Friday Fulham Stuff (19/10/12)...

[WhiteJC]

 
The Perfectionist

One of the stars of the 2012/13 campaign so far for Fulham has been midfield dynamo Steve Sidwell, with the 29-year-old's return to match action almost equivalent to signing a new player.

A near ever present in the previous season until injuries curtailed his progress; a gruelling rehabilitation period saw him return to action after a dark period for the man dubbed 'special one Iniesta' by the Fulham faithful.

"It was a hernia that turned into groin that turned into abdominal," Sidwell explained. "It stemmed into an absolute nightmare. We went to see specialist after specialist and nobody could really put their finger on it. I'd rather someone said you've done this or that and you're going to be out for 'x' amount of months but there was just no light at the end of the tunnel.

"The last operation I had could have been the last throw of the dice, but it worked. There was a time when I sat down with my advisors and got paperwork out to look at what circumstances I would be in if I had to throw in the towel. That actually was a really bad time as football is something I've done since I was five years old and don't know anything else. It was scary.

"Fortunately I had this operation that worked and I did all the rehab. The people here that worked with me have been fantastic to get me back playing."

His energetic performances at the heart of Fulham's midfield have earned him glowing critiques this season. A classic box-to-box player, Sidwell complements his dogged style of play with a welcome flair, notching two goals already this term.

But while the ease with which he has found his rhythm should be applauded, the man himself continually strives to improve as a footballer.

"I'm so critical of myself and my performances," Steve said. "I don't think I've performed anywhere near as well as I can. During the international break these last two weeks I've done extra fitness training because I need to push myself to the level where I know I can be.

"That winning mentality is driven into you from an early age. This season I've got two goals and I'm happy that I'm playing but I can do much more.

"I pulled the Fitness Coach to one side after the Southampton game and said that we need to crack on and do some more stuff, and obviously the staff here are all for that. We had a few days off during the international break but I came in every day and I'm feeling fitter and stronger and I'll continue to do that until I reach that standard where I know I can be.     

"I set a target and I set my standards high. I want to reach them and if I don't then I'm disappointed."

Sidwell is currently partnered in the middle of the park by the versatile Chris Baird. The pair have earned rave reviews from Manager Martin Jol and Steve admitted it's important to have players like 'Bairdinho' in the Team.

"I think me and Bairdy are two honest pros that are going to give 110 per cent," he said. "There are no airs and graces about us, we just get on with our job. We don't mind doing the dirty work as well as other stuff, and we do a job for the Team.

"I think if you've got those players in the Team - it doesn't matter what position - then you're going to do well. Of course you need players that can change a game on its head, which we've got, but you need the lads to do the gritty stuff as well.

"When I came to Fulham, my game reached another level on a passing and creative side. That was because of the ethos of the Team - passing the ball well - and if you come into this Team that's how you've got to play."

Sidwell will be reacquainted with some familiar faces when Aston Villa visit the Cottage on Saturday (3pm), although they are still without club captain Stiliyan Petrov.

The Bulgarian is in recovery after it was confirmed his acute leukaemia was in remission, and Sidwell confessed that it hit him hard when he first learnt of his former teammate's condition.

"I remember the phone call I got when someone told me," he recalled. "I was out on the golf course and had to walk off the course. Until you've met Stan you wouldn't believe how nice he is, a real gentleman. I spoke to a lot of players around at the time at Villa and the way it hit that club was like an absolute bomb because he was such a big figure in the dressing room and around the ground.

"When I came off the golf course I just sent him a text to say 'I wish you all the best and let me know if you need anything.' His first text back was to say, 'thank you very much, I'll beat it.' That's the sort of person he is.

"I've kept in contact with him and we had a Villa fundraising day for him a few months back that I went up to with a few old players. It puts it all into perspective. He's a strong character and he'll get through it. He has got a great family and great people around him which obviously helps."


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2012/october/19/the-perfectionist?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham v Villa: Sidwell on Petrov's powerful personality
Steve Sidwell on Stiliyan Petrov.

Ex-Villa midfielder Steve Sidwell admits he was rocked by news of Stan Petrov's leukaemia diagnosis but heartened by a text message from his former skipper insisting: "Don't worry, I'll beat it!"

Sidwell was playing golf when he got a call telling him of Petrov's health bulletin.

The special one-haired central star was so distraught he immediately trudged off the course.

But the Fulham ace, due to face Villa this weekend, was put at ease by a note sent to him from Petrov.

Sidwell also insists one of the reasons for Villa's tough campaign last time out was the dressing room agony over Petrov's diagnosis.

The midfield marauder says the news hit the claret and blue camp "like a bomb."

He said: "I remember the phone call I got when someone told me. I was out on a golf course.

"I actually came off. I walked off the golf course. Until you've met Stan and people know him you wouldn't believe how nice he is, a real gentleman.

"I spoke to a lot of players around at the time at Villa and the way it hit that club was like an absolute bomb because he was such a big figure in the dressing room and around the ground.

"Everyone loved him and still loves him now.

"My time out injured last year doesn't even come into it.

"When I came off the golf course, I knew people would be texting him. I just sent him a text to say 'I wish you all the best and if you need anything.'

"His first text back was to say 'thank-you very much I'll beat it'. That's the sort of person he is.

"I've kept in contact with him and we had a Villa fundraising day for him a few months back that I went up to with a few old players.

"It puts it all into perspective. He's a strong character and he'll get through it and he has got a great family around him and great people around him which obviously helps."



http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10265~2952457,00.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham - Aston Villa Preview: Villans look to improve on their worst ever start to a campaign
Paul Lambert's side travel to Craven Cottage hoping to put the brakes on their slide towards the relegation zone, while the hosts look to build on a positive start to their season

PROBABLE LINEUPS

FULHAM
Scwarzer
Baird, Hughes, Hangeland, Riise
Duff, Sidwell, Riether, Kacaniklic
Berbatov, Rodallega

ASTON VILLA
Guzan
Lowton, Vlaar, Clark, Bennett
Albrighton, El Ahmadi, Delph, Holman
Agbonlahor, Benteke

Fulham are waiting on the fitness of Bryan Ruiz, as the forward picked up a thigh injury on international duty with Costa Rica in midweek.

However, Martin Jol's side are bouyed by the return of Mladen Petric (calf), and Dimitar Berbatov is also expected to recover from a thigh injury which kept him out of the Southampton clash.

Philippe Senderos could make the substitutes' bench after returning from an injury which has kept him out of action for the season so far.

Aston Villa are without long-term absentee Richard Dunne, who is still a week or two away after undergoing a groin operation in August.

Meanwhile, Stephen Ireland could feature after recovering from a broken wrist, but it is unlikely Paul Lambert will risk him in the starting XI. Joe Bennett has returned to fitness after suffering a gashed leg.

Darren Bent looks unlikely to start, with speculation rife as to the former Spurs man's future. Gabriel Agbonlahor will probably be be partnered by Christian Benteke, who scored for Belgium in the international break.

   DID YOU KNOW?
This season has been Aston Villa's worst ever start to a campaign, taking just five points from seven matches.

Fulham have not won any of their last six meetings with the Villans, drawing three and losing three.

The visitors have won on just one of their last seven visits to London, having already lost in the capital twice this season.

The hosts have lost just two of their last 13 Premier League encounters at Craven Cottage.

Only Norwich (6.8%) have a worse chance conversion rate than Aston Villa (9.8%) this season.

Only Barcelona (66.7%) have better shooting accuracy than Fulham (63.5%) across Europe's top five leagues this season.

Darren Bent (pictured right) has been caught offside 112 times since August 2010, more than any other player in the Premier League.

The home side have conceded the joint-most headed goals (four) in the top-flight this season.

The away side have failed to score in five of their last seven games on the road.

At least three goals have been scored in all seven of Fulham's Premier League games this season.


http://www.goal.com/en-gb/match/80879/fulham-vs-aston-villa/preview

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham's solid home form enough to send Aston Villa home point-less
Aston Villa have only won on one of their last eight trips to Fulham



Aston Villa fans are still waiting for their fortunes to turn under Paul Lambert's guidance, having won just once in the Premier League to date.

With Fulham looking as solid as ever at home, it's difficult to envisage them picking up their second three points of the campaign at Craven Cottage, which the price of 7/2 for an away win suggests.

They've picked up just one win in eight trips to this corner of west London and the return to fitness of Balkan strikers Mladen Petric and Dimitar Berbatov will be an unwelcome sight for the Villans.

The pair have netted five goals in a combined seven appearances and, unsurprisingly, they head the first goalscorer betting. Bulgarian Berbatov can be backed at 9/2 to break the deadlock, while Croatian international Petric is an 11/2 shot to beat him to it.

Christian Benteke's two goals in as many games for Belgium will provide Villa's Scottish manager with some much needed encouragement, with the Birmingham club needing wins quickly to quell any relegation talk.

The former Club Brugge man is a bigger price than Darren Bent to score both first and at any time, despite Lambert's preference to start him in a 4-3-3 set up. This, therefore, makes his 5/2 to net at any time excellent value.

Another strong bet is the 11/10 available for one or neither team to score in the game. Just one goal was managed by either side in two meetings last term, which would have been the fifth time in eight renewals that this bet would have come in.

Fulham's consistency and Villa's issues in the final third point to a low-scoring affair at the Cottage; back 1-0 to the hosts at 13/2.


http://news.ladbrokes.com/en-gb/football/premier-league/fulhams-solid-home-form-enough-to-send-aston-villa-home-point-less_121233.html

[mr-ska]

Following an international break that saw several of Martin Jol's Whites playing for their countries, Fulham return to Craven Cottage tomorrow for our Barclays Premier League fixture with Aston Villa.

THE OPPOSITION
Tomorrow's opponents Aston Villa have enjoyed a mixed start to the 2012/13 campaign, progressing well in the Capital One Cup, most notably beating Manchester City, however winning only one league game so far.

The start is not what Villa manager Paul Lambert, who moved from Norwich this summer, would have wanted, and with his side suffering their fourth league defeat against Tottenham Hotspur prior to the international break, he'll be hoping for a change in fortune.


FREE "10 YEARS AT THE TOP" BOOK
Supporters who purchase any Adult 2012/13 Replica Shirt in store tomorrow will receive a FREE copy of our 10 Years At The Top book*.
The collector's book celebrates our first 10 years in the Premier League, in a magnificent photographic record that captures the unique spirit of Fulham Football Club, our players and our loyal fans.

This offer applies to any of our three Kappa Replica range shirts and must be purchased in either the Fulham Road or Stadium Store before 12 noon.

KICK IT OUT
Tomorrow's fixture is the Club's dedicated One Game, One Community weeks of action fixture.

Here at Fulham we take a zero tolerance approach towards any form of discrimination and endorse Kick It Out's message to make football available to all.

We encourage our fans to show their support for the campaign and its work, and to ensure Craven Cottage is a safe and comfortable environment for everybody to enjoy their football.

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT ON OUR BIG SCREENS
Fulham supporters now have the chance to show their support for the lads on our two stadium screens.

Selected tweets will be displayed by those supporters who use the hashtag #ffcbigscreen. Tweet at any time between now and the end of the match!

ARRIVE EARLY OFFERS AND LIVE SCREENINGS
For fans sat in the Riverside and Hammersmith Stands, prior to Kick-Off we will be screening the second half of Tottenham v Chelsea.

All beer and wine is just £3.20 until 2.15pm. This discount will then be applied at the Riverside Bar after our game, for the live screening of Norwich City v Arsenal.

Also, fans who buy any hot food item and any drink before Kick-Off will receive a free Mars bar. This offer is available at all FFC fixed concessions**.

CHECK-IN WITH FULHAM ON FOURSQUARE
This Saturday, Fulham FC and foursquare will be running a matchday special.

From 1:30pm until Kick-Off, check-in at Craven Cottage and on your first purchase of beer or wine inside the stadium, you'll receive a complimentary drink of your choice (includes beer and wine).

If you aren't familiar with foursquare, you can get involved in just a few easy steps. Firstly download the free foursquare app onto your Smartphone, if you don't already have it, and register your details. When you arrive at the ground open the app, hit the check-in button and check-in to 'Craven Cottage'.

As always, we look forward to welcoming you to the Cottage on Saturday.

Fulham Football Club

*Limited Availability, while stocks last. Shirt must be purchased before 12 noon on Sat 20th Oct to be eligible.
**Available until stocks last.

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham v Aston Villa



By Steve Bower
BBC Match of the Day commentator

BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: Craven Cottage Date: Saturday, 20 October

TEAM NEWS

Fulham forwards Dimitar Berbatov and Mladen Petric have recovered from respective hip and calf injuries.

Mahamadou Diarra could also feature after a knee problem, but Bryan Ruiz is a doubt after suffering a groin injury on international duty last weekend.

Aston Villa midfielder Stephen Ireland should return after missing three games with a broken bone in his wrist.

Joe Bennett will keep his place after recovering from a gashed leg, but Ciaran Clark is a slight injury doubt.

MATCH PREVIEW

This fixture opened last season's campaign for these two clubs and they have enjoyed different fortunes since. The goalless draw was Martin Jol's first match in charge of Fulham and he has steadily built on the solid foundations at the club. He'll face a different Scotsman in the opposite dug out at Craven Cottage, as Paul Lambert looks for just his second league win since succeeding Alex McLeish.

It's been a tough challenge for the new Villa boss, with five points from 21 representing their worst start since 1986.
There has to be a touch of realism to their expectations. Some of their new faces have come from lower divisions and some from abroad, and they have to be given time to gel and adjust to the demands of the top flight. They joined a squad that won just seven matches last season and recorded the club's worst Premier League points tally.

Scoring goals has been a problem and even Darren Bent has lost his place in recent weeks, while they'll be hoping that Christian Benteke can follow up his goal for Belgium against Scotland this week with another one in the Premeir League to help them get any sort of result.

That is far from straight forward at Craven Cottage though, where Fulham are traditionally strong and only four teams won last season. They also pushed the champions all the way in their last home game. They have won four matches already and will still be frustrated that figure isn't five after events at Southampton last time out.

I watched them win at Wigan last month and they look more of a threat in front of goal this season with the likes of Berbatov, Rodallega, Petric and Ruiz.

Villa haven't won away since January and will need to be at their very best to prevent Fulham having another profitable day in front of goal.

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head
Fulham have only won three of their 22 Premier League meetings with Aston Villa. All of those victories have come at home.

The goalless draw between these sides on the opening day of last season was the fifth stalemate in their last eight encounters at Craven Cottage.

Fulham
Fulham have won nine and drawn two of their 13 home matches in 2012, earning 29 points out of a possible 39.

Martin Jol's have scored 15 goals this season, a tally bettered only by Manchester United (17) prior to this weekend's matches.

However, they have already dropped eight points from winning positions - only Southampton (11 points) have a worse record.

Only Barcelona (66.7%) have a better shooting accuracy than Fulham (63.5%) across Europe's top five leagues this season.

Aston Villa
Five points after seven matches is Villa's worst start to a top-flight season since 1986-87, when they were relegated.

They are winless in their last 12 Premier League away matches spanning 10 months (D5, L7).

Only Sunderland and Norwich have scored fewer goals than the six mustered by Villa in their seven Premier League matches.

They have not conceded a first-half goal in their last five league matches - but let in eight second-half goals during that time.


http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19939564?

[WhiteJC]

 
LAWRO'S PREDICTION

Fulham v Aston Villa
The key for Fulham could be whether Dimitar Berbatov is fit after his hip injury because he is already a very important player for them.

The Cottagers were very poor in the first half of their draw against Southampton last time out, but they are a different animal at home and this is the sort of game they could and should win.

Martin Jol's side are ticking over nicely in mid-table and I get the feeling that they are going to stay there for the foreseeable future.

Aston Villa, meanwhile, are in for a long, hard season.

The dilemma for their manager Paul Lambert is that, when he plays with a lone striker, Christian Benteke gives them something extra in terms of holding the ball up, while in Darren Bent they have a goal poacher.

Lambert's problem is trying to marry the two together. Maybe his best option is to bite the bullet and play the pair of them to try to win as many games as possible, but I can't see him trying that at Craven Cottage.
Prediction: 2-1

Fulham are a different animal at home and this is the sort of game they could and should win


http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19916120

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham v Aston Villa: match preview
Read a full match preview of the Premier League game between Fulham and Aston Villa at Craven Cottage on Saturday Oct 20 2012, kick-off 15:00 BST.

Saturday, October 20
Fulham v Aston Villa
Craven Cottage
Kick-off: 15.00 BST
TV: Highlights BBC ONE Match of the Day.

Fulham (Possible, 4-5-1): Schwarzer; Riether, Hughes, Hangeland, Riise; Duff, Sidwell, Baird, Kacaniklic, Ruiz; Rodallega.
Out: Davies (hip).
Test: Ruiz (ankle).

Aston Villa (Possible, 4-2-3-1): Guzan; Lowton, Clark, Vlaar, Bennett; El Ahmadi, Delph; Albrighton, Holman, Agbonlahor; Benteke.
Out: Dunne (groin), Gardner (knee), Petrov (ill), Enda (match fitness).
Test: Bennett (leg).

Referee: Chris Foy. Matches: 5. R0 Y5.

Team News
Dimitar Berbatov is amongst the players Fulham can welcome back against Aston Villa.

The Bulgarian returns from a problem with his hip and upper thigh and will be joined in Martin Jol's side by fellow striker Mladen Petric, who has recovered from a calf problem.

Mahamadou Diarra's recovery from a knee injury means he could also be involved, although Simon Davies remains sidelined and Bryan Ruiz is a doubt.

Midfielder Stephen Ireland returns to the Villa squad at Craven Cottage.

Villa boss Paul Lambert will assess the freshness of goalkeeper Brad Guzan and midfielders Brett Holman and Karim El Ahmadi after gruelling midweek trips back from playing for the United States, Australia and Morocco respectively.

Full-back Joe Bennett is expected to be fit after suffering a leg injury during the 2-0 defeat at Tottenham a fortnight ago.
But central defender Richard Dunne remains a long-term casualty.

Match Notes
Aston Villa are enduring their worst start to a Premier League season, with just five points so far, and face a Fulham side whose new-found attacking brio has made them the division's joint-second highest scorers.

Villa, though, possess a strong recent record against Fulham, who have conceded costly late goals in their previous two games.

Villa striker Christian Benteke, who was on form for Belgium, must deliver – with frustrated, dropped colleague Darren Bent wanting to return.

Betting: Home 5-6, Away 3-1, Draw 5-2.

Stat of the game: Villa have failed to win in their last 12 away games in the Premier League, scoring just five goals and conceding 21.

Arindam Rej's prediction: Fulham 2 Aston Villa 1.


http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/premier-league/9615494/Fulham-v-Aston-Villa-match-preview.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham v Aston Villa – Match Preview

Aston Villa travel to Craven Cottage on Saturday, hoping that summer signing Christian Benteke can replicate the goal scoring form he showed for Belgium during the international break.

The 21-year-old – signed from Genk for £7million – has yet to hit his stride for Villa, but was on target in each of Belgium's World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Scotland respectively.

Paul Lambert will be hoping his form continues, with Villa having only managed six goals in their opening seven fixtures, which has contributed to them finding themselves currently languishing in 16th place.

Fulham have made a solid start to their season, currently sitting 9th with 10 points from their opening seven games. Martin Jol looks to have a fully fit forward line to choose from, with Dimitar Berbatov and Mladen Petric both recovering from injury.

Jol could however be without Bryan Ruiz, after the attacker injured his thigh whilst playing for Costa Rica last week.

Lambert hopes to welcome back Stephen Ireland to the Villa midfield after he missed the last two with a wrist injury, as Villa look to halt a run of three league games without a win.

Prediction: Fulham 2-1 Aston Villa


http://www.footballfancast.com/preview/fulham-v-aston-villa-match-preview

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham vs Aston Villa - Match preview and team news

Martin Jol's Fulham entertain an Aston Villa side managed by Paul Lambert, who is a man desperate to return Villa to their former glory. Villa sit 16th in the Premier League and travel to Craven Cottage to face a Fulham side who are comfortably in the top half and playing some good football.



Lambert made the move from Norwich City to Villa Park this summer, having guided the Canaries from League One to the Premier League and maintaining their top-flight status after the first season. Norwich have found this season troublesome, but the same can be said for Villa who are a team in transition under the Scotsman. Villa are now three games without victory and are struggling for goals with only six scored in their seven games so far.

One man Lambert will look to for that clinical edge is Belgian international Christian Benteke. The 21 year old was signed for £7m from Genk and has scored once in the four games he has played so far. Benteke got two goals during the international break and is expected to lead the line for Villa against Fulham with the aim of securing his place as top striker at Villa Park ahead of Darren Bent. Lambert hopes that Stephen Ireland will be back for the trip to London having missed the last two games with a cracked bone in his wrist.

Fulham have plenty of attacking options with Dimitar Berbatov and Mladen Petric back in contention following injury, as well as Hugo Rodallega looking for a place up front. However, Jol could be without winger Bryan Ruiz who injured his thigh during Costa Rica's 1-0 win over El Salvador during the international break. Fulham drew 2-2 at Southampton with a late equaliser costing Jol's side points for the third time in their last three fixtures.

Craven Cottage has only seen one Fulham defeat and that was a late goal from Sergio Aguero to give Manchester City victory. Fulham have scored nine goals in front of their home fans so far this season and could be expecting more goals at Craven Cottage against a weak Aston Villa outfit. The Cottagers look to have coped with the losses of Clint Dempsey and Mousa Dembele and Jol's side will be eager on strengthening their position in the top-half of the table.



http://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/p6_0_17190_fulham-vs-aston-villa-match-preview-and-team-news.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Kacaniklic agent claims a 'number of clubs' keen on Fulham youngster



The agent of Fulham starlet Alex Kacaniklic claims there are a number of clubs interested in his client - but says the young Swede is committed to life at Craven Cottage.

Kacaniklic moved to west London from Liverpool as part of Paul Konchesky's transfer to the Merseyside club in 2010.

After a brief loan spell at Watford, the youngster made his Fulham debut against Norwich in March this year.

The departures of Andy Johnson, Mousa Dembele and Clint Dempsey have allowed manager Martin Jol to field him on a more regular basis this term and he has shone down Fulham's left wing, bamboozling defenders with his trickery and forming a strong relationship with new recruit Dimitar Berbatov.

His strong start to the season has unsurprisingly led to the Sweden international being linked with a move elsewhere, but his representative Miroslav Jaganjac says the 21-year-old is concentrating on continuing his progress at Fulham.

"What I can say is Alex is young, he is performing and good clubs want good players," Jaganjac told FotbollDirekt.se.
"There are a number of interested clubs but the most important thing right now is Fulham."



Read more at http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/transfer-rumours/121019/kacaniklic-agent-claims-number-clubs-keen-fulham-youngster-1?#0i20vkY6wjzAHmW0.99

[WhiteJC]

 
FULHAM v Aston Villa: Striking boost as Berbatov and Petric shake off injuries


Back in attack: Dimitar Berbatov has made a strong
start to his Fulham career since joining this summer

Dimitar Berbatov is amongst the players Fulham can welcome back for Saturday's Barclays Premier League clash with Aston Villa.

The Bulgarian returns from a problem with his hip/upper thigh and will be joined in Martin Jol's side by fellow striker Mladen Petric, who has recovered from a calf problem.

Mahamadou Diarra's recovery from a knee injury means he could also be involved, although Simon Davies (hip) remains sidelined and Bryan Ruiz (groin) is a doubt.

Provisional squad: Schwarzer, Stockdale, Riether, Kelly, Hangeland, Hughes, Senderos, Baird, Smith, Riise, Briggs, Sidwell, Duff, Diarra, Richardson, Kacaniklic, Kasami, Karagounis, Frei, Dejagah, Ruiz, Berbatov, Petric, Rodallega, Trotta.



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2220177/FULHAM-v-Aston-Villa-Striking-boost-Dimitar-Berbatov-Mladen-Petric-shake-injuries.html#ixzz29l820QC1
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

[WhiteJC]

 
Travel advice for Fulham game on November 10



Arsenal Football Club would like to advise supporters travelling to the home match against Fulham on Saturday, November 10 that due to engineering work taking place, the Piccadilly line will be closed between Wood Green and Cockfosters.

Supporters travelling to and from stations between Wood Green and Cockfosters are advised to use either rail replacement bus services or use First Capital Connect services from New Barnet, Oakleigh Park and New Southgate stations to Finsbury Park where valid London Underground tickets will be accepted.



http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/travel-advice-for-fulham-game-on-november-10?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+arsenal-news+%28News+Feed%29

[WhiteJC]

 
Richardson: The sky is the limit

Kieran Richardson has said that Fulham have set their sights on qualifying for European football, ahead of Saturday's Premier League meeting with Aston Villa.

Despite the congestion in the top half of the table, Richardson's aim does not appear unrealistic given how Fulham finished level on points with Liverpool last season and just 12 behind Chelsea.

Martin Jol's ninth-placed side have made an encouraging start to the 2012-13 season, and Richardson believes his team-mates have enough quality to finish high up the table.

"You want to improve on last season," Richardson said. "With the players we have in the dressing room we can do well. The standard is very high in training. Defensively we are very, very strong.

"We want to be pushing for a European spot. We can do anything we want."



http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1194256?&cc=5739

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham's Age Old Problem


Note: For those older readers, the use of  'old' in this article is purely in a footballing context

With club football finally about to get back underway after yet another asinine international break, I thought I would investigate one of the less heralded issues that Fulham currently have at the moment – the age of the squad.

To put it simply, Fulham have an old squad. Although over the last season Fulham have gotten younger, the average age remains over 30 years old. In fact you could put together a pretty good team by selecting over 30 players only:



This team would be the oldest ever fielded in the premier league with an average age of 32.4yrs old. Jol has consistently said that he wants to reduce the age of the squad and has so far been unable to achieve this. I have a fair amount of sympathy for him here – there was a definite move to replace key players with younger players until late this summer when Dempsey and Dembele decided to jump ship and Fulham were forced into panic signing the likes of Karagounis and Tavares. Despite letting go a fair few youngsters (Gecov, Sa, Dembele) the age of players brought in (28.7yrs) was almost exactly the same as those let go ( 28.6yrs).

So, is the old age of the squad a big deal? I'm not so sure. Firstly, football has changed so much over the last 10 years that being in your thirties no longer represents the terminal decline of your career. A good premier league professional should be able to perform to a very high standard up to the age of 33, and players being influential up to 35-36yrs old is no longer that odd, particularly defenders.

Secondly, Fulham may have an old squad, but look at the age of the Fulham bench in each game this season:

V Norwich – 26.8

V Man Utd – 26.8

V Sheffield Wed – 24.7

V West Ham – 25.5

V West Brom – 24.5

V Wigan – 27.1

V Man City – 24.7

V Southampton -  26.5

Overall AVG – 25.8

Encouragingly, much like with the over 30s, you can put together a good under 30s team with an average age of 25.5yrs old (although, unsurprisingly, defence is a bit of an issue):



Thirdly, and this is an important point, all of the players who are over 30 years old (except Berbatov) have only one year remaining on their contract. This is an important factor to take into consideration because it gives a high level of flexibility when it comes to lowering the age of the squad. The players over 30 who left (Johnson, Murphy) or were sold (Zamora, Etuhu) all wanted expensive multi-year contracts or already had them.

So is there an age problem at Fulham? I would argue that it is a concern, but Fulham are in a good position to continue with the squad overhaul and the introduction of younger players because of the flexible contract situations and young age of the reserve players.


http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2012/10/19/fulhams-age-old-problem/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Shot In The Arm From Fulham Injury Boost
by LRCN on OCTOBER 19, 2012

Jol announced some welcome news ahead of tomorrow's home match, declaring the return to fitness of Frei, Petric, Berbatov and Dejagah. After an injury-hit start to the season Jol will be pleased to have almost the entire roster available to him – Ruiz and Diarra are not certain, but possible, which leaves Davies the only man to be ruled out for certain – for the first time since the transfer window.

LRCN


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2012/10/shot-in-the-arm-from-fulham-injury-boost/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Former Burton Albion boss is a contender to be the new Canada manager


Paul Peschisolido: A contender for the Canada manager's job

Sky Sports understands former Birmingham and Fulham striker Paul Peschisolido is in the frame for the Canada manager's job.

Canada are on the look-out for a new boss following Stephen Hart's resignation earlier this week.

Hart quit his role in the wake of humiliating 8-1 defeat to Honduras on Tuesday that ended Canada's hopes of qualifying for the 2014 World Cup finals.

The Canadian Soccer Association are now drawing up a short-list and former Canada star Peschisolido is thought to be among their targets.

Peschisolido is highly-regarded in Canada having won over 50 caps for his country during his 12-year international career.

The 41-year-old is thought to be keen to get back into management after leaving Burton Albion last March following three years in charge of the Brewers.

A number of names have been linked with the vacant Canada post with Peschisolido the only boss to have managed in Europe before.


http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/16229/8179207?

[WhiteJC]

 
Diarra recovery impresses Jol

Dimitar Berbatov is ready to return for Fulham and could be joined by Mahamadou Diarra after what Martin Jol described as a "miracle" recovery.

It has been an amazing turnaround for Diarra as only last month the Whites boss revealed there were fears the midfielder could be ruled out for the majority of the season.

Diarra damaged his left knee on his return from international exile with Mali and required surgery, which could have seen him miss five months had it shown a cruciate ligament problem.

Fortunately for Fulham, it was the best case scenario but, even still, Jol has been surprised by the speed of recovery.

"Diarra is back," the Fulham manager said. "He is almost a miracle, you know?

"I thought it would be a bit longer, but they always said it could be three or four weeks or possibly longer.

"He needed an operation and, having said that, he is still coming back. He will be involved."

Diarra's return is one of a number of boosts for Jol, who can call upon talisman Berbatov and fellow summer signing Mladen Petric in Saturday's Premier League clash against Aston Villa at Craven Cottage.

The pair have recovered from their respective injuries and, aside from long-term absentee Simon Davies, it leaves the Dutchman only to sweat on the fitness of Bryan Ruiz.

"Most of the players are back," Jol said. "Dimitar trained with us for the last 10 days and was good, but Bryan Ruiz is a doubt.

"He has got a little problem with his groin, but Berbatov will certainly be involved and will play. Most of them are back in contention."

Fulham will be looking to continue their sturdy start to the season on Saturday, where Steve Sidwell is likely to line up against former club Villa just months after he considered quitting football due to ongoing injury problems.

"Steve Sidwell was very good when he started with Danny Murphy in midfield," Jol said.

"He then had his problem with his hernia and came back, then needed an operation again - but he was probably not as fit as he was before.

"But from pre-season when he came back, I think he is the old Steve Sidwell so he is an important member of our squad.

"He has got a certain type of quality. We've got good footballers but he is one that is complete and good without the ball as well."

The Dutchman was also quick to heap praise on Alex Kacaniklic, who has become an increasingly important player for the west Londoners since breaking into the at the end of last season.

The 21-year-old has also impressed on the international stage, scoring for Sweden in their recent 2-1 defeat of Faroe Islands and then helping his country to a 4-4 draw in Germany - after they had trailed 4-0.

"I feel it is the same for all these youngsters," Jol said of the left winger Kacaniklic. "They need a chance.

"They are talents and of course you can be a talent when you're 25 if you don't get a chance, but I gave him this chance and I gave Kerim Frei the chance.

"We've got Kieran Richardson in that position and he created three chances and two goals for us when he came on against Southampton.

"There is good rivalry between them so we will have to wait to see who is playing tomorrow.

"Even if 'Kaca' is not in the team, he is doing well. I will help him to be a very good player but I know there is some interest in 'Kaca' - it is not very serious otherwise I would tell you."

Another Scandinavian attracting admiring glances is centre-back Brede Hangeland, whose current contract expires at the end of the season.

"There are no developments yet," Jol said. "Talks are always ongoing and [the club] were talking today with him and his manager."



http://www.teamtalk.com/fulham/8179231/Diarra-recovery-impresses-Jol?

[WhiteJC]

 
Dimitar Berbatov and Mahamadou Diarra return to Fulham squad for visit of Aston Villa

Dimitar Berbatov will return to the Fulham starting line-up against Aston Villa tomorrow and could be joined by Mahamadou Diarra after what Martin Jol described as a "miracle" recovery.

It has been an amazing turnaround for Diarra as only last month the Whites boss revealed there were fears the midfielder could be ruled out for the majority of the season.

Diarra damaged his left knee on his return from international exile with Mali and required surgery, which could have seen him miss five months had it shown a cruciate ligament problem.

Fortunately for Fulham it was the best case scenario but, even still, Jol has been surprised by the speed of recovery.

"Diarra is back," the Fulham manager said. "He is almost a miracle, you know?

"I thought it would be a bit longer, but they always said it could be three or four weeks or possibly longer.

"He needed an operation and, having said that, he is still coming back. He will be involved."

Diarra's return is one of a number of boosts for Jol, who can call upon talisman Berbatov and fellow summer signing Mladen Petric against Villa.

The pair have recovered from their respective injuries and, aside from long-term absentee Simon Davies, it leaves the Dutchman only to sweat on the fitness of Bryan Ruiz.

"Most of the players are back," Jol said. "Dimitar trained with us for the last 10 days and was good, but Bryan Ruiz is a doubt.

"He has got a little problem with his groin, but Berbatov will certainly be involved and will play. Most of them are back in contention."

Fulham will be looking to continue their sturdy start to the season tomorrow, where Steve Sidwell is likely to line up against former club Villa just months after he considered quitting football due to ongoing injury problems.

"Steve Sidwell was very good when he started with Danny Murphy in midfield," Jol said.

"He then had his problem with his hernia and came back, then needed an operation again - but he was probably not as fit as he was before.

"But from pre-season when he came back, I think he is the old Steve Sidwell so he is an important member of our squad.

"He has got a certain type of quality. We've got good footballers but he is one that is complete and good without the ball as well."

The Dutchman was also quick to heap praise on Alex Kacaniklic, who has become an increasingly important player for the west Londoners since breaking into the at the end of last season.

The 21-year-old has also impressed on the international stage, scoring for Sweden in their recent 2-1 defeat of Faroe Islands and then helping his country to a 4-4 draw in Germany - after they had trailed 4-0.

"I feel it is the same for all these youngsters," Jol said of the left winger Kacaniklic. "They need a chance.

"They are talents and of course you can be a talent when you're 25 if you don't get a chance, but I gave him this chance and I gave Kerim Frei the chance.

"We've got Kieran Richardson in that position and he created three chances and two goals for us when he came on against Southampton.

"There is good rivalry between them so we will have to wait to see who is playing tomorrow.

"Even if 'Kaca' is not in the team, he is doing well. I will help him to be a very good player but I know there is some interest in 'Kaca' - it is not very serious otherwise I would tell you."

Another Scandinavian attracting admiring glances is centre-back Brede Hangeland, whose current contract expires at the end of the season.

"There are no developments yet," Jol said. "Talks are always ongoing and [the club] were talking today with him and his manager."

PA


http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/dimitar-berbatov-and-mahamadou-diarra-return-to-fulham-squad-for-visit-of-aston-villa-8218664.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham boss Martin Jol calls Mahamdou Diarra's recovery 'a miracle'


Mahamadou Diarra: Knee surgery

Martin Jol reckons Mahamadou Diarra's quick recovery from a knee injury is "almost a miracle".

The Mali midfielder could feature for Fulham against Aston Villa on Saturday - barely a month after Jol feared he could miss most of the season.

Diarra's rehabilitation after surgery has gone without a hitch, and his manager said: "He is almost a miracle, you know? I thought it would be a bit longer.

"He needed an operation and, having said that, he is still coming back. He will be involved."

Diarra faces competition for a midfield place from a rejuvenated Steve Sidwell, whose injury problems led him to consider retirement earlier this year.

Jol said: "I think he is the old Steve Sidwell, so he is an important member of our squad. He has got a certain type of quality. We've got good footballers but he is one that is complete and good without the ball as well."


http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11681/8179290?