Friday Fulham Stuff (09/11/12)...

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Crewe Alexandra: Lauri Dalla Valle eyes deadly partnership with Chuks Aneke

DEADLY new boy Lauri Dalla Valle believes he can thrive on Chuks Aneke's defence-splitting passes.

The 21-year-old, on loan from Fulham, was only four-and-a-half minutes into his Crewe debut against Doncaster Rovers on Tuesday when he latched on to an Aneke through-ball and fired into the net.

The Finnish forward had been linking up with his fellow loanee in training over the past week and says he knew it would be just a matter of time before he had a chance delivered on a plate.

Now he is preparing to take on Colchester United on Saturday, hoping the pair will be able to combine again to help the Alex keep shuffling up League One.

"It's been a hectic few days," admitted Dalle Valle, who only ratified his month-long move on Monday.

"But I've enjoyed every minute and everyone has been friendly. I knew even before I got here how Crewe play, with young players who like to pass the ball around.

"I've been playing with Chuks in training and I know when he turns with the ball he can slip in a pass, I just need to make sure I'm ready to take my chance.

"I work hard in training so, although I haven't played a senior game for a while, I never had any doubts I could last 90 minutes.

"I couldn't ask for a better start and I hope that it will continue, picking up more points for the team and for me scoring more goals."

In a division as closely-knitted as League One, three points at Doncaster hauled Crewe up four places to 14th in the table.

Another win at home against Colchester could see them close the gap on the play-off zone to four points and, more importantly, grow the buffer from the drop zone.

It will help having forward men that are starting to find the net more readily, even with the absence of regular front pair Ajay Leitch-Smith and Max Clayton.

Top scorer Mathias Pogba, who scored four in his first four Alex games, now has two in his last two after an eight-game barren spell.

But manager Steve Davis will also be pleased with his team's performance at the other end, with Crewe having gone 10 games without a clean sheet before their trip to the Keepmoat.

That was the worst run in Davis's near 12 months in charge, having previously only gone a maximum six games without a shut out – and that came way back in January.

Dalla Valle said: "Doncaster are a very good team, a big club and in form, so going there and winning like that will gives us a lot of confidence.

"Now we have to go into the Colchester game thinking we can pick up another three points."

CREWE'S youth team will take on Scunthorpe at Gresty Road in the second round of the FA Youth Cup next Tuesday (7pm).

Entrance will cost £3 with £1 concessions.

Alex under-21s drew 2-2 with Huddersfield Town in the Development League yesterday. Adam Dugdale and Brandon Moores were on the scoresheet.



http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/story-17264885-detail/story.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
Martin Jol says Arsenal cannot expect to win trophies regularly



Fulham manager Martin Jol says Arsenal fans should not expect the Gunners to win trophies on a regular basis.

The pressure has increased on Arsene Wenger after seven years without silverware but Jol says the club might regret it if they ever got rid of him.

"Of course, it's probably not what an Arsenal fan wants," said Jol. "Seven years? That's a long time.

"Wenger created the new Arsenal. Maybe in three years' time, they will hope and pray to get someone like Wenger."

Arsenal and Fulham are level on 10 points in the Premier League table - seventh and eighth respectively - ahead of their meeting at the Emirates on Saturday.

And former Tottenham boss Jol says Arsenal will struggle to compete financially with clubs like Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea.

"Can you expect a team like Arsenal to win things with Chelsea, Man City, Man United, all these clubs?" said Jol.

Meanwhile, Wenger has revealed the future of Theo Walcott will be sorted out in the next two months.

The England winger is out of contract in the summer but Wenger has reiterated his intent to keep him.

He told the club's website:  "My desire is to keep Theo. We will do what's needed to keep him and hopefully we can sort this situation out very soon.

"Very soon is before the end of December - one way or another, that is for sure.

"I don't want to go into any details but you can believe me we do the maximum we can to keep our best players."



http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20261602?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham Always On Nacer Chadli Agenda Despite Italian Talk Insists Agent

The agent of FC Twente winger Nacer Chadli has suggested his client could move to English Premier League outfit Fulham at the end of the current campaign, though stressed Italian sides may be interested in the 23-year-old too.

Chadli is known to be wanted at Craven Cottage by boss Martin Jol though, involved in a chase for the Dutch title with Steve McClaren's Twente, the chances of him leaving the Tukkers seem extremely slim.

"A transfer to Fulham is always on the agenda", Chadli's representative Daniel Evrard told Calcio Mercato.

"In Italy, I have not heard of anything, but I know that Genoa and AC Milan consistently send scouts to Holland."

However, even were a Serie A side to make an offer for the Belgium international, preference would be given to the Premier League, Evrard said.

"He prefers to go to England.

"A departure in January does not seem an option as Twente are leading the league so far and the management want to get into the Champions League.

"He still has a contract until 2014."
Chadli started his professional career at Dutch minnows AGOVV, although he is a product of Standard Liege's youth set-up.

Twente snapped the 23-year-old up in 2010.



Read more at http://www.insidefutbol.com/2012/11/08/fulham-always-on-nacer-chadli-agenda-despite-italian-talk-insists-agent/72463/#eO9qXgCmeYhfBf7Z.99

[WhiteJC]

 
Tottenham Hotspur River Thames Boat Cruise

Enhance your matchday experience by boarding The London Eye Barracuda Boat when the Whites take on Tottenham Hotspur (Saturday 1st December).

The London Eye Barracuda, a new signing for the Club, exudes style and luxury and features an immaculate art deco-inspired interior. With comfortable seating, the sophisticated boat is ideal for guests to relax and take in stunning views of some of London's most famous landmarks.

Priced at £275*, those wishing to attend the two-hour luxury Thames cruise can expect to enjoy:

• Champagne reception
• Three-course meal
• Cheese Course
• Inclusive Drinks Package (Wine, Beer and Soft Drinks)

In addition, former Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Sean Davis will be a special guest on board. Sean was a pivotal member of our 2000/01 side that earned Champions status in Division One as the Whites were promoted to the Premier League. Sean also holds the record of being the only player to appear in all four divisions for the Club, and he will no doubt have some fond stories to share with fans who purchase a cruise ticket.

Following your cruise you will be transferred to Craven Cottage, complimentary matchday programme in hand, to see the Barclays Premier League action unfold.

To book your place on board, call 020 8336 7555, email [email protected] or buy online.

*Season Ticket Holders can upgrade and secure their Cruise for £195.
All prices exclude VAT.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2012/november/08/thames-boat?

[WhiteJC]

 
Jol's Arsenal Preview

Martin Jol is hoping to carry the Club's recent away form into Saturday's game at the Emirates when we face Arsenal (3pm).

The Whites are unbeaten in our last three matches away from Craven Cottage, but our Manager anticipates a stern test against a side who, he believes, are playing better than they're getting credit for.

"We've done okay in our away matches so far with a win and two draws," he said in his pre-match press conference. "So hopefully we can do something similar [on Saturday].

"Arsenal have always been a good footballing team and they will have been disappointed to lose their last league game against Manchester United; but those are two top teams who want to win. Against Schalke [in the UEFA Champions League] they were okay and drew 2-2, even though they were 2-0 up. And they beat Queens Park Rangers 1-0 recently so I think they are doing fine.

"If we play a good game then we can cause them problems. We did that last season at the Emirates but they scored a late goal to make it 1-1. Then at home Bobby Zamora won the game in the last couple of minutes, so hopefully we can do the same this time."

Fulham's last outing saw us snatch a late draw against a classy Everton outfit and Jol knows that he will need to see an improved performance from his Team if we're to leave North London with any points.

"It's difficult because for us, with the players we've got, it's important that we dominate possession," he explained. "But that is not easy away from home.

"We want to be better off the ball and that is something that we've been working on. If you are good on the ball you can cause any team a problem, so hopefully we can do better than we did against Everton because that was not what we wanted."

Jol will have almost a fully fit contingent of players to choose from against Arsenal, although it remains to be seen whether or not midfielder Mahamadou Diarra will make the short trip across the capital.

"We've got a little 50/50 case with Diarra," the Dutchman said. "It's with his knee, but hopefully he will be fine. It is November now and we are quite okay with injuries although Simon Davies is still out of course."


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2012/november/08/jols-arsenal-preview?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham sweat on midfielder ahead of Arsenal clash


Mahamadou Diarra

Arsenal v Fulham

FULHAM are waiting on the fitness of Mahamadou Diarra ahead of Saturday's trip to the Emirates.

Boss Martin Jol revealed the Mali midfielder is 50/50 to be ready in time for the London derby as the Whites look to continue their good run against the Gunners.

Apart from that, the Dutchman has no fresh injury worries, with Kieran Richardson expected to return to the squad.

Simon Davies is the only long-term absentee.



Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/fulham-fc/2012/11/08/82029-32193792/?#ixzz2BhtFFxc7

[WhiteJC]

 
Follow Us On Instagram

Fulham Football Club continues to evolve in Social Media circles and Whites fans with or without the Instagram app can now see our latest additions to this free photo-sharing social network.

Supporters can already follow the Club on the likes of facebook, twitter, foursquare and Google+.

And now fans with an Instagram account can follow suit by searching for 'fulhamfc' in the app or by visiting www.instagram.com/fulhamfc. Those who follow us on Instagram will get our latest photo additions as soon as we put them up and fans can 'like' and 'comment' on them to let us know which are your favourites.

What's more, we'll ask supporters to submit their own photos on Instagram on matchdays through a designated hashtag to help us build up the Barclays Premier League's biggest Instagram archive.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2012/november/08/follow-us-on-instagram?

[WhiteJC]

 
Martin Jol: Defensive focus key for Fulham at Arsenal


Martin Jol: Unhappy with performance against Everton

Martin Jol believes Fulham's discipline without the ball will be key to getting a result at Arsenal on Saturday.

Jol's side go to north London on the back of three unbeaten away trips, but those games have yielded six goals for the opposition.

And the manager was again concerned by a lack of defensive rigour during last weekend's home draw with Everton.
Jol told the club's official website: "It's difficult because for us, with the players we've got, it's important that we dominate possession. That is not easy away from home.

"We want to be better off the ball and that is something we've been working on. Hopefully we can do better than we did against Everton because that was not what we wanted."

Arsenal have struggled for form recently, losing two of their previous three league games and blowing a two-goal lead against Schalke in the Champions League.

Jol said: "Arsenal have always been a good footballing team and they will have been disappointed to lose their last league game against Manchester United.
"But those are two top teams who want to win, and I think they are doing fine."


http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11681/8235534?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham look good to earn a point away to a stuttering Arsenal
Fulham have a knack for drawing recently and against an Arsenal side in indifferent form they could be on to share of the spoils again

The Emirates Stadium plays host to the first of two London derbies in the space of a week for Arsenal as they welcome Martin Jol's Fulham on Saturday afternoon before taking on great rivals Tottenham seven days later.

The meeting between west and north London this weekend involves two sides who are level on 15 points in the top half of the table, but the satisfaction levels of the two teams regarding their league positions couldn't be more different.

For Fulham to be 8th after ten games and only two points off a place in the Champions League qualification spots represents an excellent first quarter to the season, but for Arsenal, who are already nine points off the leaders Manchester United, 7th place simply won't do and the pressure is starting to build on Arsene Wenger and his side.

The long serving Frenchman is under constant demand to bring an end to the seven year itch for a trophy and in particular to challenge again for the title, but from the evidence of the season so far his team are further away than they ever have been under his leadership.

Despite having the strongest defensive record in the league with only eight goals conceded in ten games, the Gunners have only won four times and in a majority of games have struggled to apply a lethal finishing touch to the intricate build up play.

Fulham on the other hand have not been able to stop scoring and have an embarrassment of riches in the striking positions with Dimitar Berbatov, Mladen Petric, Hugo Rodallega and Bryan Ruiz all fighting each other for a place in the team.

The competition for starting berths is clearly working for Martin Jol as the Cottagers are the 3rd highest scorers with 21 goals to their name, a record of 2.1 goals every game. No wonder then that bwin has 31/50 on the game to see more than 2.5 goals: in fact, half of Fulham's games have seen over 3.5 goals which is 29/20, but perhaps more unlikely given Arsenal's defensive record.

As well as scoring plenty of goals, Fulham have also picked up a knack for drawing games of late with three of their last four ending all square, odds on Saturday's match ending the same way are 31/10 in bwin's 3-way betting market. Also available is 12/25 on a home victory or 23/4 on Fulham to win away to Arsenal for the first time in history.

The history books do not make good reading for Fulham at all as they have only ever earned four points at either Highbury or the Emirates, but on a more positive note three of them have come in the Premier League era and the latest came just last season.

Thomas Vermaelen scored at either end of the pitch in that 1-1 draw last term and odds on the game ending the same away again are fairly long at 13/2, but a draw is definitely my top bet for the game and 27/2 on a score line of 2-2, which was the score in both Arsenal and Fulham's most recent matches, is the one to go for.


http://bwinbetting.com/leagues/premier-league/fulham-good-earn-point-stuttering-arsenal,30751.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
Goalkeeping Heroics

The referee's half-time whistle at Fulham versus Everton last weekend did not signal a break in the goalscoring at Craven Cottage. As the two teams headed for the changing room, with Fulham sitting on a 1-0 lead, Ickenham Youth FC Under-15s prepared for the experience of a lifetime, as they took to the Craven Cottage pitch to take part in a penalty shoot-out.

Ickenham Youth, who compete in the West Middlesex and Hayes Youth Premier League, took to the pitch in a Fulham Premier League Footballers' Association sponsored kit, which was purchased for them last season by Dickson Etuhu. Co-ordinated by the staff at Fulham FC Foundation, 15 young players from the Borough of Hillingdon played out a thrilling penalty shoot-out.

For all of the excitement, the man of the moment was goalkeeper Ben Cann, whose sterling performance between the sticks meant that after 14 penalties, the final score was 2-0!

Richard Ennis, Fulham Season Ticket Holder and Manager of Ickenham Youth Under 15s, was delighted with the boys' experience on the day, stating: The team had a fantastic day out. The experience of the Hammersmith End crowd cheering the lads' goals was something they'll never forget. I would recommend the day out to anyone who wants the thrill and excitement at a great and famous venue."

If you run a local youth team and are interested in the opportunity to take part in a half-time penalty shoot-out, please contact Stephen Pyke at the Fulham FC Foundation on [email protected].


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2012/november/08/goalkeeping-heroics?

[WhiteJC]

 
Jackett warns Fulham and Southampton that Trotter is not for sale


Millwall's Liam Trotter. Photo credit: Simon Galloway/EMPICS

Kenny Jackett insists he is in no mood to flog star midfielder Liam Trotter to a Premier League team despite rumours of Fulham and Southampton planning raids for the Millwall man.

The 24-year-old has been in a rich vein of form for the Lions, playing every minute of the south Londoners' 16 games this term, bagging six goals in the process.

The club have designs on capitalising on their recent good run – which stretched to eight games unbeaten with a stalemate at Watford on Tuesday - by rising up the Championship table and their manager insists Trotter is key to those plans.

Saints boss Nigel Adkins, in particular, is known to be an admirer after he took him to previous club Scunthorpe on loan in 2009 and Watford chief Gianfranco Zola hailed Trotter as the reason his Hornets drew a blank this week, admitting he isn't surprised if top flight clubs are courting him.

But Jackett calmed fears that the midfielder could be on his way to the big league in the January transfer window.

"We haven't had any inquires or any bids for him," the Lions boss said, adding: "It rumbles around, that one, from time to time.

"To some degree that's good because it means you're doing something right if your players are being linked with other clubs higher up.

"That usually means that they're playing well.

"It's not something that we necessarily invite – we want to build and, if we can, try to move up this division on a consistent basis and we won't do that by selling our players."



http://www.london24.com/sport/championship/millwall/jackett_warns_fulham_and_southampton_that_trotter_is_not_for_sale_1_1686713

[WhiteJC]

 
Wenger: Szczesny has a chance for Fulham

Wojciech Szczesny will play for Arsenal's under-21s tomorrow and could still be added to the first team squad on Saturday should he come through the clash unscathed.

The Polish international has not featured for the Gunners since the 6-1 victory over Southampton back in August; a game in which he dropped a clanger after injuring his ankle in the warm-up.

Speaking this afternoon at Great Ormond Street Hospital where The Arsenal Foundation has funded the opening of a new Lung Function Unit, Arsene Wenger confirmed the stopper would feature against West Ham at London Colney tomorrow at 1pm.

In all likelihood Vito Mannone will retain his starting berth for Fulham's visit this weekend, but it's good that our number one is on the mend.

The boss also revealed that both Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Aaron Ramsey could return from injury, with both set for fitness tests tomorrow. Given Jack Wilshere is suspended, the added midfield options will certainly come as a relief.



http://news.arseblog.com/2012/11/wenger-szczesny-has-a-chance-for-fulham/?utm_source=feedburner.com%2Farseblognews&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+arseblognews+%28Arseblog+News+-+the+Arsenal+news+site%29

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"Dempsey not world class"
Club legend questions Modric and Van Der Vaart replacements

Tottenham legend Graham Roberts has slammed his former club's approach of replacing the departed Luka Modric with American international Clint Dempsey, insisting that the former Fulham man is not in the same class as the departed Croatian playmaker. Roberts has been disappointed to see the club's change in playing style under new manager Andre Villas-Boas, accusing the North Londoners of being more regimented.

"Last year you had the excitement of Modric and van der Vaart. They are world class players and the players that have come in this year, Dempsey and Sigurdsson, are not in that class," Roberts told talkSPORT.

"I watched them play at Norwich and yes they are open, the full-backs get forward, but the midfielders come very, very deep now and get the ball off the two centre-backs. They are more regimental now.

"Van der Vaart last year got us out of trouble with so many second half goals. I look at Dempsey and is he going to get you that? And Sigurdsson, is he going to get you that?

"I watched them play last week and it wasn't for me. They are good players [Dempsey and Sigurdsson] but not world class players."



http://www.premiershiptalk.com/2012/11/08/dempsey-not-world-class/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+PremiershipTalk+%28Premiership+Talk%29

[WhiteJC]

 
Arsenal are struggling and Fulham are capable of getting a point

Fulham travel to the Emirates on Saturday to meet a misfiring Arsenal side who were flattered by the 2-1 scoreline at Old Trafford.

The Gunners are 1/2 favourites with Fulham 6s and the draw at 7/2.

Martin Jol's team will have to play a lot better than they did against Everton last weekend but they are more than capable of nicking a point as they did last season.

Jack Wilshere will miss the game following his red card against United and a 1-1 draw at 15/2 is the shout.

Two more home points dropped by QPR on Sunday, but Southampton's defeat at West Brom means they are now bottom – and the Saints march on Loftus Road a week on Saturday in a must-win game for the R's.

Before that, Mark Hughes will be looking to take all three points at Stoke on Saturday although it is the durable, hard-working Potters who are 20/23 to win, with the draw 5/2 and Rangers 7/2.

Nigel Adkins has been backed into 4/6 to be the first Premier League manager to lose/leave his post after that defeat to the Baggies.

He has also been supported from 66/1 to 4/1 at the time of writing to be the next manager of Blackpool (no, I can't believe it either).

Rangers played some decent football against Reading and deserved at least a point. But it will be a different game against Stoke, whose style isn't particularly pleasing on the eye.

City play to their own strengths and it will be a test of Rangers' physical and mental strength.

Peter Crouch is 9/2 to score the opener against his former club with Djibril Cisse 7/1 (19/10 to score at any time) and Adel Taarabt 8s (2/1 anytime).

The R's are 6/4 from 5/2 for relegation following the Reading game.

Chelsea (out to 3s for the title) meet Liverpool on Sunday and they will be desperate to return to winning ways having lost top spot in the Premier League at the Liberty Stadium last weekend.

The Reds don't have a bad record at Stamford Bridge in recent years and Luis Suarez is arguably the hottest player in the division at present.

Chelsea are 20/21 with Liverpool 29/10 and the draw at 27/10.

Fernando Torres continues to misfire but if he can't get up for this fixture he can't get up for any – and the Spanish international is 5/1 to score the opener and 11/8 to find the back of the net at any time.

For all your weekend action check out betvictor.com

Be lucky

Charlie



http://www.westlondonsport.com/features-comment/arsenal-are-struggling-and-fulham-are-capable-of-getting-a-point

[WhiteJC]

 
Defensive frailties worry Jol

Fulham manager Martin Jol believes his side need to improve on their defensive work if they are to turn recent draws into wins.

Jol's side have come away from games against Southampton and Reading with a point after conceding last-minute equalisers, while they had to come from behind late on in last weekend's draw against Everton.

Dutchman Jol believes that Fulham's defensive frailty is down to a lack of discipline off the ball, and is looking for improvement when they travel to Arsenal on Saturday.

"It's difficult because for us, with the players we've got, it's important that we dominate possession. That is not easy away from home," Jol told Fulham's official website.

"We want to be better off the ball and that is something we've been working on. Hopefully we can do better than we did against Everton because that was not what we wanted."

Arsenal are struggling slightly after losing two of their last three Premier League games, but Jol has dismissed any criticism of Arsene Wenger's men.

"Arsenal have always been a good footballing team and they will have been disappointed to lose their last league game against Manchester United," he said.

"But those are two top teams who want to win, and I think they are doing fine."



http://uk.soccerway.com/news/2012/November/08/defensive-frailties-worry-jol/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Arsenal star: Only a win will do against Fulham

Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere believes his side must pick up all three points against Fulham.

The England international is suspended for Saturday's game after being sent off in the 2-1 defeat to Manchester United.

"The target is the same - we need to challenge for the Premier League," he said. "OK, we are a bit far behind now but we really need to step it up.

"We have dropped a few points and we can't afford to be dropping points now. We know we need the top four but if we can get anything more, then we push on every season. That's the aim.

"The aim at the beginning of every season is to challenge for the Premier League and win a trophy. It's no different this year."



http://www.london24.com/sport/arsenal/arsenal_star_only_a_win_will_do_against_fulham_1_1686935

[WhiteJC]

 
Arsenal duo need fitness tests as four ruled out of Fulham clash

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is in need of a fitness test ahead of the game with Fulham.

Aaron Ramsey will also be checked out ahead of the meeting with the Whites after their recent injuries.

"From the other night we have no big problem," Wenger said.

"We have to test Oxlade-Chamberlain to see if he can be in the squad, we have a test as well with Aaron Ramsey to see if he can be in the squad.

"Gervinho is out, [Abou] Diaby out, [Tomas] Rosicky out, [Kieran] Gibbs as well is not back.


http://www.london24.com/sport/arsenal/arsenal_duo_need_fitness_tests_as_four_ruled_out_of_fulham_clash_1_1686936

[WhiteJC]

 
Jol On Contracts

Martin Jol shed some light on the current status of both his own and Brede Hangeland's contract situations in his pre-match press conference on Thursday afternoon.

Our Manager's current deal is due to expire at the end of the current campaign but, as he explained, there was always the option for both parties to extend that deal by another year.

"There is no discussion because Fulham have got an option on my contract," he explained. "I'm happy here and I'm happy with what I'm doing.

"Fulham want to activate the extra year and I'm happy for them to do that. We talk to each other every day and maybe a month ago the decision was made. An option is an option and they did that. I'm quite happy here."

The Dutchman also admitted that progress has been made regarding Hangeland's future, although our captain is still yet to put pen to paper.

"We made him a very good offer and he smiled so I think he was quite happy with the offer and hopefully he will sign that," Jol said. "He's never injured, he always plays and he's leading by example so we would love to have him here for the next couple of years.

"You always hope that people will be satisfied; we pay good wages and we made him a very good offer. I didn't see him because I don't do the negotiations but the people who did told me that he was quite happy so hopefully he will sign.

"Brede is a nice lad; he's not an extravert, he's not an introvert, but he's down to earth."


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2012/november/08/jol-on-contracts?

[WhiteJC]

 
Hangeland close to agreeing Fulham deal


Brede Hangeland

FULHAM are close to agreeing a deal to keep captain Brede Hangeland at Craven Cottage.

The towering centre-back is in the final 12 months of his contract and is reportedly being tracked by a string of top clubs.

But Jol is hopeful the Norwegian will put paper for another two years after talks with Fulham's hierarchy.

He said: "We made him a very good offer and he smiled for the first time since a couple of months ago, so I think he was quite happy.

"Hopefully he will sign that because he's never injured and always plays. He leads by example and we would love to have him here for the next couple of years.

"We pay good wages and made him a very good offer. You always hope people will be satisfied.

"I didn't see him because I don't do the negotiations but the people who do that told me he was quite happy."



Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/fulham-fc/2012/11/08/82029-32196535/?#ixzz2Bi1CNutW

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham boss Jol confirms talks are ongoing to extend contract to 2014

Martin Jol has revealed Fulham have approached him to activate the clause in his contract that would see him stay at Craven Cottage until 2014.

Cottagers boss Jol confirmed he and the club held talks 'a month ago or so' about extending his time in charge beyond the end of the season.

The Dutchman joined Fulham in the summer of 2011 on a two-year contract with an option of a third year.


In talks: Jol could extend his stay at Fulham to the end of next season

He led them to their second highest ever Barclays Premier League points total of 52 in his first year in charge as they finished ninth.

They are currently on course to better that and lay eighth ahead of Saturday's trip to Arsenal.

'I'm happy to stay,' Jol added.

As, it would appear, is captain Brede Hangeland, who Jol revealed had been offered a new deal to replace the one that expires next summer.

He said of the 31-year-old defender: 'We made him a very good offer and he smiled for the first time since a couple of months ago, so I think he was quite happy.


Fans' favourite: Hangeland (left) has been at the club since 2008

'Hopefully, he will sign that because he's never injured and always plays. He leads by example and we would love to have him here for the next couple of years.

'You always hope people will be satisfied. We pay good wages and made him a very good offer.

'I didn't see him because I don't do the negotiations but the people who do that told me he was quite happy.'

Hangeland, who joined Fulham from FC Copenhagen in 2008, has previously been linked with Arsenal and there have been reports Liverpool and Newcastle would be interested in snapping him up on a pre-contract agreement in January.

Jol added: 'He's a nice lad if you know him. He's not an extrovert but down to earth.'



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