Wednesday Fulham Stuff(21/11/12)...

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Jol: Kasami must be patient
Fulham manager Martin Jol has urged Pajtim Kasami to show patience in his fight to break into the first team at Craven Cottage.

Switzerland Under-21 star Kasami has been linked with a January move from Craven Cottage after making just one start and two substitute appearances this season.

Jol has warned the former Palermo winger, 20, he has no chance of playing ahead of Dimitar Berbatov and Fulham's other big names but would consider loaning him out if "he's really fed up".

That is unlikely to be before the emergency window shuts on Thursday, with Bryan Ruiz, Kieran Richardson and Alex Kacaniklic all injured.

Jol said: "There are other players in front of him and if he feels he should play in front of Berbatov, Bryan Ruiz or Damien Duff, he would have a big problem.

"He's young, like Kerim Frei and Kaca [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."



http://www.football365.com/fulham/8262590/Martin-Jol-tells-fed-up-Pajtim-Kasami-to-wait-for-his-opportunity-at-Fulham?

[WhiteJC]

 
Birmingham City: Papa Bouba Diop extends Blues deal


Birmingham City's Senegal international Papa Bouba Diop has extended his stay at St Andrew's for another month.

The 34-year-old former Fulham and West Ham midfielder is yet to make his City debut since receiving international clearance to join Blues last month.

But he remains part of manager Lee Clark's plans and has signed another contract taking him up to 17 December.

City are currently 19th in the Championship table after winning only one of their last six home games.

However, they are seven points clear of the relegation places and in contrast to their home form, they are on a run of three games without defeat on the road ahead of Saturday's televised trip to Derby.

Diop made his name in English football with Fulham after joining them from French side Lens in the summer of 2004.

He spent three seasons at Craven Cottage, playing alongside Clark in midfield, before moving in 2008 to Portsmouth, where he was part of the FA Cup-winning side in his first season with the club.

Having also lifted the 2011 Greek Cup during a year-long spell with AEK Athens, he returned to England last season with West Ham.

He played 16 times but rarely figured after Christmas in the Hammers' promotion run-in and was released in the summer.



http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20416107?

[WhiteJC]

 
Cheer on the boys in the Third kit!

We're all looking forward to the Whites' meeting with Stoke City this weekend, where we'll once again see Fulham sporting their Third kit!

With the boys still unbeaten in matches where they've worn the Third kit, what better way to show your full support than by cheering them on in the same shirt? Choose between long or short sleeves, and you can even have your favourite Fulham player's name and shirt number printed too.

Order your own 2012/13 Third Kit online today!


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2012/november/20/stoke-third-kit?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham show why the QPR model is one to ignore


Bryn Lennon

While their local rivals sit bottom of the Premier League, Fulham continue to establish themselves as worthy contenders, while putting themselves into a far more financially viable position.

The more Queens Park Rangers stumble and the more Mark Hughes pulls them back into a state of quite dramatic disarray, the greater the feeling of content at Fulham FC must surely become.

Not, simply, because the two clubs are local rivals. It may play a part, of course, but the disdain at what is going on at Loftus Road extends far, far further than that.

It extends to the way the club is run - their wage bill, their financial outgoings and their insignificant income. As we speak, approximately 150% of turnover is spent funding the likes of Bobby Zamora, Andy Johnson and second choice goalkeeper, Robert Green.

Green claims £50,000 per week, sitting on the bench. Zamora rakes in an estimated £72,000 and is thought to be sidelined for the remainder of the season.

Is that how to run a football club?

Whatever way you twist it, QPR are in a perilous state and as much as you may think this gives Fulham fans ample opportunity to ridicule, there are also valuable lessons to be learned.

The most simple of which is that money isn't - despite some evidence to the contrary - the be-all-and-end all in football. There needs to be a base from which to build on, some substance with which to expand.

Manchester City have that, and Rangers do too, but not to the extent that they can blow all their income, and more, on some distinctly average players.

They draw a gate of under 18,000 and they cannot boast the worldwide fandom that the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool can extract so much money from. Park Ji-Sung may have been a brain-wave to that end, but it hasn't really paid off, has it?

Quite simply, they have got just a little too big for their boots.

And this is where Fulham have never gone wrong. Mohammed Al Fayed, despite his uncanny suggestions of creating a "Manchester United of the south", has never pumped money in unnecessarily. He's never had ideas above his station.

Instead, we are one of few Premier League clubs that can turn a profit. We're a club that can support, and attract, the likes of Dimitar Berbatov, and not get carried away.

Our wage bill is large, just like any other established top tier English side but, and this is vital, it's not uncontrollable. We have structure and we know there are limits.

And, with Financial Fair Play beyond it's looming stage, this stability is what is required. It's not quite self-sufficiency - who can truly perform that feat in football these days? - but it's certainly not sheer neglect. It's just clever. Just forward thinking.

Does it hold us back, though? Yes, probably. Al Fayed could easily afford another Berbatov here, another three Ashkan Dejagahs there. And we're not going to stop him.

But your accountant would, and that's what football is, unfortunately, becoming.

It's where money, ultimately, dictates everything. It's why the Premier League are in the process of agreeing £5 billion rights to its TV coverage. It's why Carlos Tevez carries home a pay slip worth just under £800,000, every month.

And Fulham are acting accordingly. In fact, we always have done.

We will still progress as a football club, albeit slowly, and we will continue to make inroads into the top ten and, perhaps, the top eight.

But we won't spiral out of control, sacrificing our solid footing. That would probably leave us exactly where we don't want to be, and exactly where QPR are at.



http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2012/11/20/3672248/fulham-show-why-the-qpr-model-is-one-to-ignore?

[WhiteJC]

 
Greening Set For Reds Move

Midfielder to sign tomorrow

Nottingham Forest midfielder Jonathan Greening is set to sign on loan for the Reds tomorrow, according to several sources on Twitter.

The 33-year-old midfielder has spent a lot of time out injured in recent years but he is back to fitness now, and set to sign a loan deal at Oakwell.

The Scarborough-born man began his career with York City, before his talent was spotted, when he was snapped up by Sir Alex Ferguson for Manchester United.

He made 14 appearances at Old Trafford, before moving onto Middlesbrough where he enjoyed a successful three year spell. He then joined West Brom.

After over 200 appearances for the Baggies spanning a six year association with the club, he joined Fulham after a successful loan spell with the Londoners.

The much-travelled midfielder joined Forest in June 2011 and has made 32 appearances at the City Ground.

BBC Radio Sheffield reporter Paul Walker (@walkerpw) published on his Twitter account: Barnsley set to sign Jonathan Greening on loan. Deal set to be confirmed tmrw. Good signing. #BarnsleyFC

Several Forest sources have also reported that Greening will join tomorrow. He will join fellow Forest man Marcus Tudgay at Oakwell.



http://www.barnsley-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/greening_set_for_reds_move_769209/index.shtml?

[WhiteJC]

 
Etheridge to play in Suzuki Cup

MANILA, Philippines – Philippine Azkals' first-choice goal-keeper Neil Etheridge will be available for the national football team' campaign in the 2012 AFF Suzuki Cup.

Etheridge's current club, the Bristol Rovers, confirmed the news on their official Twitter account.

"Rovers will miss keeper Neil Etheridge for two games after tonight, as he goes to play for the Philippines," the club tweeted.

Etheridge is on loan at Bristol from Fulham FC.

It was originally reported by the Bristol Post that Etheridge "will turn down the chance to represent the Philippines" at the Suzuki Cup in order to help the Rovers, who are at risk of relegation in League Two.

Etheridge will be a big boost to the Azkals, who are aiming to improve on their semi-final finish in the 2010 AFF Suzuki Cup and are drawn into the "Group of Death" along with Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam.

Etheridge has made 38 appearances for the Azkals.

The Azkals are already in Bangkok, Thailand. They will play their first game on November 24 against the host country.



http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/sports/11/21/12/etheridge-play-suzuki-cup?

[WhiteJC]

 
Bobby Zamora to miss three months for QPR after hip surgery

Queens Park Rangers striker Bobby Zamora needs hip surgery which will rule him out for three months.
The 31-year-old - the club's leading Premier League scorer this season with three goals in 10 appearances - is expected to miss up to 14 league games.
A statement on QPR's website  said Zamora will have an exploratory operation following a "recent hip injury sustained in training".
QPR are currently bottom of the table, without a league win.
Zamora moved to QPR in January from Fulham for a fee believed to be in the region of £4m.
The former Tottenham player, who has two England caps, has scored a total of five goals in 24 league appearances for the club.


http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20425856?

[WhiteJC]

 
Greening signs until 34th birthday

Nottingham Forest midfielder Jonathan Greening has become Barnsley's third loan signing within a week and we stay at the club until his 34th birthday on January 2.

Nottingham Forest midfielder Jonathan Greening has become Barnsley's third loan signing within a week and we stay at the club until his 34th birthday on January 2.

Greening will join his Forest colleague Marcus Tudgay and Peterborough striker Emile Sinclair – who also played for the Nottingham club – as Barnsley's loan contingent.

Scarborough man Greening began his career with York City before moving to Manchester United as a teenager. He was on the bench for United's famous Champions League win in 1999 but made just 14 Premier League appearances for Sir Alex Ferguson's side.

He went on to gain plenty of top flight experience with Middlesbrough, West Bromwich Albion and Fulham before signing for Forest last year. He has made three appearances this season but none since August.



http://www.barnsley-chronicle.co.uk/sport/article/5868/greening-signs-until-34th-birthday?

[WhiteJC]

 
Inside The Britannia

Les Strong's lifelong friend and Stoke City supporter of 52 years, Jeff Lee, gives us the lowdown on his club ahead of our trip to the Britannia Stadium on Saturday.

Stoke have been something of a draw specialist this season; what have you made of your campaign so far?

With the new players that have come in, I still don't think we've found our best way of playing yet. I don't think Charlie Adam has fitted in properly as I don't think the manager knows exactly where to play him. But we're playing alright – we've played a lot of the top sides and done well against them. This season was the first time we've gone to Chelsea and actually had a go at them rather than parking the bus. Although we're down the bottom at the moment, I think we're doing okay.

You may not have won many games but, as always, you're proving difficult to beat. That resilience seems to have become a trademark of Stoke's in recent years?

I think we're slowing changing our style of play. Not everything is long ball and long throws anymore so it's not quite the same. With people like Charlie Adam, Steven N'Zonzi and Glenn Whelan in the side, we're tending to pass the ball a bit more so it's not quite as bad as before, especially away from home - the first few seasons we were hopeless to be honest! It's changing slowly but I think under Tony Pulis we'll always be direct, but there's a little bit more subtlety to it as well now.

How do you think both Stoke and Fulham will fare come the end of the season?

I think we'll be alright, I think we'll finish 12th or 14th, something like that. I think Fulham will definitely be in the top 10. They look really good and I think Dimitar Berbatov was a brilliant signing.

So is Berbatov the man you'll fear the most on Saturday?

I think he's brilliant. I watched Fulham on Sunday against Sunderland and I thought when he dropped deep he just ran the game. Fulham didn't look like they only had 10 men.

And likewise, which Stoke players should we be wary of?

N'Zonzi is our best player at the moment, in my opinion. He picks the ball up in front of the back four and he never gives it away. He always finds a Stoke player which is something we don't normally do. He was unlucky not to score in our last game at West Ham United too when he hit the bar with a great strike. He's made a big difference. Matthew Etherington is also starting to get back to where he was in terms of form and I think he'll be a danger as well.

What's the best and worst thing about a trip to the Britannia?

It's a good atmosphere, although it's not quite as good as it used to be; we're getting more fickle I think. Because we've been in the division for five years now, people are beginning to take it for granted. I suppose the worst thing is that it's up high and it's cold! Also, it's not the easiest place to get to. It's not like the old ground which you could walk to from anywhere in Stoke.

Where would you recommend Fulham fans go to grab a pint before the game?

If they haven't got colours on then the place we go is the White Star in Stoke itself. It says no away fans but if they haven't got colours on then they'll be alright. You don't get any problems in there, it's no trouble. If they have got their Fulham colours on then they can get met at the station by police who direct away fans to either the Student Union bar or the Terrace. The Glebe is alright too; if you come off the train and walk towards Stoke, it's by the town hall so you can't really miss it. You won't get any problems in there either.

Being a close friend of Fulham legend Les Strong, does that mean you've got some affection for the Whites?

I have got a soft spot for Fulham because I've known Les since I was two! I used to go and watch him sometimes, when Stoke weren't playing.

You must have some decent Les Strong anecdotes having known each other for that long?

When we were kids we always used to play football in the flats where we lived, although I maintain he wasn't the best player out of all of us! There were a few lads who used to be able to take the ball round everyone and score hundreds of goals. My old man always used to say that out of all of us, Strongy would be the only one who makes it as he's the best player and everyone would disagree and say he's rubbish!

A more recent story would be the time he made me miss a Stoke v Fulham game! It was a couple of years ago when it snowed and I rang him up to ask if Fulham were going to make it. He said it would definitely get called off so I gave it a miss and then of course it went ahead! We won that one 3-2 as well so, as you can imagine, I wasn't best pleased with him for that!

How do you see Saturday's match going?

I'd go for a score draw. We normally do alright against you at home but you've got players that can hurt teams. Also, you weren't very good away from home but that's actually improving as well, so I think a draw.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2012/november/21/inside-the-britannia?

[WhiteJC]

 
Etheridge Recalled

The Club can confirm that Neil Etheridge has been recalled from his loan at Bristol Rovers.

The Philippines number one made 12 appearances during his two-month spell with the Pirates and quickly became a popular player amongst fans after a string of impressive performances.

Etheridge kept a clean sheet on his debut for Rovers against Fleetwood Town and helped them to four victories during his time at the Memorial Stadium. He departs with Bristol Rovers sitting 21st in the npower League Two.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2012/november/21/etheridge-recalled?

[WhiteJC]

 
Newcastle Tickets

Fulham v Newcastle - Monday 10th December (8pm)
Martin Jol's Whites play Alan Pardew's Newcastle side under the floodlights this December and tickets are available to buy on General Sale.

Tickets are available from £40 for adults and £20 for juniors. Supporters can buy up to six tickets each.

With our last five home games against Sunderland, Everton, Aston Villa, Manchester City and West Bromwich Albion all selling out, don't delay in securing your seats today!

Buy online at fulhamfc.com/tickets or call 0843 208 1234 (Option 1).


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2012/november/21/newcastle-tickets?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham boss eyes January reinforcements

MARTIN Jol plans to strengthen his squad in the January transfer window as he looks to build a team capable of competing with the likes of Arsenal and Spurs.

The Whites have had an impressive start to the campaign and sit in ninth spot after 12 games, despite losing key players Clint Dempsey, Mousa Dembele, Pavel Pogrebnyak, Andy Johnson and Danny Murphy in the summer.

The Dutchman has brought in stellar signing Dimitar Berbatov as well as freebies Mladen Petric and Hugo Rodallega, but still has cash to spend following the sales of Dempsey and Dembele to London rivals Spurs.

And Jol said he is on the lookout for players who can add to his squad, with Norwegian defender Vegard Forren reported to be among his targets.

He said: "It's a cliche but we always look for players who can strengthen our team.

"I want to build a top team and that needs a very good footballing side that can compete with the likes of Spurs, Arsenal and Everton."

Jol admits he is hoping to avoid a repeat of the last transfer window which saw Dempsey and Dembele depart in the final few days, leaving him with a race against time to bring in replacements.

"That would be fantastic because then you can strengthen your squad," he added.

"If you don't know what will happen three days before the end of the transfer window then you've got a problem like we had.

"But nothing is what it seems because after that we've been doing better than before."



Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/fulham-fc/2012/11/21/82029-32278721/?#ixzz2Cs4q2C9l