Wednesday Fulham Stuff(03/07/13)...

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Fulham close in on Sako as former France Under 21 star heads for Molineux exit door

Fulham appear to be closing in on the signing of Bakary Sako after Wolves manager Kenny Jackett admitted negotiations between the two clubs were ongoing.

Sako was signed by Wolves last summer as they looked to build a team to take them straight back into the Barclays Premier League.

But, following a dismal campaign, the club were relegated to npower League One and Jackett has since been appointed as the man to stop the rot.


Moving on up: Wolves star Bakary Sako has been linked with a move to Fulham

Now former France Under-21 international Sako, who impressed during tough times at Molineux last year, has expressed his desire to move to the Premier League and ex-Millwall boss Jackett confirmed to the Birmingham Mail that the Cottagers are the favourites to land the 25-year-old.

'Fulham are genuinely interested in Sako and now it is about negotiations between the two clubs,' he said.

'As far as I know no fee has been agreed yet, but they are in negotiations. I don't know if it is close. The offer's at a very high level, whether it is at a point where the powers that be at Wolves want to accept that or not is another matter.

'He's not one I thought would necessarily be with us in League One at the start.'


Shining light: Despite Wolves' dismal season, Sako impressed last term



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2353511/Fulham-close-Wolves-star-Bakary-Sako.html#ixzz2XwvWbuZV
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Transfer News: Sunderland are leading the chase for Jozy Altidore


Jozy Altidore: Wanted in England

Sunderland have made a move to land American star Jozy Altidore, Sky Sports understands.

The Black Cats have been busy in the transfer market already this summer, but they are looking to make further inroads and Altidore is very much on their radar.

Clubs from Germany and Italy are also looking closely at the 23-year-old, but it is the interest from England which is strongest, with Sunderland, and also Fulham, keen.

Altidore's American agent Lyle Yorks has confirmed that they are in advanced talks with an English club, without naming the team.

Of the English interest he said that they were "in advanced discussions with them."

Altidore, who has already had a spell in England with Hull City in 2009, enjoyed the best season of his career last term after scoring 23 league goals for AZ Alkmaar.

Now Sunderland are locked in talks as they hope to seal a deal for the coveted American, and it seems they are hoping to conclude the move this week.



http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11695/8802251?

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Bakary Sako: Fulham close in on Wolves winger

Wolverhampton Wanderers head coach Kenny Jackett has revealed that French winger Bakary Sako has become a serious target for Premier League side Fulham.

Sako, 25, signed from St Etienne last summer but his 10 goals could not stop Wolves being relegated to League One.

"Fulham have a genuine interest. There is an offer of a very high level," Jackett told BBC WM.

"It doesn't surprise me. There's not that many gifted left-sided players around and he had a very good season."

Sako, signed by former boss Stale Solbakken just before the August deadline, impressed at Molineux until suffering the late season hamstring injury which kept him out for six games and proved a major factor in Wolves going down.

Sako - the attacker
Following his summer move from St Etienne, ex-French Under-21 international Sako's 10 goals were one of last term's rare plus points for Wolves, ranking him second only to Sylvan Ebanks-Blake, who netted 15 times. But, of his nine Championship goals, only two proved to be match-winners.

Meanwhile Bolton Wanderers boss Dougie Freedman has confirmed Wolves are close to signing Wales international defender Sam Ricketts.

"Wolves have come in and we've accepted the offer they've put to us," Freedman told BBC Radio Manchester.

"Sam's been a good servant, but I just can't honestly look him in the eye and guarantee him a position in the team."

The 31-year-old would be Jackett's first signing and see him link up again with a player he signed for Swansea nine years ago.

Keeper Dorus De Vries could soon be leaving Molineux as Nottingham Forest are understood to be interested in signing him in a deal that could be finalised on Wednesday.

Jackett has also suggested that there could be movement in the offing concerning the four first-team players put on the transfer list by the relegated League One club last week - Jamie O'Hara and three former captains, Karl Henry, Roger Johnson and Stephen Ward.

However, any transfer activity will be handled by chief executive Jez Moxey and head of football development and recruitment Kevin Thelwell.

Despite being placed on the transfer list, all four players have reported back for pre-season training with Wolves - and are doing the majority of their work with Jackett's first-team squad.



http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23149732?

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Schalke confident of capturing Fulham star



Schalke are confident of prising defender Sascha Riether away from Fulham.

The 30-year-old was Fulham's player of the year last season following his loan switch from Cologne and his form prompted Martin Jol to sign the German on a permanent basis.

However, Schalke are desperate to bring him back to the Bundesliga, despite the fact he recently completed his transfer to Fulham.

And the German club's sporting director Horst Heldt feels a deal could be struck in the coming months.

When asked about Riether, he told Kicker: "We are not negotiating at the moment. [But] if we work hard and continue we hope that the commitment will come about."



Read more: http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/transfer-rumours/130702/schalke-confident-capturing-fulham-star-200810?#ixzz2Xwwvtzeh
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Read more at http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/transfer-rumours/130702/schalke-confident-capturing-fulham-star-200810?#xPkRvKiVXqmpKHh3.99

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#FFC Photo Challenge



This month we're challenging you to take a series of Fulham-related photos using the social media platform Instagram.

If you're not doing so already, follow fulhamfc, then get to work by snapping our five photo challenges. Instagram is also letting you shoot 15 second videos – so why not get even more creative by adding film to the fun.

For the month of July we want to see images/videos of: 1). Craven Cottage, 2). Your favourite all-time Fulham player, 3). An FFC drawing or sketch, 4). A holiday shot showing your support for the Whites and 5). You or a friend or family member in a Fulham shirt.

Be sure to tag fulhamfc and use the hashtag #snapFFC - we'll then collate your images and upload them to the Club's website at the end of the month.

In the meantime, happy snapping!


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/july/02/instagram-challenge?

[WhiteJC]

 
And Then There Were Two

The official start of the Premier League transfer window usually has fans everywhere excited about how their club will improve and who will be joining the good guys in their quest to defend titles, qualify for Europe, climb the table, avoid relegation, or whatever your team's goals may be.

Unfortunately, in order to get to the fun part, teams must first do some dusting, and clear spots on the roster to make room for the new boys.  Old contracts aren't renewed, players are bought out, or contracts are mutually terminated.

It's then that everyone is reminded how professional sports are, well, professional.  It's a business.  Money is at stake.  Often that means personal connections are sacrificed.

Fulham's core of players that have romped around Craven Cottage the better part of the last half decade is slowly decaying, crumbling to the windy sands of time that wears down certain names quicker than others, but in the end every man succumbs to it.  Ties with Danny Murphy and Dickson Etuhu were severed last season, as the club deemed their age liability had finally outweighed the great benefits they have brought to the club.

It is due to this that teams choose to part ways with those who become just another number, another transaction, despite the individual connections they've made with staff, teammates, and most importantly the fans.

It is with great sadness that we have to say goodbye to three more of these great men who brought so much joy to the hearts of the Fulham faithful.  As a relatively new Fulham fan myself compared to many out there reading this site, it is extra difficult to bid farewell to two players who hold a special place in my heart.

Mark Schwarzer, Chris Baird, and Simon Davies have been added to the list of the old guard who will no longer spend 19 matches a year entertaining young and old at the Premier League's family club.

Despite the fact their names will no longer grace the back of a Fulham shirt on the Craven Cottage pitch, that does not mean their contributions to the club will be forgotten. Not at all.

First, I would like to thank the ageless Australian, having finally given way to a Dutchman 10 years younger.  It seemed every year since he arrived from Middlesborough at the ripe young age of 35, at some point fans called for youth to replace him.  I was guilty of it myself just this past year, when Mark's form dipped in the early part of the season.

He seemed less agile, his reaction time was failing, and he seemed to have a disconnect with a defense that was reshaping itself around him.  When fans began to call for a graceful end to his tenure between the Fulham sticks, he responded, like he had so many times before. The second half of last season was as good a 5 months as Mark has had in his Fulham career.  He looked 25.

With it being the best time to say goodbye to a man who gave nothing but 500% effort every time he pulled the Fulham shirt over his head, I would like to thank Mark for all his contributions he gave to not only the club but the fans.  I never had the pleasure of meeting him, but from everything I heard he had as much to be proud of as an individual and as a professional as he did as a player.

To the Bairdinho, his versatility was invaluable for many years at Fulham, and despite not always finding himself on the first choice teamsheet, he never ceased to work and would always somehow find himself useful to Roy Hodgson and the like. When a player gives his all to a club like Chris did, it never ever goes unnoticed by the fans.

Baird's goals were few and far between, but they did happen, and when they did often they were massive.  This was because Baird had a knack of finding the back of the net out of nowhere, in turn knocking the opponent to the ground with a left hook they never saw coming.

The Northern Irishman found himself at one of center back, right-back, and central midfield, which only provided the manager with another reason to make use of his skills. When injuries hit the Fulham squad, there was Bairdinho ready to take up whatever position was found decimated.

To Simon Davies, I also would like to dedicate some time.  He became an instant hit with Fulham fans since signing on a free from Everton due to his never-ending work rate, much like his counterpart mentioned before.

What the Welshman did in the final two Europa League matches against Hamburg and Atletico Madrid will never be forgotten.  The elation he gave fans was enough to earn him respect for a lifetime.  A career is hardly defined by a single moment or two, but when fans reflect on Davies' tenure at Fulham, those two moments will forever headline the story, and rightly so.

These three players racked up a whopping 550 appearances for Fulham between the three of them across all competitions.  Doing the math, that's the equivalent of 14-1/2 Premier League seasons.

And now to those that remain.  Damien Duff and Brede Hangeland are the only old two regulars who are still with the club, with Aaron Hughes now stuck behind Philippe Senderos and the recently acquired Fernando Amorebieta.  I can't imagine those two – or three – sticking around much longer.  Hughes has stated he wants first-team action (as he deserves), Duff may be finding minutes fewer and fewer with the rise of Alex Kacaniklic and Ashkan Dejagah along with the very likely acquisition of Bakary Sako.  Hangeland is reaching an age where mistakes are more common, as evident by spotty patches last season.

It's a time of change in the Fulham squad, and a sad one largely because it's hard to identify any players who will take their place.  Leadership not only has to do with age, but tenure as well.

From the roster of the 2008/09 season – Schwarzer's first with the club – only a single player remains aside from the Hangeland/Hughes combination: David Stockdale.

Times are changing, and thus fans must change along with it.  But something that will never change is a need for not just leadership but stability, and Fulham will need to find that somewhere. They will need someone to step up and take over the holes left by these departing players and those soon to depart.

That is, however, for another time.  For now, it is a time to say not just goodbye, but thank you. Thank you Mark Schwarzer, Chris Baird, and Simon Davies for those moments, memories, and most importantly time and effort you have given this club.  They will not soon be forgotten.


http://fulhamsfinest.com/2013/07/02/and-then-there-were-two/?

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Ex Phoenix player Musa cut from Fulham side

James Musa's Premier League dream is over after the former Phoenix defender was released by Fulham.

The 21-year-old from Whanganui signed a short-term deal with the Cottagers last year after catching the eye playing for New Zealand at the London Olympics.

But his contract expired on June 30 and manager Martin Jol released him along with a raft of players including Australians Mark Schwarzer and Corey Gameiro.

Gameiro joined the Phoenix on loan last season and the striker has since signed with Sydney FC.

Musa was loaned out to Hereford United during his spell with the London club and he didn't play a game for Fulham's first team.

He made three appearances for the Phoenix in 2010-11 but was then released and spent 2011-12 with Team Wellington.

There could potentially be an A-League lifeline with the Phoenix under their new coach Ernie Merrick.

Merrick needs to sign at least five players to round out his squad and he has expressed a desire to promote young Kiwi talent where possible.

Players will be given trial opportunities in coming weeks, while assistant coach Chris Greenacre has been in Turkey scouting at the under-20 World Cup, en route to England to complete his coaching badges.


http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/8870027/?

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Unsettling Riether
   
Last season Sascha Riether was a revelation.

Signed on a season long loan deal from Cologne, Martin Jol, quite rightly made the move a permanent one at the end of the season.

However, over at Schalke, whilst no having made a bid for the player yet, the Bundesliga side seem quite confident of getting there man in time for the start of the new season with the clubs sporting director Horst Heldt remarking in the German news vehicle,

'We are not negotiating at the moment. [But] if we work hard and continue we hope that the commitment will come about.'

I seriously hope this chap is a disappointed man come the start of the season.

How about you?


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=323640#ixzz2Xwy5bTro

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Mad About Futbol Show- Fernando Amorebieta

In this special edition of Mad About Futbol, we had two special individuals join us. Fabián Márquez joins the MAF team as he will be out Venezuelan football guy. His first contribution will be the arrival of Venezuelan international and new Fulham signing coming on to talk about all things Vinotinto and Cottagers.

The guys will also talk about Fernando's run with Venezuela as they are looking to get the national team to their first-ever World Cup at the senior level. He will tell us what challenges are there as well as in his newest endeavor as a defender for Fulham in the Premier League. All this and much more in this special edition of Mad About Futbol.



http://simplyfutbol.com/2013/07/mad-about-futbol-show-fernando-amorebieta/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+SimplyFutbol+%28Simply+Futbol%29

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Fulham target Dinamo Bucharest forward Alexe and Wolves winger Sako

Fulham are in talks over  a £1.5m move for Dinamo Bucharest forward Marius Alexe, 23, and are still talking to Wolves over winger Bakary Sako.

Watford have signed Lewis McGugan on a Bosman free from Nottingham Forest.


Wanted man: Bakary Sako is a target for Fulham



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2354080/Fulham-target-Dinamo-Bucharest-forward-Marius-Alexe-1-5m.html#ixzz2XwygrgSj
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

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Fulham play the waiting game

Six months of the year have ticked by already. I was on the ski slopes the day West Brom got to munch on a BK Double [Berbatov and Kacaniklic] as Fulham dropped in with an order of 'three points to go'. The weather ever since has been remorselessly grim and with every new day of grey cloud and chill wind here in London I have been opening up the news wires seeking a ray of sunshine on the Fulham front. So far in vain.

We are still awaiting signs of the British summer along with tangible signs of the Whites rebuilding strategy for the new season. One by one, those hot transfer targets kite-flown by a media floundering for any kind of decent lead have fallen by the wayside.

We were surely never seriously in the running for Andy Carroll, simply on wages alone. Still, that's not stopped West Ham from going deep. Did they not come up to the top flight a year ago? Is their operational budget that dissimilar to ours? I don't know the answers, but I do recognise ambition when I see it.

Talking of the need to splash the cash as newcomers to the top flight, I noted Cardiff's bids last week to add £10 million plus of attacking talent to the ranks. Southampton, surely another who may feature on a few bookies short lists in the relegation scrap, have only been waving their big cheque book around down in Brazil. Wilfried Bony for £10 million now seems a straight fight between Swansea and the Hammers. Norwich City had sealed Ricky van Wolfswinkel's signature even before the season had ended – for a club record fee of £8.5 million. Nathan Redmond's on his way to the Premier League, but not to SW6.

Fulham meanwhile continue to make 'enquiries', often with a loan being the preferred option. They clearly don't want Darren Bent (29) for anything over £3 million, while their one ambitious bid, to Wigan, did not match their valuation of midfielder James McCarthy.

The cynic in me feels the three deals quickly wrapped up in May (though only after much stalling) were mere window dressing to drive up season ticket renewals before supporters drift away for three months. Be honest, has anyone been swayed to rush out and pledge their cash for another 19 home games like last season on the back of our three new recruits to date?

Nobody has the faintest idea what board strategy or the size of the kitty is. The manager gives hints as to where he wants to strengthen, but for the whole of June Fulham have barely merited a mention, even during the most barren of days on the rumour mill. Only on the Bakary Sako front do I sense a deal is close, and that comes mainly on the back of quotes from the Wolves camp. The fee has been agreed and it's now being discussed at the 'highest level.'

But do we actually need another left-winger? Just as with the news the Riverside development process has barely begun, Fulham we all know like to keep their cards close to their chest.

Later in the week I will offer my own thoughts on where we need to strengthen and who might we realistically move for. Before we set that ball rolling however, let us pay tribute to some genuine Fulham legends whose careers at Fulham have ended.

Simon Davies: I recall asking an Evertonian for his opinion when we first went in for the Welshman under Chris Coleman. He was ecstatic to see him off the payroll at Goodison. I feared the worst. But Digger came good. He was a shining light in a shambolic team when he arrived, but went on to be our Player of the Season, genuinely added to the team's development, and earned our eternal gratitude for the salad days under Hodgson with goals that carried us to Hamburg and 7th in the league.

Mark Schwarzer: The best bit of business Fulham have done possibly since the days of Ray Houghton. Legendary status, and for my money still capable of holding his place in the Premier League. Very sad to see the big Aussie squeezed out. Fittingly the Man of the Match in his final game for us.

Chris Baird: I watched him in a pre-season friendly at QPR when he signed in 2007. He was playing centre-half and I just did not get it. That first six months for Chrissie under Sanchez must have been traumatic, but by sheer application Chris found a role among varying formations under different managers. He rarely let Fulham down, and of course started on that famous night in May 2010. He seemed to carry the can for some of Jol's inept set-ups over the winter – particularly the debacle at QPR, and got frozen out from Christmas on. Another who may yet get to play another season in the Premier League like Mark for another club.

Before we close, don't be surprised if the next Fulham transfer news concerns a player going out, not coming in. Kerim Frei does not seem to have the manager's backing, so off to Turkey for you young man!

twitter@fulhamphil



http://espnfc.com/blog/_/name/fulham/id/1137?&cc=5739

[WhiteJC]

 
Mark Schwarzer could move abroad for Brazil place

Free agent Mark Schwarzer has admitted that he could be forced to join a club abroad in order to play at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

The Australian was released by Fulham at the end of the season, following the arrival of Netherlands stopper Maarten Stekelenburg from Roma on a four-year deal.

With the international tournament less than a year away, the 40-year-old is hopeful that he can sort his future sooner rather than later.

"Hopefully in the next couple of weeks something will be sorted," Schwarzer told SBS. "At the moment I am just weighing a few things up.

"There have been some offers and it's possible I could stay in England or move abroad. There are a few possibilities. Nothing concrete has been signed or sealed yet but I am feeling confident about next season leading towards Brazil.

"A lot of the decisions I have made about my future have cantered around the national team and now that we have qualified for another World Cup my top priority is finding a club in the lead-in and getting as much game time as possible. I always believed we would get there, though at times it's been a rocky path but we got there in the end."

Schwarzer played over 150 times for Fulham.



http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/transfer-talk/news/schwarzer-could-move-abroad-for-brazil-place_91789.html

[WhiteJC]

 


Top 10: adidas Moments

With our new kit supplier adidas all in for 2013/14, we look back at some of the greatest moments in Fulham's history when we were wearing the famous three stripes.



George Best bows out - 1977

The 15th of November saw one of the greatest players to have played the game leave us after one season in SW6. Manchester United legend George Best scored on his debut in September 1976 in a 1-0 win over Bristol Rovers and, having surely played his part in helping us to attract the sponsorship might of adidas in his first full season, scored seven more times before he chose to continue his career in America with the Los Angeles Aztecs. Best netted in his penultimate game - a thrilling 3-3 draw with Sunderland at the Cottage - but bowed out in defeat away at Stoke City.

Birmingham City 3-4 Fulham - 1979

One of the best comebacks in the Club's history, this game came on the first day of the 1979/80 season. The early days of Division Two football brought few moments of joy to the Whites faithful and when we went 3-0 down at half-time in Birmingham, it looked like it might be a season to forget before a hat-trick from Gordon Davies and one from Chris Guthrie turned it all around. Fulham fan Keith Castle, Britain's first heart transplant patient, went under the knife at half-time and woke up to see us 4-3 winners. "Now you know why I'm here," he was alleged to have told doctors afterwards.

Mohamed Al Fayed takeover - 1997

The next time that adidas arrived on the scene at Craven Cottage was in 1997, when Mohamed Al Fayed changed everything for the Club. It was a season of consolidation in Division Two as Fulham were building a team to challenge for the top flight inside Al Fayed's five-year plan, and the transfer record was broken on a regular basis as Paul Peschisolido arrived for £1m, before Chris Coleman's £2m fee doubled it within a month. The signing of England legend Peter Beardsley late in the season showed our potential and Kevin Keegan's arrival would give us the platform to storm to the league title a year later.



Champions of Division Two - 1999

The first trophy of the adidas era arrived in Keegan's first full season in charge. After Mr Al Fayed's takeover, there were a host of players at the Club eyeing promotion and Keegan's brand of attacking football delivered as we stormed to the title with a record 101 points in Division Two. Goalkeeper Maik Taylor managed to set a record of 24 clean sheets in his 46 games, while Geoff Horsfield finished as top scorer with 15 goals, closely followed by defender Kit Symons' 11. With the best defensive record in the league (conceding only 32 goals) and winning 31 of our 46, we topped the table by 14 points from Walsall and ensured that our place in Division One was sealed early.

11 game winning streak helps Premiership promotion - 2000

A season of consolidation in Division One saw us follow it up with an incredible start to the 2000/01 season. Managerial changes had seen Keegan depart, along with Paul Bracewell and caretaker Karl-Heinz Reidle, but Jean Tigana arrived to oversee our charge to the title. The first 11 games were a blistering display of attacking talent, as Louis Saha plundered 10 goals alongside Barry Hayles' seven and Luis Boa Morte's five. The only game remotely in doubt was a 1-0 win over Norwich City settled by a second-half strike from Boa and every other game saw at least two goals. For the most part it was more, as we beat Stockport County 4-1, Barnsley 5-1 and rounded it off with a 3-1 victory against Crystal Palace. From 12th August to our 0-0 draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers on 21st October, it was nothing but wins and we ended the season with another 101-point haul which secured our place in the Premiership.

Edwin arrives - 2001

The successful promotion ensured that there was more money available to spend on players and Mr Al Fayed strengthened our side considerably in the summer. Having previously been £4m for the purchase of Alain Goma, our transfer record shot up to £7m when we managed to bring in goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar from Juventus. The Dutchman went on to become a legend for us before leaving for Manchester United in 2005, but wasn't the record for long as we paid a reported £11.5m for Lyon striker Steve Marlet a month later.

Manchester United 3-2 Fulham - 2001

The first game on our arrival back in the top flight was played at the home of the most successful team in Premiership history! Inside two minutes we were ahead as Sean Davis launched a long pass into the path of Saha and the Frenchman chipped over Fabien Barthez. Davis was running the show, but defending champions United came back with an equaliser from David Beckham that crashed in off the bar on 36 minutes. After the break, we came out of the blocks quickly again and Saha hammered home to put us ahead once more. This time, however, United hit back instantly as Ruud van Nistelrooy smashed a close-range double to put the Red Devils into the lead for the first time. Davis almost grabbed a late equaliser from a header, but the final whistle came. We had shown we could almost match the best team in the land and were on track with our first win at the Cottage in the Premiership next game as we beat Sunderland 2-0 with goals from Barry Hayles and Louis Saha.

FA Cup semi-final - 2002

The Club's progress to the last four of the FA Cup was relatively easy. Lower division sides such as Wycombe Wanderers (after a Replay), York City, Walsall and West Bromwich Albion were negotiated before we were drawn against local rivals Chelsea for the first time in over 50 years. With a neutral venue, Villa Park, playing host to the West London derby and a rather absurd kick-off time of 7pm on a Sunday evening, we came close to reaching Wembley but were denied by a scrappy goal from John Terry just before half-time. Our best chance was probably when Saha's efforts was almost turned into his own net by Marcel Desailly, but we were back among the top clubs in the world's best cup competition.



Intertoto Cup success - 2002

There is nothing like the feeling of lifting a trophy and as adidas' deal entered its final season we ended on a high. The domestic campaign was one of consolidation again, but we found success in the cups: reaching the Fifth Round of the FA Cup and winning a place in the UEFA Cup by sealing the Intertoto trophy. Our European debut came against FC Haka in July and was a dull 0-0 draw, but we made it to the Final in August against Italian side Bologna. A 2-2 draw set us up nicely for the return leg and, at our temporary home of Loftus Road, it was Junichi Inamoto who took over with a hat-trick to give us a 3-1 win (5-3 on aggregate). Finally, Fulham were a European force.

Fulham 3-2 Liverpool - 2002

After our European adventure, our second season in the Premiership proved to be pretty similar to that of the first: A lower-half finish, but some great games and impressive performances to show that we were well worth our place in the top flight. Having beaten Tottenham Hotspur 3-2 in the fourth game of the campaign, we hosted Liverpool at the end of November and beat them by the same scoreline. Although the Reds were not the force they were when adidas first arrived in SW6 in 1977, they were still an imposing proposition and two goals from striker Facundo Sava, and another from Davis, ensured we came away with the glory from this one. Fulham Assistant Manager Christan Damiano said afterwards: "This was a very important moment for us to get a result against one of the great teams."

Join us at Craven Cottage for all 19 Barclays Premier League home games, starting with Arsenal. Find out more about 2013/14 Season Tickets and buy online today.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/july/03/top-ten-adidas-moments?

[WhiteJC]

 
Stannard Becomes Clarets Goalkeeping Coach

Dean Holdsworth has added to his backroom staff by bringing in former Fulham and Southend United custodian Jim Stannard as Goalkeeping Coach, a man who performed the same role with Premier League Southampton until January.

Stannard began his professional playing career with Fulham, during which he was also loaned to Southend and Charlton Athletic. In 1985, Southend signed him on a permanent basis and he made over 100 appearances before being sold back to Fulham in 1987. For the next eight years he was their first choice 'keeper, making nearly 350 appearances and even managing to score one goal. In 1995 he signed for Gillingham and was instrumental in their promotion.

Whilst playing for the Gills he set a record for the lowest number of goals conceded in a 46-match season in the Football League, when he let in just 20 in 1995/96, but he was forced to retire in 1999 due to injury. He later served as Goalkeeping Coach as the same club, then Brentford, before becoming manager of Redbridge for a short time.

In 2007 he started one of two part time spells at Gillingham either side of Crystal Palace and prior to joining Southampton at the start of the 2011/12 season, leaving upon Manager Nigel Adkins' departure. Holdsworth said: "I'm really delighted to have Jim as part of my staff. His experience will help everyone at the club."


http://www.chelmsfordcityfc.com/news/stannard-becomes-clarets-goalk-983113.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
Frei's Turkey Exit

Kerim Frei came on at half-time, but could not help Turkey to progress in the FIFA Under-20 World Cup as they lost 4-1 to France on Tuesday.

Hosts Turkey had emerged from the group stage after defeating Australia, but saw their hopes of getting through to the Quarter-Finals ended after they were well beaten in Gazaintep.

France took the lead in the 18th minute through Sevilla midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia's volley after a corner. And the lead was doubled as Lucas Digne's cross was headed home from six yards by Jean Christophe Bahebeck in the 34th minute.

Frei came on after the break for Halil Akbunar and Turkey pushed to get back into the game before conceding a 65th-minute penalty. France missed their chance to extend the lead, though, as Florian Thauvin smashed his spot-kick over the bar.

The French didn't have to wait long, however, as they went further ahead two minutes later. New Arsenal signing Yaya Sanogo burst through to score and then Dimitri Foulquier's 73rd-minute cross was turned home by Jordan Veretout.

Sinan Bakis's fine volley in the 77th minute gave Turkey a consolation, but Frei and teammates bowed out of the competition and will now make the short journey home.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/july/03/freis-turkey-exit?

[WhiteJC]

 
Finding Fitness

Fulham's First Team squad may be returning for the first day of pre-season training this week, but they will have already undergone a rigorous fitness regime over the summer. We caught up with First Team Fitness/Assistant Technical Coach Scott Miller to get an insight into the Whites' pre-season training programme.

What will the players have been doing fitness-wise between the end of last term and the first day of pre-season training?

They generally have two weeks off where we tell them to completely regenerate and recover. After that fortnight, they then they begin a three-session-a-week programme on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday with three key areas being the objective: to maintain their aerobic capacity, maintain their body fat and increase their strength. We want them to completely de-load by using the bike, cross-trainer or even water running. We don't want them to replicate what they do - running - on hard surfaces throughout the off-season.

Do you keep in touch with the players during the off-season?

Each member of the medical, fitness and coaching staff is allocated four to six players and we touch base with them just to see where they're at. Three or four players have drifted into the Training Ground over the last week so we can measure their fitness but the majority of the squad prefer to return for the first day of pre-season. It's a busy period when it all commences again on Friday.

How do you test them upon their return to make sure they've been looking after themselves and following their pre-season programme?

We are fortunate enough to have a very professional group of players here and they maintain themselves very well. For the first two days it's important we profile the players from a medical and physical perspective. From our viewpoint we want to review the key areas that we've asked the players to maintain or improve over the summer period. All players will undergo a medical screen, where we will measure their body fat and compare to in-season information we have on the squad. Our aerobic test is functional and is completed during the first two sessions; the test is ideal as it's measurable so it's relevant to Barclays Premier League matches. Prozone data allows for review of speed and distance covered in the game. We then look at the heart-rate variability and exposure in certain zones and we can depict what energy systems are depleted and whether they've been doing their work.

What else awaits the players upon their return to Motspur Park?

On the Friday and Saturday the medical staff will oversee an individual medical screening process. Our first two days are an introduction back to training for the players - we'll train for about 45 minutes on the pitch and the session will involve technical football at a low level and aerobic conditioning. Sunday will be a planned rest day for the players and staff, and then Monday the training intensity will begin to increase as we prepare the players for the Costa Rica pre-season tour.

How important are pre-season friendlies for the players?

Yes, they're important because the Manager can implement his philosophy and how he wants them to play. He can try different players in different positions but, for the coaching staff and myself, we essentially view the games as training sessions. After the trip to Costa Rica, we then have a pre-season friendly against Werder Bremen. I enjoy these kinds of trips; we went to Switzerland last year and, as well as the training perspective, it gives the squad a chance to bond.

Do the players enjoy your methods?

I believe so. I have a mutual respect with the players and we work well together. This will be my seventh season here and my role has changed considerably. Our focus here is delivering a modern approach to football fitness, where all our work has an objective, is football specific and always benefits the players. I've seen a lot of changes during my time with the Club. In my first season, we finished just above the drop zone, then we enjoyed European success and we're looking to get there again this term. The players that we've got here are ambitious - they weren't happy with last season's campaign and they want to push the Club onto the next level.

Has technology helped you when it comes to a player's fitness?

The main priority is always football, followed by science. It's not uncommon for others in my sort of position to sometimes get ahead of themselves and rely on data too much and forget what the objective is. For me, the objective is and always will be winning games and, for a club like Fulham, finishing in the top 10.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/july/03/finding-fitness?

[WhiteJC]

 
Wolves prove stubborn in Fulham's pursuit of Bakary Sako

Fulham still face a tough battle to secure the signing of Wolves winger Bakary Sako this summer.

Wolves have confirmed they have already had one offer from the west London club, which is believed to be worth around £3m.

But the League One side, who signed the 25-year-old from St Etienne for £2.2m last year, want over £4m for the winger.

Wolves have proved stubborn negotiators when it comes to selling their best players having secured £10.75m and £14m fees for Matt Jarvis (West Ham) and Steven Fletcher (Sunderland) respectively last year.

Sako finished the club's second highest scorer last term with 10 goals, but it was not enough to prevent them from being relegated to League One.

He will be sold should a club meet their asking price and Wolves coach Kenny Jackett said: "Fulham have a genuine interest. There is an offer of a very high level.

"It doesn't surprise me. There's not that many gifted left-sided players around and he had a very good season."



http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/wolves-prove-stubborn-in-fulhams-pursuit-of-bakary-sako-8685185.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham interest in Sako confirmed
   
Wolves Player of the Year Bakary Sako is a target for Premier League side Fulham.

French clubs Lille, Lyon and Marseille have all been linked with moves for the winger, but it is Fulham who appear to be leading the chase.

Depending on what reports you read the deal for Sako to make a move to the Premier League side is either almost completed, or is stalling over the reported £4million transfer fee.

Wolves head coach Kenny Jackett has confirmed that negotiations are ongoing, but wouldn't confirm if a deal was close to being completed.

"Fulham are genuinely interested in Sako and it`s a negotiation between the two clubs, As far as I know, no fee has been agreed yet but they are in negotiations.' Jackett told Wolves Official Website.

He added: "They have been negotiating and there is some genuine interest and the offers are of a very high level.

"Whether it`s at the point it`s at a level where the powers-that-be at Wolves want to accept that is another matter.

"But it`s fair to say Fulham are very interested and are trying hard to sign him.


Read more: http://www.wolves.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=323731#ixzz2XzWb7LkS

[WhiteJC]

 
Transfer news: Schalke still keen on Fulham's Sascha Riether

Schalke remain interested in Fulham's Sascha Riether but have made no progress in their pursuit of the defender.

The 30-year-old impressed during a season-long loan at Craven Cottage last season, earning himself a permanent switch.

Fulham only struck that deal in May, with Cologne sanctioning a sale.

Schalke are, however, hoping to take Riether back to Germany and can offer the experienced full-back UEFA Champions League football.

Fulham are reluctant to discuss a deal, though, and there has been no movement on the transfer front as yet.

Schalke general manager Horst Heldt told kicker-Sportmagazin: "In the case of Sascha Riether we have not made any progress.

"There will be no imminent deal, but we are keeping tabs on the situation and are still hopeful that we will agree a transfer in the end."



http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11681/8803500?

[WhiteJC]

 
Moscow move for Fulham target

CSKA Moscow have beaten Fulham, Aston Villa and Sevilla to a deal for 21-year-old Bulgarian playmaker Georgi Milanov from Litex Lovech.

Litex have agreed to sell Milanov, who looks a lot like Stewart Downing, to the Russian giants for £2.5million with now only personal terms to be agreed.

Under the terms of the deal, Litex will get another million euros if Milanov plays in at least 50 per cent of their matches in the Champions League and Russian Premier League next season.

Milanov is in Munich where he will undergo medical examinations and, if all goes well, then travel directly from Bavaria to Moscow.

CSKA have been tracking the midfielder since he scored in Bulgaria's World Cup qualifier against Italy last September in Sofia.

Fulham and Villa are understood to have been alerted to the player by Dimitar Berbatov and Stiliyan Petrov respectively.


Read more at: http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/moscow-move-for-fulham-target-1604363.html?