Sunday Fulham Stuff (28/10/12)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Jol uncertain over Hangeland future

MARTIN Jol admits Brede Hangeland's Fulham future is uncertain as contract talks rumble on.

The Norwegian defender is in the final 12 months of his current deal at Craven Cottage and has yet to sign the extension on the table.

Jol wants to keep hold of the towering centre-back, but has so far failed to persuade Hangeland to commit his future to the club.

The Whites would lose the 31-year-old for nothing in the summer and could be tempted to cash in in January if he fails to pen fresh terms.

Jol said: "Brede is the only problem, but we've been talking to him for the last five or six months. But we've made him a good offer so if he wants to stay that would be fantastic.

"I'm the football manager and [chief executive] Alistair McIntosh is the one doing the contracts. I don't want to know the details, only did he sign, yes or no."



Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/fulham-fc/2012/10/27/82029-32113156/?#ixzz2AZhundbH

[WhiteJC]

 
Closing the Exit Door!
   
Having to watch a plethora of talent exit Craven Cottage last summer, we`re praying something similar doesn`t happen next summer.

Once the last season ended and the new one started, we`d lost Murphy, Etuhu, Dembele, Dempsey, Zamora, Johnson and Pogrebnyak.

Thankfully that shouldn`t be the case, with Martin Jol explaining the siutuation,

"Our culture is we always like to keep the players we want to keep. We always want to improve and don`t tell anybody else, but I believe that`s what we did."

"Berbatov has a two-year contract, Petric one-year and an option, Rodallega was a free transfer and Sasha Riether has an option."

The only downside is the uncertain future of Brede Hangeland who, despite being involved in talks, has yet to put pen to paper on a new deal!



Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=297808#ixzz2AZiA71mZ

[WhiteJC]

 
Martin Jol disappointed with draw against Reading

Fulham Manager Martin Jol is disappointed his side came away from their match with Reading with just a point after a 3-3 draw at the Madejski Stadium.

Dimitar Berbatov's low shot looked to have given the visitors the win with two minutes remaining, but a last-minute goal from Hal Robson-Kanu clinched a point for the hosts at the Madejski stadium.

Fulham remain sixth in the Premier League with fourteen points from nine games.



http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20109603?

[WhiteJC]

 
Reading 3 Fulham 3: Robson-Kanu rescues Royals in see-saw battle at the Madejski

Dimitar Berbatov defied the pain of a suspected cracked rib to score what he thought was Fulham's winner two minutes from time.

The former Manchester United striker played all the second half with a pain-killing injection but his courage was undermined when the Londoners allowed spirited Reading to snatch a point with seconds remaining in normal time.


And again!: Hal Robson-Kanu celebrates Reading's third


Three-peat: Reading's Hal Robson-Kanu scores the third for Reading

Fulham, on top for most of the second half, had already given the home side - still seeking their first win in the League this season - one late equaliser and blundered again to leave it honours even in a pulsating finish.

'Berbatov showed a lot of character', said Fulham manager Martin Jol. 'He needed an injection at half-time and the injury was very painful.

'He could have come off but stayed on the pitch and it was good for him to score. I thought it was the winner.'

Jol was less pleased with the way his team closed out the match, conceding a free-kick near the edge of the penalty area which allowed Nicky Shorey to deliver the cross from which Hal Robson-Kanu bundled in the last-gasp equaliser.

'We need to be cleverer not to give away free-kicks', said the Dutchman. 'They were eager to score and we allowed them to.'

Fulham appeared to have done enough to take all three points before a crazy finale gave the match an unexpectedly thrilling conclusion.


Surely this time: Dimitar Berbatov thinks he's won the game for Fulham

Reading, full of energy and determination, had the better of the first half-hour and took a deserved lead when Mikele Leigertwood drove in a spectacular 20-yard opener from Jobi McAnuff's pass.

But the signs of Fulham's greater class were starting to show before the interval and after Bryan Ruiz came on as substitute just before the hour, the Costa Rican took only three minutes to slam the equaliser past Alex McCarthy.


Opening up: Mikele Leigertwood celebrates Reading's first goal

As Reading became more ragged, Fulham gained control and seemed to have scored the winner when Chris Baird met Ruiz's corner with a perfect near-post glancing header - only to injure himself on the advertising boards and have to exit the game.


Out in front: Reading's Adrian Mariappa view with Fulham's Hugo Rodallega (left)

Baird had scored a similar winner against Aston Villa last week but this time the fun was just beginning.

Garath McCleary levelled from fellow substitute Robson-Kanu's low cross five minutes from time, Fulham regained the lead with a splendidly controlled finish from Berbatov before Robson-Kanu bundled in Shorey's free-kick from the left in added time.


Levelling up: Brian Ruiz (centre) celebrates with teammates

Reading manager Brian McDermott believed his side could even have won the match in the final seconds and is confident their first victory is not far away.

'We have to finish games off,' said McDermott. 'But these players will always keep going and our first victory of the season is not an issue. We don't have to worry about it and just play our game.'


Back in front: Chris Baird scores Fulham's second


Back in it: Garath McLeary (left) celebrates his equaliser for Reading


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2223939/Reading-3-Fulham-3-Robson-Kanu-rescues-Royals-saw-battle-Madejski.html#ixzz2AZjwfasM
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[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham's inability to hang on to a lead away costs them at Reading

Premier League: Reading 3 Fulham 3

Fulham threw away the lead twice to draw at Reading in a game that came to life inside the final 20 minutes.

Having led late 2-1 and 3-2 late on the Royals hit back twice to rescue a point.

Mikele Leigertwood gave the home side the lead after 25 minutes with a fantastic shot from 25 yards after some excellent build up play.

But Bryan Ruiz, who was on the field for less than three minutes after replacing Damien Duff, fired home from the edge of the penalty area to level the scores.

And Chris Baird gave the visitors the lead with a header from the Costa Rican's corner but in celebrating slipped and fell into the advertising hoardings and had to be withdrawn with Steve Sidwell replacing him.

But Reading equalised with five mintues left as Gareth McLeary, on for Jay Tabb fired home after excellent work from Hal Robson-Kanu on the left-hand side.

However, Dimitar Berbatov was allowed too much time and space in the Reading penalty area and he restored the lead with two minutes to go.

The Royals carved out their first opportunity with a lovely counter attacking move from a Fulham corner.

Goalkeeper Alex McCarthy threw a delicious ball down the left and Reading poured forward.

With 15 seconds of normal time remaining though Reading were level as Nicky Shorey's free-kick was scrambled home by Robson-Kanu, on for Jimmy Kebe.

The move culminated in a fantastic cross from Nicky Shorey onto the head of Pavel Pogrebnyak but the ball went agonisingly wide.

Fulham's first clear-cut chance of the game came midway through the first half when Hugo Rodallega headed straight at Reading goalkeeper Alex McCarthy as the rain hammered down.

The Royals had a deserved lead after 26 minutes when Jimmy Kebe picked up the ball on the right hand side, turned Baird inside out and progressed to the penalty area.

He picked out Jobi McAnuff who laid off Leigertwood to unleash an unstoppable shot into the top corner.

Rodallega had another header straight at McCarthy and the stopper gathered at the second attempt.

Damien Duff was presented with an excellent opportunity by Kieran Richardson but he fired his shot well wide.

The Royals started the second half stronger and Pogrebnyak was unable to apply the finishing touches to a delightful cross.

Sascha Riether had to be alert to pounce on the loose ball after another Reading foray into the penalty area.

And just after the hour mark Fulham were level when Bryan Ruiz, on for the ineffective Rodallega, showed the former Wigan man how it is done with a shot from the edge of the penalty area going in off the bar.

The Whites started to look the better side and they took the lead as the match entered the closing stages.

Ruiz swung in a corner and Baird stole a march on all the Reading defenders, poorly marshalled by McCarthy, to flick the ball home at the near post.

It was a criminal goal to concede as far as the hosts concerned but as Baird celebrated he slipped into the advertising hoardings and was forced off injured.

Reading hit back and were level with five minutes remaining as Robson-Kanu charged down the left flank.

Just when it looked as if it would be a draw Berbatov struck with two minutes remaining as he was allowed time and space in the penalty area to curl a shot home.

And the scores were level again minutes later as Robson-Kanu fired scrambled the ball home from a free-kick.

Reading kept pushing and Schwarzer had to scramble the ball away for a corner late on, with Jason Roberts deflecting the ball past Schwarzer and the post.

Reading: McCarthy, Shorey, Mariappa, Pogrebnyak (Le Fondre 80), Leigertwood, McAnuff, Kebe (Robson-Kanu 78), Tabb (McCleary 69), Gorkss, Cummings, Roberts.

Substitutes: Federici, Gunter, Pearce, Le Fondre, Hunt, Robson-Kanu.

Fulham: Schwarzer, Riise, Hangeland, Baird (Sidwell 80), Berbatov, Richardson, Duff (Dejagah 67), Hughes, Diarra, Rodallega (Ruiz 57), Riether.

Substitutes: Stockdale, Senderos, Sidwell, Petric, Karagounis.

Attendance: 24,093 (2,151 Fulham)



http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/fulham_s_inability_to_hang_on_to_a_lead_away_costs_them_at_reading_1_1672644

[WhiteJC]

 
Reading's Hal Robson-Kanu levels up thriller against Fulham

Reading's wait for a first Premier League win of the season goes on but there was a collective sense of relief and renewed determination in these parts after a late strike from Hal Robson-Kanu rescued a point for the hosts in a game of startling late drama.

Three goals in the last five minutes of play swung the contest this way and that, and at the end of it all, after everyone had regained their breath, Reading could reflect on a draw that sees them remain in the relegation zone but shows they at least have the stomach for the stern challenge of ensuring they do not slip out of the top flight at the first time of asking.

For Fulham there was little else but frustration. The visitors appeared to have secured the victory that would have seen them climb into the top four when Dimitar Berbatov gave them the lead for the second time in the match with a low right-foot shot on 88 minutes, but Martin Jol's men could not hold on and allowed Robson-Kanu, on as a substitute, to sweep home after Fulham's defence had failed to clear Nicky Shorey's free-kick. The collective angst in the visitors' ranks was obvious, particularly so as similar careless defending had allowed another substitute, Garath McCleary, to get Reading back to 2-2 only five minutes earlier.

"There was no purpose to our game in the first half, but the second half was a different story," Jol said. "We had good movement, created chances, and if you score three goals against a team like Reading you should win. I thought it [Berbatov's goal] was the winner. A couple of weeks ago we did the same thing against Southampton – they scored in the final minute. Maybe we need to be more clever."

That could be perceived to be a harsh judgment given Fulham sit sixth, only a point behind the Champions League places, and having performed this season with an impressive level of composure and class.

Indeed they have now scored as many goals, 19, as the leaders Chelsea and will remain a threat to most sides should Berbatov continue to put in such high-level displays. The Bulgarian was his typical languid self here, barely breaking out of walking pace at times, but his control and movement of possession from an unusually deep position was captivating and a constant threat.

Bryan Ruiz also shone having come on as a 58th-minute substitute, putting Fulham on level terms with a rasping, dipping shot from the edge of the area just after the hour mark. It was from his 77th-minute corner that Chris Baird made it 2-1 with a near-post header, the midfielder's second goal in two games, and at that stage it appeared Fulham were to be rewarded for an energetic and positive second-half display having, as Jol stated, lacked purpose before the break.

During that period it had been Reading who played with more intent and, after the former Fulham striker Pavel Pogrebnyak had missed with a close-range header, they took the lead on 26 minutes through Mikele Leigertwood's precise right-foot shot from outside the area. The hosts were required to show even more thrust during the dramatic closing stages.

"I thought we were going to win at the end," said Brian McDermott, whose side remain without a clean sheet as well as a victory this season. "But at 3-2 down, with the clock ticking, I guess you have to take the point.

"People will talk about the [first] win but we just have to keep playing the game. I'm proud of the group, they deserve a lot of respect for what they've achieved and I have no doubt they'll get that win soon enough. We're going to be OK."



http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2012/oct/27/reading-fulham-premier-league?

[WhiteJC]

 
Match Report: Reading make up in spirit for a shortage of quality against Fulham
Reading 3 Fulham 3



Reading have spirit. Scoring an 85th minute equaliser is sufficient proof of that. Scoring another equaliser in the 90th minute, even more so. What they do not have, though, is enough control or quality. Leading Fulham 1‑0 at home they allowed them to stroll back into the game. So, even after their late rally, Brian McDermott's team still lack a Premier League win.

It was certainly impressive that Reading rescued a point yesterday. There were four goals in the last 13 minutes of a match that had begun at walking pace, and three in the final five. Such manic spells tend to resolve themselves in favour of the team with more confidence and experience. But Reading twice managed to bend the game back their way.

With five minutes left, and Reading 2-1 down, Adam Le Fondre burst down the left, and hooked a cross in. It fell to his fellow substitute Garath McCleary who stabbed the ball past Mark Schwarzer. Two minutes later, Dimitar Berbatov put Fulham back in front. Two minutes after that, Nicky Shorey's free-kick dropped, eventually, to Hal Robson-Kanu, who bundled in the game's sixth and final goal.

"Anyone who has been here knows they are going to keep going," McDermott said of his players. "We know for a fact we are never going to give in, we are going to keep going."

It is worth asking, though, how Reading allowed it to come to that. This is precisely the sort of game that they should have won, against one of the League's weakest travelling sides. They even went ahead, through Mikele Leigertwood after 25 minutes. But their midfield lacked the cool authority that is needed in the top flight.

"People will talk about 'the win'," McDermott said. "What is important is to play the game. Forget 'the win', that will come."

McDermott had decided that he would go with a fairly rudimentary line-up yesterday. He paired his two target men, Pavel Pogrebnyak and Jason Roberts, up front together for the first time.

The approach worked at first. After 25 minutes Roberts stole the ball from Chris Baird, passed to Jobi McAnuff who found Leigertwood 20 yards out. The midfielder drove the ball perfectly into the top corner. From there, though, Reading started to retreat, until their final late rally.

Fulham must feel a different sort of frustration. They began the game prettily enough, passing better than their hosts, but without much edge. "We started off brightly, had possession, but no purpose to our game," Martin Jol said. "We didn't get the ball forward enough for my liking."

Hugo Rodallega started up front, with Dimitar Berbatov behind him. The Colombian international missed two headed chances in the first half and Fulham were lacking something. Jol replaced Rodallega, then, with Bryan Ruiz after 58 minutes. Berbatov, who needed an injection to play the second half, moved up front and Ruiz took his place in the hole.

Just three minutes after coming on, Ruiz scored. He received the ball in space, exchanged passes with Damien Duff and, from the edge of the box, curled it with his left foot into the far top corner.

Ruiz set up Berbatov, who shot into the side netting, and nearly John Arne Riise. Eventually Ruiz got the assist to go with his goal, curling a corner on to Baird's forehead. "He is the one who can create chances," Jol said of his brilliant Costa Rican, "play the ball forward, killer passes, great vision."

If Jol thought Fulham had won the game at 2-1, he certainly must have done at 3-2.

Straight after McCleary's goal, Berbatov received a pass on the left side of the box, shuffled backwards and clipped it into the far corner.

But Reading's spirit, for this game at least, matched Fulham's quality. "It was like the Harlem Globetrotters when they brought Ruiz on," McDermott said. "We all know Berbatov is an absolute class act. They have Brede Hangeland at the back, Mahamadou Diarra in the middle and Damien Duff – they have a number of players of real quality. We have to be the best group in the League."

Reading (4-4-2): McCarthy; Cummings, Mariappa, Gorkss, Shorey; Kebe (Robson-Kanu, 77), Leigertwood, Tabb (McCleary, 69), McAnuff; Pogrebnyak (Le Fondre, 80), Roberts.

Fulham (4-2-3-1): Schwarzer, Riether, Hughes, Hangeland, Riise; Diarra, Baird (Sidwell, 80); Duff (Dejagah, 67), Berbatov, Richardson; Rodallega (Ruiz, 58).

Referee: Mike Jones.

Man of the match: Ruiz (Fulham)

Match rating: 8/10



http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/match-report-reading-make-up-in-spirit-for-a-shortage-of-quality-against-fulham-8229210.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham denied in late drama at Reading

Reading 3 Fulham 3

Hal Robson-Kanu's injury-time equaliser denied Fulham a victory after Dimitar Berbatov had put them ahead with only two minutes remaining.

Mikele Leigertwood gave Reading a first-half lead but Fulham fought back and were in front after goals from substitute Bryan Ruiz and Chris Baird.

After Garath McCleary had replied for the hosts, Berbatov looked to have had the final say with a low shot into the net.

But Robson-Kanu then poked home to rescue a point for the Royals.

Ex-QPR man Leigertwood fired into the top corner after being teed up by Jobi McAnuff.

Reading's 26th-minute breakthrough came after Pavel Pogrebnyak had missed a golden chance to score against his former side.

The Russian striker contrived to head wide of the target from close range after being found by Nicky Shorey's cross.

But Fulham recovered from their poor start and were rewarded when Ruiz equalised only two minutes after coming on.

And it was a fine goal from the Costa Rican, who exchanged passes with Damien Duff before sending an unstoppable shot into the top corner.

Berbatov's response to McLeary's leveller appeared to give Fulham the points, but Reading refused to give up.


http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-denied-in-late-drama-at-reading?

[WhiteJC]

 
Reading rescue point in Fulham thriller

Substitute Hal Robson-Kanu struck a late leveller to grab struggling Reading a dramatic 3-3 draw with Fulham at the Madejski Stadium.

Fulham seemed sure to take the points with a minute left courtesy of Dimitar Berbatov's expert finish - but Robson-Kanu bundled home at the death to ensure a draw.

Brian McDermott's hosts - without a Premier League win this season - were bright early on and would have led but for Pavel Pogrebnyak heading wastefully wide from three yards out.

At the other end, Berbatov began to drop slightly deeper to link up play, and the Bulgarian had flown a warning shot over from 25 yards by the time he teed up for Mahamadou Diarra to do the same.

In the event, it was Mikel Leigertwood who found the net first - the midfielder striding onto Jobi McAnuff's lay-off and flying a sweet drive into the top corner from 20 yards.

Damien Duff wasted an inviting chance to equalise just before the break when he sent Kieran Richardson's cut-back wide of goal, and Jason Roberts nearly punished his folly early in the second period when his effort was smothered by Mark Schwarzer.

But on the hour, substitute Bryan Ruiz announced himself with a stunning 20-yard strike that gave Alex McCarthy no chance - and Fulham continued to look the more threatening as Berbatov dragged into the side-netting.

Home fans fell silent with 13 minutes left when Chris Baird nodded home John Arne Riise's corner from close-range - but three goals in the final five minutes meant proceedings were far from over.

Gareth McCleary, also on a substitute, benefited from Roberts' miscontrol to convert from eight yards with an assured finish, only for the the Cottagers to surge ahead again when Berbatov bent home beautifully in the 88th minute.

But with the clock ticking into injury time, Shorey whipped a corner to the far post and as the visiting defence struggled to hack the ball clear, Robson-Kanu popped up to force home from two yards and bag a morale-boosting point.



http://msn.foxsports.com/foxsoccer/premierleague/story/reading-v-fulham-premier-league-week-9-102712?

[WhiteJC]

 
Reading 3-3 Fulham: Fool Me Once, Shame On You. Fool Me Twice, We Should Have 3 Points

In a match with plenty of excitement and drama, the better side didn't win today, and Fulham fans such as myself are left frustrated with 1 point for a second straight away match.  The draw at Southampton was acceptable, mainly because our away record has been poor, and just to have come back in that match and secure any points was good in and of itself.  But today, when Fulham held a lead on two separate occasions in the final 10 minutes, to end up with less than 3 points just won't do, against a side that we were CLEARLY superior to.  The final two goals were insanely lucky for Reading, but that doesn't excuse the fact they were allowed.

The good:

Dimitar Berbatov – Towards the end, he was visibly egging his teammates on, encouraging them to keep the ball on the ground and give him the final touch, a good strategy considering everyone else's inability to keep the ball from ending up in Row Z.  But he was pacey, and despite much of the first half playing a touch back and in the midfield compared to what he's used to, he was a major bright spot and he will be going forward.

Bryan Ruiz – Talk about a super sub.  Injected into the match around 60 minutes time, it was no looking back from there.  Both teams were pretty evenly matched until his arrival, at which point Fulham took control and never let up on the pedal.  I know, they ended up scoring twice from there on out, but it was obvious who was better and more quality from that point on.

Chris Baird – Unlike last match where he was quite invisible until he made his mark on the scoresheet towards the end, he was influential throughout the match.  Baird was quality on the defensive side as well as adding a bit of creativity on the front end of build ups.

The bad:

Brede Hangeland – Having a conversation on Twitter with one of my loyal followers, the consensus is this: we need to sell Brede Hangeland for whatever we can get before the world realizes he's lost his top quality. It's true, and while there may be backlash from those loyal fans who have an affection for the man who's given so many important minutes to Fulham, he's not the same. He's not the same in the air, and he's certainly not the same man who could be relied on to patrol the middle of the field with an imposing presence. He's lost his ability to keep up with strikers, and it's showing.  I think Martin Jol needs to realize this, and cash him in in January before he completely loses any market value.

Sascha Riether – I'm putting Riether on this list for one moment and only one moment. He was decent outside of this one moment. But the foul outside the box to put in a second set piece that led to Reading's final goal was bad, and he NEEDS to not do that, as to not allow more pressure than necessary. Bad foul, and led to a big moment in the match.

The cutting edge at the back – Teams always talk about finishing.  It's a major talking point in so many sports because the ability to finish sets apart the good teams from the great teams.  And on the road, Fulham is mediocre at best, for this reason completely. It's hard to point to any one or two players and pin this problem on them, just like it's tough to pin it solely on the manager or coaching staff.  Everyone is responsible, and everyone needs to look into the mirror around the 75 or 80 minute mark and ask of themselves "what do I have left in the tank to give to this club." It comes down to accountability, and in the end, everyone is accountable

Man of the Match: I've got Bryan Ruiz. He made a massive difference in the match.

Stat Central: Possession wise, Fulham dominated. They ended up with 65.9% of possession, and passes were 519/612 for Fulham and 198/288 (a very poor 69% rate).  But the one that stands out the most to me is the foul count.  Reading committed 6 fouls to Fulham's 17. That can't happen.

I think conditioning is what this club needs to be able to finish out matches.  Hopefully Jol takes a hard look at his strategies at the back in the end of matches, because this happening once is a fluke you live with. Twice a row and it becomes a serious problem. This team should have 4 points they've dropped in these situations, and any more dropped points will definitely result in lost positions at the end of the season.

One more note about this match, it would have been very fun to watch from a neutral perspective, as 4 of the 6 goals in this match were excellent strikes.  The only first half goal was a fabulous strike, and both Berbatov's and Ruiz's goal sliced into the top corner.



http://fulhamsfinest.com/2012/10/27/reading-3-3-fulham-fool-me-once-shame-on-you-fool-me-twice-we-should-have-3-points/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Jol: Berbatov has broken rib
Fulham manager Martin Jol revealed that striker Dimitar Berbatov may have broken his rib during the 3-3 draw with Reading.

Berbatov was seen holding his back during periods of the first half, and it was expected that the striker may be substituted at half-time.

However, Berbatov had an injection during the interval, and was able to score Fulham's third goal before Reading equalised in injury-time.

"It was difficult, because I think Berbatov broke his rib," Jol said.

"We thought he may come off at half-time, but he had an injection to carry on."

Jol was frustrated that his side could not hold on for the victory, saying: "It is definitely two points dropped. We should have won the game.

"When you score three goals away from home, against Reading, you deserve to win.

"We were the better team, we kept the ball and had more purpose to our play. But you have to exploit that."


http://www.football365.com/fulham/8199415/Fulham-manager-Martin-Jol-says-that-Dimitar-Berbatov-broke-his-rib-during-game-against-Reading?

[WhiteJC]

 
Festive Fixtures

Tickets for our December fixtures at Craven Cottage are currently on sale to Season Ticket Holders and Members. Remaining tickets for these matches will go on General Sale* from 9am on Tuesday.

With our next home match against Everton already sold out, don't delay in buying your tickets for these matches:

Fulham v Tottenham Hotspur - Saturday 1st December (3pm)
Martin Jol's former side visit the Cottage, along with some familiar faces, this December. Find out more at fulhamfc.com/tickets.

Fulham v Newcastle United - Monday 10th December (8pm)
The Whites host Alan Pardew's Newcastle under the floodlights this winter, with tickets now available for Season Ticket Holders and Members to buy. Tickets will go on General Sale from 9am on Tuesday. Prices start from £35 for Adults and £15 for Juniors. Find out more here.

Fulham v Southampton - Wednesday 26th December (3pm)
Tickets for our Boxing Day fixture against Southampton are available from £30 for Adults and £10 for Juniors. Season Ticket Holders and Members can buy theirs now and remaining tickets will go on General Sale from 9am on Tuesday. Find out more at fulhamfc.com/tickets.

Fulham v Swansea City - Saturday 29th December (3pm), Members save £5
Tickets go on General Sale from 9am on Tuesday and are priced from £30 for Adults and £10 for Juniors.

Our Fulham Members are entitled to £5 off either one or two Adult tickets for this match. This offer is valid in all areas of the ground (up to two per member). This special offer is subject to availability and will expire 10 days before the fixture. Read more at fulhamfc.com/tickets.

Click here for more information about becoming a Fulham Member.

*Fulham v Tottenham Hotspur tickets are only available to Season Ticket Holders and Members.

All tickets are subject to availability, Terms and Conditions apply.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2012/october/27/festive-fixtures?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham boss: I thought we had beaten Reading when Berbatov scored

Fulham manager Martin Jol felt that his side had won when Dimitar Berbatov scored with less than three minutes remaining against Reading.

The Whites fell behind to Mikele Leigertwood's first-half strike before equalising through Bryan Ruiz.

Chris Baird had given the west Londoners the lead with less than 15 minutes remaining but Gareth McCleary levelled with five minutes left.

But Jol's side went up the other end to lead again through Berbatov yet the Royals levelled again when Hal Robson-Kanu bundled the ball home.

"I thought we had done enough when Berbatov scored," Jol said. "A couple of weeks ago we did the same against Southampton and they equalised.

"Maybe we have to be a bit clever and not give away free-kicks.

"They attacked the ball with two or three players and we allowed them to.

"If you score three goals against a side like Reading you should win."

Jol was unhappy with the fact that his side were lacking purpose in the middle early in the first half.

"We started off brightly but there was no purpose to our game," he added.

"Diarra and Baird played well but they didn't play the ball forward enough for my liking.

"We've got these players like Berbatov, Duff, Rodallega. We didn't do that enough.

"We caused problems for ourselves in losing the ball and they could break us.

"Without playing very well they scored but second half was a totally different story."

Jol pointed to the defence for Reading's late equaliser but felt there was nothing more that could be done.

"I could say we have to be better organised but Brede Hangeland for example was at the far post," he explained.

"You make organisation plan. The only thing you have to do with free-kicks like that.

"You have to try to be at the end of it and we weren't. We weren't and I can't blame the keeper."


http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/fulham_boss_i_thought_we_had_beaten_reading_when_berbatov_scored_1_1672689

[WhiteJC]

 
Reading 3-3 Fulham - A Winning/Losing/Drawing Draw.. Or In Short, Still Not Good Enough

Credit to Reading for twice fighting back to get a point, but even so there's something dreadfully hollow about having to feel positive about a sneaking a point from a game we could, should and needed to win. For 60 minutes Reading once again looked worthy of their place in the Premier League, but the inability of the back four to deal with the movement of Fulham's forwards ultimately led to an eighth game without a win.

Reading Prem Watch:

2006/07 PLD:8 W:4 D:1 L3 PTS 13 - 8th

2007/08 PLD:8 W:2 D:1 L5 PTS 7 - 17th

2012/13 PLD:8 W:0 D:4 L:4 PTS: 4 - 18th

Reading: McCarthy (6); Shorey (6), Gorkss (4), Mariappa (6), Cummings (5); McAnuff (5), Tabb (7) Leigertwood (6), Kebe (5); Roberts (6); Pogrebnyak (5) - Subs: Robson-Kanu (7), McCleary (6), Le Fondre (5)

Giving out player ratings such as the ones above might sound a bit harsh but really, no Reading player stood out today during a game that showcased plenty of heart but dreadfully little quality.

Going into the game there had been plenty of talk about 4-5-1 v 4-4-2 and from a personal perspective I was delighted to see Reading revert back to the 4-4-2. It's a formation that has brought so much success to the club recently and Brian went back to it, with Jay Tabb replacing the injured Jem Karacan and Danny Guthrie dropping out for Jason Roberts to make his first appearance of the season.

Reading started the game well, never pressed too much by an odd Fulham system that saw Dimitar Berbatov given a free role that generally saw the Bulgarian just wander about fairly aimlessly. The Royals could have been ahead in the early stages but Pavel Pogrebnyak couldn't quite steer his short range header past Mark Schwarzer.

The first half was reminiscent of the Newcastle game as Reading were first to every ball and didn't give Fulham a moments peace. Their hard work and endeavour was soon rewarded with the opening goal as Leigertwood slammed home from the edge of the area midway through the first half. Thankfully, unlike the Newcastle game, Reading were actually able to calm the game down after the goal and kept Fulham fairly quiet. There were one or two moments when the visitors were allowed to strike from range but that aside, Reading were good value for a 1-0 lead.

Into the second half and Reading once again started well, earning an early free-kick that caused trouble and for the most part looked well on course for those precious first three points.

But then... well it just went wrong.

Fulham boss Martin Jol decided to change things up on the hour, bringing on £10 million pound man Bryan Ruiz and moving Berbatov into a more central striking role. The changes immediately upset the Reading defence and midfield who had been comfortably dealing with lone frontman Rodallega and now had two forwards operating in the gap between the defence and the midfield. Gorkss, Mariappa, Tabb and Leigertwood were suddenly fraught with indecision, opting to just sit back rather than close the strikers down and surprise surprise Ruiz took advantage, putting a great strike into the top of the net from outside the area that McCarthy could do nothing about.

This is the key difference between this league and the Championship. On numerous occasions last season, Reading were happy to let the opposition have the ball 25 yards from goal, safe in the knowledge that there wasn't the talent on the pitch to make much happen when you've got 2 banks of four defending well on the edge of the box. Sadly in this league there are those special talents out there and if you give a £10 million pound man time and space on the edge of the D, he's going to hurt you.

Things soon went from bad to worse as Reading fell behind with about 15 minutes to go. I always tend to listen to BBC Radio Berks while I'm at the game and co-commentator Kevin Dillon was almost screaming at Jimmy Kebe not to leave the area he was guarding at the near post as Fulham lined up to take a corner. Sadly Jimmy just didn't hear him and wandered off, leaving a big space for Baird to attack and score.

Reading threw on Robson-Kanu and Le Fondre to join the recently introduced McCleary as Reading tried to get their way back into it and as they have done so often under Brian McDermott, the substitutions paid off as McCleary got the equaliser.

Suddenly you thought we could go out and get all three, but such optimism was snuffed out in staggering fashion as former Royal Steve Sidwell played a lovely ball through to Berbatov who had the time to get the ball onto his favoured foot and placed it past McCarthy.

Cue half of the Reading crowd leaving but they were premature in their despair as another late free-kick swung in by Shorey was diverted past Schwarzer to give Reading an unlikely point. Roberts then so nearly snatched all three but just couldn't get the contact he needed, 3-3 the final score.

Performance wise and Alex McCarthy couldn't do much with any of the goals. He commanded his area well and his distribution was pretty good.

Nicky Shorey and Shaun Cummings both had fairly lacklustre games. Cummings needed to do better for the third while Shorey let himself down with several poor set pieces, his assist for the equaliser see's him just edge out Cummings.

Adrian Mariappa was pretty good for most of the game but again let himself down with a bit too much indecision late in the game. His partner Kaspars Gorkss looked poor, woefully off the pace and Alex Pearce must be in with a big chance of a recall because I cannot see for the life of me what Gorkss is bringing to the team right now. That may sound harsh but when you've changed 3/4 of a defence that's leaking goals you have to change the one remaining part that's been a constant throughout all of those leaky performances.

Pearce is out of contract in the summer and can talk to other clubs in just over two months time and I can't imagine he's going to be overly motivated to sign on if he's not being selected for a team that's conceded 11 goals in the five games he hasn't played.

Midfield wise and Jay Tabb put himself about in a fashion we've become accustomed too in the last three years. He gave it all he had and didn't do much wrong, which is why his substitution after the equaliser was slightly baffling. His partner Mikele Leigertwood looked impressive in the first half but faded badly in the second. His goal was top quality though and it's still one of his better games this season.

Jobi McAnuff helped create the opening goal but too often failed to make the right pass or find a man with a cross when in a good position. I barely remember him touching the ball once he'd moved into the middle. Jimmy Kebe had one of his poorest games for a while, struggling to beat Riise and again failing to deliver when in good positions. His positioning for Fulham's second was dreadful and it wasn't surprising to see him subbed.

The Pogrebnyak/Roberts partnership up front does have some promise but neither man had an outstanding game today. I thought Roberts was the better of the two and Pog will be gutted not to have stuck away a big chance in front of the Fulham fans early on.

Of the substitutes and Hal Robson-Kanu again played well from the bench, scoring one and setting up another. If only the Welsh international could perform as well from the start! McCleary also played well, and it was nice to see him score his first Premier League goal. Alfie didn't really have any chances to impress.

So what have we learned from all this? Firstly that Reading are still lacking the quality needed to make this a comfortable season of survival. They've shown in patches throughout this season that they can compete in this division but there's certainly not the quality to go and comfortably pick up three points on a regular basis.

With all due respect, Reading should not be having a plan A of Leigertwood/Tabb and a plan B of a tiring Leigertwood/McAnuff as their central midfield options. When Fulham can afford to leave a player of Sidwell's quality on the bench you can see what we're up against. Brian McDermott said that Guthrie was left out of the team because 'he just couldn't get in the 18' but there's more to this than meets the eye because with no other fit central player there's no way you just leave him out a week after he starts at Anfield. Maybe there's still some tension from his Twitter comments or maybe he didn't appreciate being left out of the starting lineup or perhaps he's still not getting 'The Reading Way' but the Guthrie experiment seems to be going very wrong right now. I hope whatever it is that's keeping him out gets resolved because Reading need a player like Guthrie far more than the player needs the club right now.

The defence is also something that still hasn't been sorted properly and as mentioned above, Pearce for Gorkss seems to be a move that should be made sooner rather than later.

Attacking wise and we've probably got the best options on the pitch but maybe a return to Hunt/Roberts might be an experiment worth trying. Beyond that and neither Jobi McAnuff nor Jimmy Kebe should be automatic starters given recent form.

So where do we go from here? Well thankfully we've got 3 games in the next 14 days to try and get into some rhythm and find the winning formula. The result against Arsenal won't really matter but defeat at Loftus Road next week would be a real, real blow.

I'm trying to be positive and I'm delighted at snatching a late point but I can't pretend to be happy when we've blown another lead and made it eight games without a win.

But let us know your thoughts in the comments below, each is very much welcomed and appreciated!


http://www.thetilehurstend.com/2012/10/27/3563174/reading-3-3-fulham-a-draw-from-the-jaws-of-defeat-from-the-jaws-of-a?

[WhiteJC]

 
Hangeland disappointed as Fulham drop points again

Fulham star Brede Hangeland has revealed his frustration that they were unable to hold on to all three points against Reading.
The Cottagers led 2-1 and then 3-2 during the match but Royals winger Hal Robson-kanu's injury time strike stopped them from claiming all three points.
And Hangeland is disappointed that his side seem unable to hang onto leads.
"It's really, really disappointing [not to win]," he fumed. "It was the same story the last time we played Southampton [which ended in 2-2 draw], but it happens sometimes. Now it's happened twice in two away games.
"When you look back at the points we've lost at the end of games we could actually be a lot higher [in the Premier League]. Against Manchester City, Southampton and today we could have nicked more points than we did.
"That's disappointing but it's also a good sign that we're not a bad team."


Read more: http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/121027/hangeland-disappointed-fulham-drop-points-again-184010?#ixzz2AZow5zwP
Follow us: @talksport on Twitter
Read more at http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/121027/hangeland-disappointed-fulham-drop-points-again-184010?#lEaUmcfIfJbTVy2G.99

[WhiteJC]

 
The View From South Texas — Reading v. Fulham
by HatterDon

One Best Appreciated by the Neutrals

Of course, the problem is that I'm NOT a neutral, and so I'm a bit frustrated. Fulham traveled to winless Reading and got the point that most expected. At half-time, I'd have been thrilled with that one point, but the barrage of free kicks and corner kicks we faced when a goal up late in the match made me feel as if we were lucky to get what we did.

There was never any doubt throughout the 94 minutes that Fulham had the better XI on the pitch. There was also little doubt that we weren't playing well enough to win for most of the afternoon. Neither were Reading, truth be told. The difference is that they were there for the taking and we didn't finish the job. What the difference should have been is that we had the best player on the pitch for the entire match and, had we capitalized on that indisputable fact, we'd have put the match away by half-time.

The first half was very scrappy. The vast majority of Fulham's attacks were up our left side. The problem with that is that this was where Richardson was playing. I rate this guy a lot, but Berbatov fed him in attacking situations a half-dozen times in the first 45 and I can't remember a single decent cross coming from them. I found myself – as did others in the FulhamUSA.com chatroom – crying for Kacaniklic and Dejagah. Reading had a few chances to score in the first half and it was only a combination of poor marksmanship and poor luck that kept them off the scoreboard. When their goal came, it was brilliant and unstoppable. From a dead ball situation [recurring theme alert], Reading passed the ball around a few times until it fell to Leighterwood who deposited a screamer into the top right corner. We pressed pretty hard after that, but we never really looked like equalizing.

They say that goals change games. Well, so do substitutions, and our match changed in the 58th minute when Ruiz came on for the profligate Rodallega. I was happy to see Bryan, but had doubts about how he'd fit in. Berbatov can do many things, but I don't think he's at his best as the 1 in a 4-5-1. So imagine my surprise when he stayed up front with Ruiz as his partner. And boy did it pay dividends immediately. From this point until the 89th minute, Fulham were clearly the better side.

It was Bryan who equalized with a goal as stunning as Reading's first – a screamer into the top right. Last season his only two goals were goal-of-the-season candidates. The same is true for his first this season. As soon as we equalized, two minutes after Ruiz arrived on the pitch, Fulham looked for nothing but three points. The second goal came 17 minutes later on yet another near post run by Baird. Unlike last week's effort, this corner was converted with a header. Baird has obviously been watching old film of Carlos Bocanegra. Fulham were up 2-1, and playing brilliant football. Unfortunately, Baird took a knock in the goal celebration and had to be replaced by Sidwell.

Reading equalized in a pin-ball like goalmouth scramble ten minutes later, and 2-2 looked like the ultimate result until the brilliance that is Dimitar Berbatov stepped forward. Our number 9 was limping most of the match and looked very tired, but in the 88th minute he had time to tie his shoelaces and autograph the ball before beating McCarthy. Two minutes left. We're up 3-2. What could go wrong?

Well, what happened is that we began giving away corners and free kicks on the outskirts of our penalty area. One of the free kicks – after a foul by the otherwise brilliant Sascha Riether – resulted in yet another pinball lottery AND the final equalizer in the 90th minute. While I'm certain that Fulham wanted to get the SEVENTH goal in the four minutes of injury time, we barely got out of our own half. One or two more goalmouth scrambles and 3-3 was the final result. It was a fair result in the end for two reasons: (1) Neither side played poorly enough to lose. (2) Neither side played well enough to win. A point on the road is a point on the road, I guess.

Full marks for the play of Riether, Riise, Hughes, Diarra, Duff, and – especially – Berbatov. Baird, Hangeland, and Schwarzer had uneven performances throughout, and the less said about Rodallega and Richardson the better. Our subs were brilliant. Ruiz brought the match to life, Dejagah looked a serious threat again, and Sidwell had a hand in Berbatov's goal. I'm looking forward to seeing the Berbatov/Ruiz pairing in the future. Each is incredibly creative. Each has good pitch awareness. Each has an eye for a promising pass, and each can finish. Now if we can just get some service from the left wing.

Reading? It's going to be a long season for them. Two of their three goals were on the lucky side, they have an unconvincing goalkeeper, and the strike pair we saw today seems an odd couple. A better team on the day would have dismantled them in the first 30 minutes.

HatterDon's Man of the Match was bouncing back and forth between Riether, Berbatov, and Hughes, but the winner isthe Fulham Travelers. I have never heard you so loud for so long, and there is no doubt in my Texan mind that you had a hand in all three of our goals. Well done.

Next up? Oh, goodness. I'll worry about that later. COYW.



http://www.friendsoffulham.com/wordpress/?p=211

[WhiteJC]

 
Jol compares Fulham to 'a blonde girl'

Fulham manager Martin Jol was disappointed that his side drew 3-3 at Reading.
The Craven Cottage outfit were ahead twice in the second half but had to settle for a point.
"We were the better footballing team but there was no purpose to our game," he told talkSPORT.
"We want to dominate possession but you have to you have to play the ball forward.
"It's like a blonde girl – we looked good from far but far from good. So in the second half we put the make up on and started again and after the substitutions there was more purpose.
"If you score three goals away at Reading you should win the game."


Read more: http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/121027/jol-compares-fulham-%E2%80%98-blonde-girl%E2%80%99-184016?#ixzz2AZphd7am
Follow us: @talksport on Twitter
Read more at http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/121027/jol-compares-fulham-%E2%80%98-blonde-girl%E2%80%99-184016?#WYeRVP8g6kMmGzq7.99

[WhiteJC]

 
Dimitar Berbatov scored late for Fulham despite suspected broken rib


Ha-HA! (Getty)

Saddled with misguided accusations of laziness and complacency throughout his career, Dimitar Berbatov always finds his goals (when given the chance to play) in just about every situation. During Fulham's match against Readying, he proved that ability while putting another dent in the criticisms of his style when he suffered a rib injury during the first half. He dealt with the pain though, and after a halftime injection he ended up scoring Fulham's third goal with a typically brilliant shot in the 85th minute, just three minutes after Reading made it 2-2.

From Football 365:
Berbatov was seen holding his back during periods of the first half, and it was expected that the striker may be substituted at half-time.
However, Berbatov had an injection during the interval, and was able to score Fulham's third goal before Reading equalised in injury-time.
"It was difficult, because I think Berbatov broke his rib," Jol said.
"We thought he may come off at half-time, but he had an injection to carry on."

It takes a lot more than a possible broken rib to keep The Berba from scoring just as it takes a lot more than a roll of your eyes for him to not be attracted to you.


http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/soccer-dirty-tackle/dimitar-berbatov-scored-fulham-suspected-broken-rib-195235700--sow.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham boss frustrated by familiar failing at Reading

MARTIN Jol says Fulham need to learn how to protect leads much better after seeing two evaporate in the dying minutes at Reading.

The Dutchman has plenty of positives to look back on after the 3-3 draw at the Madejski Stadium, but the over-riding feeling is one of frustration.

"If you score three goals against a side like Reading you should win," said the Whites' manager.

"I thought we had done enough when Berbatov scored [to make it 3-2].

"A couple of weeks ago, we did the same against Southampton and they equalised. Maybe we have to be a bit clever and not give away free-kicks. They attacked the ball with two or three players and we allowed them to.

"I could say we have to be better organised. You have to try to be at the end of it and we weren't. We weren't I can't blame the keeper."

Jol added: "We had four wins last year so it's not bad. Three draws. There are a lot of teams who are the same or even worse. I feel the setup of the midfield is a bit different from the last couple of years."

At least Jol can look back with satisafction on the contribution of a fit-again Bryan Ruiz. The Costa Rican scored his first of the season and made a second for Baird.

"Bryan was probably one of our best players this season and then he got injured and then had a groin problem after," Jol said.

"He's certainly the one who can create chances, plays the ball forward, killer passes and great vision. I knew that but I might have to play him from the start next time."



http://www.ealinggazette.co.uk/sport/fulham-fc-ealing/2012/10/27/82029-32116003/?

[WhiteJC]

 
McDermott: Fulham were like the Harlem Globetrotters

Brian McDermott compared Fulham to the Harlem Globetrotters after seeing Reading throwing away another lead.

Royals are languishing in 19th-place and still searching for their first Premier League after eight games.

Mikele Leigertwood's thunderbolt gave McDermott's men a 25th-minute lead, but Reading were pegged back by Bryan Ruiz's strike on the hour.

Chris Baird then put Martin Jol's side ahead before Garath McCleary equalised - only for Dimitar Berbatov to grab the lead again.

But substitute Hal Robson-Kanu managed to score another leveller in the final minute of the game to earn Reading their fourth point of the season.

And McDermott admitted that it was a point gained against another quality side.

"You've got to give credit to Fulham," said the Royals manager.

"They've got fantastic players, Berbatov is a class act, Diarra, Duff, Hangeland, take your pick, they are a very established Barclays Premier League side. When Ruiz came on, he's 10 million quid and it was like the Harlem Globetrotters.

"People talking about defences switching off, but for Ruiz's goal what can you do? He had a chance and smashed it into the top corner.

"You can look at the corner for 2-1 and say that's got to be better from us, but for the last one when Berbatov works it out wide and is on his own 16 yards out you know he's going to bend it in the corner.

"So that's why we have to do things our way, we don't have those financial resources so we have to be the best group in the League, we also have quality players. If we do what we're capable of we'll be OK."

It was the fourth time that McDermott has seen his players thrown away a lead.

With Reading incapable of keeping a clean sheet at the moment, McDermott knows his side must wisen-up.

He said: "We've taken the lead four times in the Barclays Premier League, which is a real positive in terms of getting on the front foot, but now we need to finish games off. We've been working on it and we've done that so well over the last couple of years.

"We need to have that mindset, games of football are won between the ears and fundamentally it's about what we do with the ball. In the second half we had a chance to go 2-0 up and if we do that it's game over.

"But after that we weren't as we should be with the ball, Fulham got to grips with the game and got theit goal.

"Then it was 2-1 and also 3-2, but for us to score so soon twice tells you again about the character we have in this group, it was phenomenal and the players deserve a lot of respect for that, not many teams would have got a result from there.

"At 3-2 down with a minute left my weekend was miserable so in that sense it has to be a point gained."

With Jem Karacan confirming he will be out for around six weeks, McDermott decided to call Jay Tabb into the side and dropped summer signing Danny Guthrie from the entire squad.

And he added: "He wasn't selected, but he's fit. He's part of the squad of 20-odd players and has got to get himself into the 18, I just felt it was the right thing to do."



http://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/readingfc/s/2123073_mcdermott_fulham_were_like_the_harlem_globetrotters?