Saturday Fulham Stuff (05/10/13)...

WhiteJC · October 04, 2013, 03:36:49 PM

I've got an even earlier start tomorrow so I'm going to start this here and then "move" it in the morning

WhiteJC · October 04, 2013, 03:37:37 PM

Fulham Man Extends Southend Spell

Southend have been boosted by the news that Cauley Woodrow will be allowed to spend another month, at least, at Roots Hall.

Fulham have agreed to the request to extend the teenagers spell with us for another month, and this is good news as he's impressed in his outings to date.

He might not have found the back of the net yet in his four games, two as a starter and two having come on, but he's gone mighty close!

I'm sure it was against Bristol Rovers last time out when he showed his quality by latching onto a through ball and producing a delightful finish that looked for the world it was going in until it came back off the post?

Phil Brown is more than pleased to have him stay longer as it gives him another option up front, if nothing else. However to be fair he knows as well as anyone what a good footballer he is.

He said: 'Cauley has come in and done well so I'm delighted he'll be extending his stay with the club.

'It's good news for everyone concerned and means we've got very good options up front.'

Extending this loan makes sense all round as all benefit, Woodrow continues his development with regular football with us and ultimately Fulham will reap the benefits of this, that's assuming he'll make the grade with the premier league side?

That's not going to be easier, but playing some first team football can only help make this a possibility...

Read more: http://www.southend.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=334528#ixzz2glRK5XNE

WhiteJC · October 04, 2013, 03:38:30 PM

NFL Touchdown Tour

Supporters attending our home game this weekend will be able to enjoy a different brand of football when the NFL Touchdown Tour pulls up to Bishop's Park on Saturday 5th October!

The NFL's 'Big Rig' will be at the park from 11am prior to our Barclays Premier League fixture against Stoke City, (kick-off 3pm).

Tickets for Fulham v Stoke are still available on General Sale. Buy yours online at fulhamfc.com/tickets.

In association with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Fulham fans can experience the NFL's travelling American football festival. Don't miss out on your chance to be photographed with the Super Bowl trophy, see performances by an all-star NFL cheerleading group, play the new Madden 25 video game and win some fantastic prizes!

Look out for the Barclays Spirit Squad at this weekend's match, the 2013/14 initiative set up by the Barclays Premier League to say thank you to fans for their support. The 'Thank You' hub will also be located in Bishop's Park from 11am, where prizes can be won.

http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/october/04/nfl-touchdown-tour?

WhiteJC · October 04, 2013, 03:39:35 PM

Stoke City forward Jonathan Walters a doubt with groin problem for Fulham trip

Potters looking to bounce back from defeat against Norwich as Mark Hughes returns to take on his former club

Doubt: Ever-present Walters may have to sit out trip to Craven Cottage with groin problem
Reuters
Stoke City forward Jonathan Walters is the Potters only injury worry for their Barclay's Premier League visit to Fulham on Saturday afternoon.

The Ireland international forward was withdrawn at half-time of their home defeat by Norwich City last Sunday with a groin problem and is a doubt for the trip to Craven Cottage.

On a positive note for manager Mark Hughes, winger Matthew Etherington is back in the squad, having missed out against the Canaries after suffering whiplash in a car accident.

The visit to west London takes Hughes back to his former club, who he left under something of a cloud having quit following just one season at the helm. And on his first return to Craven Cottage since walking out, Hughes is looking to sweep aside last week's poor showing.

"We didn't really see it coming in terms of a performance because up to that point, save for the first half against Crystal Palace early on in the season, we'd been very good," Hughes told Stoke's official website.

"We've talked through what happened last Sunday against Norwich and have a good idea of why it happened but in terms of performance level, we didn't hit anything like the levels we'd been at before.

"The thing about the Premier League is games come thick and fast and we've got another opportunity now to put that right against Fulham."

Provisional squad: Begovic, Sorensen, Cameron, Pieters, Wilkinson, Huth, Shawcross, Wilson, Whelan, Arnautovic, Ireland, Nzonzi, Assaidi, Adam, Palacios, Shea, Etherington, Pennant, Walters, Jones, Crouch.

Check out all the latest News, Sport & Celeb gossip at Mirror.co.uk http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/stoke-city-team-news-jonathan-2337955#ixzz2glRnFo00
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WhiteJC · October 04, 2013, 03:40:42 PM

Fulham's Martin Jol does not deserve to be in the last-chance saloon
Martin Jol is working under prudent restraints at Fulham and faces a do-or-die clash against Stoke

Martin Jol has seen problems pile up at Fulham this season. Photograph: REX/BPI

There might have been times in recent weeks, when the injuries piled up, the last-gasp concessions hit hard and a section of the Fulham support called for his dismissal that Martin Jol wondered whether he truly needed this job.

The Dutchman came to Craven Cottage as the manager in the summer of 2011 to build something exciting and yet, in the face of myriad challenges, the majority of them underpinned by financial restrictions, he has found himself barging through the doors at the last-chance saloon.

Jol has his pride and the big-club pedigree, having previously taken charge at Tottenham Hotspur, Hamburg and Ajax. Scrapping at the wrong end of the table, at a club that has not demonstrated the capacity for serious investment during his tenure, is surely not his idea of satisfaction.

Fulham do not want to sack him. That much has been clear this week, in the wake of last Saturday's tortuous home defeat to Cardiff City in injury-time. They want to give him the chance to turn things around. And yet no one is kidding themselves. If results do not pick up immediately, the new owner Shahid Khan will have no alternative.

The visit of Mark Hughes' Stoke City on Saturday has assumed do-or-die significance for Jol and it is a quirk of fate that he could be pressed to the exit by his Fulham predecessor, the man who walked out on the club because of what he felt was a lack of ambition.

Jol is not a quitter. But when he reflects on his situation, any regrets might mirror those that Hughes felt. It is a truism of the Premier League that you generally get what you pay for and a prime example right now is Arsenal and Mesut Ozil. Jol's net spend on permanent signings across his five transfer windows at Fulham is roughly £4m. The club have lived within their means, which is commendable on one level but deeply frustrating on others.

The decision to lavish £10.6m on Bryan Ruiz from FC Twente in Jol's first summer seems as though lifted from a different age. Jol's charge has come to be characterised by the hunt for loans, frees and bargains; for players who have lost sight of their best form but retain the potential to be built back up. He has largely been unable to buy the 24-year-olds that he wants and, consequently, he has looked towards the more seasoned end of the market.

This summer, Jol paid fees for Maarten Stekelenburg (£5m), Scott Parker (£3m), Elsad Zverotic (£300,000) and Sascha Riether (£1.2m; to turn his loan into a permanent transfer). He picked up Fernando Amorebieta and Derek Boateng on frees; Adel Taarabt and Darren Bent on loan. There were a glut of players released but at least there were no damaging departures like those of Mousa Dembélé and Clint Dempsey from the previous summer. They joined Tottenham for a combined £21m.

Jol has had to finesse his contacts and persuade players that he knows, and has worked with in the past, to sign. Bizarrely, this has been held against him, as though it is a reflection of a type of short-sightedness. He did not pay over the odds for Stekelenburg, Parker, Taarabt, Bent or Dimitar Berbatov, who joined in the summer of last year from Manchester United for £5m and it is questionable what the alternatives might have been. Berbatov's 15 league goals last season were invaluable.

Jol's other old boys, who have since left Fulham, have been Mladen Petric, Urby Emanuelson and Eyong Enoh. The former arrived as a free agent; the other two on loan. Only one client of Jol's agent, Mino Raiola, has completed a permanent move to Craven Cottage during his tenure – Pajtim Kasami, who signed for £1.5m from Palermo in July 2011.

Jol respects the club's chief executive Alistair Mackintosh, who has a burgeoning reputation in the game as a tough negotiator and shrewd market operator. He even feels a sense of loyalty towards him. Mackintosh is always positive and it is believed that he is sympathetic to the plight of Jol and the team. The margins so far this season have been fiendishly tight.

Khan, who is based in the United States, talks to Mackintosh every day and it is fair to say that he is feeling his way into English football, and its attendant idiosyncrasies, following his takeover from Mohamed Al Fayed on 12 July. He signed off the deals for Parker, Taarabt, Bent and Zverotic, the back-up full-back, and he appears to be taking a prudent line. His business model is in keeping with the Premier League's other US-based owners. Khan has already toppled one MJ at Craven Cottage, having ordered the removal of the Michael Jackson statue.

Everything that could have gone wrong for Jol so far this season has done, apart from the opening day victory at Sunderland. The problems in his team have been exposed, such as the slowness of the defence and the lack of pressing from the front and there have been cruel cuts at virtually every turn. The late winners for Newcastle United and Cardiff, together with West Bromwich Albion's injury-time equaliser have deprived the club of a fistful of points and they currently sit above only Crystal Palace and Sunderland.

The injuries have been a factor. All of the new faces from the summer – with the exception of Zverotic – have been stricken at various stages, with Stekelenburg, who hurt his shoulder at Sunderland, still out and there now being the suggestion that he could require surgery. Kieran Richardson, Jol's first-choice left-back; Ruiz and Berbatov have also suffered.

Jol has heard criticism for his lack of faith in youth, despite his promotion from the Academy of Alex Kacaniklic and his use of Kasami. He has high hopes for Chris David, Buomesca Tue Na Banga and the 16-year-old England youth striker Patrick Roberts, among others. Jol includes six or seven Academy players in first-team training every Monday.

The club's move for Rene Meulensteen has provided a further talking point. Jol recommended that they appoint the former Manchester United No2 as his assistant – he knows and likes Meulensteen, his compatriot, who was sacked as the Anzhi Makhachkala manager in August – and the initial contact took place three weeks ago.

Meulensteen, who has other offers, turned Fulham down and he took himself off to Dubai to consider his options. Khan, Mackintosh and Jol have each attempted to persuade Meulensteen to change his mind and join them. And yet, for Jol, there appears to be a catch. If Meulensteen did sign and Jol could not improve results, Khan would have a managerial replacement already on the staff.

Jol is into the final year of his contract and he fights on. His first two seasons at the club were broadly successful, with ninth and 12th-placed finishes but the trenches have been dug for a struggle. With or without Jol, it will not be easy.

http://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2013/oct/04/martin-jol-fulham?

WhiteJC · October 04, 2013, 03:42:03 PM

Preview: Fulham v Stoke: Can Berbatov Get Jol's Men Out Of The Bottom Three

Fulham – Stoke City
Date: Saturday 5th October

Venue: Craven Cottage

KO: 15.00

Two of the Premier League's poorest performing teams clash this weekend as Fulham welcome Stoke to Craven Cottage. Both sides will be looking to put recent form behind them as they prepare to compete for three points.

Team News: Fulham
Aaron Hughes is expected to return following a groin injury. However Fulham will be without Scott Parker and goalkeeper Martin Stekelenburg who, as of yet, have no expected return date.

Stekelenburg has been a big loss for the Cottagers since his injury. He featured In Fulham's only win of the season as he kept a clean sheet against Sunderland.

Ashkan Dejagah and Matthew Briggs are also ruled out.

Team News: Stoke
Jonathan Walters and Matthew Etherington are the most notable absentees for Stoke this weekend.

The former will be eager to return to action for the sake of proving himself to the fans. So far this season he has made six appearances for the Potters, registering an abysmal performance score of -33 points.

Midfielder Jamie Ness is also unavailable due to a hip injury.

Recent Form:

Fulham started the season strongly with an opening day victory over struggling Sunderland. Since, however, they have failed to win in 5 attempts. Losses to Cardiff and Newcastle will worry the club's fans and Martin Jol will be extremely nervous heading into this weekend's match.

The Potters have recorded just two victories so far this season. Although it has to be said, their opening fixtures have seen them face tough opponents. Contesting against Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City in the opening weeks of the season is by no means an easy feat. Manager Mark Hughes will be satisfied with his clubs current standing, despite the negative results.

Player to watch:
Fulham – Bryan Ruiz
In three appearances Bryan Ruiz has found the back of the net once for Fulham this campaign. His conversion rate of of 14.3% is not overly impressive, however he will look to improve this heading into the weekends fixture.

With a performance score of just 22 points it's clear to see Ruiz has a lot to prove this season. His performances so far haven't seen him excel, but he is the one player in the the Cottagers midfield who can change the outcome of a match.

Stoke – Steven N'Zonzi
Steve N'Zonzi has been performed credibly for Stoke this season. He is yet to score a goal, but with eleven chances created and a pass accuracy of 90%, he is clearly one of the more creative players in Mark Hughes' side.

The midfielder is yet to score or assist a goal, but this match could see a change in trend, Fulham are the weakest opponents the club will have faced.

Prediction
This is an extremely tough fixture to predict. Both sides have their respective injury troubles and neither have found any kind of form so far this term.

I'm expecting Stoke to overcome the home advantage, however. They are due a win after some tough matches and this weekend could see them collect three points, which could spell massive trouble for Cottagers' boss Martin Jol.

Fulham 1-2 Stoke

http://squawka.com/news/2013/10/04/preview-fulham-v-stoke-can-the-cottagers-escape-the-bottom-three/2013100424184?

WhiteJC · October 04, 2013, 03:43:16 PM

Top five European comebacks

With the second matchday of both the Champions League and Europa League having taken place this week there was yet more drama, excitement and some late goals to boot. Lazio were a beaten side at 3-1 down before they snatched a draw away to Trabzonspor and Atletico Madrid came from behind to win at Porto.

It got Sports Mole thinking about some of the comebacks that have been managed in European football. Here, we round up five of the best.

Fulham 4-1 Juventus (5-4 on aggregate)

There were several World Cup winners in the Juventus side that Fulham had to beat by three goals if the Europa League run was to continue. The Whites were 3-1 down after the opening leg and then suffered a further blow by conceding to David Trezeguet's early strike. Now Fulham needed three goals just to force extra time, of four to win it.

What followed was arguably the greatest night that Craven Cottage ever witnessed. Bobby Zamora brushed off Fabio Cannavaro for a quick response, before a second from Zoltan Gera and a penalty levelled matters. Just as it was heading into a deciding 30 minutes, Clint Dempsey scored with an outrageous chip to send Fulham into the quarter-finals.

fulham 4-1 juventus highlights

http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/man-utd/champions-league/news/top-five-european-comebacks_109020.html

WhiteJC · October 04, 2013, 03:46:25 PM

Jol has all the right pieces, but he can't get them to fit.

Being a Fulham fan right now isn't exactly a bed of roses. The team has won once in the league all season, and twice thrown away leads against beatable opposition in Cardiff and a West Brom side who were at the time, without a win that season. The team looks sluggish going forward, too defensive throughout the game and even though we play deep win, lose or draw – we are still leaking goals every game. So what gives? A section of fans have nailed their colours to the mast be it through their voices or their keyboard that Martin Jol is working on borrowed time, if you read the tabloids and the online sources 'in the know'. But what exactly has gone wrong down by the river?

First off, Martin Jol has got the tactics completely wrong for the team we have. We are spoiled with the amount of creative midfielders that we have, with the likes of Bryan Ruiz, Kaca, new signing Adel Taarabt, Patjim Kasami, Askhan Dejagah and youth product Mesca. But we are still playing a 4-2-3-1 with two holding midfielders and constantly backpassing when we should be going forward, playing the dullest brand of football I can remember at the Cottage. This is frustrating many Fulham fans that are used to a more exciting brand of football, and to have what we have at our disposal and not use it to its fullest potential is incredibly frustrating.

The second issue lies with the talent that we've brought in over the summer. Not to sound too spoilt, but whilst the players we brought in were good – they could have been so much better. Over the summer, we were linked with Nathan Redmond, Will Hughes and Wilfred Bony. We ended up with Scott Parker, Adel Taarabt and Darren Bent. Now, Bent has shown flashes of the goal scoring talent that everyone knows he has, but he's still an older talent in a squad that is barely under an average age of 30. That might be acceptable in League 1, but that is unacceptable in the Premier League. Our team is low on pace, stamina and again, limited to no creativity.

Thirdly, our high age average is also showing our reluctance to use any of our stellar youth talent. Mesca has made a breakthrough onto the bench and Patjim Kasami is getting sporadic appearances but we have just sold a great talent in Karim Frei, and none of the impressive Under 19s or 21s graduates are getting a look in. Where are the Jack Grimmers and Dan Burns helping out the defence? Why isn't Ryan Williams getting a run-out in the league cup? Why is Cauley Woodrow farmed out on loan and Chris David in the youth set-up when we have Hugo bloody Rodallega on the bench? We're gonna end up wasting a lot of long-term solutions by thinking short term – which is a recipe for disaster.

This all lays the blame, firmly at the door of Mr. Jol. You have the funds at your disposal (if you read one of my previous pieces you know Shad Khan is comfortable with splashing the cash) and even without that, you have the players to make a decent fist of the league, but you insist on constantly playing for a draw and then have the arrogance to accuse Fulham fans of expecting too much? Now, whilst I feel many Fulham fans have acted spoilt in the past by thinking we are a top 6 side, to state 5 points from 5 games is good enough is something that isn't going to win you many friends sir. This weekend sees Fulham host Stoke and may also see Fulham host Martin Jol as manager for the last time.

To paraphrase Radiohead Martin, 'You did it to yourself, you did – and that's what really hurts'.

http://ballsybanter.com/2013/10/04/jol-has-all-the-right-pieces-but-he-cant-get-them-to-fit/?

WhiteJC · October 04, 2013, 03:47:02 PM

What No Stockdale?

With Roy Hodgson having named his 23 man England squad for the up and coming World Cup qualifiers against Montenegro and Poland, the name of one man continues to be conspicuous by its absence.

Since Maarten Stekelenburg picked up his shoulder injury, in the opening game of the season up at Sunderland, David Stockdale has stepped into the void and performed an admirable job.

In fact, Stockdale`s form has mirrored that of when he was called up into the England squad several seasons ago, before an injury and a subsequent desire to play regular first team football (albeit away on loan) saw him never given the chance to join the squad again.

To me, his absence from the squad named yesterday, remains a mystery!

Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=334543#ixzz2glTgIlw2

WhiteJC · October 04, 2013, 03:48:03 PM

Fulham v Stoke: Shawcross to score at any time holds appeal
Stoke are yet to score a header this season, but Fulham have made a habit of conceding corners lately

There have been some question marks over Fulham's defending of the aerial ball in recent weeks and with Stoke the next visitors to Craven Cottage, this is something that Martin Jol will need to iron out quickly.

Although Stoke's playing style under Mark Hughes is not as direct as was previously the case when managed by Tony Pulis, they certainly retain a handful of players that warrant close attention from set pieces.

Given Fulham have conceded at least nine corners in each of their last three Premier League games, Stoke are liable to create some set-piece chances and this makes a Ryan Shawcross bet a big price at 11/1 to score at any time in the 90 minutes with Fulham.

Shawcross has already opened his account for the campaign at home to Crystal Palace with a goal from a long throw that wasn't properly cleared and Stoke's run of failing to score a header so far this season will surely not extend much longer.

At the prices, it makes more sense to back Shawcross over central defensive partner Robert Huth, who is shorter at 8/1 to score at any time, given they netted the same number of goals last season and the German is yet to score in the current campaign.

Alternatively, Fulham have conceded six of their nine Premier League goals so far to left-footed finishes and so the 5/1 on offer for a Charlie Adam goal has some heightened appeal, particularly as he has started all of Stoke's last five top-flight games.

Looking back through the previous history of these clubs, the bet that most stands out for this fixture is the 20/21 that both teams fail to score in London.

This bet would have landed in four of Stoke's last five fixtures in all competitions and half of Fulham's six in the Premier League. It would have also been successful in seven of the last eight encounters between the pair.

In terms of match betting, Hughes is 9/4 to mastermind a victory over his old club, the draw can be backed at 23/10 and Fulham are favourites with home advantage at 6/5. Fulham have won four of their five total Premier League home games with Stoke.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

http://news.ladbrokes.com/en-gb/football/premier-league/fulham-v-stoke-shawcross-to-score-at-any-time-holds-appeal_173812.html

WhiteJC · October 04, 2013, 03:49:00 PM

Fulham v Stoke City: Mark Hughes on familiar ground as he returns to Craven Cottage
The Welshman admits he made a mistake leaving the Cottagers in 2011

Mark Hughes believes he has found a club similar in spirit to Fulham as he prepares to return to Craven Cottage with Stoke this weekend.

Hughes resigned as Fulham manager in the summer of 2011 in the hope of furthering his career but now admits he made a mistake.

The Welshman's next employment came at QPR in a dismal and chaotic 10-month spell that culminated in his sacking.

He is now bidding to resurrect his managerial career at the Britannia Stadium and feels comfortable in surroundings that remind him of Fulham.

The 49-year-old said: "In terms of the club and the people they are very similar - top quality people, good people to work for.

"They are clubs that are trying to be in the top half of the Premier League, that is what we are trying to do and Fulham will be trying to do that again.

"They are clubs that have established themselves for a long time in the Premier League now.

"You reap the benefits of that in terms of being able to invest and move forward. That's what Fulham and Stoke have done."

Hughes has made an encouraging start with the Potters and has earned praise for the style his side have played in, contrasting with the direct and physical game typically associated with them.

The past fortnight has brought setbacks however with defeats to Arsenal and, of more concern to Hughes, Norwich.

Hughes said: "We didn't really see that coming. Until that point we had been very good in terms of performance level.

"We didn't hit anything like the levels we had before.

"It was a disappointment but in the Premier League the games come thick and fast and we have an opportunity now to put that right against Fulham."

Hughes has not been back to Craven Cottage since his departure from the club but clearly still has affection for the London outfit.

He expects a tough game there and is surprised Fulham have started the season poorly, having collected just four points from their opening six Barclays Premier League games.

Hughes said: "They had a disappointing result, like we did, last time out but we are under no illusions that it won't be a difficult fixture for us.

"Fulham's home form in the last few seasons has been really strong.

"I don't really know why they haven't been able to knock results out at home.

"Craven Cottage is one of the great football grounds of the Premier League, it's got its own unique atmosphere and that has helped Fulham in the past.

"But at the beginning of the season there are a lot of disruptions and the league hasn't really settled down yet, with international breaks and the transfer window.

"Fulham are one of many teams that will think things will settle for them and they can continue to progress and move forward.

"We have played well in our away games - Arsenal, without getting a result, and at West Ham, where we were excellent.

"So our trips to London have been okay to this point. We hope we get another positive result."

One difference Hughes will notice at Craven Cottage is that the unpopular statue of Michael Jackson has now been removed.

Hughes was manager when then chairman Mohamed Al Fayed had his controversial sculpture of the late singer erected, but new owner Shahid Khan has taken it down.

Hughes said: "That was a personal thing from the previous owner and it was something that was important to him. I think we should always respect that.

"But it was never really embraced by the fans at Fulham and they're probably pleased that it is no longer there."

PA

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/fulham-v-stoke-city-mark-hughes-on-familiar-ground-as-he-returns-to-craven-cottage-8859222.html

WhiteJC · October 04, 2013, 03:49:51 PM

Blow for Fulham as Parker is ruled out

Fulham midfielder Scott Parker has been ruled out of Saturday's game against Stoke because of a calf problem.

The 32-year-old was forced off with the injury during last week's defeat at home to Cardiff City and he has failed recover in time for the visit of Mark Hughes' side.

"Scott is out with a calf problem," Whites manager Martin Jol confirmed.

"We brought him off against Cardiff and he is still feeling it so won't be available. It will probably take him a week to 10 days to be okay."

Fulham are still without Maarten Stekelenburg, who has a shoulder injury, but Jol revealed the goalkeeper is close to a return after fearing he may have needed surgery.

"Maarten is still not available but he is much better, at about 90%. He will need next week to recover," Jol explained.

Defender Aaron Hughes is still suffering with a thigh problem and midfielder Ashkan Dejagah remains unfit for selection.

http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/blow-for-fulhamfc-as-scott-parker-is-ruled-out-653432-html?

WhiteJC · October 04, 2013, 03:52:03 PM

Back me or not... but get behind the team, says Fulham boss Jol ahead of Stoke clash

Martin Jol has pleaded with Fulham fans to get behind the team – even if they don't back him.

The Dutchman has taken the brunt of criticism from fans for Fulham's dire start to the season.

His side face Stoke at Craven Cottage on Saturday afternoon and managers can usually find solace in front of a home crowd.

Down and out: But Martin Jol wants Craven Cottage fans to get behind the team

Fury: Fulham fans rushed to confront Jol after last weekend's home defeat by Cardiff

But Fulham have lost six and drawn once in their previous seven matches at Craven Cottage and supporters have angrily called for his head in successive matches there.

Jol said: 'The supporters should get behind the team. It's not about me, it's about the club. How many times do you get a change [in manager] and people ask for your neck?

'We will be fine, even with the injuries we will be fine. But we need the support of our supporters. If I'm not here it can still go wrong. They don't have to support me but support the club.'

Tussle: Fulham's Kieran Richardson (right) battles with Cardiff's Kevin Theophile-Catherine last weekend

Bitter end: Cardiff fans go wild celebrating Jordon Mutch's last-gasp winning goal

Jol, 57, claims he revels in the pressure he has been put under with his side second-from-bottom. He is the bookies favourite – ahead of Alan Pardew and Chris Hughton – to get the chop, but has called on everyone to keep calm.

He added: 'They are entitled to their opinion but they need to keep their heads cool like the players and the manager.

'We are only six games into the season, not 30, and the other teams are pretty cool. It is not a lot different here. I always put myself under pressure but when you have a battle on your hands you have to keep cool.'

Crestfallen: Fulham's Bryan Ruiz looks dejected alongside teammates after Cardiff's winner

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2443795/Martin-Jol-tells-Fulham-fans-team.html#ixzz2glUczcFK
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WhiteJC · October 04, 2013, 03:54:23 PM

Hughes compares Stoke to Fulham and gives view on Whites' survival chances

Mark Hughes (right) speaks with Clint Dempsey (left) as Simon Davies (right) looks on during the Welshman's time in charge of Fulham.
Photo: Joe Giddens/EMPICS

Mark Hughes believes he has found a club similar in spirit to Fulham as he prepares to return to Craven Cottage with Stoke this weekend.

Hughes resigned as Fulham manager in the summer of 2011 in the hope of furthering his career but now admits he made a mistake.

The Welshman's next employment came at QPR in a dismal and chaotic 10-month spell that culminated in his sacking.

He is now bidding to resurrect his managerial career at the Britannia Stadium and feels comfortable in surroundings that remind him of Fulham.

The 49-year-old said: "In terms of the club and the people they are very similar - top quality people, good people to work for.

"They are clubs that are trying to be in the top half of the Premier League, that is what we are trying to do and Fulham will be trying to do that again.

"They are clubs that have established themselves for a long time in the Premier League now.

"You reap the benefits of that in terms of being able to invest and move forward. That's what Fulham and Stoke have done."

Hughes has not been back to Craven Cottage since his departure from the club but clearly still has affection for the London outfit.

He expects a tough game there and is surprised Fulham have started the season poorly, having collected just four points from their opening six Premier League games.

Hughes said: "They had a disappointing result, like we did, last time out but we are under no illusions that it won't be a difficult fixture for us.

"Fulham's home form in the last few seasons has been really strong.

"I don't really know why they haven't been able to knock results out at home.

"Craven Cottage is one of the great football grounds of the Premier League, it's got its own unique atmosphere and that has helped Fulham in the past.

"But at the beginning of the season there are a lot of disruptions and the league hasn't really settled down yet, with international breaks and the transfer window.

"Fulham are one of many teams that will think things will settle for them and they can continue to progress and move forward.

"We have played well in our away games - Arsenal, without getting a result, and at West Ham, where we were excellent.

"So our trips to London have been okay to this point. We hope we get another positive result."

One difference Hughes will notice at Craven Cottage is that the unpopular statue of Michael Jackson has now been removed.

Hughes was manager when then chairman Mohamed Al Fayed had his controversial sculpture of the late singer erected, but new owner Shahid Khan has taken it down.

Hughes said: "That was a personal thing from the previous owner and it was something that was important to him. I think we should always respect that.

"But it was never really embraced by the fans at Fulham and they're probably pleased that it is no longer there."

http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/hughes_compares_stoke_to_fulham_and_gives_view_on_whites_survival_chances_1_2848220

WhiteJC · October 04, 2013, 03:55:45 PM

Fulham v Stoke City, five players under the spotlight

Fulham host Stoke City at Craven Cottage as they look to relieve some of the pressure on manager Martin Jol.

Odds: Fulham 16/11, Draw 23/10, Stoke 9/4

Last season 1-0

There is a lot of pressure on Fulham manager Martin Jol going into this game as he could do with a result. Fulham have only picked up one point since the opening day victory against Sunderland and currently lie third from bottom as they welcome a side in Stoke City who are three points and three places ahead of them in the Premier League. Both sides must be targeting all three points at Craven Cottage on Saturday afternoon. Mark Hughes' side won't be in the best of spirits, though. After making what looked like a solid start they suffered a 1-0 home defeat last time out to Norwich, making their start look ordinary.

On the injury front, Stoke are likely to be without Matthew Etherington who is suffering from whip-lash, while Scott Parker is likely to miss the game after he hobbled off in the opening stages of Fulham's 2-1 loss to Cardiff City last weekend, but Aaron Hughes could return to the side.

With a pretty big game for both sides, here are five players who could be under the spotlight:

Bryan Ruiz

Martin Jol will have been glad to see Ruiz return last weekend and he had an immediate impact with a well-taken goal. A lot may fall on Ruiz to be the architect of Fulham's attacking play. Can he be the difference between the two sides and lift a bit of pressure off of Jol's shoulders?

Peter Crouch

Either Crouch or Kenwyne Jones seem to be getting the nod at the moment and not both of them at the same time. But Crouch may be picked after Jones' performance against Norwich City proved fruitless. Crouch's battle with Hangeland will be interesting to watch.

Darren Bent

Bent has a pretty good goalscoring pedigree but he is going to have to really get at the Stoke defence early on Saturday to set the tone of the game. This is one that Fulham are going to have to start quickly, and with a bit of pace and decent finisher up front, Bent could provide the vital finish.

Jermaine Pennant

Pennant seems to provide Mark Hughes' side with a good degree of impact when he has come off the bench. He does have some good pace and a decent delivery which may trouble Fulham's back line this weekend. If Hughes starts with him, don't be surprised if he has a big influence on the game.

Brede Hangeland

Fulham's big centre-half has come in for some criticism over the past couple of weeks, so he will want to put in a good performance this week to silence the doubters.

Last time they met

Fulham 1-0 Stoke – February 2013 Premier League

It was a magnificent volley from a very talented footballer that decided this match as Fulham took all three points courtesy of Dimitar Berbatov on the stroke of half-time. Jonathan Walters had his penalty saved from Mark Schwarzer after the interval. It meant that Stoke's poor away form continued as both sides lay firmly in mid-table afterwards.

http://hereisthecity.com/2013/10/04/ib-fulham-v-stoke-city-five-players-under-the-spotlight/?

WhiteJC · October 04, 2013, 03:56:57 PM

Premier League: Fulham v Stoke City match preview
A
look ahead to this weekend's Premier League fixture at Craven Cottage

The meeting at Craven Cottage this weekend features two teams struggling for form and desperate for a win.

Stoke have failed to win in three matches and lost two in a row the latest of which was a dour performance at home to Norwich where they rarely looked threatening and only managed one shot on target. Mark Hughes will be looking for a significant improvement this weekend and hoping his team can rediscover some of the fight that earned them a draw against Man City earlier in the season.

Their opponents this weekend are Fulham who find themselves in the relegation zone after four losses in five games. Despite having players with proven quality in their squad like Dimitar Berbatov and Bryan Ruiz Fulham have not won since the opening day of the season. After lamenting for his health after last weekend's home loss to Cardiff, Martin Jol will be hoping his talented squad start performing sooner rather than later.

KICK-OFF: Saturday, 3pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS...

Fulham 1 (Berbatov) Stoke 0, Premier League, February 2013

Stoke 1 (Adam) Fulham 0, Premier League, November 2012

Fulham 2 (Pogrebnyak, Sorensen own goal) Stoke 1 (Shawcross), Premier League, February 2012

STATS...

In matches between Fulham and Stoke the home side has won five of the last six times.

Stoke are currently committing an average of 13.3 fouls per game. Only Aston Villa, Norwich and Southampton are averaging more.

Fulham have not kept a clean sheet at home this season.

No player in either squad has scored more than one goal in the Premier League this season.

ODDS...

Fulham to win: 2.46

Stoke to win: 3.3

Draw: 3.3

TV: Highlights on BBC1 at 10.30pm

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/premier-league-fulham-v-stoke-city-match-preview-8859395.html

WhiteJC · October 04, 2013, 03:57:55 PM

Seven Up For U21s

Fulham Under-21s rounded off their brief tour of Asia with a resounding 7-0 win over Woodlands Wellington at the Jelan Besar Stadium in Singapore on Friday.

The Whites, who lost 2-0 to Indonesia Under-21s on Tuesday, thumped Wellington – a side currently fourth in Singapore's top division.

Lyle Della Verde and Dino Islamovic both scored twice, with Mananga Jonathan Buatu, Lasse Vigen Christensen and Ange-Freddy Plumain completing the rout.

Kit Symons said: "The boys worked hard in hot conditions with 80 per cent humidity to bring a productive end to our stay.

"As well as experiencing different styles of football, the boys have had a tremendous life experience and it has been great for their learning and development.

"Despite the loss on Tuesday, the game was watched on television by 19 per cent of the viewing public. Though I was disappointed with that performance, I've been delighted with the way my little soldiers have conducted themselves off the pitch and they've been excellent ambassadors for Fulham."

http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/october/04/seven-up-for-u21s?

WhiteJC · October 04, 2013, 03:58:55 PM

Fulham missing Scott Parker for Stoke clash as pressure mounts on Martin Jol

London side still missing Aaron Hughes and Maarten Stekelenburg as they prepare to go up against former boss Mark Hughes

Martin Jol is feeling the pressure at Craven Cottage
Christopher Lee

Fulham are without midfielder Scott Parker for tomorrow's crucial clash with Stoke City.

The former Tottenham Hotspur star limped out of last weekend's home defeat to Cardiff City with a calf problem, which will sideline him for another 10 days.

Aaron Hughes (thigh) is still out after suffering a setback in training this week, but keeper Maarten Stekelenburg could be back after the international break.

The Dutch international damaged his shoulder in the opening-day win at Sunderland and hasn't featured since, but is closing in on a return to action.

Matthew Briggs and Ashkan Dejagah are still sidelined.

The Cottagers go into the game desperate to end a miserable run of form that has piled the pressure on manager Martin Jol.

The Dutchman hasn't held talks with owner Shahid Khan over his future, but remains defiant he can change their fortunes, starting against Stoke.

He said: "I'm strong and I'm eager to do well. I want to battle and come out of this situation. I'm ready to battle for 38 games.

"I haven't spoken to Mr. Khan, but I have spoken on a daily basis with the board and the chief executive.

"My future hasn't been discussed. They can see these are all my players, and we saw that application was good over the last five or six games.

"I always put myself under pressure but when you have a battle on your hands you have to keep cool."

Check out all the latest News, Sport & Celeb gossip at Mirror.co.uk http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/fulham-missing-scott-parker-stoke-2338746#ixzz2glWeiP2U
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WhiteJC · October 04, 2013, 03:59:56 PM

Jol to fight for Fulham future

Boss insists he can change club's fortunes after slow start

Martin Jol remains defiant over his future and insists he can still turn Fulham's season around.

The Whites go into tomorrow's crucial clash with Stoke City in the bottom three, with just four points on the board from their opening six games.

Some supporters called for Jol to be axed after last weekend's home defeat to Cardiff City.

The former Spurs boss hasn't spoken to owner Shahid Khan about his future, but is confident he can address a slide down the table, starting against Stoke.

He said: "I'm strong and I'm eager to do well. I want to battle and come out of this situation. I'm ready to battle for 38 games.

"I haven't spoken to Mr Khan, but I have spoken on a daily basis with the board and the chief executive.

"My future hasn't been discussed. They can see these are all my players, and we saw that application was good over the last five or six games.

"I always put myself under pressure but when you have a battle on your hands you have to keep cool."

Jol has issued a rallying call to fans to get behind the team tomorrow, adding: "It's not about me, it's about the club.

"We need the support of our supporters. If I'm not here it can still go wrong. They don't have to support me but support the club."

http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/jol-fight-fulham-future-6139991?

WhiteJC · October 04, 2013, 04:00:50 PM

Jol's Stoke Preview

Martin Jol is hoping to see his Fulham side 'get back on track' as he targets three points against Stoke City on Saturday.

The Whites have not won in the Barclays Premier League since the opening day of the season, and Jol is keen to see his charges claim the victory that could see Fulham leapfrog the Potters in the table.

"It is very important for us to get a result," he said in his pre-match press conference. "There are a few teams above us on seven points and we have to get out of this bottom three as soon as possible because that would give us a little bit more confidence.

"So we have to keep our heads cool to do what, for example, Norwich City did last week against Stoke. We're on four points - if we get three points with a win then we're on seven points and everything looks a bit better.

"Look at the other teams, they're on seven points. What's the difference? There is no difference, the only thing is we have to get wins under our belt and, if not, then we will struggle. I can always come up with solutions and reasons and, of course, there are reasons, but we have to do better."

Certain sections of the Craven Cottage crowd have vocalised their frustrations at the team's recent form and Jol, while understanding the current dissatisfaction, urged the Fulham faithful to get behind the boys at the weekend.

"I always feel that they're entitled to have an opinion, but they have to keep their cool," he explained. "Like the players, and the manager, of course, has to keep his cool, and the staff.

"It's not after 30 games, it's after five or six games, and if you see the other teams, they're pretty cool as well. I see my mate [Norwich manager] Chris Hughton getting a win, three points so they're on seven points now, and it's not a lot different here. I'm strong, I feel eager to do well, I feel eager to challenge and to battle and to come out of this situation. And what is six games? I'm ready to battle for 38 games.

"I think the Club will be fine; we will be fine because we've got some good players if everybody is there, and even when I've got two or three injuries we will be fine. As it is now, I don't think there will be a problem but you need the support of your supporters. They don't have to support me, but give us a break, give us a chance to get us back on track.

"I always put myself under pressure but even when you have a battle on your hands for relegation you have to keep your head cool. You need your supporters. That's one thing, but I think we're good enough with our squad – we've got some good players and I'm very proud of having these players on the board. I think our squad is probably better than before, the only thing is we need a break, we need three points."

Saturday's game will see Mark Hughes in the away team dugout for the first time since his departure from the Club in the summer of 2011. He took over from Tony Pulis who was famed for his direct style of play, whilst Fulham fans are more than aware that was not a philosophy our former manager prefers.

And Jol appreciates why his Stoke counterpart is trying to alter the attitude up at the Britannia, but explained that it could take time for him to instil his footballing ideas into the team.

"Of course, you need a year [to get used to it], you need maybe even more," he said. "They try to play but they still play these long balls so it's a little bit in the middle. You can't get to the goal in two or three passes; it's not my style and it's not Mark Hughes' style.

"I saw Stoke a couple of times and they did well, especially for example against Manchester City. But they're on seven points so there's not a big difference – we play at home tomorrow so if we get the three points then we are on the same points."

Our Manager also delivered the latest team news from Motspur Park, with Scott Parker missing out at the weekend after suffering an early setback against Cardiff City last week.

"Scott will be out with his calf," Jol confirmed. "We had to take him off and he's still feeling it so he won't be involved. He might be back in a week to 10 days.

"Maarten Stekelenburg is still not available, with his shoulder. He's better, 90 per cent, so we need next week to get him fit. Aaron Hughes [is out] with his thigh, and Ashkan Dejagah is still not 100 per cent fit for selection."

Tickets for Fulham v Stoke are still available on General Sale. Buy yours online at fulhamfc.com/tickets.

http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/october/04/jols-stoke-preview?