Thursday Fulham Stuff (27/06/13)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Birmingham move for Fulham's Burn in bid to replace defender Davies

Birmingham are to sign Fulham defender Dan Burn on loan.

Burn will be the replacement for Curtis Davies, who has moved to Premier League Hull.

With Fulham looking to strengthen their squad, first-team opportunities appeared increasingly unlikely for Burn.


Birmingham bound: Dan Burn could move to St Andrews on loan


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2348591/Birmingham-Fulhams-Dan-Burn-bid-replace-Curtis-Davies.html#ixzz2XNqWCKoO
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

[WhiteJC]

 
International Fans: DutchFFC



All summer we are profiling some of Fulham's international fan groups and second on the list is one from the Netherlands: DutchFFC, which is headed up by Michiel Hageman.

How did you get started and do you have a website or social media channels so fans can communicate? Founded in 2008, the DutchFFC is a rapidly growing base of Fulham fans in the Netherlands.

Our DutchFFC social media network is one of the largest of the International Fulham fans around the world and last April we were very pleased to launch our new improved website (www.dutchffc.nl) where we share news, fixtures and pictures. We are well known for our artwork which is made by one of our creative members and always tries to surprise fans by coming up with something new. So we express our connection and passion for Fulham FC in many ways.

Have you or the other Dutch fans in your group ever been to a match at Craven Cottage?

The DutchFFC was actually founded after one of our members went to the Cottage for the first time. He was very impressed by the historic stadium and the incredible atmosphere at the Hammersmith End. He invited his Dutch friends to go to a game and they all completely lost their hearts to Fulham FC. Together they created a plan to start up an International Fulham fan club to share our enthusiasm and passion for the Club and to increase the numbers of Dutch Fulham fans. So far we are very pleased with all the response we get and we are getting bigger every season.

Do you manage to get across to SW6 and see many games throughout the season?

Many members of the DutchFFC attend a few games a season, both home and away. Some of us were fortunate to see Fulham play away in Europe and also went to the Europa League final in Hamburg in 2010. At least once a year we organise an annual trip to the Cottage. We stay for three days in London to do some sightseeing, have a few pints in a pub and then top it off with the best part of the weekend: going to the Cottage and seeing our stars on the pitch. We are grateful for the reception we receive from Fulham FC, they offer us a tour around the ground three hours before kick-off, it's a great experience to see the build up for a match. We just can't get enough of Craven Cottage.

Are you all based in one city, or do you come from all over the country?

The Fulham fan base in the Netherlands is spread all over the country. (Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Enschede, Noordwijk, Waalwijk, Bocholtz and more cities.) When we are not able to attend, most of us watch the matches at home with their Fulham supporting family or friends. So far we have had two meet ups with the DutchFFC in a bar in Amsterdam to watch a match and it is always great to share the Fulham passion and stories.

Did a Dutch player introduce you to FFC? Why is the Club so big in the Netherlands?

In recent history the likes of Edwin van der Sar and Collins John have done a great job at the club. But also former Ajax, Groningen and AZ players Jari Litmanen, Erik Nevland and Mousa Dembele have made their mark too. Since the signing of Martin Jol as Manager we have seen that the attention paid to Fulham in the Dutch press is growing - especially last season with the trio of Urby Emanuelson, Stanislav Manolev and Eyong Enoh having a history with the Dutch league. With players like this there are more and more Dutch people interested in the performances of the Fulham team.

What are you hoping to achieve with DutchFFC next year?

For next season we are very much looking forward to seeing the newly presented Dutch goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg, in whom we have great faith. He will definitely bring a lot of experience and quality to Fulham Football Club and as the DutchFFC we hope to welcome more Dutch supporters and let the community grow. Come On You Whites!

Read our first interview with Fulham Florida



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/june/26/dutchffc?

[WhiteJC]

 
Defeat For U20 Trio

Kerim Frei came on in the 69th minute as Turkey fell 1-0 to Colombia in the second match of Group C at the FIFA Under-2o World Cup.

Frei was  unable to spur his side into action at Rize's Yeni Sehir Stadium, despite a vocal home crowd, after Juan Quintero put the Colombians in pole position in the group.

The Turks had begun well as captain Ethem Pulgir saw an early effort fly just over, but then goalkeeper Aykut Ozer was forced into action to make an excellent double save from Jherson Vergara.

The second half saw Hakan Calhanoglu go close with a free-kick, but Colombia took a 52nd minute lead as Quintero worked some space on the edge of the box to blast the ball home. The striker went close again but saw his effort cleared off the line by Ilkay Durmus and Frei's introduction could not rouse the home side into grabbing an equaliser.

In the same group, Australia surprisingly lost 2-1 to El Salvador as Corey Gameiro and Ryan Williams made late appearances from the bench.

The Young Socceroos went ahead inside 10 minutes as Joshua Brillante hammered a fine strike inside the left-hand post from 25 yards. But then the comeback occurred for a side who had never even scored a goal at the U-20 World Cup previously.

On 17 minutes, Diego Coca nodded home from close range after a Jairo Henriquez cross was headed back across goal by Kevin Barahona, sparking incredible celebrations from the underdogs.

Before half-time the comeback was complete as a good run from Miguel Ochoa saw his cross turned in by Jose Pena on 40 minutes and there was no way back for Australia. Williams arrived from the bench with 10 minutes to go, with Gameiro joining him on the pitch four minutes later, but neither could force an equaliser.

Colombia now lead Group C on four points, with Turkey alongside El Salvador on three and Australia - who face the hosts on Friday – in last place on one point.

You can pre-order the home kit and also buy the training kit worn by Kerim here



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/june/26/defeat-for-u20-trio?

[WhiteJC]

 
Crewe Alexandra can expect more from Lauri Dalla Valle

STEVE Davis believes there is more to come from new Alex hero Lauri Dalla Valle.

The 21-year-old Finnish striker made an instant impact, finding the net just five minutes into his debut in Tuesday's fine 2-0 win at Doncaster.

Premiership Fulham allowed Crewe to take a look at the former Liverpool forward for a week in training before deciding on a short-term loan move.

Ready for Saturday's home debut against Colchester, Dalla Valle will be looking to build on a great start to his one-month stint.


"I'd seen enough to know he will make a big difference and I said to Neil (Baker) we should get him in time for Doncaster," explained Davis.

"The early goal made a difference to us because we've struggled to score first.

"It was a great pass from Chucks (Aneke) and a great finish from Lauri.

"He can make those intelligent little runs in behind and he occupies the centre-backs with his movement.

"He didn't give them a minute's peace.

"That's what we saw in him and why we decided to bring him in.

"We watched him play that role for Fulham with one-off and it suited us with Chucks."

Along with Dalla Valle, midfielder Abdul Osman also inspired Crewe to their best result of the season so far against in-form Rovers.

Mathias Pogba (71) headed home substitute Michael West's corner to wrap up three well-deserved points.

"Every one of them was terrific," continued Davis.

"I think we have a talented group of players and I told them they have to go to places like that and show it.

"The second goal was a set play and it's nice to see the work we do pay off.

"We've been trying to get Pogs into that position and he's a big lad who can do that."

West replaced Byron Moore at half-time who looks set to miss out on the Colchester clash with a foot injury.

However Max Clayton, who has been out with a groin injury could return to the bench as 14th-placed Crewe look to leap-front their opponents in League One.

"It is about having that belief and showing some consistency," added Davis.

Crewe will entertain either Burton or Altrincham in the FA Cup Second Round after last Saturday's 4-1 thrashing of Wycombe.

"We have another home draw and that always helps," concluded the boss.

"We'll be ready for it and it will be tough whoever wins."



http://www.creweguardian.co.uk/sport/alex/10036477._/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham's Dimitar Berbatov boost as agent says striker will see out deal

Dimitar Berbatov's agent revealed today the striker will see out the remaining year of his contract with Fulham.

The Bulgarian has been linked with a move to Russia this summer, with Zenit St Petersburg among the clubs who are interested in signing the  32-year-old striker.

However, agent Emil Danchev says Berbatov (above) will be at Fulham next season, which will come as a relief to manager Martin Jol.

Fulham are desperate to avoid a repeat of last summer, when they lost Mousa Dembele and Clint Dempsey to Tottenham.

"He has another one-year contract with Fulham and he will stay at Fulham until the end of his contract," said Danchev.

"He's happy at Fulham and he wants to stay another year. I don't want to comment on other clubs. Even if there is interest, he's happy in Fulham and he wants to stay. He will play football for at least two more years."

Whether Berbatov will remain at Craven Cottage beyond next summer remains uncertain because he is in the latter stages of his career and could be tempted by a move closer to his native country.

Danchev said last month a move to Russia would be an interesting proposition for Berbatov.

"I have heard of interest in Berbatov from Russian clubs in the past and I still hear of them today," Danchev told Izvestia.

"The Russian League is growing seriously and should soon become one of the leading championships in Europe so to play in that country would be interesting."


http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulhams-dimitar-berbatov-boost-as-agent-says-striker-will-see-out-deal-8674313.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham winger Alex Kacaniklic goes for the jugular in keepy-uppy stakes


Switching sports: Kacaniklic is at home with a rugby ball (Picture: YouTube)

Whatever Maria Sharapova can do, Alex Kacaniklic can do better.

The tricky Fulham winger was not going to stand for tennis ace Sharapova taking the limelight in the ball-juggling stakes.

While Wimbledon third seed Sharapova demonstrated some mean keepy-uppy with a football on the Wimbledon practice courts, 21-year-old Kacaniklic raised the bar.

Not only can the Swede create chaos among opposing defenders but he is also a dab hand at juggling a rugby ball.


http://metro.co.uk/2013/06/26/fulham-winger-alex-kacaniklic-goes-for-the-jugular-in-keepy-uppy-stakes-3856967/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Coach well used to taking stock

New goalkeeping coach Andy Collett comes to York City having previously set one of its former sons right back on track.

Collett, 39, helped to develop the talents of one-time York stopper David Stockdale at former club Darlington, eventually turning him from a highly controversial City reject under ex-manager Billy McEwan into a respected Premier League goalkeeper and regular England squad member.

"I was aware of David when he was at York and, at the time, he and Billy McEwan clashed personalities," he told The Press. "David was very strong mentally and had a stubborn side to him.

"I got the opportunity to work with him and, within three or four months, he had lost a stone-and-a-half in weight," Collett added. "He realised that I was there to help him rather than shout at him like Billy, although I did a bit of that as well."

Leeds-born Stockdale actually managed only a solitary Football League appearance for the Minstermen - and that as a substitute when then on loan Michael Ingham was injured at Oxford United on the final day of the 2002-03 season.

He later featured 26 times for them in the Conference until surprisingly being released and joining Darlington on a free transfer in August 2006. Within a couple of years Stockdale had completed a dream £600,000 move into the Premier League with Fulham



Read more: http://www.york.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=322909#ixzz2XNsd1VM8

[WhiteJC]

 
Transfer news: The agent of Dimitar Berbatov has confirmed he will stay at Fulham

The agent of Dimitar Berbatov has confirmed the striker will stay at Fulham for the upcoming campaign.

Russian clubs including Zenit St Petersburg have been linked with a move for the former Manchester United and Tottenham ace, who has a year left on his current deal.

But agent Emil Danchev says the 32-year-old wants to stay with Martin Jol's side for the rest of his contract - and keep playing for at least two more years.

Danchev told the Evening Standard: "He has another one-year contract with Fulham, and he will stay at Fulham until the end of his contract.

"He's happy at Fulham and he wants to stay another year. I don't want to comment on other clubs.

"Even if there is interest, he's happy in Fulham and he wants to stay. He will play football for at least two more years."


http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/8793779/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fighting On
   
Last season, Martin Jol seemed to have a fixation with partnering Brede Hangeland with Philippe Senderos in the heart of our defence.

This left the dependable Aaron Hughes sat on the bench with many Fulham supporters believing that a Hangeland and Hughes partnership is the better option.

With so many players leaving Craven Cottage this summer, as Jol reshapes the squad, it was suspected that Hughes might be moved on.

However the Irishman is part of the squad next season and the dependable Irishman is looking forward to gate-crashing his way back into the starting eleven remarking to the media,

"I`ll be doing my best in pre-season to make sure I`m in the bosses thoughts."

Hopefully Aaron can persuade Jol that he is the best option to play alongside Hangeland, otherwise, come January, he might just be forced to move on to secure first team football as he approaches the twilight of his career.



Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=322920#ixzz2XNt8QWEN

[WhiteJC]

 
Midfielder Leaves
   
Progression through the ranks, at a Premier League club, is always a huge ask.

The step up in class sorts the wheat out from the chaff and, inevitably, youngsters fall by the wayside.

Yesterday, one of our promising youngsters, twenty-one year-old Alex Smith left Craven Cottage but moved to the County Ground, Swindon, to resurrect his career in League One.

Here at Vital Fulham we`d like to wish Alex all the best for the future and we hope the move works out for him.



Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=322921#ixzz2XNtSM77Y

[WhiteJC]

 
DIMITAR BERBATOV TURNS DOWN ZENIT

FULHAM striker Dimitar Berbatov, 32, has turned down the chance of joining Russian side Zenit St Petersburg.



http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/322878/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Johnson Concedes Burn Blow

Yeovil Town manager Gary Johnson appears to have conceded that the club will not be getting Fulham defender Dan Burn back to Huish Park. Earlier this week the 21 year old had been linked with a move to fellow Championship side Birmingham City and this now looks to be on the cards, meaning that Dan will not add to the 41 appearances he made for the club last season.

Speaking to today's Western Gazette, Johnson makes it clear that he is looking at alternative centre-backs to fill the large gap left by Burn's presence. However, despite the disappointment, he still had high praise for Burn's parent club Fulham, who had gone out of their way in the lead-up to last season's play-offs to provide specialised treatment for Byron Webster, who had a hamstring problem at the same time that Burn was back at Craven Cottage having his own rehab on an ankle problem:

"We will be pursuing other centre halves now. If he doesn't come back we have got to thank Fulham for what they have done for us, not only with Dan Burn but with Byron Webster's injury last month, which was beyond the call of duty. We really appreciated that and we appreciate that we had Dan for as long as we did. Hopefully they will feel we have set Dan on his Premier League path."



http://www.ciderspace.co.uk/ASP/news/news.asp?NewsItemId=19740

[WhiteJC]

 
Hugo Targets Double Figures

The 2012/13 term was a season of highs and lows for our striker Hugo Rodallega, but the Colombian is setting himself a double figure target ahead of the next campaign.

Rodallega scored three goals in 14 starts as the Whites finished 12th in the Barclays Premier League, but is keen to play more of a part next season as he targets a regular starting place in the First Team having come off the bench 15 times last campaign.

"I feel personally good. I enjoy playing with the guys," he told the official website. "It was my first year here and everything was new for me. Not in the league, as I have been here for three years with another club [Wigan Athletic], but I am happy in England and at Fulham."

The striker netted his first goal for the Club as the Whites picked up a 2-1 away win at the DW Stadium against his former club in September and Rodallega was delighted to have made an impact against familiar foes.

"When I scored a goal against Wigan, It was my best moment this season," he said. "It was my first goal with the Fulham team and I was so happy to score against my former club."

The 27-year-old certainly has ambitions to improve on last season's haul and wants the Club to make strides into Europe next year.

"Next season I want to play as much football as possible and I have in my mind a target of 10-12 goals," he added. "For the team, the first thing we have to do is stay in the top 10. It is so important because in this league, teams in the top half are some of the best in the world, so we need target the UEFA Europa League as one of our objectives."

With another season in the Premier League secured, Rodallega is also keen to make sure that the players remember who they are playing for, adding: "When I play every game you can hear the fans cheering loudly. I have a good relationship with the fans and I want to improve and do it for them."

With the 2013/14 fixtures confirmed, now is the time to secure your Season Ticket. Prices start at less than £24 per game for adults and £12 per game for Under 16s. Buy online today.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/june/27/hugo-targets-double-figures?

[WhiteJC]

 
Five destinations for Tottenham midfielder Scott Parker

Scott Parker is apparently available for transfer this summer; so where could the Tottenham Hotspur man end up? Fulham, QPR, and even a return to West Ham feature.

Scott Parker is reportedly being touted for sale by Spurs supremo Andre Villas-Boas as he looks to overhaul the squad this summer.

So where could the England international end up next season?


Here are five potential options....

AS Monaco

Something of an out there option but one that is certainly possible. Claudio Ranieri plucked Parker as a fresh-faced 23-year-old from the grips of Charlton Athletic for £10 million in 2004. It was at the time supposed to be the start of an exciting period of Parker's career but he only got to work under the Italian for six months before Jose Mourinho arrived and barely used him in the 2004-05 season.

Ranieri might just love the opportunity to work with him again and they can certainly afford his wages.

Fulham

This would certainly fulfil any wish of Parker's to remain down south next season. He would also be likely to walk into the starting XI under Martin Jol.

The main worry would be over affording his wages but if The Cottagers managed to accommodate Dimitar Berbatov last summer I am sure they can find room for Parker.

rangers-fc/">QPR

Despite their relegation to The Championship the idea of remaining in London and playing under Harry Redknapp again could appeal to Parker.

The only issue would be any lingering England ambitions.

Sunderland

Sunderland have been linked with his signature recently, and despite local reports suggesting that will not happen it has not stopped the rumours persisting.

Parker is exactly the sort of professional player Paolo Di Canio would love to use as an example to his unruly squad.

However; Parker did not particulary enjoy his last stint in the North-East so convincing him to return could prove difficult.

West Ham United

This is an obvious looking deal; a potential return to where he demonstrated his best footballing years and won the Football Writers Player of the Year Award.

However their manager Sam Allardyce once let him go in order to bring in Joey Barton as his replacement so that may prove a stumbling block.



http://hereisthecity.com/2013/06/26/mn-five-destinations-for-tottenham-midfielder-scott-parker/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Olympiacos edge ahead of Fulham in battle for Marseille midfielder

Olympiacos are set to beat Fulham to the signing of Marseille midfielder Morgan Amalfitano.

Martin Jol was hopeful of concluding a season-long loan deal for the classy Frenchman, who wants to leave to secure more regular first-team football.

The 28-year-old, who has been at Marseille for the past two seasons, struggled for form last term after only starting around half of their games.

The Ligue 1 side will allow him to leave on loan, and Craven Cottage looked a likely destination but, according to L'Equipe, he could now be on his way to Greece.

It has been reported that Greek champions Olympiacos are on the verge of finalising a year-long spell, with an option to purchase this time next year.



Read more: http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/transfer-rumours/130627/olympiacos-edge-ahead-fulham-battle-marseille-midfielder-200?#ixzz2XQRhNpVx
Follow us: @talksport on Twitter
Read more at http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/transfer-rumours/130627/olympiacos-edge-ahead-fulham-battle-marseille-midfielder-200?#LT8A17zyshox2ddO.99

[WhiteJC]

 
Store Closure

The Club can inform fans that, due to stock-taking followed by training, the Stadium Store at Craven Cottage will close at 1600 on Sunday 30th June and will not reopen until 1130 on Tuesday 2nd July.

In addition, the Fulham Direct phones may not be covered on Monday 1st July but Internet orders and e-mails will be picked up during the day. Apologies for any inconvenience.

You can still access the Fulham FC online store here to take advantage of our End of Season Sale and also to pre-order the new adidas home kit and buy the adidas training kit.

If you are among the first 500 fans to pre-order the home kit, you'll also be entitled to a FREE #takemehome t-shirt, which will be delivered with your purchase.*

*The first 500 Home Kit pre-orders are entitled to a #takemehome t-shirt free of charge, to be delivered with your order upon launch in early July. #takemehome t-shirts available in one size. Available while stocks last.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/june/27/store-closure?

[WhiteJC]

 
Hull City set to beat rivals West Brom, Fulham for Morocco star Amrabat

English Premier League side Hull City are considering a cash deal for Morocco midfielder Nordin Amrabat despite interest from rivals West Brom and Fulham.

The 26-year-old, who plays for Turkish giants Galatasaray, has been overly impressive which has resulted in the interest.

Hull City boss Steve Bruce is considering an offer to be given to his club with several others interested in the winger.

The Sun says Bruce is leading a £7.5million chase for Amrabat.

Hull boss Bruce faces competition from Premier League rivals West Brom and Fulham for the Morocco international, 26.



http://www.afrikansoccer.com/2013/06/hull-city-set-to-beat-rivals-west-brom-fulham-for-morocco-star-amrabat/?

[jmh]

Crewe Alexandra can expect more from Lauri Dalla Valle

This article is from last November; Dalla Valle left Fulham in February.