Thursday Fulham Stuff (30/05/13)...

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Fulham complete U's Premier League treble

With Arsenal and Chelsea already having agreed to send teams to Gander Green Lane as part of Sutton's pre-season schedule, U's have today completed a Premier League hat-trick with the arrangement of a game against a Fulham XI on Saturday 13 July, kick off 3pm. This is the day following the Arsenal game. Full admission details will appear nearer the time, but we are grateful to Fulham for their help in arranging this addition to an attractive pre-season which also includes games against AFC Wimbledon and Cambridge United.


http://www.suttonunited.net/news.php?#2150

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U21 Fixtures Announcement

The Club can confirm the following two Under 21 friendly fixtures ahead of the 2013-14 campaign:

Sutton United v Fulham XI 

Fulham FC's Under 21s will play Sutton United in a pre-season friendly at Borough Sports Ground on Saturday 13th July (3pm kick-off).

Ticket prices: £10 Adults / £6 Concessions (Valid ID will need to be shown) / £2 Under 16s. Further ticket information and purchasing details to follow, but tickets will be available on the day.

Dartford v Fulham XI 

A Fulham XI will also be playing a friendly at Princes Park on Saturday 3rd August 2013 (3pm kick-off) against Dartford.

Ticket prices: TBC

Keep an eye out on fulhamfc.com for further pre-season friendlies which will be published as soon as they are confirmed.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/may/29/u21-friendly-announcement?

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Stek to Fulham, Rafael Roma?



Roma are reportedly in talks with Fulham to sell Maarten Stekelenburg so they can bring in Rafael or Bolton's Adam Bogdan.

Stekelenburg had already been on the verge of a move to Craven Cottage in January, but the move collapsed when Roma could not sign a replacement in time.

The Dutch goalkeeper never entirely convinced at the Olimpico and is expected to leave for around €4.5m.

La Gazzetta dello Sport claims director Franco Baldini is in London today to discuss the move with Fulham representatives.

His heir is already lined up, as Santos have come forward to confirm they are awaiting offers for 23-year-old shot-stopper Rafael.

The Brazilian is not the only option, as calcionews24 insist the Giallorossi are also looking at Bolton Wanderers goalkeeper Bogdan, who would be available for €2.8m.



http://www.football-italia.net/34750/stek-fulham-rafael-roma?

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Fulham hold Maarten Stekelenburg talks?

Roma director Franco Baldini has reportedly travelled to London this afternoon for talks with Fulham over Dutch international goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg.

The Cottagers came close to signing Stekelenburg in January are are reportedly still interested in bringing the keeper to West London this summer.

Baldini is prepared to sell Stekelenburg after a difficult season at the Olimpico but wants at least £4.5m for the 30-year-old, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Stekelenburg finished his second Serie A season on the sidelines through injury, with Romanian stopper Bogdan Lobont impressing in his place towards the close of the campaign.

Martin Jol is reportedly still interested in signing the former Ajax number one but Fulham are yet to agree with Baldini on a suitable transfer fee.

Roma are already thought to be considering replacements to strengthen their rearguard, with Santos starlet Rafael linked with a move to the Eternal City.


http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/transfer-talk/news/fulham-hold-stekelenburg-talks_86702.html

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Fulham starlet Kerim Frei selected for Turkey U20 World Cup 2013 squad

The Turkish U20 World Cup 2013 preliminary squad has been selected by the national team manager Feyyaz Uçar.

The team will train at the Düzce Fenerbahçe Topuk Yayla facilities between 4-12 June and the BJK Nevzat Demir training grounds between 12-15 June.

Uçar said, "Our first goal is the make it out of the group stage and we will treat every game as if it were the final.

"Kerim Frei accepted our request to play in the U20 team, he said it would be an honour to represent Turkey in the competition."

The Turkish U20 World Cup 2013 preliminary squad is as follows:
Ferhat Poyrak - Adanaspor A.Ş.
Cumali Bişi - Çaykur Rizespor
Berkay Can Değirmencioğlu - Denizlispor
Hakan Çinemre - Fenerbahçe A.Ş.
Salih Uçan - Fenerbahçe A.Ş.
Muhammed Alperen Uysal - Galatasaray A.Ş.
Sadık Çiftpinar - Galatasaray A.Ş.
Taşkın Çalış - Gaziantepspor
Artun Akçakin - Gençlerbirliği
Ahmet Yılmaz Çalık - Gençlerbirliği
İlkay Durmuş - Gençlerbirliği
Sefa Akın Başibüyük - Giresunspor
Onurcan Piri - Giresunspor
Halil Akbunar - Göztepe A.Ş.
İbrahim Yılmaz - İstanbul BBSK
Enver Cenk Şahin - İstanbul BBSK
Ethem Ercan Pülgir - Kartalspor
Erhan Kartal - Kasımpaşa A.Ş.
Okay Yokuşlu - Kayserispor
Sinan Bakış - Bayer 04 Leverkusen
Alpaslan Öztürk - Beerschot AC
Aykut Özer - Eintracht Frankfurt
Kerim Frei - FC Fulham
Fatih Nurullah Turan - Fortuna Sittart
Hakan Çalhanoğlu - HSV Hamburger SV
Mustafa Saymak - PEC Zwolle



http://www.turkish-football.com/news_read.php?id=4676

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Mark Hughes agrees to be Stoke's new manager on a 12-month rolling contract

Potters will ask the Welshman to deliver on a strict budget as he did at Fulham and Blackburn - but the fans aren't sure

Mark Hughes has agreed to become Stoke's new manager - and immediately set about a huge rebuilding job.

Hughes has negotiated a 12-month rolling contract and we understand the Welshman was the only man approached by the Potters about replacing Tony Pulis.

The club had a short-list including other candidates, but Hughes was championed by chairman Peter Coates and, ultimately, they did not feel they needed to speak to anyone else.

Coates admired the jobs that Hughes did while in charge at Blackburn and Fulham.

The Welshman got results in the Premier League on strict budgets at both those clubs - and will have to do so again at Stoke.

Former QPR and Manchester City boss Hughes will have money to spend, but will also oversee a wholesale clear-out.

The 49-year-old will look to ship out Scotland midfielder Charlie Adam, former England striker Peter Crouch could also be sold and two other big earners, Kenwyne Jones and Wilson Palacios, are likely to be on their way out, too.

Dean Whitehead, Jermaine Pennant and Michael Owen - who announced his retirement at the end of the season - are all now free agents, which will save the club in excess of £100,000-a-week in wages.

Midfielder Steven Nzonzi, meanwhile, wants to leave but had a transfer request turned down earlier this month.

Pulis brought in high-earners and paid big fees for players whose age meant they had little or no resale value, and that was a crucial factor in Coates' decision to make a managerial change.

Stoke will now look to sign younger players with potential, to ensure that they have a resale value and also remain hungry.

Blackpool midfielder Tom Ince, 21, was pursued in January, they have already bought England Under-21 keeper Jack Butland and Tottenham's promising midfielder Jake Livermore, 23, is another potential target.

Hughes will also be expected to work alongside the academy staff, as the club have ploughed money into developing young players with - so far - little return.

And the new manager, who will bring in trusted lieutenants Mark Bowen and Eddie Niedzwiecki, will also need to co-operate with Stoke's technical director, Mark Cartwright.

Hughes' impending arrival has divided opinion among fans, with the chairman of the supporters' club, Bryan Shaw, warning it would be unpopular.

Shaw said: "From all the people available, he would not have been my first choice, although he has a reasonable record, apart from at QPR.

"Not a lot of supporters wanted Tony Pulis back when he was brought back for a second spell in charge.

"That wasn't a popular decision because of his style of football. Probably half of the fan base was against him at first, but he won the majority over. There is a feeling Hughes is similar.

"If you ask the majority of Stoke supporters, Mark Hughes would not be their first choice. That said, whoever the chairman appoints we have to get behind. We just have to hope he proves us wrong."

Chief executive Tony Scholes wants the club to become self-sufficient, so Hughes, who had a patchy transfer record at QPR and also spent big at Man City, will have a different philosophy from those clubs.

Stoke believe he can do it though, based on the bargain buys he pulled off at Blackburn.

The likes of Ryan Nelsen, Chris Samba and Roque Santa Cruz did great jobs at Ewood Park.

It will be that kind of job at Stoke, who are also acutely aware of discontent among their fans about the style of play and dwindling attendances, particularly away from home, where their record was so poor last season and they rarely showed much ambition or entertainment.

The mantra at the Britannia has been "a different direction" and that is what brought about the end of Pulis, but also signals a new beginning in terms of manager, tactics and promoting young, home-grown talent.

Ironically, fellow Welshmen Hughes and Pulis have had a series of touchline spats and press conference rows.

Hughes' first battle may be over Stoke's star keeper Asmir Begovic, who is a target for Arsenal, both the Manchester clubs and Liverpool.

With Butland available after spending the second half of the season on loan at Birmingham, the Potters may decide to cash in on Begovic, in a move which would be representative of the complete change in philosophy at the club.


Mark Hughes' managerial career

Wales (Sept 1999-Oct 2004; Played 41 Won 12 Drew 15 Lost 14) Hughes' first job in management was as boss of Wales. Took the Dragons to within 90 minutes of Euro 2004, only for them to agonisingly lose 1-0 to Russia at the Millennium Stadium in a play-off.

Blackburn (Sept 2004-Oct 2008; P188 W82 D47 L59) Retained his Wales role part-time for a month before quitting to take over full-time at Blackburn, guiding his former club to an FA Cup semi-final in his first season. Qualified Rovers for the UEFA Cup in his final season in charge.

Manchester City (June 2008-Dec 2009; P77 W36 D16 L25) Began the Manchester City revolution by signing a glut of big money players, including Robinho (£32m), Craig Bellamy (£14m), Emmanuel Adebayor (£25m), Joleon Lescott (£22m) and Carlos Tevez (£32m). Briefly had his team top, but a run of two wins in 11 Premier League games saw him replaced by Roberto Mancini.

Fulham (July 2010-June 2011; P43 W14 D16 L13) Took over from Roy Hodgson, but had just one season at the Craven Cottage helm when he led Fulham to a creditable eighth placed finish. Quit after questioning the club's ambition, Fulham owner Mohamed Al-Fayed responding angrily by dubbing Sparky a 'flop.'

Queens Park Rangers (Jan-Nov 2012; P34 W8 D6 L20) Signed a two-and-a-half year deal to replace Neil Warnock and ensured QPR avoided the drop in his first season. But, the Hoops started the next season by going 12 games without a win and were rock-bottom when Hughes was sacked, with Harry Redknapp taking over.



Check out all the latest News, Sport & Celeb gossip at Mirror.co.uk http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/mark-hughes-agrees-stoke-deal-1919943?#ixzz2Uk9xjdMB
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1 day to go

The Early Bird Deadline for 2013/14 Season Tickets has been extended until 5pm tomorrow, Friday 31st May.

That's great news for those supporters who are still thinking of signing up for next season, as there's still time to secure your 2013/14 Season Ticket from just £399 adults (£21 per game) and £190 juniors (£10 per game).

If you haven't purchased yours already, be sure to buy before prices rise on Friday and save £50 on the adult price!

Don't forget, thanks to our Instalment Plan, you can pay for your Season Ticket over a six or a nine month period. Find out more about Instalment Plan options here.

Your 2013/14 Season Ticket will include all 19 Barclays Premier League home games, as well as a host of benefits such as priority access to additional tickets, first option on away and cup tickets, and a 10 per cent discount on Fulham products. Read the full list of benefits here.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/may/30/1-day-to-go?

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Belford faces Fulham ace Berbatov in Bulgaria

HE'S a goalkeeper by trade, so when Dale Belford was given the job of playing left back in front of the 10,000 fans, the job was daunting,
Add the fact he was handed the job of man-marking Fulham striker Dimitar Berbatov and the task got a little bit worse!

Belford was part of an Aston Villa Old Boys squad beaten 4-2 by a team of former Bulgarian internationals in a friendly game dedicated to Aston Villa captain Stiliyan Petrov.

Belford played the second half at left back while former Manchester United and Tottenham ace Berbatov was on the right side of a three-pronged attack.

"Marking Dimitar Berbatov is not too easy for a goalkeeper to be fair!" said Lambs boss Belford.

"I got nut-megged live on Bulgarian TV as well. It was a little bit embarrassing!

"But it was a great day and a fantastic experience. I feel privileged to have been a part of the day.

"Stiliyan is a real hero in Bulgaria and that was clearly evident by the turn-out of Bulgaria players and the fact thousands of fans came to watch the game as well."

Berbatov scored twice for the Bulgarian all-star team, while veteran winger Martin Petrov and former international Petar Mihtarski netted once.

Martin Carruthers scored twice for Aston Villa.

The likes of Hristo Stoichkov, Krasimir Balakov, and Lyuboslav Penev also played for Bulgaria.

As well as Belford and Carruthers, the Aston Villa Old Stars squad featured Mark Kinsella, Tamworth midfielder Lee Hendrie and Tony Daley.

More than 10,000 spectators witnessed the game in the Bulgarian capital Sofia.

Revenue from ticket sales will go to the treatment of Bulgarian children suffering from leukaemia.

Petrov announced earlier in May that he is quitting professional football as he continues his fight against leukaemia.

He is now in remission after being diagnosed with the illness in March last year.

Petrov had been playing for Villa since 2006, after seven seasons in Celtic.

He had also played for CSKA Sofia and PFC Montana and made 105 appearances for the Bulgarian national football team.



Read more: http://www.thisistamworth.co.uk/story-19133663-detail/story.html?#ixzz2UmhvmHVf
Follow us: @thisistamworth on Twitter | thisistamworth on Facebook

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Mark Hughes appointed new Stoke City manager as Potters replace one Welshman with another

Potters will ask the Welshman to deliver on a strict budget as he did at Fulham and Blackburn - but the fans aren't sure

Mark Hughes has agreed to become Stoke's new manager - and immediately set about a huge rebuilding job.

Hughes has agreed a deal to take over at the Britannia Stadium and we understand the Welshman was the only man approached by the Potters about replacing fellow Welshman Tony Pulis.

The club had a short-list including other candidates, but Hughes was championed by chairman Peter Coates and, ultimately, they did not feel they needed to speak to anyone else.

Coates admired the jobs that Hughes did while in charge at Blackburn and Fulham.

The Welshman got results in the Premier League on strict budgets at both those clubs - and will have to do so again at Stoke.

Former QPR and Manchester City boss Hughes will have money to spend, but will also oversee a wholesale clear-out.

The 49-year-old will look to ship out Scotland midfielder Charlie Adam, former England striker Peter Crouch could also be sold and two other big earners, Kenwyne Jones and Wilson Palacios, are likely to be on their way out, too.

Dean Whitehead, Jermaine Pennant and Michael Owen - who announced his retirement at the end of the season - are all now free agents, which will save the club in excess of £100,000-a-week in wages.

Midfielder Steven Nzonzi, meanwhile, wants to leave but had a transfer request turned down earlier this month.

Pulis brought in high-earners and paid big fees for players whose age meant they had little or no resale value, and that was a crucial factor in Coates' decision to make a managerial change.

Stoke will now look to sign younger players with potential, to ensure that they have a resale value and also remain hungry.

Blackpool midfielder Tom Ince, 21, was pursued in January, they have already bought England Under-21 keeper Jack Butland and Tottenham's promising midfielder Jake Livermore, 23, is another potential target.

Hughes will also be expected to work alongside the academy staff, as the club have ploughed money into developing young players with - so far - little return.

And the new manager, who will bring in trusted lieutenants Mark Bowen and Eddie Niedzwiecki, will also need to co-operate with Stoke's technical director, Mark Cartwright.

Hughes' impending arrival has divided opinion among fans, with the chairman of the supporters' club, Bryan Shaw, warning it would be unpopular.

Shaw said: "From all the people available, he would not have been my first choice, although he has a reasonable record, apart from at QPR.

"Not a lot of supporters wanted Tony Pulis back when he was brought back for a second spell in charge.

"That wasn't a popular decision because of his style of football. Probably half of the fan base was against him at first, but he won the majority over. There is a feeling Hughes is similar.

"If you ask the majority of Stoke supporters, Mark Hughes would not be their first choice. That said, whoever the chairman appoints we have to get behind. We just have to hope he proves us wrong."

Chief executive Tony Scholes wants the club to become self-sufficient, so Hughes, who had a patchy transfer record at QPR and also spent big at Man City, will have a different philosophy from those clubs.

Stoke believe he can do it though, based on the bargain buys he pulled off at Blackburn.

The likes of Ryan Nelsen, Chris Samba and Roque Santa Cruz did great jobs at Ewood Park.

It will be that kind of job at Stoke, who are also acutely aware of discontent among their fans about the style of play and dwindling attendances, particularly away from home, where their record was so poor last season and they rarely showed much ambition or entertainment.

The mantra at the Britannia has been "a different direction" and that is what brought about the end of Pulis, but also signals a new beginning in terms of manager, tactics and promoting young, home-grown talent.

Ironically, fellow Welshmen Hughes and Pulis have had a series of touchline spats and press conference rows.

Hughes' first battle may be over Stoke's star keeper Asmir Begovic, who is a target for Arsenal, both the Manchester clubs and Liverpool.

With Butland available after spending the second half of the season on loan at Birmingham, the Potters may decide to cash in on Begovic, in a move which would be representative of the complete change in philosophy at the club.



Check out all the latest News, Sport & Celeb gossip at Mirror.co.uk http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/mark-hughes-appointed-new-stoke-1919943#ixzz2UmiQBJvI
Follow us: @DailyMirror on Twitter | DailyMirror on Facebook

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Celebrating Excellence



The end of the season not only marked another achievement in Fulham FC sealing Barclays Premier League football for a 13th consecutive campaign, it also allowed the Club to recognise and applaud the efforts of many of our frontline staff for the hard work and dedication shown throughout 2012/13.

The Celebrating Excellence awards highlighted the invaluable work carried out off the pitch by many individuals and teams on match days. Normally, the only face-to-face contact many people will have with the Club, they help to create a welcoming experience for fans and visitors to our historic home, Craven Cottage.

Fulham FC engages hundreds of staff on match days working in catering, stewarding, hospitality, retail, ticketing & medical and over 250 people attended the Celebrating Excellence awards at the end of May.

Fulham Football Club People Development Director, Robert Ordever, said: "Each season, we expect even more from our match day teams. We want the match day experience to be closer and more personal and our people can make that difference. Recognising and rewarding those who live the Club Values and exceed supporter expectations, is an important priority. This event celebrates the best of the best, from a pool of over 1,000 match day staff, we give just 15 awards. Staff are nominated by their Managers and Peers and a panel from around the Club deliberate to ensure that the shortlist and the winners are Fulham's finest."

There were 15 categories in all, five of which were linked to each of the Club's five values. Congratulations to the winners who all received an award, a certificate signed by Vice Chairman, Karim Fayed, and some wonderful prizes. Congratulations to all of the people that were nominated for an award too.

Fulham Football Club would like to thank the suppliers and partners that supported this event and we look forward to having even more to celebrate this time next year.

If you have seen examples of excellence from a match day team member, please email: [email protected] or call our Supporter Relations Department on: 0843 208 1222 (option 4), so that they can also be recognised.

If you feel you can deliver excellence as part of our match day team, please apply via the recruitment section on fulhamfc.com.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/may/30/celebrating-excellence?

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1973: Pelé Plays At The Cottage



The biggest crowd of the season - 21,464 – turned out on 12th March 1973 to see Brazilian superstar Pelé and his Santos team play a friendly against Second Division Fulham at Craven Cottage.

It was the 31-year-old's first game in the English capital, as he had spent all of Brazil's matches at the 1966 World Cup at Everton's Goodison Park, and the likes of Carlos Alberto and Edú were alongside him for Santos' 'world tour'.

Fulham Manager Alec Stock was not overawed - as he acknowledged beforehand: "It's a serious game for us. We beat Benfica a year ago [to mark the opening of the Riverside Stand] and hope to do the same to Santos. We thought it would be very unfair to our players to drop them for guests and spoil the fine spirit they have. Exhibition matches are bad things for spectators and we're going to give Santos a run for their money."

Fulham skipper Alan Mullery had come up against Pelé at the 1970 World Cup, but planned on going a little softer on the forward this time around, saying: "Tell Pelé that I won't be marking him too closely this time. The fans want to see his skills, not me trying to stop him play."

Making strides onto the Craven Cottage turf, the world's best player still had "the speed and wriggle of a young adder" according to The Daily Express' Steve Curry, while The Daily Mirror's Jack Steggles wrote: "There was an excited buzz every time the ball reached Pelé."

But wing-wizard Edu proved to be Santos' outstanding player on the night. He hit the bar with a first half free-kick and Curry described his skills as "staggeringly brilliant" on the left flank before Fulham were handed the lead late in the opening 45 minutes.

An appalling blunder by Santos goalkeeper Claudio gave the Whites the opening goal on 35 minutes as he got hold of Alan Pinkey's cross, but let the ball slip through his hands and into the net.

Santos, playing at almost walking pace, were soon level, though, as an explosive burst carried Pelé yards clear in a race for a throughball and goalkeeper Peter Mellor brought him down. Pelé picked himself up to send Mellor the wrong way with the spot-kick and tie the game at 1-1.

"I wanted to save a Pele penalty," Mellor told writer David Lloyd years later in the 2011 programme for Brazil v Ghana, played at the Cottage. "I had stopped spot-kicks from George Best and Jimmy Greaves and wanted to make it a hat-trick. I asked Alan Mullery which way Pele normally shoots. He told me left, but Pele sent the ball the other side. I was been desperate to save this one and protect our lead – but I didn't have a chance."

The Whites would hit back seven minutes from time to secure the winner, however, as Steve Earle was bodychecked by Vincente outside the box. The forward got himself in a great position from the resulting free-kick, which he sent home from close range to inflict only Santos' second defeat in 12 matches of their tour and ensure that Pelé would never forget his trip to SW6.

Our young striker John Mitchell - celebrating his 21st birthday - would not forget the day either. "Playing Santos was a fantastic opportunity for the whole Club," he told Lloyd. "We were up for it and there was a wonderful atmosphere generated by the fans.

"My claim to fame from the evening was nutmegging Pelé – although, as my teammate Les Strong is always quick to remind me, I didn't really mean to do it! I turned with the ball, miscontrolled it, and that tricked the world's best player. When I realised what I'd done – deliberately or otherwise – I almost stopped in my tracks. But we did really well."

Fulham's left-back Fred Callaghan added: "One thing I remember was getting Pelé to autograph five footballs after the game – which was great of him - and I passed them on to people to raise money for charity."





http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/may/30/throwback-thursday?

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Urby Emanuelson pleased with Fulham experience
Fulham news: Urby Emanuelson has said he thoroughly enjoyed his short stint at the west London club


Emanuelson joined Fulham on loan in January. (©GettyImages)

Urby Emanuelson has revealed he was very pleased with his spell at Fulham after arriving in January on loan.

Emanuelson was loaned from Italian giants AC Milan in January and featured in 13 appearances for the Cottagers before his return to the San Siro.

The 26-year old feels that he adjusted well to life in England after arriving halfway through a season. Despite starting on the bench, Emanuelson became a part of Martin Jol's plans and scored on his final appearance for the Cottagers against Swansea.

"After finding my feet a little, I think I adapted and adjusted to the demands of English football," Emanuelson told the official website.

"I'd played in Italy and Holland – two very good leagues, as well as the Champions League. However, the football in this country is totally different – I don't think you can really prepare for the intensity. You just have to get in and play."

Emanuelson began his career at Ajax in Holland where his manager was current Fulham manager Martin Jol and spent seven years at the club before moving to AC Milan.

The Dutch International revealed that he had always wanted to play in the Premier League and was thankful that he had been given his opportunity.

"My first game for Fulham against Manchester United is one of the big highlights of my career, not just this season," he said.

"But just to be competing in the Barclays Premier League was probably the best one for me.

"I came in during January, which had been kind of a winter break for me – I know that they do not have those in England, though. It was a great opportunity for me at Fulham as I'd always wanted to play in the Premier League. That was my personal highlight."


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http://www.givemesport.com/348219-urby-emanuelson-pleased-with-fulham-experience?

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Cottagers move for Dutch star

Fulham are reportedly closing in on a £4.3million deal to sign Roma goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg. Roma general director Franco Baldini has flown to London to meet Cottagers' officials and tie up a deal for the Netherlands international. Stekelenburg was close to moving to Craven Cottage in January only for the transfer to collapse at the last minute. Roma have already targeted Santos stopper Rafael as a replacement, meaning a deal for the 30-year-old should go through on this occasion. Stekelenburg's arrival would almost certainly spell the end of Mark Schwarzer's career with the Fulham. The 40-year-old's contract expired at the end of the season and the Australian revealed earlier this month that he has yet to be offered a new one.



Read more at: http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/cottagers-move-for-dutch-star-1595138.html?

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Frei Focused

Young Fulham midfielder Kerim Frei aims to be firing on all cylinders when the new campaign begins in August.

After a brilliant breakthrough season the year before, the winger suffered a frustrating 2012/13 term, with a succession of niggling injuries limiting him to just a handful of appearances.

The Turkey international, who also spent time out on loan in the npower Championship at Cardiff City, featured on just eight occasions for Fulham in all competitions – and wasn't able to help his side to a win.

He told the official website: "On a personal level, I don't think it was a great season. I had two injuries and that set me back – it was difficult to get back to the level that I wanted to be at. But every day I feel a lot better, sharper, stronger and quicker."

After the summer break, the starlet will return to SW6 looking to force his way into Martin Jol's plans and once again make his mark in a white shirt.

"It's unfortunate that we now have the break because all I want to do is play football and show what I can do again," stated Frei, who made 25 appearances for Fulham in 2011/12. "Although I'll be away, I'll still work on my game and keep my fitness up – it's important for me to come back in good shape.

"I want to start the 2013/14 season strong, and get back to where I was. I want to be running out at Craven Cottage again and playing my part. I think I've shown that I can compete at the top level, but I know I now have to do that on a regular basis."

There was better news on the international front for Frei, with the 19-year-old making his debut for Turkey in a World Cup Qualifier against Andorra in March and sealing his place in the squad for the friendlies against Latvia and Slovenia this week.

But it's with the Whites that Frei is determined to establish himself again, adding: "My number one target is to break into the First Team again and impress the Manager and coaches over the summer months – I want to be in their plans for the new season."

To relive all the best moments from the 2012/13 season, be sure to purchase the official season review DVD which is available to pre-order now.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/may/30/frei-focused?

[WhiteJC]

 
Premier League: Manchester City's Abdisalam Ibrahim flattered by reported interest


Abdisalam Ibrahim: Plans talks with Manchester City over his future

Manchester City starlet Abdisalam Ibrahim admits he is flattered to be linked with other Premier League clubs.

The highly-rated midfielder is currently on loan at Stromsgodset until the end of the Norwegian season and he has been earning rave reviews during his stint in Norway.

A host of Premier League clubs including Arsenal, Liverpool, Fulham, Swansea and West Ham are all thought to be keeping tabs on Ibrahim's progress with the player entering the final year of his contract at Manchester City.

Ibrahim's suitors are expected to watch the powerful midfielder in action for Norway at this summer's Under 21 European Championship in Israel with the Norwegians drawn in the same group as England.

Ibrahim is planning to hold talks with City over his future this summer and he admits it is an honour to be linked with boyhood heroes Arsenal, but says he is focused on the European Championship with Norway

"I'm very flattered to be linked with Arsenal, I grew up as an Arsenal fan and my hero was Patrick Vieira when he was playing there," Ibrahim told Sky Sports.

"I would be very honoured to play for Arsenal and it would be all my dreams come true to work with Arsene Wenger.

"He has developed so many young players over the years and gave them chances in the first team but at the moment my focus now is doing very well in the Under 21 European Championship next month in Israel with my national team and hopefully try and win the tournament.

"We will see what happens in the next couple of months about my future as I'm contracted to Manchester City for another year.

"I'm open to extending my new deal, but I'd like to meet the new manager if it's [Manuel] Pelligrini and see what he has to say.

"I'm 22 years old now and I want to be playing week in, week out in the Premier League."



http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11731/8742994?

[WhiteJC]

 
Stunner From Stan

On-loan defender Stanislav Manolev scored a fine free-kick as Bulgaria defeated Japan 2-0 in a friendly match at Toyota Stadium on Thursday.

Manolev, whose temporary spell at Fulham comes to an end next month, started the game on the right wing and put Bulgaria ahead as early as the third minute when he hammered a free-kick past goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima.

About 30 yards out, Manolev struck the ball with ferocity and it dipped and swerved into the net to put Bulgaria ahead.

With Japan failing to get themselves back into it, the second goal came late in the game, but was from another free-kick as Makoto Hasebe turned the ball into his own net in the 71st minute.

Manolev then departed eight minutes later for substitute Yordan Hristov, shortly after picking up a booking, and Bulgaria held on to keep their clean sheet and pick up the win.

Elsewhere, Jack Grimmer's Scotland side crashed out of the UEFA European Under 19 Championships after a 3-0 defeat to England on Wednesday night.

The defender captained his side at the competition in the Elite Round but Scotland finished bottom of their group after drawing 2-2 with Belgium and losing to Georgia and England.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/may/30/stunner-from-stan?

[WhiteJC]

 
Transfer news: No Fulham deal for Roma goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg

Maarten Stekelenburg's agent has denied that a deal is in place for the goalkeeper to join Fulham.

Reports in Italy claim that the Cottagers have already agreed the transfer of the Dutch international from Roma.

30-year-old Stekelenburg almost joined Fulham on transfer deadline day in January, and it does now appear that Martin Jol is closing on his capture.

However, Rob Jansen insists that the move is not yet agreed.

"Maarten to Fulham? At the moment there is nothing. It's still early, we have to wait," he told Calciomercato.



http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11681/8743004?