Sunday Fulham Stuff (29/09/13)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham 1 Cardiff 2: Fans turn on Jol after Mutch's winner despite half-time plea

Cardiff celebrated a first win away in the top flight since their ascension to the Barclays Premier League with a last-gasp defeat of Fulham to pile more pressure on Martin Jol.

Cries of 'Jol out' were heard loud and clear after substitute Jordon Mutch inflicted defeat on the Cottagers with a curling goal after Steven Caulker's opener had been cancelled out by Bryan Ruiz, who was sent on shortly before half-time.


Ujnder fire: Fans turn on Fulham manager Martin Jol after the final whistle


Plea: A message from Fulham manager Martin Jol is displayed on the scoreboard screen at half-time

West Brom scored a last-gasp equaliser to deny Fulham a first home win in the league since defeat of QPR on April 1 in the previous Premier League contest and Jol's men were on the receiving end of another late blow.
Fulham owner Shahid Khan has already removed the Michael Jackson statue from Craven Cottage and Jol could be the next to be toppled.
Victory over Everton in the Capital One Cup on Tuesday night helped alleviate some of the pressure on the Dutchman, who selected Darren Bent as one of five changes.
Fulham were forced into an early change when Scott Parker limped off, with Giorgos Karagounis on in his place.
Only Peter Odemwingie was retained from the Cardiff side which lost in the League Cup to West Ham and the Nigeria forward was an early nuisance to Fulham.
The blow suffered by Parker's departure was exacerbated when Fulham fell behind from a Peter Whittingham corner, which Caulker headed in unopposed eight yards out.
It was reminiscent of the West Brom equaliser a fortnight ago which resulted in calls for Jol's departure.
The Dutchman needed a response from his team, but it was Cardiff who were lifted by the goal and Andrew Taylor had a header cleared away by Steve Sidwell.


You beauty: Jol can't hide his delight after Fulham equalised against Cardiff


Cracker: Sub Ruiz scored a 25-yard stunner

Fulham held firm and had opportunities of their own. An Alex Kacaniklic cross was just too high for Berbatov, before Kieran Richardson volleyed off target.

Another Whittingham set-piece highlighted the deficiencies in the Fulham defence when Ben Turner lost Brede Hangeland to head towards goal. Fortunately for the Fulham captain, David Stockdale was equal to it.

Caulker had the ball in the net for a second time, but the strike was ruled out for a push on Stockdale, who was continuing to deputise for Maarten Stekelenburg but does not appear to have the full confidence of his defence.

Hangeland and company could have to get used to Stockdale's presence, with surgery a possibility to rectify Stekelenburg's troublesome shoulder.

Karagounis tested David Marshall from the edge of the area before Jol made his second change before the interval, sending on Ruiz for Kacaniklic.


Unstoppable: Cardiff City's Steven Caulker heads home the opening goal


Unstoppable: Cardiff City's Steven Caulker heads home the opening goal


Steven Caulker of Cardiff celebrates scoring his team's first goal with team-mate Gary Medel

It appeared to be a tactical move, but it was a gamble given Ruiz has been struggling with an ankle injury of late.

But it paid off as the newcomer collected a pass infield from Pajtim Kasami and picked his spot with a delightful curling effort which Marshall could only watch as the ball soared into the top corner.

Ruiz celebrated by running to the bench to high-five Jol, whose team appeared less fragile in the early stages of the second half.

Yet it was Cardiff who nearly took the lead for a second time.

Mutch replaced Kim Bo-kyung and had an immediate impact, playing through Campbell who fluffed the opportunity.

Fulham then manufactured a number of chances without making the most of them.


Up for it: Fulham's Dimitar Berbatov, left, fights for the ball with Cardiff City's Steven Caulker


On top: Fulham's Steve Sidwell climbs above Cardiff City's Kim Bo-Kyung

Berbatov came close, meeting Sascha Riether's cross outside the far post but unable to find the target.

Ruiz then created a chance for Kasami, who merely side-footed the ball tamely at Marshall.

After confusion in the defensive ranks earlier in the contest, then it was the forwards' turn to contrive to mess up a chance as Bent delayed on a pass to Ruiz, who over-ran the ball.

Kasami's shot after a solo run was blocked by Caulker before the Fulham midfielder weakly hit his follow-up at Marshall.

There was a twist in the tale as Mutch brought down a long ball forward, got a lucky break off Richardson and curled the ball into the top corner.

STEVEN CAULKER WAS A KEY FIGURE BOTH IN DEFENCE AND ATTACK FOR CARDIFF - CLICK HERE FOR ALL THE FACTS AND STATS FROM THE GAME IN OUR BRILLIANT MATCH ZONE




Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2435174/Fulham-1-Cardiff-2-Mutchs-gasp-screamer-piles-pressure-Jol.html#ixzz2gGaiKHvQ
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

[WhiteJC]

 
Jordon Mutch hits late winner for Cardiff City at Fulham

Fulham removed the Michael Jackson statue from outside Craven Cottage in midweek and a growing throng of the club's fans now want to topple Martin Jol. Chants of "Jol Out" are becoming as catchy around these parts as anything the King of Pop ever came up with. Even a draw may not have placated the crowd after a contest in which Fulham were made to look inferior to their newly-promoted opponents for long periods, but when Jordon Mutch gave Cardiff all three points with a superb goal in stoppage time, a large choir of Fulham fans vented their anger at the manager.

"I take responsibility, you can't say that the players don't work hard because they do," said Jol, who remains convinced that he will turn things around – and warned the fans calling for his head to be careful what they wish for. "I will always be calm but I hate it when people are getting worried and nervous, especially if they ask the manager to quit. That is awful because you never know what will happen with a new manager. I don't want to see this club at the bottom of the table. I know that we can do a lot better."

Shahid Khan, the businessman who bought Fulham from Mohamed Al Fayed during the summer, will ultimately decide how long Jol gets to reverse the downward trend. Asked how patient he expects his employer to be, Jol paused before replying: "It's not about me."

Khan had declared in the programme that he expected Tuesday's triumphant comeback against Everton in the Capital One Cup to signal an end to the team's sorry home form and "provide the club the lift we need to begin our climb up the Premier League table ... it's important we establish Craven Cottage as a difficult, if not impossible, place for clubs to visit." But Cardiff found it to be more fun park than fortress.

New to the top flight they may be, but the Welsh side looked superior from the start: sharper, more fluent and more inventive. The trio of Gary Medel, Kim Bo-kyung and Aron Gunnarsson took control of midfield even before Scott Parker was forced off with an injury for the hosts in the sixth minute. Peter Odemwingie also impressed on his first league start since his summer transfer and in the 12th minute he nudged a lovely pass through to Kim, whose attempt from 10 yards was foiled by Giorgos Karagounis. Fulham were negligent from the ensuing corner as Steven Caulker was allowed to meet Peter Whittingham's delivery at the edge of the six-yard box and power a downward header into the net.

Fulham might have equalised straight away but Darren Bent, who contributed little throughout, mis-controlled a long pass by Karagounis. The action soon returned to the other end as Steve Sidwell had to head an Andrew Taylor header off the line.

Fulham's attempts to repel set pieces were appalling and Ben Turner was given two great chances to increase Cardiff's lead. His first header brought a good save from David Stockdale in the 27th minute and he was left unmarked from the resultant corner but bungled his close-range effort. David Marshall had to tip away a Karagounis drive from distance on the half-hour mark but that was a rare break from Cardiff pressure.

Jol took a bold early decision to turn the tide, changing to a midfield diamond in an effort to regain a foothold in the centre and introducing a second substitute, Bryan Ruiz for Alex Kacaniklic, five minutes before half-time. He was rewarded when Ruiz equalised just before the break with a sumptuous curling shot from 20 yards.

The second half was more evenly contested and Fulham had chances to edge in front, notably when Dimitar Berbatov nodded over from close range.

For Cardiff, Frazier Campbell shot over from seven yards after a low cross from substitute Mutch. In the second minute of stoppage time, Mutch settled the game himself. A punt from Marshall rebounded to him and he struck a wonderful arcing shot into the net from 25 yards. "I was delighted with our performance from the first minute to the last," said Malky Mackay. "After six games we now have a real belief that we are at home in this league." Fulham fans wish they could say the same.



http://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/sep/28/fulham-cardiff-premier-league?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham 1 - Cardiff 2: Supporters call for Martin Jol's head after home misery
CARDIFF celebrated a first win away in the top flight since their ascension to the Premier League with a last-gasp defeat of Fulham to pile more pressure on Martin Jol.

Cries of "Jol out" were heard loud and clear after substitute Jordon Mutch inflicted defeat on the Cottagers with a curling goal after Steven Caulker's opener had been cancelled out by Bryan Ruiz, who was sent on shortly before half-time.

West Brom scored a last-gasp equaliser to deny Fulham a first home win in the league since defeat of QPR on April 1 in the previous Premier League contest and Jol's men were on the receiving end of another late blow.

Fulham owner Shahid Khan has already removed the Michael Jackson statue from Craven Cottage and Jol could be the next to be toppled.



http://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/341545/Fulham-1-Cardiff-2-Supporters-call-for-Martin-Jol-s-head-after-home-misery

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham 1 Cardiff City 2: match report
Read a full match report of the Premier League game between Fulham and Cardiff at Craven Cottage on Saturday Sep 28, 2013.

In the week that Fulham finally waved goodbye to their Michael Jackson statue, here was a defeat for which neither sunshine, nor moonlight, nor indeed the boogie, could be held responsible.

Their fans knew who to blame for this fiasco.

"Jol out!" they shouted. As Cardiff City's stoppage-time winner went in, the Fulham manager held his head in his hands, looking on the verge of tears. He loves this job, but this agonising defeat moves him closer to losing it.

"I think it is awful when people ask a manager to quit," Martin Jol said.

"I don't want to see this club at the bottom of the table. I think we will be OK, but this is a blow. Even a draw would have been awful. We have to win these games.

"If we are bottom of the table at the end of the season it's not about me, because I won't be here, it's about the club and I don't want to see this club at the bottom of the table.

"They (the fans) expect us to do better. If you are in the bottom three or bottom five, even if it's early in the season, you get pressure. I take responsibility, because I can't say that the players don't work hard.

"Fulham is not a club who should be in the top six. We were 20th in the league in spending money."

Asked if he is now nervous about his own position, Jol said: "I know that we can do a lot better. I've got players who have played 300 games. We had all the size in the world today and we still lost headers at the far post, even when we are 6ft 6 ins or 7 ins. And that is worrying."

Not to overdo the Jackson puns, but Fulham were really, really bad. Jol's decision to play Darren Bent and Dimitar Berbatov in tandem left them badly short of defensive cover. At the back, you have to wonder how many more yards of pace Brede Hangeland has left to lose. As Cardiff's front three teased him this way and that, Hangeland never accelerated beyond a tentative lope, like a man running with eggs in his pockets.

Cardiff could have won the game by half-time. Instead, they led by just one, a simple header by Steven Caulker from Peter Whittingham's corner. Captain Caulker was excellent again, as were Kévin Théophile-Catherine at right back and Gary Medel in midfield, benefiting from the early departure of Scott Parker with a dicky hamstring.

"What we've got is real belief," said Cardiff manager Malky Mackay. "We've got a real belief after six games, about our ability to play at this level and be at home at this level."

Simply put, Cardiff were better organised, and wanted it more. Fulham were carrying more passengers than the Putney to Waterloo train.

Just before half-time, Jol gambled, making his second substitution and bringing on Bryan Ruiz. Almost instantly, Ruiz received Sascha Riether's pass unmarked 25 yards out and curled the ball left-footed past a startled David Marshall. Craven Cottage sat agape for a fraction of a second, before exploding in a mixture of disbelief and relief.

Cardiff maintained their intensity in the second half, continuing to enjoy the better chances. Yet as full-time approached, Fulham looked to be escaping with a deeply frustrating but faintly tolerable point. Jordon Mutch had other ideas.

Though Marshall's goal-kick fell kindly for Mutch, you would still have given him odds of 20-1 against from where he was, near the corner of the penalty area. But he let the ball drop, lashed it with his left foot, and it was still rising as it bulged the net. For Cardiff, frustration turned to joy. For Fulham, to anger.

Team details
Fulham (4-4-2): Stockdale 7; Riether 7, Hangeland 4, Amorebieta 6, Richardson 5; Kasami 5, Parker 6 (Karagounis 7 7), Sidwell 6, Kacaniklic 5 (Ruiz 41 7); Berbatov 5, Bent 3 (Taarabt 86).
Subs Etheridge, Senderos, Zverotic, Rodallega.
Booked Berbatov.
Goal Ruiz 45

Cardiff (4-1-2-3): Marshall 5; Theophile-Catherine 8, Caulker 8, Turner 6, Taylor 6; Medel 8; Gunnarsson 6, Kim 7 (Mutch 55 7); Odemwingie 5 (Bellamy 81 6), Campbell 6 (Maynard 72 6), Whittingham 6.
Subs Lewis, Hudson, Cowie, Noone.
Goal Caulker 12, Mutch 90

Booked Theophile-Catherine.

Referee C Pawson (South Yorkshire).


http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/premier-league/10336375/Fulham-1-Cardiff-City-2-match-report.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Cries of 'Jol out' as Cardiff score late winner at Fulham

Premier League: Fulham 1 Cardiff 2

Cardiff celebrated a first win away in the top flight since their ascension to the Premier League with a last-gasp defeat of Fulham to pile more pressure on Martin Jol.

Cries of "Jol out" were heard loud and clear after substitute Jordon Mutch inflicted defeat on the Cottagers with a curling goal after Steven Caulker's opener had been cancelled out by Bryan Ruiz, who was sent on shortly before half-time.

West Brom scored a last-gasp equaliser to deny Fulham a first home win in the league since defeat of QPR on April 1 in the previous Premier League contest and Jol's men were on the receiving end of another late blow.

Fulham owner Shahid Khan has already removed the Michael Jackson statue from Craven Cottage and Jol could be the next to be toppled.

Victory over Everton in the Capital One Cup on Tuesday night helped alleviate some of the pressure on the Dutchman, who selected Darren Bent as one of five changes.

Fulham were forced into an early change when Scott Parker limped off, with Giorgos Karagounis on in his place.

Only Peter Odemwingie was retained from the Cardiff side which lost in the League Cup to West Ham and the Nigeria forward was an early nuisance to Fulham.

The blow suffered by Parker's departure was exacerbated when Fulham fell behind from a Peter Whittingham corner, which Caulker headed in unopposed eight yards out.

It was reminiscent of the West Brom equaliser a fortnight ago which resulted in calls for Jol's departure.

The Dutchman needed a response from his team, but it was Cardiff who were lifted by the goal and Andrew Taylor had a header cleared away by Steve Sidwell.

Fulham held firm and had opportunities of their own. An Alex Kacaniklic cross was just too high for Berbatov, before Kieran Richardson volleyed off target.

Another Whittingham set-piece highlighted the deficiencies in the Fulham defence when Ben Turner lost Brede Hangeland to head towards goal. Fortunately for the Fulham captain, David Stockdale was equal to it.

Caulker had the ball in the net for a second time, but the strike was ruled out for a push on Stockdale, who was continuing to deputise for Maarten Stekelenburg but does not appear to have the full confidence of his defence.

Hangeland and company could have to get used to Stockdale's presence, with surgery a possibility to rectify Stekelenburg's troublesome shoulder.

Karagounis tested David Marshall from the edge of the area before Jol made his second change before the interval, sending on Ruiz for Kacaniklic.

It appeared to be a tactical move, but it was a gamble given Ruiz has been struggling with an ankle injury of late.

But it paid off as the newcomer collected a pass infield from Pajtim Kasami and picked his spot with a delightful curling effort which Marshall could only watch as the ball soared into the top corner.

Ruiz celebrated by running to the bench to high-five Jol, whose team appeared less fragile in the early stages of the second half.

Yet it was Cardiff who nearly took the lead for a second time.

Mutch replaced Kim Bo-kyung and had an immediate impact, playing through Campbell who fluffed the opportunity.

Fulham then manufactured a number of chances without making the most of them.

Berbatov came close, meeting Sascha Riether's cross outside the far post but unable to find the target.

Ruiz then created a chance for Kasami, who merely side-footed the ball tamely at Marshall.

After confusion in the defensive ranks earlier in the contest, then it was the forwards' turn to contrive to mess up a chance as Bent delayed on a pass to Ruiz, who over-ran the ball.

Kasami's shot after a solo run was blocked by Caulker before the Fulham midfielder weakly hit his follow-up at Marshall.

There was a twist in the tale as Mutch brought down a long ball forward, got a lucky break off Richardson and curled the ball into the top corner.



http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/cries_of_jol_out_as_cardiff_score_late_winner_at_fulham_1_2822155

[WhiteJC]

 
Back Martin Jol to win Premier League sack race at 4/5
Fulham's head honcho Shahid Khan has already removed Michael Jackson's statue from west London and Jol may be next.

Martin Jol is just 4/5 to be the next Premier League manager to be sacked and when you consider the inexperience of the chairman above him, taking that price looks a very profitable move.

His superior, Shahid Khan, the US billionaire that replaced Mohamed Al Fayed as club owner over the summer, won't have been best pleased with the way Fulham crumbled to a dismal 2-1 defeat at home to newly promoted Cardiff City.

Chants of "you're getting sacked in the morning" rung around Craven Cottage after Bluebird's substitute Andy Mutch netted a last minute winner after Steven Caulker's opener had been cancelled out by Bryan Ruiz.

The west Londoners have taken just four points from their opening six matches, scoring just four goals as their reliance on the ageing Dimitar Berbatov, who scored 15 goals last season but is without one in the Premier League this campaign, has been woefully exposed.

Under the new owner Jol would have been keen to make a lasting impression, however, blowing points to West Bromwich Albion and Cardiff along with putting on dismal attacking performances in losses to Arsenal and Chelsea, would have been noted Khan.

Under the previous reigime, led by Al Fayed, Fulham never got too big for their boots and knew their limitations under an experienced man, who understood the game.

However, new man Khan is new to this unique world of football ownership, and despite saying that he does not like to make staff changes mid-season, the pressure from the fan base to sack Jol may be a public relation move the Fulham owner will not be able to pass up.

A man like Khan, who has a huge contact book and many fingers in plenty of pies, will be a target for agents that are looking to sell the talents of a top manager they represent.

They'll be in his ear constantly over the next seven days, which will lead only to one thing: the axe falling on Jol.

Top bet: Martin Jol next manager to be sacked @ 4/5



- See more at: http://bwinbetting.com/leagues/premier-league/martin-jol-win-premier-league-sack-race-1110,45684.html?#sthash.U0ESNmKg.dpuf

[WhiteJC]

 
Premier League: Martin Jol 'ashamed' as Fulham lose to Cardiff

Fulham boss Martin Jol was left feeling "ashamed" after his side slumped to a last-gasp 2-1 defeat to Cardiff at Craven Cottage on Saturday.

The hosts allowed Steven Caulker a free header from Peter Whittingham's corner for the opener, although substitute Bryan Ruiz levelled on the stroke of half time.

But the Bluebirds won it with Jordon Mutch's spectacular strike deep into injury time to leave the Cottagers rooted in the Premier League drop zone.

Jol's side also slumped to a last-gasp loss at Newcastle and also conceded an injury-time goal in the 1-1 home draw with West Brom, and the Fulham boss was left exasperated that it had happened again.

Dying second

"You feel ashamed because it's in the dying seconds again. It happened against Newcastle, against West Brom, and it happens again," he told Sky Sports.

"You feel ashamed about the first goal as well because you talk about it, try to do something in training and they still got the clear header so it's very disappointing."

Jol was left to rue missed opportunities when his side improved after the break.

The Dutchman added: "You are 1-0 up against West Brom and then it is 1-1, it was not 4-0 or 5-0, it's disappointing that we can't win the game but we're always close.

"Today again, we were very close, 1-1, and you feel you had three or four opportunities to score and you didn't and then they score.

"So I can easily say that we lacked a little bit of luck but that is too easy."



http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/8947079/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Jol takes responsibility for poor Fulham start

The west London club have not won since the opening day of the season and were booed off the pitch on Saturday as they conceded another late goal, this time against Cardiff City

Fulham manager Martin Jol has accepted responsibility for his side's wayward start to the season, as defeat at home to Cardiff City saw them remain in the Premier League relegation zone.

Jordon Mutch's stoppage-time strike secured a 2-1 win and three points for the visitors, with boos and chants of 'Jol Out' audible after the final whistle.

But the Dutch coach was keen not to blame his players for their poor form, which has seen them pick up just one point from their last seven home games, and has called for the club to keep faith in his abilities.

"I think if you look at other teams as well, if you are in the bottom three or bottom five, even if it is early in the season, you get pressure," said Jol after the match.

"I take responsibility, because I can't say the players don't work hard. They work hard, they try to win games, but it is not easy for us to win games.

"I will always be calm and I hate it when people are getting worried and nervous, especially if they ask a manager to quit - that is awful.

"You never know what will happen with a new manager, because if we are bottom of the table at the end of the season it is not about me because I won't be here, it's about the club and I do not want to see this club at the bottom of the table.

"I know we can do better."

Jol once again urged the Fulham fanbase to readjust their expectations - "Fulham are not a club who should be in the top six" - and called for patience as the Cottagers' new signings gel with each other.

"[The fans] expect us to do better," the 57-year-old continued. "If you look at the players, I think in our situation we did remarkably well to get [Darren] Bent, [Adel] Taarabt, [Dimitar] Berbatov, Bryan Ruiz.

"But now it's late September and we have to play together. Today again, there's too many things which are new to them. But I don't want to use that as an excuse."

Victorious manager Malky Mackay, meanwhile, was pleased with his side's performance on Saturday afternoon and felt they had merited all three points prior to Mutch's late winner.

"I was delighted with the way we played today, from the first minute to the last," said the Scot.

"We ended up with 24 attempts on goal and I think away from home that is a fantastic start. We had a lot of domination of the ball. Overall I think we deserved [to win]."



http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2013/09/28/4296104/-?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham U18s 0 Newcastle U18s 1

Fulham Under-18s 0
Newcastle United Under-18s 1 (Drennan)

Ben Drennan scored the only goal of the game as Newcastle United under-18s collected a first away win of the season and ended Fulham's unbeaten start in the process.

United headed into the game looking for their second win of the campaign following five defeats from their opening six matches.
The home side, meanwhile, went into the match with five wins and one draw from their first six games of the season.

Dean O'Halloran caused Newcastle early problems but after a tight start it was Dave Watson's side who broke the deadlock in the 20th minute.

Pressure from the visitors saw Drennan go close, forcing a good save from Magnus Norman.

Newcastle capitalised on their good spell midway through the first-half, good work down left-wing allowing Drennan to fire a low shot into the bottom corner.

The Cottagers' best chance came 15 minutes from time as Liam Donnelly's effort from 12 yards out hit the post as Fulham searched in vain for an equaliser.

Newcastle are on the road again next weekend as they travel to Stoke City, before a double header on Tyneside against Manchester City and Spurs.

Newcastle United Under-18s: Jonathan Mitchell, James Morgan, Liam Gibson, Ben Drennan, Ryan McKinnon, Kyle Cameron, Daniel Barlaser, Jordan Storey, Callum Roberts, Alex Gilliead (Greg Olley 72), Adam Laidler (Andy Hall 77)
Subs not used: Paul Woolston, Jamie Cobain



http://www.nufc.co.uk/page/Match/Report/AcademyReport/0,,10278~3474389,00.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
The View From South Texas — FFC v. Cardiff City

by HatterDon

Uninspiring, Unsurprising, Unacceptable

Today, Fulham performed as poorly at home as I've seen since that cold November day that was Lawrie Sanchez's last game as Fulham manager. On that day against a sub-par Newcastle, Fulham showed little effort and no cohesion. We saw that again today ... at the Cottage ... against Cardiff. Yes, we lost Scott Parker to injury within 5 minutes, and that certainly hurt us, but it doesn't explain the overall lack of impetus, the impossible to detect game plan, nor does it explain the fact that our back four resembled a bunch of fit young gentlemen standing on an underground platform not looking at each other.

If you don't want to read any further [and I certainly don't blame you], just read this: Fulham faced the weakest side we're likely to see at The Cottage this season and let them dictate the terms of the match for nearly all of the 90 minutes. According to the stats I saw, Fulham got off a massive nine shots against the VISITOR's 22. Our corporate inability to capitalize on set pieces – a two-season plus feature of Martin Jol Sexy Football – was matched today by our defense of these same set pieces. Going into extra time it looked as if Fulham would collect possibly our luckiest point since the three at Sunderland on opening day. Cardiff are a good bet for relegation this season, and they could easily have beaten us by five or six. As my British friends like to end statements like these, you do the maths.

So, yes, Stephen Caulker scored an uncontested header off a corner to make it 1-0 in the 12th minute. Bryan Ruiz, on for Jol's latest young sacrificial lamb Alex Kacaniklic, equalized with a "goal of the year” strike [aren't all his goals stunning?] in the 45th minute – completely against the run of play. And Jordon Mutch, who looks a very promising youngster, curled in the winner deep into extra time. A very nice goal it was also. There's the facts. Here's some analysis.

Brede Hangeland had his worst performance in a Fulham shirt today. He didn't mark, he didn't jump, he didn't run, he was the weakest link in a very poor back four today. When he fouled Cardiff's goalkeeper in the second half, it turned out to be the only attack he foiled the entire match.

There was a point a minute or so into extra time when Fulham might have gotten the three points. For the only time all day, Kieran Richardson whipped in a good cross that zoomed across the face of goal completely ignored by Fulham attackers. The Fulham player most likely to have been sniffing around to convert that goal – Darren Bent – had been subbed off for Adel Taarabt.

Finally, at the risk of getting flagged for piling on – yes, yes, I know, a pointy football reference – I must admit that those who have criticized the decision to make Hangeland captain have a point. There have been plenty of times over the last several seasons where Fulham have gone on to the pitch lethargic and disconnected. What we had gotten use to seeing was a short, grouchy midfielder giving them what for and geeing them up. There's only one Danny Murphy, and boy have we missed him since he left, and boy what could he have done for us today.

I didn't stick around to see how the crowd reacted to Jol and the players after the match. I can only imagine that there were boos galore. I certainly know that they was well deserved. Fulham continue to be a side filled with talented players who are lacking only coherent leadership and coaching. I certainly hope that my next View from South Texas will be filled with references to Fulham's new gaffer.

HatterDon's Man of the Match: Are you kidding? Nobody!



http://www.friendsoffulham.com/wordpress/?p=431

[WhiteJC]

 
Relegation Worries for Woeful Fulham

'Jol out!' was the cry at the end of today's match. At this rate, it seems more a matter of when the Dutchman is sacked, rather than if it will happen.

Defeat at home to Cardiff now means Fulham haven't won at home in the league since April. The home form that kept Fulham up so many years has disappeared.

Relegation is a real worry. Fulham during the successful years of Hodgson, and to a slightly lesser extent, the season of Mark Hughes, was built on a solid defence. Under Martin Jol, Fulham's defending seems to have got gradually worse. Set pieces and crosses now cause chaos. The attacking team so often get a free header in the box. Steven Caulker scored from a free header today, as Gareth McAuley had done in the previous home game.

The team lacks shape. The starting eleven tends to change week in, week out, so there is no consistency, but the players should at least seem to know what they're doing, which more often than not they don't.

Without Dejagah, the team looks woefully slow. Kacaniklic doesn't take on a man anywhere as near as much as when he first broke into the team. Adel Taarabt tends to take on one man too many.

Bent and Berbatov don't yet have an understanding. Although both scored in Fulham's midweek cup win over Everton, the two league performances where they've started together have now resulted in losses. When Berbatov doesn't play as the player furthest forward, he is rather ineffective. Sadly, he's pretty ineffective playing as the lone striker at the moment too. He's a quality player, but for large periods of games, the only time he touches the ball is when he contests long balls played up from defence.

Midfield is still an issue. Scott Parker's a class act, but he went off injured, and Fulham missed him. The pairing of Sidwell and Karagounis is not good enough. Fulham have papered over the cracks in midfield for too long, and it's starting to show.

Successful Fulham teams always seemed to be built on teamwork and passion. This Fulham team, bar a few, seems like a team of individuals. The fans don't seem to feel connected to most of the players – only one player has his name sung in every week and that's Sascha Riether.

The mood at Fulham hasn't been as negative since Lawrie Sanchez's tenure. Every match under Jol seems to be a step backwards at the moment. Sanchez was given until December, but if the rumours about Fulham being interested in Gus Poyet are true, Jol might not be given as long. The Uruguyan seems to be Sunderland's number one target to replace Di Canio. If Sunderland do make a move for him, they might force Fulham's hand in getting rid of Jol. There needs to be a serious change at Fulham soon, either on the pitch or off it, or Fulham will disappear through the Premier League's trap door.



Read more: http://pickourteam.com/premierleague/fulham/news/28-09-2013/relegation-worries-for-woeful-fulham/849098?#ixzz2gGgCeeqQ

[WhiteJC]

 
Refortification

by barryhaylesgoalmachine

The only thing that has been lingering over Craven Cottage longer than the lack of a home win is the atrocity that was the Michael Jackson statue. After what has admittedly been a rather bumpy start to the season I am delighted to say that within the space of 24 hours this week we have effectively relieved ourselves of both burdens.

It is rare that a League cup victory would inspire such a jovial mood but given that fortress cottage seems to have turned in to more of an open house of late we perhaps had every right to celebrate. Yes Everton did field a weakened team but as the old saying goes you can only beat what's put in front of you.

What was said at half time that inspired the turnaround remains a mystery although I would suspect that Jol may have had a few choice words to say to his players (Picture Mike Bassett at half time against Mexico). The reaction following the draw at home to West Brom clearly hurt him and perhaps prompted a more frank approach to the half time team talk on Tuesday. I have always been a believer that we are most vulnerable in the first ten minutes of the second half but the way in which we acquitted ourselves this week was a breath of fresh air. There is no doubt that the pressure has been building but it seems that the players who cited him as the main reason behind joining the club in the first place finally seem willing to show some fight for their Manager

Of course a League Cup victory is nothing to write home about but it feels like it may be the turning point our season needs. The honeymoon period of a new owner, new players bedding in and the novelty of a new kit is well and truly over and now is the time to get down to business.

The removal of the Michael Jackson statue as much as anything is a symbol of out with the old and in with the new as well as being a sign that the opinions of the supporters are being taken on board by the new regime. There is no doubt that the legacy of Al Fayed runs much deeper than just a Madame Tussauds cast off but Khan is finally starting to stamp his authority on the club.

The mood around the ground come Saturday when Cardiff visit will hopefully be one of optimism and that we may once again make Craven Cottage a hard place to come to. Had we not recovered in mid-week then the atmosphere could have really turned nasty although now it feels there may finally be some light at the end of the tunnel.

Let's get behind Martin and the team on Saturday because as much as anything else it is we the fans who help make the Cottage the fortress it was and soon will be again.



http://www.friendsoffulham.com/wordpress/?p=428

[WhiteJC]

 
The Full Back Option

by barryhaylesgoalmachine

We have all voiced our concerns through out the summer regarding the need to strengthen in certain areas of the squad and for the majority of the pre season this tended to centre yet again around then need for a good creative midfielder and more quality up front. While these areas were addressed to an extent, a position that was more of a late runner in terms of realising the need for reinforcements was at left back.

Having watched the turn around against Everton yesterday it was particularly encouraging to see the emergence of Zverotic as support and potentially even as competition to Riether in the right back birth. The Montenegrin displayed an ability to not only defend astutely but also had the pace going forward in an offensive capacity. On the left though Riise struggled to get to grips with the pace of Deulofeu particularly in the first half and was exposed on a number of occasions. For regular viewers this is not really news as his performances were key in both the defeats to Arsenal, where Walcott was given the freedom of the cottage on their right hand side and away at Burton in the cup, where poor marking and awareness saw the league 2 side score both goals at the back post having failed to be picked up by the Norwegian.

Debatably the best option we currently have at left full back is Richardson although his injury record does not inspire confidence that he will be a regular through out the season. Mathew Briggs has really failed to kick on from the level he was at a few years back and while another season on loan in the championship may help his development, I have my doubts over his chances of becoming a Premier league level defender.
When there are three players in a squad who can play the same position then it is perhaps understandable why it wasn't priority although our failure to offload Riise and his wages during the off season when all indications were that he was surplus to requirements is most likely the main factor behind it.

We were told that Zverotic can play both Right and Left back when he joined the club which if it is the case then going on last nights performance he should be given a run out and see if he is capable of replicating his performance on the left. Amorebieta looked comfortable when he came on although from what I have seen in the past he is very much more a central defender and should be treated as such for selection. The decline of Aaron Hughes is noticeable and the Paraguayan should be looking to establish a partnership with Brede.
What is for sure is that if we are to persist with a 4-2-3-1 then we need full backs who are more than capable defensively. Riise is far less likely to get support from the likes of Taarabt or Kacaniklic if they are playing a higher line and only seems a viable option were we to adopt a flatter midfield.

The lack of consistency in selection will certainly prove a hindrance going forward if we don't manage to establish good understandings on both flanks. Towards the end of last season Riether and Dejagah seemed to compliment each other well although we are yet to really see that in action this term. The ability to overlap is key especially given our wide offensive players tendency to cut inside. While Riise is capable of getting forward at times and even running with the ball, the overlapping side of his game is found wanting and was illustrated perfectly again in the game at home to Arsenal where he found space on the left hand side only when the ball was elsewhere and on the occasions that Kacaniklic or Taarabt were looking for the overlap he was no where to be seen.

Hopefully come January a left back will be a priority and more than likely at least one of our three current options will be on their way out of the club. Further more it will be nice to have a free kick within 30 yards of goal and not have some idiot scream for Riise to be given the chance to produce a "trademark free kick" when in his time at Craven Cottage his on target ratio from set pieces made Chris Baird look like Cristiano Ronaldo.



http://www.friendsoffulham.com/wordpress/?p=424

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham Tickets On Sale From Wednesday

Fulham Tickets On Sale From Wednesday
Posted: Sat 28 Sep 2013
Author: Leicester City

Leicester City's Capital One Cup Fourth Round tie against Fulham will be played on Tuesday 29 October (kick-off 7.45pm) at King Power Stadium, with tickets due to go on sale from Wednesday 2 October.
The Foxes were paired with the Premier League Cottagers following a rousing third round comeback against local rivals Derby County on Tuesday night and now have a place in the competition's last eight in their sights.

The visit of Martin Jol's west London outfit has been classified a 'Fans Fixture', with all four stands open to supporters and ticket prices starting from just £15 for Adults, £10 for Under-22s and FREE ADMISSION for accompanied Under-10s in the Family Stand.

Tickets will be released on sale on the following dates:

Wed 2 Oct, 9am – On sale to Season Ticket Holders to claim their own seat(s) and to purchase additional tickets for friends/family.
Wed 9 Oct, 9am – All tickets on general sale

Tickets prices are listed below:

Just The Ticket Areas (A1 & C2), The Kop, The Family Stand (N1, P1, P2, & P3), East Stand (L1, G1, G2, H1 & K1) & West Stand (A2 & C1)
Adults - £15
Seniors - £15
Under-22s – £10
Under-18s - £10
Under-12s - £5
Under-8s - £1
*Under-10s get FREE entry in the Family Stand*

East Stand (J1, J2 & J3) & West Stand (B1, B2 & B3)
Adults - £20
Seniors - £20
Under-22s – £15
Under-18s - £15
Under-12s - £5
Under-8s - £1

The Fosse Club
Adults - £30
Seniors - £20
Under-18s - £20

Car Parking
Season Ticket Holders - £10
Non-Season Ticket Holders - £15
Seasonal Car Parking Space holders will have their space reserved until 5pm on Tuesday 8 October, which they can purchase for £10.

Buying your tickets for the Fulham game is easy...

Online:
Buy your tickets 24-hours-a-day from www.lcfcdirect.com.

In person from the City Fanstore:
The City Fanstore at King Power Stadium will be open 9am-5pm Monday to Saturday.

On Matchdays, the City Fanstore is open from 9am until kick-off and then for 45 minutes after the final whistle. 

Call the City Sales Centre:
Call 0844 815 5000 between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday.



Read more at http://www.lcfc.com/news/article/270913-fulham-tickets-on-sale-from-wednesday-1081414.aspx?#gBqcLpwEah1Gs80z.99

[WhiteJC]

 
Jol understands fan frustration
Fulham boss Martin Jol insisted he understands the frustration of fans calling for his head but warned against a managerial change at Craven Cottage.

Fulham boss Martin Jol insisted he understands the frustration of fans calling for his head but warned against a managerial change at Craven Cottage after Cardiff walked away from west London with a 2-1 victory.

Jordon Mutch's stoppage-time strike earned Cardiff a first away win since their top-flight return and there were jeers directed at Jol at the final whistle.

Fulham have one point from their last seven home matches in the Barclays Premier League and their next opportunity to win at Craven Cottage will come against Stoke - managed by Jol's predecessor Mark Hughes - next Saturday, when six months will have elapsed since their last home success in the league, the April 1 defeat of QPR.

"I'll always be calm, but I hate it when people are getting worried and nervous, especially when they ask a manager to quit," Jol said.

"That is awful, because you never know what will happen with a new manager.

"If we are bottom of the table at the end of the season it's not about me, because I won't be here, it's about the club and I don't want to see this club at the bottom of the table.

"They (the fans) expect us to do better.

"If you are in the bottom three or bottom five, even if it's early in the season, you get pressure.

"I take responsibility, because I can't say that the players don't work hard."

He added: "Fulham is not a club who should be in the top six. We were 20th in the league in spending money."

Asked if he has the confidence of Fulham owner Shahid Khan, the billionaire owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars NFL franchise, Jol pointed to the key difference with American sport.

Jol said: "For the owner it's different. In America you can't go down. (If) the Jaguars are bottom of the table, they can't go down.

"In England you can go down, so that makes people nervous. I can appreciate that."

Asked if he is now nervous about his own position, Jol said: "I know that we can do a lot better.

"I've got players who have played 300 games. We had all the size in the world today and we still lost headers in the far post, even when we are 6ft 6ins or 7ins. And that is worrying."

After conceding from a last-gasp set-piece to suffer a draw with West Brom in the previous Premier League contest at Craven Cottage, Fulham left Steven Caulker unmarked to head in Cardiff's opener and desperate defending played a part in Mutch's winner, well struck though it was. Bryan Ruiz had equalised before the interval.

"You have to defend, you have to defend especially corner kicks," Jol said.

"That is the easiest way to defend. The only thing you have to do is do something against your opponent.

"You talk about it, you do it in training and the next game they score from a corner kick. It's awful."

Jol conceded Cardiff were the better side and his counterpart Malky Mackay described his side's performance as dominant.

The City boss said: "I was delighted with the way we played today, from the first minute till the last. We ended up with 24 attempts at goal and away from home that's a fantastic stat.

"We kept striving for the win. We put on three substitutions to try to win the game and one of the players ended up scoring a fantastic goal.

"I think we got our just rewards in the end. We deserved to win the game."

Mackay praised Chilean midfielder Gary Medel for his impact on the game and Mutch for his match-winning strike.

The Scot is content with Cardiff's position early in the season.

"We've got a real belief after six games, about our ability to play at this level and be at home at this level," Mackay added.



http://sport.bt.com/sportfootball/football/englishfootball/barclayspremierleague/barclayspremierleaguenews/jol-understands-fan-frustration-S11363837187345?

[WhiteJC]

 
Jol urges angry Fulham fans to stay calm

Fulham boss Martin Jol said he would stay calm despite the last-minute defeat to Cardiff that leaves his side in the Premier League's bottom three.

Jordon Mutch's injury-time goal secured the Bluebirds' victory at Craven Cottage, leaving the Whites winless since the opening day of the season.

Supporters expressed their frustration at the final whistle, with some calling for the Dutchman to go.

Jol admitted the defeat was disappointing but insisted it was no time to panic.

He said: "Cardiff are not a team that are going to be in the top six and we have to win these games. I think we will be OK but this is a blow.

"I'll always be calm and I hate it when people are getting worried and nervous. I think it is awful when people ask a manager to quit.

"I don't want to see this club at the bottom of the table. I know we can do a lot better."



http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/jol-urges-fulham-fans-to-stay-calm?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham hoping to land defender that Everton almost signed last year

Fulham are reported to be keeping tabs on Olympiakos defender Kostas Manolas and are reported to be contemplating making a bid for him in January.

The 22 year old was on the verge of joining Merseyside club Everton last year from AEK Athens, and it is reported that the two parties had even agreed on personal terms. However, Olympiakos managed to snatch the player away from the clutches of the Toffees.

Manolas has since then elicited interest from a number of Premier League sides and apart from Fulham, Tottenham Hotspur and Sunderland are also hot on his trail this season, according to reports in Gazzetta.gr. It is reported that all the three aforementioned sides would be sending scouts to monitor and watch the player in action against Anderlecht, next Wednesday, following which they might commence charting plans for his transfer.

The 22 year old broke into the Greek national team earlier this year and has since seen his market value rise considerably. Also, Greece are currently in second place in their World Cup qualifying group behind Bosnia and Herzegovina and are likely to be able to qualify for Brazil. In the event of such a possibility, Manolas would certainly want to represent his country on the biggest stage of them all, and he understands that a move to Premier League would enhance his chances of doing the same.


http://footylatest.com/fulham-hoping-to-land-defender-that-everton-almost-signed-last-year/49690?

[WhiteJC]

 
Martin Jol's time at Fulham should be up – but it's not quite that simple

Fulham's defeat at home to Cardiff City on Saturday was the tipping point. For some time, Martin Jol has been clinging to his job, pulling out sporadic victories to mask what is an otherwise dismal dip in form and performance.

But the defeat to the Premier League's new Welsh representatives who, it must be said were dogged and deserving of three points, threw him over the metaphorical edge. There is little he could do, or say, that could change the hearts of many, many disheartened fans.

He did try, though. The master of the excuse went for a more self-effacing approach on this occasion, shouldering the blame for another depressing display.

"I take responsibility," he said. "About time," we all responded. "It's not easy for us to win games," he went on.

I, for one, looked on blankly at such a strange remark.

Jol's position at the club should, at the very least, be questioned

He continued, too, for this was no day for Jol to sit back and invite the pressure – much like Fulham have done of late, often unsuccessfully. "Fulham have been down [in the relegation spaces] before. I remember Murphy's header at Pompey."

But then, Martin, we had Roy Hodgson. A manager with something of a knack for the art of organisation, of defending. The same cannot be said of our current boss.

And therein lies half the problem. We are not overly negative – our signings say that – but we are weak at the back; not in personnel, because the likes of Sascha Riether, Fernando Amorebieta and Brede Hangeland are valuable, experienced players, but their shape is all wrong.

Jol insists on a high line, even though we have one of slowest and most aged defences in the league.

It's simple, tactical misdemeanours like that, and our inability to cope with the most routine of set piece, that cost us so dearly. And, for that, Jol's position at the club should, at the very least, be questioned.

There are more concerns which vary in extent, too. The Dutchman troubles to motivate and regularly falls out with team members. Yes, that's part of football, but it's happened so often that there must be a second, more abrasive side to our otherwise bubbly coach.

While all may be going downhill at Craven Cottage, though, sacking a manager is by no means a proven fix. For one, who is there to replace Jol? Gus Poyet has a less extreme Paolo Di Canio feel to him, while Roberto Di Matteo may think too highly of himself to opt for a club now genuinely threatened by the drop.

And, beyond that, this is Jol's squad. Yes, it's hardly been a successful amalgamation of some otherwise talented individuals, but would the likes of Darren Bent, Scott Parker and Dimitar Berbatov signed for Fulham were Jol not around?

In short, no. And that's why this is such a tender situation for chairman Shahid Khan.

Who knew he'd have such a decision on his hands so soon into the job?


http://metro.co.uk/2013/09/28/martin-jols-time-at-fulham-should-be-up-but-its-not-quite-that-simple-4126891/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Jimmy Hill's family in turmoil over his battle with Alzheimer's
Jimmy Hill was Mr Football. In the 1960s, he ushered in player-power by getting the maximum wage scrapped. For three decades after that, he dominated the footballing airwaves on Match of the Day programme.


Jimmy and Bryony Hill in the garden of their West Sussex home in 2007
Photo: JONATHAN OLLEY

He also pioneered all-seating stadiums by becoming the first English club chairman to abolish standing at matches, and was instrumental in introducing the "three points for a win" rule in 1981 that helped transform the modern game into the most exciting sport in the world. The football-loving public owes Jimmy Hill a lot.

So it will be with great sadness for them to learn that, at the age of 85, Hill is suffering from dementia and living in a nursing home near the south coast, too ill to be looked after at home.

News of his illness will upset his many fans, and has already caused deep distress among his family, including his third wife Bryony, 62, as well as his five children from two previous marriages.

Hill was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2008, but it is only now being highlighted by his youngest son Jamie, 46, and his sister Joanna, 50. The pair have decided to raise awareness of their father's illness to highlight concerns over the difficulties that arise when a parent – with a large extended family – becomes too poorly to make decisions for themselves.

Hill, who appeared on Match of the Day from 1973 to 1998, gave joint powers of attorney to his current wife and a solicitor in 2005, when he was still in good health. As a result, none of his children has any say in his future affairs or his treatment.


Jimmy Hill and Bob Wilson on Match of the Day. (BBC)

They only discovered the legal document's existence in 2008, when Hill was assessed too ill to look after himself. It was only then that the law required that his children be informed that powers of attorney had been granted to Mrs Hill and a solicitor.

Jamie and Joanna, Hill's children from his second marriage, have decided to speak out now after becoming frustrated by the law.

They are urging elderly parents to talk to their children so that they are included in difficult discussions about who has powers of attorney.

Jamie Hill has met with his local MP, Justine Greening, the International Development Secretary, who passed his concerns to Chris Grayling, the Justice Secretary and Lord Chancellor. Bryony Hill has spoken briefly about her husband being ill in an interview with the local newspaper in Coventry, where Hill was manager and then chairman of Coventry City in the 1960s and 1970s. Since then, the club has been placed in administration and is now playing its home matches in Northampton.

Mrs Hill said in the summer: "Jimmy is obviously not well at this moment in time, but he would be horrified by this terrible situation. Jimmy would be hugely upset to know that Coventry City's supporters are being put through this emotional turmoil."

Hill's illness is well known among his family and friends. The matter came to a head when Hill went into a nursing home last year.

Joanna Hill, who lives in Mexico but is in the UK visiting her father, told The Telegraph: "It is a shame that we as his children have no rights over his treatment and care. Children whose parents have married more than once should be made aware that they will be unable to influence their affairs if they register a power of attorney. Children should talk to their parents, before deterioration sets in, about how they want to be looked after and whom they want to be in charge of their lives."

Mr Hill, a property consultant and fitness coach who lives in west London, said: "I don't want to make this personal. I am only telling The Sunday Telegraph this because it affects many other families, and I want to highlight it. This will become a more common problem over the years because there are so many families in the same position as ours. Because of the power of attorney, the children have no say over decisions over dad's health care or his assets."


Jimmy Hill and Bruce Forsyth compare chins (REX FEATURES)

Mr Hill, who visits his father at the nursing home where he has been since last year, added: "He is the most sprightly physical specimen in the home, but his mind is not what it was. The home is the best place for him. That is not my complaint.

"My concern is we only discovered in 2008 that power of attorney had been signed three years earlier. We said in 2008 that if Bryony's lawyer steps aside and one of us children has joint power of attorney, we will be happy. Unfortunately, that was declined. We were told they had considered giving one of the children power of attorney in 2005, but decided against because it would have been too difficult to choose just one."

Mrs Hill has declined to comment. She has been close to Hill for 37 years, first as his personal assistant, then as his lover and finally as his wife. Her husband's illness has clearly put a strain on her relationship with at least some of her stepchildren.

Hill was a football visionary. He only ever played for two clubs, first Brentford and for the bulk of his playing career at Fulham.

He was a very good player – he once scored a record five goals in an away match. But better than that, he was a footballer with a sharp mind. He became chairman of the Professional Footballers' Association in 1957 and, four years later, succeeded in scrapping the maximum wage, paving the way for the multi-million pound footballers playing today.

He went on to transform Coventry City in to a top-flight club and moved into broadcasting. Behind the scenes, his private life was less successful. He had a colourful and often turbulent love life. In his autobiography, in 1999, he admitted he had made mistakes in his private life and caused upset, but said of this third marriage to Bryony: "I am doing my damnedest to make it last at least to extra time and, hopefully, penalties."

Hill married his first wife Gloria, with whom he had three children, in 1950, when his playing career was taking off, but then left her when his eldest son Duncan was only seven for his second wife Heather.

He and Heather had two children – Joanna and Jamie – but that marriage ended when Hill met Veronica Hopcraft on a football tour to the Caribbean to celebrate Coventry City's promotion to the old first division. Heather and Veronica are both dead, while Gloria passed away just two weeks ago.

Hill hired Bryony, then aged 25, as his personal assistant. They subsequently embarked on an affair behind Miss Hopcraft's back.

The couple married 20 years ago and have been together ever since.

Mrs Hill has flirted with fame herself on occasion. In 2003, she wrote a romantic and vaguely risqué novel about a "soccer widow" called Penalty Chick, whose cover admits it "blurs the line between reality and fiction". In an interview in 2003, Mrs Hill talked about her affair – "it was all subterfuge, but exciting" – and subsequent marriage to Hill, in which she revealed he did not want to have children with her. "If I'd got pregnant, that would have been a real test," she said at the time. "If we'd had children, it would have been totally disruptive."

Relations between at least some of the children and the third Mrs Hill have become strained. She once told an interviewer – in jest – that Hill's children referred to her as the WSM, which she explained was short for "wicked stepmother". Jamie and Joanna deny this.

But the tensions have been cranked up by Hill's decision to appoint his third wife and her solicitor as joint attorneys to act for him.

Legal experts admit the granting of powers of attorney is a cause of disputes within families, especially in an era when multiple spouses and children from different relationships are not unusual. The Government tried to tighten up the laws in 2007 over fears the system was too lax. There is no suggestion in this case of any wrongdoing.

The change in the law means that powers of attorney are now only valid if first registered at the Office of the Public Guardian, the administrative arm of the Court of Protection. Before they are registered, close family members should be notified, although the person giving the power can decide exactly who is notified – or choose not to tell anyone.

The law change in 2007 was preceded by a rush for the old-style agreements – just like the one Jimmy Hill signed – because they are shorter and less complex.

There are thought to be many thousands of pre-2007 "enduring powers of attorney" documents in place, although no one can be sure. As a rule of thumb, the old-style documents tend to be no more than three pages long, while the new documents – called "lasting powers of attorney" – typically run to 20 pages.

Andrew Kidd, a solicitor specialising in probate at the law firm Clintons, said: "The law was changed to make the process of granting powers of attorney more onerous. You can only enter into a power of attorney when you have the mental capacity to do so. Anybody entering into an agreement is at liberty to choose who he or she wants to act under a power of attorney.

"If we don't wish to acknowledge our children, then they can be frozen out. Disputes are increasingly common, which perhaps is not surprising for a number of reasons, not least given the number of marriage break-ups."

The reality is that many thousands of children out there will want to have a say in their parents' lives as they grow older and more infirm. Many will be prevented from doing so. It is a problem that is distressing for Jamie and Joanna Hill. "I am upset because as the law stood there is no legal process that requires the family to be involved," said Jamie with a sigh. He is not alone.



http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/10341743/Jimmy-Hills-family-in-turmoil-over-his-battle-with-Alzheimers.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Let it be
By rich on September 29, 2013

I hate football and football fans when it gets like this.   I don't want to get all sensitive on you or anything, but in what other sphere of life do you find a large group of grown men shouting furiously at another man?  It's basically football managers and murderers and rapists awaiting trial, which suggests that some people need to get some perspective.

That said, the team needs to get better.  Here is the latest whoscored.com summary of our game:



We've been highlighting this problem for the last two weeks but yet again, Fulham have been completely undone by their absolute inability to stop another team from playing.  To be outshot at home by a margin of 22-9 against a newly promoted side is a) terrible but b) not a surprise.

It's hideous and I don't understand it.  If there is to be a new manager he has an open goal before him: start again, build from the back, win some games.  I am baffled why Jol didn't tighten right up for today's game, opposition be damned.  Just start trying to get things right, start playing a proper team game.  But no, we got another ridiculous performance and a well deserved defeat.

Jol and his team are paid a lot of money and need to fix this.  It's not just amateur speculation as to what a problem might be, it's a bloody obvious assessment based on facts.  It can't continue like this.


http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2013/09/29/let-it-be/?