Thursday Fulham Stuff (26/09/13)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Ruiz ready for Fulham return
by DAN on SEPTEMBER 25, 2013



Martin Jol believes Bryan Ruiz will be fit enough to return to action in Fulham's home game against Cardiff City on Saturday.

The Fulham manager opted not to include Ruiz in his side for last night's Capital One Cup win over Everton as he wasn't quite fit enough following his recovery from an ankle injury he picked up in the closing stages of the 1-1 draw with West Brom twelve days ago. Jol is hopeful, however, that the Costa Rican international will be fit for the crucial game against Cardiff as Fulham search for the victory that would propel them out of the relegation zone.

It was a risk to involve him, that's why I played Kasami. Kieran Richardson was rested and Aaron Hughes wasn't 100% fit.

Dimitar Berbatov, who made a goalscoring return to the side after missing the derby defeat to Chelsea at the weekend, should start up but the real question will be whether Jol chooses to pair Darren Bent, who grabbed the winner against Everton shortly after coming off the bench, with the Bulgarian up front.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2013/09/ruiz-ready-for-fulham-return/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Analysing David Stockdale's late save for Fulham last night

How much did Fulham need this?

It's only the league cup, and if they don't use the momentum from last night's win to spark their Premier League form then it really counts for nothing, but this could potentially be turning point for Martin Jol and his players.

It could have been a much longer night, though, had David Stockdale's legs not kept-out Seamus Coleman's late attempt.



In terms of an actual save, this isn't particularly memorable, but what makes it impressive is the distance Stockdale makes-up and how quickly he does it. At the point above, Seamus Coleman has to score, and the camera angle really doesn't do justice to how much of the goal is actually exposed.



Yes, Coleman should have equalised, but he doesn't do that much wrong – how many times do we see players going back across a goalkeeper and scoring in situations just like this? The shot is really close to him, but Stockdale has recovered that position and don't underestimate how tough that it is to do – goalkeepers work at this all the time in training: getting-up, making ground, make the save. Whoever Fulham's goalkeeping coach is has earned his money this week.

...and, while it looks easy, making a save with your feet when moving in the opposite direction is actually quite tricky. This will be remembered as a spurned opportunity, and even though that's true it's still an excellent bit of goalkeeping.


http://thepremierleagueowl.com/analysing-david-stockdales-late-save-for-fulham-last-night/

[WhiteJC]

 
Bents Delight

Darren Bent praised Fulham's character after the Whites came from behind to defeat Everton 2-1 in Round Three of the Capital One Cup on Tuesday night.

Trailing 1-0 at the break after Steven Naismith's strike, the Whites were a different proposition in the second half and goals from Dimitar Berbatov and substitute Bent saw Fulham through to the next round.

"I thought it was a positive performance," Bent told the official website. "It was a hard game – you know what you're going to get when you play against Everton. They're a strong side and always make it difficult but I thought we showed character to come back from 1-0 down and get the result.

"The second half was probably the best we've played this season. In the first half we weren't poor but Everton did well and put us under pressure. Second half, we got to grips with them, created chances and scored two goals. There was really only one stage at the end where Stocky [David Stockdale] prevented it from being 2-2.

"We defended really well and I felt that would give us a chance at the other end on the counter. I thought we thoroughly deserved the win."

Following his introduction from the bench in the 65th minute, Bent made an almost immediate impact. After Scott Parker had won a free-kick , Giorgos Karagounis deceived everyone by feeding Bent down the left, with the England man firing past Joel Robles.

"I've come in and want to play games and score as many goals as possible," stated Bent. "It was nice to come on and pop one in after the Chelsea game where I had a chance but Petr Cech saved it. It was good to get a chance and take it.

"I hadn't discussed it with Giorgos; I just had a look at the situation, he gave me the ball and I got a shot at goal and it managed to go in."

The win sets the Whites up nicely for the visit of Cardiff City on Saturday as Martin Jol's side look to move on up the Barclays Premier League table.

"There's no reason why we can't go on and have a really good season," stated Bent. "We'll take great confidence from that performance and now it's all about Cardiff on Saturday.

"You never want to go into a home game having lost your last one so we've got the win and we go from there."

Make sure you're at the Cottage to cheer on the boys again this weekend against Cardiff. Tickets are on sale now from £35 adults and £15 juniors. Find out more here.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/september/25/bents-delight?

[WhiteJC]

 
Martin Jol targets Premier League run with Fulham following Capital One Cup victory over Everton
The Cottagers advanced to the fourth round for the first time since 2004

Martin Jol hopes Fulham will start climbing the Barclays Premier League table after they ended their six-month wait for a home win by beating Everton.

Second-half goals from Dimitar Berbatov and Darren Bent gave Fulham a 2-1 victory over Everton in the third round of the Capital One Cup on Tuesday night.

It was Fulham's first victory inside 90 minutes since their opening-day win over Sunderland and it came after a wretched run of five defeats and one draw in the club's previous six home games.

Fulham's poor early-season form means they are in the Premier League relegation zone, but Jol hopes the win will give his team the boost they need to start moving away from trouble.

"It is a relief to win because it is a long time since Sunderland," Jol said.

"I think if you look at our programme, we had three away games and two of them were against Arsenal and Chelsea so we were probably fortunate to get one away win against Sunderland.

"If the mentality stays the same as it was tonight then we have two home games (against Cardiff and Stoke) coming up now so hopefully we can get back in the other half of the table."

Berbatov slotted a loose ball in the box past Joel Robles to cancel out Steven Naismith's opener before Bent grabbed the winner less than three minutes after coming off the bench in the second half.

Everton had looked set to stroll to victory after dominating a first half in which Gerard Deulofeu, Romelu Lukaku and Steven Naismith all starred.

But after being booed off at half-time Fulham responded well with experienced heads like that of 32-year-old Scott Parker proving vital.

"The goal they scored was a hammer blow, everyone was thinking 'there we go again'," Jol said.

"But people like Scott Parker are a big influence, I am happy he's here.

"He's a leader. Of course there are other experienced players, but I'm very happy with his influence.

"He comes from another club, and he tells the players if we're doing okay, or if we need more goals, or to be a bit more clever.

"That's what he adds to us."

Roberto Martinez was mystified as to how his team did not kill the match off when they dominated the first half.

"We had two or three great opportunities, but couldn't take advantage so that's a disappointment," the Everton manager said.

"We lacked a bit of composure in the final third and that cost us.

"There are many things we need to learn form it."

One crumb of comfort for Martinez was the performance of Barcelona loanee Deulofeu, who caused Fulham's defence problems all night with his skill and pace.

"He's a real threat," the Spaniard added.

"His play deserved more goals in the first half, and that would have been the difference."

PA



http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/martin-jol-targets-premier-league-run-with-fulham-following-capital-one-cup-victory-over-everton-8838620.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham 2-1 Everton: Player ratings
by DAN on SEPTEMBER 25, 2013



This was a tense evening at Craven Cottage. Fulham were laboured, pedestrian and predictable in the first period and afforded Everton's adventurous midfield far too much space, which they exploited to great effect through Steven Naismith's intelligent runs across the back line. But, just as you thought you'd seen this movie far too many times in recent weeks, Martin Jol's side responded with a high-tempo second half, full of pace, passion and a hatful of chances. Far from being shot-shy, Fulham had 23 attempts at goal last night – and that new-found forward momentum should serve them well in three upcoming crucial league fixtures – against Cardiff, Stoke and Crystal Palace.

Stockdale: A solid display from the Fulham goalkeeper after the disappointment of conceding that sloppy first goal at Stamford Bridge. Made a smart save from Naismith prior to the Everton goal and produced two brilliant stops with his legs late on to deny Coleman and Lukaku splendidly to preserve Fulham's advantage. 7

Zverotic: This was an eye-catching debut from Fulham's new Montenegrin signing. Although most comfortable as a defensive midfielder, Zverotic's versatility means he can cover several positions and he certainly didn't look out of place at right back. Defensively solid against the impressive Naismith, Zverotic was comfortable on the ball and eager to come forward. He sent over a dangerous early cross for Berbatov and often supplemented the attack superbly. On this evidence, there's now some welcome competition for Sascha Riether. 8

Senderos: Offered a first-team chance after Jol opted to rest Fernando Amorebieta, Senderos was dependable enough but at times struggled against the pace and physicality of Romelu Lukaku. Made a couple of timely blocks and clearances as Fulham came under pressure in the closing stages. 6

Hangeland: This must be pretty close to Hangeland's best display of the season. Commanding the air and composed on the ball, the Fulham captain's reading of the game was first class. He rescued his side from danger several times, making one outstanding last-ditch saving tackle to end a dangerous Deufoleu run and eventually managed to nullify Lukaku's threat. 7

Riise: His struggles against the pace and inventiveness of Deufoleu showed just why Riise's slipped so far down the pecking order in recent months. The Norwegian veteran seemed reluctant to close down Deufoleu and when he did the on-loan Barcelona winger simply danced past him. The assured nature with which he raided forward seems to be a thing of the past too and his only real attacking combination, a hopeful shot from the edge of the box that flew high into the Putney End smacked of desperation. 5

Karagounis: The Greek veteran got some game time and delivered an accomplished performance anchoring the midfield. Strong in the tackle as usual, showed for the ball regularly, kept possession well and as Taarabt drifted infield, took up some promising positions on the left. A clever bit of improvisation from the free-kick gave Bent a shooting chance for the winner and he came through the final ninety minutes unscathed. 7

Parker: He might have played Naismith onside in a desperate attempt to provide some cover for the defence, but barring that blemish, Parker was excellent last night. His organisation and leadership qualities, mopping up in midfield, came into their own during a disappointing first half and he was quite happy to carry the ball forward too. With every game, he looks an excellent addition – and should he stay fit, Parker will have a defining impact on our season. 7

Kacaniklic: Playing him from the right didn't really work. Eager to cut inside onto his favoured left foot, the Swede was easily marshalled by Everton's defence. Took up some good positions infield but too Fulham failed to find him in the first half. Had a powerful shot tipped wide by Robles as the Whites pressed for an equaliser at the start of the second half and looked far more effective in his natural left-wing position once Taraabt had been substituted. 6

Taraabt: Struggled to impose himself on the game from the left. Full of tricks and eager running, but his end product amounted to little. Fed a few clever passes into Berbatov's feet, but couldn't get beyond the central striker, which is where you feel he'll be most effective. Faded badly before being replaced – and you feel he'd be much more regular threat to defences if deployed just behind the striker. 6

Kasami: Followed on from an impressive display at Stamford Bridge with a high-octane performance, showing the level of maturity and inventiveness that had everyone so excited two summers ago when he arrived at Craven Cottage. Very industrious, he became far more involved in the second half, driving forward to great effect and sending over some dangerous crosses. Will be very interesting to see whether he keeps his place against Cardiff come Saturday. 7

Berbatov: Quiet in the first half, but so eager to influence proceedings he often dropped deep to show for the ball. Perhaps should have done better with his two headers, the first when he arched his back to reach an inviting Zverotic cross and the second inside the six-yard box from a corner. Showed his predatory instincts to pounce when Coleman's tackle on Taraabt brought the ball his way to equalise and complimented Bent well in the closing stages. 7

Subs:

Amorebieta: Has been really impressive coming off the bench to offer an attacking option at left back in the last two home matches. Quickly let Deufoleu know he was around with a crunching tackle by the touchline, which saw the Everton winger switch flanks, and gave Fulham far more going forward than Riise had. Delivered a couple of excellent crosses – and might be considered as a serious option at full-back now. 7

Bent: Made his mark on proceedings almost immediately with an instinctive finish from Karagounis' quickly-taken free-kick. His pace offered a threat in behind the Everton back-line that Fulham had previously lacked, although he still looks some way short of his sharpest. Jol spoke afterwards about the need to 'integrate' him more, so a switch in system to pair Bent with Berbatov could be on the cards. 7


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2013/09/fulham-2-1-everton-player-ratings/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Jol throws down the gauntlet to Fulham young gun


Buomesca Tue Na Banga

MARTIN Jol will give Boumesca Tue Na Bangna until January to force his way into Fulham's first team – or send him out on loan.

The Portuguese winger made his debut as a second-half substitute in Saturday's derby defeat at Chelsea.

Mesca, who signed a new long-term deal in April, has leapfrogged Iranian international Ashkan Dejagah in the queue for Fulham's right-wing spot.

And boss Jol has challenged the 20-year-old to fight it out with Bryan Ruiz and Damien Duff for a regular place in the side.

"I told Mesca if he starts scoring goals and giving us assists he could be the number one," said the Dutch manager.

"I will wait until January [to loan him out] because he's in contention for the first team."



Read more: Fulham Chronicle http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/fulham-fc/2013/09/25/82029-33884805/?#ixzz2fyrrWkEZ

[WhiteJC]

 
'Take a sledgehammer to it!' - fans welcome images released by Fulham confirming Michael Jackson statue is history


He's out of my life: The Michael Jackson statue bows out of Craven Cottage

Fulham today posted images of their much-maligned Michael Jackson statue being wheeled away - much to the delight of supporters.

The West London club confirmed last week that the controversial installation which was erected at Craven Cottage in 2009, would be returned to former owner Mohamed Fayed.

The sculpture of the late pop singer was deemed inappropriate for the ground's new Riverside development plans by new owner Shahid Khan who bought the club for £150m this summer.

Fulham fans reacted positively to the images posted by the club on Twitter and Instagram. One supporter responded: 'Take a sledgehammer to it!' while another tweeted: 'This makes me so happy.'


http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/take-a-sledgehammer-to-it--fans-welcome-images-released-by-fulham-confirming-michael-jackson-statue-is-history-8838857.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Kacaniklic: Comeback win was for Jol
by DAN on SEPTEMBER 25, 2013



Alex Kacaniklic dedidcated Fulham's stirring Capital One Cup comeback against Everton to under-pressure manager Martin Jol.

The Swedish winger, who was given his first taste of Premier League football by Jol two years ago, told the media that the Fulham manager didn't deserve the boos he had to endure after West Brom's late equaliser twelve days ago and believes the Whites can get their season back on track after a shaky start. Asked whether the criticism of Jol is fair, Kacaniklic had a succint answer:

No, not really. The West Brom game we should have won and were really unlucky, Newcastle we were unlucky. We wanted to win for the manager. He is always encouraging us so we are really happy for him and the team.

We are close. He is always out on the training pitch with us and wants to get involved. He is great. Everyone has got their own style but, as a player, you want to be able to speak to the manager and have confidence that you can speak to him.

Kacaniklic was delighted that Fulham had reached the fourth round for the first time in five years, especially after they had gone behind early to Steven Naismith's smart finish.

It was a real team effort to win the game. It hasn't be going for us in the league, we have played well but we haven't taken the points. We worked really hard, played as a team and took our chances. Everton are a very good side and have started really well under Roberto Martinez.


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2013/09/kacaniklic-comeback-win-was-for-jol/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Michael Jackson is HIStory: Controversial statue removed from Fulham stadium Craven Cottage
The tribute to the late singer was not well loved

When he took a stroll on the pitch at Craven Cottage in 1999 it was a Thriller for the fans. When a statue was erected at Fulham's stadium many said it was Bad. And now it would seem Michael Jackson's relationship with Fulham is HIStory.

Pictures have emerged today that appear to show workmen removing the tribute that was installed by former Fulham owner Mohamed Al Fayed.

It was revealed earlier this month that the statue, which was commissioned after the singer's death in 2009, would no longer be homed in SW6. It's understood it will be returned to Al Fayed.

It was installed in 2011 to commemorate the singer who Fayed insisted was a fan of the Thames side team (despite only being spotted at Craven Cottage once, for the Division Two game against Wigan Athletic in 1999).

However, the decision to install it at the back of the Hammersmith Stand inside the grounds of Craven Cottage was met with ridicule by many supporters.

Fayed paid little attention, telling anyone who didn't like the statue, which includes an inscription from Dickson Etuhu and Jackson lyrics, to "go to hell".

Not all Fulham fans disliked the tribute though, with some seeing the entertaining and eccentric side to its instalment.

A Fulham spokesperson said recently: "The statue is not part of the Riverside development of the stadium and will be returned to the former chairman in due course."

When Al Fayed sold Fulham to Shahid Khan, the Egyptian warned he would cut off the moustache of the new owner should it be removed. Fulham fans must wait to see if he comes good on his promise.

Al Fayed's successor defended the decision to remove the statue last week.

"Our supporters' views on the statue have been made clear," Khan said.

"I respect Mr Al Fayed and know he had good intentions in paying an individual tribute. However, the removal of the statue is the right thing for Fulham Football Club."

It is understood that the Egyptian millionaire has received offers for the statue and could sell it to raise money for charity.



http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/michael-jackson-is-history-controversial-statue-removed-from-fulham-stadium-craven-cottage-8839090.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham 2 Everton 1
   
A win, finally a win!

Fulham edged into the fourth round of the Capital One Cup with a nervy win over Everton last night.

Having been drawn against Everton the only unbeaten team in the Premier League, it looked as if it was going to be a task too tough for Martin Jol`s men, especially as the visitors went ahead in the 12th minute.

The early goal came after Everton`s best player, on the night, Gerard Deulofu, provided an inviting cross for Naismith to finish off perfectly.

Matters could have gotten worse for Fulham shortly after when Distin, perfectly placed, hit the post, much to Stockdale`s relief.

But the second half saw a great Fulham fight-back, the equalizer, in th e54th minute, came from the boot of Dimitar Berbatov who finished well after an error from Seamus Coleman had provided the perfect attacking opportunity.

Matters then improved dramatically when, in the 68th minute, Darren Bent, on as a substitute, was on-hand to finish off a free kick, taken by Karagounis.

Despite a nervy finish Fulham held on and will take their place in the fourth round draw tonight!

The only disappointing aspect of last night was the low attendance of just 14,627.



Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=333506#ixzz2fytVTXCk

[WhiteJC]

 
Selection and Players?
   
The omens, at Craven Cottage, didn`t look good when Everton went 1-0 up and looked as if they were going to score more.

But Fulham showed that they can be resolute and their sheer-doggedness saw them go through to round four.

After the game, Martin Jol had a few words for the media wit the Dutchman remarking,

"It was a big relief because our last win against Sunderland was a long time ago and we wanted to get back to winning ways."

"It has not been easy because of selection."

"But in the second half with Berbatov and Bent, there were enough goals."

"If there are enough goals, we can win. It`s about selection and players."

What is he on about?

Selection and players, isn`t that this job?



Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=333507#ixzz2fytjZCfS

[WhiteJC]

 
FULHAM AND CRYSTAL PALACE BOSSES LEAD LONDON SACK RACE

As Premier League sacking season begins in earnest, Ladbrokes are offering some special prices on the next London manager to leave his post, with Fulham's Martin Jol topping the bill.

If the Premier League standings reflected manager affability rather than games won, drawn or lost then Cottagers boss Jol would have nothing to worry about.

However, unluckily for the Dutchman, it doesn't. The real table shows Fulham on four points after five games, following on from a torrid run at the back-end of last season where Jol oversaw six losses from their last eight league games.

Unsurprisingly therefore, the former Tottenham boss is shortest in the betting to be the next London-based Prem manager to leave, at odds of 4/7.

The next thinnest layer of ice can be found at Selhurst Park where the slightly spikier Ian Holloway is 7/2, after gaining just three points from Crystal Palace's opening five games.

It was always going to be a tough assignment for the Bristolian to pick up results, but everyone knows managers live and die by points-accumulation, and if this barren spell continues, it's easy to see the axe falling sooner rather than later.

Despite the reestablishment of West Ham as a Premier League club last season, 6/1 on Sam Allardyce is a reflection that some in east London have never quite warmed to the 'big man's' methods.

A very flat start to the season need only continue for the dissenting voices at Upton Park to make themselves heard.

Predicting the will of 18/1 shot Jose Mourinho always makes him an interesting bet, especially in light of his self-propelled acrimonious exit in his previous stint.

Seemingly far more secure though, are the managers of the current top two teams in the Premier League, Arsene Wenger and Andre Villas-Boas, both 20/1 shots respectively.


http://sportingpreview.com/football2013-1/2013962.php?

[WhiteJC]

 
Could the Capital One Cup victory over Everton be the turning point in Fulham's season?

Faith in Martin Jol probably reached its lowest ebb at half time on Tuesday evening.

Fulham were a goal down, outclassed by a more premium, more edgy Everton side. But, as we all know, football has a fancy way of reversing fortune and Jol reaped the rewards, most gratefully.

The 2-1 victory, thanks to goals from Dimitar Berbatov and Darren Bent, might not have been a job-saver for our beleaguered boss but it is an nevertheless an upgrade in confidence.

For weeks fans have bemoaned a lack of spirit, a lack of guile and a lack of team cohesion. It may not have arrived in abundance but something at least resembling team spirit was on show as Fulham fought from a goal behind to forge a lead.

That doesn't happen often – especially under Jol – and it made the result that little bit more pertinent.

Another problem has been goals but Bent looked clinical, scoring within minutes of his introduction, while a deep lying duo of Scott Parker and Giorgos Karagounis looked creative and menacing.

Nevertheless a few concerns remain despite the victory.

The first 45 minutes was almost shambolic.  We made Everton look better than they were, gifting them space and time and, more worryingly, room to manoeuvre behind our back line. The pairing of Philippe Senderos and Brede Hangeland made Steven Naismith look like Usain Bolt.

Even though we saw plenty of the ball we simply did nothing with it. Pajtim Kasami was his typically dogged self but with only Berbatov ahead of him, we simply weren't penetrative.

It makes Jol look naive and stubborn. Why persist with a formation that hasn't produced when you know it won't work? Only he can answer that.

But enough complaining. We made it through, against a tough team; we should be proud of that. And we are.

There is, however, still work to be done.



http://metro.co.uk/2013/09/25/could-the-capital-one-cup-victory-over-everton-be-the-turning-point-in-fulhams-season-4110048/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Michael Jackson Statue

Fulham Football Club bid farewell to the Michael Jackson statue on Wednesday 25th September.

Installed in 2011 by Mohamed Al Fayed, the statue has been returned to the former Chairman.

New Fulham Chairman Shahid Khan said: "Our supporters' views on the statue have been made clear. I respect Mr Al Fayed and know he had good intentions in paying an individual tribute. However, the removal of the statue is the right thing for Fulham Football Club."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/september/25/michael-jackson-statue?

[WhiteJC]

 
Alexander Kacaniklic feels criticism of Fulham manager Martin Jol by fans was unfair

Alexander Kacaniklic believes it was unfair of Fulham fans to call for Martin Jol's head two weeks ago.

Supporters were calling for Jol's departure during the home draw to West Brom, but the struggling Premier League side showed signs of vast improvement during Tuesday's Capital Cup win over Everton.

Booed off after an unimpressive first-half display, the Cottagers responded well, scoring twice to seal a 2-1 victory against the Toffees, who were unbeaten before arriving at Craven Cottage.

Asked if criticism of Jol was fair, the midfielder, who was given his first-team start in West London by the Dutchman, said: "No, not really.

"We should have won the West Brom game but we were unlucky and it was the same against Newcastle.

"He is always encouraging us so we are really happy for him and the team.

"We are close. He is always out on the training pitch with us and wants to get involved.

"He is great. Everyone has got their own style but, as a player, you want to be able to speak to the manager and have confidence that you can speak to

him."



http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11681/8941174?

[WhiteJC]

 
Martin Jol: Fulham manager convinced of quality of side

Fulham boss Martin Jol says Tuesday's Capital One Cup win over Everton has convinced him his side will improve.

The Cottagers have not won a Premier League game since the opening day of the season and have only scored three league goals.

He told BBC London 94.9: "I thought at the start of the season we did not have enough goals in us.

"This game showed me, with Darren Bent and Dimitar Berbatov on the scoresheet, that we have got enough quality."

He added: "The league is more important but I always want to do something in the cup.

"Maybe we gained some confidence but we need to keep working hard on the training pitch and then the results will come."

Since beating Sunderland, the west London side have lost to Arsenal, Newcastle and Chelsea and drawn against West Brom.

"If you don't score goals you are under pressure," said Jol. "That is what happened to us.

"If you look back at Newcastle, in the 85th minute Adel Taarabt could score, he didn't and they scored.

"Against West Brom it was the same kettle of fish. We were 1-0 up and the ball was in the net four times and then they scored from a corner kick.

"You have to score to win games and that is exactly what we did against Everton."

Jol says it will take time for the side to gel while summer signings such as Bent and Taarabt settle into life at Craven Cottage.

"I have to integrate Elsad Zverotic, Adel Taarabt and Darren Bent," the Dutchman said.

"It is not easy because two of them have not played a lot of matches. Training is different to playing matches.

"We need to find the right balance and hopefully our supporters realise if everyone is fit and available we will get back to winning ways.

"We have got some good quality players but it is not always easy to play Berbatov with Bent and Adel Taarabt.

"We have young players like [Pajtim] Kasami and [Alex] Kacaniklic who will be big players in the future but they are still young."


http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24273877?

[WhiteJC]

 
Bent targets starting role for Fulham



Darren Bent has staked his claim for a place in Martin Jol's starting XI at Fulham after bagging the winner in their 2-1 League Cup win over Everton on Tuesday night.

The former Tottenham star was frozen out for a season at Aston Villa last season and has appeared rusty - by his own high standards - since moving to Craven Cottage in the summer.

The forward missed a sitter on Saturday evening in the match against Chelsea but was back on target to sink Roberto Martinez's side.

"I've come in and want to play games and score as many goals as possible," said Bent.

"It was nice to come on and pop one in after the Chelsea game where I had a chance but Petr Cech saved it. It was good to get a chance and take it.

"There's no reason why we can't go on and have a really good season, We'll take great confidence from that performance and now it's all about Cardiff on Saturday.

"You never want to go into a home game having lost your last one so we've got the win and we go from there."


Read more at http://talksport.com/football/bent-targets-starting-role-fulham-13092561596#ZI62zLB8W63iVZKH.99

[WhiteJC]

 
A Statue Is Removed, and Fans Are Thrilled


Since April 2011, a nearly eight-foot statue of Michael Jackson, stood facing the Thames, behind the home stands.

LONDON — For decades, Michael Jackson was known for his elaborate entrances and glittery stage shows. On Wednesday, the King of Pop was hauled away in air-bubble packaging by four burly stonemasons.

It was an unceremonious end to his nearly three-year run at Fulham's stadium, Craven Cottage. After 90 minutes of chiseling, sawing and hacking, Jackson left the building, horizontally, on the back of a truck.

He will not be missed by Fulham fans. Since April 2011, a nearly eight-foot statue of Jackson, made of Jesmonite, stood facing the Thames, behind the home stands. A large sign that read "Michael Jackson the Tribute" hung next to Jackson, who stood atop black granite with a sequined jacket, an ammunition belt and a glove on his right hand.

His presence was incongruous in the extreme. Mohamed al-Fayed, the team's eccentric former owner, who called Jackson a friend, had the statue built even though Jackson seemed to care little about soccer and attended only one Fulham match.

Fulham's fans were happy with Fayed, who spent lavishly to lift the club's fortunes. They helped pay for a tasteful and far more expensive bronze statue of Johnny Haynes, perhaps the team's greatest player, which stands at the other end of the stadium.

While Jackson's fans traveled from far and wide to pay their respects, in the masculine world of English soccer, the homage to Jackson was considered a joke.

"It's rubbish," said Andy Hunt, a longtime fan who stood near the statue before Tuesday's League Cup game against Everton, drinking beer with his friend, Malcolm Apted. "I don't object to the person. If it was in bronze, maybe. But it's tacky."

Fayed — who bought Fulham in 1997, a few months before his son, Dodi, died in a car crash with Diana, Princess of Wales — was unrepentant. When asked in 2011 about whether a statue of Jackson made sense at the fabled stadium, he said, "If some stupid fans don't understand or appreciate such a gift, they can go to hell." For good measure, he invited these unbelievers to root for Chelsea, Fulham's archrival, which plays two subway stops away.

Fayed got his way until he sold Fulham in July to Shahid Khan, the billionaire owner of the N.F.L.'s Jacksonville Jaguars. At the news conference announcing the deal, Fayed threatened to cut off Khan's signature handlebar mustache if the statue were removed.

Two months later, Khan made perhaps the most important decision of his young tenure as owner: Jacko would go. "Our supporters' views on the statue have been made clear," he said in a statement last week. Removing the statue, he said, was "the right thing for Fulham Football Club."

The decision won Khan instant credibility with fans who were otherwise unhappy with the team's slow start this season.

For now, the statue of Jackson will remain in a warehouse while Fayed decides its fate.

Martin Jol, Fulham's manager, is considering bidding for the statue and either auctioning it for charity or adding it to his art collection, which includes nearly two dozen other statues and several hundred paintings.

"It would be nice to keep it in the Fulham family, if he wants," Jol said, referring to Fayed.



http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/26/sports/soccer/michael-jackson-statue-removed-from-soccer-stadium.html?_r=0

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Capital One Cup Draw

Fulham will travel to Sky Bet Championship side Leicester City in the Fourth Round of the Capital One Cup following Wednesday night's draw.

The clash with the Foxes will be played week commencing 28th October.

The two sides last meeting also came in the League Cup, with Fulham winning 3-2 at the Cottage in August 2008 thanks to an injury-time strike from Danny Murphy.

Leicester are currently third in the Championship and unbeaten at home. They sealed their place in the Fourth Round of the Capital One Cup after a 2-1 win over Derby County on Wednesday night.

Ticketing details will be announced on fulhamfc.com in due course.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/september/25/capital-one-cup-draw?

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Foxes Handed Fulham Cup Tie

Leicester City have been drawn at home to Premier League side Fulham in the Capital One Cup Fourth Round.

The match is scheduled to take place at King Power Stadium in the week commencing 28 October, with a confirmed date and ticket details to be announced in the coming days.

Nigel Pearson's Foxes booked their spot in the fourth round with a stunning second half comeback on Tuesday night to beat Derby County 2-1 in front of the home faithful on Filbert Way.

Having already beaten Carlisle United 5-2 in round two as well as securing a stoppage time 2-1 victory over Wycombe Wanderers in the first round, City will be eager to continue their fine cup form against the Cottagers and clinch a place in the hat for the next round.

Meanwhile Martin Jol's Fulham booked their spot in the last 16 with a come-from-behind 2-1 Craven Cottage win over Everton on Tuesday night.



Read more at http://www.lcfc.com/news/article/250913-foxes-handed-fulham-cup-tie-1077166.aspx?#jXPDE9pBICE2SRy2.99