Wednesday Fulham Stuff (19/12/12)

[White Noise]

http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/288779/



MARTIN JOL SET FOR LEWIS MCGUGAN SWOOP


McGugan's £5,000-a-week deal runs out at the end of the season


19th December 2012


By Ian Edwards



MARTIN JOL is ­weighing up a surprise January move for Nottingham Forest's Lewis McGugan.

The Fulham boss made tentative enquiries regarding midfielder McGugan, 24, in the summer but is now ready to make an offer.

McGugan's £5,000-a-week deal runs out at the end of the season and Forest boss Sean O'Driscoll is unlikely to offer him new terms.

Jol is a long-time admirer and wants to add more creativity to his side following the loss of Moussa Dembele and Clint Dempsey in the summer.

Leeds boss Neil Warnock is also in the running to lure ­McGugan away from the City Ground, but Jol wants the former England Under-19s international to sign a pre-contract agreement next month.

[White Noise]

http://www.hounslowchronicle.co.uk/west-london-sport/west-london-brentford-fc/2012/12/19/109642-32455544/


Bees begin Trotta talks


Dec 19 2012


By Jacob Murtagh




BRENTFORD have opened talks to extend Marcello Trotta's stay at Griffin Park beyond January.

The on-loan Fulham frontman bagged a brace in last night's FA Cup win against Bradford to take his tally to two in four games since his switch to TW8 last month.

Trotta is due to return to Craven Cottage on January 13 but Bees boss Uwe Rosler has revealed he has already started negotiations to keep the young Italian at the club.

"We are speaking to Fulham [about keeping him longer]," he said.

"The first three games in the league he played very well and made three assists.

"Against Bradford he scored two and set up another and is giving us what we were looking for.

"He probably played better in other games but he scored two goals, which will be very good for him."

[White Noise]

http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/man_city_fulham_and_villa_continue_to_oppose_premier_league_spending_control_proposals_1_1746871


Man City, Fulham and Villa continue to oppose Premier League spending control proposals


Wednesday, December 19, 2012


7:37 AM



Premier League executives will get to work on detailing plans for spending controls over the coming weeks following a meeting of club chairmen.

In a significant step towards tightening spending in the top-flight, the majority of the 20 chairman yesterday agreed in principal to make breaking even a necessity for clubs.

It is understood Manchester City, Fulham and Aston Villa remained opposed to any controls but only 14 of the 20 clubs are needed for the moves to go through.

The exact details of the spending controls have yet to be agreed - specifically around how much wealthy owners can put into the club to cover losses, sources close to the process have disclosed.

The club chairmen have, therefore, asked Premier League officials to bring back detailed plans on the spending controls for the next meeting on February 6.

That meeting is also set to discuss proposals to cap wage rises for players in the short term.

Manchester United and Arsenal have been pushing for a pure break-even system similar to UEFA's financial fair play scheme for clubs in European competition.

A group of other clubs, including Wigan and Chelsea, are also in favour of a break-even system but argue that wealthy benefactors should be permitted to put extra investment into clubs. The sticking point to any agreement is how much investment should be allowed, but the majority of clubs are agreed that this should only be in the form of equity and not loans.

The issue of wage control for players has also received broad support from the chairmen but again the details has yet to be agreed.

Sunderland owner Ellis Short has led the campaigning on this issue, arguing that clubs should be limited to either an overall percentage salary increase for their squads, or a fixed figure.

Manchester City last week became the first club to announce that their annual wage bill has topped the £200million mark.

[White Noise]

http://www.westlondonsport.com/brentford/bees-through-after-extra-time-comeback


Bees through after extra-time comeback



18/12/2012


by Lyall Thomas


Brentford 4 Bradford City 2 (After extra time)





Brentford scored three goals in the space of four extra-time minutes to come from behind and win a dramatic FA Cup second-round replay.

League Two Bradford, who knocked Arsenal out of the League Cup last week, went ahead through Kyel Reid before on-loan Fulham striker Marcello Trotta equalised with a penalty.

Alan Connell's penalty restored City's lead in extra time before Trotta poked in his second, substitute Clayton Donaldson netted at the near post and Harry Forrester sealed it with a classy strike.

Brentford boss Uwe Rosler rested key players, with Antoine Gounet replacing Simon Moore in goal and Leon Legge coming into the back four in place of Harlee Dean.

Stuart Dallas started in midfield and was joined by Sam Saunders and Tom Adeyemi, while Paul Hayes replaced Donaldson up front.

Rosler thought his team would be spared this game when Bradford were kicked out of the competition after it emerged they had not filed all the requisite paperwork to play on-loan defender Curtis Good when these teams drew at Valley Parade.

City believed the punishment was excessive and their appeal was successful, with the Football Association fining them £1,000 instead.

And they went ahead at Griffin Pak when a sloppy touch by Legge allowed Zavon Hines to capitalise and fire a shot that was parried into the path of Reid to score the opener.

Trotta [pictured above] was then brought down by Carl McHugh inside the area and stepped up to convert the spot-kick just before half-time.

Shaleum Logan hit the bar with 10 minutes of normal time left and then committed the foul on Blair Turgott four minutes into extra time that allowed Connell to make it 2-1.

Trotta equalised again in the 11th minute of extra time after Forrester's shot was blocked and then Forrester crossed for Donaldson to fire Brentford ahead.

Forrester brilliantly smashed home the fourth from an acute angle, clinching a third-round showdown with Southend.

Brentford: Gounet; Logan, Legge, Craig, Bidwell; Dallas (Donaldson 78) , Douglas, Adeyemi (Diagouraga 64), Saunders (Forrester 70); Trotta, Hayes

Subs not used: Lee, Barron, Dean, Oyeleke

[White Noise]

http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11671/8341624


Molde yet to receive an offer for Premier League target Vegard Forren


By Kent Hedlundh.   


Last Updated: December 18, 2012 4:54pm



Vegard Forren: Linked with a move to the Premier League in January

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revealed that he expects a lot of interest in Vegard Forren during the transfer window, but says there have not yet been any bids.

The Norway defender has impressed for both club and country in 2012 and reports have suggested he could soon be heading to the Premier League.

Everton manager David Moyes has been to watch him in action, while Manchester United and Fulham have also been linked with the 24-year-old.

However, Solskjaer has warned that Molde are under no pressure to sell and will demand a good price for the centre-back.

"We haven't received any offer for Vegard." Solskjaer told Romsdals Budstikke.

"But there are many who have enquired about Vegard. I am expecting that we might receive an offer in January.

"Either we get good offers for Vegard when the transfer window opens or we will be happy to keep him in Molde.

"We are not depending on player sales for financial reasons."

Solskjaer also confirmed that Molde had rebuffed an offer for one of the other players at the club.

He said: "We have received one offer from a foreign club for one of our players, but it is not interesting for either the player or MFK."

[White Noise]

http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11714/8341475


David Stockdale has spoken of his "relief" at playing regular first-team football


Last Updated: December 18, 2012 3:44pm



David Stockdale: Playing regular football


Hull goalkeeper David Stockdale has spoken of his "relief" at playing regular first-team football again.

The 27-year-old, who is on loan with the Tigers until January, had not made an appearance for Fulham for over 10 months before moving to the KC Stadium.

But Stockdale has been a key player in City's rise up the Championship keeping two clean sheets in his last four appearances as Steve Bruce's side have climbed up to fourth.

"It's just a relief, to be honest, to be playing again. I'll try and play well and keep it going up to that Blackpool game," he told the Hull Daily Mail.

"It's one of the worst positions. You don't come into football just to pick up money - I didn't anyway. It's not about money for me. It's about playing.

"I was knocking on Martin Jol's door every other week, not because Mark Schwarzer was playing badly, just because I want to play football. There's only so much you can do and he agreed to let me come out here."

[White Noise]

http://www.hounslowchronicle.co.uk/west-london-sport/west-london-brentford-fc/2012/12/17/bees-boss-plays-down-forrester-reports-109642-32445794/



Bees boss plays down Forrester reports



Dec 17 2012 By Jacob Murtagh


UWE Rosler insists Brentford have had no enquiries about in-form winger Harry Forrester as speculation about his future increases.

The 21-year-old has bagged seven goals in 25 games for the Bees this season, but is in the final year of his contract at Griffin Park.

Brentford begun negotiations to tie Forrester to a long-term deal at the beginning of October, but the former Aston Villa youngster has so far failed to put pen to paper.

Villa are reported to be preparing a £300,000 January bid to bring the midfielder back to the Midlands just 18 months after he quit the club, while Fulham, Wigan, Southampton, Reading and Celtic have also been linked.

However, Bees boss Rosler insists there has been no contact and is fighting to keep him in TW8.

He said: "We are fighting tooth and nail to keep Harry at the club.

"We have spoken to him on several occasions and the owner [Matthew Benham] has also had a meeting with him.

"But at the moment Harry has not signed the contract extension on offer, despite the club's best efforts.

"His agent seems to be very active, but we haven't received any enquiries for him.

"We're still hopeful of being able to secure the player."

[White Noise]

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/football-review-2012-chants-of-the-year-8417916.html?action=gallery&ino=1

[White Noise]

http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2012/december/19/southampton-confirmation



Southampton Confirmation


Wednesday 19 December 2012 17:44


Fulham FC is pleased to confirm that its Boxing Day fixture against Southampton (3pm), will be going ahead as scheduled.

Tickets for this match are on General Sale with a limited number still available, so purchase your seats today to avoid disappointment.

Turnstiles open from 1.30pm and there is an early arrival offer of any beer or wine for £3.20, from when gates open up to 2.15pm.

[White Noise]

BT seals Premier League live TV production deal with Sunset + Vine



By Charles Sale


PUBLISHED:17:37, 19 December 2012| UPDATED:17:37, 19 December 2012


BT Sport has named Sunset + Vine as the production company for their showcase 38 live Premier League games that start next season.

This follows a second tender after BT's original preferred  production partner ITV Sport's London studios weren't considered a spacious or exclusive  enough location  to present the matches which have cost BT £738m to acquire.

Since then BT Sport have agreed to move their headquarters to the cavernous International Broadcast Centre in the Olympic Park after which  another bidding  process took place.

And the choice of Sunset + Vine  will  go a great way to compensate for the company missing out to IMG media for the Channel Four racing contract for which they had been strong favourites. And IMG had been the main competitors for the football work as well.
 
Sunset + Vine will also produce BT's live  rugby union Aviva Premiership package of  69 games per-season and other sports programming.

Simon Green, head of BT Sport, said: 'We have chosen Sunset + Vine as our lead preferred partner on the basis of its creative approach and the quality of the team they have lined up to work on the programming.'

Jeff Foulser, chairman of S+ V, said: 'We are delighted to have been awarded this very significant contract. Live football and rugby coverage have been a major part of our recent output and we can now put our creative  talents  into delivering top class  and innovative coverage.'


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2250674/BT-seals-Premier-League-live-production-deal-Sunset--Vine.html#ixzz2FWqd1R9V

[White Noise]

Stockdale recalled from loan after Fulham stopper Etheridge injured



By Simon Peach, Press Association

PUBLISHED:18:03, 19 December 2012| UPDATED:18:17, 19 December 2012


Fulham have recalled goalkeeper David Stockdale from a loan spell at Hull after Neil Etheridge suffered an injury.

With Mark Schwarzer the regular No 1 at Craven Cottage, Stockdale was last month allowed to join the npower Championship promotion hopefuls.

The 27-year-old impressed in his short time with the Tigers but is now heading back to the Fulham ranks.

'The club can confirm that goalkeeper David Stockdale has been recalled from his loan spell at Hull City with immediate effect and will resume training with Fulham from Thursday 20th December,' read a club statement.

'Stockdale made five appearance for the Tigers, helping them to earn 10 points and two clean sheets in the process.'

Stockdale goes into the squad for Saturday's trip to Liverpool, while an update on 22-year-old Etheridge's injury will be given by manager Martin Jol at tomorrow's pre-match press conference.

Etheridge is believed to have sustained a leg injury on Monday, playing for Fulham's under-21 team against their Manchester City counterparts.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2250679/David-Stockdale-recalled-Hull-loan.html#ixzz2FWs1zW32

[White Noise]

http://news.ladbrokes.com/en-gb/football/premier-league/berbatov-role-to-ensure-under-2-5-goals-between-liverpool-and-fulham_126844.html


Berbatov role to ensure under 2.5 goals in Liverpool v Fulham


This fixture at Anfield has certainly not been a hotbed for goals in recent years either


Liverpool4/7
Draw11/4
Fulham5/1


Only two goals have been netted in total in the last four Premier League meetings at Anfield between Liverpool and Fulham and there is little to suggest that punters can profit from backing another low-scoring fixture this time.

Not since Liverpool's 4-0 victory in 2006 has this fixture seen at least three goals scored and 11/10 looks fine value that under 2.5 goals feature again.

Liverpool have only managed more than a single goal in two of their nine home games so far this season, as they struggle for a bit of midfield creativity and another source of goals away from Luis Suarez.

Meanwhile, Fulham have scored just four times in their last six games, with a big reason for this potentially being the decision to drop Dimitar Berbatov into a more reserved position.

Since signing from Manchester United, Berbatov was utilised by Martin Jol as the chief central striker, but an injury to Bryan Ruiz has seen him drop deeper, with Hugo Rodallega leading the line instead.

This has seemingly had a negative impact on Fulham's goal threat.

Brendan Rodgers will surely focus on his team being more disciplined defensively, after conceding five goals in two league games, having conceded just four in six games prior to this.

Other interesting markets include the 11/4 that Liverpool take maximum points from a game that witnesses under 2.5 goals and the 13/2 on offer for the hosts to secure a 1-0 success.

Furthermore, 3/1 is the price for a fifth successive meeting at Anfield to fail to break the 1.5-goal handicap line.

[White Noise]

http://www.brentfordfc.co.uk/news/article/marcello-trotta-quotes-bradford-18.12.12-552443.aspx


TROTTA 'PLEASED' WITH FIRST BEES GOALS



Posted: Wed 19 Dec 2012


Author: Chris Wickham


Marcello Trotta described Brentford's FA Cup with Budweiser victory over Bradford City as "a good win".

The Bees won the Second Round Replay at Griffin Park 4-2 after extra time to book a Third Round spot.

Brentford trailed twice to their npower League Two visitors but Marcello scored twice to level it up, the first from the penalty spot, and Clayton Donaldson and Harry Forrester made sure The Bees progressed.

Marcello, who scored his first two goals for the Club, said Brentford had enough chances to have made the game safe in the first 30 minutes and when they are not taken life can become difficult.

"It was a very good evening," said Marcello.

"In the end it was a good win for us.

"It was tough when we went down but we came back well and it was a good win.

"It's normal to be a bit worried when you go behind and there is not a lot of time left.

"But when we got it to 2-2, the game was in our hands and we showed that.

"It was good to get those goals, win the game and get through to the next round.

"We should have won the game in 90 minutes.

"We started so well, the first 20 minutes, half an hour, we had so many good chances to score.

"When you miss the opportunity, the game can be hard.

"Then you have to fight back but we never gave up."

Marcello's first came from the penalty spot – he won the kick himself and stroked it home to equalise just before half time.

His second came after Bradford had gone ahead in extra time; he smashed home a loose ball when the visitors failed to deal with a Harry Forrester cross.

Marcello had played three games for The Bees before notching his first goals and had set up three in wins over Sheffield United, Milton Keynes Dons and Notts County.

He said he was not worried that he had not scored before the Bradford match and was only concerned with Brentford winning games.

"It was important to get level before half time," he told Bees Player after the match.

"It helped us get ready for the second half.

"I was pleased, as a striker you want to score.

"But as long as we keep winning it doesn't matter who scores.

"It only matters what is good for the team.

"We have played well in recent games and beaten some big teams.

"I knew goals would come if I was patient.

"Everyone wants to score but you have to adapt to the game and play in those who have the better chances.

"Strikers are there to sniff around and put the ball in the net, that is what I did for the second goal."

Marcello said Brentford wanted to have a good cup run.

He said the FA Cup was important to all players and was something that he knew about growing up in Italy.

"In Italy the FA Cup is very important," he said.

"It's a good feeling to play in it and hopefully we can do well.

"We will try to do our best and we want to go much further."

A full video interview with Marcello Trotta is available here for Bees Player subscribers.

[White Noise]

http://www.skysports.com/opinion/story/0,,12038_8342196,00.html


Tue Jan 1: West Brom v Fulham (12.30pm, Sky Sports 1 HD)


This season Chris Brunt became West Brom's leading appearance-maker in the Premier League, overtaking the record of 106 held by Jonathan Greening. Meanwhile, Aaron Hughes is likely to do the same for Fulham this season and is closing in on Clint Dempsey's record of 184.

Martin Jol joined West Brom as a player in the same year that Steve Clarke made his professional debut for St Mirren.

Dimitar Berbatov is the only player to score four or more goals in a single Premier League game for two different clubs. He hit four for Tottenham against Reading in December 2007 and then scored five for Manchester United against Blackburn in November 2010.

[White Noise]

http://www.sportingpreview.com/football2012-3/2012490.php


STOKE AND FULHAM COULD MOVE FOR ASTON VILLA STRIKER


Ladbrokes: 19 December 2012



Reproduced with permission from Ladbrokes.com


Darren Bent may be out of favour at Aston Villa at present, but his record when signing for a new club is mightily impressive and there looks to be plenty to gain from acquiring him in January.

Rewind two years and Bent signed for Villa in the same transfer window for a total climbing to £24m, although the deal was slightly overshadowed by the mega money changing hands in the Fernando Torres and Andy Carroll sagas.

Villa had relegation concerns at the time, but Bent's nine goals in his first 15 appearances helped ease these fears and ensure Villa's Premier League status.

In fact, he has a fine record when joining all of his new clubs, but particularly Charlton and Sunderland.

After signing for Charlton from Ipswich, he scored seven in as many Premier League games and eight in eight in all competitions.

Then after a stint at Tottenham he moved on to Sunderland and helped himself to eight goals in his opening nine fixtures.

With Bent potentially behind Christian Benteke, Gabriel Agbonlahor and Andreas Weimann in Paul Lambert's pecking order, the time looks right to move on, even if Villa have stated to date that the 28-year-old is not for sale.

An offer of around £12m may be enough to tempt Villa, especially if the funds could be reinvested to bring in an advanced, central creative midfielder.

If this materialises, 5/1 may not be the worst price that Villa finish in the top half of the Premier League this season.

The problem Bent has seemingly had under Lambert is that the boss wants a striker that impacts all team play, rather than one who realistically only comes to life when the ball is played into the penalty box.

When Villa still had Ashley Young and Stewart Downing on their books, a striker of Bent's description was ideal, as he could feed on regular service from the wide areas.

Lambert's tactics are different and therefore Bent isn't anywhere near as effective.

If Bent was to leave Villa, a move to Stoke may appeal as they like to get the ball into wide areas and ensure plenty of balls into the box.

Meanwhile, the player may prefer a return to London and a striker partnership with Dimitar Berbatov could reap rich rewards at Fulham.

Which club do you think should be making an approach for Bent in January? Let us know in the comments section below.

[White Noise]

http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2012/december/19/copy-of-fulhams-u18-21-chelsea-u18



Fulham U18 2-1 Chelsea U18

Wednesday 19 December 2012 15:30


Fulham managed to end Chelsea's unbeaten season at Under-18 level on Wednesday when they welcomed their West London rivals to Motspur Park.

Chelsea had already claimed top spot in the Barclays U18 Premier League National Group 3 ahead of the game and Fulham had guaranteed second place, but whilst the game wouldn't affect league standings, it was another opportunity for the young players to showcase their talent.

Goals from Moussa Dembele and a fine Muamer Tankovic strike had put the Whites in control of the game, although Connor Hunte netted a consolation to ensure a nervy finale.

Much of the first half had an end-of-term feel to it as both teams looked predictably strong defensively, but the football played lacked the kind of quality that they have each produced this season.

The travelling team initially dominated possession in the early stages as Fulham's youngsters gradually played their way into the game, and the Chelsea players appealed for a penalty in the 25th minute when full-back Kevin Wright fell to the ground under Ryheem Sheckleford's challenge. The referee awarded the away side only a corner kick, much to the dismay of stand-in Chelsea coach Joe Edwards.

In a half that saw very few clear chances for either side, Fulham's Tankovic triggered the opening goal on the brink of the break. The Swedish forward received a short corner before playing a neat one-two and crossing for Dembele to score the game's first goal. Dembele, unusually quiet up to that point, took his chance well with a one-touch finish into the Chelsea net.

At the end of a fairly lacklustre 45 minutes, a goal on half-time set the pace for the second period. Fulham doubled their lead minutes after the break and once again Tankovic was involved, this time as scorer. The forward's strike from the edge of Chelsea's box flew into the top corner, leaving Blues goalkeeper Ben Killip with no chance of preventing the 2-0 lead.

Chelsea settled well from that point and clawed their way back into the game through winger Hunte. Hunte latched onto a through ball from Jordan Houghton before calmly slotting past Fulham goalkeeper Billy Granger.

The Whites threatened to restore their two-goal lead minutes later when Dean O'Halloran's effort forced Chelsea keeper Killip into action once again, reaching down to his far post to concede only a corner.

Fulham Manager Steve Wigley made three substitutions in the 65th minute, giving valuable game time to schoolboy debutants Aaron Redford, Mekhi Leacock-McLeod and Magnus Norman, who replaced Dembele, O'Halloran and Granger respectively. Chelsea responded by bringing on an Under-16 of their own in midfielder Charlie Colkett.

The game became more open in the latter stages as Chelsea pressed for an equaliser, presenting further chances for the home side. Jordan Evans misplaced a shot wide, whilst Lyle Della Verde hit the post and Liam Donnelly saw his header tipped superbly over the bar.

The final few minutes saw most of the action around Fulham's box as a number of equalising opportunities were missed by the away side.

But the young Whites held on to record a good victory against a Chelsea side who have only dropped four points all season. Fulham's U18s finish the calendar year with eight wins out of 12 in the league and an FA Youth Cup Fourth Round Tie against Arsenal to look forward to in January.

[White Noise]

http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2012/december/19/liverpool-screening

Liverpool Screening

Wednesday 19 December 2012 14:29


Join us at the Cafe at the Cottage on Stevenage Road where we'll be screening the Fulham v Liverpool game for those of you unable to make it to Anfield.

Supporters are invited to enjoy a festive menu and bar service whilst watching the match on Saturday 22nd December. The Cafe will be open all day and Kick Off is at 5.30pm.

We look forward to seeing you!

[White Noise]

http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2012/12/19/3782482/cost-control-premier-league-analysis

[Julius Geezer]

Would really like to see Bent at the Cottage.

In theory, a previous league top goalscorer with another would bag us a lorry load of goals.

Is he still a bit of a gamble though? £12 million seems a bit steep for a club of our stature.

He would prefer to be in the south again though apparently, as I know a friend of his and he would like to be nearer to his mum in Ipswich.