Tuesday Fulham Stuff (20/11/12)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham boss unhappy with star man over revealing trade secrets

Fulham manager Martin Jol has received positive feedback from Brede Hangeland on top target Vegard Forren, but expressed his dismay that the defender spoke about his transfer target.

The Molde defender is wanted by Everton and Fulham, having just helped Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side win the Norwegian title for a second year in a row and Hangeland revealed the Dutchman's interest in Forren.

"With this boy (the reports) were positive but that is the only thing I did," said Jol.

"I don't want to talk about targets, you know? This is more private.

"It was nice that Brede said something nice about his team-mate but that is not normally what you want.

"You want to keep this information for yourself."



http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/fulham_boss_unhappy_with_star_man_over_revealing_trade_secrets_1_1698507

[WhiteJC]

 
Yeovil Town extend loan deal for Fulham's Daniel Burn



Yeovil Town have extended the loan of Fulham's Daniel Burn until January.

The 20-year-old defender initially signed in September on a one-month youth loan deal, which has now been extended twice.

Burn, who endured an eventful debut for the Glovers, scoring at both ends in a 3-2 defeat by Preston, has so far made 12 appearances for the Huish Park club.

The 6ft 6in former Darlington man's loan will now expire on 7 January, with his final game against MK Dons.



http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20398607?

[WhiteJC]

 
Petric: We have to learn

Fulham substitute Mladen Petric says they have to learn from Sunday's 3-1 defeat to Sunderland at Craven Cottage.



Goalscorer Petric had an incident-filled game after replacing the injured Bryan Ruiz after an hour.

The Croatia international almost equalised with his first touch before finding the back of the net two minutes later after Damien Duff beat the offside trap to provide the assist.

Petric then required treatment on a wound suffered when scoring the goal and was off the field as Sunderland regained the lead.

"It was a hard game for us because it started very badly with the red card for Brede," Petric said.

"Then we were 1-0 down so it was good to come back and equalise, although they scored two minutes after my goal which was a pity.

"I got a kick on my calf when I scored," Petric said.

"It made a cut so I had to come off to have stitches put in and then by the time I got back on the pitch it was 2-1. It was a bit painful but I had injections so it was okay."

Petric managed to see out the rest of the game and was denied a second goal by a great save from Sunderland goalkeeper Simon Mignolet.

But Fulham boss Martin Jol lost both Alex Kacaniklic and Ruiz to hamstring injures and Petric felt the enforced changes had an impact of the Cottagers' chances.

"I think we have to learn from that game, but we had two injuries so I think that luck was not on our side," he said.

"I think we tried very hard and we always believed we had it in us to get back in the game.

"We kept putting pressure on Sunderland and we had some good opportunities again to score but unfortunately we just couldn't find the net again."

Jol's side travel to Stoke next weekend with Hangeland, Kacaniklic and Ruiz all missing but it is the absence of the club's captain that worries Petric most.

"Of course it will be a difficult game when we go to Stoke at the weekend," he said.

"It will be especially difficult because Brede is suspended and it is the kind of game you need your big centre-back because he's a tall player and he's very strong with his head."



http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/article/324/8260166/petric-we-have-to-learn?

[WhiteJC]

 
Boro U21 2-0 Fulham U21

Fulham Under-21s were unable to build on the victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers in their previous outing, as they slipped to a 2-0 defeat at Middlesbrough on Monday.

Despite the testing conditions, both sides made a bright start to proceedings, with Cauley Woodrow creating the first of the afternoon's chances with a clever piece of skill. However, the young striker's low strike was easily held by Jayson Leutwiler.

At the other end, Adam Reach and Luke Williams both saw opportunities come and go, with David Stockdale making an impressive save to deny the latter.

Woodrow then drew another save from the Boro 'keeper, before seeing his next effort cleared off the line by a defender as Fulham threatened to open the scoring.

But it would be the home side that broke the deadlock, when Williams made the most of some defensive hesitancy and, after stealing the ball, was subsequently tripped in the box. Andy Halliday stepped up and finished confidently from the penalty spot.

Early in the second half, Boro went close to doubling their advantage when Ryan Brobbel fired wide. In response, Kit Symons' side pushed forward and almost levelled only to see Josh Pritchard's stinging strike from distance rattle the woodwork.

Stockdale pulled off another brilliant stop moments later, denying Cameron Park's powerful shot as the hosts looked for a second.

Unfortunately for Fulham, that goal came within minutes when Williams headed beyond the reach of Stockdale following some intelligent play from Reach and Andre Bennett.

Symons told fulhamfc.com: "I actually thought this was an evenly matched game, and had we made more of our early chances then perhaps we could have had something to show.

"We had a very young side out today, in what were very difficult conditions. But that's not an excuse, because as the result suggests we just weren't good enough. That said, there were positives to be taken and it was good experience for them.

"I thought we played some good football in patches, it's just a shame that we didn't make the most of that. No one likes losing, so we'll have to move on and make sure we bounce back."

Fulham U21: Stockdale; Brister, Musa, Arthurworrey, Grimmer; Pritchard, Minkwitz, Banya (Della Verde 70), Altman; Islamovic (Tankovic 60), Woodrow



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2012/november/19/u21s-v-middlesbrough?

[WhiteJC]

 
Kasami Temporary Exit!
   
If the tabloid reports are correct, then one of our fringe players is set to go out on loan shortly.

According to reports, Martin Jol is prepared to let 20 year-old Pajtim Kasami go out on loan to a Championship side.

Kasami has struggled to feature this season and a loan spell could rejuvenate his career.

We`ll endeavour to keep you posted.


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=300341#ixzz2Cjd7wC6u

[WhiteJC]

 
Kasami Temporary Exit!
   
If the tabloid reports are correct, then one of our fringe players is set to go out on loan shortly.

According to reports, Martin Jol is prepared to let 20 year-old Pajtim Kasami go out on loan to a Championship side.

Kasami has struggled to feature this season and a loan spell could rejuvenate his career.

We`ll endeavour to keep you posted.


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=300341#ixzz2Cjd7wC6u

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham boss lays down the law to midfielder

MARTIN Jol has told Pajtim Kasami to knuckle down if he wants to force his way into the Fulham first team.

The Switzerland U21 international has made just three appearances this season – two of them from the bench – and has been linked with a January move away from Craven Cottage.

Kasami is way down the pecking order in SW6, and Jol reckons the midfielder would benefit by joining Kerim Frei and Matthew Briggs out on loan.

However, there has been no interest in the 20-year-old winger, and he is unlikely to move before the emergency loan window shuts on Thursday, especially after injuries to Kieran Richardson, Alex Kacaniklic and Bryan Ruiz.

And Jol has ordered the youngster to get his head down if he stands a chance of establishing himself in the first team.

He said: "There's other players in front of him and if he feels he should play in front of [Dimitar] Berbatov, Bryan Ruiz or Damien Duff he would have a big problem.

"He's young, like Kerim Frei and Kaca [Alex Kacaniklic], so the only thing he should do is work hard, play his games in the reserves and if he's really fed up with it we will find a solution.

"He's my player – I took him here and I believe in him – but he should keep his feet on the ground."

Kasami has made just eight starts since his move from Palermo last year, with another 12 as substitute.

The youngster failed to take his chance in the Capital One Cup defeat at Sheffield Wednesday earlier this season.

And Jol wants him to grab his opportunities with both hands when he is given the nod.

He added: "It's easy when you're 4-0 up and you come on. It's about when we're 1-0 up or drawing 1-1 and he turns the game and has an influence. Hopefully he will do that in the future."



Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/fulham-fc/2012/11/20/82029-32268524/?#ixzz2CmQi9WDa

[WhiteJC]

 
Opta Evaluation

Martin Jol's Team did themselves proud on Sunday afternoon as they continued to battle until the end as they searched for a way back into their match with Sunderland.

Unfortunately they could not reduce the two-goal deficit and lost the game 3-1, although the Opta numbers demonstrate how well the Whites played as we dominated our visitors in almost every statistical department.

We practically doubled Sunderland's attempts on goal, with the boys in white managing 20 efforts to the Black Cats' 11 – seven of ours were on target compared to their six.

The corner count was dead even on four apiece, while we edged the amount of overall crosses with 18 compared to Sunderland's 16.

Sunderland just about saw more of the ball, but Fulham can be proud of our 49.3 per cent possession statistic, especially considering we were a man (or two men for a short while!) light for the majority of the match.

The Whites managed three more tackles than our visitors as we won the ball 15 times, while Martin O'Neill's side were guilty of more fouls.

Dimitar Berbatov took the armband following Brede Hangeland's dismissal and our top scorer put in a real captain's performance as he looked to dictate the play.

The Bulgarian won possession of the ball on nine occasions, as well as winning two tackles and three aerial duels. He was also involved in 76 ball events which was more than any Sunderland player.

Check out all the statistics from the game in our Match Centre.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2012/november/20/opta-evaluation?

[WhiteJC]

 
Under 18′s hit Middlesbrough for Six
by ELGREENIO on NOVEMBER 20, 2012

Fulham's Under 18 side returned to Motspur Park for the first time since October for a match against winless Middlesbrough. The away side may have been buoyed however by the absence of Fulham top scorer Cauley Woodrow, with George Williams getting a chance up front, pairing Muamer Tankovic. Max Oberschmidt returned in goal with a defence of Donnelly (fresh from his outing for the Northern Ireland Under 21 side in the week), Arthurworrey (who skippered the side on the day), Burgess and Evans. In midfield the yin and yang pairing of Hyndman and Sambou were sandwiched by Della Verde and Roberts.

The slippery conditions paired with both teams eagerness meant the game took a while to find some flow and rhythm with Jones firing wide for Boro and Donnelly's early foray ending with a sliced shot on his weaker left foot. It didn't take much  longer for Fulham to take the game by the scruff of the neck and they were the first to settle into some possession, resulting in a Della Verde strike that took a knock on the way through resulting in a corner. That in-swinging corner was met by the unmarked Tankovic to nod home from inside the six yard box, a rare headed goal for the Swede.

Fulham 1 Middlesbrough 0

From that point forward, Fulham completely dominated the ball and had Middlesbrough chasing shadows for the remainder, with Fulham's tika-taka football leaving the Boro midfield 5 dazzled and resulting in huge gaps between striker Fewster and his teammates. That's about all there is to say from a Middlesbrough point of view for a while.

Neat and patient work in the Boro third allowed chances for Williams, Donnelly and Tankovic before the latter latched onto a through ball from Hyndman drawing the keeper out. The striker chipped over the keeper but was caught on the follow through and a penalty was awarded. Tankovic himself stepped up in Woodrow's absence and fired the spot kick into the bottom left corner, the keeper Montgomery diving the right way but in reality having no chance.

Fulham 2 Middlesbrough 0

Those two early goals forced Middlesbrough back into their shells and deeper into their own half, allowing Fulham ample time to play and create as they wished, with the away side only breaking with long high balls which caused Arthurworrey and Burgess no trouble. One break however, that wasn't just lumped aimlessly forward resulted in a corner. Unfortunately for them when Fulham cleared via a neat diagonal ball from Burgess to Roberts, the young Englishman was allowed space to gather speed and dip inside his full back (who he had beaten 3 or 4 times already) and unleash a delightful curling effort into the far corner. A majestic finish

Fulham 3 Middlesbrough 0

There were further chances for Roberts who fired over with his right, Burgess who headed over from a corner and a bit of a scramble that Montgomery eventually managed to get within his grips. The away side were really hanging on towards the break, though had Morris controlled better from a rare break and diagonal ball, Oberschmidt could have found himself in no mans land and no longer in possession of a clean sheet. That summed up Boro's attacks for the day, when they did get them the passes were either poor or the players were so isolated there was never any chance of a consolation.

HALF TIME : Fulham 3 Middlesbrough 0

Middlesbrough came out for the second half in an even more withdrawn 4-5-1 with Fewster cutting a lonely figure between our two giant centre backs. The deeper setting only encouraged Fulham to start playing their football higher and closer to the Boro box and it didn't take long for the wall to crumble. Della Verde's one-two with Tankovic, the return a lovely back-heel, successfully diverted a number of Boro players allowing Della Verde to slide through to Williams who nicked the ball in front of the oncoming keeper and was caught for Fulham's second penalty on the day. Tankovic stepped up again and as was his confidence he chipped the ball down the middle to complete his hat-trick for the day.

Fulham 4 Middlesbrough 0

Della Verde and Williams were next to step up, the latter just pulling his left footed shot wide of the post after a neat Tankovic through ball. Sambou was then withdrawn, making way for Tom Richards who went to left mid pushing Della Verde inside and adding yet more attacking flair to that Fulham centre with Hyndman already opening up Boro and dictating our attacking dominance. Not long after Della Verde moved to the centre had he latched onto a Williams cut back to make it 5 – 0, finishing high into the far corner with his left foot.

Fulham 5 Middlesbrough 0

Fulham made the two remaining subs with a Tankovic effort after a neat turn sandwiched in-between, O'Reilly for Burgess and O'Halloran for Donnelly. O'Reilly slotted in at centre back, Richards dropped into right back with O'Halloran taking his place on the left wing.

These changes allowed Boro a chance to break up the home sides rhythm but the breaks they created continued to be broken up or wasted with the Fulham goal nearing. They then replaced O'Neill and McCarthy with Garrity and Armstrong. These changes did allow Fewster to drop into midfield and try to galvanise the team to salvage at least some pride, though his efforts were in vein and Fulham swept in a 6th. Not before Della Verde was booked for simulation, or more likely over enthusiasm in what could have been a third penalty for Fulham. From where I was standing it looked like the referee had done the away side a favour.

The sixth came again from Williams driving to the byline, this time he fired across for the onrushing Roberts to grab his second with a finish from close range.

Fulham 6 Middlesbrough 0

Williams himself couldn't cap an energetic display with a goal as he steered one just wide from O'Halloran's cross, the young lad maybe trying too hard to get that goal when given the chance in his favoured position. Tankovic just about had time to force a good save from Montgomery low down at his near post before the referee called time on an impressive display, albeit against a team bereft of quality.

On a day when most Fulham players sparkled, Tankovic just nicks man of the match for me from Hyndman. The American dictated the majority of our attacking play but the hat-trick hero takes the gong with his own build up play and energetic enthusiasm causing Boro problems on a day they'd like to forget.

Fulham : Oberschmidt; Donnelly (O'Halloran), Arthurworrey (c), Burgess (O'Reilly), Evans; Roberts, Sambou (Richards), Hyndman, Della Verde; Williams, Tankovic

not used : Norman (GK) who was in goal for the under 16′s

Middlesbrough : Montgomery; Coleby, Tinkler, Weledsi, Kitching; O'Neill (Garrity), Morris, Griffiths, Jones, McCarthy (Armstrong); Fewster

not used : Bland (GK)

A last congratulations to Chelsea under 18′s who are now uncatchable in the National Group 3 and remain the only unbeaten side at this level, though a visit to Motspur Park still awaits where Fulham may very well need something to continue on to the Elite Group.

Highlights of this match can be found here : http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2012/november/19/u18s-boro-highlights




http://hammyend.com/index.php/2012/11/under-18s-hit-middlesbrough-for-six/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Ruiz Credited With Goal

The Premier League's Dubious Goals Panel has confirmed that our first goal against Everton at Craven Cottage on Saturday 3rd November was in fact a Bryan Ruiz goal and therefore has not been credited as an own goal.

The decision means Bryan's tally for the season is now up to two following his marvellous strike against Reading seven days earlier.

Ruiz's free-kick against the Toffees was especially significant as it marked our 500th Premier League goal.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2012/november/20/ruiz-credited-with-goal?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham game kids for a quid!

And reduced prices across board for Hawthorns clash

ALBION have the ideal stocking filler for young Baggies fans this Christmas!

Kids (under 17s) can watch the Baggies' New Year's Day home clash with Fulham (ko 12.45pm) for just £1.

And you can take advantage of reduced prices across the board for the Barclays Premier League clash with the Cottagers, with adults £15 and concessions £10 (No concessions available in the West Stand).

Tickets will go on sale to season ticket holders and members in person and by phone tomorrow (Wednesday).

Seats will go on general sale online (click here), in person and by phone on Wednesday, November 28.

Season ticket holders will automatically receive three loyalty points for this game based on their season tickets purchase. Members who purchase a ticket for this game will also receive three loyalty points.



http://www.wba.co.uk//news/article/fulham-game-kids-for-a-quid-497822.aspx?

[WhiteJC]

 
Shirt Auction

The Club is delighted to confirm that £7,216 was raised for The Royal British Legion from selling the shirts that the players wore for our game with Arsenal earlier in the season.

Each squad member's shirt featured a poppy on the chest in honour of Remembrance Day and was signed by the relevant player.

Our two-goal hero from the match at the Emirates, Dimitar Berbatov, saw his shirt generate the greatest interest on eBay, with the winning bid coming in at £1,800.

Every penny of the money raised from the auction will go to The Royal British Legion.

The Club would like to thank everyone who bid on the shirts for this very worthy cause. If you weren't successful though and need alternative ideas for Christmas, then check out our online store today!



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2012/november/20/poppy-shirt-auction?

[WhiteJC]

 
The Tony Gale Column

We've played two matches since my last column and I went to both of them. I commentated on the game at the Emirates, where I was in the players' lounge beforehand talking to some ex-Arsenal players. They were saying that it was a game that Arsenal needed to play to get some confidence back because they're only playing Fulham. I said, 'hold on boys, I think you're being a little bit condescending here.' And so it proved!

I think Fulham were the better passing side throughout the game. One of the goals - the header from Alexander Kačaniklić - was great movement and a great ball in from Dimitar Berbatov. I thought Fulham, although Schwarzer saved a penalty right at the end, were the better side and were unlucky not to win.

All the positives were there to see, but the boys will be disappointed with the goals that they gave away. Aaron let [Oliver] Giroud get in front of him for the first goal and Riether let [Lukas] Podolski get across him for the second goal. But after that they took control of the game and for large chunks of it were the better passing side. Not many teams can say that when they go to Arsenal.

Then of course we welcomed Sunderland to the Cottage and that was a game where I believed we were quite unfortunate. Obviously the main talking point was the red card and I understand the referee's decision because they're trying to clamp down on it. However, I don't think Brede meant it; it's very unlike him as he's not that type of player, but he got his challenge the wrong way round. He couldn't clear his feet to make the tackle and I think the referee, Lee Probert, was a little quick on the trigger, but we probably couldn't have any grumbles. What I thought was really refreshing, though, was that with 10 men Fulham were still the better team for me.

I didn't think Sunderland were at all a good side and it was a decent time to play them so it was such a shame that Brede did get sent off because it was a game that I thought Fulham could have won comfortably had they kept 11 players on the pitch. But everything that could go wrong, did go wrong. Stevie Sidwell was in the middle of the park and he worked his socks off but, with the injuries and sending off, he was probably the only midfield player left on the pitch come the final whistle!

It's going to be a little bit all hands to the pump in the coming weeks with all the injuries, particularly that midfield area. Bairdy will be back at the weekend though, after serving his suspension, and it will be good to have him back in there with Steve. There were some real big pluses from the Sunderland match; Petrić looked sharp when he came on, although he then had to come off when he gashed his leg. But I must say, in the instances where he was on the ball, he looked really lively. The gutter for me was the Ruiz injury because Ruiz and Berbatov just looked like they were starting up a partnership that was going to excite the Premier League, and then he goes and gets injured.

Sunday also saw that disappointing sight once again of Fulham conceding from a set-piece. Everybody debates whether you should go zonal or man mark. That corner at the weekend was conceded at a time when Fulham only had nine players on the pitch which hurt them a little bit. But what I can't understand, when you look at the goal from [Carlos] Cuellar when he got up above Siddy, it's gone in the corner again where there should be players on posts. If you are conceding goals, you've surely got to put players on posts because they make so many clearances. There are so many routine clearances that are made from that position that I think it's a necessity. If we're not winning the first ball, we've got to make sure that we're winning the second ball to clear our lines.

It's a tricky trip to the Britannia next for Fulham and we all know games against Stoke City are never easy. I think we can get something at the weekend but we'll probably need Bairdinho at his best! He had a great game there two seasons ago when he scored a couple of goals so it'd be nice if history could repeat itself on Saturday! But it'll be a tough game and set-pieces are going to be crucial. Obviously Brede is suspended and that could be an important factor against a big Stoke side.

I went to the game on Monday evening when they played West Ham United and you can't fall into the trap of playing like Stoke. You have to have your passes and, if anything, exaggerate your own football and try and play around them. If you play in the style that they play, then there's probably no one better so you have to impose your own game on them. It's a difficult task but I'd start with players on posts from corners, free-kicks, throw-ins, everything. And you have to defend that goal – if we can defend our goal at set-pieces then I'm sure we've got the ability to play some football, because you can play around them at times.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2012/november/20/the-tony-gale-column?