Saturday Fulham Stuff (10/08/13)...

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Kasami to be Loaned Out!
   
Reports in the local media suggest that Pajtim Kasami is set to be loaned out this season.

The promising 21 year-old spent the majority of last season out on loan at Lucerne (Switzerland) featuring only three times for Fulham, but a loan spell is viewed by Jol as a productive way of bringing the player on.

Indeed, talking about the benefit of going on loan, Jol has likened Kasami`s situation to that of two other Premier League players who are no strangers to loan spells, remarking,

"If you look at the likes of [Steven] Caulker and [Kyle] Naughton they needed 100 games or more then came back to their clubs and did well."

"That's what I hope for the players I've got as well because in England there aren't many youngsters [who are playing regularly]."

"I would like to give them experience and put them on loan, like I did with [Alex] Kacaniklic. He came back and he was better."

It remains to be seen where Jol sends Kasami this season.

Will he remain in England or is another spell in Europe beckoning?


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=328080#ixzz2bXDg6KPA

[WhiteJC]

 
Kit's Season Preview

Kit Symons' young charges kick-off their Barclays Under-21 Premier League season on Sunday with a trip to Hyde FC to face Manchester City (1pm).

Last season Fulham finished third in Group One, level on points with second-placed Aston Villa and five behind group winners Everton.

Despite losing just one of their last eight fixtures, the Whites missed out on a place in the National Play-Off Semi Finals. Manchester United were crowned overall national champions following their 3-2 defeat of Chelsea at Old Trafford.

Now in its second season, following its introduction last summer, the Barclays U21 Premier League has been revamped ahead of the 2013/14 season with 22 Category One academies competing in one national division, instead of three separate groups.

Teams will play each other once, home or away, with the top four clubs progressing to the Semi-Finals before a final showdown to determine who will be crowned champions.

"The Barclays Under-21 Premier League was introduced last season after a thorough review of the structure of youth football," explained Under-21 Manager Kit Symons. "Essentially, the aim is to bridge the gap between academy and first team football.

"The system has been tweaked slightly, with every team now playing against each other – so it's a real test of different styles and philosophies. It will be an interesting season, because there are some very strong sides involved.

"With only 21 competitive fixtures, we'll have to arrange some friendly matches throughout, as well as a European trip. It's vital that these boys are playing regular football, so don't be surprised to see some of them go out on loan at some point.

"Under-21 football is the next step up from the Under-18s, but I still think that there is a gulf between that level and first team football. It's all about preparing them for that."

In Phase One of their 2012/13 campaign, Fulham and Manchester City met twice. The Whites won the first encounter at Motspur Park 1-0 courtesy of a Pajtim Kasami strike. The sides then played out a 1-1 draw, with Ryan Williams our scorer in the second match.

"Manchester City have a great record at this level, they're known for producing good, quality young players," said Symons, who also lined up for Manchester City during his playing days.

"It's a tough start for us, but I know what my team is capable of and, as long as we play to our strengths, then we're a match for anyone. Make no mistake, it will be a really good game of football.

"I've been delighted with our pre-season, the boys did really well. We came back a week early for what we call the strong man week – it's a real physical blast, but it gets them in good shape in terms of fitness and strength.

"We've played some good matches, against a variety of opposition. It was important to mix it up and test ourselves against different styles of football. Of course, we also went out to Portugal for a week as well, and got a deserved win against FC Porto which was nice.

"We finished with a win against Nottingham Forest on Wednesday, and having been 2-1 down with three minutes to go, we scored two late goals to get the win. I was really impressed with their spirit and character.


"So that was the preparation, it all now begins on Sunday. They're a talented group, and it's a big season for some of them – obviously we're looking at getting them up and in and around the First Team.

"We've seen the likes of Mesca, Chris David, Lasse Vigen Christensen, Jack Grimmer and Muamer Tankovic getting some experience with Martin Jol and his squad over the summer – and that's been great to see. They've enjoyed the experience as it's given them a taste of what they need to do, as well as possibly serving as a reality check. Training alongside top players shows them where they need to be."

With a number of last season's all-conquering Under-18 squad making the step up, Symons has also brought in midfielder Ange-Freddy Plumain (pictured top) and defender Mananga Jonathan Buatu.

"A lot of boys have moved up from the Under-18s," added Symons. "But that's what it's all about. Most of them played for the Under-21s last year anyway, we had quite a young group, so hopefully they already know what to expect.

"We've brought a couple of players in from elsewhere, and they've fitted in well. They're all hungry to be in that starting XI to show what they can do.

"Even today in training that was evident. They were putting their bodies on the line and blocking shots – they gave their all until the very end. It shows a desire not to get beat, and that's something we try and instill in them.

"I couldn't ask for any more from them to be honest, it's been a very positive summer. It's important that we carry that through to Sunday's game."

Fulham return to action on Friday for their first home fixture of the 2013/14 season; playing host to Middlesbrough at Craven Cottage (7pm). So get behind the boys, with free entrance for Season Ticket Holders and Members.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/august/09/kit-symons-man-city-preview?

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Five Premier League destinations for Esteban Granero

ulham, Sunderland, Swansea City, Newcastle United and Cardiff City should all consider a move for the QPR midfielder, who is unlikely to stay in the Championship this summer.

Here are five clubs who should be looking at Esteban Granero...

Fulham

The Cottagers are the side who have been most frequently linked with a move for Granero, and having already brought in Adel Taarabt this summer Martin Jol could consider raiding QPR again to add some more creativity to their midfield. Fulham struggled in midfield without Mousa Dembele last season, and Granero fits the bill as a well-rounded midfielder to replace the Belgian.

Sunderland

Paolo Di Canio is keen to add another central midfielder to his squad, and having been frustrated in his attempts to sign Tom Huddlestone so far, the Italian manager should consider moving onto Granero, who would bring more mobility to the Black Cats' side than the Spurs player.

Swansea City

Swansea have enjoyed another excellent transfer window, with the addition of Wilfried Bony especially exciting. Michael Laudrup worked with Granero during his tenure at Getafe, and could be tempted to add the 26-year-old to his squad this summer, where he would be a good fit for Swansea's possession-based play.

Newcastle United

Another team who have already raided QPR this summer, with Loic Remy arriving on loan, Newcastle should look at Granero as well to bolster their resources in midfield. When Yohan Cabaye was missing last season with injuries Newcastle struggled to create chances from midfield, and having Granero as a back-up for the Frenchman, or perhaps to play alongside him, would give Alan Pardew another good option in his squad.

Cardiff City

Having missed out on Etienne Capoue, Cardiff could weigh up a bid for Esteban Granero as they continue their summer spending. Malky Mackay is keen to add another central midfielder, and Granero's ability on the ball, plus his defensive presence, would tick every box for Cardiff if they could convince him to join.



http://hereisthecity.com/2013/08/09/nh-five-premier-league-destinations-for-esteban-granero/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Premier League Preview: Fulham

Each day from now until the beginning of the Premier League season, we will preview two teams from England's top flight. You can view them all here at PST Preview central. Don't forget, the 2013-14 PL season begins on August 17th, and for the first-time ever you can watch every game live on NBC Sports.

Fulham rose from the lowest tier of the English game, making the journey from bottom to top in just five years and reaching the Premier League in 2001. The ascent was largely thanks to the support of Egyptian billionaire and club legend Mohamed Al Fayed. Al Fayed just this summer has cashed out, selling his debt-free club to Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shahid Khan. Fulham reached the Europa League final in 2010, losing in heartbreaking 2-1 fashion in extra time to Atletico Madrid as they were in search of their first major trophy. It's been a bit downhill since then for the club. American entrepreneur Khan will now lead the club into battle for the first time this season, looking to return to the table's top half following last year's edgy 12th place finish that saw a late-season slump almost slide the club into a tight battle for relegation.

Transfers in: GK Maarten Stekelenburg (AS Roma, Italy), D Sascha Riether (FC Koln, Germany – loan made permanent), D Fernando Amorebieta (Athletic Bilbao, Spain), M Derek Boateng (Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk, Ukraine), M Adel Taarabt (Queens Park Rangers, England – loan)

Transfers out: GK Mark Schwarzer (Chelsea, England), D Chris Baird (free agent), M Simon Davies (free agent), F Mladen Petric (free agent)

Key Player: With the Fulham squad in a bit of a state of flux, and hardly a soul left from the 2010 Europa League run, their key addition last summer up front remains vastly important. Management convinced Manchester United cast away Dimitar Berbatov (pictured) to join the ranks, and he promptly fired 15 Premier League goals.

A former Golden Boot winner at Old Trafford, Berbatov is a quiet fellow off the pitch, avoiding the media spotlight whenever physically possible, although you wouldn't know it by his emotions on the field. He's developed a fiery on-field relationship with Bryan Ruiz and young winger Alex Kacaniklic, the latter of whom Berbatov has taken under his wing and is often seen forcibly instructing during matches.

Usually clad in long sleeves and the occasional gloves, Berbatov caught the attention of the Premier League last season when, during a Fulham-wide goal drought, Berbatov scored and promptly ripped off his shirt to reveal an undershirt with the message "Keep Calm and Pass Me The Ball." Such a mantra is a fantastically accurate description of the forward's playing style, often wowing crowds with his on-the-ball skills of control and placement, but sulking if he doesn't receive enough touches.

Now 32 and in the final season of his 2-year contract, it remains to be seen what will happen to Berbatov after this season, and it certainly will be a key talking point throughout the year. For the time being, however, he without a doubt holds the key to the Premier League's top 10 for Fulham.

Manager: Dutchman Martin Jol will be entering his third year in charge of the London club. While fan opinion on him remains mixed, there can be no doubt that Jol has brought both shrewdness and ambition in the transfer market.

Aside from Berbatov, Jol isn't afraid to splash the cash, like he did on Deadline Day for Costa Rican attacking midfielder Ruiz in his first summer in charge. He has also found gems in the depths of the market, such as last season's loan for right-back Sascha Riether made permanent this summer for pennies on the dollar.

Jol is a genuine manager, often forming a good relationship with both the fans and players such as he did during his time at Tottenham Hotspur where he was sacked much to the dismay of many fans at White Hart Lane. It remains the same while he strolls the touchline at Craven Cottage, but improvement will be necessary or Shahid Khan himself has stated he will hold those in the skill positions responsible.

Outlook: Following the 2007/08 season which saw the Whites escape relegation on goal differential (known to fans as the Great Escape which required defeats of Manchester City and Portsmouth in the final two weeks to stay up) Fulham has found success previously unknown to the club. Along with the Europa League run in 2010, they've also finished in the top half of the league three of the last five years, something which they'll be aiming for again this season.

Having brought in a few key players who will crack the starting lineup, Jol has yet to finish filling out a thin and porous squad, and without a few more additions it's hard to see a top 10 finish, especially with a few well-placed injuries. However, rumors of the addition of Darren Bent swirl around the banks of the Thames, and the former England striker alongside Dimitar Berbatov could see the side make its way back to the coveted top half.



http://prosoccertalk.nbcsports.com/2013/08/09/premier-league-preview-fulham/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Parma Ticket Update

The Whites face Italian side Parma on Saturday 10th August (3pm) in the Club's final pre-season game before the start of the Barclays Premier League season.

Tickets are no longer available to buy over the phone or online, but you can still attend by paying on the day. The Hammersmith End, Riverside Stand and Johnny Haynes Stand are all open.

Supporters can buy tickets at the lower price of just £10 adults and £5 juniors in person from the Ticket Office until 1pm on Saturday 10th August. The Ticket Office is open from 9.30am.

Alternatively, fans can pay on the turnstiles (cash only) for £15 adults and £10 juniors.

Find out more here.

Fans who have already booked tickets for collection are advised to arrive at Craven Cottage early, as queues are expected. Those who arrive early can take advantage of our drinks offer, with all beer and wine priced at just £3.20 before 2.15pm.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/august/09/parma-ticket-update?

[WhiteJC]

 
Riise could be on his way out of the Cottage as Bremen renew their interest in left-back

Fulham Left-back John Arne Riise is in talks over a free transfer to Werder Bremen.

The German side had reportedly chased the Norwegian defender in 2009 while still at Roma, before he moved to Craven Cottage in 2011.


On the move? Riise has spent two successful years at Craven Cottage under Martin Jol

Riise has had a solid two seasons bck in the Premier League, playing 73 times for Fulham under Martin Jol.

Fulham have already strengthened their squad in the last week with the signing of QPR midfielder Adel Taarabt on a season-long loan, while they are also reported to be chasing Esteban Granero from Loftus Road.



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2388421/Fulhams-John-Arne-Riise-talks-free-transfer-Werder-Bremen.html#ixzz2bXFMActx
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

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Several clubs bidding to sign Tottenham midfielder

Who will win the Tom Huddlestone lottery? Fulham, Sunderland or Hull City?

Tom Huddlestone looks set to leave Tottenham Hotspur, but where he goes is still up in the air. Sunderland were the frontrunners to sign the midfielder, but Hull City are making a push to win his signature and Martin Jol, who first signed him for Spurs, is also interested in bringing Huddlestone to Fulham.

So where is Huddlestone going? Who knows!

It's pretty clear Huddlestone won't stay at Spurs. He has no place and is valued at £5 million, making him relatively affordable. It's unlikely that this many clubs are trying to sign him, but won't pay Spurs' price. Daniel Levy won't sell cheap and he won't have to.

Amazingly, Huddlestone is still just 26 years old and while certainly an injury concern, he did play 29 matches a year ago. His passing is still tremendous so he has value to a handful of clubs, and is a worthwhile gamble. Spurs just don't happen to be one of those clubs.

So the big guy is going to go, it appears. It will be weird seeing him putting on another team's shirt, but such is life in football. Now it's just a matter of seeing where he ends up.



http://www.cartilagefreecaptain.com/2013/8/9/4607186/tom-huddlestone-tottenham-hotspur-transfer-rumours-hull-sunderland?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham left-back position suddenly scary thin as Riise looks set to depart

In the last 24 hours it appears Fulham will be losing two of their three left backs, and it has become a suddenly paper-thin position.

Yesterday manager Martin Jol told reporters that he was preparing to loan out 22-year-old Matthew Briggs.

Now, reports are suggesting 32-year-old former Liverpool star John Arne Riise will be making his way to German side Werder Bremen.

This leaves injury-prone Kieran Richardson – normally a left midfielder – all by himself on the left defense, a scary thought for Fulham fans who saw him struggle with back and hamstring problems all of last season.

One could assume that Martin Jol, rumored to be following Villa striker Darren Bent, would also have a replacement for the duo in mind.

Riise, a former Champions League winner at Anfield, has made 67 Premier League appearances for Fulham since returning to the Premier League from Roma.  He begun his Fulham career bright, and has assisted 10 goals at Craven Cottage, but the blistering free kick that bagged 21 league goals for Liverpool over the years has all but left him, and Riise failed to record a single goal in his time at Fulham.

Riise also has recently changed his number from 3 to 6, a move that he claimed was because he wore 6 at Liverpool and it's his lucky number.  Some, though, were left to speculate that Jol was opening up the 3 for a new left back.

Speculation increased even more as Riise has heavily hinted on Twitter that he will be leaving.  Riise, an avid golfer, interspersed his PGA tweets with obvious disappointment after he didn't see the field during Fulham's last preseason friendly with Real Betis.



http://prosoccertalk.nbcsports.com/2013/08/09/fulham-left-back-position-suddenly-scary-thin-as-riise-looks-for-departure/?