Thursday Fulham Stuff (16/05/13)...

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Fulham goalkeeper to discuss future
Fulham goalkeeper Csaba Somogyi set for talks with boss Martin Jol

Fulham manager Martin Jol will sit down for talks with Csaba Somogyi to discuss the Hungarian keeper's future at the club.

Somogyi signed for the Cottagers in 2011 following a successful trial, but has yet to make a first team appearance.

The 28-year-old's contract at Craven Cottage is set to expire this summer and Jol is yet to decide whether or not to offer him a new deal.

Speaking to the Fulham Chronicle, Jol said: "He's another player we have to make a decision on."

With veteran goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer refusing to relinquish his grip on the number one shirt, and second choice David Stockdale spending much of the season on loan at Hull City, Somogyi had been competing for a place on the Craven Cottage bench.

However, Neil Etheridge has been Jol's choice as back-up to Schwarzer, forcing Somogyi to spend time on loan at Dartford.

Jol was pleased with Somogyi's attitude and praised his performances at the Blue Square Premier club.

He added: "He's never played for the first team but was a great guy to have here.

"He's a good keeper, went on loan and was man of the match four times in eight games, although it was a lower level. We have to sit down with him and tell him what we'll do."

Somogyi's future may depend on whether Stockdale remains with the Cottagers next season, having already been priced out of a move to newly promoted Hull.



http://www.givemefootball.com/345594-fulham-goalkeeper-to-discuss-future?

[WhiteJC]

 
Reports - Gus Poyet nears Brighton exit door

Gus Poyet could be set for the Brighton exit door after telling players that he is unsure whether he will be at the club next season.

The Uruguayan gathered his squad together on Tuesday, following Monday night's play-off defeat to Crystal Palace, to inform them that he could offer no guarantees about his future at the Amex Stadium, according to The Argus newspaper.

The former Chelsea and Tottenham midfielder, who has been in charge of the Seagulls since 2009, will sit down with chairman Tony Bloom in the coming week to discuss his transfer budget for the summer.

And it's reported that, subject to that conversation, Poyet could be on his way out of the Championship side.

Premier League Fulham are the latest club interested in the Uruguayan, following links to Leeds and Reading this season, amid speculation that Martin Jol's time at Craven Cottage could be coming to an end.



Read more: http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/football-league/championship/130515/reports-gus-poyet-nears-brighton-exit-door-197648?#ixzz2TQHtbN00
Follow us: @talksport on Twitter
Read more at http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/football-league/championship/130515/reports-gus-poyet-nears-brighton-exit-door-197648?#V54HuXfYSdHAPuaj.99

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham's Asian tournament cancelled

Fulham on Wednesday confirmed that an international tournament between India, Pakistan and Bangladesh due to be held at their Craven Cottage stadium in June has been cancelled. It was announced a week ago that India were due to play Bangladesh on June 1 and Pakistan on June 4, while Pakistan would take on Bangladesh on June 8 in the 'Neighbours Series' event in west London.

But the friendly tournament, promoted by the Kolkata-based Celebrity Management Group, will no longer go ahead as planned. "The Club would like to inform supporters that the international friendly matches scheduled to be played at Craven Cottage in June between India, Pakistan and Bangladesh have been cancelled," a statement on Fulham's website confirmed.
"Full refunds for tickets already purchased will be given."

The late cancellation leaves the south Asian countries looking to schedule new friendlies in June in preparation for the South Asian Football Federation Championship in September.



http://www.timesofoman.com/News/Article-15592.aspx?

[WhiteJC]

 
Kickz Awards

Abdulahi Seidi won the Inspiring Young Person award at the recent Kickz Awards 2013 ceremony, supported by Fulham Football Club Foundation (FFCF).

The award was presented at the ceremony at Stamford Bridge to recognise the positive steps that this young man has taken since attending his first session in August 2012 at Myatt's Field Estate Cage and Marcus Lipton Youth Centre in Brixton.

Since then, Abdulahi has taken every opportunity provided by FFCF to improve his football skills and gain confidence working with others. Through his aspirations to give something back to the programme, Abdulahi looked at how he could engage young people like himself to join Kickz and went on to promote the project by acting as a role model in the local community.

Abdulahi's progress was noticed by his peers and he was chosen by his teammates to be captain of the U14s Brixton Kickz League squad. His determination to achieve goals and willingness to help others demonstrates how effective the project is in providing outcomes for the local community.

Kickz is a community football scheme, run by Fulham Football Club Foundation, with funding from the Premier League Charitable Fund, the Metropolitan Police and local partners. It is run in partnership with local agencies and aims to engage young people in positive activities breaking down barriers to engagement. 

For more information on Kickz, please contact Fulham FC Foundation on 0870 442 5432 or visit www.fulhamfc.com/foundation.
Former Netherlands international Edgar Davids was one of a number of famous faces at the ceremony.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/may/15/kickz-awards?

[WhiteJC]

 
Managerial Change Speculation
   
Speculation relating to the future of Martin Jol has hit the pages of one of the red-top tabloids this morning.

The inference is there that Martin may be leaving Craven Cottage and that the Brighton and Hove Albion manager, Gus Poyet will be taking over.

Poyet`s status as a manger has grown following his spell at Brighton and the fact that the south-coast side lost out on a chance of promotion to the Premier League, after losing the Championship play-off semi-final to Crystal Palace.

Rumours abound that Poyet may leave Brighton feeling that he`s taken the south-coast club as far as he can. Further credence is given to the possibility that Poyet could be bound for Craven Cottage by the fact that the odds on Poyet succeeding Jol have been reduced dramatically by the bookmakers.

We`ll just wait and see shall we!


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=319566#ixzz2TQIkw9Hf

[WhiteJC]

 
Udinese / Watford Forward Tracked
   
Eyes have been cast towards Vicarage Road in recent times it would seem.

This morning it is being reported that Fulham Football Club are taking an interest in Watford`s striker - Matej Vydra.

The twenty-one year-old has been a prolific scorer this season and it is being reported that the Udinese owned player who is on loan at Watford for the season, could well be the subject of a bid if the Hertfordshire club fail to seal promotion to the Premier League in the Championship Play-Off Final later this month.

As for rivals for his possible signature, look no further than our London neighbours Tottenham Hotspur!


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=319567#ixzz2TQIx25XU

[WhiteJC]

 
Montpellier boss Rene Girard issues come-and-get-me plea to Premier League



Montpellier boss Rene Girard has issued a come-and-get-me plea to any interested clubs in the Premier League.

The 59-year-old performed minor miracles to guide his current club to the Ligue 1 title on a shoestring budget last term.

Montpellier have endured a difficult defence of their crown - they are currently in ninth place, 26 points adrift of new champions Paris St-Germain - and Girard is keen to try his hand in England.

With Everton yet to announce a successor for David Moyes, and the futures of Martin Jol and Tony Pulis currently unclear, there will be be some Premier League vacancies that need filling this summer and Girard wants to ensure he is considered for any such roles.

He told Midi Libre: "I still do not know what I'll do next year. I'm very tempted by an experience in England. It's an important league with major football projects and excellent sports facilities."



Read more: http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/transfer-rumours/130515/montpellier-boss-rene-girard-issues-come-and-get-me-plea-pre?#ixzz2TQJGO23C
Follow us: @talksport on Twitter
Read more at http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/transfer-rumours/130515/montpellier-boss-rene-girard-issues-come-and-get-me-plea-pre?#Tk9h2wGxgJUDJ8bA.99

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham say Martin Jol will stay as club prepares for squad overhaul
• Uncertainty over Jol appetite to work within financial strictures
• Brighton manager Gus Poyet has admirers on Fulham board

Fulham maintain Martin Jol will stay in managerial charge at Craven Cottage next season, despite frustration at the recent run of poor results and questions relating to future direction.

In the past 48 hours the odds on Gus Poyet becoming the club's new manager have been slashed but a Fulham source says they have no intention of bringing about a premature termination to Jol's reign in the summer, having taken up a one-year option they held on his contract last October

But there are areas of uncertainty at Fulham, not least with regard to the expected overhaul of the playing staff and Jol is keen to know whether he will have the financial clout to oversee it to his satisfaction. Of his 23 established players, 10 are out of contract this summer. There is also the fact that Jol's is an ageing squad, with 12 players aged 30 or over.

Jol lost Mousa Dembélé and Clint Dempsey for a combined £21m to Tottenham Hotspur last August and it is natural that he wanted to reinvest the money in full. Instead, he spent a total of £9m in fees on Dimitar Berbatov, Ashkan Dejagah and Kieran Richardson, and in January he made four loan additions until the end of the season – Emmanuel Frimpong, Urby Emanuelson, Eyong Enoh and Stanislav Manolev.

Jol, who is £13m in credit on his dealings at Craven Cottage in terms of fees, has been unable to make certain signings that he pushed for, and he was disappointed to miss out on Tottenham's Tom Huddlestone in January. He has been desperate to sign a midfield playmaker, who can supply the passes for his options farther forward.

It is an indication of how Jol has fought to make ends meet that Mahamadou Diarra and Giorgos Karagounis were signed as free agents outside the transfer windows. Both their contracts expire in the summer, together with those of Mark Schwarzer, Chris Baird, Mladen Petric and the loanees, who include Sascha Riether. The club, though, have the option to take Reither from Köln.

The nagging question regarding Jol concerns his continued appetite to work within the financial strictures at Fulham and, related to that, whether he would be open to a better offer from elsewhere. He has admirers in Germany's Bundesliga, where he previously worked at Hamburg. Following on from that is whether Fulham ought to put contingencies in place. Poyet, who appears ready for a move from Brighton & Hove Albion, has attracted attention from members of the Craven Cottage board.

Fulham saw Jol's predecessor, Mark Hughes, resign in June 2011, citing concerns over the club's ambition, particularly on the transfer market, although his eventual decision to join Queens Park Rangers backfired and he was sacked last November.

In light of the climate at Fulham, it might have been considered a curiosity that they voted against the Premier League's financial fair play regulations but this can be explained by their desire not to appear hypocritical, having been helped by the personal wealth of the chairman, Mohamed Al Fayed. The club feel that it is unfair for the authorities to dictate how money should be spent.

In a tight division, Jol's team have generally steered clear of relegation trouble, playing some eye-catching football in patches and with Berbatov to the fore with his 14 league goals. But they have taken only one point from their past seven matches, which has sapped morale and dropped them to 15th position. They finish the season at Swansea City on Sunday, when they hope to pick up as many as five places with victory.




http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2013/may/15/martin-jol-fulham-gus-poyet?

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Fulham price City out of move for Stockdale
   
Hull City are set to turn their attentions for a new goalkeeper away from Fulham after being priced out of a move for David Stockdale.

Steve Bruce has been dissuaded from making a move for the Fulham keeper on learning of a £3 million price-tag for the 27 year old who featured on 24 occasions over two loan spells in City`s successful promotion campaign.

Bruce was keen to add Stockdale to The Tigers on a permanent basis having seen the club rely on several loan signings in recent seasons, providing no long-term solution to the goalkeeping position following the sale of Boaz Myhill to West Bromwich Albion.

Should Fulham be unwilling to negotiate on their demands for Stockdale, City are understood to be monitoring the situation of both Chris Kirkland (Sheffield Wednesday) and Kasper Schmeichel (Leicester City) with Eldin Jakupovic currently the only senior goalkeeper at the club.


Read more: http://www.hull.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=319590#ixzz2TQJn8D7k

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham U18s 4-3 Sunderland U18s

Fulham Under-18s held on despite a stirring fightback from Sunderland to secure their place in the Academy Final with a 4-3 win at Motspur Park on Wednesday evening.

The Whites were seemingly cruising after two goals in each half gave them a four-goal cushion, only for the Black Cats to strike three times in the last 13 minutes to create a nervy finale for the home side.

Moussa Dembele had set Fulham on their way early on, with Cauley Woodrow doubling the advantage midway through the first half. Strikes from Patrick Roberts and Stephen Arthurworrey looked to have wrapped things up but Sunderland had other ideas, with efforts from George Honeyman, Victor Zapata-Caicedo and Carl Lawson hauling them back into the contest.

The Whites just about held on though to set up a showdown with Reading as they look to defend their Academy crown.

Wigley named an attacking line-up for the encounter, with forwards Muamer Tankovic, Woodrow and Dembele all handed starting berths, while exciting wideman Roberts provided another offensive outlet for the Whites.

A slick through ball from Woodrow with just five minutes on the clock almost sent Dembele through one-on-one, but the pass had too much pace on it for the Frenchman as the Sunderland keeper came out to collect.

Fulham weren't allowing our guests any time on the ball and Emerson Hyndman tried his luck a minute later but his effort from 20 yards was harmlessly deflected into the grateful arms of Joel Dixon.

The Whites were making home advantage count and on seven minutes captain Woodrow skipped a challenge on the edge of the area before hitting a sweet effort that flew a yard wide of Dixon's post.

Their dominance meant it came as no surprise when Fulham took the lead two minutes later. A lofted ball forwards was met by an excellent Woodrow flick-on to put the ball over the top of the backline and Dembele had the legs on the two centre-backs to burst through before controlling and confidently firing beyond Dixon.

A handball just outside the area on 13 minutes from Liam Agnew handed Fulham another opportunity to put the Wearsiders' goal under siege, but while Tom Richards' dead ball was well struck, it was too close to Dixon to cause him any real concern.

A sublime move on 19 minutes then almost saw Fulham double their lead. Hyndman fed Roberts on the right-wing and the England youth international jinked inside before poking a cute ball through to Woodrow. The Whites skipper took a touch before smashing in a goalbound shot which Dixon did brilliantly to smother.

It was a matter of seconds before Fulham scared the Black Cats once more when Josh Passley burst forwards from his right-back spot, looked up and bent a delicious low cross in towards Dembele. The striker's outstretched boot made contact with the delivery but, unfortunately, it sailed just over the bar.


Wigley's side were in absolute control of the fixture and fully deserved their second goal on 23 minutes. Passley found Roberts in the box and the tricky winger showed immaculate skill to beat two men in close proximity before playing a ball across the face for Woodrow. The 18-year-old didn't make the cleanest of contacts but got enough on it to loop his shot over the stranded Dixon and into the back of the net.

Not content with a two goal advantage, Fulham continued to press, and Woodrow went close once more when his first time left-footed effort from Tankovic's cutback took a crucial deflection that sent it over the bar.

More good work from Roberts just after the half hour mark ended with him finding Woodrow in the six yard box, but the striker was unable to get the ball under control with Dixon for company as the keeper collected.

Dembele had the ball in the net on 39 minutes but it was ruled out after Arthurworrey had unfairly challenged Dixon in the build-up after the defender had marauded forwards to try and get on the end of a free-kick.

Neat work by Tankovic then saw the Swede find space with Roberts for company. His pass found the winger whose wicked shot was tipped around the post for a corner by Dixon – the save all the more impressive considering the attempt took a nick on its way through.

Sunderland had barely had a look in during the opening 45 minutes and so they opted for a double change at the interval, with Lawson and Zapata-Caicedo taking the places of Jaz Sukar and James Stinson.

If the visitors were hoping for a prompt way back into the match, though, they were to be sorely disappointed as Fulham made it 3-0 less than four minutes into the second half. Hyndman robbed his man 30 yards from goal and marauded forwards until playing Roberts in at the opportune moment. Roberts then showed great composure to flick a first time lob over the onrushing Dixon with the ball dropping perfectly under the crossbar.

There was a first hairy moment for the Whites minutes later, though, when Marek Rodak attempted to dribble his way out of the trouble. The Fulham stopper was tackled by Zapata-Caicedo but luckily Arthurworrey was on hand to mop up the danger.

And the towering centre-back almost made a difference at the opposite end on 54 minutes when he headed marginally over after meeting Hyndman's pinpoint corner from the left.

Dembele saw another goal disallowed soon after following great dribbling skills once again by Roberts – the frontman had strayed a fraction offside when Roberts played him in.

A hopeful ball over the top on 63 minutes gave Zapata-Caicedo the opportunity to stretch his legs and it looked as though the substitute would burst through one-on-one, only for Liam Donnelly to make a superb intervention to deny him the chance.

But it was Fulham who grabbed the game's fourth goal minutes later. Hyndman's corner dropped to Arthurworrey who didn't panic as he took a touch before rifling a thunderbolt beyond the helpless Dixon.

Hyndman had grown in confidence as the game progressed and it was his precise through-ball that sent Dembele in on goal in the 71st minute. The striker had Woodrow for company but opted for the shot, with his driven effort narrowly fizzing past the far post.

Wigley than opted to make his first change of the game on 73 minutes when the mercurial Roberts was replaced by Jordan Evans – Roberts going off to great applause from the gathered fans.

Sunderland pulled one back on 77 minutes with their first effort of the match – and some goal it was too. Honeyman didn't seem to have much on 25 yards from goal and he justified his decision to shoot when his bending effort with the outside of his right boot beat Rodak and curled just inside the far post.

A minute later Fulham made their second change, with Lyle Della Verde replacing the influential Hyndman.

Lawson had a chance to launch an unlikely comeback with nine minutes remaining when he found himself clean through after Richards and Arthurworrey had both failed to incept a hopeful forward pass. Luckily Rodak read the situation perfectly, rushing out and making himself big to smother the substitute striker's poked effort.

Sunderland did reduce the deficit further though when Zapata-Caicedo put the ball in from a yard out after Martin Smith had sliced Honeyman's cross towards the far post to ensure the last five minutes were nervier than they should have been for the Whites.

The Black Cats thought they'd grabbed a third on 88 minutes when the predatory Zapata-Caicedo slotted home from close range following a corner. Thankfully the striker was ruled to have been in an offside position from the flick-on that found him.

As 90 minutes arrived, the visitors did make it 4-3 when Lawson curled in a delightful effort from 20 yards out that left Rodak with no chance.

Sunderland pushed for the equaliser but ran out of time as Fulham held out to progress to the Final against Reading who had beaten Everton 4-0 earlier in the day.

Fulham: 1.Rodak, 2.Passley, 3.Richards, 4.Donnelly, 5.Arthurworrey, 6.Sambou, 7.Roberts, 8.Hyndman, 9.Woodrow, 10.Tankovic, 11.Dembele

Subtitutes: 12. Oberschmidt, 14. Burgess, 15. Baba, 16. Della Verde, 17. Evans

Sunderland: 1.Dixon, 2.Cartwright, 3.Sukar, 4.Agnew, 5.Ledger, 6.McNamee, 7.Honeyman, 8.E.Robson, 9.Stinson, 10.Smith, 11.T.Robson

Substitutes: 12. Lawson, 13. Strykjet, 14. McCarthy, 15. Zapata-Caicedo, 16. Greenwood



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/may/15/u18s-semi-final?

[WhiteJC]

 
Tottenham and Fulham chasing after impressive Czech youngster

London clubs Tottenham and Fulham are hoping that Watford fail to secure promotion to the Premier League when they take on Crystal Palace in the multi million dollar play-off final. Their interest in the future of Watford stems from their recent infatuation with Udinese's 21 year old on loan striker Matej Vydra.

Udinese and Watford both have a common owner in the the Pozzo family, but the Czech forward is unlikely to be willing to return to Vicarage Road next season should the club fail to secure promotion.

Vydra was in exceptional form for Watford, especially early on in the season during which period the bulk of his 22 goals this campaign were scored. Vydra is also a full Czech Republic international, having made 7 appearances for the national side during which he has chipped in with a couple of goals.

Interest in the young striker is believed to be quite high, and chances are that many more clubs will want a piece of his action, especially if he is competitively priced. He is contracted to Udinese till the end of the 2016 season, but chances are he would prefer to carry on playing in England if a first team opportunity presents itself.



http://footylatest.com/tottenham-and-fulham-chasing-after-impressive-czech-youngster/43427?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham U18s 4-3 Sunderland U18s

Fulham U18s Manager Steve Wigley gave glowing praise to the young Whites' free-flowing passing in an exceptional 75 minutes of football against Sunderland and vowed to learn lessons from a nail-biting last quarter of an hour.

For the vast majority of the Barclays U18 Premier League semi-final, it appeared there would be only one winner and the visiting Black Cats were staring down the barrel when Stephen Arthurworrey slammed Fulham four goals ahead on 67 minutes.

Moussa Dembele and Cauley Woodrow's strikes put Wigley's Team firmly in the driving seat at half-time and when Patrick Roberts delicately lifted in the third, it began to look like a demolition job at Motspur Park.

The home side smelt blood and their attacking rhythm was relentless. Wigley made substitutions to rest tired legs, then George Honeyman fired a consolation goal out of the blue.

Substitute Victor Zapata-Caciedo gave Sunderland even more hope, making it 4-2 on 84 minutes, then Carl Lawson set up the tensest of finishes at 4-3 on the stroke of 90 minutes.

During the three added minutes of stoppage time, Wigley admitted he felt like he aged considerably and the final whistle was greeted with a mix of relief and delight.

"We've played some brilliant football like that all season," Wigley told fulhamfc.com

"There were a lot of good things, some of the play and the goals we scored, and we could have had a few more.

"We played great to get in the position we were, then I think maybe I got it wrong with the substitutions in the last 15 minutes.

"It wasn't the lads. For 75 minutes we played some great football, then maybe I interfered a little. I took the game for granted because at 4-0, you start to look towards the Final before you've won the game.

"But whenever a team scores against you, no matter the score, they seem to grow a few more arms and legs, and start to get into good areas.

"Sunderland showed some courage and real strength of character to give us more than a scare if I'm honest."

The Whites clinched the title of Elite Group Champions on May 4th with a 2-0 triumph over Everton but, as a consequence, have not seen competitive action since.

Wigley believes this may have been to the Team's detriment but he adds that the rollercoaster semi-final will hold the players in good stead as they aim to retain the Academy Premier League championship they won 12 months ago.

"We'll be better in the final for the game tonight," Wigley added.

"We haven't played for ten days and I don't think it suits us. I felt all along that, after winning the group, and waiting ten days to play, some people would say it's great to have a rest but I think it's gone the other way and we looked leggy at the end of the game.

"When you are in those situations, you need to keep the ball and settle down. Probably the two players I brought off were our two players who could keep the ball forever and a day. We didn't quite get it right after that. It became chaotic at the end.

"I've got to be pleased. The team were fantastic and some of the individual performances were exceptional but the finish has certainly aged me a few years."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/may/15/manager-reaction?

[WhiteJC]

England: Köln erhält 1,4 Millionen Euro
Riether: Fulham zieht die Kaufoption

Sascha Riether wird den 1. FC Köln endgültig verlassen. Am Mittwoch zog der FC Fulham die Kaufoption für den Rechtsverteidiger.

Riether wurde im vergangenen Juli an die Londoner ausgeliehen. Bei dem damaligen Deal wurde räumte der Geißbock-Klub eine Kaufoption ein, von der Fulham nun Gebrauch machte. Der FC erhält nunmehr eine Ablöse von 1,4 Millionen Euro. Eine Summe, die den finanziellen Spielraum des Zweitligisten erhöht.

Der 30-jährige Defensivallrounder absolvierte in der laufenden Premier-League-Spielzeit 34 Partien für die Cottagers. Für die Kölner bestritt er 33 Ligapartien, zuvor stand der zweimalige Nationalspieler beim VfL Wolfsburg und dem SC Freiburg unter Vertrag.

Über seinen Twitter-Account verabschiedete sich Riether bereits aus der Domstadt. In einem Tweet wünschte er dem 1. FC Köln alles Gute. "Geile Stadt, geiler Verein. Ich drücke weiterhin die Daumen. Der FC gehört in die 1. Bundesliga. Danke für alles."

Stephan von Nocks

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google translation

England: Cologne receives 1.4 million euros
Riether: Fulham draws the purchase option

Sascha Riether is the first FC Köln finally leave. On Wednesday, the Fulham drew the purchase option for the right-back.

Riether was loaned to London last July. Under that deal was the billy-club conceded a purchase option, now made use of the Fulham. The FC now receives a fee of 1.4 million euros. A sum that increases the financial flexibility of the second division.

The 30-year-old defensive all-rounder completed in the current Premier League season 34 appearances for the Cottagers. He played for the Cologne 33 league games, before the two-time national player at VfL Wolfsburg and SC Freiburg was under contract.

Through his Twitter account to Riether already adopted from the cathedral city. In a tweet, he wished the first FC Cologne all the best. "Horny town, horny club. I continue to keep my fingers crossed. FC belongs to the 1st Bundesliga. Thank you for everything."

Stephen of Nocks



http://www.kicker.de/news/fussball/intligen/startseite/586338/artikel_riether_fulham-zieht-die-kaufoption.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter#omrss_news_fussball

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Riise Wants Good Finish

John Arne Riise has called for Fulham to end the season on a high and halt the Whites' poor run of form when Martin Jol's men head to Swansea City on Sunday.

Fulham have slipped to five straight defeats in the Barclays Premier League, the latest being last weekend's 3-1 reverse to Liverpool at the Cottage. And Riise, a second-half substitute against the Reds, admits the Whites simply haven't been good enough of late.

"We don't want to end the season having taken just one point from the last eight games - that's not what Fulham is about," Riise told the official website.

"Hopefully we'll have a good week in training, get our energy back and finish on a good note. We're not thinking about our holidays yet - now is not the time, we've still got a game of football to play. We're on a bad run of form and we want to end that so we go into the summer in a good frame of mind."

Ninth-placed Swansea are suffering something of a dip themselves, having won just once in their last nine league games.

But Riise is predicting a tricky test for the Whites at the Liberty Stadium against this season's Capital One Cup champions.

"It's a very tough place to go," he said. "They've had a bit of a slump after winning the League Cup but they're still a great side. It's a hard place to play but we want to finish on a high."

Riise recently announced his retirement from international football with Norway. The 32-year-old defender is his country's most capped player with 110 appearances to his name spanning a 13-year career.

He admitted calling time on his international career hadn't been an easy decision but was done with Fulham in mind.

"It was a very tough thing for me to do," he stated. "Physically I'm very strong and I plan to carry on playing football for many more years. But all the travelling with the national team was starting to take its toll and I want next season with Fulham to be my best. I want to be really fit and focus just on Fulham. I want to play well and earn a new contract so I can stay here longer.

"It's been my dream to play for the national team and I've loved it but I need to really just think about my club career and focus on Fulham, my family and my kids.

"I've got the record of 110 national caps and it was a professional choice. I have to look after my body and I want to play on until I'm 37 or 38 so it was something I felt I had to do."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/may/16/riise-wants-good-finish?

[WhiteJC]

 
All Stars Raring To Go

Fulham legends of the past will take to the Craven Cottage pitch on Saturday (2pm) to raise money for the Club's Official Charity Partner - Shooting Star CHASE - and the Fulham FC Foundation.

Our team of heroes will take on Sealand All Stars, a team made up of former players, athletes and celebrities – including Great Britain Rugby League favourite Brian Carney, Olympians Bobby White (handball), Dalton Grant (high-jump) and Mark Hunter (rowing), actors Chucky Venn and Matt Di Angelo and Celebrity Editor of The Sun newspaper Gordon Smart. Former England defender John Scales will captain the All Stars.

Amongst those to return to the Cottage is former favourite Sean Davis, a player that came up through the ranks at Fulham making 198 appearances in all competitions and all four divisions for the Whites. The midfielder, now 33, was part of the side that won promotion to the Premier League in 2001.

"I can't wait to pull on the shirt again and run out at the Cottage," said Davis. "I haven't kicked a football since I retired last year, so it's going to be special day in so many ways. Let's not forget why we are there, to help raise awareness for a fantastic charity and hopefully bring in a decent amount of cash for them.

"As footballers, many of us lived a very privileged life so it's nice to give something back like this. The Club does a lot of great work in the community and Shooting Star CHASE is a very deserving charity partner – hopefully we can make a difference.

"It will be nice to see a few of the old faces too, particularly those of the boys that were part of the side that won the Division One title and helped get the Club up to the Premier League. I'm looking forward to seeing Rufus Brevett who I haven't seen for a while, and Kevin Betsy also. He could be our player to watch as he's still playing, in fact there was a spell when every time I switched on Sky Sports' Soccer Saturday his name would pop up having scored a goal for Woking.

"I still see a bit of Kit Symons from visits to the Cottage for home games, while I'm also still good friends with Barry Hayles. They were key players in that promotion team, so it will be interesting to see if they still have it!

"I can't knock them too much, though, as I'm a tad worried about my own fitness – hopefully I won't struggle too much. I was at the game on Sunday, and gave the pitch the once over... while it looks in top condition, it looks a lot bigger than I remember it to be!"

At 55, Brian Greenaway will be one of the Fulham Legends' oldest players, with the former winger making the last of his 93 appearances in May 1981. Like Davis, Greenaway is equally excited to be involved in Saturday's charity showpiece.

"My last professional game for the Club was a very long time ago now," admitted Brian. "That said, I'm no stranger to the Cottage, I'm a Fulham fan from birth so I've certainly been back since.

"I was lucky enough to player in a legends game before, so it will be great to get out there again. I probably haven't played since, in all honesty, but since I got the call from Les Strong I've been doing a bit of training.

"I'm in relatively good shape, I'm one of the lucky ones as I never seem to put on weight! The younger fans won't remember me, but the older ones will. I was very fortunate enough to play with the likes of Bobby Moore, George Best, Rodney Marsh, Tony Gale, Gordon Davies, Les Strong and John Lacy during my time at the Club – all of whom are true Fulham legends.

"We'll be going out to win, the competiveness will come racing to the surface I'm sure. And with Fulham's all-time top scorer, Gordon Davies, leading the line we've certainly got goals in the team!

"Sealand have a few good players in their team too, so I'm told. It should be a good game, and a very entertaining afternoon. At the end of the day, though, it's all about the kids involved. If us old boys can help do our bit, then running around for 90 minutes is the least that we can do."

On top of those previously mentioned, the Fulham Legends team will also feature Chris Coleman, Dave Beasant, Mark Pembridge, Paul Peschisolido, Andy Melville, Andrejs Stolcers, Neil Smith, Adam Green and Jim Hicks. Overseen by Tony Gale, Les Strong and Simon Morgan, the squad will also feature Felix White of the band The Maccabees and Fulham Football Club Vice Chairman Karim Fayed.

Under-21 Manager and former defender Kit Symons added: "It's a good group, it's been fun ringing round and putting the team together. It will be nice to pull the boots on and get out there and play.

"A lot of the boys were my teammates here at Fulham, the old defence of Cookie (Coleman), Melville, Rufus and myself are getting back together! Pesch and Hayles will be up front, and Smithy's there too – it really is great.

"Make no mistake, Saturday will be a really good day, very nostalgic. We can't promise that the tempo will be too high, but it will be exciting and fun to watch I'm sure. Shooting Star CHASE is a fantastic charity and if we can raise a good sum of money, then the hard graft will certainly be more than worth it."

Shooting Star CHASE is a local children's hospice service who provide expert care at Christopher's in Guildford and Shooting Star House in Hampton, Middlesex, for local families with a child or teenager with a life-limiting condition.

To donate, text FFCF05 followed by either £1, £2, £5 or £10 to 70070.

More information about the day and those taking part can be found here. Tickets are on sale and are available to buy now, for just £10 adults and £5 concessions. Join us for what will be a great day out for all the family!



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/may/16/all-star?

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Georg Margreitter: "Bakary Sako now goes for a few million to Fulham. Not bad for a loser."

Wolverhampton Wanderers: Georg Margreitter says Bakary Sako is signing for Fulham


Wolverehampton Wanderers' Bakary Sako celebrates scoring their equalising goal
Bakary Sako could be the first high-profile name to leave Wolves this summer.

Austrian defender Georg Margreitter has given an interview to a newspaper in his homeland where he claims the 25-year-old former St Etienne winger will be sold to Fulham.

Clearly Wolves will want to appoint a new manager before agreeing such a sale, with Kenny Jackett in pole position to replace Dean Saunders.

"Bakary Sako now goes for a few million to Fulham. Not bad for a loser," said Margreitter, who also discussed his own situation and the possibility of a loan move to the Championship.

The 24-year-old, a £500,000 signing from Austria Vienna last summer, made just one appearance last season.

"I have a three-year contract, I feel physically very fit,'' he said.

"I need more minutes on the pitch and I'll get (that) after the summer break. In the worst case I play one year in League One and then the Championship. It can quickly go back up.

"This decision is not yet fixed, even a loan is possible. I am working on it with my adviser right now. I'm glad that I still have a long-term contract, otherwise the pressure would be very high."

Reports in Austria have suggested Wolfsburg are interested.

"I have several contacts with English clubs, there may be the possibility of a loan in the Championship. Germany is also an option. But that's all just speculation," he said.

Margreitter denied he had any issues with Saunders. "He has even apologised several times that he does not use me."


http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/wolverhampton-wanderers-georg-margreitter-says-3860432?

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Fulham reject speculation of Jol exit

Fulham have insisted that Martin Jol will remain as manager at Craven Cottage despite a poor run of results in late season that has seen the Cottagers slip down the Premier League table, and speculation the Dutchman is unhappy with the financial constraints in place at the London club, according to the Guardian.



Gus Poyet, the Brighton and Hove Albion manager, was heavily backed in the betting markets as the next Fulham boss in recent days but the Guardian claim Fulham have no intention of removing Jol from his position, having agreed a one-year extension with the ex-Tottenham Hotspur manager in October.

But the newspaper adds that Fulham are facing an uncertain future regardless as Jol wants to revamp his squad for next season but the club may not be willing or able to make the necessary funds available. Fulham have a 23-man squad but as many as 10 of them could leave this summer when their contracts expire.

Jol replaced Mark Hughes as Fulham manager in 2011 after the Welshman resigned, questioning the club's ambition and expressing frustration at the tight budget with which he had to work in the transfer market. Jol appears to be in a similar situation, having relied heavily on loan signings and free transfers, despite recording a surplus of £13m in transfer dealings during his time at the club.

Dimitar Berbatov is Jol's headline signing and the Bulgarian scored 14 goals in his first season at Fulham, having left Manchester United in August last year, with Berbatov's goals helping Fulham to safety in the top flight. However, Fulham have not won in the league since April 1, losing six of their last seven and drawing the other game.



http://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/p6_0_20132_-.html#.UZTpVpW_wds

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Inside The Liberty Stadium

Swansea City fan Shaun Harris assesses his team's season and looks ahead to Sunday's Premier League finale against Fulham.

There must have been some concern amongst the Swansea faithful when Brendan Rodgers left in the summer, but Michael Laudrup has proven to be a great appointment, hasn't he?

He has been a fantastic appointment. Although it was unsurprising to see Rodgers linked with other clubs at the end of last season, I think most Swans fans were still disappointed to see him leave. However, it would not have mattered when Brendan left, as we always trusted the board to deliver a manager who would be true to the philosophy of the club.

Michael has been a breath of fresh air as the way that Swansea have played this season has evolved. We still like to keep the ball, but there is more purpose to the play as we try to get forward earlier.  It has been a triumph for substance and style.

Laudrup has shown how well he is respected in the football world and has exploited his contacts to Swansea's benefit. The money we received from the sale of Joe Allen has been well spent, providing us with several quality players including Pablo Hernandez, Chico Flores and, of course, Michu who is often touted as 'the bargain of the season.' These are players we couldn't dream of without the attraction of Laudrup.

What was the vibe in the city like after you won the Capital One Cup?

It was certainly a fantastic achievement for the club to win its first major silverware in its centenary year. The city has been on a high since the Play-Off Final win two seasons ago, and the Capital One Cup has just emphasised how the whole city is thriving on the club's recent successes.  This can be seen with the numbers of fans lining the streets for the victory parade and the number of kids that you see out and about wearing Swansea shirts.

Since the Capital One Cup win, the remainder of the league has petered out a little. Our performances have generally been okay but we seemed not to have a lot of luck and thus have not picked up a great number of points.

All in all, though, it has been a decent Premier League campaign as well – did you ever think the Swansea would establish themselves in the top flight so quickly?

I think you can say it has been more than decent! Considering where the club was a decade ago, to have a Cup final win, guaranteed top-half finish and Europe to look forward to next season, it has been a very successful season.

Whilst we have been one of the favourites to get relegated over the last two seasons, I don't think we should be surprised that the Swans have adapted well to top flight football. The club has been building on previous successes for several seasons prior to promotion. The style of play that Swansea are now recognised for also suits the Premier League.  That said, we cannot stand still and need to carry on improving.

Which Swansea players will Fulham have to watch out for on Sunday?

Michu has been a revelation this season and has rightly been taking the plaudits. It was both surprising and disappointing not to see him nominated for the Player of the Year award. We certainly have needed his 20-odd goals. Whilst he was initially signed as an attacking midfielder, the lack of threat from our forwards and the sale of Danny Graham has resulted in him playing further forward. He recently signed a contract extension so hopefully we can keep him in South Wales for at least another season.

Leon Britton is an all-time Swansea City legend. Joining back when we were playing in the lower leagues, he has been a permanent fixture in the side during the club's rise through the divisions. He is the engine of the midfield and essential to the way that Swansea play. He is always available for short passes to get others out of trouble - like a terrier he is able to nick the ball away from the opposition and can knock out the long passes to start an attack too.

And, likewise, which Fulham players are you fearful of?

I think that the two teams are fairly evenly matched and rely on hard work as much as individual players, although Dimitar Berbatov is one player that could cause us problems. He can drift in and out of games but can also create something out of nothing. He needs just one chance to change a game so our defence will have to be aware of him for the full 90 minutes.

What's the best thing about a trip to the Liberty Stadium?

Watching the Swans of course! The atmosphere is usually good, whilst you will always get a friendly welcome in South Wales. In the traditions of the Vetch, the main singing sections are situated alongside the pitch and there is often good, friendly banter between the two sets of fans. I expect that there shall be a party atmosphere for the last game of what has been a very successful season.  Keep an eye out for Cyril the Swan and the announcer Kev Johns, a Swansea legend himself, trying to fire the crowd up prior to kick off.

What's one song that we're likely to hear?

My favourite is the classic 'Take me to the Vetch Field' but there are several that you will be likely to hear, whilst the Welsh rugby anthem Hymns and Arias has become an unofficial anthem for the Swans in recent years and generates a real atmosphere right around the stadium. Also, don't be surprised to hear some anti-Cardiff songs, particularly as they shall be joining us in the top-flight next season.

Where's the best place for away fans to go for a pre-match pint?

Although there is both Frankie and Benny's and Harvester right outside the ground, these get very busy way before kick-off. There are several pubs up on the way from the train station to the ground, although these will generally be full of Swansea fans. Away fans would probably be best to drink in the city centre.  Five minutes from the train station, Wind (pronounced as if you are winding a watch) Street has many bars and pubs including Walkabout, Yates and The Bank Statement which serves a wide selection of beers and ales.

And finally, how do you see Sunday's game going?

We have done well against Fulham since promotion and I can see that continuing on Sunday. One big performance for the last game of the season would be nice with a few goals. Seeing as neither club has got a huge amount to play for, I expect to see a Swans win by two or three.




http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/may/16/inside-the-liberty-stadium?

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Fulham star desperate to end season on a high against Swansea

Fulham defender John Arne Riise is desperate to end their losing run by finishing their season on a high at Swansea.

The Whites have lost five in a row and could even finish in 17th position, if results go against them.

"We don't want to end the season having taken just one point from the last eight games - that's not what Fulham is about," Riise told the club's official website.

"Hopefully we'll have a good week in training, get our energy back and finish on a good note. We're not thinking about our holidays yet - now is not the time, we've still got a game of football to play. We're on a bad run of form and we want to end that so we go into the summer in a good frame of mind."


http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/fulham_star_desperate_to_end_season_on_a_high_against_swansea_1_2196781

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Winger set for Fulham exit

SIMON Davies looks like he's pulled on a Fulham shirt for the last time.

Whites boss Martin Jol has hinted he won't be offering the midfielder fresh terms when his contract expires in the summer after an injury-ravaged couple of seasons at Craven Cottage.

The Welsh winger was restricted to just seven appearances last campaign, but hasn't featured at all this time around after struggling to overcome a hip problem.

And Jol is set to show the 33-year-old the door when his deal runs out next month.

He said: "The thing with Simon is as long as I was here he was never fully-fit for more than two or three weeks, and that's a problem.

"When he was fit he was a wonderful player but if he's not fit we've got a problem, so we've got to sit down with him and talk about it."

However, Jol has offered the former Peterborough trainee use of the club's Motspur Park training facilities to Davies if he decides to stay in SW6 to regain his fitness.

The manager added: "We will look after Simon and, of course, he can stay here as long as he needs to get fit, but it's about him as well.

"He has to make his mind up about his own fitness and if he wants to play again."

Davies has made 169 appearances for Fulham since his arrival from Everton in 2007, scoring 17 goals.



Read more: Fulham Chronicle http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/fulham-fc/2013/05/16/82029-33339412/?#ixzz2TStuMnz6