley FC who, in partnership with American beer company Budweiser have been competing in this season's FA Cup with several former stars including David Seaman, Ray Parlour and Graeme Le Saux.

The non-league outfit beat Langford 3-2 in the extra preliminary round clash recently and the former USA international is delighted to be part of the project.

"My mindset going through this is that I've been trying to get involved with grassroots soccer and Budweiser helped make the connection.

"I get a chance to do some coaching and some mentoring at a lower league level and really get to see the passion that goes into the game itself. These guys go through the same amount of training but still have jobs and have to work through all those different aspects."



http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2012/08/21/3320709/-?

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Fulham star backs Duff to shine for club and country

STEPHEN Kelly has backed Fulham team-mate Damien Duff to continue doing the business for club and country.

The experienced Irishman scored the opening goal in Saturday's 5-0 thrashing of Norwich, but is mulling over his future with the national side following their Euro 2012 campaign, where he earned his 100th cap for the Boys in Green.

Boss Giovanni Trapattoni is keen to have the wing wizard on board as they begin their quest for qualification for the World Cup 2014 next month, despite leaving him out of the squad for last week's friendly with Serbia.

The 33-year-old made 43 appearances for the Whites last season, along with another 13 for his country.

And Kelly sees no reason why his pal can't continue performing at the top level for Fulham and the Republic.

He told the Chronicle: "I think Damien can still do the business for club and country. His passion for the game is still there and his energy levels are fantastic.

"He's hungry and I don't think fitness will be a problem for him. Playing games won't be a problem for him, it's just whether he wants to continue playing [for his country] or not.

"He's had a long career and it's just a question of whether he wants to finish on [a high of reaching] a major tournament."



Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/fulham-fc/2012/08/21/82029-31665432/?#ixzz24BqnU8au

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Fulham and Newcastle confirm interest in Douglas, says FC Twente chairman
The Brazilian-born player is close to attaining Dutch citizenship, but his future has been uncertain with a move to the Premier League looking more likely


PROSHOTS

FC Twente chairman Joop Munsterman has announced that Fulham and Newcastle United have confirmed their interest in the defender Douglas and that the club is prepared to sell.

The Brazilian-born centre-back has been linked with a move away from the Dutch club for some time, with the Magpies leading the chase for the 24-year-old.

The 2010 Eredivisie winners have settled on life without the towering defender, who only has a year left of his contract, not wanting to risk him leaving for free at the end of the season.

"Both clubs [Fulham & Newcastle] told us they want to do business with us", Munsterman told Voetbal International .

"We didn't received any offers yet, but when they want to pay a fair price, Douglas may leave the club. Because otherwise he will leave Twente for free next year."

The player had revealed that there were five clubs in the running for his signature, with Newcastle one of the favourites, and admitted he hoped his future would soon be resolved.



http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2012/08/21/3320196/-?

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Academy Insight: Cauley Woodrow

In getting to know some of the Club's younger players, fulhamfc.com will pay a regular visit to our Under-21 and Under-18 squads in the hope of putting our young hopefuls in the spotlight. Today we spoke to Under-18 striker Cauley Woodrow who talked us through his fledgling career so far and dished the dirt on some of his team mates.

Should we call you Cauley or Teddy? We hear that some of the older members of the Academy coaching staff have been calling you 'the new Teddy Sheringham'?

Yeah, I don't know what to make of that to be honest – so Cauley's just fine. I've been called Teddy a few times before though.

Do you even know who Teddy Sheringham is?

No not really, I know he played for England and Manchester United, right?

He did, and, to be fair, he was a pretty good player!

I'll take it as a compliment then.

Google him when you get home.

It will be the first thing I do!

Getting back to the proper questions. In your brief career so far, what's been your footballing highlight?

There's been a few actually, I've been lucky. Before joining Fulham, I was on Luton Town's books and I played for their first team a few times. Winning the league and national title with the Under-18s was brilliant last season, but I think representing England Under-17s and scoring is the biggest highlight.

And your low?

It has to be injuries, and I've had a few. It's easily the worst part of the game.

Is there a stadium apart from Craven Cottage that you'd most like to play at?

Wembley would be nice of course, but I'd say the Emirates. I might have let out that I'm an Arsenal fan with that one!

What was the first football shirt that you owned?

I'm going to get some stick here as well, but it was actually a Manchester United one. I can't remember the season now, but I'll hold my hands up to owning one!

Is there any one player that you like to watch closely?

Again, I'm putting myself in the firing line with this answer, but I have to say Fernando Torres. I know he plays for our rivals Chelsea, but during his Liverpool days I used to love watching him play. When he was bang on form he was one of the best in the world, and a player us youngsters could learn a lot from.

An Arsenal fan, whose first football shirt was Manchester United and whose favourite player is a Blue - let's give you a chance to put things back on track. Can the Under-18s win a third straight Academy League title this season?

Of course, and although the emphasis isn't on results and points at our level, every player wants to be part of a winning team. I think we're one of the best academies around and our performances and success show that. Can we win the league again? Yes, and we'll give it another good go.

So what are your main strengths as a player?

Well as a striker, I love scoring goals and I managed a few important ones last year – including one in the national final – so that was good. I like to think there's more to me than just goals though and I like to set goals up for others too. I've been told that I have clever movement, which is a side of the game I've worked hard on.

What about areas for improvement?

Everywhere! No player, no matter what level they play at, is the finished product.

Away from the pitch, what is your all-time favourite film?

It has to be The Hangover, the first one. I just didn't stop laughing, it's a film I'll never get tired of. Alan is the best character!

What song would you choose for a spot of karaoke?

That's a tough one, I'm into so many different types of music. I don't know, perhaps Let Me Love You by Omarion.

And what do you never miss on the box?

I'm an EastEnders fan, I do like a bit of that.

In turning your attentions to your team mates, which one makes you laugh the most?

Well it was Ronny Minkwitz, but he's now with the Under-21 group. Before he smoothed out his English, he used to get all his words mixed up, which could be very amusing. Out of the current squad now, I'd probably go for Derek Tieku. He may seem quiet, but when he gets annoyed he really loses it!

We know you boys love your clothes, so who out of the squad is the best and worst dressed?

To be honest, there's a few that could fall into that last bracket. I'll play it safe if that's okay – I don't want anyone picking on me when it's their turn. As for the best, I'll go with Muamer Tankovic as he's sitting behind me so he can hear what I say!

You lot also love your tricks - which player has the most in his locker on that front?

That would definitely be Tank, and that's not just because he's in the same room. He's just so skilful – he can pretty much do anything with a ball.

And finally Cauley, as your career moves forward, what's the one piece of advice that you remember above the rest?

Believe in yourself – Kit Symons said that to me once.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2012/august/21/academy-insight-cauley-woodrow?

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Vidic gears up for Fulham visit

Nemanja Vidic insists Manchester United are already looking forward to the visit to Old Trafford of Fulham on Saturday.

The deposed champions crashed to a first opening defeat since 2004 in a 1-0 reverse against Everton at Goodison Park on Monday.

New signing Shinji Kagawa and goalkeeper David de Gea stood out on an otherwise disappointing night on Merseyside, while fellow recruit Robin van Persie was unable to change the outcome from the bench.

Sir Alex Ferguson was missing Jonny Evans, Rio Ferdinand, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones, and it was Marouane Fellaini who stole the show with a commanding performance.

Fit-again defender Vidic said there would be no sulking from last season's runners-up and promised a response against Martin Jol's Cottagers.

"We knew it would be a hard game," he told MUTV. "They did what they're best at - playing long balls and focusing on set-pieces. They had a few chances and in the end deserved to score, but we're never happy when we concede from a set-piece."

The Serbia international added: "It wasn't a great game but we're already looking forward to the next one. We've lost our first match [of the season] in the past and finished well so hopefully we can win our next game and go on a long run."



http://www.clubcall.com/manchester-united/vidic-gears-up-for-fulham-visit-1457913.html?