Friday Fulham Stuff (03/05/13)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham v Reading

By John Roder
Match of the Day commentator

BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: Craven Cottage Date: Saturday, 4 May

Fulham talisman Dimitar Berbatov is available despite being withdrawn with a calf problem against Everton last weekend.

However, fellow frontman Mladen Petric is not fit for the visit of Reading due to a hamstring injury.

Reading midfielder Hope Akpan is back in contention after recovering from an ankle problem.

Adam Federici could also return after a similar complaint but Jimmy Kebe and Jason Roberts are still missing.

MATCH PREVIEW

There is always plenty of debate about the Match of the Day running order.

But even the most partisan of Fulham and Reading fans would have to agree, however reluctantly, that unless this match is a real cracker it could be at the back end of this week's show.

With Fulham in 11th and Reading's relegation back to the Championship now confirmed there hasn't been a lot of pre-match hype, with the media world instead obsessed by Champions League qualification and who will ultimately join the Royals in facing the dreaded drop.

However, being optimistic, it could just be an excellent afternoon at Craven Cottage.

I was at the Madejski Stadium for Match of the Day back in October for an entertaining 3-3 draw between these two teams, in which the Reading striker Pavel Pogrebnyak was outstanding against his former club.

Nigel Adkins will, as ever, approach this match in positive fashion.

The new Reading manager is still searching for his first victory since taking charge, and will be aiming for all three points from a ground where he achieved a draw with Southampton on Boxing Day.

Fulham's goal against Saints came from Dimitar Berbatov, by a long way their top marksman this season. If he hadn't scored 13 league goals this season the Cottagers may very well have been a far bigger news story this weekend as one of the relegation candidates.

To counteract my optimism for this game, consider a few facts. Fulham haven't scored in four of their last five fixtures, and have taken just one point from their five matches.

Reading are without a victory in 10 games and have scored only five goals in that time. The odds on a repeat six-goal thriller must be long.

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head
Fulham have lost just one of their last seven home games against Reading. Their last meeting at Craven Cottage in November 2007 ended with a 3-1 home win.

This season's reverse fixture on 27 October ended in a 3-3 draw and left the Royals still searching for their first Premier League win of the season.

Fulham
The Cottagers have picked up the fewest points in the Premier League this season from a losing position (5).

Fulham failed to register a shot on target (excluding blocked shots) in the 1-0 defeat at Everton last weekend.

Half of Fulham's 14 league goals in 2013 have been scored by Dimitar Berbatov, while there have been three own goals.

The 2-2 draw against Sunderland on 2 March was the last time a Fulham player other than Berbatov found the back of the net; Sascha Riether was the scorer.

Goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer will be making his 550th appearance in English football.

Reading
Reading are without a win in their last 10 outings (D2, L8). Their last victory came against Sunderland on 2 February.

The Royals' clean sheet against QPR last time out was just their fifth of the season, the joint-worst record in the league with Wigan, Aston Villa and Newcastle.


They have only won two games this season when they have either been level or ahead at half-time (W2, D8, L9).

Ten of Reading's 37 Premier League goals this term have come from substitutes.

Ian Harte is on the verge of his 100th appearance for Reading.


http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22320520?

[WhiteJC]

 
Jol's Reading Preview

Martin Jol wants his Fulham side to push for a strong end to the 2012/13 Barclays Premier League season as we prepare to go into the final three matches, starting with Reading at the Cottage on Saturday (3pm).

It will be the first match the Royals have played since their relegation was confirmed last weekend, but our Manager insists he won't be taking the league's bottom club lightly when they arrive in SW6.

"We had a meeting on Friday and one in the week because you've got to analyse your opponents," Jol said of Reading. "You have to prepare for their strengths and weaknesses and, hopefully, we are [prepared].

"We want to end the season – our last three matches – on a very good note and get another nine points, because that is possible, and that has to start on Saturday. We want to get back to winning ways for the last two matches of the season against Liverpool and Swansea City."

Saturday's clash has been designated as Fulham's Official Charity Match for the season and Jol was full of praise for the Club's charitable ethos, and also highlighted the great work done by Shooting Star CHASE.

"I think over the last four or five years Fulham was always one of the top clubs on the charity front," he explained. "If you look at this charity [Shooting Star CHASE] for example, my Chairman [Mohamed Al Fayed] and his daughter are leading in that respect and are putting a lot of money in.

"Also, the players, the management and the staff have done a lot over the last year or so. We visited Shooting Star as well, because they do remarkable work over there and they need a lot of money to keep that sort of work going. So that is why we do that – we want to be leading the pack in that respect and we try to do that."

Going into Saturday's clash, the Whites have not won in five – losing four of those – although our Manager believes his team were somewhat unfortunate in their recent outings.

"I was happy to get these [40] points on the board because I knew that our schedule – with Newcastle United away, Chelsea at home, Arsenal at home, even Aston Villa away, Everton away – was not easy," Jol admitted.

"But if you want to perform well and get some more points to finish on a good note, of course you need results. We were unlucky a couple of times, for example with Arsenal and the sending off after 12 minutes and maybe in the Newcastle game we could have had a bit more.

"Chelsea was probably our best match but they scored out of nothing with that shot and two set-pieces, so we should do better. If we had done better we probably would have taken another three or four points [from those matches]."

There were concerns following last week's defeat at Goodison Park that Dimitar Berbatov may be forced out of action after being withdrawn with a supposed calf injury, but Jol confirmed our top scorer will be involved against Reading, as will another of Fulham's star performers this season.

"Sascha [Riether] is back in the squad, like Berbatov" he said. "Kieran Richardson was injured but is back in the squad too. The long-term injuries, of course, are that Ashkan Dejagah will be out and Mahamadou Diarra will be out. We've got another player who will be out and that's Mladen Petrić with a hamstring problem."

Jol also commented on an article that was circulating in the media this week that Berbatov could possibly be on his way in the summer – a notion that the Dutchman was quick to dismiss.

"I don't see any problem there," he said. "Somebody comes up with a story and then, of course, everybody needs to have the same story. I've never heard anything of Dimitar [leaving]. They'd have to come up with a lot of money for a 32-year-old to take him away from this Club. I don't think that will happen. I don't think there's any problem – he wants to stay at this Club."

Tickets are still available for Saturday's game and 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/03/jols-reading-preview?

[WhiteJC]

 
It's time for Fulham's youngsters to step up

This season, Craven Cottage has grown used to the huffings and puffings of fans desperate to see Martin Jol call on some of the club's youngsters to provide some much-needed energy and dynamism to the side. With one of the oldest squads in the Premier League, coupled with the manager's open desire to reduce the average age of the team, at times it is hard to understand the Jol's thinking. We have one of the best youth systems in the country yet we are still no closer to having a home-grown youngster as a regular fixture in the side. We remain a squad of creaking knees and balding heads.

Pajtim Kasami shone all too brightly and briefly at the start of last season but has barely been seen again in the Fulham first team; he is now on loan at Swiss Super League side FC Luzern. Kerim Frei has been dogged by injuries and now looks like he's carrying too much timber, while Alex Kacaniklic, having been a strong contributor during the first half of this season, fell out of form and favour after Christmas and was promptly pushed out on loan to Burnley in the Championship. Mind you, at least he played some games while out on loan; Frei's spell at Cardiff City earlier this season was an absolute waste of time and with limited playing time for the now Championship champions, Jol called him back early.

The Dutchman often talks of his desire that loan deals with lower league clubs include an assurance that the player will play, but surely the question is why are the likes of Frei struggling to get into Championship sides? Matthew Briggs had a similar problem at Peterborough and Bristol City last season (although he is now getting games, and by all accounts playing awfully, at Watford). Is it a question of attitude? Do these guys think they've already made it?

I'm with the manager on this one. In terms of Kacaniklic, I think that a loan spell has done him a lot of good; while he has always been great going forward, he has lacked a bit of physicality and struggled on the defensive side. Some playing time at Burnley has really brought him on. In terms of Kasami, Frei and Briggs, I'm in the 'if he's good enough, he's old enough' camp.
At the moment, these guys just aren't good enough.

Published by: Henry Hoare
on 3 May 2013


Read more: http://pickourteam.com/premierleague/fulham/news/03-05-2013/its-time-for-fulhams-youngsters-to-step-up/828668?#ixzz2SEwTmo00

[WhiteJC]

 
Alexander Kacaniklic: Fulham "need" to beat Reading

Fulham winger Alexander Kacaniklic has targeted nine points from the London side's remaining three games, starting with a win against Reading on Saturday.

The Cottagers have lost their last three league games without scoring, but Kacaniklic is confident that they can beat Reading, Liverpool and Swansea City to end the season on a high.

"We need a win on Saturday," Kacaniklic told the club's official website. "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."

The game against relegated Reading kicks off on Saturday at 3pm.


http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/news/kacaniklic-fulham-need-to-beat-reading_82615.html

[WhiteJC]

 
U18s Take On Everton

A win on Saturday will see Fulham's Under-18s claim the Barclays Under-18 Premier League Elite Group title, however, Steve Wigley insists it's business as usual for his young side.
The Whites go into their final league game against visiting Everton (11am) ahead of second-place Reading on goal difference, with both sides taking 28 points from their 13 matches.

Having been held to a goalless draw against Manchester United on Tuesday evening and then seeing the Royals defeat Crystal Palace 2-1 on Wednesday for their ninth straight victory, both teams have plenty to play for. If successful, Fulham's Under-18s would claim a third consecutive academy league title.

View the Barclays Under-18 Premier League Elite Group table
"It's a big game, there's no doubt about that," said Wigley to fulhamfc.com. "However, we've already done the most important thing and that's qualifying for the National Semi-Final stage. Whatever happens on Saturday, we know that we have a chance to progress and hopefully reach the National Final.

"To be honest, I would have been very disappointed had we not got that far, because the boys have not only played some terrific football this season, they've also worked extremely hard. Obviously, if we beat Everton then we win the league, but I'm not thinking too much about that right now. This game is no different from any other on a Saturday, because we always go out to win.

"That was the case last time out against Manchester United, but unfortunately we just couldn't find a goal – which is quite unlike us. It was only the second time all season that we haven't scored, but we're a side that will always create chances so it's not too much of a concern.

"The fixture against United was a proper game of football. We tried to take the match to them, and vice versa. It wasn't easy, and what we saw was two teams working very hard and playing some good football.

"It was the type of game that we needed and it will be exactly the same when we face Everton. Like Reading, they [Everton] have come into a good run of form and also have something to play for because technically they can also win the league.

"Our boys won't need motivating, they know what they have to do. In terms of their own personal development, these matches are invaluable; for these are the moments that will help them progress."

In the reverse fixture in early February, Fulham recorded a 2-1 win against Everton at Finch Farm, with Liam Donnelly and Moussa Dembele on target. On Wednesday, the Toffees - who currently occupy fourth spot - edged themselves closer to overtaking third-place Manchester United with their 2-0 defeat of Bolton Wanderers moving them to within a point of the Red Devils with two games in hand.

"It's in our hands, but like I said, the important thing was to qualify for the National Semi-Final," added Steve. "The boys have worked ever so hard in training this week, and they look in great shape – which is what I want to see.

"I had to virtually drag them off the training pitch on Friday; if it was up to them they would have stayed out there all day because this group just loves to play football. Even in practice games they want to win, and hopefully they will carry that over and out onto the pitch on Saturday.

"It's been a long season for them, and yes, we've played a lot of football. But they're young lads, who have a lot of energy. They have a lot of potential, but now they need to turn that into performances. That's the challenge for them."

Fulham's place in the National Semi-Final is assured, with the top three clubs from the Elite Group all progressing. The winning clubs from Group 1 and 2 will face each other in a Play-Off before meeting the winner of the Elite Group in the first Semi-Final. The second and third-placed teams from the Elite Group will go head-to-head in the second Semi-Final.

If you wish to attend Saturday's game against Everton at Motspur Park please email Charlotte Bellamy in the Academy Office ([email protected]) so that your name can be added to the guest list. Season Ticket Holders do not need to email in advance and can gain entry by presenting their Season Ticket on arrival.

You can also follow the Club's official Twitter account @fulhamfc for live coverage and post-match reaction.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/may/03/u18-v-everton?

[WhiteJC]

 
Jol warns his players that 'grass is not always greener' ahead of summer transfer window

Martin Jol has told his players they are better off at Fulham as he bids to keep his squad intact this summer.

Tomorrow's Barclays Premier League clash at Craven Cottage is a timely reminder for any Fulham player with designs on a move that life is not always better away from west London, with Pavel Pogrebnyak returning with relegated Reading.

Fulham have 11 players who are out of contract or at the end of their loan deals this summer and Jol is confident of retaining them, while respecting a professional desire to move on, if they make that choice.

"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.

"But I won't be that arrogant to say he (the player, Jol refused to name names) should have stayed because maybe they could get 100 per cent more (in wages).

"It's about them, they have to make their mind up. The players who are here, like Dimitar (Berbatov), Sascha Riether, even Mladen Petric, they all like it here. And (Mark) Schwarzer.

"I think they would like to stay."

Despite departures of the likes of Clint Dempsey and Mousa Dembele, Jol believes Fulham's record in retaining players is good.

"We want to keep our best players and we've been quite successful up until now," he said.

"I really thought we could end up with a problem with, for example Brede (Hangeland, the captain).

"I feel up until now we're capable of keeping our best players.

"It's only about two or three other players and we're working hard on that front to keep them here."

There is no update on contract talks with Australian goalkeeper Schwarzer, while there is still time to agree the option to keep on-loan Cologne right-back Riether.

"We've got another eight days so we will have to wait and see," Jol said.

Jol also dismissed reports of 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."

Mahamadou Diarra has endured an injury-hit spell at Fulham, but will be given every opportunity to prove his fitness and earn a new deal despite his chronic knee injury.

The former Real Madrid midfielder is out of contract shortly.

"Diarra had an operation and he feels it could be two or three months (absence) but realistically it could be five, six or more," Jol said.

"He is out of contract, but we will give him the opportunity to prove himself fitness-wise. "So we will still treat him and we will do that for the next six, seven or eight months. As long as it is necessary."

Pogrebnyak had a half-season spell at Craven Cottage and Jol praised the forward, who may yet play in the npower Championship next season.

Jol 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."

Fulham last won against relegated QPR and Jol hopes to end the five-match winless streak to finish the season with a flourish.

"We want to end the season on a very good note and have another nine points," Jol said.

"We have to start tomorrow and get back to winning ways for the last two matches of the season, against Liverpool and Swansea."



http://www.itv.com/sport/football/article/2013-05-03/jol-warns-his-players-that-grass-is-not-always-greener-ahead-of-summer-transfer-window/?

[Bassey the warrior]

Eight days to sign Riether for the agreed fee. That's a bit worrying, I wish they'd tied it up already. He's the best right back I've ever seen at the club. Incredibly consistent.

[Arthur]

Perhaps someone can enlighten me on this one... Why do Fulham have a habit of leaving arguably their most clinical finishers on the bench... Used to be Nevland and now it's Petric... In terms of goals per minute these guys always had the potential to score goals and did when it mattered but for some reason never got the game time. Nevland was Soo clinical in one on ones... Citing our game at reading and against Birmingham for examples whilst petrics economical rate in goals to games is by far better than any of our strikers and he could've had a lot more. This guy needs to be playing and should be playing. I'd rather him and Berba up front for a run of games then Ruiz...

Two of Petric's five goals came on the opening day of the season when our attacking play was being bolstered by the sorely-missed qualities of Dembele and Diarra; another of his goals was a penalty and his last goal was before Christmas. Recent appearances suggest that his minutes-per-goal ratio is heading in one direction only - he missed from six yards against Villa and cleared the crossbar from two yards against Ch***ea.