Tuesday Fulham Stuff (02/04/13)...

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Fulham 3 QPR 2: Rangers survival looks beyond Redknapp after defensive horror show lets in brilliant Berbatov

Harry Redknapp may not agree, but Queens Park Rangers look certainties for relegation now.

The Loftus Road club fell just short of completing a breathtaking comeback against West London rivals Fulham last night after gifting the hosts three first-half goals.

A two-goal fightback in the second half was not enough to prevent a hugely damaging loss. They are seven points from safety with seven games to play and that looks a step too far even for Harry Houdini.
Scroll down to watch highlights


Ice cool: Dimitar Berbatov sticks away the penalty to open the scoring for QPR, before celebrating (below)


Berbatov

Redknapp said: 'We don't need a miracle, we need wins. Winning football matches isn't a miracle. Turning water to wine, that's a miracle.

'That was a disastrous first-half performance. We gave away the worst goals I've ever seen in my life. Scandalous. But then we came back and murdered them. But we are not giving up. We need 14 points.'

The nightmare for Rangers — and Christopher Samba in particular — started to unfold in the eighth minute. The £12.5million January signing from Anzhi Makhachkala brought down Ashkan Dejagah with an outstretched right leg on the edge of the box, leaving referee Lee Probert with no option but to point to the spot. Dimitar Berbatov sent Julio Cesar the wrong way with the penalty to put Fulham in front.

Redknapp (below) looked annoyed but it got worse. Berbatov and Brede Hangeland went close with headers from set pieces, leaving the QPR boss furious at the way Fulham's dead-ball moves were causing his side so many problems.


Applause: Harry Redknapp acknowledges the QPR fans who made the short trip to Craven Cottage

But the 66-year-old should have been more concerned by the foolishness of Samba.

With time to clear on the edge of his own penalty area, the former Blackburn defender showed all the urgency of a holiday maker in Majorca as he was dispossessed by Dejagah, leaving Berbatov to roll the ball expertly past Cesar and into the net with the outside of his boot.

Samba shook his head, Redknapp followed suit. It's not quite what you expect from the record signing, who is Rangers' best-paid player ever on £100,000 a week. 'I'm really sorry, I let the side down,' Samba admitted later.


Down and out: Ashkan Dejagah of Fulham lays on the ground after a challenge by Christopher Samba


From the spot: Loic Remy missed from the penalty spot to pull back to 3-2 before scoring from open play

In contrast, Fulham manager  Martin Jol wore a smile. Newcastle's Alan Pardew and Wigan's Roberto Martinez, who were in attendance last night, would have been happy too as they watched their relegation rivals suffer.

Rangers threatened a quick reply, Bobby Zamora firing an awkward half-volley over the bar, which was greeted with cheers as loud as the proceeding goals given the striker's former alligiance to Fulham

But the Rangers response was shortlived as Hulham took a three-goal advantage in the 41st minute.


Melee: Julio Cesar (centre) is challenged by Steve Sidwell (right) in a goalmouth scramble


Comeback: Queens Park Rangers' Loic Remy celebrates after scoring his team's second goal

This time it was Clint Hill who was shaking his head as John Arne Riise's cutback deflected off the QPR defender's arm and past Cesar.

However, where there is Redknapp, there tends to be hope and Adel Taarabt gave the visitors something tangible to fight for when he capitalised on Giorgos Karagounis's misplaced pass to fire past Schwarzer from the edge of the box in first-half stoppage time.

The goal probably would not have been enough to save Rangers from a half-time rocket from their manager, and skipper Hill was replaced by Nedum Onuoha at the break following his poor first-half display.


Pounce on the mistake: Berbatov of scores after stealing the ball from Samba on the edge of the box


Devestated: Clint Hill lies on the ground after his own goal puts Fulham 3-0 up

The Redknapp rollicking looked to have had the desired effect as Loic Remy fired a long-range effort just wide within seconds of the restart following another Karagounis mistake.

The Greece midfielder then handed Rangers a golden chance to score a second with a needless challenge on Taarabt which resulted in Probert awarding another penalty.

However, Schwarzer pulled off a brilliant stop from Remy to preserve Fulham's two-goal advantage in the 48th minute.


Through the gap: Adel Taarabt almost led the way for a QPR fightback by making it 3-1

If you thought Redknapp was angry in the first half, then his  face was a picture of fury in the  aftermath of Remy's saved spot kick.

But Remy made amends three minutes later as he fired past Schwarzer from Stephane Mbia's through ball.

Rangers were thrown another lifeline in the 78th minute when Steve Sidwell was shown a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Armand Traore. You would have expected the kitchen sink to be thrown at Fulham late on but  Rangers failed to find a leveller.



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2302522/Fulham-3-QPR-2--match-report-Dimitar-Berbatov-punishes-Chris-Samba-defensive-horror-show.html#ixzz2PGuFeR00
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Martin Jol: 'We're not safe from relegation'

Fulham manager Martin Jol has warned his side that they are not safe from relegation just yet.

The Cottagers ran out 3-2 winners against joint-bottom Queens Park Rangers this evening, a result which leaves them 10th in the Premier League table on 39 points.

However, Jol believes that the standard of competition is so high in the Premier League that they are not yet clear of danger.

"Hopefully 39 points is enough but it is a tough competition, probably the only one in the world where the team in 10th could still possibly go down," said the Dutch manager.

The match also saw Fulham's Steve Sidwell given a straight red for a heavy tackle 10 minutes from time, but Jol believes that it was a harsh decision.

"The red card was a bit harsh I think. I can see why the referee gave it but he was unfortunate because you could see Steve wanted to pull out of the tackle," he added.

Fulham's next match comes away to Newcastle United on Sunday.



http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/news/jol-were-not-safe-from-relegation_77291.html

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Fulham striker Berbatov admits to targeting 'nervous' Samba

The QPR defender brought down Ashkan Dejagah for a penalty and handed over possession for the second goal, and the Bulgarian admits he singled his opponent out

Fulham striker Dimitar Berbatov has admitted he targeted "nervous" QPR defender Chris Samba in the opening stages of their 3-2 win in the west London derby.

Samba gave away a penalty in the opening 10 minutes by tripping Ashkan Dejagah before losing possession for the Bulgarian's second goal of the night, and he says the nerves were evident early on.

"Yeah, you can see [players are nervous] sometimes," Berbatov told Sky Sports. "In the first couple of minutes you can see which players look nervous or [who] is having a bad game.

"So you try to push and press on them, which was the case with their player when we scored the second goal. You need to be clever in a situation like this because if you take advantage of them like you should, we score."

The Cottagers took a three-goal lead before QPR got back into the game, but with a penalty save by Mark Schwarzer and Steve Sidwell sent off late on, Berbatov stated that "childish mistakes" almost cost them.

"We weren't nervous but we almost threw the game away," he added. "We had a comfortable lead in the first half - three goals is a lot - and the something in the second half, a bit childish maybe.

"They scored the second goal and started to believe. But in the end we held onto the three goals we scored. We could have scored more but in the end three points was good for us.

"The only time they can score is when we make a mistake, so the goal for them lifted their spirits. If you look back, you see mistakes and try to correct them next time, but now we're going to celebrate the three points.

"I think you should give [the man of the match award] to [Schwarzer], or I will be giving it to him in the dressing room, because it's not the first time he's saved a penalty.

"He's a great goalkeeper and without him I don't think we were going to win this game."

Berbatov also stated that he is enjoying life at Fulham, and refuted suggestions that the club were ever in danger of relegation.

He added: "It's great, I'm enjoying my football here. You can see it on the pitch, by the goals I score and the way I'm playing. It's going great for me, and for the team, so I hope it continues this way.

"We've always been safe. I don't see why anyone should worry. We play good football and sometimes we make childish mistakes which is why we suffer, but if we correct this we will be even better."



http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2013/04/01/3871055/-?

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Fulham 3-2 QPR: 3 points at home, but NEVER DO THAT AGAIN

I could use the old overused cliche "a tale of two halves" but that would be an understatement for the way this match went.  QPR made Fulham look like a Champions League side in the first 35 minutes.  The attack was organized, pacey, and overall exciting as Fulham peppered Julio Cesar and forced their London rivals to make mistake after mistake at the back.  The pressure was too much for QPR and it showed.

But mistakes struck Fulham again (and so did Lee Probert) and a goal before halftime by that man Adel Taarabt made it a bit more interesting at the break.  Just before that goal, Ashkan Dejagah picked up an injury on a foul on the touchline, and was substituted off just before the half for Urby Emmanuelson.  A small moment at the time but looking back that was the turning point of the match.  After Dejagah's injury, it was all QPR the rest of the game, and Emmanuelson was an absolute travesty on the pitch.

The roles completely reversed in the second half, and if not for Mark Schwarzer's penalty save (again) and another wonder save about 10 minutes later, this game would have ended with a completely different scoreline.

The good:

Dimitar Berbatov – Dimi's touches were spectacular as always, but the most impressive thing to me about the Bulgarian was his consistency.  Sometimes only showing up for one half at a time, Berbatov was one of the few bright spots for Fulham in the second half, albeit he didn't have many chances to show it thanks to the failure by most of the rest of the team.

Attack organization in the first half – It's hard to pinpoint one player, but the overall structure of the attack in the first half was beautiful to watch.  Passes were sent with purpose, and every move was made with an end result in mind, something that I haven't always seen from Fulham this year.

Emanuel Frimpong – More about this in a bit, but Frimpong certainly took advantage of his chance and has carved out a bit of a niche in this Fulham squad doing just what he was known for – being a physical presence in the midfield for special times when no-nonsense defense is required in the middle.

The bad:

Giorgos Karagounis – The Greek gave away a very silly foul in the corner of the penalty area, showing Kara had a bit of a lapse in pitch awareness, and gifted some passes back to QPR late in the second half when Fulham were trying to fend off the attack with possession.  He didn't do a whole lot in the first half either, meaning his day was mostly a negative.  He was definitely fouled late in the game in the Rangers penalty area though, and Lee Probert decided not to give it. Speaking of which...

Lee Probert – I defended the referee on the Clint Hill yellow card.  I believe, while a vicious challenge that had legitimate shouts for a straight red, that yellow was ultimately the right decision on the challenge.  HOWEVER, that being said, if Hill's was a yellow, then Probert's decision to send off Steve Sidwell for a spikes-down challenge that got ball was a horrific decision, that thankfully didn't have an impact on the scoreline, although it could have future impact on the lineup card for Fulham in the immediate future.  And, Probert's decision to not give Fulham a penalty for the foul on Karagounis at the end of the match was a bad, bad miss as well.  Probert has given both of Fulham's red cards this year, and while Hangeland's was spikes up and was a little more legitimate, this one is never a red.

Urby Emmanuelson – Urby came to Fulham seeking more playing time than he'd been getting at AC Milan, with the idea that he'd return and be better for it.  Well, he hasn't gotten the time, and you can only imagine he'd be getting frustrated.  He hasn't said anything about it, which you have to give him credit for.  But football is a cutthroat business, and when you're a player trying to make an impression, you have to take advantage of any precious minutes you receive.  Urby failed miserably to do that today, and was substituted back off when Sidwell received his yellow card.  He gave away possession, he failed to clear during dangerous moments, and he missed challenges when securing the midfield was needed.  You really hate to judge a player based on a few minutes of a substitute appearance, but when guys like Emanuel Frimpong take advantage of precious minutes given to them, when a guy like Urby doesn't, it's hard to see him getting many more opportunities.  You feel for the guy because he's done nothing but be appreciative of his chance at Fulham, but he hasn't made an impression enough to warrant too many more minutes at this stage.

Man of the Match: Mark Schwarzer, again.  His penalty save, plus the crazy stretch he made about 10 minutes later, sealed the match in retrospect.  It's obvious Mark does his homework, and he knew Remy was going to the Aussie's left even before the ball was struck.  Then he went full stretch and full dive to deny his old teammate Bobby Zamora of what would have been a well-storied equalizer.  Schwarzer has saved 5 points this season with just penalty saves – Arsenal saved a point on the draw, and both Stoke and QPR secured 2 points for sure and maybe even 3 both times.  He's absolutely deserved another year, despite showing his age at times earlier on in the season.

Where from here? A tough but important 3 points now sees Fulham just one point clear of Swansea in 9th with a game in hand. How about that? Not long ago at all it was a 9-point gap.  However West Ham is just 3 points behind, and also are only on 30 matches completed instead of 31, like the Whites. Now Fulham have 5 more fixtures in the month of April.  Despite having the next two away, Aston Villa and Newcastle are both chances to pick up 3 points, if not at least 1.  Then it'll be a dogfight at the Cottage against Chelsea and Arsenal, both teams with momentum.  It's not going to be an easy finish, but with the win today, Fulham are safe from the drop (even though Martin keeps insisting they're not) and can worry about their finishing position.


http://fulhamsfinest.com/2013/04/01/fulham-3-2-qpr-3-points-at-home-but-never-do-that-again/?

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Manager Reaction

Martin Jol breathed a sigh of relief after Fulham edged their way to a 3-2 win over rivals Queens Park Rangers on Monday night.

Dimitar Berbatov's penalty, a second from the Bulgarian, and Clint Hill's own goal saw Fulham race into a 3-0 lead within the opening 41 minutes.

But Adel Taarabt pulled one back before the break, before Loic Remy's penalty was saved by Mark Schwarzer. Remy did make it 3-2 when he fired home and Fulham were then forced to play the last 12 minutes with 10 men after Steve Sidwell was dismissed for a late tackle on Armand Traore.

But the Whites held on and Jol said: "It was a great game for the spectators but it was two different halves. In the first half we played much better than them and we played some great football. But in the second half we probably made the mistakes they made in the first half.

"At 3-1 you always know they will smell blood and their spirit was better in the second half. You shouldn't concede a second goal but we did and we needed the keeper again to save the penalty. He's a fantastic goalkeeper. So overall, we are a bit disappointed that we were 3-0 up and then made it a bit difficult for ourselves."

Reflecting on Sidwell's straight red card, Jol continued: "The sending off was a bit harsh. He went for the ball and tried to pull his leg out of the tackle but he was red carded and that was difficult for us."

Berbatov will again take the plaudits after his two-goal haul and Jol stated: "He worked ever so hard; that is what we like. You saw the penalty kick, he's a specialist, and for the second, Damien Duff intercepted the ball and Dimitar scored again. He's got 13 goals and he's a special player for us."

The win moved the Whites to 39 points, one away from ninth-placed Swansea City, with a game in hand on the Welsh side.

"We had three unexpected points against Tottenham Hotspur but we always felt this game against QPR would be vital," mused Jol. "Hopefully 39 will be enough but it's the only competition in the world where you can be 10th and still go down. There are a few clubs above us but we have a game in hand and hopefully we can go a bit higher in the league."


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/april/01/manager-reaction?

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Fulham 3 QPR 2


By Sam Sheringham
BBC Sport

QPR's hopes of top-flight survival are hanging by a thread after a damaging defeat by a Dimitar Berbatov-inspired Fulham in a riveting encounter.

Berbatov capitalised on two Christopher Samba errors before Clint Hill's own-goal handed the hosts a 3-0 lead.

Adel Taarabt gave QPR hope with a low strike before half-time and Loic Remy reduced the deficit to a single goal moments after missing a penalty.

Fulham's Steve Sidwell was sent off but QPR were unable to conjure a late goal.

In fact, when faced with 10 men, QPR's efforts smacked more of desperation than precision as they slid to a defeat which leaves them seven points adrift of safety with seven games remaining.

It is a position from which no team in Premier League history has survived the drop and one which may leave even manager Harry Redknapp privately admitting that the game is up.

Samba's signing for £12.5m from Anzhi Makhachkala on the last day of the January transfer window was supposed to provide QPR with the type of defensive solidity required to get results in the top flight. Instead, he was guilty of two elementary mistakes which left his team staring into the mire.

Ashkan Dejagah collected the ball just inside the box and nicked it past Samba, who stretched out a leg and upended his opponent.

With a languid swing of his right boot, Berbatov sent Julio Cesar the wrong way from the penalty spot for his fourth goal in successive games.

Samba inadvertently saved his side from going 2-0 behind when Brede Hangeland's flicked header deflected off his back.

But he was at fault once again midway through the first half when he attempted to dribble the ball out of defence.

Under pressure from Damien Duff, Samba lost control of the ball and presented it to Berbatov, inviting the Bulgarian striker to waltz his way into the box and slide a shot under Cesar with the outside of his right foot.

QPR rebounded with a dominant spell in which Bobby Zamora and Remy both wasted good opportunities, only for Fulham to snatch a third goal five minutes before the break.

A deft back-heel from Hangeland took John Arne Riise to the byline and the Norwegian's cut-back deflected off Hill's shoulder and into the net.

QPR were handed a lifeline when a wayward pass from Greek midfielder Giorgos Karagounis gave Taarabt the chance to run at goal.

The Moroccan held off Hangeland and fired his shot into the far corner of Mark Schwarzer's goal from the edge of the area.

QPR made an electric start to the second half, launching a series of raids on the home side's goal and winning a penalty when Karagounis clumsily tripped Taarabt.

But Schwarzer guessed the direction of Remy's spot-kick and pulled off a sharp one-handed save.

A frantic, thrilling game took another twist moments later when Remy atoned for his penalty miss. Latching on to Stephane Mbia's through-ball, he spun away from Philippe Senderos and crashed a shot home off the underside of the bar.

Suddenly the outcome of the game was in the balance with QPR sensing their chance to complete a remarkable comeback.

A rasping drive from Andros Townsend was pushed aside by Schwarzer before Samba controlled the ball brilliantly in the area but dragged his left-footed shot wide.

Remy sliced a shot after twisting past Hangeland and Zamora drew a one-handed save from Schwarzer with a fierce drive.

QPR's hopes were handed a boost with 12 minutes left on the clock when Sidwell was sent off for an ugly, late tackle on Armand Traore.

Redknapp responded by replacing his left-back with striker Jamie Mackie and throwing Samba into attack.

But, with men packed behind the ball, QPR failed to create a clear opening and Fulham hung on to take the points.

Fulham manager Martin Jol: "It was two different halves. We played much better than QPR in the first half but we gave them the present with the 3-1 and then in the second half we made mistakes like they made in the first half.

"I think we will be fine but we shouldn't have conceded a second goal and we needed our keeper again to save a penalty, but overall disappointing that after being 3-0 up we made it difficult for ourselves."

On Steve Sidwell's red card: "The red card was a bit harsh I think. I can see why the referee gave it but he was unfortunate because you could see Steve wanted to pull out of the tackle."

On whether 39 points will be enough to stay up: "Hopefully 39 points is enough but it is a tough competition, probably the only one in the world where the team in 10th could still possibly go down."


http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21921182

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Fulham 3 Queen's Park Rangers 2 match report: Dimitar Berbatov's rapid start leaves QPR staring down barrel

Queen's Park Rangers nearly pulled off an unlikely Easter Monday resurrection last night, fighting back from 3-0 down at Fulham but not quite rescuing the crucial points they need. After QPR started the game like relegation certainties, goals from Adel Taarabt and Loïc Rémy either side of half-time dragged them back into it. But they could not score a third, and so they are left seven points adrift of safety with seven games left.

It did not take a detailed study of the Premier League table beforehand to know what Rangers needed last night. This was their 31st game of the season and they began it seven points behind Aston Villa and Wigan and eight behind Sunderland. Wins were the only medicine. The QPR manager, Harry Redknapp, said before kick-off that he needed four wins from his last eight games – as many as they took from their first 30.

Rangers have won the least because they have scored the fewest, with just 26 league goals before last night. So Redknapp picked a team to get goals. Bobby Zamora led the line with Rémy and Andros Townsend either side of him. And Taarabt came in for his first start since February.

The logic was impeccable but the plan did not work. Rangers could not get the ball and, more importantly, could not defend either. Two disastrous errors from Christopher Samba allowed Dimitar Berbatov to roll Fulham into an early 2-0 lead.

First, after just eight minutes, the Bulgarian was shielding the ball from Samba on the edge of the box. He turned away and the defender tried to follow. Ashkan Dejagah darted into the box to take the ball, Samba was unaware, realised too late and clumsily brought him down. It was an obvious penalty and Berbatov scored it with the casual shrugging precision with which he did everything on another excellent night.

Fulham continued to dominate, with Bryan Ruiz twice going close. A second goal felt inevitable and it came after 22 minutes, requiring even less effort from Fulham than the first.

Samba exchanged passes with Jose Bosingwa on the edge of his own box but, with the ball back at his own feet, took too long to decide what to do. Damien Duff sensed this, and stole the ball, which broke to Berbatov and he stabbed it underneath Julio Cesar and in with the outside of his right boot.

If Fulham's first two goals were gifts their third was certainly earned. One of the best passing moves of the season, involving nearly their whole team, took them up the pitch and it climaxed with a Brede Hangeland back-heel to John Arne Riise, which led to a cross which Clint Hill turned into his own net.

That might have ended the game but Redknapp's plan was vindicated, albeit three goals too late, when Taarabt scored just before the break. Giorgios Karagounis misplaced a back pass which Zamora nodded to Taarabt, who burst forward and shot through Hangeland's legs into the far bottom corner. Momentum is a powerful thing, though, and despite everything Rangers started the second half positively, hoping to make up a margin which did not look too insurmountable. They started to push Fulham back and soon drew a crucial error.

Karagounis tripped Taarabt in the box just three minutes into the second half. It was another clear penalty, which Rémy stepped up to take. He made it too clear to Schwarzer, though, that he was aiming for his bottom-left corner and the kick was saved.

That might have floored other teams or players but Rémy, to his credit, made amends three minutes later with a very well-taken goal, his fourth for Rangers. Stéphane Mbia played a brisk forward pass to the Frenchman, lurking between Fulham's centre-backs. He spun on to it, shrugged off Philippe Senderos and finished into the near top corner before Schwarzer could reach him. Somehow Rangers were within one goal and when Schwarzer had to dive to repel Townsend's shot from distance, the implausible Rangers comeback appeared strangely likely.

Rangers played with impressive fluency for a team which could not get on the ball for the first 30 minutes. Schwarzer saved from Samba and Zamora's shots from the edge of the box while Rémy flashed a shot over after turning Hangeland.

When Steve Sidwell was sent off for a reckless late tackle on Armand Traoré, there was more space for a late Rangers push for a point. Rangers had all of the ball but could not create enough, and so left without what they came for.

Scorers. Fulham: Berbatov pen 8, 22, Hill og 41. QPR: Taarabt 45, Rémy 51

Substitutions: Fulham Emanuelson (Dejagah, 38). Queen's Park Rangers Onuoha (Hill, h-t), Hoilett (Taarabt, 75), Traoré (Mackie, 84).

Booked: Fulham Riether, Senderos. QPR Hill.

Sent off: Fulham Sidwell (79).

Man of the match Berbatov.

Match rating 8/10.

Possession: Fulham 48%. QPR 52%.

Attempts on target: Fulham 3. QPR 7.

Referee L Probert (Wiltshire).

Attendance 25,117.



http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/fulham-3-queens-park-rangers-2-match-report-dimitar-berbatovs-rapid-start-leaves-qpr-staring-down-barrel-8556228.html

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Berbatov brace builds Fulham's unassailable advantage
by DAN on APRIL 2, 2013



For 44 minutes, it appeared as though this west London derby would prove as straightforward as last September's sunny stroll when Fulham put six past Queen's Park Rangers. Fired up by the memory of an abject pre-Christmas surrender at Loftus Road, Fulham were formidable, flying out of the starting blocks, and the speed of their start suggested that they might better last season's margin. Dimitar Berbatov confidently converted a penalty and stroked home a second after being presented with the ball by an all too accommodating Chris Samba, before the hapless Clint Hill turned a John Arne Riise cross into his own net.

All three goals – and Rangers' complete lack of organisation – demonstrated why Harry Redknapp's side had struggled to keep pace with the rest of the Premier League. Just before the break, a stupendous solo goal from Adel Taraabt, his second such sensational strike against Fulham this season, seemed simply a consolation. It actually threatened to turn the tie on its head. Rangers were revitalised after the break. They should have had a second when Giorgis Karagounis, whose careless pass had allowed Taraabt to set off on his mazy dribble before the break, felled the Moroccan inside the box but Mark Schwarzer sprung to his right and saved Loic Remy's tame penalty. Fulham's reprieve was short-lived: two minutes later, Remy spun away from Phillipe Senderos and lashed a drive in off the underside of the crossbar. When Steve Sidwell saw red for a tackle on Armand Traore, the dynamics of the contest were totally transformed.

Fulham hung on as their home fans gleefully reminded their visitors of their perilous predicament. Perhaps it was QPR's desperate plight that persuaded Redknapp to field Taraabt, Remy and the former Fulham striker Bobby Zamora in the same starting eleven. It was a high-stakes gamble that backfired badly. Rangers were robbed of the defensive solidity that had neutralised Berbatov at Loftus Road – and were far too open as a result. With their Bulgarian maestro to the fore, Fulham made the most of the gaps that quickly appeared.

Samba's charity had a lot to do with Fulham's fast start. Far from being the big-money replacement for Ryan Nelsen, he was the weakest link in a QPR back four that hardly covered itself in glory. One aberration followed another. A poor touch presented the ball to Ashkan Dejagah and a clumsy challenge conceded the penalty, which Berbatov tucked away with the minimum of fuss. That mistake seemed to transform the £12.5m centre back in a bag of nerves. He then inexplicably tried to dribble around Damien Duff twenty yards from his own goal, allowing Berbatov to steal in and roll his second of the net past a stranded Julio Cesar in an instant. Samba's embarrassment was complete when he was bamboozled by a backheel from his opposite number Brede Hangeland and Riise's cross rebounded into the net off Hill.

Fulham's dominance was barely reflected by the half-time scoreline. Duff, who dovetailed delightfully with Riise down the Fulham left, almost surprised Cesar at his near post with a low shot and Hangeland, who had handed Fulham a timely boost last week by committing his future to the club with a new contract, headed wastefully wide when left unattended from the Irishman's free-kick. The home side were in complete command, stroking the ball around imperiously and looking threatening with every attack. Berbatov caught the eye not just for his finishing, but a couple of majestic touches – the most breathtaking of which saw him bring down a high ball on the corner of the penalty area and burst away from Traore in the blink of an eye.

It was to Rangers' credit that they managed to make a game of it. Were it not for a splendid Schwarzer save from Zamora, the visitors might have snatched a point after a much improved second half showing. It would have merely papered over the cracks of the abject defending that has blighted their second season in the top flight – and the outlook looks remarkably bleak. While Fulham could contentedly consider a late assault on the top half, Redknapp's Rangers appear destined for the Championship.

FULHAM (4-2-3-1): Schwarzer; Riether, Riise, Senderos, Hangeland; Karagounis, Sidwell; Dejagah (Emmanuelson 38; Frimpong 80), Duff, Ruiz; Berbatov. Subs (not used): Etheridge, Hughes, Richardson, Frei, Rodallega.

BOOKED: Riether, Senderos.

SENT OFF: Sidwell (78).

GOALS: Berbatov (pen 8, 22), Hill (o.g. 41).

QUEEN'S PARK RANGERS (4-2-3-1): Cesar; Bosingwa, Traore (Mackie 83), Samba, Hill (Onouha 45); Jenas, Mbia; Remy, Taraabt (Hoilett 74), Townsend; Zamora. Subs (not used): Green, Ben Haim, Granero, Park Ji-Sung.

BOOKED: Hill.

GOAL: Taraabt (45), Remy (51).

REFEREE: Lee Probert (Wiltshire).

ATTENDANCE: 25,117.


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2013/04/berbatov-brace-builds-fulhams-unassailable-advantage/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Jol relieved after dramatic derby win
by DAN on APRIL 2, 2013

Martin Jol admitted he was mightily relieved after Fulham hung on to clinch a dramatic derby win over QPR at Craven Cottage tonight – as the Whites almost surrendered a three-goal lead.

The points looked safe after a Dimitar Berbatov brace and an own goal from Clint Hill put the home side three goals to the good after 41 minutes, but Adel Taraabt's sensational solo goal just before the interval provided Rangers with a real shot in the arm. Loic Remy added a second after missing a penalty and things got even tenser after Steve Sidwell was sent off, with Fulham hanging on to gain revenge for December's defeat at Loftus Road.

Speaking afterwards, Jol felt this west London derby was the archetypal game of two halves:

It was a great game for the spectators but it was two different halves. In the first half we played much better than them and we played some great football. But in the second half we probably made the mistakes they made in the first half.

At 3-1 you always know they will smell blood and their spirit was better in the second half. You shouldn't concede a second goal but we did and we needed the keeper again to save the penalty. He's a fantastic goalkeeper. So overall, we are a bit disappointed that we were 3-0 up and then made it a bit difficult for ourselves.

The Fulham manager felt Sidwell's straight red for a challenge on Armand Traore was harsh and left his side hanging on towards the end.

The sending off was a bit harsh. He went for the ball and tried to pull his leg out of the tackle but he was red carded and that was difficult for us.

Much of the post-match praise went to Berbatov for another brilliant performance and Jol highlighted his striker's all-round display rather than just his deadly finishes.

He worked ever so hard; that is what we like. You saw the penalty kick, he's a specialist, and for the second, Damien Duff intercepted the ball and Dimitar scored again. He's got 13 goals and he's a special player for us.

The Fulham manager isn't yet completely convinced that his side are safe, but has begun to consider the possibility of moving even further up the Premier League table.

We had three unexpected points against Tottenham Hotspur but we always felt this game against QPR would be vital. Hopefully 39 will be enough but it's the only competition in the world where you can be 10th and still go down. There are a few clubs above us but we have a game in hand and hopefully we can go a bit higher in the league.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2013/04/jol-relieved-after-dramatic-derby-win/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Berbatov pushes QPR towards abyss

Fulham withstood a fierce fightback from Queens Park Rangers to push Harry Redknapp's side closer towards Premier League relegation.

Dimitar Berbatov's double and an own goal put the hosts 3-0 up in the first half but QPR, adrift in the bottom three, stormed back and Fulham were forced to cling on after midfielder Steve Sidwell was sent off 11 minutes from time.

Two errors from QPR centre-back Christopher Samba, signed for an undisclosed club record fee in January, helped Berbatov fire Fulham into a two-goal lead midway through the first half. Samba tripped Ashkan Dejagah just inside the box and Berbatov scored from the penalty spot after eight minutes.

The Bulgarian striker doubled Fulham's lead with his 13th league goal of the season when Samba dwelt in possession on the edge of his own area and Berbatov seized on the loose ball to shoot past Julio Cesar.

Samba was not the only QPR defender to suffer, Clint Hill putting through his own net on 41 minutes.

Adel Taarabt gave QPR a lifeline with a well-taken goal just before half-time and soon after the restart Loic Remy's penalty, awarded after Taarabt was tripped by Giorgios Karagounis, was saved by Mark Schwarzer.

Remy made amends when he smashed the ball home just minutes later from Stephane Mbia's pass, but try as they might QPR couldn't find an equaliser.

• Leeds are searching for a new manager after Neil Warnock left with six matches of the season remaining. Hopes of a return to the Premier League were rocked by a 2-1 loss to Derby that left the second-tier club eight points adrift of the play-offs.



http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/premier-league/berbatov-pushes-qpr-towards-abyss-29167782.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Criminally Under-Rated: Fulham's Sascha Riether

In the start of a new Cutter series we look at the players under the radar who put in exceptional performances week in, week out yet never recieve the credit due. Here Ryan doffs his cap to a cult hero in SW6.

by Ryan Lim

Being 29 years young arriving from 1. FC Koln of the second-tier of German football, I believe I speak for all Fulham fans when I say I wasn't expecting much from him.

Eight months on, and Sascha Riether has established himself as one of the best full-backs in the Premier League. The German has put in some stellar displays for the Whites, displaying some incredible energy levels. Solid and disciplined at the back, Sascha has hardly put a foot wrong this season. His contribution is not limited to defence, with the right-back looking a constant threat going forward, capable of putting in some very good crosses.

Last week's performance at White Hart Lane was a prime example of what Riether has to offer, breaking down attack after attack down the Spurs left channel with a mixture of good positioning and some top-notch challenges. He was also instrumental in Fulham's opener, bombing forward in support of Ashkan Dejagah who duly found him on the overlap and Riether made no mistake, finding Dimitar Berbatov in the box with an inch-perfect cross, leaving the deadly Bulgarian the simple task of slotting the ball past a stranded Hugo Lloris.

His commitment and no nonsense attitude on the pitch have made him somewhat of a fan-favourite amongst the Fulham faithful. Even sparking comparisons with arguably the best right-back the club have had in recent times – Steve Finnan.

Dynamic, hardworking, staunch – the best right-back in the Premier League? Quite possibly. But one thing's for sure, Sascha Riether isn't far off.


http://www.thedaisycutter.co.uk/2013/04/criminally-under-rated-fulhams-sascha-riether/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham blueprint is one to admire

Fulham FanZoner Robert Hopping says the club's Premier League blueprint is one to admire and a model that neighbours QPR should look to follow.

In the end, the result between Fulham and Queens Park Rangers didn't really matter. Not to the home side at least. Well, maybe a little bit. A close fought 3-2 win over your local rivals is always a result to shout about but if you look at the bigger picture, Fulham are and have been for a while in a considerably stronger position.

Fulham are now what you would call an established Premier League side. They have been in the top flight for 12 consecutive seasons and in that time have achieved some notable results, the most obvious of course being an appearance in the inaugural Europa League final in the 2009/2010 season. Top drawer players have called Craven Cottage home throughout that time, with Edwin Van der Sar, Brede Hangeland, Danny Murphy, Vincenzo Montella and Dimitar Berbatov, (to name but a few) making up a potentially formidable five-a-side team. And speaking of Craven Cottage, that has also grown, expanding it's capacity to a now respectable 25,700 with plans this summer to increase that to approximately 30,000. Fulham is now an attractive place to both play and manage, (Jean Tigana, Roy Hodgson and Martin Jol are all experienced bosses and know what they're doing) with the club run in a sensible and moderate way by chairman Mohamed Al-Fayed, who also recently cleared the club's debt completely.

There are no mass spending sprees at Fulham on transfer deadline day, no tabloid stories of Christmas parties gone wrong and if problems do arise on the training ground they are quickly and effectively sorted, (Bobby Zamora to QPR anyone? Or Jimmy Bullard to Hull?). In the game's current climate you have to have a firm idea of what your aims are and if you have the resources to achieve said aims and in the past decade Fulham have arguably done this better than most. There is no quick fix in the Premier League, no magic formula that brings instant success, (save a Russian oligarch, yet that brings it's own problems) and no short cuts. Which brings us on to QPR.

QPR, over the past two seasons, have been anything but sensible and moderate. For two teams of similar size and status, Fulham and QPR could not act more differently. Rangers' solution to near relegation last season was to spend a huge amount in summer 2012 in bringing in what many football fan's felt were either over the hill and past it players - Jose Bosingwa and Andy Johnson or average ones on huge salaries - Park Ji-Sung. As a result, the team has struggled again and there are serious fears that the club's finances could implode if they are relegated.

The January signings of Loic Remy and Christopher Samba have only escalated these fears. There seems to be no plan in place at Loftus Road and both Mark Hughes, (in my eyes still a good manager after his decent season at Fulham) and Harry Redknapp, who let's not forget 12 months ago was as good as the next England boss, have struggled.

You need to build slowly and steadily in the Premier League and gradually gain experience as a club in what you need to do and what you need to focus on to remain in the top flight. It is a delicate house of cards and if you go all gung-ho and throw money everywhere, one small setback will see everything collapse. QPR have had plenty of setbacks in the past 20 months or so but most are of their own doing and could have been avoided if they had followed a model similar to Fulham's.

Both Fulham and QPR operate in very close proximity to Chelsea, one of the richest clubs in world football and arguably the most successful English side in the past decade. If fans of the Whites and the Hoops are being honest, they are never going to be as big but they can be as successful, in relative terms at least, if they go about things the right way.

For Fulham to be where they are now is a fantastic achievement and is an advert to other similar sized clubs of what can be accomplished in the top flight. QPR are a similar sized club but they are wasting the opportunity of being in the Premier League and could quite possibly seriously end up regretting it come May. And that is why Fulham, regardless of Monday night's result, are better off in the long run.


http://www.teamtalk.com/fulham/8612952/Fulham-blueprint-is-one-to-admire?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham keen on Twente keeper

Fulham have reignited their interest in Twente goalkeeper Nikolay Mihaylov, according to Voetbal International.

The Cottagers attempted to sign the former Liverpool keeper on transfer deadline day in January, but there was not enough time to complete the deal.

Dutch newspaper Voetbal International reports that the Premier League club are ready to return for the Bulgaria international.

With Mark Schwarzer nearing the end of his playing days, Martin Jol is keen to sign another goalkeeper to provide competition for David Stockdale, who is set to return from a loan spell at Hull City.

The Dutch coach has a very high opinion of Mihaylov and is planning to add him to his ranks in the summer transfer window.

The 24-year-old, who joined Twente on a free transfer from Liverpool, has made a total of 84 Eredivisie appearances for the Tukkers and is currently regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the elite division.


http://www.soccernews.com/fulham-keen-on-twente-keeper/116978/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Academy Insight: Emerson Hyndman

In getting to know some of the Club's younger players, fulhamfc.com pays a regular visit to our Under-21 and Under-18 squads to put our starlets in the spotlight. Today it's the turn of Emerson Hyndman, who is flying the flag for America.

Emerson, having moved to England from the States what have you found to be the biggest difference?

Well, apart from the weather that I was used to in Dallas, I would say the size of things. Everything seems a lot bigger in America, from the roads to the shopping malls. If you're not used to it, it must be easy to get lost in the States.

Apart from your friends and family what do you miss most?

I'd say the food. Don't get me wrong, I do like the food over here because it's nice, but I do really miss the Mexican food we have back home. It's pretty awesome.

As we all know, football is called 'soccer' in the States. So what was it about soccer that captured your interest above other sports like American football, baseball, basketball or hockey?

First of all, it's in my family. My Grandfather was hooked from a very young age, and my Dad followed. My Grandfather played, as did my Dad, and I think that drive was passed on to me. I played a bit of baseball and a little basketball with friends, but it was football that took my interest. From a very young age, I just loved kicking a ball. It's a sport that excites me.

Growing up, which team did you follow and who was your favourite player?

My team was always Barcelona, I just really liked how they play the game. They have played with style for so long, and they were the team I enjoyed watching above everyone else. My favourite player was Patrick Kluivert, the Dutch striker. At the time, Barca had a lot of good players like Rivaldo, Luis Figo, Marc Overmars... but he was the one that stood out for me. Kluivert was a great goalscorer.

Away from football, do you have any other hobbies?

I try and spend as much time as possible with family and friends, so I just like hanging out with them. I like going to the cinema when I have the chance, although fishing is probably my favourite pastime – it's a good way to relax.

You mention that you like going to the cinema, so what's your favourite film of all-time?

That would have to be The Hangover, everyone likes that right? They're currently working on Part III which I can't wait to see!

What about television, is there a show that you never like to miss?

To be honest, I don't watch a lot of TV, but I'd say my favourite show was Modern Family. It's an American programme based on a big family and what they all get up to – it's very, very funny.

What's your favourite song/album of all-time?

I don't think I could pick one out, that would be too hard. At the moment, I do like Ben Howard's album Every Kingdom.

So what would your karaoke song of choice be then?

Wow, good question. If pushed, I'd sing The Pretender by Foo Fighters (pictured).

Tell us a random fact or something that people might not know about you?

My Grandpa – Schellas Hyndman – is a very successful coach in America. In 2008 he was made head coach at FC Dallas and in 2010 he helped guide them to the MLS Cup Final, which was massive. At 62, I think I'm right in saying that he's the oldest coach in the MLS and I'm very proud of him.

Fulham has a considerable connection to the States, for a number of your fellow countrymen have lined up for the Club. What would it mean to follow in their footsteps?

There have been quite a few to play here like Kasey Keller, Brian McBride, Carlos Bocanegra, Eddie Johnson and more recently Clint Dempsey. Dempsey is possibly the most successful American player ever, so he will be a tough act to follow. It's funny how I'm the only American on the Club's books now, but I do aspire to be like those guys – to play for the First Team would be a dream. 

In turning your attention to your teammates, which one makes you laugh the most?

It has to be George Williams, he's always making me and the rest of the boys laugh. He's very funny, and does a lot of weird things.

Which of them is the hardest trainer?

I think everyone works hard, it's a good group you know. But Liam Donnelly works extraordinarily hard. He always gives 100 per cent, whether it's a run or a tackle.

Who spends the longest in front of the mirror?

To be honest, I think a lot of the boys would pick me for this, and they're probably right. I'd feel bad pinning this on anyone else, so I'll hold my hands up!

And who is the most skilful with a football?

I know everyone votes for him with this one, but Muamer Tankovic (pictured) is definitely the most skilful. He can do some unbelievable things with a ball.

Finally, as your career moves forward, what is the one piece of advice that you remember above the rest?

My Grandpa once said: 'when you're not training, someone else is.' That basically means that if you stand still, someone will overtake you.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/april/02/academy-insight?

[WhiteJC]

 
All the figures are adding up to disaster for QPR
Fears of financial meltdown as defeat at Craven Cottage brings relegation another step closer

Fulham 3-2 QPR

Harry Redknapp remains positive about staying up but Queens Park Rangers were today facing up to the financial implications of relegation from the Premier League.

Last night's defeat at Craven Cottage leaves QPR seven points from safety with only seven games remaining.

No team in Premier League history have survived from such a perilous position and surely owner Tony Fernandes will soon be planning for life in the Championship.

He insists QPR would not be crippled by relegation but going down could be disastrous following his gamble to beat the drop in the last transfer window.

The club have been left with a huge wage bill after significant spending since their promotion in 2010-11 and recent financial figures are worrying.

QPR last month reported that debts have increased to nearly £90million and that the wage bill has doubled to £56m. Those figures do not even include the estimated £30m spent on new players over the summer and in January.

Total investment in the most recent transfer window on Chris Samba and Loic Remy across the term of their contracts runs close to £80m, while Jose Bosingwa, Julio Cesar, Ji-Sung Park and Esteban Granero — all signed last summer — are also big earners.

Top-flight survival is always important but it is more pronounced than ever this season. The enormous financial gap between the Premier League and the rest of English football widens in 2013-14 when the new, three-year TV rights package kicks in. The new deal will see next season's bottom club in the Premier League bank more than the £60m Manchester City earned for lifting the 2011-12 title.

Fernandes was anxious to secure the huge windfall and the vast sums of money spent have drawn comparisons with Portsmouth and Leeds.

QPR have made 31 signings in 18 months and what measures the club have in place to avoid the possibility of their own financial meltdown remains to be seen. Fernandes said there was a "sensible" business plan in place after breaking the club's transfer record twice in January — Remy (£8m) and then Samba (£12.5m) — and denies he has acted recklessly.

Parachute payments will only make up a fraction of their costs. Currently, relegated clubs receive £48m over four seasons — £16m in the first two seasons and then £8m in the next two, with payments ending if they go back up.

Fernandes is committed to staying at QPR even if they do find themselves back in the Championship and tweeted after the game: "It is still in our hands. Seven games, 21 points. Feeling calm and still optimistic. Keep the faith whatever happens."

Two errors from Samba and Clint Hill's own goal gifted Fulham a 3-0 lead inside 40 minutes. Adel Taarabt and Remy reduced the deficit but the visitors were unable to find an equaliser, even after Steve Sidwell's red card.

Redknapp has won 19 points from his 18 games in charge and the same points-to-games ratio would have been enough to stay up over a full season. But the 66-year-old has not been able to close the gap. QPR are in the same position they were in when he took over from Mark Hughes in November

Redknapp, who signed a two-and-a-half-year contract and says he will not walk away from Loftus Road if QPR are relegated, said: "It is getting harder with another game gone but we are not giving up. We've just got to keep going and try to win five games, or four wins and two draws."

Victory for Fulham means Martin Jol's side have only lost against the two Manchester clubs this year.

Jol is another man who will soon be planning for next season although he may have already started building for the future.

The Fulham boss last week tied captain Brede Hangeland to a new two-year contract and is in advanced talks with Mark Schwarzer about extending his deal. The 40-year-old goalkeeper, who is out of contract this summer, saved a Remy penalty at 3-1 last night and Jol believes he can play on for another two seasons.

Fulham are now nine points above the relegation zone and Jol said: "It would be a bit arrogant to say we are safe but, hopefully, we are. There are a few clubs above us that we can catch so maybe we can go a bit higher up the table."


http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/all-the-figures-are-adding-up-to-disaster-for-qpr-8556588.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Loan Round-Up

Matthew Briggs and Alexander Kačaniklić faced each other in the npower Championship on Friday as Watford and Burnley played out a 3-3 draw at Vicarage Road.

Charlie Austin had given the away side the lead with just 40 seconds on the clock, but Troy Deeney equalised five minutes later. Kačaniklić was then heavily involved in the next goal when he was brought down in the area by former Italy defender Marco Cassetti (pictured), with Austin successfully dispatching the subsequent penalty.

Fernando Forestieri's brace turned the game on its head as the Hornets looked set to take the points, but a late header from Sam Vokes ensured Burnley left with a share of the spoils. Briggs played the full 90 minutes of the encounter, while Kačaniklić was substituted with 10 minutes remaining. The result leaves Burnley sitting 13th in the league, and Watford third – one point behind Hull City who defeated Huddersfield Town 1-0 on Saturday.

David Stockdale was in goal for the Tigers as George Boyd's strike 30 seconds into the second half proved to be enough as they closed the gap on leaders Cardiff City to four points.

In League One, Yeovil Town defeated Notts County 2-1 to boost their promotion aspirations, with Dan Burn playing the full 90 minutes on Monday.

Paddy Madden had given the Glovers the lead on the stroke of half time, only for Alan Judge to equalise from the penalty spot within four minutes of the restart following a foul by Burn. The Magpies were level for just three minutes though, with Matt Dolan securing victory with a powerful free-kick. The result moves Yeovil up to sixth in the table with five games remaining.

In the same division, Marcello Trotta was unable to prevent Brentford from going down 2-0 at MK Dons as the Bees' automatic promotion hopes took a dent.

The Italian saw a number of efforts blocked or saved during the 45 minutes he was on the pitch – he was replaced by Bradley Wright-Phillips at half time – but goals from Dean Bowditch and Stephen Gleeson leaves Brentford three points behind second placed Bournemouth, although they do have two games in hand on the Dorset club.

Richard Peniket continued his fine form for Farnborough in the Blue Square Bet South when he opened the scoring against Maidenhead United in a 2-1 win. The striker headed in from close range following a corner, before Michael Pook equalised on the stroke of half time. A late effort from Nic Ciardini secured victory for Boro, who sit ninth in the table.

Over in the Hyundai A-League, Corey Gameiro played 71 minutes of Wellington Phoenix's 3-2 defeat by Melbourne Victory on the final day of the season. The Nix had fought back from two goals down as Stein Huysegems and Jeremie Brockie had cancelled out Marco Rojas and Marcos Flores' efforts, but a late Archie Thompson strike meant they end the campaign bottom of the league.

Pajtim Kasami also tasted defeat as Luzern were comfortably beaten at home by Basel. Kasami played the full 90 minutes but goals from Serey Die, Marcelo Diaz, Mohamed Salah and Philipp Degen consigned his side to a 4-0 defeat.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/april/02/loan-round-up?

[WhiteJC]

 
Great Team Spirit

Philippe Senderos described Monday's West London derby defeat of Queens Park Rangers as a 'game of two contrasting halves.'

Fulham took a three-goal advantage with Dimitar Berbatov netting two before Clint Hill's 41st-minute own goal. Moments later, Adel Taarabt offered the visitors hope when he fired in on the stroke of half-time.

Having dominated the first period, the Whites were under the cosh for parts of the second, with Loic Remy making amends for an earlier penalty miss by smashing the ball beyond the reach of Mark Schwarzer.

"It was a strange match in many ways," said Philippe to fulhamfc.com. "It was a game of two contrasting halves really. In the first-half we really dominated them; we pressed high up the pitch and forced them to make errors.

"It was going to plan, and at 3-0 things were relatively smooth. But we allowed them back into the match, and I think their goal just before half-time gave them a belief that they could take something.

"They came out fighting in the second-half, and created chances for themselves. Perhaps they feel a little unlucky not to have taken a point but, largely, I think we deserved the win. There were a few nervous moments, but we showed great mental strength and team spirit to pull through.

"It was difficult at times, and even more so when Steve Sidwell was sent off. But we kept our shape and remained resolute right until the end. We did what we needed to do, and with the fans behind us throughout, we pulled through.

"It might not have been as pleasing on the eye as it was in the first-half, but at the end of the day, though, it's all about the points – and three very important points."

Victory took Martin Jol's side to 39 points and further strengthened our ambitions of finishing in the top half of the table. At present, the Team sits in 10th spot – a point behind Swansea City and five behind West Bromwich Albion who are ninth and eighth respectively.

"We're on a good run at the moment," Senderos added. "And the win against QPR follows the victory at Tottenham Hotspur, and makes things look very positive. We have great solidity at this Club and I think that has been evident of late.

"With eight games to go, there is still plenty to play for. Of course, we want to finish as high as we can and I think, with the quality that we have, that we can finish the season strongly.

"We want to continue to do well and want to be looking up rather than down. Having missed a few weeks of action last month, it's good to be back, and hopefully we can keep up the good form."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/april/02/senderos-qpr?

[WhiteJC]

 
Berbatov`s Milestone
   
The brace Dimitar Berbatov scored against Queens Park Rangers was a personal milestone in the career of the Bulgarian striker.

It meant that Dimitar had scored in four successive Premier League games, the first time he had done so in his career.

Well done Dimitar.


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=314809#ixzz2PJZZk4DZ

[WhiteJC]

 
Deja-Vu?
   
When Loic Remy picked up the ball, after Karagounis had given a way a penalty, was there a feeling of déjà-vu for Queens Park Rangers supporters?

The reason I ask is that when Remy saw his spot kick saved by Mark Schwarzer, it was the third time they had missed form the spot, from the three spot kicks they have been awarded so far this season, or to put it more bluntly, they`ve got a 100% failure rate!


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=314811#ixzz2PJZp3GYT

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham comment: Sign him up because Sascha Riether is an unsung hero

Reporter Harry Kemble takes a look at the importance of defender Sascha Riether since his loan switch from Cologne to Fulham.

Initially Fulham supporters may not have been sufficiently encouraged by last summer's arrival of German full-back Sascha Riether on a year-long loan from FC Cologne.

For the defender's move was dwarfed somewhat by the stellar signings of Dimitar Berbatov from Manchester United, Hugo Rodallega from Wigan Athletic or even Euro 2004 winner and ex-Greek captain Georgios Karagounis.

All three have answered the Cottagers' call by playing a significant part in another solid season for the west London club.

Berbatov has scored 13 goals – a total that puts him in the top half of the Premier League scoring charts.

The Bulgarian became the first Fulham player to score in four successive league games since Steed Malbranque in 2003 after his brace in the 3-2 win over west London rivals QPR last night.

Although, £4.5m signing Rodallega has lost his starting spot recently to Bryan Ruiz, he has ably filled in whenever called upon – either in midfield or in a forward role. The Colombian's three goals have all contributed to Fulham victories too.

Karagounis, swiftly lived up to his billing as a legend of Greek football, and has belied his age to become a workhorse of the Whites' midfield engine.

The 36-year-old midfielder has formed a formidable partnership with Steve Sidwell, breaking up play before distributing possession to Berbatov.

The unlikely duo will eventually be broken up by age but they, like many of Fulham's solid teams in recent years, will forever be remembered for their hard-work and tenacity in the face of better-known opposition sides.

Riether, however, is Fulham's unsung hero.

The German has played in all but one of their matches this season, which is more than any other player in the side, including Mark Schwarzer, Fulham's number one keeper.

Riether's performances have led many to call for the once internationally-capped defender to be signed on permanent basis. Calls that he is doing little to discourage.

Last month he told the club's website: "I always give everything in each game I play and see myself as a Fulham player, not a Cologne player.

"For me, it's been a great time here so far. It was my first experience of another country and it was a big step for me to come to England.

"I'd like to remain here. Fulham have an option to buy me and so I think in the next few weeks there will be talks about my future."

The right-back has never played outside his country before Fulham but he was fortunate enough to be joined by a familiar face in Ashkan Dejagah.

The two played together for VFL Wolfsberg in the Bundesliga – a relationship that Fulham manager Martin Jol was certainly aware of when signing the pair in pre-season.

Riether admits that playing with the Iranian is an advantage as both have an understanding of how the other plays.

Speaking to fans' website cottagersconfidential.com, he said: "Yeah, of course, we played together for four years so I know how he plays and he knows my runs [on the wing].

"We know each other well, not just on the pitch but off it too."

In arguably the Whites' best result of the season against Tottenham - a 1-0 win at White Hart Lane - they emphasised why.

Midway through the second-half, Dejagah played in Riether, who in turn supplied Berbatov with a pinpoint cross for the winning goal.

The move was the one moment of note in an otherwise dull match and, importantly, it gave Fulham victory in an away fixture they were expected to lose.

Fulham currently have several players whose contracts are up in the summer, including Mladen Petric, Mark Schwarzer, Chris Baird, Mahamadou Diarra, Neil Etheridge and Karagounis.

Last week, Fulham skipper Brede Hangeland signed a two-year extension at the club.

They would be best served to make Riether a permanent signing too.


http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/fulham_comment_sign_him_up_because_sascha_riether_is_an_unsung_hero_1_1999329