Sunday Fulham Stuff (12/05/13)...

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Jol wants victory tonic

Martin Jol is targeting a victory in Fulham's final home match of the season against Liverpool on Sunday to banish the memory of defeat to relegated Reading.


Martin Jol: Beating Liverpool would lift Fulham

A six-match winless run has featured four successive defeats, the most recent a 4-2 loss to the Royals last weekend.

Jol recognises his team have the capacity to crumble as he prepares for a summer of rejuvenation at Craven Cottage.

The Dutchman said: "It was awful to get all these goals against us. But that is us.

"Every time when we need a result, are 1-0 down, it's not easy for us, because we give away a lot of space at the back.

"We're a good team if we can play compact and stay together. If not, sometimes you end up with a problem.

"They were very lively, no pressure at all and it showed."

Staying together will be the issue this summer.

With many of his squad out of contract, or returning to their parent clubs following loan spells, Jol faces discussions with owner Mohamed Al-Fayed over the club's recruitment strategy.

After numerous changes last summer and at the start of this season - including the departures of Danny Murphy, plus Mousa Dembele and Clint Dempsey leaving for Tottenham - Jol believes the season has been a success.

"I think we did ever so well because we had to change a club that was at the end of an era," he said.

"Hopefully we will be fine after the next transfer window."

Liverpool have been a team in transition this term under Brendan Rodgers.

Jol was reluctant to comment on whether Liverpool had improved, given the Reds finished eighth last season and are on course for seventh this term.

"With Kenny Dalglish of course expectation levels at the start were different," Jol added.

"That was a big advantage for the new manager and he's building a new team.

"They had a lot of new players. They spent a lot of money at the start of the season."

Liverpool will be without two of their established stars - Luis Suarez, who is banned due to his bite on Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic and England captain Steven Gerrard, who has undergone shoulder surgery.

"Last year we beat them twice and there were no problems injury-wise for them last year," Jol said.

"Maybe [Gerrard's absence] helps. He's one of the better midfield players over the last 10 years in England.

"[But] I wish him the best. I can't say I would like to see him in the stand or being injured, I don't want that for a player.

"But maybe it helps a bit if he's not playing."



http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/article/324/8706226/-?

[WhiteJC]

 
A Summer of Change?
   
As we prepare to take on Liverpool, at Craven Cottage, I`m wondering if it could be a summer of all change at Craven Cottage.

Performances, in recent weeks, have intimated that the squad needs some major work on it and Martin Jol, ahead of the fixture with Liverpool has offered a few comments that should provide a few discussion points, with the Dutchman remarking,

"Every manager would like a few bob to spend and we need a few bob. Of course I will sit down with the chairman and ask him what he wants."

"It will be a big summer. It`s not easy because you need a lot of money to buy players and if eight or nine are leaving, we need five or six to come in."

"Hopefully we will be able to do that or we will have to be very creative again."

So who will be coming and who will be leaving?


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=319214#ixzz2T3XFQBfz

[WhiteJC]

 
Berbatov to ease early nerves with opener against Liverpool
The enigmatic Bulgarian has broken the deadlock in eight Premier League games already this term and a price of 13/2 on him to make it nine against a disinterested Reds side looks too big to miss.

Fulham entertain Liverpool on the banks of the River Thames on Sunday needing a positive result to guarantee their Premier League status for next season.

A point from their last two games of the season will be enough to see Fulham safe, but with a tricky away trip to Swansea City to come on the final day, Martin Jol will want his players to produce the goods this weekend against a Reds side with nothing to play for.

The Cottagers appeared to be clear of relegation trouble earlier in the campaign, but after failing to win any of their last six fixtures, the London side have seen the gap between themselves and the bottom three close to five points.

A disappointing set of results in April was continued last weekend as Fulham lost 4-2 at home to already relegated Reading, who themselves had not won for 11 games.

The one positive for Jol was the sight of his team scoring, as they had only managed one goal in their previous five games.

After scoring 24 in their first 11 Premier League games, goals have become a problem for the Cottagers, with just 22 coming in their following 25 fixtures, leading to 2/1 being offered on them failing to score this weekend.

The betting in bwin's 3-way market is little better as it has Fulham priced as 29/10 outsiders to secure their eighth home win of the campaign, with Liverpool a very short 87/100 to take the three points instead.

A draw, which hasn't been the result between these two at Craven Cottage since 1983, is a 5/2 chance and would be Liverpool's fifth in six games.

While Fulham have a stressful end to the season, Liverpool can enjoy their remaining games with little pressure, but they will have to do so without Luis Suarez and Steven Gerrard.

With Suarez missing for obvious reasons and skipper Gerrard set to have shoulder surgery, boss Brendan Rodgers will be keen to see what the rest of his squad can produce with their two star players out of action.

Since Suarez's ban began the signs have been positive, with a 6-0 thrashing of Newcastle followed by a goalless draw with neighbours Everton, the star of both games being the slight Brazilian Coutinho.

The January signing from Inter Milan has impressed with his direct running and eye for an incisive pass and after scoring a stunning goal at Newcastle, he is 2/1 to strike again at Fulham.

A Coutinho goal would help Liverpool maintain their 1.9-goal-per-game average away from home, with bwin offering 11/5 on the Reds scoring twice.

But regardless of how the match pans out, there is one price which is really jumping out at me: 13/2 on Dimitar Berbatov to score first (potentially returning a massive £150 for new customers using their free £20 bet to back it).

Fulham's lack of form has swung all the odds for this game very much in the direction of Liverpool and as a result, the Cottagers' top scorer is about as big as you will ever see him to score first in a home game against a team who, let's not forget, are only seventh in the table.

Berbatov has notched 13 league goals this term and with Jol's men possessing a far greater incentive for victory, he will fancy his chances of breaching a Reds rearguard that has shipped 26 goals in 18 away games.

You can get 19/10 on the Bulgarian notching at any time but considering he has broken the deadlock in eight games already in 2012/13, the 13/2 on him making it nine simply has to be taken.

Top bet: Berbatov to score the first goal @ 13/2



http://bwinbetting.com/leagues/premier-league/season-coming-close-fulham-stave-relegation,40468.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham look set to beat off Newcastle for £2m French midfielder Vainqueur

Fulham are set to beat Newcastle to the £2million signing of midfielder William Vainqueur from Standard Liege.

Manager Martin Jol sees the 24-year-old ball winner as the man to add midfield steel to Fulham, who have suffered four defeats in a row. They can guarantee survival by beating Liverpool today.

Vainqueur's agent Nico Vaesen said: 'Fulham's style suits. They've a Dutch coach who likes a passing game.'


Swoop: William Vainqueur (left) could cost Fulham around £2million

Vainqueur was rumoured to be on Newcastle and Southampton's radar in the January transfer window.

Manager Martin Jol is determined his side finish the season with a flourish after a four-match losing streak.

The Cottagers need west London neighbours Chelsea to beat Aston Villa tomorrow before their Barclays Premier League safety is mathematically assured.


Good fit: Vainqueur's agent says the midfielder is suited to Martin Jol's style at Fulham

Whatever the outcome of the match at Villa Park, Jol wants his side to complete the season - fixtures with Liverpool, on Sunday, and Swansea - on a high.

'It was early April that we had 40 points; we had that point against Aston Villa [on April 13],' Jol said.

'I knew it was very important to be on 40 points, when you saw the schedule ahead of us with Chelsea and Arsenal, Newcastle, away games, Everton.


Back: Sascha Riether returns to Fulham's squad for the visit of Liverpool following an ankle problem

'Of course, you can imagine we were a bit concerned, but the 40 points gave us a bit of a cushion.

'It still is a little bit of a cushion, but mathematically we're still not safe yet.'

Sascha Riether and Mladen Petric will be available again for the match with Liverpool on Sunday.

Right-back Riether is back following an ankle problem and forward Petric has recovered from his hamstring injury, but midfielder Steve Sidwell is again suspended.



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2323134/Fulham-look-set-sign-2m-French-midfielder-Vainqueur.html#ixzz2T3Xu0gyF
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Brendan Rodgers hails "notoriously strong" Fulham

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has said that Fulham are "notoriously strong" when they play at Craven Cottage.

The Reds travel to Martin Jol's side tomorrow without the key trio of Steven Gerrard, Luis Suarez and Daniel Agger, and Rodgers has said that Fulham's strength in front of their home fans makes the game even more difficult.

"Fulham have been notorious strong in the last few years at home," he told the Liverpool Echo.

"They will obviously be disappointed with the [4-2 defeat to Reading] last weekend but I am sure they will come out and want to put on a show in their last home game of the season.

"We know it is going to be tough for us, our objective is to win the game, so we will be committed, intense and look to get the result. It will be a good chance for me to have a look at some players, of course."

The Reds are currently seventh in the Premier League



http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/liverpool/news/rodgers-hails-notoriously-strong-fulham_83947.html

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Cottage industry: Roberto Di Matteo heads list to replace Martin Jol at Fulham

Dutchman has clashed with the club's board over transfer funds, while the former Chelsea boss is keen to return


Bored? Di Matteo wants to get back in the game
Laurence Griffiths

Roberto Di Matteo will be a leading candidate to take over at Fulham as manager Martin Jol eyes an exit from Craven Cottage this summer, writes the Sunday People.

Jol's future is in doubt after clashing with the club's board over transfer funds – and he admits he would consider the Everton job.

Di Matteo, who is keen to return to management, is being discussed as a possible successor and still lives in nearby Wimbledon.

As Everton now seek to find a replacement for David Moyes, Jol admitted: "I wouldn't be embarrassed to be linked with them, but I am here at Fulham."

The Cottagers are close to landing Athletic Bilbao centre-back Fernando Amorebieta on a free transfer.

But Jol has been told he has little money to spend, despite making a hefty profit in the transfer market last summer, an issue which has caused tension between him and the board.



Check out all the latest News, Sport & Celeb gossip at Mirror.co.uk http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/next-fulham-boss-roberto-di-1883956?#ixzz2T3Z3f4Mh
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Fun at Fulham could help May malaise

Looks are more deceiving in football than most other things in life.

Take Craven Cottage, home of Fulham. Though the walk along the Thames is pleasant and the stadium, fraying by the game, appears quaint and inoffensive, it can become anything but. Beneath the solemn, modest exterior is home of some of the wildest parties -- away support, intoxicated with pride and alcohol, is always that little bit louder, that bit more vibrant on the banks of the river.

Most games at the Cottage, irrespective of the visiting team or the magnitude of the fixture, will be played to the backdrop of quasi-melodic glee.

That is not to insinuate their side are welcoming at home; history dictates they are anything but. With an away record as traditionally poor as theirs, home wins have been the catalyst to staying in the Premier League.

Yet Fulham is fun, a throwback to a time more innocent with people who have more perspective and less hysteria than most. The last time Liverpool visited Craven Cottage toward the season's end, in 2011, Liverpool won 5-2.

It was a game played with abandon, an end-to-end slobber knocker seemingly designed solely to titivate the Monday night audience. A place in the Europa League was still a possibility for Liverpool, but few cared; it had long been waved away after a poor start to the season, recompensed by bumbling owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett being waved away along with it.

The mood among the away fans was jubilant that May evening, if not slightly maniacal. Kenny Dalglish had returned to the dugout to get his 10th league win in 17 games since replacing Roy Hodgson. Maxi Rodriguez scored a hat trick, Dirk Kuyt was regaining form and confidence, and Luis Suarez was beginning to settle into the English game by unsettling all those who had yet to learn of his wonder. Liverpool were passing, moving, scoring at will.

A club legend back in charge with a fancy for free-flowing football coupled with the intimation of new owners Fenway Sports Group bringing opulence to the summer transfer window. Somebody pinch them.

Sadly, somebody did. The 2011-12 season acted as one long pinch, in fact, a perpetual dig to the senses, the gruesome reality that their year had been and gone once more. No amount of heel clicking would take them back to that night at Craven Cottage; not even the Carling Cup, coupled with an FA Cup final appearance, could recapture that feeling of Fulham from months before.

This is not to revisit a debate that has long been covered. There is no point reopening an argument that should have been welded shut a long time ago. Dalglish is gone, for better or worse. This is more of what is to come, not what has been.

Liverpool travel to west London on Sunday with a feeling not too removed from two years ago. Some things change, as they always do in football. There is no Dalglish and no Suarez -- for now. But that's where the disparity ends.

Like 2011, there is nothing to really play for. Yet still there is something -- no matter how slight, how red-tinted -- to look forward to for Liverpool. There is Philippe Coutinho, his scuttling runs becoming an afternoon highlight at Anfield. Daniel Sturridge is still raw but capable of moments magical as much as fleeting, while Jose Enrique, in all his head-scratching, face-melting capriciousness, can be fun to watch as he assaults the left-hand side.

Liverpool play best when pressure is a far-flung concept. That has been evident most of the season and was illustrated best against Everton. The week before, they produced the footballing equivalent of a custard pie to the face, embarrassing Newcastle 6-0 and having fun doing so. Fast-forward to the Merseyside derby, which was a far more po-faced affair. Granted, Everton pressed Liverpool and defended well, but Everton were also a team with importance attached to them.

Though Fulham aren't mathematically safe -- nor is the sun mathematically guaranteed to rise in the morning -- they, like Liverpool, could play with the abandon of two years ago.

There is a debate habitually held at this point in the season for teams with little to play for. This, apparently, should be the occasion to play some of those showing promise in the Academy or to give those on the fringes a final chance to impress. These games should be glorified preseason friendlies, a chance to try something different.

With both Steven Gerrard and Daniel Agger out, the temptation is obvious for Brendan Rodgers. Andre Wisdom could play at centre-back, while Jonjo Shelvey could be given a chance to impress in the captain's absence. Names such as Conor Coady may even register on the radar.

But sixth place is not yet lost, and as ultimately unimportant as it may be, every position and point strengthens Rodgers' position in the summer. The correlation between points and proactivity in the boardroom will be stark. This could be a performance of the ilk of Newcastle, Wigan and QPR, where Rodgers sees his team link up well, rotate, move, score. It is Fulham, after all.

Deep down, however, Rodgers knows this is not the dilemma Liverpool should have, which crystallises the task he has at Anfield. The dilemma should not be whether to finish the season with Wisdom or Martin Skrtel, Coady or Shelvey; the dilemma should come in how to battle for Champions League football and remain in contention for the cup competitions come May.

This is not Rodgers' fault, for he is merely a year into his efforts of reversing this May malaise.

May was the time of trophies for the Reds, summer the season of success and silverware. It has not been so for a while -- not since 2009, when Liverpool finished just four points behind Manchester United. It was at Craven Cottage a month earlier that the stadium was at its most fun for Liverpool when Yossi Benayoun struck in stoppage time. Liverpool were top of the league, on the cusp of their 19th title and a glittering future.

Looks can be deceiving. When Rodgers walks across the Fulham pitch to the dugout in the penultimate game of his maiden season as Liverpool, that should be the loudest message of all. It does not matter who he picks, how he wins or if, indeed, victory comes at all. What matters is that it doesn't matter.

That is something he must reverse over time. That is what his time as Liverpool will be defined by. Craven Cottage can be fun -- just ask Dalglish -- but it is far more fun when winning means something.


http://espnfc.com/blog/_/name/liverpool/id/971?&cc=5739

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Laudrup: Michu Could Return For Final Game
   
Swansea City manager Michael Laudrup says that top scorer Michu could return for the final game of the season at home against Fulham.

The Swans boss said that the Spaniard was set to miss the rest of the season after straining his hamstring in the goalless draw at home against Manchester City last weekend.

Laudrup is also hopeful that defender Chico Flores and Ki Sung Yueng will return for the final game, as both players are doubtful to be fit for Sunday's game at Manchester United.

Despite a clash with Ben Davies, goalkeeper Michel Vorm should be available to play at Old Trafford.

"Michu will still be out but maybe, maybe, he will be OK for the last game against Fulham.

"With Chico it is both his arm and calf and he has had a scan. Maybe for Sunday, but he can play the last one against Fulham.

"Ki suffered a dead leg against Chelsea so it`s a longer one. I don`t know about the weekend. Both of them are very doubtful."

With Michu still sidelined, Laudrup has to decide whether to stay with Itay Shechter up front after he scored his first goal for the club in Tuesday's win at Wigan, or he may opt to start with Luke Moore.

Manchester United will present their Premier League trophy at Old Trafford before kicking off against the Swans on Sunday, but can Laudrup's team upset their afternoon in front of their own fans?


Read more: http://www.swansea.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=319219#ixzz2T3ZnKajZ

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Mladen Petric set for Fulham exit

MLADEN PETRIC wants to quit Fulham this summer and head back to Germany.


Petric has been overlooked since the arrival of star striker Dimitar Berbatov

Petric has been forced to play second fiddle to Dimitar Berbatov this season.

The Croatian striker has made just nine Premier League starts and Bundesliga clubs Wolfsburg and Hoffenheim are keen on landing the 32-year-old on a free transfer.

Fulham boss Martin Jol said: "I'm not sure he will stay."



http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/398928/Mladen-Petric-set-for-Fulham-exit?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+daily-express-football-news+%28Daily+Express+%3A%3A+Football+Feed%29

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Martin Jol in line for Everton job?

MARTIN JOL last night declined to rule out the prospect of succeeding David Moyes as manager of Everton.

Jol, who has a season left on his contract at Fulham, is well respected for successes at Tottenham, Hamburg and Ajax.

His ability to spot cut-price stars of the future and manage on a shoestring at Fulham is also likely to appeal to Everton chairman Bill Kenwright.

Jol, 57, who signed Gareth Bale when he was at Spurs and Luis Suarez at Ajax, said: "I wouldn't be embarrassed to be linked with them. Everton are a good club.

"If you look when I was at Hamburg and Ajax they had their best win percentages (more than 60 per cent). But I am here at Fulham, have one year left, I'm happy and my family is happy here."

However, the Dutchman is believed to be frustrated at Fulham's failure to invest more in the squad.



http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/398932/Martin-Jol-in-line-for-Everton-job?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+daily-express-football-news+%28Daily+Express+%3A%3A+Football+Feed%29

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Fulham v Liverpool

By Martin Fisher
Match of the Day commentator

BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: Craven Cottage Date: Sunday, 12 May

Fulham boss Martin Jol has Sascha Riether and Mladen Petric available after injury.

Midfielder Steve Sidwell is again absent through suspension.

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard is out for the season after having surgery this week on his persistent shoulder injury.

Top scorer Luis Suarez is still suspended, while defensive stalwart Jamie Carragher plays his penultimate match for the club.

MATCH PREVIEW
Fulham's name has never been mentioned as speculation has mounted in recent weeks about which clubs might be dragged into the relegation issue but if the season had another four games to go rather than two, there would be a few thousand fingernails being bitten and chewed down at the Cottage.

Fulham hit the magic 40-point mark four weeks ago and have been stuck there ever since. Mathematically, they still need another two points to be safe, but realistically their current points tally coupled with a healthy goal difference will be enough.

So motivation needs to come from a desire not to finish another steady season this badly. Four straight defeats culminating in last week's 4-2 humiliation at home to already relegated Reading is their worst run in over three years.

The rot needs to stop now otherwise Fulham will record their lowest Premier League finish and their lowest points tally since their last day survival in 2008.

On the face of it Liverpool have nothing to play for, unlikely to move up or down from seventh place.

They arrive in confident mood, unbeaten in their last six games and looking to rip apart another defence on foreign soil. Newcastle were lucky to escape at 6-0 at St James' Park a fortnight ago and only champions Manchester United have scored more away goals than Liverpool.

I'll be thrilled if Philippe Coutinho can pull the strings again. Equally I'd be chuffed if Dimitar Berbatov hits the heights. As long as somebody, somewhere scores. After three successive goalless draws for Match of the Day at Swansea, Reading and West Ham I'm beginning to fear I'll never commentate on a goal again!

MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
Both sides have won two matches each out of the last four fixtures between the teams.

There has not been a draw at Craven Cottage in in 11 Premier League fixtures. Fulham have won five matches and Liverpool six.

There have been three players sent off in the last three clashes between the two sides at Craven Cottage.

This is the 64th meeting between the sides. Liverpool have won 36 times, Fulham 12 and there have been 16 draws.

Fulham
In scoring his first goal against Reading last Saturday, Bryan Ruiz was the first Fulham player to score a Premier League goal in 588 minutes (excluding own goals).

Fulham are yet to win a game after going behind this season, picking up only five draws from losing positions.

They have won none of the eight games they have played this season without Steve Sidwell in the Premier League (D2 L6). In the 28 matches Sidwell has played Fulham have won 10 (D8 L10).

Liverpool
Liverpool have lost just one of their last 10 league matches.
They have taken more shots per game (19.2) than any team in the top five divisions in Europe.
Brendan Rodgers' side have struck 19 times in the 15 minutes immediately after half-time; more than any other team in the Premier League.



http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22417779

[WhiteJC]

 
LAWRO'S PREDICTION

Fulham v Liverpool

Fulham were tripped up by Reading last week so I think they will be even more keen to sign off with a decent display in their last home game of the season.

I think it will be an open game, because neither side can really go anywhere - Fulham are not mathematically safe but they are not in any real danger.


Galatasaray reportedly want Dimitar Berbatov so will he
still be at Craven Cottage next season?

Liverpool are without Steven Gerrard after his shoulder injury and I think the Cottagers might just edge it.

There has been a lot of speculation about Dimitar Berbatov's future at Craven Cottage but I think Fulham manager Martin Jol is a big factor in whether he stays or goes.

The fact he is in London will make a difference to Berbatov too - I think he is happy and enjoying his football at a team where he is the fulcrum of everything that happens which, as we know, is important to him.

Unless Berbatov is absolutely itching to go somewhere else then I am not sure a move will happen.

Prediction: 2-1


http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22443178

[WhiteJC]

 
Which Fulham will turn up to face Reds?

Can Martin Jol rouse his charges against Liverpool?

Anything consistent with the dreadful run of form we've witnessed since Rangers were seen off on April 1st and Liverpool will be taking three points back up the M6 Sunday. Even without arch villain Luis Suarez and injured duo Stevie Gerrard and Daniel Agger, Brendan Rodgers has enough in his arsenal to suggest a comfortable away win for the Reds.

Unless, that is, toothless Fulham decide to confound us all by doing something quite outrageous to upset the odds and send us off for the summer with a smile on our faces again. Am I that optimistic? No, but at the end of this forgettable season it would be oh-so-typically Fulham-ish for us to find a win from somewhere and leave Martin Jol with the last laugh.

Thank goodness after the Villa result Saturday we need have no fears now of slipping outrageously through the trap door. Though not mathematically safe, we'll be back again in August with a clean slate and a mission one hopes to build for a brighter future. Whether a new season sees Martin still in charge, and what transfer strategy the board unveils, remains the stuff of conjecture for now.

But surely signing off the season with just three wins from the last 14 league games must raise serious question about Jol's credentials for getting the best from this team?

We've seen some excellent posts to this forum highlighting the mental fragility of the Whites this season and the lack of leaders on the park. When the manager's 'untouchables' are the two biggest rotten apples in the barrel you have a big problem.

It is apposite in the week tributes to Sir Alex are flooding the sports pages, here at Fulham a situation has been allowed to develop at the Cottage Sir Alex would never have tolerated. We can't match United's resources and ability to bring in the best, but it costs nothing to try and emulate the methods of their manager – the best the game has ever seen.

The bald facts for our last home game of the season is that we are looking at a 5th defeat on the spin, with Liverpool unbeaten in six in the Premier League, and just one defeat in 11 in all competitions. Philippe Coutinho has been especially productive now he's settled into the side, who you may recall won 6-0 at Newcastle in their last away game. The Cottagers worst defeat of the season came in a 4-0 thumping at Anfield before Christmas.

Team news sees Fulham still unable to call on Diarra, Dejagah or Simon Davies, while top scorer Dimitar Berbatov hasn't hit the back of the net since the QPR result six games ago. Is he perhaps beginning to wonder what life might be like in Turkey?

Jol has little capacity to manoeuvre when it comes to finding eleven men who will gel and are ready to run through brick walls to gain a famous result. After his aberrations last week team selection is anyone's guess.

Defeat will be palatable as long as we see some effort and so the sell out crowd – stunned into silence 8 days ago, may have to rouse themselves into being our 12th man. Was it really just last season we did the double over Liverpool? For what it's worth, fans might want to give Mark Schwartzer an especially warm hand at the final whistle. I don't fancy Mark's chances of still being between the sticks in August.

COYW!

Twitter@fulhamphil



http://espnfc.com/blog/_/name/fulham/id/1020?&cc=5739

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Fulham boss Martin Jol is staying coy about a possible move to Everton

Fulham boss Martin Jol has refused to rule himself out of the running to replace David Moyes at Everton.

Everton are beginning their search for a new manager with David Moyes leaving Goodison Park to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United.

Jol has one year remaining on his contract at Craven Cottage and reports have suggested he is considering his future if he does get backing in the transfer market this summer.

Asked if he would be interested in taking over at Everton, Jol said: "I wouldn't be embarrassed to be linked with them. Everton are a good club.

"If you look when I was at Hamburg and Ajax they had their best win percentages (more than 60 per cent).

"But I am here at Fulham, have one year left, I'm happy and my family is happy here."


http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11661/8708137?

[WhiteJC]

 
Jol`s Replacement?
   
Rumours are starting to spread relating to the future, at Craven Cottage, of Martin Jol.

Several sources are implying that there could be a parting of the ways with Jol and the board at loggerheads over how much cash should be made available for signings this summer.

Despite the Dutchman showing a healthy profit in dealings since taking over the managerial reigns, it is expected that Jol will have to scour the 'bargain buckets` to bolster his squad.

This, according to the news sources, is forcing Jol towards the exit door. However, in true Britis media fashion, the press have already got a successor lined up to Jol with the former Chelsea boss, Roberto Di Matteo the favourite to take over.

However, it would seem that Di Matteo`s ascent to favourite status is purely based on the fact that he still lives in Wimbledon - make of that what you will.

So will Jol leave, will Di Matteo slip into the hot-seat?

Well stranger things have happened!


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=319232#ixzz2T513Z8CO

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Schwarzer Going?
   
There`s an uncomfortable feeling in the air relating to the Fulham future of Mark Schwazer.

Already we`ve offered the inference that Mark`s Fulha career might be coming to an end and now it appears the Aussie keeper is beginning to accept his days are numbered with the keeper remarking about the situation, ahead of the game with Liverpool this afternoon,

"If I am not performing well and someone comes along and play sin your place, I have no problem with that."

"But you know when the signs are there. You know if your future is in doubt - you see it coming."

"If we go our different ways, I`d like to be told if I`m not good enough."

Has something gone on behind the scenes that we`re not party too?


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