Thursday Fulham Stuff (11/07/13)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham boosted as Rabiu Mohammed admits England interest

Fulham have been given a massive boost to sign Evian midfielder Rabiu Mohammed after the midfielder revealed he will favour a move to England.

The future of the talented 23-year-old has been a matter of intense conjecture in the past few days with Fulham, Everton believed to be keen on signing him.

Portuguese giants Porto and Benfica are also believed to be interested in the Ghanaian international after a faboulous season with the French outfit last term.

It has been speculated that Marseille also hold an interest in the combative midfielder even though it is understood Cottaggers are the front-runner for his signature.

The-Liberty Professionals enforcer has revealed he would welcome a move to the English Premier League describing it as the best in the world

"I want to play in England if there is a possibility," Mohammed said

"The English league is the best in the world and every good player wants to play there.

"Fulham are a good club, settled in the Premier League with a good manager.

"There is interest in France as well so I have to make a choice.

"England will be my preference because it has always been my dream to play in England."

Mohammed has three more years on his existing deal at Evian but unlikely to remain with the club as interest in him grows.



http://www.ghanasoccernet.com/fulham-boosted-as-rabiu-mohammed-admits-england-interest/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Al Fayed ready to sell Fulham
Sky sources understand that Mohamed Al Fayed is in advanced talks to sell Fulham

Al Fayed has begun the process of ending his 16-year ownership of the club and has held discussions with at least one interested buyer.

Shahid Khan, the boss of NFL franchise Jacksonville Jaguars, is reported to be among the potential purchasers.

Sky Sports News contacted Craven Cottage and Al Fayed's representatives for an official response but both declined to comment, and there has been no word either from the Jaguars.

Al Fayed converted outstanding loans to the club into equity in January, leaving them effectively debt-free, while a second successive profit was reported for the year ending June 2012.

Fulham have become an established Premier League club under the 84-year-old's ownership, and the forthcoming season will be their 13th straight season in the division.

Football finance expert David Buik told Sky Sports News he believes it needs someone with vision and foresight to take the club to the next level.

"The new owner has got be very innovative, have a very broad vision of how he's going to make something of it," he said.

"I believe it can be done. It's a fabulous area in London, it can cope with an awful lot more spectators and we can make an awful lot of more of the brand. But it needs vision, foresight - and very deep pockets.

"If you have been going to Craven Cottage for 16 years, as I have, and been biting your nails waiting for them to get to 40 points, that's not what he wants them for.

"Unless Mr Fayed falls out with Mr Khan these negotiations could be done by the end of the week.

"There's nothing particularily outstanding because the debt has been paid off. The key to the deal is the conversation with Hammersmith and Fulham council. They will want to know, 'What can you do for us, what can you do for the community?'"



http://www.football365.com/fulham/8816204/-?

[WhiteJC]

 
As sugar daddies go, Fayed has been a sweet success at Fulham

The TV commentator nailed it "Fantasy Fulham!" It was Thursday April 29 2010 and Zoltan Gera had just leathered home one of the most extraordinary goals in the club's history.

The scoreboard read Fulham 2 Hamburg 1, with 76 minutes played. Craven Cottage was losing its collective mind. This was the second leg of a Europa League semi-final and Gera's goal had more or less put Fulham in the final.

Several thousand fans bounced up and down together, the Johnny Haynes Stand thundering beneath their boots.  At the final whistle, the roar was monstrous. Roy Hodgson and his players celebrated. The supporters bellowed.

And the club's owner, Mohamed Fayed, walked about the pitch, sweeping a scarf joyfully around his head.

The club he had bought for £6.25million in 1997 and suckled with more than £200m in loans were on their way to a European final. He saluted the home support, drank the adoration. When he walked past the Hamburg fans kicking their heels bitterly in the away stands, he flicked them the V sign.

That image serves as a portrait in miniature of Fayed's time at Fulham. The Egyptian billionaire has done some funny things at the club — not least erecting a statue of Michael Jackson outside the ground and telling the fans that they could "go to hell" if they didn't like it.

But in the last 16 years he has invested a pile of his own money to build Fulham from third-tier strugglers into an established Premier League side. Fayed's money has paid for some fine managers — Hodgson, Mark Hughes, Martin Jol — and some outstanding players including Louis Saha and Dimitar Berbatov. Craven Cottage has been redeveloped as an all-seater stadium with a reputation as the most pleasant and family-friendly in London.

Although Fulham lost that 2010 Europa Cup Final to Atletico Madrid, they were, at least, there.

"Take me home, Fayed," Fulham fans like to sing. And well they might.

Today, however, rumours are flying around that the 84-year-old chairman is preparing to wind up his time in charge of old Craven Cottage, down by the river.

It is reported that he has commissioned the football fixer Keith Harris to find him a buyer who will pay between £150m and £200m. That would recoup a decent chunk of Fayed's investment over the last decade and a half. It would also begin a new era at Fulham. Good thing? Bad thing? Well, more on that in a minute.



At the time of writing, Fulham were making no comments on the club's potential sale. But if we look at Fayed's apparent strategy with his biggest business assets, a sale could make sense. He sold his most famous and prized asset, Harrods, to Qatar Holdings in 2010 (it has been reported that he attempted to include Fulham in negotiations for that deal).

This spring there were rumours that the Ritz hotel in Paris, currently under a two-year refurbishment, was on the market — the rumours were denied. In May his Falls of the Shin Visitor Centre in the Scottish Highlands was destroyed by fire; this week a number of staff were laid off and no plans have yet been announced either for the centre's rebuilding — or for a recommission of the waxwork of Fayed wearing a kilt which was also ruined in the blaze.



Fulham themselves seem to be in something of a holding pattern. This January Fayed converted his loans to the club into equity, making them effectively debt free: fans might ask whether this is a practical means to prepare for Financial Fair Play regulations or a sensible corporate move to improve the club's attractiveness for sale.

Likewise, Fulham have been muted in the transfer market so far this summer. Goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg has signed on an undisclosed fee; midfielder Derek Boateng and defender Fernando Amorebieta have joined on free transfers.

But there has been little to suggest another transfer in the region of £10m, as Fulham were thought to have paid for Bryan Ruiz in 2011.

None of this adds up to a certainty. We cannot say for sure that Fulham are about to change hands. But what we can do is reflect on what Fayed has done for the club and what their future could hold in other hands.



As sugar daddies go, Fayed has been a dream. There are flashier owners — Roman Abramovich at Chelsea has bought his way to Champions League success and Premier League titles; Manchester City's owners have the same ambitions.

But there have been far worse, too. Tony Fernandes' money has bought Queens Park Rangers relegation and Venky's cash has bought Blackburn universal ridicule. The list of English clubs undone by wealthy owners is much longer than the list of those who have been improved.

Will Fayed sell? If he does, he will leave Fulham almost immeasurably improved by his ownership. But he will also be sending the club into a new and uncertain period. Better the sugar daddy you know, and all that.



http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/as-sugar-daddies-go-fayed-has-been-a-sweet-success-at-fulham-8700083.html

[WhiteJC]

 
New Deals For Young Whites

The Club are delighted to announce a number of contract extensions for players from the Under-21 and Under-18 squads.

Having made his bow on the bench for the Fulham First Team away at Stoke City in 2012/13, winger Charles Banya has signed a deal until 30th June 2014, with the option of another year, after he was a fixture in Kit Symons' Under-21 side last season.

German midfielder Ronny Minkwitz has also signed until 30th June 2014, with the option of another year, having risen from captain of the Under-18 side to the Under-21s.

With our Academy Under-18 side becoming back-to-back Barclays Premier League champions last season with a convincing 3-0 win over Reading at Craven Cottage, Fulham also have a number of talented young players who have now committed their futures to the Club.

Striker Cauley Woodrow and American midfielder Emerson Hyndman have both signed until the 30th June 2016, while German goalkeeper Max Oberschmidt has agreed a deal until 30th June 2014.

Defender Cameron Burgess has turned from scholar to professional and put pen to paper on a deal until 30th June 2015, after he impressed in the Scotland Under-20 squad at the ADO Den Haag Youth tournament in Holland this summer, while Tom Richards has signed until the 30th June 2014, with the option of another year.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/july/10/new-deals-for-young-whites?

[WhiteJC]

 
EXCLUSIVE: Jacksonville Jaguars owner Khan expected to complete Fulham takeover by end of the week

Shahid Khan, the owner of the NFL franchise Jacksonville Jaguars, is expected to have completed his £150million plus purchase of Fulham by the end of this week.

Sportsmail revealed on Wednesday that Fulham owner Mohamed Al Fayed is on the verge of selling the Barclays Premier League club after investing £200m over 16 years in establishing the team in the top flight.

And Khan, a Pakistan-born billionaire car parts manufacturer who bought the Jaguars in December 2011, has the deep pockets necessary for a deal to be done with 84-year-old Fayed.


In talks: Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shahid Khan is in talks to buy Fulham

Fayed is no longer prepared to put money into the club and will sell for the right price.

Khan has already shown his liking for London by signing a contract for the Jaguars, who do not sell out all their home games in Florida, to play one NFL match per season for the next four years at Wembley stadium.

Khan, 62, is the first non-American to own a NFL club and sees the global sports picture. He describes London as 'the missing piece' in the growth of his NFL team. Buying Fulham for a price in excess of £150m would allow him the opportunity to promote both his sports brands to maximum effect in London.

Al Fayed has conducted negotiations with great secrecy from his London office in Park Lane, with Fulham's club executive knowing little or nothing about the imminent change of ownership — even after Khan's interest was made public by Sportsmail on Wednesday.


End of the road: Mohamed Al Fayed is understood to be on the verge of selling Fulham


Sky's the limit: The businessman has lent Fulham about £200m interest free since buying the club in 1997

The Jaguars boss has conducted parallel negotiations with Al Fayed's advisors and the Premier League to ensure the change of ownership can go through as quickly as possible.

Khan was ranked by Forbes last year among the world's richest 500 people with an estimated wealth of £1.7bn, putting him somewhere between Newcastle's Mike Ashley and Arsenal's Stan Kroenke in Premier League terms. His arrival is likely to provide Fulham with a lot more spending power.

Al Fayed has wanted his club to be self-sustaining for the past three seasons, meaning outlay on players has been minimal. Khan has just committed to spending £45m on improvements to the EverBank Field stadium in Jacksonville which will include the world's largest video screens, more than 300ft long, above each end zone.

The Jaguars committing one of their home games to Wembley for four years points to the Jacksonville club eventually becoming a London NFL franchise.



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2359370/Mohamed-Al-Fayed-talks-sell-Fulham-Jacksonville-Jaguars-owner-Shahid-Khan.html#ixzz2Yhm6HrQR
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[WhiteJC]

 
Join the Fulhamites!



This season we've introduced a brand new Membership package exclusively for our youngest Whites supporters: Fulhamites!

Supporters aged 0-10 are encouraged to sign up and help Billy the Badger and his Fulhamites cheer on the Whites this season.

In addition to the great fun to be had, a Fulhamite Member can enjoy a range of benefits that includes a Fulhamite Welcome Pack, match tickets access, and entrance to regular competitions, where they can win experiences money can't buy!

What's more, there'll be a host of exclusive offers across the campaign for Fulhamites to enjoy, as well as invitations to a number of Member-only events that will take place.

Whether you're a UK or international supporter the price stays the same - you can enjoy all these great benefits for just £5!

With fun to be had and friends to be made - go nuts and become a Fulhamite today!


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/july/10/fulhamites?

[WhiteJC]

 
For Sale?
   
Reports in one prominent tabloid infer that Fulham Football Club is up for sale.

It`s intimated that at 84 years of age, Mohamed Al-Fayed has called in the so-called football fixer Keith Harris to find a buyer for the club.

The information thrust under our noses, infers that our owner is looking to cash in on his assets and is looking to sever the link he has had with us since 1997.

Previously, Harris has fixed up deals that have seen Roman Abramovich take over at Chelsea, Randy Lerner take over at Aston Villa, Eggert Magnusson takeover at West Ham and Thaksin Shinawatra at Manchester City.

Our fears are that, if a sale is being sought, it could well be the detriment of the team plus, also, we`d better pray we don`t get lumbered with a version of the likes of Magnusson and Shinwatra, both of whom didn`t exactly cover their reigns in glory, although the former might have been very unlucky with the Icelandic Banks crashing!


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=324567#ixzz2Yhn49Au1

[WhiteJC]

 
NFL owner Shahid Khan believed to be in talks with Mohamed Al Fayed over sale of Fulham
Shahid Khan, owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars, could become the new owner of the London club by the end of this week

Mohamed Al Fayed is believed to be in talks with a National Football League team owner over the sale of Fulham Football Club.

Shahid Khan, a billionaire car parts manufacturer, bought the Jaguars in December 2011 in an attempt to revolutionise the franchise on and off the field.

Part of that will see the 'Jags' come to London for the next four years for the annual London NFL game, and it now seems that Khan may have more than one footballing interest in the English capital.

It was revealed this morning that Fayed is looking to sell the club after investing £200 million since he bought it back in 1997. With early reports that it could be sold to an American owner, is seems that American based Khan could be the man in question, though he actually hails from Lahore in Pakistan.

62-year-old Khan has addressed London as 'the missing piece' in the global growth of his NFL team, and having a second team in London would allow him to use both to raise interest in the other, with the Jaguars failing to fill their current stadium in north Florida.

Khan was estimated last year to be worth more than £1.2bn - £198m more than Fayed – and he is ranked 179 in the Forbes 400 list, standing as the 491 wealthiest person in the world.

His car parts manufacturers 'Flex N'Gate' run out of Urbana, Illinois, meaning Fulham would probably gain interest in the United States across an 865 mile span between Illinois and Florida.

Khan bought the Jaguars for $760m two years ago, but they went on to record their worst ever season in 2012/3, winning just two of their 16 regular season matches.

Fulham have so far declined to comment on the speculation.



http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/nfl-owner-shahid-khan-believed-to-be-in-talks-with-mohamed-al-fayed-over-sale-of-fulham-8701179.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Shahid Khan... the prospective new Fulham owner who's as ruthless as he is rich

Shahid Khan's first attempt to break into sport was thwarted by Stan Kroenke, but he has not been deterred and he certainly eclipses Arsenal's American owner when it comes to charisma and facial hair.

Khan's plans to buy St Louis Rams were dashed by Kroenke in 2010 but he satisfied the urge to own an NFL gridiron team when he bought the Jacksonville Jaguars for around £500million nearly two years later.

It was a swift and clean takeover, which bodes well for his effort to track Kroenke across the Atlantic to London and the Barclays Premier League with an attempt to buy Fulham from Mohamed Al Fayed.


Charismatic: Shahid Khan could be a suitable successor to Mohamed Al Fayed

If he succeeds, English football can welcome a colourful billionaire. He was born in Lahore in Pakistan and educated in the USA and made his fortune in car parts before the man known as 'Shad' and his handlebar moustache stormed into sport to complete the 'American Dream' storyline.

When buying the Jaguars he made a verbal commitment to fans to keep the team in Florida, but was not afraid to act when his first year at the helm produced only two wins from 16 games. Khan dismissed both the general manager and head coach. Beware manager Martin Jol and chief executive Alistair Mackintosh.

His son Tony has since joined the operations team, responsible for a data-led team-building process although at pains to stress it is not a 'Moneyball' system.


Under threat? Martin Jol's and Alistair Mackintosh's positions could become uncertain

Despite poor displays on the pitch, Khan has proved a popular owner fully aware he is the face of one of the sport's weaker franchises.

He is determined to lead an unashamed brand expansion which includes stadium improvements and a deal to play games in London at Wembley.

'We want to be part of the fabric of sport in London,' said Khan, keen to tap into the English connection to the Sunshine State. 'The English love an underdog and we will definitely be playing that role.'

Fulham, too, may find it has a part in this plan.



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2359775/Shahid-Khan--Fulhams-potential-new-owner-background.html#ixzz2YkjnRs9w
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

[WhiteJC]

 
Hyndman re-signs with Fulham through June 2016

[AMERICANS ABROAD] Emerson Hyndman, grandson of FC Dallas coach Schellas Hyndman, has signed a new contract with Fulham that will keep him at the English club until June 2016.

Hyndman was part of Fulham's under-18 team that became back-to-back Barclays Premier League champion last season with a 3-0 win over Reading. The 17-year old midfielder joined Fulham in 2011.

Striker Cauley Woodrow also signed until June 2016, while German goalkeeper Max Oberschmidt has agreed a deal until June 2014.



http://www.socceramerica.com/article/52579/hyndman-re-signs-with-fulham-through-june-2016.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
1999: Giant Killing Fulham



When Fulham were drawn away to Aston Villa in the Fourth Round of the FA Cup in 1999, few gave Kevin Keegan's men a chance, despite having already knocked out top flight opposition in the form of Southampton earlier in the competition.

It was by no means disrespectful to the Whites – who had enjoyed a great season to date in the old Second Division – but Villa had surpassed all expectation in the Premiership, with only goal difference keeping them in second place behind Chelsea at the top of the league.

They named a strong side for the match, too, with England internationals Gareth Southgate, Ugo Ehiogu, Lee Hendrie and Paul Merson joined in the starting XI by the likes of Gareth Barry and Ian Taylor. But Fulham's battling spirit prevailed at Villa Park, as two first-half goals set up a famous victory against one of the strongest sides – at that time - in the country.

The day had started badly for the hosts with the news emerging that record signing Stan Collymore had gone AWOL before the match, and things quickly got worse when Simon Morgan headed Fulham into the lead after eight minutes. The centre-back leapt highest at the near post to meet Steve Hayward's corner and steer it into the net, sending the 4,000-strong travelling fans into delirium.

Fulham showed no fear against our more distinguished opponents and we came close to doubling our advantage when Paul Peschisolido – who, along with Geoff Horsfield, caused the home defence no end of problems – hit the post. But we wouldn't have to wait long for our second, as Hayward went from provider to scorer when his long range effort took a nick of Peschisolido to wrong-foot goalkeeper Michael Oakes just before the interval.

The Villans went all out for a way back into the match in the second half, but the Fulham centre-back trio of Kit Symons, Chris Coleman and Morgan held firm, much to the delight of Keegan who was in euphoric mood post-match: "You've got to look back to the history of this football club over the last 20 years to know what today means," he said. "It takes us on to the next stage. We're going places and the momentum is with us."

John Gregory, the Villa boss, was unsurprisingly frustrated with his side's inability to see off a team two divisions below them, but he reserved praise for the way the men in yellow went about their victory. "Fulham did not surprise me," he admitted. "They defended exceptionally well. Their heroes were their three central defenders. But this is very hard to take and we're not happy with ourselves."

There was a poignancy to the victory that beautifully complemented the magic of the FA Cup: Hayward and his entire family were fans of Aston Villa (he was actually on their books as a youngster), while Morgan grew up supporting their fierce Midlands rivals Birmingham City. Both celebrated with equal passion following their goals.

The defeat sparked a disastrous period of form for Villa, who saw their title challenge evaporate over a 10-game winless run immediately after the cup match – it was a spell that included seven defeats. By contrast, Fulham won 15 of the remaining 21 league games as we comfortably secured the Division Two title with a phenomenal 101 points.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/july/11/throwback-thursday?

[WhiteJC]

 
Costa Rica Preview



With the Club travelling to Costa Rica to play three games at Estadio Nacional de Costa Rica on our pre-season tour in July, we have put together a preview of the Central American country.

The country

Originally under the colonial rule of Spain, Costa Rica achieved complete independence in the mid-1800s and, after abolishing its army in 1949, has become the only Latin American country to maintain a democracy since 1950.

Situated in Central America, between Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south-east, the country may be smaller than the state of West Virginia, but it has some beautiful stretches of coastline to the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean.

With a key focus on environmental issues, the country has won admirers for its green initiatives. It has pledged to become the first carbon-neutral country by 2021, while the New Economics Foundation (NEF) voted it to be the greenest country in the world in 2009. Its main language is Spanish, while the national dish is 'Gallo Pinto' (black beans and rice, seasoned with onion, sweet pepper, cilantro and Lizano sauce).

black beans and rice, seasoned with onion, sweet pepper, cilantro and Lizano sauce - See more at: http://costarica.com/culture/costa-rican-cuisine/#sthash.g98e5m5E.dpufblack beans and rice, seasoned with onion, sweet pepper, cilantro and Lizano sauce - See more at: http://costarica.com/culture/costa-rican-cuisine/#sthash.g98e5m5E.dpufblack beans and rice, seasoned with onion, sweet pepper, cilantro and Lizano sauce - See more at: http://costarica.com/culture/costa-rican-cuisine/#sthash.g98e5m5E.dpufblack beans and rice, seasoned with onion, sweet pepper, cilantro and Lizano sauce - See more at: http://costarica.com/culture/costa-rican-cuisine/#sthash.g98e5m5E.d
The national football team have enjoyed relative success over the years, with the likes of Hernán Medford, Paulo Wanchope, Luis Marín and Walter Centeno all contributing to raising the profile of the country. The side won the CONCACAF Championship/CONCACAF Gold Cup three times (in 1963, 1969 and 1989) and shocked the world to reach the last-16 at the FIFA World Cup in 1990 - while they have also qualified twice more for the Group Stage in 2002 and 2006, and are on course to follow suit in 2014.

Places to see

The capital San José is the nation's largest city and is serviced by the Juan Santamaría International Airport. If you are after some culture, The National Museum is a 19th-century building which contains well-organised exhibits on Costa Rica's history and culture, while the Teatro Nacional is one of the country's best architectural feats.

Outside of the cities there is some incredible scenery. Shrouded in clouds, the stunning Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is a sight to behold, while a trip to one of the most active volcanoes in Costa Rica, the beautiful Arenal, can be accompanied by a nice Hot Spring.

Although it is officially in the rainy season, the temperature of Costa Rica in July is an average of 27 degrees Celsius (84 degrees Fahrenheit), so there are plenty of chances to head to the beach. The best is probably in the Manuel Antonio National Park on the central Pacific coast, while the Samara Beach, in the northwestern province of Guanacaste, is also one to visit.

The Stadium: Estadio Nacional de Costa Rica

Originally built in 1924, the National Stadium was expanded to a capacity of 25,000 in 1941 and was renovated in 1976 before it was eventually demolished on 12th May 2008 to make way for the one that appears today. Building began in 2009 and work was finally completed two years later.

The Tico Times reported on the stadium's opening on March 26, 2011: "With two giant, jagged overhead panels running its length like a crown, Costa Rica's jewel, the National Stadium, will officially open its doors to the public. The mammoth stadium, built to accommodate 35,000 fans, is the largest, and by far the most modern, event venue constructed in Costa Rican history."

In 2011, the stadium played host to concerts from Shakira, Miley Cyrus, The Red Hot Chili Peppers and Pearl Jam. The following year saw Judas Priest, Whitesnake, Elton John and Lady Gaga perform. Now, they will welcome the mighty Whites!

Getting there: The stadium is located toward the west of the city of San José at just over 3km from its historic centre. It is situated on the western edge of La Sabana Park, with the occasional train to Sabana station an option if you don't want to take a taxi.

The Teams

The 12 team Costa Rican Primera División consists of two competitions: the Apertura tournament called the Torneo de Invierno (from July to December) and a Clausura called the Torneo de Verano (from January to May). The top four go into a Play-Off against each other, with L.D. Alajuelense winning the Invierno and Herediano the Verano last season.

We open our tour against C.S. Cartaginés on Sunday 14th July at the Estadio Nacional de Costa Rica (4pm local time; 11pm BST). The club, which is the oldest in the country having been founded in 1906, had a shocking Apertura tournament but came second in the 2012/13 Clausura and are currently managed by former international Javier Delgado Prado.

Bryan Ruiz's old club, L.D. Alajuelense, are next on the agenda on Wednesday 17th July (8pm local time; 3am BST). Winners of the Invierno title in the 2012/13 season, they brought Bryan through the ranks before selling him to K.A.A. Gent in 2006 and are currently managed by Oscar Ramirez who also led them to fifth place in the Clausura.

Finally, we play the most successful club in CONCACAF history, Deportivo Saprissa, on Saturday 20th July (8pm local time; 3am BST). The club have won the title a record 29 times in their history but could not claim another as they slipped down the table to finish in second in the Apertura and third in the Clausura under current boss Rónald González Brenes.

Bryan's view

"Even before the decision was taken [to go on tour to Costa Rica], the players always spoke about it and now they will have a chance to see the country. It is completely different to European countries, but I think it has some beautiful spots.

"I would never give them up for anything else, and I think they'll enjoy some great scenery, our great national stadium, and the warmth of the Tica fans, who will greet them very kindly. I want to thank the Costa Rica fans for all the support, towards me and the national side, I think that it is very important for a player to receive this support, in the good and in the bad. Sometimes things don't go well in this sport, but the support is always there, so I am grateful for that."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/july/11/costa-rica-preview?

[WhiteJC]

 
Be Careful What You Wish For

You would struggle to find a better owner of an English football club over the past sixteen years than Mohamed Al Fayed; Roman Abramovich has bought no end of titles for Chelsea, Sheikh Mansour has transformed the fortunes of Manchester City but neither has been able to sustain and nurture the essence of their respective clubs. Al Fayed, by contrast, has.

When he bought the club for £6.25 million in the summer of 1997, we were struggling at the base of the football league. At the end of the 1995/1996 season, Fulham had finished 17th in Division 3 (now League 2), sandwiched between Cambridge United and Lincoln City; heady days indeed. The club was back in Division 2 (now League 1) by the time Al Fayed became owner and he wasted no time in pursuing the dream. Promising Premier League football in five years, the Egyptian delivered with a year to spare. 12 years on and only seven teams currently playing in the top flight have been there longer than the Cottagers.

In the intervening years, we've had our ups and downs; Al Fayed has tried (and failed) with spending big money, we have scraped survival in the Premier League, we have had the most glorious run in the Europa League, and we have seen many wonderful players don the white shirt of Fulham. Of course, Al Fayed's 16-year commitment to Fulham has not been an act of charity work; he has reaped the benefits of owning a truly special London football club, he has been the 'sugar daddy'. But we must be eternally grateful for what he has done for our club.

In the context of the rumours of an imminent sale, the events of the past 18 months – clearing the club's debts of around £200 million, getting planning permission for expansion of the Riverside Stand, keeping net spend at close to, or below, zero – all add up. Al Fayed has created an incredibly saleable asset; an established London-based Premier League club in a very wealthy catchment area, effectively debt-free and with scope to expand to a 30,000-seater stadium. What more could a prospective owner want.

But we are nothing like Chelsea or City; we are a smallish club with a limited fan base. Ours is a family club, Craven Cottage is our unique home. Call me unambitious but I don't want us to go down the Chelsea road of buying success; loss of identity is the by-product. Of course I want a team that can challenge for trophies, but I want it to reach that stage by doing things right, by building, by evolving, by buying into the ethos and history of the club.

For every Mansour or Abramovich, there are countless Venkys or Gaydamaks; we need to be careful what we wish for. We've been truly spoilt under the stewardship of Al Fayed; if his successor can bring anything like the same passion and commitment, we should count ourselves very lucky.




Read more: http://pickourteam.com/premierleague/fulham/news/11-07-2013/be-careful-what-you-wish-for/837387?#ixzz2YklRP6tT

[WhiteJC]

 
Rodney Marsh welcomes Shahid Khan's bid to buy Fulham

Rodney Marsh gives his reaction to reports his former club Fulham are on the verge of being taken over by American-based businessman Shahid Khan.

Khan is the owner of NFL side Jacksonville Jaguars and Marsh, who resides in America, believes it will be a huge boost for Fulham if he completes the buy-out.



Read more: http://www.talksport.co.uk/radio/sports-breakfast/130711/rodney-marsh-welcomes-shahid-khans-bid-buy-fulham-201407?#ixzz2YklmWvcs
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Read more at http://www.talksport.co.uk/radio/sports-breakfast/130711/rodney-marsh-welcomes-shahid-khans-bid-buy-fulham-201407?#CUJrudrIPDd9IM2J.99

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Fixture Amendments

The Club can confirm the following fixture amendments due to live television coverage:

- Our first home match of the campaign against Arsenal will now take place at the earlier time of 12.45pm on Saturday 24th August – (BT).

- Our match against local rivals Chelsea at Stamford Bridge will now kick-off at 5.30pm on Saturday 21st September – (Sky Sports).

- The London derby at Selhurst Park against newly-promoted Crystal Palace will now take place on Monday 21st October at 8pm – (Sky Sports).

- And it's back-to-back televised games for the Whites when we travel to St Mary's to face Southampton on Saturday 26th October, with the game now kicking off at 5.30pm – (Sky Sports).



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/july/11/fixture-amendments?

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Sunderland set to beat Fulham to £5m signing of Tottenham midfielder Tom Huddlestone
The occasional England international will take a pay-cut

Sunderland are understood to have agreed a £5m fee with Tottenham for the transfer of Tom Huddlestone.

The occasional England international has long been linked with a move to Fulham, but the Black Cats are the first club to have matched Spurs' valuation of the 26-year-old.

The Evening Standard report that Huddlestone, who was made available for transfer by Spurs, has been given permission to discuss personal terms with Sunderland.

It's also understood that Huddlestone will have to take a pay cut to move to the Stadium of Light.

He is believed to be on around £40,000-a-week at White Hart Lane but Sunderland are only prepared to pay the England international £35,000-a-week. There are also concerns that Huddlestone will struggle to pass his medical having suffered a major ankle injury two years ago.

But he was able to make 28 appearances for Spurs last term and hopes the move will be able to go ahead as planned. The club are looking to let several more players leave to make room for further arrivals, including Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke.

They have only signed Brazil midfielder Paulinho so far but coach Andre Villas-Boas continues to be interested in Ajax midfielder Christian Eriksen. 

Spurs had been facing competition from Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund but the latter have pulled out of the race after completing a deal for Shakhtar Donetsk star Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

Eriksen's agent, Martin Schoots, has confirmed he is in talks with teams who are interested in the 21-year-old. He said: "We are still keeping in touch with certain clubs. That will always be the case with a player like Christian. It is hard to tell if it will end up with a transfer."

But Valencia have told Spurs that striker Roberto Soldado is not for sale, while they're also going to miss out on both Dinamo Zagreb youngsters Tin Jedvaj and Alen Halilovic.

They had agreed a £17m fee for the duo but Jedvaj is now in talks with Roma and the latter's family pulled out of the deal.



http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/sunderland-set-to-beat-fulham-to-5m-signing-of-tottenham-midfielder-tom-huddlestone-8703342.html

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Arsenal, Fulham and Everton looking to sign 'new Fellaini' Malanda

Zulte Waregem midfielder Junior Malanda, who in Belgium has been hailed as the new Marouane Fellaini, has said that he is now a free agent, allowing interested parties Arsenal, Everton and Fulham to sign him for very little, according to the Daily Mail.

Malanda disappeared last week, attempting to force a move, and he has now emerged saying that he severed his ties with Zulte, with a law in Belgium allowing players to terminate their contracts without the permission of their club.

The highly-rated 20-year-old has spent just one season with Zulte but has his sights set on a move to England or Germany. Fulham were very close to signing Malanda in January, but were unable to complete the deal before the transfer window shut. Now, while they have retained Georgios Karagounis, they are looking to add more youth to their midfield.

Arsenal are also looking to sign a defensive midfielder, with Sevilla's Geoffrey Kondogbia also linked, while the option of joining Fellaini at Goodison Park is open. With Malanda a free agent now, the competition to obtain his signature is likely to intensify.



http://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/p6_0_21008_-.html#.Ud7Xzxa_wds