Sunday Fulham Stuff (02/09/12)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Liverpool owners block Rodgers' bid to sign Clint Dempsey

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers spent transfer deadline day trying to convince his club's American owners to pay £7m for Fulham's Clint Dempsey.

As the closure of the transfer window neared, it emerged that Rodgers was not just negotiating with Fulham, but also his own hierarchy as he argued his case on the merits of signing the 29-year-old USA international.

On another odd day in the tumultuous recent boardroom history at the Merseyside club, it became apparent the main stumbling block in a deal was Fenway Sports Group's (FSG) transfer policy and new financial constraints.

Despite slashing the wage bill by millions, including offloading Andy Carroll on the presumption it would free funds for a replacement, Rodgers was informed there was not enough money to sanction all the deals he wanted.

Although terms were in place for Dempsey, FSG were also reluctant to spend any money on a player in his late 20s.

Rodgers had to effectively request a rethink on the entire 'moneyball' mantra that had been emphasised when John Henry bought Liverpool nearly two years ago.

Dempsey, who later joined Tottenham, had earlier rejected the chance to join Aston Villa, desperate for Liverpool to reopen negotiation.

FSG had stated previouslythat they would rather invest in young talent rather than those who will have no sell-on value at the end of their contracts.

Rodgers argued that his side needed a blend of youth and experience, and Dempsey is a proven goalscorer over five seasons in English football.

It seemed inconceivable as the deadline approached that, having allowed Carroll to join West Ham on loan, Rodgers would be left with Suarez as his only experienced striker. But that's how things stood as the deadline passed, leaving Rodgers with a loan deal his chance of getting an additonal striker.

The transfer window has proven a thorough education for the latest Anfield incumbent on the financial reality gripping the club.

Chairman Tom Werner suggested last season Liverpool could match the top clubs in Europe.

"I would say we certainly have the resources to compete with anybody in football," he said on April 12.

Lavish

That seemed a lavish promise as Rodgers waited anxiously for the green light to sign Dempsey, particularly given the number of senior players who have left since he was appointed, many of whom he was helpless to prevent departing.

Numerous high-earning players have left since the end of last season, including Dirk Kuyt, Craig Bellamy, Alberto Aquilani, Carroll and Max Rodriguez. Fabio Aurelio, Charlie Adam and Jay Spearing have also been moved on, equating to a conservative estimate of £20m slashed in wages, and yet Rodgers still found himself pleading for every last penny to try to force through the Dempsey deal.

Liverpool held talks with Chelsea for the loan signing of Daniel Sturridge, but Sturridge wanted to make the transfer permanent. Rodgers possessed neither the funds nor the inclination to bid £15m for his services. (© Daily Telegraph, London)

- Chris Bascombe



http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/premier-league/liverpool-owners-block-rodgers-bid-to-sign-clint-dempsey-3216444.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham switch for Dejagah

Fulham have signed Ashkan Dejagah from Wolfsburg on a three-year deal with option for an additional 12 months for an undisclosed fee.

The winger was expected to move to Craven Cottage on transfer deadline day after being spotted at the club on Friday.

Dejagah's move was then announced shortly before the 11pm cut-off, bringing to an end more than 150 appearances at Wolfsburg.

He told Fulham's official website: "I'm very happy to be signing for Fulham and to come and play in the Premier League.

"I know Sascha [Riether] well and he told me very good things about the club and, after I had spoken to the manager and heard about the project here, I was convinced.

"So I am happy to be here and will give my best for the club and our fans."



http://www.football411.com/story/0,22162,8925_8039384,00.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham talks with Michel Bastos fall through


Bastos could instead move to the UAE - A

Lyon winger Michel Bastos will remain in France after talks fell through with Premier League side Fulham over a potential loan deal.

Bastos' agent had confirmed that the Brazilian was in discussions with two Premier League clubs and the Rhone side had agreed terms with Fulham over a temporary transfer of the Seleção international.

However, the player turned down the move, opting to bide his time at Stade Gerland with the potential to join United Arab Emirates side Al Ain.

Emmanuel De Kerchove, Bastos' agent, said earlier: "The market in the UAE closes in one month so there is not the same urgency.

"At this moment we have different options for him but I think it is close.

"He is discussing with two clubs in England and Fulham is one of them. But at the moment I would prefer not to say the other one. We will see what happens as the day goes on."

The other unnamed Premier League club who were in contention to sign the versatile left-sided player, who has won 10 international caps, was rumoured to be Liverpool.

Bastos joined Lyon from Lille in 2009 and has scored twice in two substitute appearances for the Ligue 1 side this season.



http://www.sambafoot.com/en/news/35077_fulham_talks_with_michel_bastos_fall_through_.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
David deal falls through
Fulham miss out on FC Twente forward

Fulham missed out on the signing of Chris David on deadline day after failing to reach an agreement for the FC Twente forward.

The Cottagers were thought to have completed the signing of David on Friday night after identifying him as someone who could strengthen their squad.

He travelled to West London to undergo a medical and reports from Twente indicated that he had joined Fulham.
However, there was no confirmation from the Premier League club and communications director Sarah Brookes has now said an agreement was not reached.

David, 19, is rated as one of the most exciting prospects in Dutch football and has played international football at youth level, while Ajax were also thought to be keen on signing him.

Fulham did manage to bring in Dimitar Berbatov, Kieran Richardson and Ashkan Dejagah on Friday, but saw Clint Dempsey leave for Tottenham.



http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11661/8040749?

[WhiteJC]

 
Martin Jol blames 'horrendous defending' for Fulham defeat

Fulham manager Martin Jol blames "horrendous defending" for his side's 3-0 defeat at home to newly promoted West Ham United.

The home side went ahead after 53 seconds when debutant Andy Carroll's header freed Ricardo Vaz Te, who teed up Kevin Nolan to fire home.

Winston Reid and Matt Taylor added two further goals for the Hammers.



http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19449158?

[WhiteJC]

 
Next Up At Home

Fulham host West Bromwich Albion in our second home Barclays Premier League game of the season. With tickets priced at £30 adults and just £1 for juniors, why not join us to cheer on Martin Jol and the Whites.

Following our successful transfer deadline day, this could be the first opportunity for fans to see our summer signings such as Dimitar Berbatov and Kieran Richardson take to the Cottage pitch.

To purchase your tickets call 0843 208 1234 (option 1) or secure your seat online now.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2012/september/01/next-up-at-home?

[WhiteJC]

 
Woeful Fulham crushed by West Ham

West Ham 3 Fulham 0

Dimitar Berbatov made his Fulham debut but it was West Ham new boy Andy Carroll who stole the show at Upton Park.

Berbatov, a deadline-day arrival from Manchester United, came on as a substitute at half-time – with the Whites already 3-0 down after being torn to shreds in the opening 45 minutes.

Carroll, signed on loan from Liverpool, played a pivotal role in the east London side going ahead after only 54 seconds.

Ricardo Vaz Te collected the England striker's flick and laid the ball across to an unmarked Kevin Nolan, who fired into the corner of the net.

Kieran Richardson had a poor Fulham debut although he did bring a save from keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen with a long-range drive, before West Ham almost doubled their lead.

Again Carroll was in the thick of the action, this time nodding down to Mohamed Diame, who smashed a shot against the bar.

Keeper Mark Schwarzer produced a near-post save to deny Vaz Te, but was unable to rescue Fulham when Mahamadou Diarra allowed Winston Reid to get in front of him and head home Matt Taylor's 29th-minute corner.

Taylor then added the third, rifling in the loose ball after Brede Hangeland had partially cleared another high ball towards Carroll.

Fulham improved after the interval – they could hardly have got worse – and their cause was helped by Carroll going off on 68 minutes with what appeared to be a hamstring problem.

Knowing the points were secure, West Ham were sloppy at times and Jaaskelainen had to be alert to push an effort from Hugo Rodallega onto the post and keep out shots from Steve Sidwell and Damien Duff.




http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/woeful-fulham-crushed-by-west-ham?

[WhiteJC]

 
West Ham's Andy Carroll leaves Fulham at sixes and sevens on debut

It was perhaps to be expected that Andy Carroll's West Ham United debut would be one to remember. Free from the shackles that restricted his progress at Liverpool and without the burdensome £35m price tag hanging over his head, he produced a commanding display to spearhead his new side to a convincing victory over Fulham.

Even in the tunnel before kick-off, Carroll appeared a man revelling in his new surroundings. He looked relaxed and carefree, aware that he was again under the spotlight but unperturbed by the prospect. The leap that caused his hamstring strain and absence from the upcoming England squad epitomised his performance – charging like a rampaging bull and hurling himself into a contest with Brede Hangeland that he had little chance of winning just after the hour.

Sam Allardyce was rightfully delighted with his endeavour, if upset by the injury. He said: "What's important is the delight of everybody when he walked through the door today, I think it made us all feel that little bit better, when you have a £35m centre-forward walk through the door. The disappointing thing is the injury."

There was almost a denigrating tone to the way Carroll, when it became clear that he would be leaving Anfield, was referred to as "big Andy" by Brendan Rodgers. But while he clearly did not fit into the Liverpool manager's vision, he could yet flourish at Upton Park.

It did not take long for the on-loan striker to make an impact, leaping high and beating Hangeland to a header in the first minute, the ball falling to Ricardo Vaz Tê who laid it into the path of Kevin Nolan to fire left-footed past Mark Schwarzer.

That set the tone for the remaining 89 minutes. West Ham totally dictated the play against their opponents from across the capital, with Carroll a constant menace.

It was a sublime return to the same form with which he burst on to the scene at Newcastle, and with Vaz Tê, Matthew Taylor and Mohamed Diamé in dangerous support, Fulham's defence struggled to cope. Eight minutes after the opening goal Carroll won another knockdown into the path of Diamé, whose stinging drive was tipped on to the crossbar by Schwarzer.

Martin Jol's side performed admirably at Old Trafford last weekend but the loss of Moussa Dembélé and inevitable departure of Clint Dempsey have now left their manager with an arguably inferior team to that of last season. He threw on the new signing Dimitar Berbatov at the interval but, despite glimpses of quality from the Bulgarian striker, the game had already gone.

Hangeland, standing at 6ft 6in, and his fellow centre-half Aaron Hughes could not deal with the aerial presence of Carroll. It was the same combination of Carroll, Vaz Tê and Nolan that almost breached Schwarzer's goal again in the 16th minute but the West Ham captain's shot from the edge of the area landed on the roof of the net.

Jol was unhappy after the final whistle. "Normally to analyse a team like Chelsea or Man United it is difficult, with West Ham it is easier. You know that they will play a long ball and look for knockdowns," he said. "The only positive thing was to see Berbatov again, to see his class and his quality, I've missed that."

The home supporters did not have to wait long for a second. Fulham's defenders were at sixes and sevens as Taylor whipped in an inswinging corner that Winston Reid thumped home with his head, easily outjumping Mahamadou Diarra.

Things went from bad to worse for Fulham when Taylor lashed home four minutes before half time. Carroll was causing such chaos in the visitors' penalty area that he did not even need to jump as Hangeland and Diarra got in each other's way, the ball ricocheting off the Norwegian and falling to the grateful Taylor.

Fulham rallied and forced a couple of decent saves from Jussi Jaaskelainen but they were thoroughly outplayed. As Allardyce said: "In between our 'long ball three goals' we outplayed Fulham, that's simple, totally and utterly. If Martin can't defend properly with his team then he really shouldn't criticise the way we scored our goals."

West Ham's victory was all the more impressive considering their abject display at Swansea last weekend. Jaaskelainen was much more assured and James Collins, guilty of a horrendous error at the Liberty Stadium, appeared steady. Even without Matt Jarvis, who missed the game with a knock to the thigh, the Hammers were a cut above their London rivals.



http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2012/sep/01/west-ham-united-fulham-premier-league?

[WhiteJC]

 
The View from South Texas — West Ham U v. Fulham FC

by HatterDon

God, That was Ugly

By the time there were 30 minutes on the clock today, my major hope was that we would salvage some of the goal difference we won on opening day. We did ... just. The post-Dembélé Era began on the Boleyn ground for a "lunchtime" [read 0645] match against our bogey team. I am confident that we will look better than we did today. I am also confident that West Ham will not.

Their first goal came with barely 50 seconds on the clock. Kevin Nolan made a fortuitous connection with a knock down by the excellent Ricardo Vaz Te and Schwarzer could do nothing but pick the ball out of his net. I say "fortuitous" because Nolan spent the rest of the match swinging and missing at much easier chances. Vaz Te's combination of speed, skill, and aggression would trouble Fulham's somewhat panic-stricken defense all day. He was, without a doubt, the best player on the pitch. He had a complete stormer.

Fulham? Not so much. Despite the fact that the back four + Schwarzer were the only unit untouched by injury or transfer, they spent much of the match looking as if they'd only just met in the dressing room. Riise was back from injury, so Fulham were – arguably – stronger in defense than they were at Old Trafford last weekend. However, despite the fact that West Ham is nowhere near Man United in skill or manpower, our defense proved totally ineffective in controlling the newly promoted Hammers.

Their second and third goals were both down to poor marking. Nobody was near Winston Reid when he headed in from a corner 29 minutes in, and Matthew Taylor had the entire postal code to himself when he slammed home the third a few minutes before the interval. In both cases, new boy Andy Carroll was drawing all the attention. Fully four players were marking him for the third. I can't remember when I last saw Hangeland play so ineffectively. I hope not to see it again this season.

Much of Fulham's defensive slackness can be attributed to weakness in the midfield. Only Diarra stood out in this area, and he was constantly on the verge of being overrun. West Ham were quick to close down any Fulham player in possession and the only way that Fulham could string together more than three passes was among the defenders and twenty yards deep in their own half. Richardson made his debut and looked okay going forward but was totally ineffective in shielding or covering for Riise. Duff was our entire offense for 45 minutes, but Riether was also left on his own all too often. Steve Sidwell? Well, I thought he was horrible, so I'm saying no more than that.

Petrić and Rodallega were our primary attackers. Petrić looked somewhat lost at sea and it was no surprise when he was sacrificed at half time. Rodallega turned in a good shift and played the entire 90 minutes. I fervently hope that I can make that statement many more times this season. But it was our substitute forward who really caught the eye. Dimitar Berbatov was a lovely combination of artful flicks, turns, and gliding moves. He was, really, the only player in white who remotely troubled West Ham. And their pressure affected him much less than any of our other players. He was the reason that we became a credible attacking force [70 minutes after the opening whistle], and he was the architect of what could easily have been a consolation goal from Rodallega.

All-in-all, the first match after the transfer period was pretty ugly to look at and a disaster of a result. If there's mitigation it is that it's ludicrous for the transfer period to end on the day before a match. Of course, there was no reason why we had to sign Richardson or Berbatov on Friday when we had the entire summer to make deals. But the problem wasn't that we didn't have time to get our new boys acclimated. The problem is that, since the Tottenham match last Spring, Fulham have lost four key players from our midfield – a midfield that was clearly our major strength and difference-maker last season. Add to that the unavailability of Bryan Ruiz today, and we're just not good enough without them.

We'll get better. The midfield will tighten up [Sidwell is not the answer here, by the way], Berbatov will pair nicely with Petrić, and the defense should settle down. We WILL get better, but it will take a while. In the meantime, it's safe to say that from now until late November, this season is going to resemble the first few months of the last two seasons. Our fondest hope should be that the second half of this season will also resemble those of the last two.

Hatter Don's Man of the Match goes to Dimitar Berbatov, with honorable mention to Mahamadou Diarra

Back at the Cottage against West Brom next, and it would be nice to bag three points. Count on Berbatov starting. Count on that being a very good thing for Fulham. COYW



http://www.friendsoffulham.com/wordpress/?p=183

[WhiteJC]

 
Jol: West Ham's long-ball tactics worked

Fulham manager Martin Jol said his team's 3-0 defeat at West Ham was down to their failure to deal with the home side's long-ball tactics.

All three goals at Upton Park came in the first half, when Hammers new boy Andy Carroll caused the Whites major problems in the air.

Jol said: "When you analyse teams like Manchester United and Chelsea it's difficult but with West Ham it's easy. You know they will play that long ball and look for the knockdowns.

"If you're 5ft 8in or 5ft 10in you've maybe got a problem, but I thought we should have coped with him [Carroll]. We couldn't cope with him and that's disappointing."

Without deadline-day departures Clint Dempsey and Moussa Dembele, Fulham's problems were increased when Bryan Ruiz failed a fitness test.

Their lack of creativity was obvious, with Kieran Richardson enduring a disappointing debut in midfield – a position Jol intends to play him in rather than on the left.

"Of course we missed players in the creative department," Jol admitted.

"Ruiz couldn't play and Dembele has gone. It was a concern for us but we'll be fine."



http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/jol-west-hams-long-ball-tactics-worked?

[WhiteJC]

 
Window hangover for Jol
Cottagers boss admits defensive errors cost his side at Upton Park

Martin Jol admits a 3-0 defeat to West Ham proves a hectic transfer window has taken its toll on his Fulham side, but is tipping them to bounce back.

The Cottagers saw key figures such as Moussa Dembele and Clint Dempsey lured to pastures new over the summer, with the forward-thinking pair snapped up by capital rivals Tottenham.

Jol has been able to bring fresh faces into his squad, but it will take time for a new-look unit to form the kind of understandings required to generate positive results at tough places such as Upton Park.

Fulham were second best throughout the first half in the East End on Saturday, with the Hammers able to wrap up all three points before the interval.

"It was difficult," Jol told Sky Sports.

"Before the match we had a few little problems.

"We made a step forward last year and now we have had to take two steps back almost. I think we will find the balance in the next couple of weeks.

"The only disappointing thing is that the players go on international duty. Today had nothing to do with our qualities in midfield or up front, we didn't defend well."

Horrendous

West Ham debutant Andy Carroll caused Fulham all kinds of problems before limping out of the action in the second half and Jol admits his side struggled to get to grips with the powerful frontman.

He was, however, pleased to see deadline day signing Dimitar Berbatov make a positive impact on proceedings after joining the game as a half-time substitute.

Jol said: "If you play against him (Carroll) you know that the first ball you have to be on the end of it, you have to look after the knock downs and win the second balls. We didn't do that. It was horrendous.

"Second half we did better, mainly because they had to get him off, but before that we did better as well.

"Offensively we looked better with Berbatov, which was probably the only positive thing. We have to work hard to get it right."



http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/8041575?

[WhiteJC]

 
Dimitar Berbatov Leaves Man Utd: Why Fulham Have Achieved a Major Transfer Coup

Fulham might have just pulled off one of the biggest coups of the entire summer transfer window in their acquisition of Dimitar Berbatov from Manchester United (via the club's official website).

A former Premier League Golden Boot winner, Berbatov was seemingly unwanted by Manchester United, having slipped down the striker ranks behind Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck and Javier Hernandez.

The recent pickups of Robin van Persie and Shinji Kagawa all but confirmed that the 31-year-old would not see any significant game time at Old Trafford this season.

Think about everything that Berbatov brings to Fulham.

Few can dispute the skills that the Bulgarian international has.

The striker netted 56 goals in 149 appearances for the Red Devils and 48 goals in 78 appearances for his national side Bulgaria. He has picked up the Premier League Golden Boot Award, the League Cup and the FIFA World Cup.

He has won two Barclays Premier League titles and has been named the Bulgarian Footballer of the Year a staggering seven times.

Berbatov is a proven performer and a known goal scorer; his Premier League success makes him a worthy candidate of any summer transfer.

Once you consider just what Fulham paid for the striker, though, it seems almost unbelievable.

The Sun reports that the 31-year-old has joined the Cottagers for just £4 million—a staggering £26 million less than what Manchester United paid for him four years ago and still less than half of what Tottenham Hotspur paid for him in 2006.

To put that into perspective, take a look at some of the other transfers that took place in the Premier League this summer for around £4 million to £5 million (per the Daily Mail).

Charlie Adam, Pablo Hernandez, Vedran Colorka and Nick Powell all cost the same as what Fulham paid for Berbatov. Martin Jol, though, got an experienced and proven performer.

Even if he doesn't regain the exact same form that he possessed at Old Trafford three years ago, it's still an incredible signing for Jol.

To do it for just £4 million?

It might just be the steal of the summer.



http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1319136-dimitar-berbatov-leaves-man-utd-why-fulham-have-achieved-a-major-transfer-coup?

[WhiteJC]

 
Jol: Fulham missed Dempsey and Dembele

Cottagers boss admits it was hard to create chances without his former players.

He also concedes that he defence found it hard to cope with West Ham striker Andy Carroll in their 3-0 defeat at Upton Park.



Read more at http://www.talksport.co.uk/radio/matchday-live/120901/jol-fulham-missed-dempsey-and-dembele-180037?#ZYjMrR4MOI8K4Ecx.99

[WhiteJC]

 
Juve coach blasts 'unreliable' Berbatov

Stand-in Juventus coach Massimo Carrera has described Dimitar Berbatov - linked with a move to the Turin club over the summer - as "unreliable".

Carrera, taking the place of suspended coach Antiono Conte, hit out at Berbatov after he had joined Fulham from Manchester United on deadline day after having appeared to be on the brink of completing a move to Fiorentina.

He said: "It's the first time I have seen a situation like that. Seeing what happened, perhaps it is better that he did not join us as we are talking about an unreliable player."

Carrera said new Juventus loan signing Nicklas Bendtner was unlikely to play a part in the home game against Udinese.

He said Juve wanted to settle the Arsenal man into the picture slowly, and admitted that the uncertain financial climate in Italian football had prevented them signing some of the forward they had targeted.

"We will settle him in slowly, and he still needs to do some tests so we can ascertain his fitness levels," Carrera explained. "We will also make the most of the break for international duty to work with him in training as he is suspended for Denmark.

"He does fit our requirements for a striker, even if, due to the financial crisis, we were unable to buy the great players we tracked for a long time. We need humility, the desire to work, as we can and must improve."

Looking ahead to the Champions League meeting against Chelsea, he said it was important not to read too much into their heavy European Super Cup defeat to Atletico Madrid.

"Chelsea did show some problems in defence, but they remain the reigning champions," he said.

"We must understand what their weaknesses are so we can face them in the best possible way. We are happy to be back in the Champions League, and will do everything to become protagonists again."



http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1148491?&cc=5739

[WhiteJC]

 
U18s 4 Palace 3

Moussa Dembele scored a hat-trick as Fulham's Under-18s defeated Crystal Palace 4-3 at Motspur Park on Saturday.

Dembele put the Whites in front, only for Palace to level soon after.

But the Whites then regained their lead through Dembele, with Cauley Woodrow increasing our advantage from the penalty spot.

Demeble completed his hat-trick and made it 4-1 but Palace reduced the deficit with a free-kick, before ensuring a nervy finish with a header.

Fulham, though, held on to secure the points and a second win from as many games this season.

Steve Wigley said: "We should have been out of sight at 4-1 and we had other chances. Palace had a go and there were chances at both ends. It was a physical game, very robust, but we stood up to it well.

"It's great to get another win and I've been really pleased with the attitude of the players. There's a really good team spirit."

Fulham Team: Grainger; Donnelly, O'Reilly, Sambou, Evans (O'Halloran 65); Della Verde, Hyndman, Tankovic (Richards 46), Williams (Tieku 75); Dembele, Woodrow.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2012/september/01/u18s-4-palace-3?

[WhiteJC]

 
First Half Blitz Too Much For Fulham
by LORK on SEPTEMBER 1, 2012


Nolan scored the opening goal within a minute

Fulham started the post Dempsey-Dembele era with an emphatic loss at Upton Park this afternoon, losing 3-0 after goals from Nolan, Ried and Taylor in the first half. It was, however, Andy Carroll who shone brightest on the pitch, his aerial prowess proving too difficult to handle and having a hand in each of West Ham's goals.

The match was billed as elegance vs graft, following the marquee signings of Berbatov and Carroll to Fulham and West Ham respectively. Berbatov wasn't to see the pitch until after half-time but Carroll made an impact immediately, flicking on a clearance to Vaz Te who found himself behind the Fulham defense, before intelligently laying off the ball to Nolan who smashed a volley into the back of the net.

This was to set the tone, with West Ham's long balls and tenacity constantly pressing Fulham back, pushing them high up the pitch and making it impossible to break out from deep; although you have to ask how much they missed the guile of Ruiz and Dembele, who both missed the game for different reasons, with Sidwell and Fulham's static 4-4-2 struggling to create anything. Richardson made a suprise starting debut, but he struggled to make much of an impact.

As such, when West Ham went two goals up you couldn't begrudge them that margin. After Schwarzer had made a couple of good saves and Diame, who was superb in the Claret shirt, smashed a volley against the bar, the pressure told when Reid connected powerfully to a Matty Taylor corner, although Fulham will be disappointed with the defending.


Carroll put in an outstanding performance on his West Ham debut

The West Londoners would also be disappointed in the manner they conceded the third, three white shirts challenging the single entity of Andy Carroll, which meant that when the ball fell to Taylor following a botched clearance, he had all the time in the world to measure a fierce volley low into Schwarzer's net. At the other end, just a couple of tame long range efforts represented Fulham's offensive pressure.

After the half-time interval Petric – who wasn't fully fit – was replaced by ex-Manchester United striker Berbatov. Fulham fans and staff have expressed their delight at the deadline-day signing, and it was easy to see why; Berbatov's silky touch was on display in many instances during the second half, and perhaps remains the only bright spot to Saturday's game.

However even that introduction wasn't enough to inspire Fulham in to life, and despite a couple of good efforts on goal and an overall improvement in Fulham's play not much was created with any conviction; West Ham, content with their three goal advantage, were similarly sedate, prepared to sit on their lead and wait for counter attacking opportunities.

Rodellega will feel like he should have opened his Fulham account in the last minute after a sublime Berbatov chipped pass found him alone 6 yards out, but his volley was smashed straight at West Ham keeper Jussi Jaskelainen.

That, though, was Fulham's sole goal-scoring chance of the game, and Jol will be hoping for more energetic, determined and dynamic performances in future, and while you can't make any conclusions solely from a game where they played the antithesis of what Fulham's philosophy represents, one has to wonder if they will rue not bringing in a capable replacement for Dembele before 11PM struck on Friday the 31st of August.

~lork



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2012/09/first-half-blitz-too-much-for-fulham/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Phoenix reject Musa set to join Fulham

James Musa is poised to complete a remarkable career turnaround by signing with English Premier League club Fulham.

The centre back from Whanganui caught the eye of Fulham's chief scout while playing for New Zealand at the London Olympics and will put pen to paper on a short-term deal before the August transfer window closes at 10am today (NZT).

Musa played three games for the Wellington Phoenix in 2010-11 but was not re-signed and dropped down to the national league with Team Wellington.

The 20-year-old flew out of Auckland for London on Thursday night, but did not want to discuss details of the move until it was completed.

The transfer was a formality, pending a medical, after Musa impressed Fulham's coaching staff during trials and games after the Olympics.

"It is a big jump but he's a very good athlete and he's got a nice left foot," said NZ Olympic coach and former Premier League defender Neil Emblen.

"They're not expecting him to play in the Premier League straight away, they're going to try to develop him further so he can then kick on."

Musa and Emblen stayed on at the athletes' village after the Olympics and then "jumped on the Tube" out to Fulham's training base.

"James trained really well the day that I watched. He looked like he fitted in perfectly well," Emblen said.

"He then played a couple of games against non-league teams, in that squad, and did well. I can see why teams do want to talk to him because you just look at him and he looks like a superb athlete."

Musa's deal was for five months, with Fulham then able to make a call on either signing him to a longer contract, or moving him on in the January transfer window, Emblen said.

Musa was initially likely to play for Fulham in the Premier Reserve League with other promising players in the 18 to 22 age bracket.

Six Kiwis have played in the Premier League: Ryan Nelsen, Winston Reid, Chris Wood, Danny Hay, Lee Norfolk and Simon Elliott, who played for Fulham in 2005-06.

Fulham have been busy as the August transfer window draws to a close, selling Belgian midfielder Moussa Dembele to Tottenham for £15m and acquiring Bulgarian striker Dimitar Berbatov from Manchester United for £5m.

"They had smashing facilities, when we went there. I was gobsmacked to be honest," Emblen said.

"Manicured fields, a great training complex. They're an established Premier League team now. James just really needs to have the desire now. Because when he's concentrating and into it, he's a really good player.

"I just think he has that tendency to sometimes drop into cruise control and, when he does, that's when he could get found out at that level. But maybe this is the challenge he needs."

Musa's talent was first identified by Phoenix assistant coach Jonathan Gould at a New Zealand age-group tournament. But he was handed a hospital pass in 2010 by Phoenix coach Ricki Herbert, who asked Musa to make his A-League debut out of position at left back, and was predictably turned inside out by Melbourne Victory stars Archie Thompson and Robbie Kruse.

After being unwanted by the Phoenix, Musa gradually rebuilt his confidence at Team Wellington and Emblen said his perseverance was admirable.

"Now it's his time to prove whether he can deliver or not. I'm just hoping that he can."

- © Fairfax NZ News



http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/sport/football/7591925/?

[WhiteJC]

 
West Ham 3-0 Fulham

DON'T PANIC!

We have been losing at West Ham forever. We have been bad away from home for ages. Had we held onto Dembele and restored Dempsey and kept Murphy and signed some exciting half-Lithuanian playmakers we'd still have been perfectly capable of playing like that.

Things just didn't go well. You go down in the first minute away from home then, generally, the match will not end with points being won. That this goal was a dreadful mess does not help supporters' moods, either, but again, there are few concessions where we're happy, are there? In this case Andy Carroll won a header, the ball was moved on and Kevin Nolan arrived in the vacant inside left channel to slam – slam! – home. Oh dear.

They got another with a direct header from a corner, which doesn't happen often, does it? Winston Reid outjumped Diarra and larruped a header into the empty net, empty because Schwarzer had gone all De Gea on us and ended up neither fish nor fowl in mid air.

Then again, Matthew Taylor scorching in from the edge of the area to make it three. Game, set, match.

The second half was better but they always are when you're behind, aren't they? West Ham sat on the lead, Fulham grew a bit, and possibilities emerged. The great Dimitar Berbatov made his Fulham debut and showed some fantastic touches, and suggested that he might have that splendid gift of making others around him better. Hugo Rodallega went from anonymous apology to incisive build-up contributor. He and Berbatov seemed to have half an idea of how to play with one another and on another day they'd have made a goal or two.

Also relevant was Alex Kacaniklic, whose lively approach work was encouraging. He did well and deserves a season to get to grips with the league. Give him that and he might be a star.

In other news, Kieron Richardson had a good debut I thought. I liked how he moved, the way he looked to use the ball and the pockets of space he found. Again, with a bit more time with his teammates he should be more than useful, and that left foot is sure to make some good things happen sooner rather than later. As it was he had the only meaningful Fulham shot of note in the first half.

So if you look past the 3-0 scoreline and forget that our attacking play was more often than not dire, and that our defence was uncharacteristically terrible, there's some room for hope. This team has lost two of its better players, but there are several good ones left and we're a long way from being in danger.



http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2012/09/01/west-ham-3-0-fulham/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Berbatov a lone positive, says Jol

Fulham manager Martin Jol has praised new signing Dimitar Berbatov's performance in his side's Premier League defeat to West Ham.

The Bulgarian made his debut in Saturday's match at Upton Park the day after his deadline day transfer from Manchester United.

Fulham lost 3-0 - their second consecutive Premier League defeat - and Jol said the only positive was the class and quality shown by Berbatov on the pitch.

"We missed a few players in our creative department, behind the striker - Bryan Ruiz couldn't play, we did a test yesterday. And (Moussa) Dembele obviously was gone," Jol said.

"That is a worry because we have to find a balance for the future. The only positive thing today was to see (Dimitar) Berbatov again - to see his class, his quality, I've missed it."

The match marked the first in a West Ham shirt for England forward Andy Caroll and Jol admitted his players had failed to deal with the aerial threat from the former Liverpool man.

"Every game we have seen him, even at the European Championships, you see that he is great in the air, probably the best in the Premier League. But I still think that there are answers for that, but we couldn't cope with it," Jol said of Carroll.

The Dutchman added that he had been sad to see Dembele depart for Tottenham on the final day of the transfer window, but was positive his new-look squad would soon start to gel.

"I tried everything but we missed out on a couple of players yesterday. In the end you have to be happy that Berbatov is there, and (Hugo) Rodallega and Mladen (Petric)," he said.

"Dembele - I really thought he would have stayed because 15 million pounds is a big loss. But Tottenham paid up, they always do that and I know that from my time there. They've made life extremely miserable for me. But I think we have the players - maybe in a different system or concept - and we will come up with something."



http://uk.soccerway.com/news/2012/September/01/berbatov-a-lone-positive-says-jol/?

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Fulham boss backs new boy Richardson to come good

MARTIN Jol has promised there's more to come from Kieran Richardson after a disappointing debut in Fulham's defeat at West Ham.

The deadline-day arrival from Sunderland was thrust into the starting line-up at Upton Park just 24 hours after his move to Craven Cottage, but failed to make an impact in the 3-0 reverse and was withdrawn midway through the second-half.

But Whites boss Jol has backed the versatile 27-year-old to come good.

The Dutchman said: "It was not easy for him, he replaced [Moussa] Dembele - a left-footer, he hasn't played a lot of 90-minute games and didn't train for the last three or four days but I think he will be fine in the future.

"I don't think he is a wing player, he is more of a midfielder player or maybe even a number 10 and a left-back. He doesn't want that but I imagine he can play left-back as well.



Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/fulham-fc/2012/09/01/82029-31745625/?#ixzz25IWpFSMC