Wednesday Fulham Stuff(01/05/13)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Striker told to find new club

Fulham boss Martin Jol has told striker Richard Peniket to look for a new club at the end of the season.

The 20-year-old has recently impressed on loan at Farnborough, where he scored two goals in four Conference South appearances. But boss Jol admits that it has not been enough to earn him new deal at the end of the season because Fulham already have a wealth of attacking talent at the club. "I kept him on board for two years but he was not playing in our reserve team because we had other players," said the Fulham boss. "It was not easy for him but he justified my decision to keep him. However, it is still a different level - it is not the Premier League so we have to make decisions on these players."



http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/striker-told-to-find-new-club-1584215.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
Russian Champions Zenit Said to Fancy Berbatov

Russian champions Zenit St. Petersburg are once again eager to snap up Fulham's Bulgarian striker Dimitar Berbatov, according to a Russian media report.

The Izvestia daily has stated that Zenit are interested in Berbatov as a back-up option if they cannot land Werder Bremen striker Marko Arnautovic.

Berbatov's agent, Emil Danchev, has allegedly confirmed that Russian clubs are interested in signing his client.

However, Danchev has stated that Zenti have not tabled an official bid for the prolific striker.
It was recently reported that the 32-year-old Bulgarian striker may leave Craven Cottage this summer.



http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=149994

[WhiteJC]

 
Not Another?
   
I`m slowly losing the will to live!

Well not really I`m enjoying life as much as ever but when it comes to the ongoing speculation relating to Fulham Football Club signing a goalkeeper it`s driving me nuts!

The latest insinuation is that Martin Jol has decided that Nikolay Mihaylov is his man.

Now I can`t remember if we`ve mentioned this keeper before (I`ve lost track) but he`s in the last year of his contract at FC Twente so the Dutch side could be willing to cash in.

If I can muster the energy, I`ll report further if anything else concrete falls into my lap!


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=318076#ixzz2S0ZpCasQ

[WhiteJC]

 
What Now For Bobby?
   
Will he be happy in the Championship?

Watching, or should I say trying to stay awake during the mind0numbingly boring encounter, on Sunday, between Reading and Queens Park Rangers, a game that saw our local rivals relegated, I pondered over something.

With QPR returning to Championship football after two seasons in the Premier League, I couldn`t help but ponder over what Bobby Zamora might be thinking.

Zamora as you are all perfectly aware, left Craven Cottage for Loftus Road. When he left us he was being touted as a possible England centre forward and had been included in a couple of squads, but now all that is history.

Bobby has faded from the scene and thanks to his decision to opt for life at Loftus Road now faces life in the Championship, unless he decides to jump off the sinking ship!


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=318077#ixzz2S0a2anJR

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham winger finally showing what he can do: Urby Emanuelson profile

Not a lot was known about Urby Emanuelson when he joined Fulham in January. The Dutch winger arrived at Craven Cottage in January to little fanfare, and to many just appeared yet another long-named foreigner destined to make little impact at the west London club.

However after making a low-key debut as a substitute against Manchester United, the little Dutchman has begun to establish himself in his new colours and become a regular fixture on the Fulham team-sheet.

On-loan from parent club Milan until the end of the season; Emanuelson has had little time to adjust to the pace of the Premier League, but has begun to adapt to the English game and has put in some strong performances against Chelsea and particularly against Arsenal.

The fact many still talk about Emanuelson's potential, could be a worry considering he is 26 and not getting any younger. Leaving the Italian giants for mid-table Fulham may have appeared a step-down to many, but could prove to be a good learning experience rather than the start of a career slide. Although Emanuelson may not be of the calibre of some of the AC Milan greats, he certainly has the skills to make an impact on the Premiership, and prove a valuable asset should Fulham hang on to him next season.

Emmanuelson's greatest asset is his speed, which he can often inject to power away from defenders like a nitro-boost in a video game. He also has great stamina, and dribbling ability. More surprisingly for a small build of only 5ft 7", Emmanuelson is also very good at tackling, and is not afraid to track back and perform defensive duties- even outmuscling the much bigger Per Mertesacker against Arsenal. 

Although possessing a lethal shot, Emmanuelson is often let down by his passing ability, often lazily conceding possession - and using his pace to beat players before slamming a cross over everyone's heads. Also, despite playing on the right-wing, he also is very left-footed, suffering the reverse of Ashley Young syndrome.

But what separates the Amsterdam-born player from past Fulham internationals, is his determination. Emmanuelson's desire to prove himself could help correct his problems, and prove a left-sided force for Fulham as he begins to get game time.



http://www.footballfriendsonline.com/blogs/2013/4/30/fulham-winger-finally-showing-what-he-can-do-urby-emanuelson.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham Back In For Ghana Midifelder Derek Boateng

Ghanian on Cottager's radar again.

Fulham are set to revive their interest in Ghanian midfielder Derek Boateng, according to Sky Sports.

The West London side had apparently agreed a deal for the Dnipro midfielder in January and had even secured a work permit but failed to complete the deal before the deadline day clock ran out.

He came close to joining Greek side Olympiakos after his move to Fulham fell through, but the Ukrainian outfit sought to kill the move after a dispute with the 29-year-old.

However, after taking Dnipro to the international court of arbitration in Switzerland he is now free of his contract, making him a free agent, and with the work permit that Fulham obtained in January still valid, boss Martin Jol is keen to rush through a deal to bring him to the Premier League.

Fulham have refused to comment officially on the possibility of a move for the 46-cap Ghana international, but a switch to Craven Cottage would end a decade of waiting to play in England for Boateng, who saw a move to Middlesborough fall through in 2003 after failing to secure a work permit.

Boateng is a highly cultured midfielder having toured Europe extensively during his career, turning out for clubs in Germany, Sweden, Israel, Spain and Greece.



http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/04/30/fulham-back-in-for-ghana-midifelder-derek-boateng/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Under-18s 0-0 Manchester United

Fulham's Under-18s were still left in a good position to claim the Barclays Under-18 Elite Group title despite being held to a 0-0 draw by Manchester United on Tuesday night.

Jennings reflects on draw
Steve Wigley's young charges are now three points clear of Reading in second – the Royals play Crystal Palace on Wednesday night when they can close the gap – with one more game left to play next weekend. A win and top spot in the Elite Group, and the number one seeding for the Play-Offs, is theirs as they are currently well ahead on goal difference.

Fulham started on the front foot as a tricky run from Patrick Roberts in the first minute found Muamer Tankovic in the box and the Swede's powerful shot flew just over the bar.

United started to get into their passing rhythm and a bursting run from James Weir was well cut out by Stephen Arthurworrey as he charged down the right. The centre-back was at it again shortly after as he blocked a long shot from the busy United number 10, Andreas Pereira.

The Whites, though, continued to threaten and, on the counter, Lyle Della Verde's cross just avoided Cauley Woodrow in the box, before Roberts' effort from the rebound ended in a similar way.

Pereira continued to cause problems for the Fulham defence and fizzed a long range shot over the bar, but the Whites maintained control and some nice passing outside the box resulted in Tankovic's near post cross being cleared. A free-kick from Emerson Hyndman then saw Jordan Sutherland tested for the first time as Roberts glanced a header into his hands.

A great burst from Solomon Sambou saw the best chance of the game to date as he linked well with Tankovic before feeding Woodrow down the right. The English striker crashed his shot off the post from a tight angle and Tankovic's effort from the rebound was brilliantly parried away by Sutherland.

Josh Passley then went on a mazy run but lost control under pressure just before he was able to get his shot off. The right-back again caused issues for the United defence down the wing and a pinpoint cross saw Woodrow volley over the bar. Indeed, the flanks were being worked as Tom Richards then floated one in, but United closed ranks.

Then they were nearly in front. James Weir hammered a low shot which was parried by Marek Rodak and Jack Barmby (son of former England international Nicky) put the rebound home, before being flagged offside by the assistant. Moments later, Pereira almost tricked his way through but found the way to goal blocked and Donald Love's long range effort was tipped neatly around the post by Rodak.

The Whites changed things during the break as Della Verde made way for Moussa Dembele and were almost in front inside the first five minutes of the restart as Passley was put through down the right and his cross fizzed across the six-yard box, just in front of waiting Woodrow.

Up the other end, Rodak and Arthurworrey closed the door on Pereira as he chased a flicked ball into the box and Daehli brought a sharp save from the goalkeeper shortly after as he was let free to run down the left.

United were well in control and the Norwegian was proving dangerous as his ball in found Barmby, before he then forced a block from Passley after cutting inside. Rodak was then called into action again as a shot from Jack Rudge saw him parry at his near post.

Fulham kept pushing and Richards almost capitalised on an error from Love, but his shot was deflected wide. Liam Donnelly even got his head on the resulting corner, but it flew over the bar. A slick passing move then saw Dembele free in the box, with the ball deflected back to Roberts who drew a save out of Sutherland at his near post.

A good spell of pressure from the Whites drew a reaction from United and Pereira's flick found Weir who saw his shot blocked by Arthurworrey. But then some silky skills from Tankovic carved an opening and his curling effort dipped just over the bar.

The Swede had another chance as the game entered the final 10 minutes: Woodrow and Dembele linked well and the ball fell to Tankovic who cut inside and forced Sutherland into a fine save. Then good work from Roberts on the left saw a floated ball in to Dembele, but the striker dwelt on the knockdown and was closed down.

Woodrow then did some closing down of his own as he chased down Sutherland's clearance and it deflected agonisingly wide of the post. In the final minute, a break saw Woodrow get one final chance to seal the win but the striker's well struck shot cannoned off the bar.

Fulham: Marek Rodak, Josh Passley, Tom Richards, Liam Donnelly, Stephen Arthurworrey; Solomon Sambou, Patrick Roberts, Emerson Hyndman, Muamer Tankovic, Lyle Della Verde ('45), Cauley Woodrow. Subs: Max Oberschmidt, Cameron Burgess, Daniel O'Reilly, Noe Baba, Moussa Dembele ('45).

Man Utd: Jonathan Sutherland, Donald Love ('78), Nicholas Ioannou, Patrick McNair, Liam Grimshaw, Ben Pearson, James Weir, Jack Rudge, Jack Barmby ('82), Andreas Pereira, Mats Daehli. Subs: Callum Evans, Kieran O'Hara, James Wilson ('78), Sam Byrne ('82), Louis Rowley.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/april/30/under-18s-v-man-utd?

[WhiteJC]

 
Jennings Reflects on U-18s' Draw

Academy Director Hugh Jennings is pleased that the destination of the Barclays Under-18 Elite Group title is still in Fulham's hands after a 0-0 draw with Manchester United.

The Whites hit the post twice in a tight game at Motspur Park on Tuesday night, but could not break the deadlock. The draw leaves them three points clear of Reading - who play Crystal Palace on Wednesday night - and if the Royals win, then Fulham will have to match their result on the last day of the regular season next weekend.

"It was a tight encounter and although both teams had chances, the draw was probably the fair result," Jennings told the official website. "We hit the post in the first half and had one cleared off the line. Then right at the death Cauley Woodrow hit the crossbar. To be fair, their goalkeeper was probably the busier of the two.

"A lot of credit needs to be given to United, though, because they worked very hard and made it difficult for us. We just didn't quite do enough to break them down, but it's been a long season for the boys and at times that showed tonight. But they'll go away and recover and prepare accordingly for Saturday's game with Everton.

"We're still top, so this result wasn't too bad for us - it's certainly still in our hands. Of course, it would be nice to finish at the top of the pack as it would be a fine reward for what has been a positive season for us.

"Reading, who are in second place, play tomorrow and there's a chance things will be a little clearer then. We'll see what happens, but hopefully we can come out on top."

Whites defender Liam Donnelly added:  "I thought a draw was probably a fair result, but if one team was going to take the points I thought it was us. If anything we possibly shaded it. We had a few chances, but unfortunately it was just one of those nights for us. We worked hard, and played well in patches, but just couldn't get the ball in the net.

"We're still in control of the group, and we're very hopeful that we can be named champions. It would mean a lot to us players, and obviously the coaching staff too. It would have been nice to have got the win tonight, because it puts a bit more pressure on Saturday's game against Everton.

"But I think we can get the result we need, we've shown throughout the season that we are a match for any side in this league. Hopefully that will be the case again. It's a match we're all looking forward to."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/april/30/jennings-reflects?

[WhiteJC]

 
Philippe Senderos: "Carlo Ancelotti is a leader of men"

Fulham defender Philippe Senderos believes that Carlo Ancelotti would be a success as Real Madrid coach.

Reports have linked the current Paris Saint-Germain coach to the job at Santiago Brenabeu with Jose Mourinho likely to leave los Blancos at the end of the campaign and Senderos, who played for the Italian at AC Milan, feels that he is capable of doing a good job at the Liga side.

Asked if he thought Ancelotti could perform in Madrid, the centre-back told Sky Sports: "His record speaks for itself and he keeps egos in check. Ancelotti is a leader of men.

"He is a great coach and he would be a success anywhere he goes."

Madrid were knocked out of the Champions League semi-final by Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday evening.



http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/real-madrid/news/senderos-ancelotti-is-a-leader-of-men_82229.html

[WhiteJC]

 
David Stockdale: Hull City not 'bottling' big Premier League challenge

DAVID Stockdale believes Hull City owe it to their fans to deliver the ultimate prize of Premier League promotion after "letting people down" in their limp defeat to Barnsley.

The Tigers were condemned to an anxious final week of the season when soundly beaten 2-0 at Oakwell in front of almost 6,000 travelling supporters, a performance manager Steve Bruce begrudgingly labelled the worst of his tenure.

A third game without a win has allowed Watford to leap back to within a point of City, but with one final chance to seal their own fate at home to Cardiff, Stockdale says the "hurt" felt at Barnsley will inspire a reaction on the season's tense final day.

"There were 6,000 fans at Barnsley and we really wanted to have it done and dusted there," Stockdale told the Mail.

"They were brilliant all game and stayed with us right until the end. We want to repay them on Saturday.

"We let people down and that's what hurt. You want to do it for yourself but there were a lot of lads who had families there, so to let them down as well as the fans was not a nice feeling.

"The gaffer told us to remember this feeling because on Saturday you want it to be the other way around and have a bit of ecstasy this time."

City are now counting down to one of the biggest games in their 109-year history.

Victory over title-winners Cardiff on Saturday lunchtime would guarantee the KC Stadium's finest hour with automatic promotion to the top flight, but Watford could snatch second with a win at home to Leeds if City falter.

The Tigers' task could hardly be more straightforward and Stockdale is confident their character will hold true.

"People keep asking 'Is it nerves? Are you bottling it?' but I honestly don't think we are," said the goalkeeper, on loan from Fulham.

"There doesn't seem to be any pressure on the lads as the gaffer takes it all.

"We went in on Monday morning and had a little chat, regrouped and started looking forward to Saturday.

"It's hard for the manager to take us playing like we did. It wasn't good enough.

"We're still one point ahead in second with a game to play. Everyone would have bitten your hand off for that at the start of the season.

"To say we need to win one game to reach the Premier League is a hell of a carrot on the end of the stick."



Read more: http://www.thisishullandeastriding.co.uk/story-18856564-detail/story.html?#ixzz2S399XoKa
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[WhiteJC]

 
Sascha Riether: Martin Jol will keep Fulham on top

Sascha Riether admits Fulham may struggle to keep hold of their best players again this summer but is confident they will continue to progress under Martin Jol.

Fulham lost influential pair Mousa Dembele and Clint Dempsey to Tottenham in August and Jol has already said he faces another rebuilding job at Craven Cottage.

Dimitar Berbatov is sure to attract attention following an impressive season with 13 goals so far, while Giorgos Karagounis and Mark Schwarzer are both out of contract.

Riether warns it could be difficult to prevent key players leaving if offers come in but has backed Jol to strengthen the squad for next season.

The 30-year-old, who is himself on loan from Cologne but is hoping to make the deal permanent, said: "At Fulham it is always possible that you might lose great players, big players, to other clubs so it is not easy.

"It is normal that if you play well other clubs want to buy you.

"If some players do leave, other good players will come and I think Fulham will have a great team next year."

Considering the bitter blow of losing Dembele and Dempsey, Fulham have had a decent season.

They were on course for their second top-10 finish under Jol but one point from their last five games leaves them 11th going into the final month.

"It was not easy for us after losing very good players like Dembele and Dempsey, who scored a lot of goals last season," said Riether. "Our goal was to be in the top 10, hopefully we can reach that and then it is important to build on that for next season.

"There will be a lot of changes in the team this summer. Some new players will join, some players will leave but we will be prepared for next season.

"The Premier League is not easy but we can build step by step. Our recent form is not very good but we have played teams like Chelsea, Arsenal and Everton. Two of our three remaining games are at home so I think we can finish strongly."

Riether is enjoying a stellar first season in England after joining from Cologne and was recently voted Fulham's Player of the Year by his team-mates. The German, who has two international caps, instantly made the right-back position his own at Craven Cottage and has gone on to make 36 appearances.

Riether is also in line to win the end-of-season award voted for by supporters and admits he has surprised himself with his seamless transition to English football.

He added: "You never know what will happen in a new League, it was not easy coming to another country with a different style of football but it has gone well for me.

"German football and English football are different, so I had to adapt to a new style of play and new team-mates. Little by little it has got better and I hope that continues.

"Football in Germany is always physical and people like to see that in England. The fans like me and my style because I always give 100 per cent."

Fulham have an option to buy Riether for around £1.3million when his loan deal expires this summer and Jol has indicated his desire to keep him.Riether, who is set to return from an ankle injury against Reading on Saturday, is in talks with the club and is confident an agreement will be reached.

Tickets are on general sale for Fulham's match against Reading on Saturday. The fixture is Fulham's Official Charity Match for the 2012-13 season and Shooting Star CHASE is the club's official charity partner. Shooting Star CHASE children's hospice aims to make every day count for children and teenagers with life-limiting conditions, and their families. You can donate by texting FFCF05 and £1, £2, £3, £5 or £10 to 70070. For further information visit: fulhamfc.com



http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/sascha-riether-martin-jol-will-keep-fulham-on-top-8598536.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham v Reading

With our final home match of the 2012/13 season against Liverpool already sold out, there's only one more home match available. Make sure you cheer on the Whites one last time before the summer.

Fulham v Reading - Sat 4th May (3pm)
Join us for our Official Charity Match for the season - in association with Shooting Star CHASE, the Club's Official Charity Partner - as we look to maintain our unbeaten run against the Royals.

We've won two and drawn one of the last three matches with Reading - scoring eight goals in the process - and Martin Jol and his boys will be keen to make up for letting our lead slip earlier in the season at the Madejski Stadium when the sides played out a 3-3 thriller.

There will be a number of free activities for supporters to get involved in throughout the day, including the return of our popular Family Fun Day in Bishops Park from 11am.

We've got plenty going on, including the EA Sports DUGOUT, a five-a-side inflatable pitch, Kicking Distance Monitor, and the Chipperoo. You can find out more about what we have planned here.

Match tickets can be purchased online today or by visiting or calling the Ticket Office on 0843 208 1234 (option 1).



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/may/01/fulham-v-reading?

[WhiteJC]

 
Defender unconcerned by potential exits

Sascha Riether admits Fulham may struggle to keep hold of their best players but is confident they can progress next season.

The Cottagers lost Mousa Dembele and Clint Dempsey last summer but have still enjoyed an impressive campaign and could yet secure a top-ten finish. Riether, who is on loan from Cologne but is expected to make the move permanent in the summer, believes Fulham's top performers could well attract attention when the transfer window reopens but expects the club to progress under the guidance of Martin Jol regardless of who departs at the end of the campaign. "At Fulham it is always possible that you might lose great players, big players, to other clubs, so it is not easy," he told the Evening Standard. "It is normal that if you play well other clubs want to buy you. "If some players do leave, other good players will come and I think Fulham will have a great team next year." He added: "There will be a lot of changes in the team this summer. Some new players will join, some players will leave but we will be prepared for next season."


http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/defender-unconcerned-by-potential-exits-1584378.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham facing fight to keep Berbatov

Fulham striker Dimitar Berbatov is back on the agenda of long-term admirers Zenit St Petersburg.

The cash-rich Russian side are in the market for a new forward and the Bulgarian's impressive form for Fulham this season has attracted their attention.

Zenit's primary target is Werder Bremen's 24-year-old hitman Marko Arnautovic but, should they fail to get their man, Berbatov is seen as the next best option.

They had been the chasing the 32-year-old last summer when he was bringing an end to his time at Manchester United, before Fulham landed one of the bargains of the season with a £5m deal.

But the 13 goals the former Old Trafford star has bagged in the English top-flight this season has seen Zenit revive their interest and Martin Jol could be facing a fight to hold on to his star man this summer.



Read more: http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/transfer-rumours/130501/fulham-facing-fight-keep-berbatov-196719?#ixzz2S3ANMmMQ
Follow us: @talksport on Twitter
Read more at http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/transfer-rumours/130501/fulham-facing-fight-keep-berbatov-196719?#hElUKp1tVLAO2uWe.99

[WhiteJC]

 
Aatif Chahechouche eyes move to England despite new deal at Sivasspor


Aatif Chahechouche: Sivasspor midfielder would like to play in England eventually

Aatif Chahechouche admits he would like to eventually play in England despite signing a new contract with Turkish side Sivasspor.

The Moroccan had been linked with a move to England, with Fulham and Swansea City said to be looking at the 26-year-old, before the midfielder inked a new deal that expires in 2016.

The French-born player has notched up five goals in the Turkish Super League for Sivasspor since joining from Bulgarian side Chernomorets Burgas in 2012.

Sivasspor currently lie in 11th place in the Turkish Super League table, some distance behind leading lights Galatasaray and Fenerbahce, but Chahechouche says the standard of the league is improving his career prospects.

"I am happy at the club, they trust me and I am enjoying my football here," said Chahechouche.

"There were some clubs interested in me from England and Spain, but I love the Turkish League because it is so competitive.

"But I am only 26 and maybe one day I will realise my dream of playing in England."



http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11661/8683336?