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Wednesday Fulham Stuff(07/08/13)...

Started by WhiteJC, August 07, 2013, 04:55:40 AM

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WhiteJC

 
Northern Ireland omit Chris Baird, David Healy and Pat McCourt

Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill has left out Chris Baird, David Healy and Pat McCourt from his squad for the World Cup qualifier against Russia on 14 August.

The trio are without clubs after being released from their previous employers at the end of last season.

Uncapped New York Red Bulls midfielder Jonny Steele is also missing despite speculation that he might be involved.

Steele is playing for the Bulls against Columbus Crew on Sunday.

O'Neill said last month that Steele would get his chance for Northern Ireland "soon" but added that his club commitments might rule him out of the re-arranged qualifier against the Russians.

The uncapped Larne man, 27, plays with Thierry Henry and Tim Cahill for the US club and has been having a fine season.

Palermo striker Kyle Lafferty returns to the squad for the Windsor Park game after missing the home defeat by Israel because of suspension.

There is also a recall for Derby County striker Jamie Ward but Sammy Clingan is ruled out by a knee injury while Chris Brunt is missing because of suspension.

Baird, 31, was released by Fulham at the end of last season and while he has been linked with a move to Queens Park Rangers, he has yet to sort out his immediate club future.

McCourt, 29, is currently training with Hibernian with a view to a short-term move after leaving Celtic in May while Healy is also searching for a club.

Healy, who celebrated his 34rd birthday on Monday, was released by Bury in May following their relegation to League Two.

The striker is Northern Ireland's record goal-scorer with 36 goals in his 94 international appearances.

O'Neill indicated on Tuesday Baird, Healy and McCourt would all be in contention for recalls once they secure deals with new clubs.

"It would be difficult to bring in players who haven't had a proper pre-season," O'Neill told BBC Sport Northern Ireland.

"It would be unrealistic to ask those players to have any sort of impact or influence on an international fixture.

"I've spoken all the players and I spoke to David (Healy) yesterday. I still think that he has something to offer.

"He knows last season was disappointing. He had injury problems and he was in a struggling team.

"Hopefully, he will get a better opportunity and better club this season."

O'Neill added that Steele's game in the US on Sunday night made a first international call-up "unrealistic" but the Larne man is part of the manager's plans.

"With the time difference, we wouldn't have been able to get Jonny here until Tuesday," continued the Northern Ireland boss.

"I had a good chat with Andy Roxburgh, the technical director at New York Red Bulls, and we both agreed that this was the wrong game to bring Jonny in."

Northern Ireland's hopes of qualification have already been extinguished after three draw and two defeats in their opening five Group G games.

O'Neill is still searching for his first victory since being appointed as Northern Ireland boss in December 2011, having overseen a total of nine fixtures.

NORTHERN IRELAND SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Carroll (Olympiacos), Mannus (St Johnstone)
Defenders: Hughes (Fulham), McGivern (Hibernian), Cathcart (Blackpool), McAuley (West Brom), D Lafferty (Burnley), J Evans (Manchester United), Bruce (Hull City)
Midfielders: Davis (Southampton), Norwood (Huddersfield), McGinn (Aberdeen), Ferguson (Newcastle Utd - on loan at Birmingham City), C Evans (Blackburn), McCann (Peterborough)
Forwards: Grigg (Brentford), McKay (Inverness CT), Paterson (Huddersfield), K Lafferty (Palermo), Ward (Derby)


http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23587261?

WhiteJC

 
£3m Ajax ace not for Jol

Fulham boss Martin Jol has revealed he chose not to sign Ajax midfielder Eyong Enoh on a permanent basis because of his £3m price tag.

Enoh spent the second half of last season on loan at Craven Cottage and made nine Premier League appearances for the Whites. Jol had an option to buy the Cameroon international midfielder for £3million this summer but the fee involved and the fact that the 27-year-old is not a regular starter for the Amsterdam club put him off. "Eyong Enoh did a good job for us but the option to buy him was £3m, which is too much when he's not even playing at Ajax," he said. Jol also confirmed he wouldn't be pursuing PSV defender Stanislav Manolev, who also spent six months on loan at the Cottage last term.


Read more at: http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/3m-ajax-ace-not-for-jol-1613468.html?

WhiteJC

 
David Stockdale: It is not Maarten Stekelenburg's for keeps

David Stockdale  has told Maarten Stekelenburg that he will have to fight for the  No1 spot at Fulham this season following his arrival from Roma,  writes Giuseppe Muro.

Stockdale was understudy to Mark Schwarzer at Craven Cottage last season but says he is ready to be Martin Jol's first-choice goalkeeper.

The 27-year-old (right), who has made just  26 appearances in five years with Fulham, said: "I will make Maarten, or whoever is in front of me, work for their job.

"Just because Mark Schwarzer was No1 for all those years does not mean that I was easing off and letting him be there. Every day I have the chance to show the boss what I am capable of.

"When you are fighting to get into the first team you have got to really battle to make it."

Meanwhile, Queens Park Rangers midfielder Adel Taarabt, 24, underwent a medical at Fulham today ahead of a season-long loan move to Craven Cottage.

Jol hopes a deal for Aston Villa forward Darren Bent will be concluded soon but has dismissed reports linking him with a move for Roma's Pablo Osvaldo.

"With Darren Bent, hopefully I can tell you something or other by the end of the week," said Jol, after last night's 1-1 draw with Real Betis at Craven Cottage.


http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/david-stockdale-it-is-not-maarten-stekelenburgs-for-keeps-8748179.html


WhiteJC

 
Adel Taarabt – Dr. Jekyll or Mr Hyde?

After the 1-1 draw against Real Betis last night, Martin Jol confirmed that the club was a successful medical away from signing QPR's Adel Taarabt on a season-long loan. The news of the Cottagers' interest in the Moroccan playmaker has been met with a mixed reaction from the Fulham faithful; what are the arguments for and against signing Taarabt?

Let's start with the cons; this is a player who is famed for his bad attitude, poor fitness, and an ego that makes Dimitar Berbatov seem like a footballing introvert. He is creative, yes, but how do he, Berbatov and Bryan Ruiz fit into the same side? If the result is Ruiz playing wide then I'm afraid another season of paceless counter-attacking beckons. Meanwhile, Taarabt is thoroughly inconsistent; indeed, our four games against QPR over the past two seasons sum him up perfectly. In those games, he has been subbed at half time once (and enjoyed the delights of the Fulham Palace Road bus service), been anonymous in another, scored two excellent goals as he single-handedly won last December's game at Loftus Road and played brilliantly in the return fixture at the Cottage. It is impossible to know what you are going to get.

Yet the more I think about the prospect of Taarabt playing in the white of Fulham, the more excited I get; while he may be inconsistent, he has all the attributes of a supremely talented footballer. What were we lacking last year? Attacking-midfield drive, dynamism, urgency, and a desire to get on the ball and influence things; Taarabt offers all these things and he is a proven goalscorer and creator to boot. Of course, the question of how and where he will fit remains, while the effect on Berbatov and Ruiz of another creative ego will be interesting to see but channelled in the right way by Jol, who knows him from his time at Spurs, and we could have an absolute gem on our hands.

What's more, this deal is pretty much risk free for Fulham. A season-long loan deal which, going by much of the club's recent loan business, should incorporate an option to buy the player at a fixed price, for a 24-year old who, less than a year ago, was being touted around Europe for £10m plus; if it works, it works, if it doesn't, it doesn't. But he has the potential to be a wonderful player and Jol is as well-equipped as any to get the best out of him; indeed, I imagine the Dutchman's presence at the Cottage is the key factor in the player's desire to cross the A4 divide.

There is little doubt that Taarabt will infuriate as much as he exhilarates, but I can't wait to see him in a Fulham shirt.


Read more: http://pickourteam.com/premierleague/fulham/news/06-08-2013/adel-taarabt-dr-jekyll-or-mr-hyde/840879?#ixzz2bFi1cOIW

WhiteJC

 
Transfer news: Adel Taaraabt has passed a medical at Fulham

QPR attacking midfielder Adel Taarabt has passed a medical at Fulham ahead of a potential season-long loan move to the Premier League side.

The Moroccan international is set to link up once again with Fulham boss Martin Jol, who brought him to Tottenham when Taarabt was a teenager.

Taarabt subsequently joined QPR and the talented but mercurial 24-year-old starred in the R's Championship-winning side in 2010/11 but was unable to save them from relegation last term.

Having been sent home from a pre-season tour to Devon, he was left out of the QPR squad for Saturday's Championship opener against Sheffield Wednesday and is now set to follow French forward Loic Remy out of Loftus Road on loan.

Jol said of Taarabt ahead of the medical: "I like his creativity and, of course, sometimes it comes off and he scores a lot of goals.

"It is like (Fulham forward) Dimitar Berbatov. Sometimes these fantastic talents will be blamed but I hope to find a way to gel him in together with the boys we've got.

"I think he can do a hell of a job for us because is a tremendous player on the ball."

A phenomenal talent

And former QPR coach Keith Curle told Sky Sports he thinks Taarabt could be a good addition for Fulham.

"If he has the same impact as he did for us at QPR he will be phenomenal," said Curle.

"If you look at the stats from the year we went up from the Championship, he scored something like 16 goals and was responsible for about 16 assists. Half of our goals came through Adel.

"He is a naturally talented, gifted young man.

"Sometimes his dedication and professionalism is called into question but he sees the game Adel's way and he has a phenomenal talent."



http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/8857445/?

WhiteJC

 
Fulham XI 1-1 AEL Limassol FC

A Fulham XI were held to a 1-1 draw by Cypriot side AEL Limassol FC in a pre-season friendly on Tuesday afternoon at Motspur Park.

The Whites went ahead through Dino Islamovic's sixth minute header, but could not capitalise on their first half pressure and allowed Limassol back into the game in the second with the equaliser coming courtesy of a stunner from Edmar.

Fulham started brilliantly with Giorgos Karagounis pulling the strings in the centre. The Greek midfielder had a blistering long range drive tipped against the bar by the Limassol goalkeeper in the third minute and then played a wonderful ball over the top for Damien Duff to race onto. The Irishman steadied himself and put in a cross to the near post which was guided home by the advancing Islamovic to put Fulham ahead.

With confidence flowing, the Fulham XI saw plenty of possession in the opening exchanges and limited the opposition to long ball tactics, which were easily dealt with at the back by the commanding Philippe Senderos and Aaron Hughes.

Young right-back Josh Passley showed his pace to get back and block a shot, but Fulham's dominance was obviously getting to the Cypriots as plenty of fouls outside the box gave us a chance to score from a free-kick.

On 36 minutes, Chris David's vision saw Duff break through the defensive line and latch onto a ball over the top, but he was just unable to control it and make room for a shot. Then Limassol almost equalised as a teasing ball in saw David Stockdale parry into the path of former Fulham player Orlando Sa, but the striker shot over with the net gaping. Sa then pounced on a blocked shot before the half, but was unable to test Stockdale.

With Fulham in control at half-time, there were no changes for either side at the break but Limassol came out of the blocks much quicker. Hughes was forced to clear immediately, then Sa's deflected shot flew narrowly over.

With the Cypriots attacking well, they were able to get the equaliser they deserved in the 50th minute. A flick from Sa out to the left saw Edmar hammer a shot into the roof of the net from 20 yards, crashing it off the bar and beyond the diving Stockdale.

Fulham's first change saw Mesca arrive for Karagounis, but the winger could not inspire a revival and Hughes was required to intervene again to stop a cross finding a Limassol shirt inside the six-yard box. Sa was continuing to cause havoc and his free-kick from 25 yards whistled just wide of the post.

A dead-ball situation seemed most likely to break the deadlock and, within minutes, David's floated delivery caused trouble in Cypriots' defence but was cleared as the goalkeeper blocked back out into his area.

On 73 minutes, after a foul on Sa, the diminutive Bebe had an effort from 25 yards which dipped over the wall and was brilliantly palmed round the post by the sprawling Stockdale to keep the score at 1-1. The goalkeeper was required to intervene from the resulting corner, too, as he got up high to challenge Georgios Eleftheriou, who came off worse as the two clashed in the air.

Limassol continued to do well in possession and threatened on the break, with Stockdale forced to dive low to his near post to save an effort from distance, before a deep cross was skied over seconds later.

Fulham's last attempts came in the final minutes as Passley found some space down the right hand side, beating two men before his cross was headed clear and out of danger. David then tried a cheeky chip as he collected the ball following some neat interplay in the box with substitute Cauley Woodrow, but it sailed wide and our hopes of netting a winner went with it.

Fulham team: Stockdale; Passley ('85), Hughes, Senderos, Riise; Frei, Karagounis ('54), David, Duff; Kasami ('68), Islamovic ('78). Subs: Etheridge, Grimmer, Tankovic ('68), Mesca ('54), Woodrow ('78), Vigen Christensen ('85).



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/august/06/fulham-xi-11-limassol?


WhiteJC

 
Team Focus: Why Fulham Are Signing Adel Taarabt



Back in 2011, then Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp likened QPR's Adel Taarabt to footballing greats Paolo Di Canio and Zinedine Zidane. High praise for a player that Redknapp sold to Queens Park Rangers in 2010 as a result of being unable to incorporate the Morocco international into his Spurs first team. Nevertheless, the veteran manager had his chance to exploit the ability of the player following his appointments as R's boss last November.

'Harry Houdini' couldn't conjure up enough to secure QPR's top flight status following his appointment, even though the squad he inherited from predecessor Mark Hughes was bursting at the seams with talent. Those seams are now tearing and after Loïc Remy's move to Newcastle United, Taarabt is the next out of the Loftus Road exit door.

The attacker had his fair share of potential suitors in 2012 - Paris Saint-Germain, amongst others, reportedly showed an interest - and after Redknapp confirmed he'd be prepared to listen to possible offers for Taarabt this summer, Fulham have leapt to the front of the queue. Should a deal be completed, it'll be the first time the 24-year-old and Martin Jol have crossed paths since the latter's sacking by Spurs in 2007.

He was one of QPR's better performers last season, and having attained an average WhoScored.com rating of 7.2, it's somewhat surprising that the list of admirers isn't longer. Netting 5 and assisting a further 4 saw Taarabt directly contribute to 30% of QPR's 30 league goals last year. His direct play was often an asset to the west London side; only Luis Suárez (255) attempted to dribble past an opponent more times than Taarabt (147) in the 2012/13 season, the player successful with 83 of those 147; only Suárez (95) and Santi Cazorla (86) completed more.

This willingness to run at defenders denotes not only his capability with the ball at his feet, but also the confidence he has in himself, with his 'try again' attitude one that the games best players possess in abundance. Understandably, it's this facet of his game, coupled with his mental toughness, that attracted Jol to his availability as he looks strengthen his playing squad and bolster his attacking options.



Last season, Fulham's most used formation was a 4-4-1-1, with Dimitar Berbatov usually the lone frontman supported by a nimbler, tricky attacker in Bryan Ruiz. Operating in a similar role to that of Ruiz in 11 of his 25 Premier League starts last season, it's certainly a conundrum as to how he will fit into the first team, and Jol would be reluctant to compromise Ruiz's role in the starting XI. As a central attacking midfielder, it was in this position that Taarabt was at his best, scoring 3 goals and assisting 2 more, attaining an average rating of 7.57.

Costa Rican Ruiz made 22 starts in the same position, netting 3 but also adding 5 assists; his WhoScored rating of 7.35 as a central attacking midfielder may not have been as impressive as his potential new teammate, but it hardly warrants being forced into a peripheral role at the expense of Taarabt.

The QPR attacker made 11 Premier League starts on the left last season, garnering an average score of 7.31. While this figure is lower than that of the one he attained when in a more central positon, it's still impressive and one that isn't to be diregarded by any stretch, further championing for Taarabt to be used on the wing.

In the central role also, while dribbling is a useful weapon to call upon, the ability to pick out a pass is perhaps more pertinent. It's here that Ruiz edges out Taarabt, with the 27-year-old boasting a pass success of 84.8% compared to Taarabt's 81.5%, whilst also averaging more passes per game (45.8 to 37.2).

With his ability to ghost past the opposition, his place in the starting XI will likely be on the left wing. As Ruiz provides the creativity for Berbatov on the frontline, pressing forward with intent on the wing will be exactly where Taarabt can excel for Fulham next season and add another dimension to their attack.

While this would see Alexander Kacaniklic dropped, averaging just 0.9 successful dribbles per game was significantly lower than that of Taarabt's 2.7 and further enforces the case that perhaps Fulham are right in moving for the Moroccan. The main worry would undoubtedly be any defensive solidity being compromised with Taarabt's lack of defensive contribution a particular concern, although Jol has moved to address these worries with the signings of Derek Boateng and Fernando Amorebieta.

Fortuitously, with the mooted deal a loan one, it's of little risk to Jol and Fulham. If the Dutchman can integreate a system that not only improves their attacking fluidity, incorporating both the Moroccan and Ruiz, while ensuring the defensive side of the team isn't jeopardised, then it will be viewed as an astute piece of transfer business by the club. His attitude may be questionable from time to time, but with the club aiming to build on their 12th placed finish, he might just be the type of player to help Fulham push up the Premier League next year.


http://www.whoscored.com/Blog/WBHST9VyGk-mEAjHfnp9yQ/Show/?

WhiteJC

 
THERE'S VALUE IN OPPOSING NEWCASTLE BOSS WITH FULHAM'S JOL IN SACK RACE

The never-ending circus that occurs behind the scenes at Newcastle United football club ensures that whoever their manager is, he's never far from the front of the queue in the next manager to leave betting stakes.

Unsurprisingly, Alan Pardew finds himself occupying the favourite's spot in this market, backable as short as 2/1 to be the first Premier League manager to have the axe wielded upon him this season. However, a punt on likeable Dutchman Martin Jol at 8/1 could prove the way to go here instead.

The former Tottenham and Ajax coach came under increasing pressure last term when his team found themselves spiralling towards the top flight's nether regions after managing just one win in the 12 games leading up to Christmas. They didn't exactly close the campaign on the front foot either, losing five of their last six.

Despite these two lengthy barren patches, the Cottagers still managed to record a respectable 12th-place finish but, such was the nature of the relegation beast last time around that it threatened to swallow up almost every side in the bottom half at various stages, they ended up just seven points clear of 18th-place Wigan.

Now, under the ownership of billionaire mechanic Shahid Khan, Jol must oversee much smoother on-pitch proceedings, with a challenge for a top-half finish likely to be his remit. His side are currently priced up at 11/4 to meet this target with Ladbrokes.

Given their current squad, this looks to be beyond their capabilities, though this could be rectified should they draft a striker in.

They're believed to leading the chase to procure Darren Bent's services from Aston Villa and, should they succeed, this will spread the responsibility of scoring all of the club's goals from Dimitar Berbatov's notoriously lackadaisical shoulders.

Bent has been linked with numerous Premier League rivals though and, if Fulham miss out on their number one target, it could easily spell doom for Jol in the not-so-long term.

Away days at Sunderland and Newcastle to balance home clashes with Arsenal and West Brom isn't the most friendly openers to the season, so expect the Dutchman's odds to tumble in the campaign's early exchanges.



http://sportingpreview.com/football2013-1/2013104.php?

WhiteJC

 
How Does Jol Plan to Make These Players Work?

With the Taarabt deal official, and the Bent deal looking more and more likely every second; I've started to think about how all these players might play together. I'm still not sure how it will work, but here are my ideas.

The problem I see is that Ruiz, Berbatov, and Taarabt all are surprisingly similar players. They aren't exactly the same, but they tend to spend a lot of time in the same areas. Getting them all on the field at once could be difficult, or entail playing one or more of them away from their best position.

Of course one option is to simply not play them all at once. Maybe you simply rotate players and get them all playing time that way. There will inevitably be knocks and injuries (plus Sidwell being Sidwell), and having options will help. Last season all to often it seemed like there were no other options when plan B was called for. Having options will also allow Fulham to keep players fresh throughout the season.

This is something Jol is going to have to figure out. The desire to get your best XI players on the pitch at once is always going to be a strong one, and perhaps he knows how to do it. I'm hardly and expert on strategy, but I do have a few ideas that might work.

4-3-3 / 4-2-3-1



This is either a 4-3-3 or a 4-2-3-1, depending on how you think of Ruiz and Dejagah. This is very attack heavy and puts both Ruiz and Taarabt slightly out of position (although Ruiz excelled as a 4-3-3 winger for FC Twente). Taarabt is going to be more of box to box player with Boateng responsible for staying deeper. This isn't something I've seen Taarabt do before, but it could work (Dembele had never done it before Jol either).

I see problems arising when Riether and/or Richardson move forward in attack. This formation is going to depend heavily on the ability of Tarrabt, Ruiz, Berbatov, and Dejagah to drop back and help defend and to break up quick counters. Only Dejagah and Taarabt really have the pace to do that, and giving too much defensive responsibility to those four might be a recipe for disaster.

There is some flexibility in this formation however. Ruiz could play in Berbatov's spot. Duff and Dejagah can play on either wing. Berbatov could move up top. Kacaniklic can play on the left side. Sidwell and Karagounis can come into either of the deep midfield spots. Taarabt could play behind the striker or on the left wing. And all of that is before we talk about young players that might come in like Chris David or Kasami. It's quite possible to use this formation as the base and make it more defensive or offensive depending on the situation.

Diamond 4-4-2



Jol actually had some success rolling this formation out at times last year, with Bent replacing Petric and Kacaniklic in place of Taarabt. This biggest problem I see with this is spacing. Berbatov likes to drop back into the space that Ruiz occupies, plus Taarabt likes to cut in and shoot. You could very often see all three players in the same space on the pitch. It's going to take work to get them all on the same page.

You also run into many of the same defensive problems. Taarabt and Dejagah are going to have to be able to defend and Ruiz is going to have to drop back to help. I've been impressed with Boateng so far, but he can't police the whole midfield by himself.

4-1-Diamond-1 / Sigi's Arrow



This is a formation many of you may not have seen before. It was frequently used by the Seattle Sounders (named for their manager Sigi Schmidt). The one key difference you may see is that it has Berbatov playing on top of Bent. One of the keys to the formation is that the highest forward is not a traditional holding forward. He's responsible for much more playmaking. When the ball is moved through him The wingers and other forward are going to make runs and he needs the vision to lay it off to a winger cutting in, or to a wide player for a cross. The Central midfielder is going to be available for layoffs and long shots, and late runs into the box. Berbatov would need to be able to spot all of that, move into space after laying off the ball, and shoot when he's given space to do that. Vision and technical ability are two things that Berbatov doesn't lack, so he could be great in this role.

Defensively the fullbacks play almost like wing backs with the CDM almost acting as a third full back. They are all free to join the attack, but the key is that one always stays back leaving you three in defense with a fourth ready to come back quickly.

I think this could work, but it's probably the least likely to come about. I don't think Jol is the kind of manager who experiments that much with formations to role out something like this.

Also, it needs to be said that formations are fluid. It's not like the players are going to just stand in the space they are positioned. There will be switching and movement throughout the match. Jol has to figure out a way to get the team to understand their roles and play together no matter how he lines them up.


http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2013/8/6/4594226/how-does-jol-plan-to-make-these-players-work?


WhiteJC

 
With Fulham and Sunderland rumors dying, Tom Huddlestone is linked to Cardiff

Remember when Tom Huddlestone was close to moving to Fulham or Sunderland? He never did, and now Cardiff are reportedly interested.

Tottenham Hotspur are probably still trying to sell Tom Huddlestone if they can get a decent fee, and according to the Daily Mail, Cardiff City are now interested in the Spurs midfielder.

Huddlestone played well enough last season to prove that he still deserves a shot at the Premier League level, but unfortunately, he still hasn't reached his former level of performance and appears to be surplus to requirements at White Hart Lane. He was reportedly close to moves to Fulham and Sunderland earlier in the transfer window, but neither came to fruition and those rumors have since died out.

The above-cited Mail article also states that Cardiff are interested in QPR midfielder/defender Stephane Mbia, who isn't anything like Huddlestone. If Cardiff sign him before we hear any more rumors about a Huddlestone move, it doesn't mean that it won't happen.

Cardiff have plenty of competent bodies in the center of midfield, but they're light on players who can pick a creative and accurate long pass from deep positions. Huddlestone has to be specifically accommodated due to his limitations, but he fits well into a three-man center of midfield with what the Bluebirds already have.

There's obviously nothing concrete here -- it's just the Mail saying that Cardiff are interested -- but this rumor makes sense for Spurs, Cardiff and Huddlestone.



http://www.cartilagefreecaptain.com/2013/8/6/4594598/tom-huddlestone-tottenham-hotspur-transfer-rumours?

WhiteJC

 
Medical Complete
   
Adel Taarabt's move to Fulham must be all but done now, following him successfully passing a medical.

It was always going to be a formality that he'd pass this anyway, had it been a medical based on his state of mind perhaps not!

The former Spurs attacking midfielder is "a phenomenal talent", I think we all know that. His former QPR coach Keith Curle knows him all too well and even if his "professionalism" can be questioned his talent can't and feels the Fulham move will be good for him.

He told Sky Sports: 'If he has the same impact as he did for us at QPR he will be phenomenal.

'If you look at the stats from the year we went up from the Championship, he scored something like 16 goals and was responsible for about 16 assists. Half of our goals came through Adel.

'He is a naturally talented, gifted young man. Sometimes his dedication and professionalism is called into question but he sees the game Adel's way and he has a phenomenal talent.'

Mercurial talent can all too often be wasted, the 24-year-old has been given countless chances this could well be his final Premier League lifeline though?


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=327603#ixzz2bFktu2Hc

WhiteJC

 
Corey Gameiro ready to step up for Sky Blues


Sydney FC striker Corey Gameiro. Photo: Andy Zakeli

Sydney FC might have been caught short by the unexpected departure of Joel Griffiths but Corey Gameiro has no doubt he can step up to the mantle of the Sky Blues' top striker.

Gameiro has scored just a single professional goal, on loan for Wellington last season, but few doubt his enormous talent, which is why English Premier League club Fulham signed him four years ago.

Now the 20-year-old – who claims he rejected interest from "right across the A-League" – says he is ready to shoulder the responsibility of leading the line for the Sky Blues this season.

"Yes, I'm absolutely ready," he insists without a shred of self-doubt. "Though I spent three years with Fulham, in a really elite environment that is great for youngsters, you need to get first team football eventually. I've come to realise that, which is why I'm back in Australia. I know I'm ready to take that step up."

The Port Kembla-raised Gameiro was just 15 when he made his debut for Sydney FC's youth team after starring in the junior ranks for the South Coast Wolves.

Yet when asked to describe his style, Gameiro – who played in all three of Australia's matches at the recent under-20 World Cup in Turkey – is surprisingly self-deprecating.

"I'm not exactly a skilful player, so I have to be honest about that. But I'm a hard worker and I like to score goals," he says. "I'd like to think that people who watch me will think I'm someone who gives 110 per cent in each game."

Gameiro might have been expected to stay at Wellington given how much of a hit he became with the fans at Westpac Stadium but says Sydney coach Frank Farina made a compelling case to make the move when his deal with Fulham expired.

"I spoke to managers across the league and I always asked about what they expected and wanted of me, but when I spoke to Frank, he asked me directly about what I wanted for myself," he says. "Straight away, that caught my attention and I told him what I wanted for this season – which was to be playing regularly in a team competing for the title – and beyond. It matched up with what he wanted and I knew straight away I wanted to play for Sydney."

As so often happens in sport, Gameiro will be presented with an opportunity this season through luck as much as hard work.
The departure of Griffiths to Chinese Super League club Qingdao Jonoon – exploiting a specific clause in the 33-year old's contract – means the Sky Blues are missing a clinical finisher to complement the creative genius of Alessandro Del Piero. Gameiro is only too aware that the responsibility now falls to him.

"Joel Griffiths is a great player who has proven himself in the A-League – and nobody needs to tell me what he's done. His record speaks for itself," he says. "As a team, it's sad to lose a player like him because he's a player who would have helped us. But, as an individual, of course, it opens up an even bigger opportunity for me and to prove myself. It gives me a real chance to show what I can do."

And linking up with Del Piero – in what may prove his final season as a professional – is arguably a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

"It's difficult to tell people what it's like. It's a bit crazy," Gameiro says. "Thousands of people are coming [in Jesolo] to watch him train, chanting his name, singing songs about him, and we're just walking around with him, chatting with him, having dinner with him. These people are dying just to get their picture with him or say hello.

"It's quite amazing, especially for me as a striker. Every time he talks, I give him my full attention and try to take on everything he says."



Read more: http://www.watoday.com.au/sport/a-league/corey-gameiro-ready-to-step-up-for-sky-blues-20130807-2repo.html#ixzz2bFlFmAdn


WhiteJC

 
Cattermole's Position In Danger As Sunderland Battle Fulham For Serie A Midfielder. Transfer Scouting Report.

After an injury which ended his season on loan at Inter Milan, Walter Gargano returned to Napoli this summer having failed to secure a permanent move to the San Siro. With first-team opportunities seemingly limited in Naples, Sunderland have emerged as possible suitors for the diminutive but durable Uruguayan midfielder, according to the Daily Mail.

Gargano may have been a regular last season at Inter before his unfortunate injury but he did not play to his potential at times. He is known for his brilliant work-rate and tackling ability whilst also having great composure to start attacks for his team, after regaining possession. But last season his form seemed to go awry at times.

He committed far too many fouls (43) which saw him booked eight times and whilst he did win 65% of all his tackles, his overall duel success was just 48%.

Unfortunately he also made two Defensive Errors which led two goals being conceded. The Uruguayan and made an average of just three Defensive Actions per game. You would normally expect a player who works as hard as Gargano to make more interceptions than the 34 he made.

On a more positive note, his pass accuracy was impressive, 84% of his passes were successful, living up to his reputation of being calm when in possession of the ball.

If Gargano can return to his best form which he showed at Napoli, he will be a fine acquisition for Sunderland, who lacked bite in central midfield after Lee Cattermole was injured last season.

Now Di Canio has heavily reinforced his squad, they will be less of a push-over and add a player like Gargano, who loves a good tackle, and their midfield seems to have everything you need to succeed in the Premier League.

With Fulham already rumoured to be interested in the Uruguayan, the Black Cats will have to act quickly if they are to secure his services. It is reported that £6million will be enough to prize the midfielder away from Napoli, a figure which is well within their budget. With Emmanuele Giaccherini, Cabral and El-Hadji Ba already added to their midfield and attack, Gargano will add more experience and some much needed backbone to this Sunderland side.


http://squawka.com/news/2013/08/07/cattermoles-position-in-danger-as-sunderland-battle-fulham-for-serie-a-midfielder-transfer-scouting-report/2013080716284?

WhiteJC

 
Jol hints at Bent news

Aston Villa: Martin Jol says there will be more to report on Darren Bent by the end of the week

Fulham are preparing to make another bid for Darren Bent with Craven Cottage still looking like the most likely destination for the striker.

"We don't speculate on things that aren't 100 per cent," said manager Martin Jol.

"With Darren Bent hopefully I can tell you something by the end of the week."




http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/aston-villa-martin-jol-says-5672569?

WhiteJC

 
Galatasaray close to agreeing 5 year deal with Fulham starlet Kerim Frei

Galatasaray are on the verge of signing Fulham starlet Kerim Frei according to Turkish newspaper, Takvim.

The Lions are rumoured to have offered Fulham €2.5 million and reached a five-year agreement with the 19-year-old.

Galatasaray have made it a priority to sign Turkish players as they are facing pressure for foreign spaces.

The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) will only permit 10 foreign players per-club in the 2013-14 season and allow six foreign players on the field at any one time.

Galatasaray currently have 10 non-Turkish players on their books.

The Lions have been scouting Frei for over a year and club president Ünal Aysal recently confirmed interest in Fulham winger Kerim Frei.

"We are interested in Kerim Frei," Aysal said speaking to Lig TV.

The Turkish international winger spent much of the 2012-13 season out with injury however, Kerim represented Turkey in the FIFA U-20 World Cup Turkey 2013.

Kerim made four appearances for Turkey in the U20 World Cup, the Turkish side were knocked out in the Round of 16 against France.



http://www.turkish-football.com/news_read.php?id=4985


WhiteJC

 
Ashkan Feeling Strong

Having recovered from injury, Ashkan Dejagah is now raring to go for the start of the new Barclays Premier League campaign.

The winger saw his 2012/13 season ended in April after suffering an ankle injury against Queens Park Rangers. But after playing a big part in Fulham's pre-season schedule, the Iran international is ready to rumble when the Whites begin the new term at Sunderland on 17th August.

Speaking after Fulham's 1-1 friendly draw with Real Betis at the Cottage on Monday night, Dejagah told the official website: "I feel fine. I have no pain. The game was good for me - I played for more than an hour and it was great for my rhythm so I'm happy. I'm ready for Sunderland."

Dejagah impressed on the left flank in the fixture with Betis and continued: "It was a good game. Betis are a decent team who play nice football. It was a good game for us. We played well, but we can play better. Betis was the first game back at Craven Cottage and I think the fans enjoyed the match. I enjoyed it too.

"We have less than two weeks before the start of the new season and we play Parma on Saturday so this week in training we'll work hard."

Fulham entertain Italian outfit Parma this weekend with Dejagah expecting a different test to the one posed by the Spaniards as the Whites look to secure a favourable result in their final pre-season friendly of the summer.

"It won't be the same as the Betis game," he said. "In Italy they don't play as good football as they do in Spain but they're very good in other ways. It will be a decent test for us in our last friendly game."

It's coming up to a year since Dejagah joined Fulham and the star is looking to help the Whites improve on last season's 12th-placed finish in the league.

He added: "It's unbelievable that it's nearly been a year since I arrived. It's gone so fast here in London. I enjoy the football here with Fulham. I like the fans and Craven Cottage so I'm happy. I cannot wait to start the new season.

"We have a good team. We showed that at times last season. We have to concentrate in every game from the first minute. The team is fit and we are confident of a good season."

Tickets for Saturday's game with Parma are available to buy now and are priced at just £10 for adults and £5 for juniors when purchased in advance.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/august/07/ashkan-feeling-strong?

WhiteJC

 
Taarabt Arrives On Loan

Fulham Football Club is delighted to announce the season-long loan signing of Morocco international Adel Taarabt from Queens Park Rangers.

The 24-year-old midfielder arrives in SW6 to be reunited with Manager Martin Jol, as they worked together at Tottenham Hotspur before Taarabt made the move to West London.

Taarabt started his senior career at RC Lens in 2006, having spent two seasons with the French side's youth team. He signed for Tottenham in January 2007 where he played a handful of times for the first team prior to permanently signing for QPR in 2010 after a successful loan period at Loftus Road.

Taarabt has made more than 150 appearances for Queens Park Rangers since 2009 and has scored 34 goals. He elected to play international football for Morocco and made his debut in Casablanca against the Czech Republic in February 2009. He had represented France at Under-16, U17 and U18 level.


Adel is wearing the new 2013/14 Away Kit (our Third Kit for the 2014/15 campaign) which is available to buy online now, or from the Stadium Store from Saturday 10th August.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/august/07/taarabt-arrives-on-loan?

WhiteJC

 
Transfer news: QPR's Adel Taarabt signs season-long loan deal with Fulham


Adel Taarabt: Poses with his new shirt, (photo courtesy of Fulham FC)

QPR midfielder Adel Taarabt has signed a season-long loan deal with Fulham.

The Moroccan international passed a medical on Tuesday and has now finalised a deal which keeps him in the Premier League following Rangers' relegation.

The move reunites Taarabt with Martin Jol, who was manager at Tottenham during his time at White Hart Lane.

"This was a difficult decision for me, but at this stage of my career I feel I need to be playing at the top level," he said.

QPR forward Adel Taarabt is having the second part of his medical to complete a season long loan to Fulham.
"I hope the fans understand my decision and I really hope to return to Loftus Road one day. I wish QPR well for the season and hope they achieve promotion back to where I believe the club belongs."

Jol said of Taarabt earlier this week: "I like his creativity and, of course, sometimes it comes off and he scores a lot of goals.

"It is like (Fulham forward) Dimitar Berbatov. Sometimes these fantastic talents will be blamed but I hope to find a way to gel him in together with the boys we've got.

"I think he can do a hell of a job for us because he is a tremendous player on the ball."


http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/8858615/?


WhiteJC

 
Taarabt seals Fulham loan switch as Jol plans crowd-pleasing duo with Berbatov

Fulham have signed Adel Taarabt on a season-long loan from relegated west London rivals QPR.

The move sees Taarabt reunite with Fulham boss Martin Jol, who managed the Morroccan international as a youngster when both were at Tottenham.

A firm fans' favourite at Loftus Road, the 24-year-old last summer extended his contract with the Hoops amid reported interest from Paris St Germain.


Well Red: Adel Taarabt has joined Fulham on a season-long loan from west London rivals QPR

But after a tumultuous summer at Loftus Road, Taarabt will move to the top flight team until the end of the season.
Taarabt joins another mercurial talent at Craven Cottage in Dimitar Berbatov and the 24-year-old is a huge admirer of the Bulgarian.

'I'm really looking forward to [playing with Berbatov],' said Taarabt.

'I'm a big fan of Dimitar Berbatov. When I arrived at Tottenham he was already a star and I was just a young kid.

'Every time I saw him pay at the games he was unbelievable. Now that I have the chance to play with him hopefully we can understand each other, play good together and score some goals.'

Jol brought Taarabt to England when the forward was a 17-year-old and he now intends to partner him with Berbatov in the Fulham attack.

'I like his creativity and, of course, sometimes it comes off when he scores a lot of goals and I think he was involved in 40 goals [during the 2010/11 Championship promotion season],' he said.

'It is like Dimitar Berbatov - sometimes these fantastic talents will be blamed but I hope to find a way to gel him in together with the boys we've got.


All change: New Fulham owner Shahid Khan with Kit Symons (left) and Chief Executive Alistair Mackintosh

'I think he can do a hell of a job for us because he is a tremendous player on the ball.'

Taarabt captained the R's when he first completed a permanent move from Spurs, helping then-manager Neil Warnock guide the team to the Championship title.

The former France youth international has made over 150 appearances for QPR but his time at Loftus Road appeared to be coming to an end when Harry Redknapp could not prevent the club slipping back in to the second tier.

Fulham announced the signing on their website while QPR also issued a statement confirming the deal and that Taarabt had informed the club earlier in the summer of his desire to play in the top flight.


Eye-catching: Jol wants to play Taarabt with fellow mercurial talent Dimitar Berbatov

Taarabt offered a short explanation behind his decision and did not rule out returning to Rangers when the loan deal expires next year.

'This was a difficult decision for me, but at this stage of my career I feel I need to be playing at the top level,' he said.

'I hope the fans understand my decision and I really hope to return to Loftus Road one day.

'I wish QPR well for the season and hope they achieve promotion back to where I believe the club belongs.'


On the move: Taarabt (right) did not rule out a move back to Loftus Road at the end of the deal

Taarabt becomes Jol's sixth signing of the summer following permanent moves for defenders Sascha Riether and Fernando Amorebieta, goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg, midfielder Derek Boateng and young forward Ange-Freddy Plumain.

Taarabt moved to England from Lens in 2007, linking up with a Tottenham side then managed by Jol.

'I have known him now for a long time,' the Dutchman added. 'When I was at Hamburg, I wanted him but thought the money Daniel Levy asked for was too much.

'Then I went to Ajax and I thought it was too much for a player that never played.


All change: New Fulham owner Shahid Khan with Kit Symons (left) and Chief Executive Alistair Mackintosh

'Then I was too late after that because he went to QPR, where he did ever so well.

'Remember the fact he was an over £10million player 12 months ago, so I think you have to take them when they are bad and hopefully he will show his potential here.'

Jol suggested a much-speculated move for Roma striker Pablo Osvaldo would prove too costly and was coy when asked about Aston Villa striker Darren Bent.


Reunited: Martin Jol will link up with Taraabt for a second time after signing him for Tottenham

'I don't speculate on things that are not 100 per cent,' he said.

'The only thing with Adel is his medical so I can inform you. Darren Bent, hopefully we can tell you something or another player by the end of the week.

'We've got several doors open, so for us it is only us to make a decision and get the player.'


Departing: Darren Bent's future is away from Aston Villa



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2385897/Fulham-sign-Adel-Taarabt-QPR-loan.html#ixzz2bIXVdZ1I
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WhiteJC

 
PSG fringe player the ideal solution to Fulham's midfield issues
French international could follow Taarabt into Craven Cottage as Jol seeks creative talent



Moneybags Paris Saint Germain and their ever-broadening array of talent appear to be ready to oust academy product Clement Chantome and a move to the Premier League could be on the cards.

Both Everton and West Brom have been credited with an interest in the player, but Fulham could be his most likely destination at this stage.

The Cottagers – available to back for relegation at 4/1 with Ladbrokes – are in desperate need of a battling central midfielder as much as they are a second striker and Chantome could be the solution to their problem.

The 28 Ligue 1 appearances Chantome made last term was a personal high, though only 16 of these were starts and this lack of first-team action has seemingly forced the players hand in seeking a move away from the French capital.

PSG are unlikely to demand an astronomical fee for a player they clearly don't hold in too high a regard and this will endear him to the west Londoners.

Recent reports have heavily linked Fulham with a move for Lee Cattermole, yet if they're prepared to fork out a little extra in terms of transfer fee, they'll be getting a far superior footballer.

Chantome possesses the aggression and spirit that former Sunderland skipper Cattermole brings to the table, while his passing and technical prowess dwarfs that of Martin Jol's other top midfield target.

Only PSG teammate Alex had a higher pass completion rate than Chantome of all the players that made north of 10 appearances in Ligue 1 last term, with 92 per cent of his passes finding their intended target.

Steve Sidwell is the only sitting midfielder in the Fulham ranks at present and he lacks in real ability on the ball, while his over-zealousness in the tackle often leads to extended periods on the FA's suspended register.

With Adel Taarabt's loan signing already completed, Jol is clearly trying to improve Fulham's creativity for the coming season and Chantome would fit that criteria perfectly.

All odds and markets accurate as of publication's time and date



http://news.ladbrokes.com/en-gb/football/premier-league/psg-fringe-player-the-ideal-solution-to-fulhams-midfield-issues_166860.html