Wednesday Fulham Stuff(12/06/13)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Norwich join Fulham in striker hunt

Fulham are being rivalled in their pursuit of PSV star Ola Toivonen after it emerged Norwich are also in the hunt for the striker.

Cottagers boss Martin Jol had thought he was close to wrapping up a cut-price deal for the Sweden international - set at around £3million - and a switch to west London appeared on the cards. However, it has now been reported that the Canaries are very keen on the former Malmo ace and have even reached an initial agreement with the Dutch club over a potential £4million transfer. PSV technical director Marcel Brands admits several other clubs in Europe are also interested in the 26-year-old. Quoted on Voetbal International, he said: "There is real interest (in Toivonen), but moreover, more clubs (than Norwich)." Toivonen joined PSV from Malmo in his native Sweden in 2009 and has gone on to score 59 league goals in just 125 appearances for them in the Eredivisie.



Read more at: http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/norwich-join-fulham-in-striker-hunt-1598722.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
Kaca Keeps Sweden Close

Alexander Kačaniklić continued to press his claims for First Team inclusion next season as he helped Sweden to a 2-0 win over the Faroe Islands in FIFA World Cup Qualifying on Tuesday night.

Sweden, who were beaten 2-1 by Austria last Friday, moved back into Play-Off contention in Europe's Group C as they made it a three-way tie for second place on 11 points with the Austrians and the Republic of Ireland after six games.

The men in yellow began the strongest and Kačaniklić caused issues down the flank, but it was Zlatan Ibrahimovic who started and ended the move that brought the first goal when he combined with Mikael Lustig in the 35th minute. Sweden continued to dominate, but goalkeeper Gunnar Nielsen stood firm until, only two minutes after Andreas Granqvist was sent off (80), Ibrahimovic got his second after he won and scored a penalty.

Germany are still five points ahead at the top of the group, but the win for Sweden means it is anyone's guess who will finish second.

Brede Hangeland was rested for Norway in their friendly win against Macedonia. Per Ciljan Skjelbred opened the scoring in the opening 10 minutes when he headed home from close range and Daniel Braaten netted the second in the 79th minute.

In the UEFA Under 19 European Championships Elite Round, Noe Baba was suspended after picking up two yellow cards in the first two games, but Sean Kavanagh played 58 minutes as the Republic of Ireland failed to qualify as they were held 0-0 by Serbia.

With Slovakia beating Switzerland 2-0, all the Irish needed to reach the Final Round in Lithuania next month was a win, but could only muster two shots on target.

The results mean that Serbia qualified top of the group, as their Goal Difference was four better than Switzerland's, with the Irish undeservedly ending the campaign bottom of the table.

In his final game at the UEFA Under 21 European Championships in his homeland, Omri Altman came on in the 55th minute as Israel beat England 1-0.

Both teams were effectively already out of the competition as Israel needed a six-goal swing to progress, but after Altman had entered the fray for Moanes Dabour, the home nation went out on a high as Ofir Krieff curled a lovely left-footed strike into the bottom corner in the 80th minute to seal a famous win.

The result sees Israel finish third in Group A, with the England Under 21s (whose Assistant Coach is our own Steve Wigley) finishing bottom.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/june/11/kaca-keeps-sweden-close?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham fancy buying Bakary Sako from the rubble of Wolves' embarrassing back-to-back relegations

League One side want £20k-a-week winger off the wage-bill but also want to make a profit on the £3m they paid for him


Wolf at the (exit) door: Sako is a wanted man
Getty

Fulham will have to pay £4million to land Wolves' crown jewel, Bakary Sako.

The Cottagers are keen on the 25-year-old winger, who was a £3m signing from St Etienne by the fallen Molineux giants last summer.

Sako is on over £20,000-a-week and, after successive relegations to land them in League One for next season, Wolves know they need to cut their cloth accordingly.

New boss Kenny Jackett is willing to sanction the sale to free up funds for his rebuilding job.

The ex-Millwall chief wants to hold on to defender Richard Stearman, who Championship side Ipswich are keen on after a successful loan spell last term.

Stearman is understood to prefer the chance to be reunited with Tractor Boys boss Mick McCarthy - who managed him at Wolves - permanently, though, and does not want to play in the third tier.

Huddersfield are also keen on bringing back Wolves midfielder Adam Hammill, after he impressed on loan there in the previous campaign.

* WEST BROM are eyeing Fulham's Chris Baird after Steven Reid hinted he could have played his last game for the Baggies.


Baird on the wing? West Brom are back in for Fulham's Chris
Clive Rose

The right-back's deal ends next month, as he failed to play enough games last term to trigger a 12-month extension.

The 31-year-old is still in talks over an extension - but the ex-Republic of Ireland ace has also spoken with other clubs.

He tweeted: "Whatever happens in next few weeks I've had an unbelievable time at West Brom last 3yrs."

Fulham's Baird almost joined the Baggies in January.



Check out all the latest News, Sport & Celeb gossip at Mirror.co.uk http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/fulham-transfers-bakary-sako-arget-1946284#ixzz2Vy9PqC7C
Follow us: @DailyMirror on Twitter | DailyMirror on Facebook

[WhiteJC]

 
Norwich ready to fight Fulham for PSV Eindhoven and Sweden forward Ola Toivonen

Canaries' Hughton set to hold talks with the £4.7million-rated 26-year-old once he returns from international duty


Toi story: PSV star Toivonen has a choice between west London and East Anglia
Getty

Norwich boss Chris Hughton is closing in on PSV Eindhoven forward Ola Toivonen.

The £4.7million-rated Sweden international is set to form a new-look strike force at the Canaries, alongside already-signed Dutch striker Ricky van Wolfswinkel from Sporting Lisbon.

Toivonen has scored 59 goals in 125 appearances since moving to the Dutch League and has a year left on his contract.

The 26-year-old is also a target for Fulham.

Norwich boss Hughton, who is also being linked with Celtic striker Gary Hooper after watching his men score only 41 league goals last season, has secured an agreement in principle with PSV for his services and his hoping to seal a deal quickly.

Hughton is now set to hold talks with the player's representatives, following his involvement with the national team against the Faroe Islands on Tuesday.



Check out all the latest News, Sport & Celeb gossip at Mirror.co.uk http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/norwich-transfers-ola-toivonen-psv-1946850#ixzz2Vy9ythFy
Follow us: @DailyMirror on Twitter | DailyMirror on Facebook

[WhiteJC]

 
FULHAM GIVEN £4M PRICE TAG FOR WOLVES WINGER BAKARY SAKO

FULHAM have been told they will have to pay £4m to land Wolves winger Bakary Sako, 25.



http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/319944/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Celtic Star Likely To Top Wanted List As Tigers Prepare For Life Back In The Premier League

It's been three years since Hull City graced the Premier League; last time around they confounded their critics by managing to stay up with what was on paper one of the weakest teams in the division. Now with the Tigers preparing for a return to the Premier League, we examine the areas Steve Bruce needs to strengthen if he wants to avoid an immediate return to the Championship.

GOALKEEPER
At the top of Steve Bruce's shopping list is appropriately the No.1 jersey. Hull benefited massively from the loan signing of Fulham's David Stockdale, who impressed during their push for automatic promotion. However, Fulham have already rebuffed any attempt from Hull to make the deal permanent for next season.

Bruce has been heavily linked with a £4million move for Leicester's Kasper Schmeichel. There's no doubting the Dane's potential but £4million is a sizeable chunk of their transfer budget for what is essentially a Championship keeper with limited top flight experience.

A more prudent, albeit short-term, option would be Besiktas' Allan McGregor who could be available for £1million. The 31-year-old is a regular in the Scotland set up and boasts a lot more experience than Schmeichel.

DEFENCE
The experience of players such as Paul McShane, Liam Rosenior and Abdoulaye Faye helped Hull to the fourth best defensive record in the Championship last season, and Steve Bruce will look to these defenders with Premier League experience to perform in the same manner when next season kicks off.

However, there is certainly room for improvement and Hull have been linked with a number of veteran defenders. Richard Dunne (free agent), Joseph Yobo (Fenerbahce) and Curtis Davies (Birmingham City) have racked up hundreds of appearances in the Premier League between them and their ability may just be the difference between a 3-0 hammering or a hard fought point.

They have also  just released experienced left back Andy Dawson and Steve Bruce is rumoured to be keen on Wigan's Maynor Figueroa, a player he signed for the club back when he was in charge at the DW Stadium.

MIDFIELD
The centre of the pitch is probably one of the strongest areas of Steve Bruce's squad; Robert Koren, David Meyler, Robbie Brady and Stephen Quinn all played their part in Hull's rise to the Premier League.

For this reason Bruce may not make any major additions to his midfield, however, that hasn't stopped them being linked to a number of high-profile players. There are many experienced midfielders currently available after being released by their clubs, which may prove an attracting prospect for Bruce as he looks to spend his budget in other areas.

David Bentley, Jermaine Pennant, Denilson and Gary O'Neil have all played at the highest level and whilst they are all likely to command high salaries, they would undoubtedly bolster an already impressive Hull midfield.

ATTACK
The Tigers should be prepared to spend big to bring in a couple of quality strikers.
The height and strength of the German Nick Proschwitz make him a front man that most defences will struggle to deal with, but they are also in desperate need of a goalscorer. Hull's top scorers last season were midfielder Robert Koren with nine goals, while striker Sone Aluko, who spent the final months of the season injured, scored eight and the now released Jay Simpson seven.

Hull have been linked with big money moves for Celtic's Gary Hooper, a player that seems ready for a crack at the Premier League, and the relatively unknown Dieumerci Mbokani, who has impressed for Anderlecht this season.

A key signing for them will be that of former loanee George Boyd, whose creativity were vital in the final months of last season's campaign, but Bruce needs a player who will score regularly and ensure his team finish north of 18th place.



http://www.footymatters.com/articles/english-football/premier-league/celtic-star-likely-to-top-wanted-list-as-tigers-hull-prepare-for-life-back-in-the-premier-league/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fans at the Azteca Stadium Pelted Costa Rica's Bryan Ruiz with Bottles as He Attempted a Corner Kick [Video]

Mexican fans aren't too thrilled with their national team right now following a 0-0 draw with Costa Rica at the Azteca Stadium Tuesday night. In the 80th minute they took their frustration out on Costa Rica's Bryan Ruiz as he attempted to take a corner kick, by throwing debris and empty bottles on the field. Later police with riot shields were brought it to protect Ruiz, who wisely milked the clock in protestation.

El Tri fans were quiet for most of the match, too, since there wasn't much worth cheering about, so the ugly outburst that helped contribute to seven minutes of second-half stoppage time was unexpected.

Mexico has now posted two straight 0-0 results in qualifiers. Three of the four qualifiers at Azteca this year have finished 0-0. You could see why the home fans were antsy throughout this one. That said, throwing stuff onto the field doesn't improve the situation and it looks particularly bad when ESPN is airing the match, thus giving it more exposure than it usually would get.

Mexico and Costa Rica are now tied with eight points in CONCACAF qualification. The U.S. can move atop the group with a win later Tuesday night vs. Panama.

Also, Costa Rican forward Joel Campbell, who's rights belong to Arsenal, looked lively throughout.



http://www.thebiglead.com/index.php/2013/06/11/fans-at-the-azteca-stadium-pelted-costa-ricas-bryan-ruiz-with-bottles-as-he-attempted-a-corner-kick-video/?

[WhiteJC]

new Fulham home shirt?

[Black, White and Fred]

Pretty sure those are the training gear polos Riise was pictured in recently

[westcliff white]

Pretty sure those are the training gear polos Riise was pictured in recently

Agree the material seems to be that of a polo not a kit top

[Northern Cottager]

Pretty sure those are the training gear polos Riise was pictured in recently

Agree the material seems to be that of a polo not a kit top

I'm excited by our new range of club wear as well as the kit, make a nice change to have some decent stuff to grab.

[WhiteJC]

 
Bryan Picks Up Point

Captain Bryan Ruiz helped Costa Rica to a valuable point in Mexico in FIFA World Cup Qualifying on Tuesday night.

Costa Rica had gone joint-top of the CONCACAF group after a win over Honduras on Friday, but the United States' win over Panama puts them ahead.

Ruiz played all 90 minutes and helped set the tone for the Costa Rican attacks, which saw their first effort from Joel Campbell in the fourth minute. The Arsenal striker raced past Mexico defender Maza Rodriguez and beat goalkeeper Jose Corona, only to hit the far post.

Campbell continued to cause trouble and forced Corona into another save in the 37th minute before Ruiz fired a long shot over the bar minutes later.

Mexico pushed back in the second half but Costa Rica held firm – even in the wake of crowd trouble that saw angry home fans throw objects onto the pitch in the 78th minute. Ruiz appeared to be hit by one as he prepared to take a corner, but the skipper will be pleased with the result which keeps his side in the mix for a qualifying place.

The CONCACAF standings (below) see Costa Rica in second place, two points behind the USA but ahead of Mexico on goal difference having played a game less.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/june/12/bryan-picks-up-point?

[WhiteJC]

 
Costa Rica's Bryan Ruiz pelted with trash, targetted by a laser pen by unruly Mexico fans

Mexico's disappointing 2014 World Cp qualifying campaign suffered another setback on Tuesday night when El Tri were held to a goalless draw by Costa Rica.

Upset by seeing their side falter at the Azteca Stadium, a section of the home fans unleashed their frustrations on Fulham forward Bryan Ruiz as the Costa Rican attempted to take a corner in the 78th minute.

As the Cottager lined up the dead-ball by the corner flag, play suddenly came to a standstill as Ruiz was pelted by plastic bottles and other forms of trash hurled onto the pitch by Mexican fans.

One plastic bottle hit Ruiz on the head, and the attacker was also targetted by a green laser pen during the commotion.

After several minutes of chaos, riot police eventually stormed over the to corner flag where they raised their shields in order to provide Ruiz with cover so that the corner could be taken.

Unsavoury footage of the Mexican fans hurling objects at Costa Rica's Bryan Ruiz can be seen below.



http://www.101greatgoals.com/blog/costa-ricas-bryan-ruiz-pelted-with-trash-targetted-by-laser-pens-by-unruly-mexico-fans/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham to steal relegated winger

Fulham are keen to take advantage of Wolves' relegation to League One by snapping up winger Bakary Sako, according to reports from The Mirror.

The Midlanders are desperate to get the 25-year-old's £20,000-per-week wages off of their expenditure, as they look to make plans ahead of their drop to the third tier.

However, the west Londoners will have to pay around £3million, with Wolves keen to at least break even on the man they signed from St Etienne last summer.

Sako was one of Wolves' few impressive performers last season, turning in some top displays as the Molineux side slipped to a second successive relegation.

Fulham chief Martin Jol is aware that he must shop on a budget this term after being told by the Cottagers' hierarchy that funds are limited.

The Dutchman has already snapped up Maarten Stekelenburg for a bargain fee, and has been linked with a cut-price move for PSV Eindhoven attacker Ola Toivonen.

As well as looking for cheap additions, Jol has had to axe a number of his first-team players, including experienced goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer and defender Christ Baird – who is now being linked with West Brom.



http://www.footballfancast.com/premiership/fulham/fulham-to-steal-relegated-winger?

[WhiteJC]

 
Altman wants to impress Jol
Omri Altman hopes his performance in Israel U21s' 1-0 win over England U21s caught the attention of Fulham boss Martin Jol.


Omri Altman: Wants to make an impression at Fulham

The 19-year-old Cottagers forward came off the bench in the 55th minute of Tuesday's European Under-21 Championship Group A clash at the Teddy Stadium in Jerusalem and played a key role in his side's victory.

Altman set up Israeli captain Nir Biton for a long-range piledriver that smacked the England crossbar, and then 10 minutes from time, his lay-off allowed Ofir Krieff to steer home a shot from the edge of the area for the only goal of the game.

After impressing for Fulham's Under-21 side last season, Altman was last month handed a two-year professional deal at Craven Cottage, and he is now eager to get a taste of first-team action.

Speaking to Sky Sports News Radio after the win over England U21s, he said: "I don't know yet what's going to happen next year, but I hope the manager saw that, and I'll get the chance next season.

"Fulham is my club, and I'll stay there a long time I think."

Altman was baffled by the Young Lions' poor performance in the match and in the tournament in general. Israel also failed to qualify for the semi-finals, but he says the memories of their win in Jerusalem will stay with the players.

"It's very disappointing from England," added Altman.

"I don't know how to explain what's happened. But from us, it was a great performance and we're all very excited about it.

"Before the game, we said we have to win because we're going to remember it for a long time. We did it, so we're very happy."



http://www.football365.com/fulham/8772016/-?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham linked to goalscoring midfielder

Fulham and Fenerbahce have joined Roma and Marseille in the race to sign Lille's France international midfielder Dimitri Payet.

Reports in France claim that there is growing interest from overseas in the 26-year-old ex-Nantes winger, who did well in his two recent appearances for his country against Uruguay and Brazil. Fulham boss Martin Jol is on the lookout for a goalscoring midfielder and has been impressed by the Reunion-born star's tally of 31 league goals in his last three seasons. Payet has two years left on his contract with Lille and could be unsettled after the recent departure of coach Rudi Garcia to Rome. The Serie A club are also being linked but Marseille look like the main contenders for the signature of Payet and they can offer Champions League football. Marseille president Vincent Labrune has apparently made the attacking midfielder one of his priorities for the summer.


Read more at: http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/fulham-linked-to-goalscoring-midfielder-1598953.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
Galatasaray interested in Fulham winger

Galatasaray are interested in signing Fulham's Kerim Frei.

The 19-year-old, of Turkish descent, was scouted by Galatasaray last season and manager Fatih Terim has spoken about his qualities in the past.

Fulham value the 19-year-old at around £2m and talks between the two clubs could begin this week.

Winger Frei, capped by Turkey, made seven Premier League appearances for Martin Jol's side last season and is under contract until 2015.



Read more: http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/transfer-rumours/130612/galatasaray-interested-fulham-winger-199474?#ixzz2W0n1Jefj
Follow us: @talksport on Twitter
Read more at http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/transfer-rumours/130612/galatasaray-interested-fulham-winger-199474?#R4xudzlUTQojs71j.99

[WhiteJC]

 
INTRODUCING THE TOP FLIGHT!

FULHAM

Our paths will cross with Fulham at top level this season for the first time since 1961/62, but we have met on several occasions since then, the last time being in 1996/97 when we were both in what was then Division Three (fourth tier).

Fulham came to Ninian Park as leaders of the division on November 9th '96 and beat us 2-1. Former Bristol Rovers and
Hereford United forward Steve White was our goalscorer in the second half after Mike Conroy and Mark Blake had given Fulham a 2-0 interval lead in front of 6,144.
But we certainly turned the tables on them at Craven Cottage in the return game on January 31 '96. They still led the table, but we beat them 4-1 with goals from Jason Fowler, Steve White (2) and Simon Hawarth. Fulham's goal came from Jeff Eckhardt (an own-goal) – he having been a Fulham player a few years earlier. They went up in second place, we lost in the Play-Off semi-finals to Northampton Town.



Read more at http://www.cardiffcityfc.co.uk/news/article/plteams1-861489.aspx?#Z1L44JvUSH0fBxZy.99

[WhiteJC]

 
Price Tag Surprises Jol

The price tag put on the head of striker Dwight Gayle by Peterborough United has shocked Fulham manager Martin Jol.





Peterborough United only signed the striker during the early stages of last season from Dagenham and Redbridge but he made a massive contribution to Posh as he hit 13 goals in the Championship.

He is seen as a vital component to Peterborough`s chances of gaining promotion back to the Championship and has been described by Posh manager Darren Ferguson as being the best striker he has ever worked for which is some praise seeing as he has seen the likes of George Boyd, Aaron McLean and Craig Makail-Smith play under him.

Following their relegation to League One after a final day heartbreak where Posh conceded a goal in the last minute of the match which sent them down, Chairman Darragh MacAnthony slapped a £10 million price tag on his star forward.

It is this price tag that has shocked Fulham manager Martin Jol. It is believed Fulham have had a £3 million bid for the striker rejected. Aston Villa and QPR have also been linked with the player but as yet, no one has met the price tag wanted by Posh.

Posh Director of Football, Barry Fry, said: "The chairman wants to win the league next season and we have a far better chance of doing that with Dwight than without him.

"Dwight is on a four-year contract and we have no need to sell. His situation is exactly the same as Craig Mackail-Smith and George Boyd in that we have secured a very good player on a long contract who we expect to do well for us before he moves on.

"There will be interest in him, but I expect him to stay."

Posh are well known for recruiting young and hungry players, improving them then selling them on. The likes of Russell Martin, Ryan Bennett (both Norwich City), Joe Lewis (Cardiff City), Aaron McLean and George Boyd (both Hull City) are all players Posh have improved and sold on and will all be plying their trade in the Premiership next season.

Should Dwight Gayle improve the way he has during the short time he`s been at Posh, he`ll soon be joining the host of ex-Posh players in the Premiership and he will be worth every penny of the £10 million price tag.

UP THE POSH


Photos courtesy of www.theposhpics.com




Read more: http://www.peterborough.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=321619#ixzz2W0oA124W

[jmh]

Pretty sure those are the training gear polos Riise was pictured in recently

Agree the material seems to be that of a polo not a kit top

Plus there are buttons.