Tuesday Fulham Stuff (11/06/13)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Riise Wants Best Season

Defender John Arne Riise is keen to build on this season's positives and wants the 2013/14 campaign to be his best in a Fulham shirt.

After flirting with the top 10 at various points of the 2012/13 season, the Whites eventually finished last term in 12th place – and Riise is determined to help Fulham push on when the new campaign begins in August.

"We had a good start, then a long, long time without a win," he told fulhamfc.com. "That often happens in a season but there were games in that run that we should have won. "Then we got back to business and started winning games to climb the table and got back into the top 10. But over the last seven or eight games – apart from the win at Swansea City on the last day - it wasn't good enough. We conceded too many goals and didn't score enough.

"It's hard to pick a highlight because all I can really think about is the last few games. But it's always nice to play at home in front of the Fulham fans. And the first game of the season when we won 5-0 against Norwich City was great. We were really, really good that day.

"However, we were really disappointed with how the season ended. We need to work hard over the summer as there is definitely room for improvement next season."

The defender, a summer signing from AS Roma in 2011, made 28 league appearances for the Whites last term - but he admits it was a sometimes frustrating season by his own high standards.

"Personally, it was mixed," he said. "I felt I started strongly but over Christmas I picked up a slight injury and I was in and out of the team which was disappointing. It just proves that you have to keep working hard for the whole season. So it was an up and down campaign for me."

Still, after hanging up his boots on the international scene, Riise believes he will be fighting fit when the new campaign unfolds.

"We'll have a good rest and then for the last two weeks of my holiday I'll train very hard so I come back for pre-season fit," he added. "I want next season to be the best for me personally and for the team."

See John and the rest of the team in action at all 19 Barclays Premier League home games next season with a Fulham FC Season Ticket, find out more at fulhamfc.com/seasontickets

Also, you will soon be able to buy the new adidas Training Kit worn here from the official Shop. Keep an eye on fulhamfc.com for details.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/june/10/riise-wants-best-season?

[WhiteJC]

 
Martin Jol ready for new Fulham adventure after ruthless releases

Fulham quietly appear set to undergo one of the biggest transformations in the Premier League this summer.

Martin Jol has a reputation as one of football's nice guys, but as well as anybody he realises there is no room for sentiment in football.

A promising start to the season ended terribly for the west Londoners, who lost six of their last eight games, ending the campaign with a surprise 3-0 away win at Swansea.


It saw them lose out on an almost certain top half finish, sliding to 12th - and their manager is seemingly ready to start afresh.

Just like Fulham waved goodbye to first team regular Danny Murphy last summer, Martin Jol has done so again - allowing impressive utility man Chris Baird to move on.

Following him out the door are Giorgiou Karagounis, a short-term if committed performer, and the injury-prone duo of Simon Davies and Mahamadou Diarra.

All four could have made cases to be kept on another season, but Jol has shown Fulham need to make bold decisions and bring in entirely new faces to move forward. U-turns are not impossible in each case, but at present indications are each will be allowed to move on.

Already bought in is long-term target Derek Boateng - a defensive midfielder, while in goal Fulham have allowed veteran Mark Schwarzer to fly the nest with Dutch international goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg an excellent addition.

Last summer was a difficult one for Fulham, with transfer sagas of Clint Dempsey and Moussa Dembele hanging over them until late August, losing two key players with little time to spare.

Most of that money is still available to spend, with loan deals used to plug gaps in January with Emmanuel Frimpong and Urby Emanuelson.

The fruits of that are coming to bear now, with PSV striker Ola Toivonen another target. There is interest over talented Swede Alex Kacanikic, but Fulham's healthy finances place them well to see off the Premier League predators which are circling.

Fulham are acting boldy, for Martin Jol knows that leaving it as it were, was simply not an option for the club. If he can bring in a number of key acquisitions over the next month they will be well set for pre-season.

Their Premier League winning under-18 side also offers clear promise for the future, and the shifting of older high earners out of the squad and off the wage bill could even hand one or two the chance to impress next season in the right circumstances.

It may have been a tough end to the season with fans wondering where the club was heading, but while early on in the summer, fans should be feeling positive about the next one already.



http://hereisthecity.com/2013/06/09/martin-jol-ready-for-new-fulham-adventure-after-ruthless-release/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Sailing Clubs' Future Threatened by Fulham FC Development

With mitigation measures offered last year now in doubt

Two sailing clubs based opposite Fulham Football Club say their future is threatened by the planned redevelopment of the club's stadium

The club's plans, which received planning permission last year are to increase the capacity of Craven Cottage to 30,000 by extending its riverside stand. The stand will be almost three times as tall as it is currently and encroach into the river by 11 metres, which Ranelagh and South Bank Sailing Clubs say will make change wind conditions and make racing difficult.

According to an environmental assessment, 42% of races would be impossible and 41% a frustrating lottery, leaving only 17% raceable.

Says Ranelagh's Treasurer Nick Price: " We do not understand how this extension, which is not river related can be allowed to set such a dangerous precedent in London."

He adds that the club, which has been in existence since 1889, lost over a third of its members when the current stand was built.

When planning permission was granted, Fulham FC agreed a series of mitigation measures, including improvements worth £50,000 over five years to improve South Bank's clubhouse and help with the effects of altering the sailing course on "wind affected days".

However, discussions between the clubs have since broken down and these offers withdrawn.

Despite accepting that the development would make consistency in wind flows less predictable and thus
" increasingly present more of a 'lottery' situation for yacht races" Hammersmith and Fulham Council's planning applications committee agreed last month that the planning permission was not dependent upon the mitigation measures.

The committee added: " For the avoidance of doubt should any additional measures be offered by Fulham Football Cub to help enhance the overall prospect of sailing on this part of the river, they would be subject to arrangements between the Club and the sailing clubs which would be arrived at separately to the planning decision."

H & F Deputy Leader Geg Smith says: " This potential funding from Fulham FC was a goodwill gesture that does not meet the tests to be included in a formal section 106 agreement. This is a matter for the clubs to discuss.

Fulham FC meanwhile says discussions will continue with all parties, and a spokesman adds:
" We're still happy to work with the clubs and we hope that we will be able to reach a conclusion in the near future."



In April, Buckingham Group Contracting, which specialises in building sports and leisure facilities, was awarded the main contract for Fulham FC's redevelopment, which involves the partial demolition of the riverside stand and the addition of a new upper tier that will wrap around the existing stand and create new hospitality space, a new riverside facade, new roof and four residential units.

The plan also allows for the partial demolition and rebuild of the western ends of the Putney and Hammersmith stands, including installation of new seats and the removal of two floodlight masts. The riverside walk along the Thames will also be opened up on non-match days.

In addition to its discussions with the sailing clubs, Fulham FC has agreed to make a £600,000 contribution for the restoration of Bishops Park, plus an annual contribution of £40,000 per year for ten years for on-going maintenance of the park and pay £60,000 to install heritage gates at the Stevenage Road entrance to Bishops Park.

FFC will make a series of payments to improve signage, CCTV, and pedestrian and road safety measures in the area, all as part of the planning consent.



http://nnet-server.com/server/common/hffulhamfc002.htm?site=11

[WhiteJC]

 
Riise: Fulham weren´t good enough

Fulham defender John Arne Riise has conceded his side's performances during the 2012-13 Premier League campaign were below par.

The London club won just 11 league games all season, and rounded off the campaign by taking four points from their last eight fixtures.

Riise is therefore keen for his team-mates to improve on that record next term and admitted the last year has brought few high points.

"We had a good start, then a long, long time without a win," he told the club's official website.

"That often happens in a season but there were games in that run that we should have won. Then we got back to business and started winning games to climb the table and got back into the top 10.

"But over the last seven or eight games – apart from the win at Swansea City on the last day - it wasn't good enough. We conceded too many goals and didn't score enough.

"It's hard to pick a highlight because all I can really think about is the last few games. But it's always nice to play at home in front of the Fulham fans. And the first game of the season when we won 5-0 against Norwich City was great. We were really, really good that day.

"However, we were really disappointed with how the season ended. We need to work hard over the summer as there is definitely room for improvement next season."

The recently retired Norway international also expressed disappointment with his season on a personal level, citing injuries and poor form as the reasons behind a difficult spell.

"Personally, it was mixed," he added. "I felt I started strongly but over Christmas I picked up a slight injury and I was in and out of the team which was disappointing.

"It just proves that you have to keep working hard for the whole season. So it was an up and down campaign for me."



http://uk.soccerway.com/news/2013/June/10/riise-fulham-werent-good-enough/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham Should Just Say "NO" To Offers for Alex Kacaniklic

After each season is over, it is just a matter of time before speculation starts with other clubs being interested in key Fulham players. The rumors have begun that Tottenham Hotspur might have interest in another Fulham player and that would be left winger Alex Kacaniklic. I feel Fulham should just say no to offers for Kacaniklic.

The Daily Mail had a story five days ago that Spurs were scouting Kacaniklic during his match playing for Sweden against Macedonia. As a Fulham supporter, this story obviously was unsettling to read, but not shocking as these types of story always seem to happen after the season ends.

Also, Kacaniklic is a young player with a huge upside so it comes as no surprise that Kacaniklic was being scouted by Spurs. The only surprise for me is that I expected links to Kacaniklic to happen after next season because he is still maturing and growing as a player.

Well, if another club comes knocking on the door for Kacaniklic, I hope Fulham closes the door on them, because he is the type of young player someday you might be able to build around. I understand that bigger clubs will always try to take the best players from smaller clubs, but there are certain players right now that are untouchable I feel, and Kacaniklic is one of them.

Kacaniklic will not turn twenty two years old until mid August, and according to Transfermarkt.com is under contract for one more season plus an option for one further year. It makes no sense for Fulham to sell a player that is really at the beginning of his career.

Now, there would be two reasons that could force Fulham to sell Kacaniklic at some point. First, if a club came in with an extreme offer, Fulham might have to weigh the financial benefits of a transfer compared to the loss of this young talent. If the deal was so in favor of Fulham, than it is something they would have to think about.

The other reason would be a desire of the player to leave Fulham. I have seen no indication that Kacaniklic is looking to move away from the club. If Kacaniklic started acting similar to Clint Dempsey from last summer, the club would have to consider a deal.

But, Fulham needs to put the club first, and they need to stay strong to keep this young player. If I were in charge of the club, I would certainly be talking to the agent of Kacaniklic about a new deal. This is a player you want to lock up for a longer period of time so you can strengthen your position against other clubs that come knocking.

There are also a few good reasons why Kacaniklic should stay at Fulham for his benefit. First, he has improved as a player under Fulham manager Martin Jol, and something tells me he will only get better under his leadership.

Second, he has the ability to improve by playing with teammates like Dimitar Berbatov and Bryan Ruiz. You can already see the partnership building with Kacaniklic and Berbatov last season so it is not a stretch to see it getting even stronger this upcoming season.

Third, he should have the opportunity to play regularly with Fulham next season, and if he goes to larger club, he might not see as much playing time. Say he was to go with Spurs, he might not see regular action, as Dempsey found out for himself last season. For his development as a player, I think it is crucial that he plays on a consistent basis as much as possible.

Hopefully as you read this article you can see how the working relationship between Kacaniklic and Fulham benefits both sides moving forward. Dempsey improved as a player considerably over his years with the club, and I could see that same type of growth with Kacaniklic, if he continues to play for Fulham in the future.

Last summer Fulham lost their two best players to Spurs, and if they were seriously interested in buying Kacaniklic, I think it would be a very bad idea to sell him to that club. Nothing against Spurs, but Fulham do not want to be a feeder system for another club. I think they would really get that reputation which is something they do not want.

Fulham have a huge summer ahead of them to build an improved club for the 2013-2014 season. So far they have added three players that should significantly help the club, but they would take a step backwards if they were to sell Kacaniklic this summer. Again, Fulham just need to say "NO" to offers for Kacaniklic.



http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2013/6/10/4414264/fulham-should-just-say-no-to-offers-for-alex-kacaniklic?

[WhiteJC]

 
Tank At The Double

Muamer Tankovic scored twice as Sweden beat Bosnia & Herzegovina 3-2 in the country's final match of the UEFA Under 19 European Championships Elite Round.

Only honour was at stake as both sides had lost their previous two matches, meaning they could not advance from Group One and into the Final Tournament which starts next month in Lithuania. However, Fulham's forward ended the qualifying stages on a high with a brace to lift his side into third place.

Sweden dominated the opening exchanges and could have been ahead by more than two at the break, but had to make do with Tankovic's 12th minute opener and a finish from Sam Lundholm shortly after.

Bosnia & Herzegovina came roaring back in the second half through Armin Hodžić (57) and Mirko Maric (77) but it was to be Tankovic's day as he netted a late winner with three minutes remaining to give his side the points.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/june/10/tank-at-the-double?

[WhiteJC]

 
Aussies Almost There

Mark Schwarzer was a virtual spectator as Australia cruised to a 4-0 victory over Jordan in their FIFA World Cup Qualifier in Melbourne on Tuesday.

The 40-year-old had little to do as goals from Mark Bresciano, Tim Cahill, Robbie Kruse and Lucas Neill earned the Socceroos a vital three points in their penultimate match in Asia's Group B.

Schwarzer got down well to block a long-range effort in the 9th minute but Australia dominated and, after Brett Holman and Bresicano had both missed decent chances for the home side, the latter quickly made amends with a neat finish after quarter of an hour.

Australia continued to press but it wasn't until the 61st minute that they were able to double their advantage when former Everton favourite Cahill converted a trademark header following a neat team move.

Kruse's fine solo goal made sure of the victory on 75 minutes, before captain Neill added some gloss to the scoreline with a poked effort late on – it was his first international goal and it came on his 91st appearance.

Their fate remains in their own hands as the win sees the Socceroos leapfrog Oman into second place, meaning that victory over Iraq in Sydney next Tuesday will guarantee their place at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/june/11/aussies-almost-there?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham winger Kerim Frei wants to join Galatasaray according to father

Fulham starlet Kerim Frei wants to join Galatasaray according to his father Murat Frei.

Murat told NTVspor that his son would like to join Galatasaray and that the Turkish Süper Lig champions could start talks with Fulham later this week.

Also Galatasaray manager Fatih Terim recently revealed that they have been closely monitoring Kerim.

Terim said, "We have been scouting Frei for over a year and remain interested."

However, Kerim recently told the official Fulham website that his main goal was to break into the first team next season.

Kerim said, "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.

"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."

Kerim's contract with Fulham runs until 2015, the young prospect is currently valued in the region of €3 million.



http://www.turkish-football.com/news_read.php?id=4726

[WhiteJC]

 
Norwich and Fulham in fight over PSV striker



Norwich have entered the running to sign Ola Toivonen, with Chris Hughton ready to rival Fulham for the attacker's signature.

Martin Jol thought he was in pole position to clinch a £2million deal for the PSV Eindhoven forward.

The Dutchman wants to land the Sweden international to reinvigorate his attacking options for the new season and recent reports suggested a deal was close.

But Norwich, who pulled off a coup by signing Ricky van Wolfswinkel early on, are ready to add more firepower to their forward line.

Toivonen, 26, is now a target and Hughton hopes he can edge Jol out of the running.



Read more: http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/transfer-rumours/130611/norwich-and-fulham-fight-over-psv-striker-199429?#ixzz2VurdeyKR
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