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Monday Fulham Stuff (12/08/13)...

Started by WhiteJC, August 12, 2013, 04:58:45 AM

Previous topic - Next topic

WhiteJC

 
Nuggets
By rich on August 11, 2013

The other week I found a magazine called Football Extra in WH Smith.  It's a sports gambling magazine, and while I don't do that anymore, I'm interested in what the industry does because their goal is, of course, to set odds, to predict the future, and to be very accurate in so doing. To get to this point they need to understand the game, and this has long been a fascination of this blog.

We're nowhere near there, of course, but here are some interesting facts.  These don't tell us too much, in truth, but I'll present them nevertheless:

In home games only, Fulham were 15th last year
In away games only, we were 10th
Oh....
We were 18th in home games against the top half of the table
But 7th in away games against the top teams
We were 11th in home games v the bottom half
And 17th in away games against the bottom half.
So relatively speaking, our most effective quadrant was away to the better teams.  Weird
We were fourth overall in goals per game (us and opponents combined) at home
But 13th in away matches
We were middle of the pack in points per game when we scored first
But LAST in retrieving points having first conceded!
Berba scored 11 in the first half and four in the second
QPR had four penalties last year, and three were saved. We scored all five of ours
We averaged the same number of goals conceded per game at home and away (1.58 per game)
But scored 1.47 a game at home and 1.16 away.
We failed to score in 42% of our away games, which feels high
Against the three teams that were relegated last year, our results were D1-1, W2-1, L2-4, D3-3, W3-2, L1-2.  That's 10 points dropped out of a possible 18 available.  That's terrible
Against Sunderland, who were fourth from bottom, we lost 1-3 and drew 2-2. Another four lost points. So from 24 available against the bottom four teams, we took 9.
That's terrible
But it does make me think the same thing won't happen again, and that we probably have a lot of scope for a 'regression to the mean' type improvement. We had few flukey results against the biggies so really it's almost all positive.   Based on this I think we MIGHT comfortably exceed expectations this season
We did the double over one team: WBA
Kacaniklic scored four times, three away from home!


http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2013/08/11/nuggets/?

WhiteJC

 
Stan Collymore's club-by-club season preview: Stan tips Chelsea to win the Premier League

Sunday People columnist Stan Collymore runs the rule over each of the clubs in this season's top flight

Fulham

New owner Shahid Khan seems a real character but the big question is where do Fulham go from here? Do they show the ambition that could see them kick on and potentially challenge for seventh? Or are they happy rolling along as they are?

Boss Martin Jol must raise expectations – especially away from home – and keep the team moving forward.

Star Man: Dimitar Berbatov

Key Signings: Maarten Stekelenburg, Adel Taarabt

Gaffer's chances of survival: Good

Last season: 12th

Prediction: 10th





Check out all the latest News, Sport & Celeb gossip at Mirror.co.uk http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/stan-collymores-club-by-club-season-preview-2151489#ixzz2bix17TrO
Follow us: @DailyMirror on Twitter | DailyMirror on Facebook

WhiteJC

 
Rodney Marsh on Fulham's prospects

Rodney Marsh assesses Fulham's prospects this season and says he is surprised Martin Jol is favourite to be the first Premier League boss to lose his job.

Marsh admits he has reservations over new signing Adel Taarabt playing with Dimitar Berbatov and the defensive abilities of Jol's side, but backs his former club to have a 'positive season' if they get off to a good start,

"I think Fulham are going to do quite well this season," said Marsh, speaking to Russell Hargreaves on Extra Time.

"For Fulham to be anywhere near mid-table and pushing into those top six, seven, eight, nine positions they have to be better at the back. But, if they start off and have a couple of clean sheets and wins, I can see it being a positive season for Fulham."



Read more at http://talksport.com/football/rodney-marsh-fulhams-prospects-season-13081155087#bb03f5Hg9HGKTMLQ.99


WhiteJC

 
Werder confirm Riise talks

Werder Bremen sporting director Thomas Eichin has confirmed that the club are in talks to sign full-back John Arne Riise from Fulham.

The 32-year old defender is thought to be available on a free transfer after the Premier League outfit agreed to allow him to leave.

Norwegian Riise has fallen out of favour under boss Martin Jol after spending two seasons in west London, making 75 appearances.

He has a year remaining on his contract but revealed earlier this week that he is likely to exit Craven Cottage in the transfer window.

And Eichin has now confirmed that Werder are keen on taking the Norway international to the Bundesliga, although he is not the only option for boss Robin Dutt.

Eichin told Sky: "I'm talking with many agents and we're checking the market. Riise is certainly an interesting player and I have always said that we are looking for the left-back position.

"There has been a discussion, but that does not mean anything yet."

Riise made 32 appearances in all competitions for Fulham last season, having previously featured for Roma and Liverpool.



http://uk.soccerway.com/news/2013/August/11/werder-confirm-riise-talks/?

WhiteJC

 
Providing Competition
   
I reckon David Stockdale longed for the day Mark Schwarzer would leave Craven Cottage.

It`s not that they never got on or anything like that but Stockdale just knew that Schwarzer was blocking his way to the first team.

However, I doubt that when Schwarzer left and a move (for Stockdale) to Hull failed to materialise he`d still be looking to dislodge a respected keeper, this time Maarten Stekelenburg.

But Stockdale isn`t prepared to throw the towel in just yet remarking to the media about providing stiff competition for the green jersey,

"I will make Maarten work for his job."

That`s what we like to hear!


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=328334#ixzz2bixzyBV8

WhiteJC

 
Seeking a Striker?
   
Following the 2-1 home defeat at the hands of Parma, Martin Jol gave the clearest indication yet that he is still looking to be active in the transfer market.

With his latest acquisition, Adel Taarabt, making his debut, Jol is quoted as having remarked after the action had finished,

"What I need is someone who can score more."

"We have some good players but I want to strengthen the squad."

Well, as they say, time is running out Martin, so get busy!


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=328335#ixzz2biyDQwBd


WhiteJC

 
Man City U21 1-2 Fulham U21



Our Under-21s opened their Barclays Under-21 Premier League season on Sunday with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Manchester City.

Kit Symons' team travelled to Hyde FC where they faced Patrick Viera's City counterparts, and impressed with Cauley Woodrow's double edging the Whites to all three points following an entertaining encounter.

A bright start from City saw Albert Rusnak flash a powerful effort narrowly wide and Marcos Lopes also go close. Jordy Hiwula forced a good stop from Neil Etheridge, while on 28 minutes Seko Fofana got the better of Stephen Arthurworrey before striking a post.

At the other end City captain Mathias Bossaerts had to be alert to beat Woodrow to the ball with one exceptional intervention, before Josh Passley whipped in a dangerous cross from the right that just evaded a stretching Woodrow.

But with the game opening up, Fulham were dealt a blow when Fofana broke and crossed for Hiwula, with the England youth international slotting home a confident finish beyond Etheridge on 31 minutes.

The Whites went in search of a leveller, but City repelled. Although, they did find a breakthrough following a clever run and delivery from Woodrow, but his cross was lashed over by Passley on the stroke of half-time.

It was City that came out of the blocks quickest in the second-half, and could well have doubled their lead only for Lopes to scuff his shot from close range.

But Lopes' effort served as a warning, as Symons' side hit back and started to enjoy some momentum. Playing further forward than usual, Passley went close to drawing Fulham level on 53 minutes, hitting a fierce strike to force a fine save from Angus Gunn. Charles Banya (pictured) and Muamer Tankovic also threatened the City defence with some clever touches and running, while Ronny Minkwitz tried his luck from distance.

Fulham's positive play was rewarded five minutes later when Woodrow took an excellent touch before firing a low strike past a diving Gunn. The talented striker then put Fulham ahead on 73 minutes, heading in from Sean Kavanagh's well-taken corner.

As the game approached the final 10 minutes, the home team responded with Emyr Huws picking out Greg Leigh, fortunately for the Whites the City left-back couldn't convert when running in at the back post. But with Fulham's defence expertly marshalled by Jack Grimmer and Arthurworrey, the Whites held firm to claim an impressive opening victory.

"We're pleased with the win, it's always good to open the season with three points," said Under-21 Manager Symons. "We didn't play particularly well in the first-half, and probably gave City too much respect at times. They [City] created a few chances and went in front.

"I had a chat with the boys at the break, and talked two or three things through with them. Again, they showed great character to turn it around and in the second-half they played much better. There was a lot more urgency and energy to their play and in the end, for me, we were worthy winners.

"We always knew that it was going to be a tough game, and we had to work for it today. The boys will have learned a few things from this, and moving forwards we'll build on the performance. We have another game in five days and we'll go back, train hard and look forward to going again."

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.

Manchester City U21s: Gunn; Facey (Drury 87), Bossaerts, Denayer, Leigh; Huws, Fofana, Rusnak, Bytyqi; Lopes (Ntcham 67), Hiwula (Cole 67).

Fulham U21s: Etheridge; Brister, Grimmer, Arthurworrey, Kavanagh; Passley, Minkwitz, Christensen, Banya (Richards 63); Tankovic (Della Verde 70); Woodrow.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/august/11/u21-2-1-man-city?

WhiteJC

 
Ghana's Derek Boateng looks to have sealed Fulham starting place

Ghana midfielder Derek Boateng looks to have sealed a starting place in Fulham ahead of the start of the new season in England next week after impressing in pre-season.

The ball-winning midfielder started in the club's last pre-season friendly on Saturday as they wrapped up their preparation for the new term.

Two preventable goals allowed Parma a comeback from a goal down and win 2-1 in the last pre-season friendly before the Premier League start.

But the Ghanaian was impressive despite the defeat. Derek Boateng's backside did a clearing job when Parma were faced with a clear sight of goal and keeper Maarten Stekelenburg out of position.

Boateng's heroic block in the box saved a certain goal as we went into the break 1-0 up and even though he was substituted he looks to have gained a starting place in the squad.

The midfielder reckons there is work to be done in the Fulham defence before next Saturday's opener at Sunderland.

Boateng is desperate to hit the ground running at Fulham and put his Ukrainian nightmare behind him.

The ball-winning midfielder finally completed his move to Craven Cottage at the third time of asking this summer after his contract at Dnipro was cancelled.

Boateng revealed the heartache of being away from his three young kids during his two-year stay in Eastern Europe.

However, the 30-year-old will be reunited with his family following his move to London.



http://www.ghanasoccernet.com/ghanas-derek-boateng-looks-to-have-sealed-fulham-starting-place/?

WhiteJC

 
Fulham may struggle, but relegation unlikely

Our pundits predict that Fulham won't have any relegation worries this season, but the team will still have its difficult moments.

With the Premier League season just one week away, 13 of our football pundits have put their heads together to give you a comprehensive set of predictions.

Each pundit predicted where each Premier League club will finish the season, with 20 points for the club predicted to finish 1st, down to 1 point for the club finishing bottom.


We then added up all the points and:

Verdict Fulham will finish in 15th

Highest prediction: 10th / Lowest prediction: 17th

2013/14 Premier League final table predictions

Lewis Doe: 10th - Martin Jol has had a big summer clear out, getting rid of several players who were integral to the squad last season. He's injected a little bit of youth, retained the more important players and his teams always play very efficient football which could make them difficult to beat, especially at Craven Cottage.

Gareth McKnight: 10th - Solid outfit that should be pushing for top-half finish. Martin Jol has an extra season under his belt there, and they will most likely sign a few more players as they have new owners.

Alan Dawson: 11th - Martin's summer Jol-iday has had a great ray of sun beat down on it as the Dutchman basks in the delight of signing key goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg. They will be solid at the back, and fairly dependable up top with Dimitar Berbatov.

Jamie Allen: 12th - An improvement on last year, some good signings during the window but not enough for a top half place.

Nick Harris: 13th - Key additions this summer sees Fulham's back five in rude health, and if they sign another striker to play with the irrepressible Dimitar Berbatov, they should finish well clear of the relegation zone.

Callum Farrell: 14th - Fulham have become too reliant of Bulgarian striker Dimitar Berbatov and this limits the success they can enjoy. No spectacular signings this summer, but Maarten Stekelenburg looks like a good replacement for Mark Schwarzer.

Jenny Leigh: 14th - Jol has bought wisely, and I think they'll be tighter and more organized at the back but I still see them over-reliant on Berbatov and lacking real bite to their bark.

Ian Bolland: 15th - Fulham will have their usual mid-table season, though will probably flirt with the bottom more than they have done of late.

Vic Daniels: 15th - On the fringes of the relegation battle, but the experience of Martin Jol should seen them pick up enough points to survive (provided they don't sign Darren Bent).

Dan Coombs: 16th - Fulham won't have any relegation worries, but it won't be a successful season either. This will be another transitional year - until new owner Shad Khan begins to shake things up next year.

Graham Morris: 16th - The new owner doesn't appear to be one to flash the cash, so unless there's a last minute splurge expect Fulham to be saved once again by the fact that there's enough teams worse than them to fill the three relegation slots.

Vincent Ralph: 16th - In an ever-improving league Fulham are beginning to fall short. The signing of goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg is an outstanding piece of business, but in light of the sides around them, I can't see Martin Jol's side doing much apart from surviving.

Mathew Nash: 17th - The club have been cute in the market, but now they have signed a divisive player like Adel Taarabt, I just see them struggling this year. I do think the relegation fight is going to be very tight this year however - with only a few points in it...and Fulham should be just safe.



http://hereisthecity.com/2013/08/11/fulham-may-struggle-but-relegation-unlikely/?


WhiteJC

 
Manchester City U21 1 Fulham U21 2: Woodrow double seals victory for Cottagers' youngsters as Pellegrini watches loss

A second half double from Fulham's Cauley Woodrow meant Patrick Vieira's tenure as Manchester City elite development coach started with a defeat.

With Manuel Pellegrini watching on, City were unable to convert Jordi Hiwula's goal and first half dominance  into an opening weekend win in the Under 21 Premier League.

Instead it was a left to Woodrow, a prolific striker in Fulham's youth side whose game has drawn comparisons with Teddy Sheringham, to inspire a comeback.


Boss: First-team manager Manuel Pellegrini (second right) watched his young troops lose to Fulham

He levelled the match on 58 minutes with a low drive that beat Angus Gunn in the City goal and then scored a headed winner from a corner with 20 minutes to play at Ewen Fields, Hyde.

Fulham, who are coached by former City defender Kit Symons, immediately found themselves on the back foot against a Blues side that featured England international full-backs Greg Leigh and Shay Facey.

City midfielders Albert Rusnak, Marcos Lopes and Seko Fofana all had early chances as the hosts started their season with a high tempo and intensity.

And their reward came on the half-hour, when Fofana, an 18-year-old Frenchman likened to Yaya Toure for his box-to-box work, weaved past two Fulham defenders and set up Hiwula to score.

18-year-old Hiwula has been a regular name on the youth team scoresheet at City over these last few seasons and has also won England recognition. With Pellegrini accompanied by assistants Brian Kidd and Ruben Cousillas, Hiwula's goal and Fofana's build-up would certainly have been noted.


Making his point: Jordi Hiwula celebrates his opener for Manchester City

But with City seemingly in firm control, Fulham stunned them with an equaliser from a rare attack. Woodrow had to get the ball out from under his feet, but with Gunn approaching to close him down, he kept his composure well to score.

Woodrow showed another facet to his game 12 minutes later when rising highest to head home what proved to be the winner from a set-piece.

City have the chance to make amends for their opening day defeat against another London opponent, Tottenham, next Monday, while Fulham host Middlesbrough at Craven Cottage on Friday night.


On target: Cauley Woodrow scored twice for Fulham


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2389335/Manchester-City-U21-1-Fulham-U21-2-match-report.html#ixzz2bizaen8o
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

WhiteJC

 
Bruce aims to bolster Hull midfield with Spurs duo Huddlestone and Livermore

Hull want Jake Livermore on loan from Tottenham as well as a permanent deal for Tom Huddlestone.

Steve Bruce would love to add the Spurs central midfielders to his squad as he looks to keep the Tigers in the Premier League.

Andre Villas-Boas has plenty of midfielders to choose from, after signing Paulinho and welcoming Sandro back from injury.


Wanted man: Tottenham's Jake Livermore (right) could end up on loan at Hull this season


Out of favour? Huddlestone was played 26 times by Andre Villas-Boas last term


Bruce is also lining up a £2million deal for Wolves striker Kevin Doyle who is on £40,000 a week at Molineux.

Wolves are willing to compromise on the fee to get rid of the Republic of Ireland international's wages.

Huddlestone is also wanted by Sunderland and Fulham but the latter have also made enquiries about QPR midfielder Esteban Granero.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2389523/Hull-want-Jake-Livermore-loan-Tom-Huddlestone.html#ixzz2bj02KzMr
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

WhiteJC

 
Fulham Woes But It's Only Pre-Season

In an ideal world, Fulham's last two pre-season friendlies were meant to showcase Fulham under Shahid Khan's ownership to the fans, yet they only served to highlight the failures of the previous regime, with Fulham only managing a 1-1 draw against Real Betis and losing 2-1 to Parma.

The friendlies at Craven Cottage showed that defending crosses and set pieces were again a major problem with both Parma goals coming from headers. They also highlighted a lack of killer instinct, with the Cottagers taking the lead in both games through Steve Sidwell but not being able to hold on in either game.

There was a clear lack of pace up front, and Alex Kacaniklic was clearly missed. Against Betis, Hugo Rodallega came in for the Swede, but like most of last season, the Colombian was disappointing, and failed to offer pace or a true goal threat, before being replaced by Mesca, who also replaced Rodallega in the starting lineup versus Parma, but the youngster failed to live up to his pre-season hype, showing a few nice touches but no real end product. The Portuguese winger is not far from the Fulham first-team, but at the moment, he does not look like he is quite ready.

Dimitar Berbatov went off with a knock at half-time against Parma, and without the Bulgarian on the pitch, Fulham's threat up front was almost non-existent. After Mladen Petric's departure, Rodallega is the only other recognised Premier League striker in the squad, and should Berbatov get injured, Fulham will struggle to score goals if a proven goalscorer does not come in.

The new signings were also a mixed bag. Maarten Stekelenburg is a proven goalkeeper at the highest level, but he clearly does not yet have an understanding with the back four and he seems unsure when to come and when not to. However, he will surely improve by playing more with the team, although there has to be a fear at the back of Fulham fans' minds that he will carry on his form from Roma, where he failed to live up the heights of his time at Ajax.

Fernando Amorebieta looked like he has settled well alongside Brede Hangeland at the heart of the Fulham defence against Betis, and Fulham missed him when Aaron Hughes replaced him against Parma. The real star of the show, however, was Derek Boateng, who was given man of the match against Betis and showed that he has great close control and an eye for a pass, as well as not being afraid to put a foot in.

While the friendlies against Betis and Parma may be disappointing, it has to be remembered that they are only friendlies. Charlton beat Fulham in the last pre-season friendly a year ago, and only a week later beat Norwich 5-0 in the first game of the season. Only after the first match at Sunderland will it be fair to begin to properly judge how Fulham look this season.



Read more: http://pickourteam.com/premierleague/fulham/news/11-08-2013/fulham-woes-but-its-only-pre-season/841695?#ixzz2bj0crBIf


WhiteJC

 
Fulham send Matthew Briggs out on loan
FULHAM defender Matthew Briggs will again go on loan to the Championship along with Pajtim Kasami, Chris David and Marcello Trotta.




http://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/331927/Fulham-send-Matthew-Briggs-out-on-loan

WhiteJC

 
Send in the cavalry

Fulham fans have patiently endured a low-key summer, unsurprisingly perhaps with the disruption dictated by ownership of the club moving into new hands. Preparation for the new season saw the club take on three sides of some stature in European football -- top sides from the Bundesliga, La Liga and Serie A.

Fulham failed to beat any of them, and Saturday's 2-1 loss to Parma at a sun-kissed Cottage gave a stark reminder that last season's deficiencies have not been addressed. Fulham are yet to pay a fee for anyone under new owner Shahid Khan, but that fat wallet of his needs to come out soon or Fulham are in trouble.

If you wanted a litmus test as to where Fulham are currently falling short, the friendly with Parma laid out precisely how bare is the cupboard. This was a re-run of Martin Jol's team that worryingly nose-dived last season after a bright opening and came dangerously close to the drop zone following an awful run-in from March. Even before then, we had witnessed plenty of games where the gaffer's preferred 4-4-1-1 too often ended up with the Whites looking as if they were playing a 4-6-0, with the opposing keeper hardly being tested.

The opening phase of Saturday's friendly provided a re-run of last season's broken system. Fulham started brightly enough, easy-on-the-eye passing with fluidity on the deck, looking organised at the back. Steve Sidwell pulls out a plum with a stunning early shot from range to put Fulham ahead.

Midway through the half, Parma begin to take control as all Fulham's home possession fails to really open up the away side. And so it goes with this current style, with no incision or inspiration, and no Plan B -- Fulham's game just falls away.

While we must cut Jol some slack from the way the club have failed to provide him with lavish funds for new blood, the Dutchman's inflexibility, reluctance to abandon a failing system, and unimaginative football must surely call into question his suitability for the job going forward, while his record in the market is chequered.

The 4-4-1-1 must be abandoned. Fulham are slow enough as it is in moving the ball forward. They need less touches on the ball, not more. By no means am I suggesting we go long ball, but look to Everton's energetic style as a prime example of how to mix it up and get the ball into dangerous areas. Fulham simply do not carry enough goal threat -- pure and simple. Trotting out trite remarks to the press amplifying what we can all see only makes Jol look foolish.

The over-reliance on Dimitar Berbatov for goals was risky enough last season. Once he went off Saturday, Hugo Rodallega's second-half contribution was frighteningly inept in every department, underlining how urgent is the need to secure a quality striker within the next week.

Next to the current vacuum in midfield. Fulham have never recovered from the loss in rapid succession in the past 12 months of game-changing midfielders -- Danny Murphy, Clint Dempsey, Mousa Dembele and Mahamadou Diarra. Bryan Ruiz needs to come out of the team with immediate effect. Major reinforcements to midfield are desperately needed NOW. Fulham also need a strong leader on the pitch to captain and galvanise the side. They are mentally not tough enough. Fulham have some enterprising wingers at the club. The board need to focus on who they will put faith in and who can be off-loaded.

I would like to see Fulham try 4-5-1 with Ashkan Dejagah and Alex Kacaniklic perhaps coming off the bench to spark something. I am mystified as to why Damien Duff has been given another contract, or why John Arne Riise and Pajtim Kasami should even feature when both are about to be shipped out.

Sidwell is not of the standard to last 38 matches as your main man in midfield even though I cannot fault his attitude and he will chip in with the odd goal. Of course, as we have all known for an age, and Jol has finally conceded, Fulham need to find a decent left-back -- and quickly. More inept transfer dealing.

Considering professionals have all been playing the game in an organised capacity since schooldays, it's the least to expect they can stroke passes around the pitch over 20-30 metres. Ruiz can do that all day long. But to what effect? In the days of Johnny Haynes, in what was a fairly modest side, you heard this purr of appreciation and ripple of applause swell from the stands routinely as precision passes arrowed up to their targets. At least 10 times in each half. Saturday? Hard to recall a single moment of inspiration drawing gasps from the throat apart from Sidwell's rocket and one luscious dummy from Dimi.

The rest was mundane, laboured, uninspiring. Parma should have had more. Over to you Mr. Chairman. Time to call in the cavalry. No more loan deals (Giorgos Karagounis is a clown) or short-termism. Serious investment in the side is long overdue. Opinions expressed at the ground and on all message boards since suggest supporters all recognise the glaring deficiencies -- even Ruiz acolytes are melting away. Please tell us what do the board intend to do to stop the rot?



http://espnfc.com/blog/_/name/fulham/id/1180?cc=5739

Steven Ageroad

Quote from: WhiteJC on August 12, 2013, 05:21:20 AM

Send in the cavalry

Fulham fans have patiently endured a low-key summer, unsurprisingly perhaps with the disruption dictated by ownership of the club moving into new hands. Preparation for the new season saw the club take on three sides of some stature in European football -- top sides from the Bundesliga, La Liga and Serie A.

Fulham failed to beat any of them, and Saturday's 2-1 loss to Parma at a sun-kissed Cottage gave a stark reminder that last season's deficiencies have not been addressed. Fulham are yet to pay a fee for anyone under new owner Shahid Khan, but that fat wallet of his needs to come out soon or Fulham are in trouble.

If you wanted a litmus test as to where Fulham are currently falling short, the friendly with Parma laid out precisely how bare is the cupboard. This was a re-run of Martin Jol's team that worryingly nose-dived last season after a bright opening and came dangerously close to the drop zone following an awful run-in from March. Even before then, we had witnessed plenty of games where the gaffer's preferred 4-4-1-1 too often ended up with the Whites looking as if they were playing a 4-6-0, with the opposing keeper hardly being tested.

The opening phase of Saturday's friendly provided a re-run of last season's broken system. Fulham started brightly enough, easy-on-the-eye passing with fluidity on the deck, looking organised at the back. Steve Sidwell pulls out a plum with a stunning early shot from range to put Fulham ahead.

Midway through the half, Parma begin to take control as all Fulham's home possession fails to really open up the away side. And so it goes with this current style, with no incision or inspiration, and no Plan B -- Fulham's game just falls away.

While we must cut Jol some slack from the way the club have failed to provide him with lavish funds for new blood, the Dutchman's inflexibility, reluctance to abandon a failing system, and unimaginative football must surely call into question his suitability for the job going forward, while his record in the market is chequered.

The 4-4-1-1 must be abandoned. Fulham are slow enough as it is in moving the ball forward. They need less touches on the ball, not more. By no means am I suggesting we go long ball, but look to Everton's energetic style as a prime example of how to mix it up and get the ball into dangerous areas. Fulham simply do not carry enough goal threat -- pure and simple. Trotting out trite remarks to the press amplifying what we can all see only makes Jol look foolish.

The over-reliance on Dimitar Berbatov for goals was risky enough last season. Once he went off Saturday, Hugo Rodallega's second-half contribution was frighteningly inept in every department, underlining how urgent is the need to secure a quality striker within the next week.

Next to the current vacuum in midfield. Fulham have never recovered from the loss in rapid succession in the past 12 months of game-changing midfielders -- Danny Murphy, Clint Dempsey, Mousa Dembele and Mahamadou Diarra. Bryan Ruiz needs to come out of the team with immediate effect. Major reinforcements to midfield are desperately needed NOW. Fulham also need a strong leader on the pitch to captain and galvanise the side. They are mentally not tough enough. Fulham have some enterprising wingers at the club. The board need to focus on who they will put faith in and who can be off-loaded.

I would like to see Fulham try 4-5-1 with Ashkan Dejagah and Alex Kacaniklic perhaps coming off the bench to spark something. I am mystified as to why Damien Duff has been given another contract, or why John Arne Riise and Pajtim Kasami should even feature when both are about to be shipped out.

Sidwell is not of the standard to last 38 matches as your main man in midfield even though I cannot fault his attitude and he will chip in with the odd goal. Of course, as we have all known for an age, and Jol has finally conceded, Fulham need to find a decent left-back -- and quickly. More inept transfer dealing.

Considering professionals have all been playing the game in an organised capacity since schooldays, it's the least to expect they can stroke passes around the pitch over 20-30 metres. Ruiz can do that all day long. But to what effect? In the days of Johnny Haynes, in what was a fairly modest side, you heard this purr of appreciation and ripple of applause swell from the stands routinely as precision passes arrowed up to their targets. At least 10 times in each half. Saturday? Hard to recall a single moment of inspiration drawing gasps from the throat apart from Sidwell's rocket and one luscious dummy from Dimi.

The rest was mundane, laboured, uninspiring. Parma should have had more. Over to you Mr. Chairman. Time to call in the cavalry. No more loan deals (Giorgos Karagounis is a clown) or short-termism. Serious investment in the side is long overdue. Opinions expressed at the ground and on all message boards since suggest supporters all recognise the glaring deficiencies -- even Ruiz acolytes are melting away. Please tell us what do the board intend to do to stop the rot?

You've hit the nail on the head, totally agree with your comments in all departments, even Ruiz.



http://espnfc.com/blog/_/name/fulham/id/1180?cc=5739


MikeR

Quote from: WhiteJC on August 12, 2013, 05:11:22 AM

On target: Cauley Woodrow scored twice for Fulham


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2389335/Manchester-City-U21-1-Fulham-U21-2-match-report.html#ixzz2bizaen8o

FxPro must be pleased for the unpaid publicity. I guess the Daily Mail couldn't be bothered to take a picture of the MOTM from the actual match!
We are here and it is now. Further than that, all human knowledge is moonshine. - H. L. Mencken

farfouille

Quote from: MikeR on August 12, 2013, 01:08:46 PM
Quote from: WhiteJC on August 12, 2013, 05:11:22 AM

On target: Cauley Woodrow scored twice for Fulham


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2389335/Manchester-City-U21-1-Fulham-U21-2-match-report.html#ixzz2bizaen8o

FxPro must be pleased for the unpaid publicity. I guess the Daily Mail couldn't be bothered to take a picture of the MOTM from the actual match!

Yep, and they haven't changed the players' profile pictures yet: http://www.fulhamfc.com/the-teams/first-team
Come on, the season is about to start!
"Everybody's assuming [Berbatov will go] but as far as I know he is a Man United player....my mistake. Oh my God. He's a Fulham player."
- Rene Meulensteen

cmg

Thanks, as always, to White JC for providing these daily digests. Saves a fortune on buying the daily linens, for a start!

One or two observations:

Stats - Rich's 'Nuggets' article.
As we know, statistics aren't everything - in fact they are nothing without context or with too small a sample. However these do provide some numerical framwork to what most of us felt was a rather odd season.
Our performance away against top-half teams was, comparitively our most succesful area. We were very poor in terms of fighting back after going behind. And, worst of all, we were pathetically poor against the bottom four. All these things may be just one-off abberations, but might be  due to poor (or inflexible) tactics or to lack of character. Either way this is something for the manager to sort out.



Daily Mail report on u21s v Manchester City.
Presumably the Mail was moved to report an under 21 fixture because of City, but our victory emphasises just how strong we are at the moment. The City side, coached by Viera (I'm by no means suggesting that he might be a better coach than Kit Symons, but he is a bigger name), was chock fulll of young internationals (Drury, the sub, was the only one who wasn't) and they will be expecting to win this league.

Cauley Woodrow was compared here to Teddy Sheringham. I think I've seen this before somewhere and you can see the point. I thought I'd look at Sheringham's progress.
He debuted for Millwall at 16 (and scored), but wasn't rushed. He was loaned to 4th tier Aldershot and then had a season in Sweden. At 18 he was a regular for Millwall (2 years 2nd tier, 2 years top tier, 2 years 2nd tier). It wasn't until he went to Forest (the year they were relegated from the top flight) that his career began to take off. And he had to go to Spurs to get a cap at the rather late age of 27.
So, careful cultivation does, sometimes, pay dividends.




farfouille

Quote from: farfouille on August 12, 2013, 01:15:26 PM
Quote from: MikeR on August 12, 2013, 01:08:46 PM
Quote from: WhiteJC on August 12, 2013, 05:11:22 AM

On target: Cauley Woodrow scored twice for Fulham


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2389335/Manchester-City-U21-1-Fulham-U21-2-match-report.html#ixzz2bizaen8o

FxPro must be pleased for the unpaid publicity. I guess the Daily Mail couldn't be bothered to take a picture of the MOTM from the actual match!

Yep, and they haven't changed the players' profile pictures yet: http://www.fulhamfc.com/the-teams/first-team
Come on, the season is about to start!
As if they heard me - they must have put the new photos a couple of hours later: http://www.fulhamfc.com/the-teams/first-team

No big photo on the top?
"Everybody's assuming [Berbatov will go] but as far as I know he is a Man United player....my mistake. Oh my God. He's a Fulham player."
- Rene Meulensteen