Tuesday Fulham Stuff (06/08/13)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Taarabt Set To Join Fulham. Why The Cottagers Desperately Need The QPR Star. Transfer Scouting Report.

With new ownership in the form of Shahid Kahn, there is real pressure on Martin Jol to improve the fortunes of Fulham. Jol appears to be determined to improve his side as BBC Sport report that Fulham are set to sign QPR playmaker Adel Taarabt.

Taarabt would add a real creative flair that Fulham were missing last season, he created a massive 76 chances for his teammates. To put Taarabt's chances created into perspective, he created more chances than Bale (71), Van Persie (62) and Hazard (54).

Taarabt is often pegged as a selfish player, but no Fulham player created more chances than him. However, the QPR wizard only managed four assists, but this speaks volumes for QPR's profligacy in front of goal, more so than any slight on Taarabt.

Taarabt will also bring a more direct style of play to Fulham's game, having successfully taken on an opponent 86 times last season, with a success rate of 56%, far superior to any of Fulham's current midfield options. Taarabt's dribbling is something Fulham desperately require, the Cottagers need a more dynamic presence bursting through from their midfield to ignite attacks. Taarabt is someone who can help fill this void.

60 fouls committed on Taarabt will also bring Fulham more set-pieces to exploit, with nearly a third of the Cottagers' goals last season coming from dead-ball situations, while his five goals in a poor QPR side would have made him Fulham's joint-second top scorer behind Dimitar Berbatov.

Although Taarabt scored a decent amount of goals last season (for a relegated club), four of his five goals came from outside the box, while he had a total of 38 attempts from outside the box. This demonstrates that Taarabt isn't afraid of having a go at goal, meaning he can force Fulham through games and give them a cutting-edge, something which they arguably lacked during times last season.

However, there is always an element of risk that comes with Adel Taarabt, as he can often be untamed, unpredictable and incredibly frustrating.

It seems cliché almost to suggest that if a manager can harness his talents, then they'll have a special player on their hands, but that's just what Jol must do now.

But Taarabt will offer something Fulham do not currently possess. He is a dynamic attacking midfielder who will look to change games on his own.



http://squawka.com/news/2013/08/05/taarabt-set-to-become-a-cottager-why-fulham-desperately-need-the-qpr-star-transfer-scouting-report/2013080516124?

[WhiteJC]

 
Giorgos Karagounis return is a positive move for Fulham
36-years-old can help youngsters to make the grade at Craven Cottage

Re-signing a 36-year-old midfielder just days after releasing him would usually be a step backwards for a Premier League club the size of Fulham, but when looked at more closely it is actually an ingenious decision from manager Martin Jol.

Giorgos Karagounis' arrival on a free transfer last season saw Fulham fans questioning whether Jol had the managerial nous needed in England's top flight. 'An ageing Greek international,' a 'has-been with a reputation for theatrics' – they couldn't be further from the truth, however.

Karagounis is the quintessential professional footballer. At 36-years-old the former Panathinaikos star could have gone out quietly by finishing his career in the stale Greek Super League. Instead, he still had the hunger and determination to leave his homeland and play at the highest level for a considerably low salary (around £10,000-a-week).

Why is Karagounis' return such good news for Fulham?

The Pyrgos-born central midfielder has European pedigree having played in the Champions League for Inter Milan, Benfica and the aforementioned Greek giants Panathinaikos.

His work ethic didn't go unnoticed by teammates, manager or fans alike with Martin Jol hailing him as a 'warrior', while he also provided excellent cover for Fulham's alternate midfield options in Steve Sidwell and Mahamadou Diarra.

Admittedly, the combination of age and the high-pressure environment of English football saw Karagounis finding himself being substituted earlier than expected after a handful of fatigued performances.

But despite tiring towards the latter part of the campaign, Karagounis' endeavours can be backed up by statistics after he won 56 free kicks from 20 starts last season and finished with the club's best pass completion rate (90.3 per cent).

His influence on Fulham's youngsters shouldn't be understated either.  Who wouldn't benefit learning their trade from a player who has won a European Championship medal for his country?

Indeed, it remains to be seen whether Fulham's new owner Shahid Khan will provide Jol with a transfer kitty big enough to bring in players who will help complement the experienced Karagounis.

What you can be sure of is that Karagounis will do his upmost to justify Jol's decision in resigning him by guiding the Whites to an even higher Premier League finish than last season's 12 place.



http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/giorgos-karagounis-return-is-a-positive-move-for-fulham-8747221.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham and Real Betis share a 1-1 draw in pre-season friendly

Hugo Rodallega had a goal disallowed as Fulham and Real Betis shared a 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage in a pre-season friendly.

Steve Sidwell put Fulham ahead in the 13th minute when he headed in Bryan Ruiz's corner before Betis levelled 10 minutes into the second half through Nosa Igiebor's close-range strike.

Ruiz had a penalty claim turned down for a trip before Rodallega's effort was chalked off for offside to leave the scores level.

Fulham will play their final pre-season friendly against Parma on Saturday before the start of the Barclays Premier League season.


http://www1.skysports.com/football/live/match/299610/report

[WhiteJC]

 
Jol confirms Taarabt is heading to Fulham

Fulham manager Martin Jol has confirmed that Adel Taarabt will undergo a medical on Tuesday ahead of a season-loan move from QPR.

Taarabt, 24, is keen to leave Loftus Road following Rangers' relegation from the Premier League and West London Sport revealed last month that he had been sent home from a pre-season trip to Devon.

Jol was Tottenham manager when they signed him as a teenager from French club Lens in 2007.

Taarabt joined the R's on loan in 2009 and was sold to them the following year by the then Spurs boss Harry Redknapp.

Taarabt quickly fell out of favour following Redknapp's arrival at QPR last term and his departure this summer has been on the cards for some time.

The Moroccan was a star of Rangers' promotion campaign in 2011 but his questionable attitude on and off the pitch led to numerous behind-the-scenes problems – particularly during his initial loan spells.

"I hope to get the best out of him. I'm confident and he's confident," said Jol.

"I like his creativity. I will try and find a way for him to gel with the others because I think he can do hell of job for us.

"We have agreed a deal with the club to take him on loan. The only thing left to do is for him to have a medical, which he is doing.

"If that is good he will sign for us. I expect everything to be completed tomorrow."



http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/jol-confirms-taarabt-is-heading-to-fulham?

[WhiteJC]

 
Jol Confirms Taarabt Talks

Fulham Manager Martin Jol has confirmed Queens Park Rangers midfielder Adel Taarabt will undergo a medical at the Club with a view to a season-long loan.

Speaking after Fulham's 1-1 pre-season friendly draw with Real Betis at the Cottage on Monday night, Jol admitted the QPR man was a player he admired, having worked with him during the duo's time at Tottenham Hotspur.

Jol said: "I was too late to sign him when he went to QPR and he did ever so well there. He was over a £10m player 12 months ago and hopefully he will show his potential here."

Jol also revealed that other deals remained in the pipeline as he looks to strengthen his squad ahead of the new season, stating: "All I can say is we have several doors open. But the new Chairman is not here to burn his money; we have to find a healthy way to do our business and we will find the right players.

"I'm excited about the youngsters and if we can get some players to this Club then the future will be bright. I want to do better than last season."

Asked about the possibility of permanent deals for three players who spent time on loan at Fulham last term, Jol said: "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. Stanislav Manolev did well but he was a back-up player and Urby Emanuelson will be very expensive. I'm happy to get Fernando Amorebieta and Derek Boateng in on free transfers and we'll try and find another one or two players."

Meanwhile, Jol revealed that Alexander Kačaniklić is still around a week away from returning to fitness following his hamstring strain.

The boss added: "Kaca is still out and will take another week or even more. Mesca [Buomesca Tue Na Bangna] is a good back-up player and will be very good in the future but I need quality."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/august/05/manager-reaction?

[WhiteJC]

 
Sunderland and Fulham fight it out for Gargano
by DAN on AUGUST 5, 2013



Sunderland and Fulham are locked in battle long before the opening day of the Premier League season as both clubs are hoping to sign Napoli midfielder Walter Gargano, according to the Daily Mail.

The Uruguayan international has made been made for available for transfer having seen a proposed permanent move to Inter Milan fail to materialise after Gargano spent last season on loan at the San Siro. Gargano, thought to be valued at around £6m by the Sardinia side, was believed to be close to a move to Fulham with his agent Alessandro Lucci due to fly to London to discuss the finer details of a deal this week. But Sunderland manager Paolo di Canio, who has already signed nine players this summer as he bids to reshape the side he took over from Martin O'Neill towards the end of last season, is keen to take Gargano to the north east.

The 29 year-old defensive midfielder, who has won 56 caps for his country, has made more than 150 league appearances in six years at Napoli.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2013/08/sunderland-and-fulham-fight-it-out-for-gargano/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Jol 'hopeful' of bringing Bent to Fulham
by DAN on AUGUST 5, 2013



Martin Jol says he is still hopeful that Fulham can conclude a deal with Aston Villa to bring striker Darren Bent to Craven Cottage.

Fulham have been linked with the former England international for much of the summer but had thought to have fallen behind Newcastle United and newly-promoted Crystal Palace in the race to sign the 29 year-old. Jol was tight-lipped after Fulham's friendly against Real Betis tonight, but confirmed his interest in signing the forward who is no longer part of Paul Lambert's plans at Villa Park. Fulham have thought to have had two bids for Bent rejected as Villa continue to hold out for his potential's to meet their £6m valuation.

We don't speculate on things that aren't 100 per cent. With Darren Bent hopefully I can tell you something or another player by the end of the week.

The Fulham manager has firmly distanced the club from a rumoured move for the Roma striker Pablo Osvaldo, inferring that the club had been priced out of a deal for the Italian international.

A player like Osvaldo will cost a lot of money. We will never do it.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2013/08/jol-hopeful-of-bringing-bent-to-fulham/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham Preseason Continues with Draw vs. Real Betis, 3 New Signings Play

Fulham moved one step closer to the new Premier League season, when they drew 1-1 with Spanish team Real Betis on Monday.

This was the first match hosted at home for Fulham since they were taken over by new owner Shahid Khan.

It was also the Cottagers' fifth preseason game of the summer, and after a tour to Costa Rica, a trip to Germany and this home fixture against Betis, they have only been defeated once—a 1-0 loss at Werder Bremen.

Boss Martin Jol fielded new signings Maarten Stekelenburg, Derek Boateng and Fernando Amorebieta in his starting lineup, with last year's loan star Sascha Riether—now a permanent Fulham player—also in the XI.

It was Steve Sidwell, though, who scored the opening goal of the game after only 13 minutes, heading home from a Bryan Ruiz corner after Fulham had struggled to create any major chances beforehand.

Plenty of the ball for Betis yielded little return in front of goal, and Dimitar Berbatov had the ball in the net next for the English side, only for it to be ruled out for offside.

Stekelenburg didn't have too much to do in the first half but was picking the ball out of his net less than 10 minutes after the restart. Nigerian attacker Nosa Igiebor was played into the penalty area after a powerful run, and finished smartly past the Dutch keeper to level up the scores.

Despite a second disallowed goal for Fulham, this time for Hugo Rodallega, and a turned-down penalty appeal from Ruiz, there were no further goals and both sides settled for the draw.

From a preseason game against more than reasonable opposition, Jol and his side can be relatively pleased at having held their own. They will be keen to ensure their home form is once again impressive once the season gets underway properly, with the Cottagers notoriously poor in the league away from Craven Cottage.

Even so, they won only seven times in the Premier League at home last term, taking just 24 points at home in total.

Jol has worked this summer to restructure his squad to an extent, replacing ageing stars with some astute buys in Stekelenburg and Boateng in particular, while Adel Taarabt is also close to a loan deal according to Sky Sports.

Even so, Fulham have spent just £6 million in fees this summer so far, and more is arguably needed if they are to compete with other mid-table sides to improve on last year's 12th place showing.

Fulham play Italian side Parma at home in their final preseason game, before starting the new campaign away to Sunderland on August 17.



http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1728238-fulham-preseason-continues-with-draw-vs-real-betis-3-new-signings-play?

[WhiteJC]

 
Cardiff & Fulham Show Interest In Controversial Premier League Forward. Transfer Scouting Report.

Having spent the second-half of the 2012-13 Premier League season as a lightly used substitute at West Brom, logging under 120 minutes over the span of four-months, it's safe to say Peter Odemwingie has paid the price for trying to force a move to QPR last January. However, if the reports from the Daily Mail are to be believed, Odemwingie could soon be offered an escape out of West Brom with Cardiff showing interest. The Daily Mail have also reported that the player is interesting Fulham.

However, will Odemwingie bring something new to Cardiff?

As the stats above show, Odemwingie managed to put together a significantly better Performance Score than occasional strike-partner Shane Long, who played nine more games and close to 900 more minutes that Odemwingie. The Nigerian international's ball control allowed him to retain possession much better than most West Brom strikers when playing upfront, and his excellent pass accuracy (81%) was an asset and an advantage as well (compared to Long's 71%).

Even as his body begins to age and slow down, Odemwingie still has a good number of traits in his favour. He remains a skilled distance shooter, capable of surprising the opposition with a goal from outside the box. As stated before, he's a top-quality dribbler and can play anywhere across the front, moving to the left or right flank to accommodate other players when necessary. While he can also  be trusted to score with either feet and his head.

Finally, Odemwingie's pace has not sufficiently left him so he can still take on defenders and battle with them. In fact, if last season is anything to go by, Odemwingie's ability to challenge opponents for the ball is as strong as ever.

Cardiff have already been very smart in the transfer window; they have signed Steven Caulker & Andreas Cornelius, two young, super-talented stars and core figures for the club to build around for years to come. But youth must be mixed with experience in order to be successful; hence why Odemwingie could be the perfect final piece to round-off Cardiff's summer transfer campaign.

Due to his age, Odemwingie's cost would be low; the Mail are reporting that West Brom are demanding £3 million. At that price, if Odemwingie can give Cardiff two good seasons, while helping the other strikers at the club build their skill-set and confidence, the money spent on Odemwingie will have been money well-spent.

One note of caution is that Cardiff seem a bit heavy on strikers at the moment. Rudy Gestede, Joe Mason & Fraizer Campbell are all strikers who will be hungry for minutes. Craig Bellamy & Tommy Smith will eat up rotation minutes, and players like Etiene Velikonja and Nicky Maynard will expect occasional minutes as well. Add in new signing Cornelius to the mix and it seems Cardiff are quite overloaded up-top.

Nevertheless, there's still about a month to go in the transfer window and a lot can happen in a month. If Cardiff decide to sell 2 or 3 of their strikers, there may yet be some space in the squad for Odemwingie, a player who could change the team for the better in this upcoming Premier League season.



http://squawka.com/news/2013/08/06/cardiff-fulham-show-interest-in-controversial-premier-league-forward-transfer-scouting-report/2013080615926?

[WhiteJC]

 
Will Fulham's Takeover Affect West Ham?

After hearing Sam Allardyce's comments on how the Fulham takeover may affect West Ham I got to thinking, will it eventually become a problem for the Hammers?

I have always admired Fulham and how they have dealt with things, every year they finish rather comfortably in the league, instead of spending copious amounts of money on players they aim to sign 2 maybe 3 key players who normally make a big difference for the club. It always seems to work for them and the fans never really complain.

If there had to be a club that deserves a takeover from a rich tycoon it should be a team like Fulham or Everton as they had remained patient for years now and conducted their business in a professional manner.

The man with the money is Jackonsville Jaguars owner Shahid Khan who has spent £200 million to acquire Fulham on a debt free basis. It seems to be growing more and more popular for the American businessman to buy a Premier League club, with Liverpool, Man Utd, Arsenal, Aston Villa and Sunderland all having American owners.

I have heard people say in the past that Fulham are a 'small club,' a statement I don't agree with as they never seem to struggle with survival year in year out, I like to think that many clubs could learn a thing or two from Fulham when it comes down to stability.

Back to the topic at hand, with Fulham having more money to spend on player transfer fees, wages etc. It could start to become evident that they will be able to offer players more money to join them over us, at the moment we are their nearest London rivals in the Premiership and with the takeover and our move to the Olympic Stadium both clubs will be hoping to take it to the next step.

I'm not worried about the Fulham takeover, if anything I believe it will make things more interesting in the seasons that follow.


http://westhamunitedblog.co.uk/2013/08/06/will-fulhams-takeover-affect-west-ham/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Your bank manager won't be sleepless in Seattle! Dempsey will be paid MORE than Beckham with £5.2m deal in the MLS

Clint Dempsey's deal with the Seattle Sounders means he will be paid MORE than David Beckham was at LA Galaxy.

He signed a three-and-a-half year deal with an $8million (£5.2m) base salary a year, which also allows him to go on loan during the MLS off-season.

Beckham's base salary was $5.5m (£3.5m) when he signed with LA Galaxy, and later took a pay cut which put him on 'only' $3m (£1.95m) a year.

Scroll down for video


Welcome back: Clint Dempsey was unveiled as a Seattle Sounders player after leaving Tottenham


Full house: Fans packed out the stadium to see their new signing paraded on the pitch

Of course, the former England star also earned millions in endorsements and other compensations, which Dempsey will not pick up.

But the signing of a player at his peak from a Premier League team is seen as a big coup for the MLS.

Dempsey cost the Sounders £6m, but the fee was paid entirely by the league itself.

The club's majority owner Joe Roth said: 'This is a historic day for Sounders FC and our fans. Clint is a world-class soccer player who can take this club to a higher level.'

Of course, the former England star also earned millions in endorsements and other compensations, which Dempsey will not pick up.

But the signing of a player at his peak from a Premier League team is seen as a big coup for the MLS.

Dempsey cost the Sounders £6m, but the fee was paid entirely by the league itself.

The club's majority owner Joe Roth said: 'This is a historic day for Sounders FC and our fans. Clint is a world-class soccer player who can take this club to a higher level.'

Owner and general manager Adrian Hanauer added: 'In doing something of this magnitude we had to make sure we had the right player. Clint Dempsey fits that mould.


Respect: The USA forward stood in front of supporters as the national anthem was played


Excitement: Dempsey has proven a popular figure already in Seattle, with fans having his name printed on shirts


Dempsey fever: Some supporters even brought cardboard cut-outs of the new signing to the match

'He is a proven winner, a leader and a competitor who we believe will raise the bar for this organisation on and off the field.'
Dempsey said: 'I am very excited about coming back to the MLS and thrilled to be joining Sounders.

'Having recently played in Seattle with the national team, I experienced the incredible atmosphere and the passion from the supporters first-hand. It's going to be an honour to represent the fans in Seattle.'

Dempsey joined Tottenham from Premier League rivals Fulham on transfer deadline day last summer for around £6million, scoring 12 goals in 43 appearances for the north-London club.

The 30-year-old first made a name for himself playing for the New England Revolution before joining Fulham in 2007.


CLINT DEMPSEY FACTFILE
1983: Born March 9, in Texas.
2003: Represents the USA at the FIFA World Youth Championships, helping them to a quarter-final spot.
2004: January 16 - Selected by New England Revolution in the MLS SuperDraft.
October - After scoring seven goals in his debut season, earns the MLS rookie of the year award.
November 17 - Makes his first senior appearance for the United States in a 1-1 qualifying draw with Jamaica.
2005: October - Scores 10 goals to help New England to the MLS Cup final, where they lose 1-0 to LA Galaxy.
2006: June - Named in the USA squad for the 2006 World Cup in Germany, going on to score against Ghana as they are knocked out in the group stages.
2007: January 11 - Signs for Fulham on a long-term contract for a fee believed to be around £2million.
January 20 - Makes his Barclays Premier League debut as a substitute in the 1-1 draw with Tottenham.
May 5 - Scores his first Fulham goal in the 1-0 home victory over Liverpool, a win which ultimately saved the club from relegation.
2009: Scores eight goals in all competitions as Fulham finish seventh in the table, qualifying for the Europa League.
2010: May - Becomes the first American to appear in a major European final as Fulham are defeated 2-1 by Atletico Madrid.
2012: May - Scores his 50th Barclays Premier League goal against Sunderland.
August - Left out of the club's squad for their opening two fixtures as manager Martin Jol reveals Dempsey wants to leave the club, with Liverpool, Sunderland and Aston Villa declaring their interest in the player.
August 31 - Joins Tottenham on transfer deadline day.
2013: May 12 - Scores his 12th and final goal for Spurs in his penultimate Premier League match, a 2-1 win at Stoke.
August 3 - Joins Seattle Sounders.



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2385259/Clint-Dempsey-paid-David-Beckham-was.html#ixzz2bCMkQz00
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[WhiteJC]

 
Transfer talk: Fulham-bound Bent could face Sunderland on opening day

DARREN Bent could return to the Stadium of Light on the opening day of the season, with Fulham hopeful of concluding a deal for the ex-Sunderland striker.

The Cottagers have been battling it out with Newcastle United for Bent this summer and have seen two bids rejected by Aston Villa for the 29-year-old.

Villa are holding out for £6million for Bent, even though the England international has played no part in the first-team's pre-season programme.

But Fulham boss Martin Jol, who brings his side to Wearside on August 17, is hopeful of concluding a deal for the former Sunderland favourite this week.

Jol said today: "I don't speculate on things that are not 100 per cent.

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


http://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/sunderland-afc/transfer-talk-fulham-bound-bent-could-face-sunderland-on-opening-day-1-5924970

[WhiteJC]

 
What can we tell after one game?
by Riether Lightning 63

Having got back from our first home pre-season friendly yesterday (what for some fans would be their first chance to see the new look XI in the flesh), I felt the need to just give those who missed it, a brief summary of how the team looks to be shaping up

Stekelenburg: Very easy to see why he is the Dutch #1. A VERY good shot stopper (some of the things he was pulling off in the warm-up were simply sublime, not to mention his save after a huge deflection during the first half). He's also very commanding of his area and the defenders, there was one point during the first half, after a corner had been cleared by Betis, that he boomed his instructions to Boateng to pass the ball back to him from near the half-way line, to which Boateng obliged. We are onto a real winner with this guy, I'm amazed that none of the 'big clubs' have gone sniffing around for him.

Riether: No change, still hard working as ever

Hangeland and Amorebieta: Two very physical centre backs and will deal with any aerial threat very easily. It also helps that one of them is left footed and the other is right, means that we have the option of playing the ball to either of them on their stronger foot for an easy clearance, rather than someone being rushed to get rid of it on their weaker foot. My main concern though is their pace. A ball over the top to be chased on by the likes of Suarez, Aguero and Bellamy, they will struggle, but let's hope that doesn't hinder us too much.

Richardson: Good solid left back, certainly better than he is as a left-winger. Gives us a good option for the counter-attack, especially with his link-ups with Ashkan Dejagah. Do I think he'll start on opening day? No, I still think Jol favours Riise as the better defensive option and I'm, inclined to agree with him. Out of the two I'd much rather have Riise there than Richardson

Ruiz: Where to start with Bryan. He still hasn't bulked up, he is still worried about going into tackles and he is being WASTED on the wing (much like he was in his first season). I think he would be more suited in playing the 'free role' similar to Cristiano Ronaldo during his latter days at Utd.

Boateng and Sidwell: A very good combination together. Each of them taking it in turns to attack whilst the other one defends, a system that worked well last night. I'd imagine that if this whole Taarabt deal comes through, it would be Sidwell that gets the chop, thus leaving Taarabt to play in a more attacking-creative role whilst Boateng holds back. Similar to a 4-3-1-2 system.

Dejagah: Very good to see him back. Offers good pace for a counter attack with Richardson. He acts the exact opposite to Damien Duff last year, in that he can charge down the wing, then cut inside and onto his right foot, to curl shots/crosses in to the far post. Which is a system that works well, but only if the two wingers occasionally swap, give the full-backs something to think about.

Berbatov: Still hasn't quite worked out that he has a #9 on his back. He needs to realise that as a striker, he will need to get into the box to act as an aerial threat. There were times last night, much like last season, that the wingers would pick the ball up, only to find nobody in the box and that is an issue that needs to be sorted out AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. Maybe the signing of Osvaldo would sort this out.

Rodellega: Made some very good runs, especially early in the game, managed to get behind the defence and caused problems. Needs to improve his heading ability if he is to be used as an effective target man.

Miscellaneous: I am getting a little concerned that we are getting a bit like Liverpool and Swansea, always wanting to find that one last pass, when we have ample opportunities to shoot, something that can get very frustrating to watch. I also feel that we are going to be excellent at set-pieces next year, the additional height of Amorebieta and Boateng should cause problems in the opposition box.
All in all, I am looking forward to next season. Whilst I imagine we will float into mid-table nothingness, I would like to see some amount of progression ready to lay the foundations for a proper charge on Europe in the seasons to come.



http://www.friendsoffulham.com/wordpress/?p=361

[Bassey the warrior]

What can we tell after one game?
by Riether Lightning 63

Having got back from our first home pre-season friendly yesterday (what for some fans would be their first chance to see the new look XI in the flesh), I felt the need to just give those who missed it, a brief summary of how the team looks to be shaping up

Stekelenburg: Very easy to see why he is the Dutch #1. A VERY good shot stopper (some of the things he was pulling off in the warm-up were simply sublime, not to mention his save after a huge deflection during the first half). He's also very commanding of his area and the defenders, there was one point during the first half, after a corner had been cleared by Betis, that he boomed his instructions to Boateng to pass the ball back to him from near the half-way line, to which Boateng obliged. We are onto a real winner with this guy, I'm amazed that none of the 'big clubs' have gone sniffing around for him.

Riether: No change, still hard working as ever

Hangeland and Amorebieta: Two very physical centre backs and will deal with any aerial threat very easily. It also helps that one of them is left footed and the other is right, means that we have the option of playing the ball to either of them on their stronger foot for an easy clearance, rather than someone being rushed to get rid of it on their weaker foot. My main concern though is their pace. A ball over the top to be chased on by the likes of Suarez, Aguero and Bellamy, they will struggle, but let's hope that doesn't hinder us too much.

Richardson: Good solid left back, certainly better than he is as a left-winger. Gives us a good option for the counter-attack, especially with his link-ups with Ashkan Dejagah. Do I think he'll start on opening day? No, I still think Jol favours Riise as the better defensive option and I'm, inclined to agree with him. Out of the two I'd much rather have Riise there than Richardson

Ruiz: Where to start with Bryan. He still hasn't bulked up, he is still worried about going into tackles and he is being WASTED on the wing (much like he was in his first season). I think he would be more suited in playing the 'free role' similar to Cristiano Ronaldo during his latter days at Utd.

Boateng and Sidwell: A very good combination together. Each of them taking it in turns to attack whilst the other one defends, a system that worked well last night. I'd imagine that if this whole Taarabt deal comes through, it would be Sidwell that gets the chop, thus leaving Taarabt to play in a more attacking-creative role whilst Boateng holds back. Similar to a 4-3-1-2 system.

Dejagah: Very good to see him back. Offers good pace for a counter attack with Richardson. He acts the exact opposite to Damien Duff last year, in that he can charge down the wing, then cut inside and onto his right foot, to curl shots/crosses in to the far post. Which is a system that works well, but only if the two wingers occasionally swap, give the full-backs something to think about.

Berbatov: Still hasn't quite worked out that he has a #9 on his back. He needs to realise that as a striker, he will need to get into the box to act as an aerial threat. There were times last night, much like last season, that the wingers would pick the ball up, only to find nobody in the box and that is an issue that needs to be sorted out AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. Maybe the signing of Osvaldo would sort this out.

Rodellega: Made some very good runs, especially early in the game, managed to get behind the defence and caused problems. Needs to improve his heading ability if he is to be used as an effective target man.

Miscellaneous: I am getting a little concerned that we are getting a bit like Liverpool and Swansea, always wanting to find that one last pass, when we have ample opportunities to shoot, something that can get very frustrating to watch. I also feel that we are going to be excellent at set-pieces next year, the additional height of Amorebieta and Boateng should cause problems in the opposition box.
All in all, I am looking forward to next season. Whilst I imagine we will float into mid-table nothingness, I would like to see some amount of progression ready to lay the foundations for a proper charge on Europe in the seasons to come.



http://www.friendsoffulham.com/wordpress/?p=361

I like the comparisons with Liverpool and Swansea and welcome them. They play the best football in the league. However where we differ is both have much more in the final third and play a more fluid passing game.