Saturday Fulham Stuff (04/05/13)...

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Martin Jol warns Fulham players: The grass is not always greener


Martin Jol: Confident Fulham's key players will remain at the club for next season

Fulham boss Martin Jol is hoping that the club's best players will not leave the club in the summer.

Jol has told his squad that they are better off at Craven Cottage and Saturday's clash with Reading is a timely reminder for anyone with designs on a move, as Pavel Pogrebnyak returns with the relegated Royals.

The Cottagers have 11 players who are out of contract or at the end of their loan deals and Jol is confident of retaining those he would like to stay.

"You can use that cliche the grass is always greener here, probably, and not at another place," Jol said.

"There is a lot of evidence of players leaving this club and they had a better time here, maybe 80 or 90 per cent of the players.

"But that is quite arrogant to say, because other players go on to bigger clubs.

"Was there one player going to a top club or another club and did better than here? I don't think so."

Pogrebnyak spent the second half of last season at Fulham and Jol was full of praise for the forward.

He said: "When he was here he was a very good professional. From the first training session he showed he wanted to play for us. He scored six goals in his first five matches and he helped us big time."

Jol also dismissed reports of Dimitar Berbatov leaving Fulham as speculation.

"I don't think that will happen," he said. "They have to come up with a lot of money for a 32-year-old to get him away from this club."



http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11681/8687746?

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Petric to miss Royals clash

Mladen Petric is out of Fulham's visit of Reading on Saturday because of a hamstring injury, while Steve Sidwell is suspended.

Croatian hitman Petric has a hamstring problem which he picked up when replacing Dimitar Berbatov half an hour into last week's 1-0 defeat at Everton and will not be available. However boss Martin Jol is boosted by the news that Berbatov has recovered from the calf problem which forced him off at Goodison Park and will be back in the side against the already relegated Royals. Sidwell is still suspended following his red card against Arsenal, but defender Sascha Riether is fit for selection following an ankle injury. Midfielders Mahamadou Diarra, Ashkan Dejagah and Simon Davies remain out with respective knee, ankle and hip injuries. Meanwhile Alexander Kacaniklic has urged his team-mates to get back to winning ways and finish the season on a high note. He told the club's website: "We need a win on Saturday. It's a home game in front of our own fans so it would be nice to get back to winning ways at the Cottage. We haven't won for a while now so at the weekend we won't be looking for anything other than three points. "There are three games left and we want to win every one of them. That should always be the mentality - to go into every match and want to win. "That's what we need to do, first of all on Saturday, and then again when we face Liverpool and Swansea City." On Reading, he added: "In their current situation they have nothing to worry about. If they lose, they lose, but if they win, that'll be good for them. It'll be a dangerous game."



http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/petric-to-miss-royals-clash-1585132.html?

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Martin Jol will give Mahamadou Diarra chance to prove fitness ahead of new Fulham deal



Fulham boss Martin Jol insists crocked midfielder Mahamadou Diarra will be given a chance to prove his fitness as he seeks to earn a new deal at Craven Cottage.

The Malian, who been sidelined through injury since December, is out of contract at the end of next month.

Injuries have restricted the former Real Madrid man to just 15 league starts since his arrival in west London in February 2012 but Jol says he will continue to treat him as a Fulham player for the rest of the year.

Speaking about the 31-year-old, he said: "He's out of contract but we will give him the opportunity to prove himself fitness-wise. So we will continue to treat him as our player for the next six to eight months."

Meanwhile, Jol says goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer has yet to agree a new contract at the club.



Read more: http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/130503/martin-jol-will-give-mahamadou-diarra-chance-prove-fitness-ahead-new-ful-1968?#ixzz2SIZ3rY2G
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Several clubs on alert as Ibrahim set to leave City this summer

Abdisalam Ibrahim is set to leave Manchester City this summer, sparking a Premier League tussle battle for his signature.

The highly-rated midfielder, who is on loan at Stromgodset, will hold showdown talks with City officials over his future at the end of the season.

And Fulham, Wigan, Everton, West Brom and Brighton have all expressed an interest in the central midfielder – who has been likened to Patrick Vieira and Yaya Toure.


The race is on: Abdisalam Ibrahim (right) is set to leave Manchester City with Fulham, Wigan, Everton and West Brom are all after striker's signature

Arsenal are also understood to have asked to be kept updated with regards to Ibrahim's future.

Ibrahim, 22, has made three appearances for City's first-team, but has struggled to force his way into Roberto Mancini's regular plans given the wealth of midfield talent at his disposal.

But a string of excellent displays in Norway have alerted a clutch of Premier League sides.


Limited chances: Ibrahim has only made three appearances for City and failed to score in 11 matches while on loan at Scunthorpe in 2011

His loan spell in Stromgodset expires on June 30, by which time his City future should have been resolved.

His City contract expires at the end of next season and will be available for £500,000 should City deem Ibrahim surplus to requirements.



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2319012/Abdisalam-Ibrahim-leave-Manchester-City-summer.html#ixzz2SIZP0oue
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FULHAM v Reading: Berbatov fit to face relegated Royals but Petric ruled out


Return: Dimitar Berbatov was substituted just 30 minutes into the 1-0 defeat at Everton due to injury

Fulham forward Mladen Petric is out of tomorrow's Barclays Premier League clash with relegated Reading due to a hamstring injury.

Steve Sidwell is still suspended following his red card against Arsenal, but Dimitar Berbatov is available despite going off against Everton with a calf problem.

Defender Sascha Riether (ankle) is also fit for selection, but midfielders Mahamadou Diarra (knee), Ashkan Dejagah (ankle) and Simon Davies (hip) remain out.

Provisional squad: Schwarzer, Richardson, Hangeland, Senderos, Manolev, Emanuelson, Frei, Kacaniklic, Riether, Enoh, Ruiz, Berbatov, Frimpong, Duff, Etheridge, Riise, Karagounis, Rodallega, Hughes.



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2318998/FULHAM-v-Reading-Dimitar-Berbatov-fit-face-relegated-Royals-Mladen-Petric-ruled-out.html#ixzz2SIclloyZ
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Fulham handed injury boost ahead of Reading clash

Fulham v Reading

KIERAN Richardson and Dimitar Berbatov have recovered from knocks to return to the fold to face the relegated Royals.

The Fulham duo both limped out of last weekend's 1-0 defeat at Goodison Park, but are back in contention for tomorrow's clash at Craven Cottage.

Sascha Riether is also available again following a period on the sidelines, so Stanislav Manolev is expected to make way.

However, striker Mladen Petric joins Simon Davies, Mahamadou Diarra and Ashkan Dejagah in the treatment room.



Read more: Fulham Chronicle http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/fulham-fc/2013/05/03/82029-33279728/?#ixzz2SIeDbNzl

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The Opposition View - Fulham

With many thanks to our friends over at Vital Fulham, we ask a few questions ahead of tomorrow's game against the Cottagers. They answer questions about their season, the sacking of Brian McDermott and a prediction for the game.

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1) Martin Jol has now been in charge for two seasons, how do you think his tenure has gone so far and do you think he is the right man to take Fulham forward?

It`s hard to say. It`s been a strange couple of seasons. Just as Martin thought he had a settled squad (last summer) Clint Dempsey and Moussa Dembele were sold, leaving Martin very little time to bring in replacements. In the transfer window in January, Martin was forced to scrabble around to bring in some loan players. There are now rumours circulating that the board are unwilling to meet the fees put on these players to make the deals permanent, prompting suggestions that Jol might chuck it all in and return to either Germany or Holland!

2) How do you think your season has gone so far? Is it what you expected or would you have wanted to be pushing for European places?

It`s not been what we expected, the exodus of players last summer left us with a squad that wasn`t, I believe, as strong as the previous season. Sure, we`ve brought in the fantastic talent that is Dimitar Berbatov but we`re too lightweight in the midfield department and we`ve suffered accordingly. Just lately we`ve hit a run that has relegation form written all over it, I`m just thankful we had enough points on the board not to be dragged into the scrap.

3) Although your not mathematically safe, you are highly likely to be a Premier League team next near. What sort of dealings would you like to see in the summer?

We have to reinforce the midfield, it`s too weak after Dembele, Dempsey, Murphy and Etuhu jumped ship last summer. Sidwell has performed admirably but his two recent red cards have seen him out for the remainder of the season. Elsewhere, perhaps a new striker to support Dimitar might see us have a far healthier season.

4) Who are Fulham`s inform player/s coming into this game?

I would have said Dimitar Berbatov but the Bulgarian striker limped off in our poor display against Everton, at Goodison Park, and is a doubt for the match.

5) What are your strengths and weaknesses as a team that you have noticed over the past couple of games?

Our strengths - The ability to counter-attack with pace!

Our weaknesses - We`re having trouble scoring, in four out of the last five Premier League games we`ve failed to score. Also, our midfield is a little light due to Steve Sidwell`s absence through suspension.

6) What did you think about the sacking of Brian McDermott and the appointment of Nigel Adkins?

I thought it was harsh on McDermott after he`d led you to promotion and I have to say if he was going to be sacked then he should have been removed earlier, although appointing Adkins was a smart move. He was unlucky to lose his job at Southampton and he knows the ropes when it comes to getting promotion from the Championship.

7) If you had to take one player from our side now we are relegated, who would it be?

Pavel Pogrebrynak - I can still spell it after all this time J. I liked the guy when he was at Craven Cottage and thought he was going to stay with us, but his was swayed by big money!

8) Who do you reckon will start for you and what sort of shape will you probably have?

A hard one this! Last time out we lost Richardson and Berbatov to injury, Sidwell is suspended and Riether is carrying a knock. But, giving it some thought I reckon it could be:

Schwarzer, Riether (or Manolev), Senderos, Hangeland, Riise, Karagounis, Enoh, Emanuelson, Duff, Ruiz, Berbatov (or Petric)

9) What's your prediction for the game?

Our luck has to change sometimes, I`m going for a Fulham win, 2-0!



Read more: http://www.reading.vitalfootball.co.uk/sitepage.asp?a=318313#ixzz2SIeSdyOb

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Adkins to follow Fulham blueprint

Nigel Adkins looks to Saturday's opponents Fulham for inspiration of how to become an established club in the Barclays Premier League.

The Cottagers have survived in the top flight since their promotion in 2001, finishing in mid-table every year and qualifying for the Europa league on two occasions.

In contrast Reading have been condemned to an immediate return to the npower Championship following last weekend's draw with QPR.

"We're not an established Premier League club. We've been in the division and the challenge now is to get back there and have a period of sustainability," Adkins said.

"From that the target would then be to become an established Premier League club. Fulham have managed that and I'd put West Brom and Stoke in the same bracket.

"There might be a situation where you yo-yo a bit between the divisions, that's just being realistic.

"But the structure has to be right and I definitely believe we're on the right lines for that."

Adkins is aware of the challenge guiding a club back into the Premier League poses having overseen back-to-back promotions as manager of Southampton, who sacked the 48-year-old in January.

"Most of the teams in the Championship will have been in the top flight at some point," he said.

"There are some big clubs with big stadiums and good supporters. They all believe they should be in the Premier League. We know how competitive it is.

"Having been promoted with Southampton, I know what it takes to go Saturday-Tuesday-Saturday-Tuesday.

"You must have a squad of players who can deal with the injuries and suspensions that come along.

"And when you do get promoted again you have to be able to sustain being in the Premier League and not make dramatic changes. You have to build gradually."

Striker Jason Roberts has been out since December with a hip injury and Adkins insists he will have a key role to play next season.

"Jason's a player we want to make sure we have fit and available as soon as possible. We'll have to see how the pre-season pans out," he said.

"I thought he was the reason Reading won the Championship. He was a great signing for them. When he came in he scored the goals and kicked the team on."



http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/article/312/8688196/-?

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Fulham players donate day's wages to children's hospice charity



Fulham's first-team squad have donated a day's wages to the children's hospice charity Shooting Star CHASE ahead of the Premier League game against Reading, which has been designated the club's official charity match.

The Shooting Star CHASE logo will also appear on the front of the players' shirts, alongside that of club sponsors FxPro, enabling it to reach a worldwide television audience.

Shooting Star CHASE provides expert care at two children's hospices, including Shooting Star House in Hampton.

The charity supports more than 600 families from across west London, Surrey and West Sussex who have a child or teenager not expected to reach their 19th birthday.

The Fulham Football Club Foundation has been working closely with the charity on different fundraising ideas throughout the year, some of which will take place at the Reading match.


The likes of Alex Kacaniklic donated part of their wages.

Supporters can text in donations on the day, while £1 from the sale of every pie will also go to the charity.

In the run up to the match, some of the Fulham squad were interviewed by eight-year-old Macauley Rogers, who is supported by Shooting Star CHASE and is a huge Fulham fan.

Macauley, who led the team out for the FA Cup game against Manchester United at Old Trafford earlier in the season, was invited to the Motspur Park training ground to meet and interview Damien Duff, Aaron Hughes, Brede Hangeland, Mark Schwarzer and manager Martin Jol.

His grilling of Jol and the players is on the charity's website at shootingstarchase.org.uk/fulhamfc.

Fulham chairman Mohamed Al Fayed, whose own foundation also supports Shooting Stare CHASE, said: "Shooting Star CHASE is close to my heart and one of a number of children's hospices I have supported for many years."

David Burland, chief executive of Shooting Star CHASE, said: "We are delighted to have the support of Fulham FC, FxPro and all the fans not only at this match, but during the season.

"Thanks to their combined efforts we are able to raise vital funds and also create much needed awareness for Shooting Star CHASE and the work we do to support local families with a child or teenager with a life-limiting condition.

"Everyone at Shooting Star CHASE is looking forward to cheering on the team on the day and I know Macauley will be ready to step in should he be needed for the post-match interviews!"

Steven Day, chief executive of Fulham Football Club Foundation added: "Using our Barclays Premier League fixture against Reading gives us a great platform from which we can not only raise the profile of our partnership with Shooting Star CHASE, but also raise awareness about both of our charities."

A £5 donation can be made to Shooting Star CHASE by texting FFCF05 £5 to 70070.



http://www.westlondonsport.com/features-comment/fulham-players-donate-days-wages-to-childrens-hospice-charity

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Fulham v Reading team news & statistics



Bryan Ruiz has racked up some impressive statistics for Fulham this season, while Adrian Mariappa has starred for Reading despite their relegation.

Fulham welcome Reading to Craven Cottage on Saturday looking to improve on a run that has seen them take just one point from their last five games to slip out of the Premier League's top 10.

Reading, meanwhile, had their relegation back to the Championship confirmed by last weekend's 0-0 draw with QPR at the Madejski Stadium and are in even worse form than the Cottagers having failed to win in their last 10.

With both sides also struggling to score goals – Fulham have failed to score in four of their last five games and did not even manage a shot on target against Everton last weekend, while Reading have scored only five goals in their last 10 games – this game is not expected to be a thriller, but much may depend on how Nigel Adkins' players react to their fate being sealed. It is not unusual for sides to find form once the pressure of a relegation battle is taken off their shoulders.

Fulham are without the suspended Steve Sidwell, the injured Dimitar Berbatov and Ashkan Dejagah, and have a doubt over Sacha Riether, while Reading have Hope Akpan back in contention and could also welcome back Adam Federici.

Fulham are 7/10 favourites to win with Paddy Power, with Reading priced at 4/1 and the draw at 11/4. New customers are entitled to a £20 free bet.

Here are the latest statistics from the Premier League's official Player Performance Index ahead of the game:

Fulham

- Fulham left Merseyside with nothing last weekend following a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Everton at Goodison Park.

- Hugo Rodallega has the best shooting accuracy rate in the Fulham squad, managing to get 68.1% of his 47 efforts on target, at an average rate of one every 48.8 minutes.

- Steven Sidwell has racked up a squad-high 127 attempted challenges this term, nearly double that of his nearest team-mate (Sascha Reither – 69). However Sidwell has also conceded the greatest number of fouls in the Fulham squad at 51 and is suspended for this game after a recent sending-off against Arsenal.

- Bryan Ruiz has been highly effective in his link-up play this season. He's completed 588 passes in the opponent's half this season, at an average rate of one every 3.9 minutes. According to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index this is the third best rate of any forward in the Premier League to have broken the 500-pass barrier so don't be surprised if he registers an assist this weekend.

Reading

- Reading's fate was confirmed for next season as they were relegated to the Championship along with QPR following a 0-0 draw last weekend.

- Jobi McAnuff has made more attacking contributions (assists, shots on target, crosses or dribbles) that any other Royals player this season with 139.

- A lack of goals has been one of the key factors in Reading's drop to the Championship. However, despite having a slightly wasteful 47.7% shot accuracy rate from 44 attempts, Adam Le Fondre has managed to get a shot on target on average once every 35.5 minutes.

- Although their defence has at times been found wanting this term, Adrian Mariappa has certainly put in his fair share of work at the back. According to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index he's made a squad-leading 316 defensive contributions this season (block, clearance, interceptions, successful tackles), at an average rate of one every 8.2 minutes, another squad-best.

Data courtesy of the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, official player rating system of the Premier League.

Editor's prediction: Fulham 2 Reading 0


http://www.footyplace.com/news/premier-league/ruiz-and-mariappa-stats-impressive/

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View From The Town End: Fulham


Christopher Lee

So we're down but there's still a bit to fight for, with finishing 19th worth about £500,000 more than 20th and in the Championship that's actually a pretty important bit of cash. On top of that, Nigel Adkins can now fully prepare for next season, so perhaps we'll see one or two youngsters involved. Anyway, ahead of our trip to Craven Cottage, we spoke to Kristian Balkin from fellow SB Nation site, Cottagers Confidential.

How have you viewed Fulham's season? Are you where you thought you'd be?

There are two ways of looking at our season really, one being positive and one being negative. The optimists would say that, considering the talent that we lost over the summer, anything that doesn't involve relegation is a good thing. We lost Moussa Dembele, quite possibly the best midfielder we have had in years, and Clint Dempsey also left. With such a shock the system, finishing safely in mid-table again is actually quite an accomplishment but, naturally, not all see it that way.

Any good footballing model is built on the basis that you always take steps in the right direction and this season has been anything but. If you compare our results, our points tally, our performances, we've moved backwards from where we've been over the last few years which, inevitably, upsets a few. What we're all hoping, though, is that this season is but a consolidations season. We should be able to kick on from here.

How do you view Martin Jol, is he the right man to keep you in the Premier League long term?

I would say so but, again, not everyone agrees. All we can do as fans is compare him to previous Fulham managers and in some ways he's better, in other ways he lets us down. I think if you take into account where the club is at - i.e. losing players left, right and centre, somewhat stringent financially - he's doing a remarkable job in keeping us competitive. He encourages some gorgeous football, too, and at sporadic stages in the season we have benefited from that. Our away form has improved dramatically and Jol can take all the credit for that.

But, then, that all comes at a price. We used to be the unbeatables or, to be more politically correct, the very-difficult-to-break-downables, but we just don't have that in us any more. We leak goals all the time despite possessing the same personnel. It's worrying when you're so used to clean sheets and tight defences but, I guess it's a price to pay.

What needs to be done over the summer?

A lot! Most accept that the squad we've got now is there on a merely temporary basis, somewhere between the Roy Hodgson era and what Jol truly wants from his Fulham team. Although there's no reason to think it, as Mohammed Al Fayed has been very concious of our spending in light of our proposed stadium improvements, many feel this summer will be one of upheaval. Jol has made a lot of noise - well, for him anyway - about getting a new goalkeeper, so you have to fear for the future of Mark Schwarzer. We need a new centre back, two or three very dependable central midfielders, a winger and perhaps a striker. The Sascha Riether deal has to be made permanent, as he has been one of our best players this season. Aside from that, it would be nice to see some of our younger players make the first team cut as they are certainly good enough.

The two sides drew 3-3- in an entertaining game at the Madejski early on this season. What did you make of that game and of Reading?

It was hugely frustrating on our part; I don't know about you. We'd had a very good start to the season and we had already won once away at Wigan by the time we visited you, so confidence was high. But just like we had done against Southampton a few weeks previous, we scored in the last few minutes and then conceded almost straight away. You guys pushed us all the way and probably earned your point but we were a defensive shambles. But, it was nonetheless entertaining.

Who should Reading fans be worried about on Saturday?

Well, normally I'd throw Dimitar Berbatov out there but, although it's not confirmed, he'll probably miss out through injury. Aside from that, Urby Emanuelson has been superb since joining on loan from AC Milan. He's a skilful player who can take anybody on, and he possesses a lot of pace but, saying that, he can have off days. Eyong Enoh is another loanee on top form but he won't cause you problems at the back, as he's very much an enforcer. Alex Kacaniklic is back for us now, after a loan at Burnley, and looks that little bit more refined so, bearing in mind both he and Emanuelson are wingers, prepare your full backs. Especially Kelly!

Anyone Fulham fans might be worried about?

I'm sure if Pavel Pogrebnyak woke up on the right side of the bed, he could cause us problems. I really like Jimmy Kebe, although I believe he's injured, while Adam Le Fondre is your most notable danger man, statistically at least. If he comes on, or starts, I wouldn't be surprised to see him bag a goal because, as I've alluded to, our defence is hardly the premium brand.

Can you tell us what the Pog's strengths are? He's not really found any rhythm at Reading...

Ermm, I could give it a go. He's big, if you haven't noticed, and he's strong. If you put him a few yards in front of goal and give him the ball, he can actually score. And he is very good in the air. But beyond that, I fear that he's hugely over-rated - if only by your owner. The Pog lacks a bit of pace, essential as a striker, and is missing something of a cutting edge. I'm sure he has a role to play like, for us, he was excellent at holding the ball up, just like Bobby Zamora (I think that comparison says it all). But he'll never be your top goalscorer. You'd have more luck with Stephen Kelly

Score prediction?

3-0 Fulham. Sorry.

Will you miss Reading?... Be honest!

On a personal level, yes. I'm not actually from London, I'm a south coast lad, so aside from St Mary's, the Madejski is conveniently placed for me and, on that note, you have yourselves a lovely ground. I've visited a few times for football and a few times for rugby, and enjoyed every visit. But anyway, I'm rambling. As a footballing side, it was honestly refreshing to see a promoted side give it a go without over-spending (ahem, QPR) but I guess the lack of investment was part of the problem. It would be nice to see you back one day, hopefully with a little more quality in the ranks.

Thanks again to Kristian and you can follow the guys on Twitter @CottagersC


http://www.thetilehurstend.com/2013/5/3/4297604/view-from-the-town-end-fulham?

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You, Me and Dimi! Jol insists he's sticking with Fulham, and Berbatov should stay too

Fulham manager Martin Jol has rubbished claims that he and Dimitar Berbatov could leave the club this summer.

Reports this week have suggested the pair were considering walking out on Craven Cottage owing to frustration over the club's spending power.

But Jol, who has a year to run on his contract, insisted there will be money to spend ahead of next season.


Staying put: Jol believes Berbatov won't be leaving in the summer transfer window


He said: 'I don't have to clear anything up. It is not even close to the truth.

Of course you would like to spend some money, but if we come up with the right players I still feel the chairman will supply us with some money because he always has.'

Asked if he could guarantee he will still be in charge next season, Jol added: 'Yes, because I have another year left.'

Regarding Berbatov, Jol said: 'I don't see any problem there. I have never heard anything from Dimitar and they would have to come up with a lot of money for a 32-year-old to get him away from this club. I don't think that will happen.


On form: The Bulgarian has scored 13 Premier League goals this season under Jol's stewardship


Previous history: Jol has experience of how to deploy the Bulgarian, having signed him at Tottenham

'If you listen to his agent or him, I don't think there is any problem. He wants to stay at this club.'

There is less certainty surrounding Mahamadou Diarra who has only played eight games this season because of persistent problems with his left knee.

He has had surgery three times this season in efforts to rectify the issues and Jol fears the former Real Madrid midfielder's career could be over.

Jol revealed the 31-year-old faces a further five or six months on the sidelines, but the club will continue to pay for his treatment in an effort to save his career. Jol said: 'He is worth giving that chance.

'He was a top, top player – he played a long time with Real Madrid. He will have a chance to prove he is fit and if he does we will try to keep him for the next six months.'


Down and out: Jol admits Mahamadou Diarra could face another five or six months on the sidelines



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2319164/Martin-Jol-rubbishes-claims-Dimitar-Berbatov-leave-summer.html#ixzz2SIgOSe5T
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Cottage is place to stay for Pavel Pogrebnyak

MARTIN Jol believes Pavel Pogrebnyak is not the only player to hit a career downturn after quitting Fulham.


Jol refuses to criticise Pogrebnyak's offer

Pogrebnyak returns to Craven Cottage today as part of a relegated Reading side – nine months after turning his back on Jol's side.

The Russian striker opted to take up a lucrative offer from the Royals after making a major impact during a five-month stay at Fulham.

Former skipper Danny Murphy made a similar move, securing a two-year deal with Championship strugglers Blackburn, while Bobby Zamora has also suffered relegation, at QPR, 16 months after leaving Fulham.

Manager Jol refuses to criticise Pogrebnyak's decision to accept Reading's offer, but he is certain that the talent drain will end.

Jol said: "It would be arrogant to say he can't make his own mind up. Whatever reason he had, I respected that. It was quite a difference and we pay good wages.

"I'm a professional, and you always have to look at both sides.

"You cannot say the grass is always greener here. But there is a lot of evidence of players leaving this club having had a better time at Fulham, maybe 80 or 90 per cent of them."



http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/396935/Cottage-is-place-to-stay-for-Pavel-Pogrebnyak?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+daily-express-football-news+%28Daily+Express+%3A%3A+Football+Feed%29