Monday Fulham Stuff (24/12/12)

[White Noise]

EXCLUSIVE: Jol targets record-breaking keeper Bolat for £800k



By John Edwards

PUBLISHED:20:46, 23 December 2012|

UPDATED:21:00, 23 December 2012

Comments (2)

Martin Jol has moved to reinforce Fulham's defence by agreeing a cut-price £800,000 deal for Standard Liege's Turkey keeper Sinan Bolat.

The 24-year old, Belgian-born of Turkish parents, has been recovering from a long-term knee injury at Craven Cottage and has finally put the finishing touches to a transfer that has been under consideration for several months.


Bullet header: Fulham target Sinan Bolat (yellow) is the only goalkeeper to score a goal from open play in Champions League history

An integral part of the Turkey squad, Bolat is highly rated by Liege bosses and was only allowed to leave after he made it clear he had no intention of renewing a contract that runs out at the end of the season.

The Belgian club reluctantly accepted Fulham's bid, rather than lose him for nothing in the summer, and Jol firmly believes he has recruited a keeper who is fully capable of challenging Mark Schwarzer for the number one jersey.



The Turkey international scored a late equaliiser for Standard Liege against AZ Alkmaar in 2009

Bolat has another string to his bow after going upfield for a set-piece, in the fifth minute of injury time against AZ Alkmaar three years ago, and heading a spectacular equaliser that forced a 1-1 draw.

He is the only keeper to score a goal from open play in the history of the Champions' League.

Talks are currently taking place over personal terms but seem sure to be a formality after Bolat made it clear he wanted to join Fulham.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2252620/Martin-Jol-moving-Standard-Liege-goalkeeper-Sinan-Bolat.html#ixzz2Fx8xuUXV

[White Noise]

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2012/12/23/3624836/-


Fulham attacker Frei bemoans poor team display


The Turkish winger emerged as a second-half substitute but could not halt the momentum as his side suffered a disappointing 4-0 defeat to Liverpool to continue their recent slump


23 Dec 2012 22:22:00




By Adam Mazrani



Getty

Fulham winger Kerim Frei has professed his disappointment at his side's performance in their limp 4-0 loss at Anfield to a rampant Liverpool side.

Two early goals from Martin Skrtel and Steven Gerrard set the tone for a desperate evening for Martin Jol's men. Their defeat was confirmed by later strikes from Stewart Downing and Luis Suarez that leaves the Cottagers 13th in the Premier League table, just five points above the drop zone after a run of only two wins from 11 league fixtures.

"We didn't create any real chances," Frei told the official club website.

"It's always going to be very hard to do that if you don't keep the ball. We kept losing it and that meant we had to keep defending.

"To be fair, they are a good team who pass the ball well but you need to defend better against teams like that and try and catch them on the break. We also need to be better at keeping the ball when we're in possession.
"I think we're better than we played. You always have to be positive in football I think and always try and give your best in every game. If you try to keep going and keep trying to play well then the goals will come and hopefully we can go on a run of winning games."

However, with two home games to come against fellow strugglers Southampton and high-flying Swansea in quick succession over the festive period, Frei is aware that opportunities lie ahead for the Cottagers to put their recent poor run behind them and move up the table.

"It wasn't our day and that can happen," continued the 19-year-old. "But we need to look forward to the next game on Wednesday now against Southampton.

"We'll do our best to put things right in that match. We want to start scoring goals again and win a game again.

"The league is very tight so if you win a game then you're almost certainly going to move up the table. In the next two games we have to win so we can get back in amongst the top 10 once more."

[White Noise]

Fulham boss reveals reasons for Liverpool defeat


By Paul Warburton


Dec 23 2012




Martin Jol

FULHAM boss Martin Jol labelled his side a bunch of strangers after their 4-0 defeat to Liverpool.

The Dutchman was forced to rearrange a side shorn of suspended Steve Sidwell and injury to Bryan Ruiz, and it all came unstuck after just eight minutes when Martin Skrtel was left free to rifle home a shot from inside the box.

But that was just the precursor to a lack-lustre performance that needed a close free-kick in the final seconds from sub Hugo Rodallega to threaten the Reds clean sheet.

And Jol (pic) reckoned link-up play from those in white was almost non-existent.

"We were our own worst enemy," he said. "The goals we conceded were very soft and we should have done better.

"We had a few problems in midfield with two or three players missing and that didn't help. The idea was to put pressure on Liverpool and get support to Dimitar Berbatov but that just didn't happen.

"It was the first time some players played in certain roles and, at times, it looked like they had never played alongside one another before."

The one bright spark was the appearance of Kerim Frei off the bench in the second half, but even the young midfielder failed to ignite a comeback.

"We didn't create any real chances," he said. "It's always going to be very hard to do that if you don't keep the ball.

"We kept losing it and that meant we had to keep defending.

"I think we're better than we played. If you try to keep going and keep trying to play well then the goals will come and hopefully we can go on a run of winning games."

Fulham with only one win in 10, are at home to suffering Southampton on Boxing Day.


Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/fulham-fc/2012/12/23/fulham-boss-reveals-reasons-for-liverpool-defeat-82029-32484484/#ixzz2FxBU3k7g

[White Noise]

http://www.footballfancast.com/premiership/the-20-january-transfer-window-priorities-club-by-club/attachment/fulham-3


Fulham – buy a central midfielder


"The 20 January Transfer Window Priorities (Club by Club)"




No disrespect to Steve Sidwell, but Fulham need some more quality in the middle of the park. So far this season, Martin Jol has used Sidwell alongside defender-come-midfielder Chris Baird.

Bryan Ruiz has been applying the flair in the middle playing just above Sidwell and Baird, but the Costa Rica international is now out of action for at least a month.

The West Londoners still haven't found an adequate replacement for Danny Murphy in terms of passing and conducting the tempo in the midfield, and therefore a central midfielder with some quality on the ball should be Jol's number one priority in January.

[White Noise]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2012/dec/22/premier-league-fans-verdict-part-1


Premier League fans' half-term verdict part 1: Arsenal to Norwich City


Arsène Wenger too much of an autocrat; Kevin Mirallas puts Everton in fast lane; Dimitar Berbatov different class for Fulham


Observer fans' network

guardian.co.uk, Saturday 22 December 2012 22.00 GMT




Dimitar Berbatov has sparked after being given a platform to show his skills by Martin Jol at Fulham. Photograph: Tony O'Brien/Action Images


Fulham – David Lloyd, Toofif.co.uk

7/10 The goals have been flying in, at either end – 54 in 16 league matches. It doesn't take a genius to work out that, if we'd been a bit tighter, we'd be much higher up the table.

Stars and flops Sascha Riether, Steve Sidwell, Chris Baird and Bryan Ruiz have all caught the eye but it's the magnificent Dimitar Berbatov who has really shone: sheer class and amazing application. As for negatives, Kieran Richardson has failed to dazzle, not helped by injuries, and John Arne Riise has been shown up a little by Riether on the opposite flank.

The gaffer: Martin Jol, 8/10 With Dempsey always likely to depart (having had more taps than a Liverpool plumbers merchant) and Murphy and Dembélé heading out too, it was evident we'd need more midfield creativity – and 35-year-old Giorgos Karagounis, for all his talents, isn't one for the future. But some of the football has been electrifying and all credit to Jol for taking the positive option – and for giving Berbatov a platform.

Who should he sign? Got any other rejects, Fergie?

Has football lost its soul? To pick one game, Fulham v Newcastle: handshakes all round, no reported unsavoury comments between players, no missiles thrown, no insensitive chanting, no diving and no pitch invasion. Despite plenty of pace, passion and tackles, no yellow cards either. Just saying ...

[White Noise]

Jol: Life begins at 50 for Fulham



Published: 23rd December 2012


MARTIN JOL insists Fulham are heading towards 50 points despite crashing to an eighth league defeat of the season.

They have won just one win in 10 and are lurching towards an unexpected relegation battle unless they arrest their freefall down the table.

Jol said: "We are close to 25 points in the first half of the season.

"If we do the same in the second half we will be fine but we must be better than we were against Liverpool."

Steve Sidwell was suspended for the Anfield drubbing while key midfielders Damien Duff, Bryan Ruiz and Mahamadou Diarra were all injured.

Jol added: "Giorgos Karagounis, Kieran Richardson and Chris Baird played together for the first time at Anfield and it showed.

"The first nine or 10 matches of the season were fantastic and then we had problems with personnel and it shows.

"The next games against Southampton and Swansea are very important and we must show more conviction than today."


Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/4711968/Martin-Jol-Life-begins-at-50.html#ixzz2FxEYEajy

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http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/tottenham-transfer-news-spurs-ready-1504330

Where there's a Will: Tottenham ready to bid for Derby superteen Hughes

23 Dec 2012 22:30


Chelsea and Fulham also in the hunt for 17-year-old - and the Rams have slapped a £10million price tag on the lad



Tottenham supremo Daniel Levy is ready to launch a bid and start a Premier League stampede for Derby's teenage sensation Will Hughes.

But Spurs face a fight with Chelsea and Fulham for the blond bombshell – with Rams chief Nigel Clough braced for offers this week and ready to negotiate the best deal.

Levy is a huge fan of finding the best young players around while they are competitively priced and views Hughes, 17, as a major investment.

Chelsea are also keen to raid Pride Park for Hughes, signing him now and possibly leaving him at Derby. They see him as a first-team starter for them down the line.

Struggling Fulham fancy taking Hughes and blooding him in the Premier League, but the bidding may become too fierce for them.

Derby's American owners want around £10million for Hughes, a key part of Clough's push for the top six. He is their biggest asset for years.

However, they may accept less – around £6m plus add-ons – and would be open to a move on that basis if Hughes is loaned back to Derby until May. Former Repton public schoolboy Hughes has been thrust into the limelight and does not even have an agent.

Clough is trying to keep his head focused on playing for Derby and winning ­promotion, but Premier League interest is intense.

Cardiff boss Malky Mackay is set to raise his bid for Derby right-back John ­Brayford to £1.25m.

Mackay has been haggling over a fee for the highly-rated defender and is set to agree a deal and speak to ­Brayford.

The Championship leaders have shown sustained interest but could face complications because West Ham have also been making checks.

[fulham1234]

http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/tottenham-transfer-news-spurs-ready-1504330

Where there's a Will: Tottenham ready to bid for Derby superteen Hughes

23 Dec 2012 22:30


Chelsea and Fulham also in the hunt for 17-year-old - and the Rams have slapped a £10million price tag on the lad



Tottenham supremo Daniel Levy is ready to launch a bid and start a Premier League stampede for Derby's teenage sensation Will Hughes.

But Spurs face a fight with Chelsea and Fulham for the blond bombshell – with Rams chief Nigel Clough braced for offers this week and ready to negotiate the best deal.

Levy is a huge fan of finding the best young players around while they are competitively priced and views Hughes, 17, as a major investment.

Chelsea are also keen to raid Pride Park for Hughes, signing him now and possibly leaving him at Derby. They see him as a first-team starter for them down the line.

Struggling Fulham fancy taking Hughes and blooding him in the Premier League, but the bidding may become too fierce for them.

Derby's American owners want around £10million for Hughes, a key part of Clough's push for the top six. He is their biggest asset for years.

However, they may accept less – around £6m plus add-ons – and would be open to a move on that basis if Hughes is loaned back to Derby until May. Former Repton public schoolboy Hughes has been thrust into the limelight and does not even have an agent.

Clough is trying to keep his head focused on playing for Derby and winning ­promotion, but Premier League interest is intense.

Cardiff boss Malky Mackay is set to raise his bid for Derby right-back John ­Brayford to £1.25m.

Mackay has been haggling over a fee for the highly-rated defender and is set to agree a deal and speak to ­Brayford.

The Championship leaders have shown sustained interest but could face complications because West Ham have also been making checks.

this guy is pure class at 17, sign him up whatever the cost! Definate star for the future

[White Noise]

http://hereisthecity.com/2012/12/24/fulhams-anfield-capitulation-was-predictable-liverpool-shouldnt/


Fulham's Anfield capitulation was predictable; Liverpool shouldn't get over-excited



by Joe Toal

posted: 40 minutes ago



Liverpool thrashed Fulham 4-0 on Saturday. Should Martin Jol be concerned?

One swallow doesn't make a summer, and in this case one win doesn't make Liverpool top four contenders.

Their performance against a lacklustre Fulham was arguably their most impressive of the season, and likewise the Cottager's put in perhaps their most disappointing.

Everything seemed to click for Liverpool on Saturday evening. Stewart Downing, playing on the right wing tormented the Fulham defence in what was his finest game in a Liverpool shirt.

Fulham started the match very poorly. Martin Jol fielded a very defensive-minded team.

Berbatov was the lone striker, playing in front of a midfield five that primarily had the objective of stifling Liverpool's passing game.

Alex Kacaniklic and Ashkan Dejagah, playing on either flank, were supposed to be Fulham's go-to men when starting counter attacks, but the plan never came to fruition.

Within ten minutes Jol's defensive strategy was rendered useless when Martin Skrtel volleyed a loose ball inside Fulham's box after the away side failed to deal with a Steven Gerrard corner.

Liverpool went on to dominate the half and indeed the whole game. Ten minutes before half time, Liverpool's captain effectively killed off the game by having been brilliantly played in with a reverse pass from Stewart Downing.

Fulham's performance was somewhat predictable. They've won only one game on the road this season and have collected only seven points in total away from home.

The performance is cause for concern for Martin Jol. As gifted as Dimitar Berbatov is, he should not be deployed as a lone striker.

He works best by coming deep and playing others into attack; not chasing aimless balls and playing with his back to goal. Moreover, when your side is chasing a two-goal lead away from home, the Bulgarian is not a figure who will try and rally his team mates into closing the deficit.

He spent considerable time in the second half lambasting his fellow players for lack of movement and poor passing.

Jol decided to throw on Hugo Rodallega for the second half, but the Colombian made little difference. Liverpool continued to dominate and Downing rifled a shot past Mark Schwarzer to make it 3-0.

Finally, in stoppage time, Luis Suarez got in on the act with a fourth Liverpool goal to up his league tally to eleven goals.

A win on Saturday was crucial for Brendan Rodgers and his side. Having embarrassed himself last week by speculating on his side's chances of a top two finish before watching his side collapse against Aston Villa, a win was vital in order to keep the fans off his back.

They now finish the year with visits to Stoke and QPR. Rodgers will be hoping his side can enter 2013 sitting within the top half of the table.

The New Year will not be met with celebration by Fulham however. They will be heading into January nervously glancing behind them at the relegation zone.

They currently occupy 13th position, but they are only five points away from 18th. They face Southampton at home on Boxing day before welcoming Swansea three days later.

Their first game of 2013 is away to West Brom. Those three games represent a difficult run of fixtures, given that Fulham have won only one of their last ten league games.

image: © Sanjiva