Wednesday Fulham Stuff(17/10/12)...

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Premier League Tips: Fulham to get back to winning ways at the Cottage


I'm not sure who's writing Berbatov's script but I do know that Andy Garcia would play him in the movie

It was another four winners last week to go with the four from the week before and the red hot Paul Robinson is back again to take an early look at Betfair's fixed odds prices for this round of Premier League fixtures.

Fulham v Aston Villa
Back Fulham @ 1.8 (4/5)
Back Over 2.5 Goals @ 1.76 (19/25)

Fulham take on Aston Villa on Saturday and given their form at Craven Cottage, I am backing a convincing home victory in this one.

Martin Jol's side are up in ninth place with 10 points from their opening seven fixtures. Since the Dutchman took over at the helm, he has turned them into more of an attractive, attacking force, and this has shown no sign of letting up despite the loss of key players.

At home they have won nine of their 13 Premier League games this calendar year, with the losses coming against the two Manchester clubs and a Brendan Rodgers led, Swansea. Dimitar Berbatov is fully fit and the Cottagers should be able to get back to the form which saw them score five against Norwich and three against West Brom.

Aston Villa are a shadow of their former selves and even the arrival of Paul Lambert hasn't helped them improve. Four defeats, two draws and just a single victory reeks of a side that could well battle relegation this season. They haven't won on the road in a dozen fixtures and with two or more conceded in six matches during that period, backing over 2.5 goals at 1.76 (19/25) looks like value.


http://betting.betfair.com/football/premier-league/premier-league-tips-fulham-to-get-back-to-winning-ways-at-the-cottage-161012-35.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham's Tommy Guthrie Wins 'Unsung Hero' Award
by LRCN on OCTOBER 16, 2012


Tommy Guthrie ticking off Billy The Badger
While there were no games this week Fulham did pick up a win in the 'VisitFootball Awards'. These awards celebrate the customer service and experience of football fans at matches, and Supporter Relations Manager Tommy Guthrie was deemed worthy enough for the Unsung Hero award. A top guy, and it's much deserved. The judges cited Tommy taking foreign fans to a pub, and had this to say:

'He may see it as his job but the level of detail from Tommy is something that should be singled out and applauded.'

LRCN


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2012/10/fulhams-tommy-guthrie-wins-unsung-hero-award/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Ruiz ready to find Fulham form


GettyImages
Bryan Ruiz's absence is a blow to Fulham

Bryan Ruiz says Fulham fans are yet to see the best of him but, following the departures of Clint Dempsey and Mousa Dembele this summer, he is eager to find his best form.

Since his arrival from Dutch side Twente in 2011, Ruiz has struggled to find the goalscoring form which tempted Martin Jol to pay a fee in the region of £10 million for his services. Two goals in his opening season in English football was a disappointing return.

Now the Costa Rican striker feels ready to shoulder the responsibility of spearheading Fulham's attack alongside Dimitar Berbatov and is confident he can help the team move forward into a new era.

"I don't think Fulham fans have seen the best of me yet," he told the club's official magazine. "Last season I found it hard at times, and there were a couple of injuries too that didn't help. Of course, it could have gone better, but I did a few things to show people what I have, and for sure, this season I'll do my best for the fans.

"Mousa and Clint have both left. They were two players that could do many things on the football pitch. But now we don't have them, and as a result, I do feel a bit more responsibility on my shoulders.

"But I've had pressure before when I was at Twente and it's the same for the national team - so I don't mind that kind of pressure. I know that I can make a difference.

"I really want to do well for Fulham. My first season was a bit hit and miss, but sometimes it takes a while for a new signing to find their feet. I showed what I could do at times and now I am used to the physical demands of the Premier League, I want to repay Fulham for bringing me to England.

"The fans have been very supportive as well. They appreciate good football at Fulham, which is how I like to play and hopefully we will see a lot of that over the rest of the season."



http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1191267?&cc=5739

[WhiteJC]

 
Looking Towards the Cottage

erry Jones is just killing it with the articles, remember anyone can submit articles. But here is his opinion on the clash between Villa and Fulham and Bent's importance.

The Darren Bent saga still seems to be gathering pace in the media but there seems to be nothing coming out of Villa Park only the odd mumble that there has been no spat between manager Paul & Darren Bent. The question remains as to why Bent had been dropped to the bench when it's plainly obvious that without him playing there are no goals in the rest of the team.
On Saturday in our game against Fulham, will Lambert wait until we are down by 1 or 2 goals before he is put on or is it going to be a case that Bent will not even make the bench because of the media speculation. Or the fact that Lambert knows Bent has played his last game for Villa and is afraid make a statement due to the potential fan reaction that would be expect. Will the fans suddenly realise that they have been backing a mumbling dud manager who is going to ruin our club.

But as I've stated before, does Lambert think he is some sort of magician that can turn pigs ears into silk purses.



http://astonvilla-views.com/2012/10/16/looking-towards-the-cottage/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Norway roar back to sink Cypriots

Norway scored two late goals as they came from behind to beat Cyprus 3-1 and boost their hopes of Brazil 2014 qualification.

The visitors trailed to a 42nd-minute goal from Efstathios Aloneftis, but the hosts could not hold out until half-time as Brede Hangeland quickly levelled. Tarik Elyounoussi then put the visitors in front ten minutes from time with a penalty and substitute Joshua King made the points safe three minutes later.

The win moved Norway above Iceland and up to second place in Group E.

The hosts were first to threaten with Georgios Efrem's header bringing a fantastic parry from goalkeeper Rune Jarstein before his opposite number Tasos Kissas denied Tarik Elyounoussi from 12 yards.

Hangeland then met a John Arne Riise free-kick from the right, but saw his header come back off a post. The visitors were growing into the game and Alexander Soderlund had a shot parried by Kissas.

But, despite now being on the back foot, Cyprus took the lead in the 42nd minute as Aloneftis picked out the top corner from inside the area.

However, Norway were level on the stroke of half-time as Soderlund laid the ball off to Hangeland, who finished low into the corner from six yards.

Cyprus continued to stand firm early in the second half before Norway finally completed their comeback in the 80th minute.

Elias Charalambous was penalised for a foul on King in the area and Elyounoussi stepped up to place the resulting spot-kick into the bottom left corner.

And King put the result beyond doubt three minutes later as he fired low into the net from 12 yards, Elyounoussi this time setting up the goal.



http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/news/newsid=1785748/index.html?cid=rssfeed&att=

[WhiteJC]

 
Changing Room Chat: Fulham fan liaison man is pub trip hero

FULHAM have won the Unsung Hero award from VisitEngland and the Premier League for their supporter liaison officer, Tommy Guthrie, whose party piece is to take visitors for a pint at the local boozer.

Guthrie was praised for his work at Fulham – including taking foreign supporters clubs to a pub next to Craven Cottage when they visit – with the judges saying: "He may see it as his job but the level of detail from Tommy is something that should be singled out and applauded."

Arsenal have been named the Club of the Year, while Liverpool and Manchester City have also picked up gongs in other categories in the VisitFootball awards.

Top-flight clubs have been monitored for customer service for the past two seasons and a panel of industry experts voted Arsenal the club of the year for their "simply outstanding service". City received the Best Fan Innovation awards for their City Square and Family Stand projects, while Liverpool's stewards won the club the Warmest Welcome award.

All 20 Premiership clubs were judged across eight areas including ticketing, stewarding, catering, toilets and the club shop.



http://www.scotsman.com/sport/changing-room-chat-fulham-fan-liaison-man-is-pub-trip-hero-1-2583393

[WhiteJC]

 
FULHAM FORWARD BRYAN RUIZ RETURNS EARLY FROM INTERNATIONAL DUTY WITH INJURY

FULHAM forward Bryan Ruiz has been ordered back early after picking up a thigh injury with Costa Rica.



http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/277457/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Burn And Yeovil Edge Through

Fulham youngster Dan Burn was named in Yeovil Town's starting line-up as the Glovers defeated Torquay United 5-4 on penalties in the Football League Trophy Southern Section Second Round on Tuesday night.

Trailing 2-1 in the dying seconds of the game, James Hayter grabbed his second goal of the night to take the tie to penalties, with the Glovers converting all five of their spot-kicks to go through to the next stage of the competition.

Burn, on loan with Yeovil for an initial month, returns to League One action on Saturday (3pm) when they host struggling Bury, a side currently bottom of the table.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2012/october/17/burn-and-yeovil-edge-through?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham show little things make big difference for fans

Tommy Guthrie explains the philosophy towards fan treatment that won him a VisitFootball award



The awards by VisitFootball to four Barclays Premier League clubs highlighted the improvement in the fan experience at stadiums before, during and after the match.

One of the four awards went to Tommy Guthrie, Fulham's Supporter Relations Manager, who was proclaimed the "VisitFootball Unsung Hero".

The judges said: "All customers want to feel looked after and Tommy does that. Going to visit people on matchday who have contacted him through the week to see if they are enjoying the game; taking foreign supporters clubs to a local pub in Fulham when they visit; organising fan forums in motorway service stations and city sight-seeing visits for fans at away games.

"He may see it as his job but the level of detail from Tommy is something that should be singled out and applauded."

"Premier League football is much more focused on fan engagement"
Tommy Guthrie

In the Premier League's annual report, Guthrie explained the philosophy behind his award-winning work and how clubs' engagement with fans has become more proactive than reactive:
"Fan communication has long been a specialism at Fulham. This was our 10th season as a team and we sit within the communications and marketing department.

"It has grown from initially a customer service department, handling mostly complaints and issues, to more of an information department where we are now focusing on fan engagement.

"Premier League football is much more focused on fan engagement. People understand that there are so many things you are competing against. There's an expectation that the facilities and the atmosphere will be better than it was in the past.
It's a process that's moving towards making it easier to attend games and making it enjoyable for a wider audience.

"If people contact us about coming to a game, the first part for us would be explaining to them how to get tickets, and the second would be to go visit them in their seat on a matchday to see if they're enjoying a game.

"It's something that only takes two or three minutes but the feeling that someone has taken an interest in the fact that you're there is probably the best thing you can do.

"I think all clubs have improved as football has developed in terms of facilities, communicating with fans and understanding that you benefit the club if you listen to supporters and try to meet their expectations.

"If someone sends you a friendly email you send them a friendly reply"
Tommy Guthrie

"When Fulham Supporters' clubs come to matches from around the world we like them to get in touch so that we can organise a group of tickets together, a tour of the ground, and open the bars at ground for them after the match to have a drink and talk about Fulham and how they watch the games when they're at home.

"Another thing we try and do is match the tone of the conversation. If someone sends you a friendly email you send them a friendly reply. I think that surprises people who expect a football club to be quite formal.

"Today it's all about making information more accessible. If we notice fans are discussing a problem about ticketing on the message board, instead of waiting for them to contact us we'll just jump on and respond on Facebook and Twitter.

"Likewise with fan forums; we're trying to move away from formal, stuffy meetings where the same 10 or 12 people show up with the same ideas. We still have the forums but what we're trying to do is have more touch points with fans.

"If we've been corresponding with a fan in the week about a complaint or an idea, we've prioritised matchday staff now so that we can try to meet that fan on the day of the game. So you might meet six or eight fans for a coffee before the game or at half-time.

"For away travel we're going to try to get to away games and have informal meetings when the bus stops for half an hour and you've got a captive audience. The number of problems you can solve over a cup of tea opposed to through an email or letter is unbelievable."



http://www.premierleague.com/en-gb/news/news/fulham-tommy-guthrie-on-fan-service.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham wait on Ruiz ahead of Aston Villa clash


Bryan Ruiz

BRYAN Ruiz faces a race against time to be fit for Saturday's clash with Aston Villa after picking up a thigh injury on international duty.

The Fulham forward suffered up the problem in Costa Rica's win in El Salvador at the weekend, which ruled him out of last night's victory over Guyana.

Ruiz has returned to Craven Cottage to be assessed by Fulham's medical staff, and boss Martin Jol will be keeping his fingers crossed the 27-year-old will recover in time to face Villa.



Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/fulham-fc/2012/10/17/82029-32048143/?#ixzz29ZRrlRGC

[WhiteJC]

 
WIN tickets to watch Reading v Fulham - courtesy of Barclays Spaces for Sports

Sportsmail has teamed up with Barclays Spaces for Sports to offer one lucky reader the opportunity to win a pair of tickets to see Reading v Fulham at the Madejski Stadium on Saturday, October 27.


To be in with a chance, answer the following question:
Which Fulham midfielder used to play for Reading?
A) Steve Sidwell
B) Kieran Richardson
C) Mahamadou Diarra

E-mail your answer, along with your name, address and contact number to:
[email protected]
to arrive by 3pm on Wednesday, October 24.
PLEASE NOTE: You must validate your entry with the words BARCLAYS READING in your subject box; the tickets are for HOME FANS ONLY and do not include travel to/from the ground, accommodation or hospitality;  normal Associated Newspapers terms and conditions apply - the Editor's decision is final.

Barclays Spaces for Sports is a community-based sports programme, which uses sport as a platform to help young people develop life skills and revitalise disadvantaged communities in a sustainable way. Since its launch in the UK in 2004 with partners the Football Foundation, Barclays Spaces for Sports has created 200 sports sites in disadvantaged areas across the UK benefiting half a million people. For more information and to find your local Barclays Spaces for Sports site, click here


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2218984/Reading-v-Fulham--win-tickets.html#ixzz29ZSA5UFr
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

[WhiteJC]

 
On Target Again

He did it again!

Brede Hangeland is on a fine scoring run for Norway.

Having declared an interest in following how the Norwegians are doing in their quest to qualify for the 2014 World Cup, in Brazil, Norway traveled to Cyprus yesterday.

With a draw under their belts from the fixture on Friday night, Norway took all three points on offer on the Mediterranean Isle with a fine 3-1 win.

Brede played his normal monumental part by netting the second Norwegian goal, on the stroke of half time.

Can the Norwegians qualify for the 2014 Finals?

Stay tuned and we`ll keep you up-dated.


http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=296696

[WhiteJC]

 
One Game, One Community

Fulham have dedicated Saturday's match against Aston Villa to Kick It Out's annual One Game, One Community weeks of action.

This season's initiative, which runs from 18th to 29th October, sees football clubs everywhere embrace the inclusive and multi-cultural nature of the English game by holding events involving supporters and players alike.

This weekend provides a platform for fans, players and staff to show their commitment to equality and inclusion in football by wearing One Game, One Community t-shirts, donning campaign badges and stickers, and leading community-based activities.

Over the coming weeks, there are a range of exciting free events being held for football fans to participate in, such as the Kick It Out Cup, a tournament launched in conjunction with Powerleague, which scours the country for the best five-a-side team in the land.

Other highlights include a panel debate on the rise of social media in football taking place in London, and an education event on anti-Semitism in football, held in Manchester.

For a full list of events and further information on the weeks of action and how you can get involved, please visit www.kickitout.org or contact the campaign directly via [email protected].


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2012/october/17/one-game-one-community?