Thursday Fulham Stuff (02/05/13)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Riether expects Fulham progress

Fulham's Sascha Riether feels the club will move forward under Martin Jol, despite fears over the future of their top players.

Riether, who is on loan from Koln, has enjoyed an impressive first season in the Premier League, making 36 appearances for the London club, as they have secured a safe mid-table position.

However, Jol has already admitted that he may have to rebuild his squad once again after losing Mousa Dembele and Clint Dempsey to Tottenham at the start of the campaign.

In spite of any possible departures, Riether is confident the Craven Cottage outfit will continue moving forward and up the table next season.

"It is normal that if you play well other clubs want to buy you," he told The London Evening Standard.

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

"It was not easy for us after losing very good players like Dembele and Dempsey, who scored a lot of goals last season. 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."



http://uk.soccerway.com/news/2013/May/01/riether-expects-fulham-progress/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Russian Giants Zenit Consider Swoop for Fulham Striker Dimitar Berbatov

Fulham striker Dimitar Berbatov may well find a new home in Russia as Zenit St. Petersburg are keen to acquire his services, according to Russian daily Izvestia.

The Bulgarian's first season under Martin Jol after his departure from Manchester United last summer has been solid. To date, Berbatov has already managed to score 13 goals and clock up four assists in his 30 league matches for the Cottagers this season.

The centre-forward's goalscoring form has attracted Russian giants Zenit, although the club remain cautious in their approach.

With high-profile names like the Brazilian Hulk and the Belgian Axel Witsel already on their payroll, Zenit are taking their time to consider releasing the cash to acquire the 32-year-old.

"I have heard of interest in Berbatov from Russian clubs in the past, and I still hear of them today", Berbatov's agent, Emil Danchev, said.



Read more at http://www.insidefutbol.com/2013/05/01/russian-giants-zenit-consider-swoop-for-fulham-striker-dimitar-berbatov/84983/#JyUFKT2OdqAEp1mp.99

[WhiteJC]

 
Sascha Riether: Fulham can cope with summer sales


Sascha Riether: On loan at Fulham from FC Koln

Sascha Riether says Fulham will remain a strong team even if they sell key players again this summer.

Cottagers boss Martin Jol saw his pre-season plans disrupted when Mousa Dembele and Clint Dempsey left in big-money moves to Tottenham but the club have still performed well and are currently 11th in the Premier League table.

Striker Dimitar Berbatov, who has scored 13 goals this season, has been strongly linked with a switch to Russian side Zenit St Petersburg this summer.

But Riether, who is hoping to make his loan move from FC Koln permanent in the summer, believes the club can build on what has been a decent 2012/13 season regardless of changes in personnel.

"At Fulham it is always possible that you might lose great players, big players, to other clubs so it is not easy," Riether told the London 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.

Riether added: "It was not easy for us after losing very good players like Dembele and Dempsey, who scored a lot of goals last season.

"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."



http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/8683928/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Back on the Market?
   
Rumour has it that a former associate of hours might be up for sale.

Having left Fulham to earn a small fortune, per week, at Reading, the Berkshire club are now, if our sources are right, looking to offload Pavel Pogrebynak.

Last season, his only season at Reading, Pavel was said to be earning £65,000 a week and his return for that salary was a mere 5 Premier League goals, not a very good return.

Speaking about the possibility of moving on (again) Pavel is quoted in the red-top press as having remarked,

"I think everything will be decided by the end of the season."

What`s that phrase about a sinking ship again?


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=318164#ixzz2S6Qk5TAU

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham Phone Cases

Brand new Fulham phone cases are now available online and instore for iPhone 4/4s, iPhone 5 and Samsung Galaxy S3.
Protect your smartphone with an official Fulham FC phone case. These form fitting cases cover the back and corners of your device with an impact resistant, flexible plastic shell, whilst still providing access to all the functions and buttons.

Designed exclusively for Fulham FC, this is a must for all true Whites fans.

Buy today online, at the Stadium Store, or direct on 0843 208 1223.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/may/01/phonecovers?

[WhiteJC]

 
Should West Ham Really Be Targeting This Premier League Goalkeeper?

27 year old English goalkeeper David Stockdale is amongst the rumour mill with the end of the season fast approaching. Stockdale is on loan from Fulham at Hull City in the Championship. As the first choice goalkeeper at Hull this season since his arrival in the January transfer window, the England international has been an integral part of their promotion push.

It will go down to the final day of the Championship season to decide if Hull will gain automatic promotion or have to fight through the playoffs. Reports suggest that Hull's success of reaching the Premier League will determine their interest in Stockdale. If they gain promotion they would like to secure him permanently. Hull manager Steve Bruce said "You can count on one hand the number of mistakes he has made, so he has been very influential.".

Fulham are ready to offload David, who signed in 2008, in a hope to finally sign long-term target Maarten Stekelenberg from AS Roma.

West Ham's interest has perhaps been in the pipeline for a while but with Jussi having a fantastically underrated season, he may hold on to the #1 spot for another season. Stephen Henderson has been recalled recently to warm the bench, but has had little opportunity to prove himself. Raphael Spiegel is a promising youth goalie who has made the bench a few times this season but again, the veteran Jussi has managed to dismiss all competition.

Stockdale is said to be available for around the £4million mark and with Jussi running the show and Hendo and Rapha waiting in the wings, you wonder if the Fulham goalkeeper is worth it.

Has anyone seen Stockdale this season? How do you rate him amongst our current crop, and do you feel our goalkeepers need £4million worth of strengthening?



http://foreverwestham.com/2013/05/blog-topics/should-west-ham-really-be-targeting-this-premier-league-goalkeeper?

[WhiteJC]

 
AC Milan Club Focus: What To Do With Urby Emanuelson?

Eyebrows were raised when Urby Emanuelson made his exit from San Siro to ply his trade at Craven Cottage this winter. The Dutchman had worked his name into the good books of Massimiliano Allegri, a manager infamous for having raised a few eyebrows himself with his questionable tactical choices.

Although Emanuelson's best performances have been noted with him playing at  left-back, Allegri was insistent about fielding the former Ajax man in a no.10 role. Emanuelson toiled long and hard to please the fans with his bodily elasticity and breakneck speed, but alas, that remained insufficient. Following the arrival of M'Baye Niang and the recovery of Kevin-Prince Boateng, Emanuelson found himself warming the bench.

His thirst for first-team football took him to London. However, the move has backtracked his career instead of resurrecting it. Martin Jol has predominantly used him off-the-bench, a scenario Emanuelson was unwilling to accept at Milan.

Jol's adamant claims of not being able to afford the purchase of Emanuelson indicates a return to Italy for the twenty-six year old. That leaves the Milan hierarchy with a problem. Or, does it?

Milan's midfield is run by one man; Riccardo Montolivo. He destroys, defends, creates and attacks with the other two in the trio merely supporting him. His continued rampant domination of the midfield after several months of football is testimony to the quality of player he is. But, the strain on Montolivo would have been far lesser had Emanuelson exercised some patience.

Emanuelson was largely responsible for connecting the midfield with the attack. He would dribble from a deeper position before setting up a forward, or alternately, attempt a preposterous shot at goal. Facts do not lie, and in half a season, Emannuelson had assisted more goals than any midfielder at Milan. With Stephan El Shaarawy's influence dwindling at a bewildering rate, Milan visibly lacked a player who could bridge the gap between the midfield and the attack.

Emanuelson did not set the world on fire when he played on the right wing, but did what could have been asked of him. His movement was impressive, he could turn defenders with a slight twist of his hip and break into open spaces at lethal speeds. He could also pick a mouthwatering pass from time to time.

Technically, Emanuelson was, and probably still is a top-class footballer. Even Jol seems to notice Emanuelson's expertise on the ball. "You could see that Urby is a nice, technical crowd-pleaser." he told Sky Sports.

Emanuelson is far from a perfect player.  His decision-making, defensive nous and inter-play are by far his weaker points. These often spearheaded a pivotal role in his inconsistency, which saw him relegated to the bench at Milan. He was never going to be an integral part of the project, he would play a supplementary role. That did not mean he was unimportant, but that he would be a utility player.

Every big club in Europe has a utility player. Bayern Munich have Thomas Muller, Real Madrid have Fabio Coentrao, Chelsea have Ramires, Manchester United have Wayne Rooney. These players help shrink the squad size by performing numerous roles. Clearly, some are more prominent names when compared to the others. But they are engaged in multiple positions for their versatility. Emanuelson can play in all positions down the left wing, in central midfield, behind the striker and on the right wing. The variance of diversity is staggering.

Milan do have a choice to make. Emanuelson could quite easily become excess baggage at the Milanello, or he could clock serious game-time, reducing the burden of excessive football on other first-team players. Emanuelson's absence from the squad has pinched Allegri repeatedly.

El Shaarawy has barely had a sniff of air since the start of the season and Boateng is being played out of position to compensate for the lack of a prominent right-winger. Allegri is also having to scratch the squad to find a suitable box-to-box midfielder, a player who could compliment Montolivo. Emanuelson can be painfully average, but he could also be blissfully useful.



http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2013/05/ac-milan-club-focus-what-to-do-with-urby-emanuelson/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham's top scorer Berbatov targeted by mega-rich Russian giants Zenit

Fulham striker Dimitar Berbatov, 32, is wanted by Russian side Zenit St Petersburg.

The Bulgarian's agent Emil Danchev said: 'I have heard of interest from Russian clubs.

'Much will depend on Fulham but at the moment I do not know of any formal offers.'


Star man: Dimitar Berbatov could leave the Premier League




Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2317948/Dimitar-Berbatov-targeted-Zenit-St-Petersburg.html#ixzz2S6RrU6Xy
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

[WhiteJC]

 
Hamburg - three years on

The culmination of that giddy run to the Europa League final with the euphoria and pride attached to being a Fulham supporter now seems something from another world. Three seasons down the line and the faithful this May-time are fretting over do Fulham have what it takes to defeat already-relegated Reading on their own patch -- not are we good enough to go toe-to-toe with Atletico Madrid.

Much can happen to a club in three seasons. Just ask Wolves. Closer to home, how have Newcastle gone from a top-six EPL side to hovering outside the bottom three in 12 months? Having lost their last two home games 0-3 and 0-6, nerves on Tyneside must be in tatters. How lucky they were to see unambitious Fulham gift them a sloppy 93rd-minute winner up there a month ago.

We can't blame Martin Jol for losing so narrowly in Hamburg in 2010. Nor had he anything to do with the season that followed, when Mark Hughes ultimately came round to trusting Danny Murphy to let the team tick over without radical surgery.

A very respectable finish in 2011 saw Fulham back in the Europa hat again with Martin now at the helm. This time they failed to go on from the group stage, as a slack and unprofessional performance in the final game at the Cottage proved costly. But Fulham held it together in the league to maintain top-ten status, principally on the back of a stand out season from Clint Dempsey (23 goals in all competitions).

This current campaign began with that illusory hammering of Norwich City, followed immediately by the twin hammer blows of having Clint and Mousa Dembele ripped from the bosom of the club. Fulham have never recovered, and as such now face the final three games of the season with relegation still a mathematical possibility.

That won't happen, even with big names absent and team form on the slide. By the same token, I can't see Fulham making the top ten again either. By mid-May, the curtain falls on what has been a mediocre season from a rather mediocre squad. A forgettable season all round. But on balance, with what Fulham have had to work with, and the financial strictures under which they operate, Fulham are precisely where they deserve to be.

Plenty will say, for a small club like Fulham, that's a job well done. Hat's off to Martin and the board!

Now, when you pick through the bones from the past nine months, and if you recall the progress report blog I posted just prior to Stoke's visit, where I saw three points as essential to our efforts to avoid a relegation scrap, you will realise we've sailed very close to the wind.  Penalty saves from Mark Schwarzer against Stoke and QPR that meant six points instead of two, along with the miraculous win at Spurs, have in the final analysis saved Fulham's skins.

Hamburg 2010 is consigned to history. So too, the majority of those players. But you cannot be passive in the Premier League and pray. The stakes are too high, the competition too cutthroat. All that Fulham have built on for the past 12 years will wash away on the next high tide unless the club approach the new season with positivity and a resolve to radically improve the side.

Fulham have hardly been throwing money around for a while now. They have a large dollop of extra cash heading our way from the new TV rights deal, and according to filed accounts, Fulham are debt-free after the chairman converted his £193 million of loans into equity. I hear from reliable sources Mr. Al Fayed remains as committed to the club as ever and is not going anywhere soon.

We supporters do our bit by shelling out all we can afford on matchday tickets and travel to give the club sellout gates every fortnight. More than that we cannot offer.

Nobody has ever shown me that investing fortunes in a football club makes for sound business sense. Millionaires live by their own rules anyway. But for this upcoming offseason, CEO Alistair Mackintosh and director Mark Collins (who reports directly to Mr. Al Fayed) have two key decisions to make. Are the club willing to make a telling financial contribution to team rebuilding (as they did for Tigana), and do they ultimately have faith in the current manager to deliver the dream? We have reached a crossroads, we will cheer and flag wave from the side-lines, but only the above can dictate our destiny.

Twitter@fulhamphil



http://espnfc.com/blog/_/name/fulham/id/978?&cc=5739

[WhiteJC]

 
FULHAM TO OFFER NEIL ETHERIDGE NEW CONTRACT

FULHAM will give keeper Neil Etheridge, 23, a new contract with a view to loaning him out next season.



http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/312347/?

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Derek Boateng's agents rubbish fresh Fulham talks

Representatives of Ghana international Derek Boateng have rubbished fresh reports linking the midfielder with a move to Fulham in the summer.

The 29-year-old, who is fighting his Ukrainian club Dnipro at FIFA, was on the verge of joining Greece champions Olympiakos in January.

Reports from the English media this week claimed that Boateng has started negotiations with Fulham over a move in the summer.

But Boateng's representatives say a line of communication has not been opened between Fulham and their client.

The move to England could be sealed quickly for Boateng if Fulham are interested because  the work permit that Cottagers obtained for him in January still valid.

After taking Dnipro to FIFA over breaches in his contract Boateng is now free of his contract, making him a free agent.

Olympiakos are the club most likely to sign the Ghana international.

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.ghanasoccernet.com/derek-boatengs-agents-rubbish-fresh-fulham-talks/?

[WhiteJC]

Seat Guarantee Deadline

Current Season Ticket Holders have just five days left to renew their current seat for 2013/14. Your seat is only guaranteed until 5pm on Tuesday 7th May 2013.

Supporters can renew their Season Ticket online in three simple steps:

1) Visit fulhamfc.com and log in
2) Select your seat
3) Complete your transaction

Season Ticket Holders wanting to move to a new seat will be prompted to either renew their current seat or choose a new one in the online process.

Alternatively, visit or call the Ticket Office on 0843 208 1234 (Option 3).

Find out more by visiting fulhamfc.com/seasontickets today.

Full FAQs are available here.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/may/02/seat-guarantee-deadline?

[WhiteJC]

 
Sascha Riether: Signing of the Season?


Sascha Riether outrunning and outmuscling Manchester United's Nani.

In a Fulham season of unfilled voids, back-to-back red cards and mercurial star players, there has been one shining light. Sascha Riether, brought in on loan from Cologne in the summer, has exceeded all expectations and put himself in contention for signing of the season.

When news broke of the German international joining the club in July, it's fair to say that the reaction towards him was somewhat nugatory. Riether's parent club had just been relegated from the Bundesliga without a whimper, and he'd spent most of the season playing as a makeshift holding-midfielder.  On paper, he may not have looked like the solution to Fulham's right-back problems. 'Problems' may be a harsh choice of words as the hardworking Stephen Kelly proved solid enough, but he was still arguably the weak link in the starting XI. The team was crying out for a similar full-back to Riise — someone who would get up and support their winger, whilst being more than competent defensively.

Ever since the opening game of the current season, which saw Fulham crush Norwich five goals to nil, the type of player the Cottagers had on their hands in Riether was evidently clear. The Lahr-born defender is a rare balance of attacking potency and defensive reliability. One moment he'll be on the overlap, preparing to put a cross in the box; the next, he'll be nicking the ball away from his man near his own penalty-area and setting off on another attack. It's this trait that has made Riether one of Fulham's most reliable performers. His engine is incredible, and Matthew Etherington felt the full effects of it. Despite clearly carrying a knock, he was knackered after 20 minutes during the Stoke home fixture in February.

One of the high-profile incidents in Manchester United's title-winning effort was Sir Alex hauling off Rafael before half-time against Reading. He'd had one of those games where he'd been run ragged, picked up a silly booking early on, and  looked like getting sent off. You'd struggle to find a match remotely similar concerning Riether. He may not be a match-winner like the Brazilian, but he'll always contain the opposition threat on his side. The German's most impressive performance actually came against the Reds earlier in the year, when United's left-flank was completely nullified. From a neutral perspective Riether versus Nani will always sway towards the latter; however, the right-back just shut him out. It was a surprisingly dominant showing. He was first to every lofted pass and won the continuing jostling competition. He of course still made himself an asset down the other end of the pitch, supplying some fine crosses to Hugo Rodallega and linking up well with Ashkan Dejagah; making sure he got back to put a damper on Nani.

The aforementioned partnership of Ashkan Dejagah and Riether is an exciting prospect. The duo were just as vital to Wolfsburg's Bundesliga title win in 2009 as the headline grabbers, Edin Dzeko and Grafite. The Iranian arrived in the Premier League off the back of a respectable top-half finish with the Saxony club, racking up a respectable three goals and seven assists over the course of the season. At first he looked lightweight, slower than many remembered from his time in Germany, and weak defensively, but from West Brom away onwards, he's been a revelation. The linkup play between Dejagah and Riether truly came (back) to fruition at White Hart Lane in March, where their neat exchanges led to Dimitar Berbatov's only goal of the game.

It's a shame that there weren't many people talking up the idea of Riether getting a spot in the PFA Team of the Year. The last Fulham player to feature was, funnily enough, another right-back in Steve Finnan eleven years ago. With the two favourites Pablo Zabaleta and Rafael coming from the two Manchester clubs occupying first and second place in the League, it was always going to be a tough ask — especially as Fulham have had very limited TV coverage this campaign. Dimitar Berbatov's popularity is another reason for the German's exploits slipping under the radar. The closing comment for every Fulham highlights slot and match report is usually something along the lines of, " it was the Bulgarian Berbatov who stole the show". Sure, he does all the flicks, outrageous first touches, and garners all the plaudits, but consistency has evaded him this term.  The Whites would be in a dire situation without his goals and mainly positive contribution, but Sascha Riether has been the main man; the epitome of consistency. Whatever the fee, the powers that be at Craven Cottage would be mad not to sign him on a permanent deal.



http://www.lastminutegoal.co.uk/sascha-riether-signing-of-the-season/

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham striker Dimitar Berbatov has Russian admirers, agent reveals

Dimitar Berbatov's agent is aware of Russian interest in the Fulham striker but does not know if there have been any formal offers.

The Bulgarian has previously been linked with a move to Zenit St Petersburg and speculation has recently resurfaced that they could be keen to lure him away from Craven Cottage.

Berbatov's representative, Emil Danchev, has admitted the Russian Premier League would be an attractive option for any player but insisted that his client's future will be decided by Fulham.

The 32-year-old has impressed for Fulham this season after arriving on a two-year contract from Manchester United last summer.

"I have heard of interest in Berbatov from Russian clubs in the past and I still hear of them today," Danchev told Izvestia.

"The Russian league is growing seriously and should soon become one of the leading championships in Europe so to play in that country would be interesting.

"Of course, much will depend on the decision of the Fulham hierarchy but, at the moment, I do not know of any formal offers."



http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/8684710/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham End 2012/13 Premier League Campaign Like Lambs

Fulham have missed out on Europe and cup glory but remained safe from relegation in an unspectacular campaign that is ending with numerous question marks.

Well, that happened.

If you had asked me in August if I would take a likely 43 or 44 points and a comfortable mid-table finish, I probably would have grasped it with both hands. Clint Dempsey and Moussa Dembele were as good as gone and Dimitar Berbatov had yet to darken the door at Craven Cottage leaving many of us Fulham fans wondering where the goals would come from and who would become the face of the club.

Fast forward nine months and I have to admit, I'm not just pining away for the 2010 Europa League run, I'm finding myself even a little misty eyed for the 2008 Great Escape and am just a touch envious of Aston Villa and Wigan supporters. Well, maybe not Wigan supporters, but I think you know what I mean.

This Fulham vintage has given me occasion to cheer in fits and starts, but mostly my passion has been as languid and blase as Berbatov's dalliances in the final third of the field. I'm satisfied that Fulham have avoided a relegation scrap, but I am inclined to believe said avoidance has had as much to do with the utter ineptitude of sides like Reading and QPR as it has had to do with the Cottagers attacking verve and defensive mettle.

The immediate question "Will we survive?", has been underwhelmingly answered in the affirmative, but I'll take it. No long suffering Fulham fan is silly enough to take Premier League safety for granted. However, now that the club has survived to kick off another campaign come August, there are some serious and uncomfortable questions that need to be addressed.

From where I sit, Fulham need another striker; an out and out wing player with pace; a creative box to box midfielder; a center back; a left back; possibly a right back if Riether's deal isn't made permanent; and a goalkeeper. That's one hell of a shopping list especially when you consider that I believe these hypothetical players are the sorts of players who need to be of first XI caliber from the beginning of the season.

I'm operating under no illusion that the Chairman will suddenly find his pockets to be much, much deeper than they traditionally have been, but even if only two or three of these needs are addressed, the club is looking at an expensive summer of potentially historic proportions.

It is with these hurdles looming on the horizon that rumors have started circulating regarding the futures of Messrs. Jol and Berbatov. If there is any fire behind these alarm bells, I would suggest that it's a fire that's been set by Jol and possibly Berbatov themselves. What better bargaining chip than the threat of an exodus?

I tend to agree with Kristian Balkin that Jol and Berbatov are likely not going anywhere, but it's a dangerous gambit to play against an iron-willed chairman and if it doesn't work, I could wind up getting exactly what this season has left me wishing for, an epic relegation scrap.



http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2013/5/2/4291728/fulhams-2012-13-premier-league-campaign-roundup?

[WhiteJC]

 
Player of the Season

With the conclusion of the 2012/13 Barclays Premier League campaign almost upon us, it's time for Fulham fans to vote for the Club's Player of the Season.

The five contenders for the accolade are Brede Hangeland, Dimitar Berbatov, Giorgos Karagounis, Mark Schwarzer and Sascha Riether. We've reviewed their respective campaigns below so you can refresh your memory before casting your vote at the bottom of the page for the candidate you believe is most deserving.

Voting closes at 4pm on Thursday 9th May.


Brede Hangeland

One of the great surprises of Hangeland's Fulham career is that he has never won the Player of the Season award, despite proving himself to be a pillar of consistency for five-and-a-half years now. Following the departure of Danny Murphy in the summer, Martin Jol rewarded the big centre-back for his loyalty and performances by handing him the Club Captaincy, and he hasn't disappointed. Hangeland has been an ever present this season - barring suspension – and remains a rock at the heart of our defence. No-one in the Fulham side has won more aerial duels during 2012/13 (3.8 per match, on average), while he has also contributed going forwards, creating four chances for his teammates and scoring an extra-time winner against Blackpool in the FA Cup with Budweiser.


Dimitar Berbatov

A club's top scorer is always an obvious candidate for Player of the Season, but Berbatov brings so much more to Fulham than just goals. His strikes have proved crucial throughout the campaign, but even when he's not finding the back of the net, he still manages to dazzle the crowd. He possesses a delectable first touch which any footballer in the world would be proud of, while he can also boast a work ethic that didn't earn the recognition it deserved earlier in his career. In addition to his 13 strikes this season, the Bulgarian has also assisted three goals and created 41 chances. His signing on the 31st of August was seen as a huge coup for the Club and he certainly hasn't let anyone down since.


Giorgos Karagounis

Brought in by Jol to bolster his midfield with some added depth and experience, Karagounis has become far more than a bit-part player for the Whites – starting 20 matches and coming on as a substitute on five occasions. He's already become a cult favourite down by the banks of the Thames courtesy of his unrivalled passion and eagerness on the pitch, and his work rate never wavers despite turning 36 recently. Boasting the best pass accuracy of anyone in the Fulham squad (90.9 per cent), he's also chipped in with a couple of valuable goals – both incredible strikes from distance in consecutive matches in January against Blackpool and Wigan Athletic.


Mark Schwarzer

Schwarzer continues to prove that age is no barrier as he's delivered assured displays between the sticks throughout the season – most notably when facing penalties. Mikel Arteta, Jonathan Walters and Loic Remy have all failed to beat the imposing Australian from 12 yards as he played a huge role in helping Fulham collect points from those respective clashes with Arsenal, Stoke City and Queens Park Rangers. The second oldest player currently plying his trade in the top flight, he recently became only the ninth individual to ever make 500 Premier League appearances. He's made 133 saves in the current campaign, while 98 per cent of his attempted catches have been successful, which have helped the Whites to seven clean sheets.


Sascha Riether

The industrious right-back was relatively unknown in the UK when he was brought to Fulham on loan in the summer of 2012, but he's since gone on to establish himself as one of the most respected defenders in the country. Smart in the tackle but also in possession of exciting attacking urges, Riether has become a vital cog in Jol's team and is always one of the first names on the team sheet when fit. Likenesses have been made to previous Player of the Season Steve Finnan for his workmanlike attitude and dangerous crossing ability. Second only behind Schwarzer in the appearance table for the season, Riether has also been responsible for three assists and four goal-line clearances.

Vote Now!



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/may/02/player-of-the-season?

[WhiteJC]

 
Henderson confirms Fulham "was an option"

The England under-21 international was linked with a move to Fulham last summer and admits it "was an option".

He told The Express:

"Fulham was an option, but I felt I had more to give here, that I could help the team, that I was improving and I could give something back."

After finding himself out of Rodgers plans early in the season, Henderson has forced his way into the side and most fans have noted how much stronger we look in midfield when he plays alongside Lucas and Steven Gerrard.

"I have been working with the manager on the tactical side of the game, which I think has improved.

"I am thinking about the game a lot more. I am more disciplined in terms of when to press and when to make the forward runs.

"I have improved this season. If I look back on my performances I'm more mature, disciplined, more tactically aware. I just have to keep going in that direction."

The 22 year-old confirmed he is one of the players who has worked with Dr. Steve Peters:

"I've been to see him. He has been brilliant, someone you can talk to if you want to understand how you can improve mentally. A lot of the time football is mental as much as physical."

Henderson took his tally of goals to 6 with his double against Newcastle last week.

Henderson was signed by Kenny Dalglish for £16m in 2011 and had a tough first season at Anfield, being used as a right sided midfielder by Dalglish. But he has looked much more comfortable in a more central role this season.


http://www.thisisanfield.com/2013/05/henderson-confirms-fulham-was-an-option/?