Thursday Fulham Stuff (12/09/13)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham youngster reveals Napoli dream

Fulham striker Marcello Trotta has set his sights on breaking into Martin Jol's first team this year - although he admits he would jump at the chance to play for Napoli in the future.

Trotta is currently back on loan at Brentford, where he spent six months last season, and he is set to return to his parent club in January.

The Italian admits he would relish the opportunity to return to first club Napoli - although featuring regularly for Fulham is his main priority.

When asked if he wanted to return to Italy, he told Tuttomercatoweb:  "If there were opportunities in Italy I would evaluate them. One day I'd like to return to wear the blue shirt [of Napoli].

"This is an important year for me because I hope to help my current team, Brentford, achieve the goal of promotion and increase my tally of goals, but also because I want to be able to secure a chance in the Fulham first team after three seasons out on loan."



Read more at http://talksport.com/football/fulham-youngster-reveals-napoli-dream-13091159513#EmQVf2AOLJLf67Di.99

[WhiteJC]

 
The Number Cruncher: Craven Cottage remains a fortress for Fulham

Andrew Atherley says Fulham's excellent long-term home record makes them a good win bet against West Brom

Where are West Brom going to finish this season? The question is pertinent for Saturday's trip to Fulham and, if the answer is that Steve Clarke's team will end up in the bottom half - as the evidence increasingly indicates - the hosts look a good bet at 2.16.

Fulham have an excellent long-term home record against bottom-half teams, with a win rate of 63% during their 12 seasons in the Premier League. That has made them good value in that category, as the win rate indicates their true odds should be around 1.6, while in reality they are often better than even-money.

The difficulty, of course, is knowing which teams will finish in the bottom half, but West Brom were one of the more likely to be in that group before the season kicked off and they appear even stronger candidates now.

The Baggies are bottom of the table with just one point from three games, which means they have taken only 24 points from their last 28 league matches. That is relegation form, let alone an indicator that they will finish in the bottom half.

The figures show that Craven Cottage is one of the more difficult venues for bottom-half teams to visit. The only two seasons when Fulham's home win rate in that category fell below 50% were 2006-07 and 2007-08, which encompassed the dog days of Chris Coleman's reign and the subsequent problems until Roy Hodgson's first full season in charge.

In five seasons since, their home win rate against bottom-half teams has been 69% - even better than the 65% achieved during their first five seasons in the Premier League.

Martin Jol's first two seasons brought a 63% home win rate against bottom-half teams (bang on the overall average) and, having played Arsenal in their first home game of the season, Saturday's match is Fulham's first opportunity of the season to welcome one of the lower-rated sides to the Cottage.

West Brom's recent away record will encourage Fulham and their backers. They have lost six out of 10 on the road in this calendar year and their only away points came when they kept a clean sheet.

A shutout at the Cottage will be difficult, as Fulham have scored in 17 of their 19 home games against bottom-half teams under Jol. Fulham have won 12 of those 17 games in which they have scored - a win rate of 71%. Not surprisingly, West Brom not to keep a clean sheet is 1.25 on Saturday.

When all the form factors are taken into account, odds of 2.16 for a Fulham win look good value.

***

Being against West Brom away and for Ipswich at home was a costly approach three weeks ago, but it is worth another go on Saturday when Ipswich host Middlesbrough.

Despite a 2-1 defeat by Leeds in their last home match, Ipswich have won 11 out of 18 at Portman Road under Mick McCarthy, including eight of the last 11. Last season's record was particularly strong against teams that finished outside the top six (W8 D3 L0) and, while Leeds may challenge for the top six this season, it is questionable whether Middlesbrough have the quality to stop Ipswich.

McCarthy's side are 2.42 for the win and at those odds it is worth taking the risk that they have not declined significantly this season.

Recommended bets
Back Fulham to beat West Brom at 2.16
Back Ipswich to beat Middlesbrough at 2.42
2013/14 P/L (all selections 1pt)
-0.86pt


http://betting.betfair.com/football/the-number-cruncher/the-number-cruncher-craven-cottage-remains-a-fortress-for-fulham-110913-148.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
Ruiz leads the party



Fulham's Bryan Ruiz captained Costa Rica to the World Cup finals on a nervy night in Kingston.

Ruiz's side were moments away from securing their spot when Jamaica made it 1-1, leaving them relying on Panama slipping up away to Honduras.

An hour later the Costa Ricans got the news they wanted as the match in Tegucigalpa ended 2-2.

Ruiz (above) said: "We're happy and very thankful with all those who supported us through this. It is for all of Costa Rica."

The United States also qualified from CONCACAF after a 2-0 win over Mexico, who are down to fifth in the six‑team group. Argentina are through from South America after a 5-2 win over Paraguay.



http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/ruiz-leads-the-party-8809017.html

[WhiteJC]

 
West Brom midfielder James Morrison a doubt for Fulham clash
Albion midfielder James Morrison is a major doubt for Saturday's trip to Fulham with the groin injury he suffered against Swansea.

The Scotland international is still sidelined from training and is touch and go to make the trip to Craven Cottage at the weekend.

On-loan striker Matej Vydra is still ruled out with a hamstring injury but boss Steve Clarke otherwise hopes for a clean bill of health.

The Baggies are still searching for their first win and first goal of the Premier League season after three games but boosted their squad with three attacking signings on transfer deadline day.

Head coach Clarke said: "The club had a good deadline day.

"We brought in some good players that will hopefully boost the club.

"I don't look at league tables at this stage of the season. It's the end of the season when it matters.

"When we were near the top at this stage last season I didn't look, and this season I don't look at this stage either."



http://www.expressandstar.com/sport/west-bromwich-albion-fc/2013/09/11/west-brom-midfielder-james-morrison-a-doubt-for-fulham-clash/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Revealed: How Mourinho secured his son Fulham trial

Chelsea's west London rivals are set to offer the 13-year-old goalkeeper student terms but must get international clearance before they can sign him to their youth set-up

Jose Mourinho's teenage son is currently on trial at Fulham but only after a personal intervention from his famous father, Goal can reveal.

Mourinho approached the academy of Chelsea's west London rivals earlier this summer about giving an opportunity to his 13-year-old son Jose junior.

Sources say Mourinho chose Fulham because he wanted his son close to the family home in London while avoiding accusations of nepotism had he joined the youth set-up at Chelsea.

Mourinho's son had previously been playing for Real Madrid's Canillas team while his father was manager at the Bernabeu.

Goal understands that Fulham have been so impressed by the teenage goalkeeper that they have decided to offer him student terms when his five-week trial imminently expires, which will entail three training sessions during the week and a weekend match.

However, the Craven Cottage club must wait for international clearance from Fifa before signing up the Portuguese schoolboy.

Under Fifa rules, clubs must provide evidence to the world governing body that a youngster from overseas is recruited for 'non footballing reasons'.

Sources say Fulham are confident of clearing this red-tape hurdle as Jose junior has moved to England solely because of his famous father's job.

But it is likely to be months before the youngster is formally given the green light by Fifa due to bureaucratic reasons.



http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2892/transfer-zone/2013/09/11/4253509/-?

[WhiteJC]

 
Breaking into the Starting XI This Year?

Over in another part of West London, Marcello Trotta is hoping that his second loan spell, at Griffin Park, can be the catapult for a potential place in the Fulham starting eleven.

Trotta, at Brentford until January, has been quoted as having remarked about his situation,

"This is an important year for me because I hope my current team, Brentford, achieve the goal of promotion and increase my tally of goals, but also because I want to be able to secure a chance in the Fulham first team after three seasons out on loan."

Does Trotta have a chance of realising this dream or is it just wishful thinking?

Your opinions would be most valued.



Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=331908#ixzz2ee6dAKnG

[WhiteJC]

 
Five Questions for Martin Jol

Does Berbatov still fancy it?
This must be a worry for the boss, with Dimitar Berbatov looking monumentally disinterested throughout the first three games of the season. With Pajtim Kasami often the most advanced Fulham player on the pitch, the Bulgarian prancer has spent a lot of time scowling on the right wing. He clearly doesn't like it there. Fulham fans are all too familiar with Berba's withering looks aimed at his inferior teammates but this season he has taken his contempt to new levels. I couldn't care less whether he fancies it or not; Martin Jol needs to get him in the game and on the ball. After all, he remains our best player by a country mile.

Is Amorebieta ever going to pull on a Fulham shirt?
The Venezuelan central defender played for his country again last night but is yet to don the white of Fulham in a competitive game. After a trip home this week, will he be in good enough shape for a start against West Bromwich Albion? This must be an infuriating situation for Jol but frankly, even a 75% fit Fernando Amorebieta could do much to improve our creaking and dozy defence.

Has Stockdale done enough to keep his place?
No. David Stockdale has done a decent job in the past few games, he is a good shot-stopper, but he is no Premier League number one. Maarten Stekelenburg, by contrast, is top quality. With Stekelenburg back in the side, I don't think it will be long before we are talking about how much our defence has tightened up. Furthermore, he will add a whole new dimension when it comes to our counter-attacking play.

Is Kasami the answer to our central midfield woes?
He just might be. Jol surprised many by picking Kasami for the opening game of the season at Sunderland and he impressed again in the games against Arsenal and Burton Albion. Although he has been played by Jol across the attacking midfield three, and even up front at times, his calmness on the ball, strength, drive and turn of pace suggest that he is more than capable of sitting deeper in midfield alongside Scott Parker. Whether Jol is willing to give the young Swiss a shot in that role remains to be seen.

What has happened to Dejagah?
Ashkan Dejagah was one of the few bright spots of last season, dovetailing brilliantly with Sascha Riether on the right flank until the Iranian's season-ending ankle injury. By all accounts Dejagah is fit, so why isn't he even making it onto the bench? He has pace, is direct and works his socks off covering his full back; the same can't be said of Adel Taarabt, Bryan Ruiz or Alex Kacaniklic. Jol's side looks totally unbalanced at present; Dejagah is one of the few options he has to correct that.
Published by: Henry Hoare


Read more: http://pickourteam.com/premierleague/fulham/news/11-09-2013/five-questions-for-martin-jol/846282?#ixzz2ee6p2trc

[WhiteJC]

 
Jones Looking To End Fulham Hoodoo
   
Billy Jones has said that our new signings have looked good in training, and everybody is determined to pick up our first win in seven attempts at Craven Cottage this weekend.

Speaking to wba.co.uk with reference to the hoodoo's we broke last season, Billy said he feels the strength we have added will help us get back to that sort of form in the league, starting with Fulham.

'The new boys have looked really good in training, you can see all the qualities there, and fair play to the club, they have made some great signings which are only going to help the squad.'

We will also shortly be boosted by the return of George Thorne and Zoltan Gera which will give the manager even more options, although in the case of Thorne his return to reserve action has been put on hold after he picked up a minor knock in training. He was planning on playing in the U21 game against Arsenal tomorrow, but that's now been put on hold so he doesn't aggravate his comeback or his knock further at this stage.

In Steve Clarke's words it's not worth the risk when a bit more patience makes far more sense.

Jones continues to add that everybody at the club is focused on getting us that first win and kicking on again this campaign.


Read more: http://www.wba.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=331929#ixzz2ee7AcCxM

[WhiteJC]

 
Ghana: English League Is Tough but I Will Leave a Good Mark Here, Derek Boateng.

Ghana international Derek Boateng admit the English Premier league is very tough but was quick to add that he is there to face the challenge and leave a good mark there. Boateng who joined the Cottagers on a free transfer in May after being released by Ukrainian side Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk has promise his fans to expect more from him in this year's season. Even though he has played only one full game for the craven cottage side, he believe the season just started so more is yet to come from him.

Boateng said he is gradually getting used to the premier league and will bouce back very soon. "It's been a very good experience for me," Boateng told the club's website. "Being in the Premier League has been great and training alongside the kind of players we have here at Fulham. I'm getting used to the league and am very excited to be here. It's a very tough league, but a very good league. Everyone is trying to do their best and every game you play is very tough. The stadium is usually full at every club which shows how much the fans love the football here and I have definitely found the right team and I am so happy to be able to play here."

The veteran midfielder has had stints in Greece, Israel, Germany and Spain before he joined Ukrainian club FC Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk where he started brightly but later had a burst-up with Juande Ramos after making his intention of leaving known.



http://allafrica.com/stories/201309111227.html?viewall=1

[WhiteJC]

 
Clock starting to tick on Martin Jol at Fulham

The season may only be three games old, but there is already significant discontent brewing over Fulham's start to the season – with good reason too, this team is not currently adding-up to the sum of its parts.

Martin Jol is a good manager, and for a team of a certain size in a specific situation, he's ideal – but as he demonstrated at Tottenham, he does have his frailties and he does have a shelf-life. That sounds terribly patronising, but it's just the truth: Jol is not a tactician, and instead he relies on cultivating relationships with individual players and galvanising a side to play above itself – that's a great virtue to have, but there is an expiration date attached to it, and there will always be a point at which players stop responding to that kind of approach.

Jol may not be in actual trouble yet at Craven Cottage, but he is vulnerable – and even more so if his side fail to beat 20th-placed West Brom at the weekend. Shahid Khan has inherited the Dutchman as his manager, he did not appoint him, and how often does that situation end badly? Khan will have his own ideas about how Fulham should run, and that will extend beyond the commercial arena and onto the pitch: basically, Jol doesn't want to give his new boss any excuse to start thinking about 'new directions' or 'changes in approach' – and that's what losing to West Brom would, in effect, encourage.

The current situation at Craven Cottage isn't solely the manager's responsibility, because he's being let down quite badly by some of his more senior players – but it will be far easier for Khan to hold Jol accountable than it would for him to turn his guns on Dimitar Berbatov, Bryan Ruiz, or Steve Sidwell.

Let's not be melodramatic, Jol isn't in 'one game to save his job' territory yet, but if his side give the same calibre of performance on Saturday as they did away to Newcastle ten days ago, then he will be heading in that direction.

Big weekend for Fulham.



http://thepremierleagueowl.com/clock-starting-to-tick-on-martin-jol-at-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham Target AC Milan Youngster

Fulham have reportedly set their sights on AC Milan forward M'Baye Niang and could make a move for him in January.

The 18-year-old joined the Rossoneri in 2012 from French side Caen but has yet to make a big impact at the Italian club.

As a result of the recent additions of Kaka and Alessandro Matri, the Frenchman could see less time on the pitch due to the crowded attack and a change in tactics from coach Massimiliano Allegri.

According to Sportmediaset, Fulham could look to acquire the youngster on loan in a deal that was similar to the one they had for Milan midfielder Urby Emanuelson, who spent the second half of the 2012-13 season with the Premier League team.

It's also been reported that other Serie A sides like Sampdoria and Genoa may also push to secure the player's services on loan come this winter.

Niang became the second youngest goalscorer in the Diavolo's history after scoring his first goal for the club at the age of 17 years and 350 days in their Coppa Italia match against Reggina last season.


http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2013/09/fulham-target-ac-milan-youngster/?

[fulhamben]

Fulham Target AC Milan Youngster

Fulham have reportedly set their sights on AC Milan forward M’Baye Niang and could make a move for him in January.

The 18-year-old joined the Rossoneri in 2012 from French side Caen but has yet to make a big impact at the Italian club.

As a result of the recent additions of Kaka and Alessandro Matri, the Frenchman could see less time on the pitch due to the crowded attack and a change in tactics from coach Massimiliano Allegri.

According to Sportmediaset, Fulham could look to acquire the youngster on loan in a deal that was similar to the one they had for Milan midfielder Urby Emanuelson, who spent the second half of the 2012-13 season with the Premier League team.

It’s also been reported that other Serie A sides like Sampdoria and Genoa may also push to secure the player’s services on loan come this winter.

Niang became the second youngest goalscorer in the Diavolo’s history after scoring his first goal for the club at the age of 17 years and 350 days in their Coppa Italia match against Reggina last season.


http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2013/09/fulham-target-ac-milan-youngster/?

this makes no sense. why loan in an untried 18 year old when we could just promote the impressive woodrow to the first team squad

[Craven Mad]

Fulham Target AC Milan Youngster

Fulham have reportedly set their sights on AC Milan forward M'Baye Niang and could make a move for him in January.

The 18-year-old joined the Rossoneri in 2012 from French side Caen but has yet to make a big impact at the Italian club.

As a result of the recent additions of Kaka and Alessandro Matri, the Frenchman could see less time on the pitch due to the crowded attack and a change in tactics from coach Massimiliano Allegri.

According to Sportmediaset, Fulham could look to acquire the youngster on loan in a deal that was similar to the one they had for Milan midfielder Urby Emanuelson, who spent the second half of the 2012-13 season with the Premier League team.

It's also been reported that other Serie A sides like Sampdoria and Genoa may also push to secure the player's services on loan come this winter.

Niang became the second youngest goalscorer in the Diavolo's history after scoring his first goal for the club at the age of 17 years and 350 days in their Coppa Italia match against Reggina last season.


http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2013/09/fulham-target-ac-milan-youngster/?

this makes no sense. why loan in an untried 18 year old when we could just promote the impressive woodrow to the first team squad

Because Niang is twice the player (today) that Cauley currently is. He's also a totally different striker. Really pacey and moves into the channels more.. I'd compare him to Welbeck.

Problem is, that currently, his finishing is awful. Confidence from a regular starting place might change that, but I wouldn't want to take the risk. Plus, he drops deep and goes wide far too often. We need players who stay in formation. If coached right, he could turn into a great player (maybe like Papiss Cisse??). But, as a loan, no from me.

[MJG]

Problem is, that currently, his finishing is awful

LOL, Welcome to Fulham, exactly the kind of striker we are used to

[Sammyffc]

Niang is absolutely rapid . 3 times the speed of woodrow

[Fulham76]

Five Questions for Martin Jol

Does Berbatov still fancy it?
This must be a worry for the boss, with Dimitar Berbatov looking monumentally disinterested throughout the first three games of the season. With Pajtim Kasami often the most advanced Fulham player on the pitch, the Bulgarian prancer has spent a lot of time scowling on the right wing. He clearly doesn’t like it there. Fulham fans are all too familiar with Berba’s withering looks aimed at his inferior teammates but this season he has taken his contempt to new levels. I couldn’t care less whether he fancies it or not; Martin Jol needs to get him in the game and on the ball. After all, he remains our best player by a country mile.

Is Amorebieta ever going to pull on a Fulham shirt?
The Venezuelan central defender played for his country again last night but is yet to don the white of Fulham in a competitive game. After a trip home this week, will he be in good enough shape for a start against West Bromwich Albion? This must be an infuriating situation for Jol but frankly, even a 75% fit Fernando Amorebieta could do much to improve our creaking and dozy defence.

Has Stockdale done enough to keep his place?
No. David Stockdale has done a decent job in the past few games, he is a good shot-stopper, but he is no Premier League number one. Maarten Stekelenburg, by contrast, is top quality. With Stekelenburg back in the side, I don’t think it will be long before we are talking about how much our defence has tightened up. Furthermore, he will add a whole new dimension when it comes to our counter-attacking play.

Is Kasami the answer to our central midfield woes?
He just might be. Jol surprised many by picking Kasami for the opening game of the season at Sunderland and he impressed again in the games against Arsenal and Burton Albion. Although he has been played by Jol across the attacking midfield three, and even up front at times, his calmness on the ball, strength, drive and turn of pace suggest that he is more than capable of sitting deeper in midfield alongside Scott Parker. Whether Jol is willing to give the young Swiss a shot in that role remains to be seen.

What has happened to Dejagah?
Ashkan Dejagah was one of the few bright spots of last season, dovetailing brilliantly with Sascha Riether on the right flank until the Iranian’s season-ending ankle injury. By all accounts Dejagah is fit, so why isn’t he even making it onto the bench? He has pace, is direct and works his socks off covering his full back; the same can’t be said of Adel Taarabt, Bryan Ruiz or Alex Kacaniklic. Jol’s side looks totally unbalanced at present; Dejagah is one of the few options he has to correct that.
Published by: Henry Hoare


Read more: http://pickourteam.com/premierleague/fulham/news/11-09-2013/five-questions-for-martin-jol/846282?#ixzz2ee6p2trc

I've thought of a 6th... Why don't we attack?

[jmh]

Niang is absolutely rapid . 3 times the speed of woodrow

I've never seen Woodrow play so I couldn't compare the two, but Niang is REALLY fast.  I went to Milan's friendly against Chelsea here in the States and he was the fastest guy on the pitch.  I'm not sure what the value of taking him on loan would be, though, as opposed to a more developed player like Emanuelson who was in position to contribute at the top level at the time of the loan.