Monday Fulham Stuff (21/10/13)...

WhiteJC · October 21, 2013, 08:03:59 AM

The Tipster: Fulham can rule in Eagles nest thanks to Darren Bent's firepower

Darren Bent may not be on Roy Hodgson's World Cup radar after England qualified for next summer's finals but that could change if he fires Fulham to Premier League safety.

Former Spurs and Sunderland striker Bent is on loan with the Cottagers from Aston Villa and is expected to provide the firepower to help them beat Crystal Palace, who they meet tonight in the London derby at Selhurst Park.

Daniel Sturridge and Danny Welbeck have both packed their bags in anticipation of the adventure in South America where they could play alongside automatic choice Wayne Rooney, but Bent will fancy his chances of edging out either Jermain Defoe or Ricky Lambert if he can move up through the gears.

The 29-year-old from Tooting left the bench to hit the winner against Stoke last time out and is12/5 with Bet Victor and Bet365 to score against the Eagles while Fulham are 15/8 with Stan James to make the short journey home with maximum points.

The Cottagers struggle to score when they are not playing in front of their own fans and Palace just find it difficult to score so under 2.5 goals at 31/40 with Bet Victor is also a good bet.

http://metro.co.uk/2013/10/20/the-tipster-fulham-can-rule-in-eagles-nest-thanks-to-darren-bents-firepower-4153600/?

WhiteJC · October 21, 2013, 08:05:09 AM

Premier League: Brede Hangeland not happy with Fulham's points total

Fulham defender Brede Hangeland is determined to help the Cottagers climb the Premier League table following their poor start to the campaign.

Martin Jol's side currently sit outside the drop zone on goal difference after taking just seven points from their opening seven fixtures.

But it could have been worse, with the Cottagers picking up their first win in the 1-0 home success over Stoke last time, and Hangeland is desperate for more points.

Jol's side play fellow strugglers Crystal Palace on Monday and high-fliers Southampton on Saturday - with both games being shown live on Sky Sports - before ties against Liverpool and Manchester United.

Hangeland told Dagbladet: "I am not particularly pleased (with the points total).

"That statistic doesn't impress anyone. We've got work to do - we have had a fairly tough programme, but one point on average per match is worse than we had planned."

Turning point

Regarding the win over Stoke, he added: "I hope it was a turning point.

"It was a truly important win. Without it, it would have looked really bad.

"It is still early in the season. We should not get stressed, but we are hoping to get more in the future and advance in the standings.

"I would like us to collect some points in the two upcoming matches, before the two difficult matches.

"It is possible to take points against United and Liverpool. We've got a tradition of taking points against the top clubs at times."

http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11661/8982481?

WhiteJC · October 21, 2013, 08:06:08 AM

Palace v Fulham: Cottagers to ease pressure on Jol with crucial win
Both strugglers meet at Selhurst Park on Monday with Fulham welcoming back key men

Martin Jol takes his Fulham side to Selhurst Park for the first time in eight years to face one of only three sides that sit below them in the table, Crystal Palace.

Such are the contrasting expectations of both sides that the pressure of the sack appears to be hovering over the head of the Fulham boss rather than his adversary Ian Holloway.

The Cottagers are only outside of the bottom three because of their marginally better goal difference compared to Norwich, while Palace have won just once all season, a 3-1 victory over Sunderland.

Despite tasting six defeats already, there appears to be little appetite to call for change at the top at Selhurst, with Ian Holloway being offered the time to turn it round.

Jol is being offered no such luxury, with some reports even suggesting that defeat on Monday could spell the end of his two-year reign. Their crucial win over Stoke last time round eased some of the pressure, but Jol will know that there remains an uncomfortable number of Fulham fans still unsure on the former Spurs, Ajax and Hamburg coach.

With Palace on the back of four straight defeats, Jol will be targeting a first away win since the opening day of the season, when a Pajtim Kasami header sealed all three points at Sunderland.

Times of crisis are often when managers turn to old heads to guide them out of trouble, and in Scott Parker – back after a calf injury – Jol will know that there are few Premier League players more up for the fight.

Fulham will be further boosted by the return of defender Aaron Hughes, while Dutch international keeper Maarten Stekelenburg could also play only his second match for Fulham after recovering from a shoulder injury sustained on his debut in Wearside.

Both sides have struggled for goals, with just ten between them all season, but while Fulham have proven tighter at the back to compensate, Palace's defending has been particularly generous at times, with 13 goals conceded in totla and nine in their last four games alone, with only one scored in return.

So while Jol may be the man facing the axe, it appears that Holloway is the man with more to do. Unlike the Fulham gaffer, he doesn't have the sort of guaranteed Premier League goalscorers his counterpart can call on, with the likes of Dimitar Berbatov and Darren Bent surely capable of firing the Cottagers out of any trouble.

Bent has scored two of Fulham's five goals and should start alongside the Bulgarian, and they are priced 11/2 and 6/1 respectively to score the first goal.

Fulham are 13/8 to win at Palace, but those looking for bulkier odds might be tempted by the price of 17/4 for Fulham to win and under 2.5 goals to be scored in the match.

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

http://news.ladbrokes.com/en-gb/football/premier-league/palace-v-fulham-cottagers-to-ease-pressure-on-jol-with-crucial-win_175350.html

WhiteJC · October 21, 2013, 08:07:22 AM

Ian Holloway will settle for Palace finishing first of the bottom four
• Manager faces Fulham after losing six of seven league games
• Dismisses idea that Fulham will be in relegation dogfight

Ian Holloway has challenged his Crystal Palace players to end the season above the Premier League relegation zone but has dismissed any suggestion that opponents Fulham will also be a part of the battle for survival.

The Eagles will start the game in 19th place, with the visiting side two places above them after both have suffered faltering starts. But while Holloway would happily settle for a 17th-placed finish at the end of the season, he does not envisage Fulham fighting at the foot of the table for much longer.

When asked if Martin Jol's side were part of the bottom-four battle Holloway said: "That would be a bit of a disgrace to Fulham. For they have had a mixed bag of results recently and then people were 'taking with' a new owner and speculation grows.

"But Martin is a very shrewd cookie and they have got all sorts of players there. Scott Parker is fit again and when you look at it they are used to this division. I'm sure they will have much bigger aspirations than ourselves and the truth is we have got to try and finish first of the bottom four."

A 3-1 victory at home to Sunderland remains the only positive result this season for Palace, who have lost six of their seven league fixtures. Holloway admits his side need to improve. "What we have been doing lately hasn't been good enough and we have got to do better," he said. "That doesn't scare me, that is a fact and we have got to do it very, very quickly."

http://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/oct/20/premier-league-crystal-palace-fulham?

WhiteJC · October 21, 2013, 08:09:04 AM

Palace's Gayle can bag first with stakes returned if Bent or Berbatov score
The former non-league starlet is Palace's only hope of troubling the visitors defence.

Finding any smidgens of comfort from Crystal Palace's timid return to the Premier League is a tough job but there is one gem that manager Ian Holloway has unearthed and he goes by the name of Dwight Gayle.

Palace's electric striker, who has been likened to Ian Wright due to his lethalness in front of goal and the way he has mirrored Wright's rise through non-league ranks, is well worth backing to score first against Fulham at an industry best price of 15/2, especially with bwin generously refunding losing bets if either Darren Bent or Dimitar Berbatov notch at any time.

Both Fulham strikers are more than capable for firing past a leaky Palace defence that has failed to keep a clean sheet this season.

Only one of Bent and Berbatov will lead the line for Fulham in south London but both carry a significant goal threat when provided with the right service.

The former Sunderland striker, who came agonizingly close to signing for Palace over the summer, has scored two of Fulham's five league goals this campaign while Berbatov, although not quite firing on all cylinders this term, can boast a haul of 15 Premier League strikes last season.

Along with first goalscorer wagers, losing correct score, to score two or more and to score three or more bets will be refunded if either Bent or Berbatov find the onion bag against Holloway's men.

Gayle scored 13 goals in just four months of Championship football for Peterborough United.

After being rejected by Arsenal as a youngster for being too lightweight, Gayle started from the bottom with Stansted in the ninth tier of English football and fired his way to the Premier League, via Dagenham & Redbridge and Peterborough.

Two of Palace's measly five goals this season have been supplied by the lively Gayle as he has shown that the £4.5million Holloway forked out for his services has the potential to be a very profitable investment.

Fulham have lost more points thanks to goals conceded in the final five minutes than any other side this term.

Newcastle United, West Bromwich Albion and Cardiff City have all stolen points off the Cottagers with the clock ticking down this season.

Concentration and a lack of organisation are to blame for these lapses and it wouldn't be the biggest surprise to see Gayle and his teammates take advantage of this sloppiness once again.

Backing the Draw/Crystal Palace in the half-time/full-time market at 21/4 is certainly a tactic which should interest shrewd value hunters.

Top bet: Gayle to score first @ 15/2

- See more at: http://bwinbetting.com/leagues/premier-league/palaces-gayle-bag-stakes-returned-bent-berbatov-score-fulham,46797.html?#sthash.Rsht8Ikj.dpuf

WhiteJC · October 21, 2013, 08:10:17 AM

Tickets still available for Fulham

Haven't got your ticket for next Saturday's visit of Fulham yet? They're on general sale now!

With the game taking place right at the start of the half-term break on Saturday 26th October, this match has been designated as our first-ever Family Fun Day so there will be a whole host of fun activities for young supporters to get involved with before the match, wherever you are sat in the ground.

Saints are unbeaten at home this season and are chasing a fourth consecutive victory at St Mary's, so this weekend's late kick-off against the West Londoners promises to be an unmissable occasion as the side looks to continue its excellent start to the new campaign.

For this match only, we are offering families of four – two adults and two children aged under 11 – a special Family Ticket which costs just £60. Under-11s also go FREE in the Family Stand when each accompanied by one full-paying adult. There are only a limited number of Family Tickets available, so get yours now!

In the lead up to the 5.30pm kick-off time, there will be plenty of activities to for families to enjoy such as face painting and football skill games, with more activities to be announced soon – so keep checking the website and social media for more details.

Read more at http://www.saintsfc.co.uk/news/article/tickets-still-available-for-fulham-1124541.aspx?#1CQ7WuSqcuvIMEvk.99

WhiteJC · October 21, 2013, 08:12:52 AM

Jol: Palace don't need to worry about their poor start but Fulham are coming for them

Fulham boss Martin Jol has offered encouraging words to his fans and those at Crystal Palace after both sides' poor start to the Barclays Premier League season.

The Cottagers are outside the relegation zone on goal difference only, while Ian Holloway's men have just four points from their first seven games.

Jol, however, believes early-season form is no indication of how a club will finish.

Under pressure: But Martin Jol is aiming for victory over Premier League rivals Crystal Palace

'Even when you're in the bottom three at Christmas it doesn't mean you will go down,' he said, ahead of Monday's clash between the two teams at Selhurst Park.

'I remember Ian Holloway doing an unbelievable job at Blackpool. I think he was in the top eight at one stage four or five years ago and they still got relegated after Christmas.

'He played a different system, a very progressive 4-3-3 and he did it again with Crystal Palace. So I still feel that the man is doing a good job, but the results are not going for them.

'And hopefully Monday will be the same.'

Admired: Many felt Ian Holloway did an excellent job at Blackpool before joining Palace

Of his own squad, Jol denied speculation morale is dipping in the dressing room.

'We've got a great team spirit, we've got new players in, I've got all these players, 80 per cent of the players are my players and the other players are here for at least two years, so there's no problem,' he said.

'The only problem we have is we had an indifferent result against Cardiff, but Cardiff beat Manchester City as well. So they're all strong these teams.

'West Brom you know, we should have beaten them, they scored in the 93rd minute, they scored the equaliser and a week later they beat Man United away from home. I spoke to my friends and to other managers, and they all know that it's not easy to get results in the Premier League.'

Scott Parker will make a welcome return to Fulham's midfield should he be fit, while Dimitar Berbatov is expected to line up having used the international break to get over the knock he picked up against Stoke.

Key men: Dimitar Berbatov (left) and Scott Parker are expected to return for Fulham on Monday

But even with a stronger squad, Jol knows his side cannot travel to Selhurst Park believing the three points are guaranteed.

'They (Crystal Palace) need the points as well and it's the Barclays Premier League, so it will be difficult,' he said.

'It's not easy to go away from home to play against these teams. But I think we've got the players and the quality to get the result.'

Iranian international Ashkan Dejagah won't be rushed back in to the squad, though, despite playing more than an hour for his country against Thailand earlier in the week.

'I've got, as I said before, a few options on the flank, especially on that flank, so first he must be 100 per cent fit,' Jol said.

'As soon as he's fit, and he wasn't until now because he had a big injury, then he'll be back in the squad.'

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2468893/Martin-Jol-Crystal-Palace-dont-need-worry-poor-start-Fulham-coming-them.html#ixzz2iL1voMz2
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WhiteJC · October 21, 2013, 08:14:26 AM

We've got work to do' - Hangeland tells Fulham they must improve

The defender says he is not impressed with his side who have picked up seven points from their opening seven games and is looking for victory against Crystal Palace

Brede Hangeland is unhappy with Fulham's start to the season, but remains confident Martin Jol's men can move up the table.

Fulham went five games without a win after their opening day victory over Sunderland, a run that saw the London club drop into the bottom three of the Premier League.

Victory over Stoke City before the international break saw Fulham edge out of the relegation places, but with only seven points from seven games, Hangeland knows Jol's side need to improve quickly.

"I am not particularly pleased [with the points total]," he told Norwegian newspaper Dagbladet. "That statistic doesn't impress anyone.

"We've got work to do - we have had a fairly tough programme, but one point on average per match is worse than we had planned.

"It is still early in the season. We should not get stressed, but we are hoping to get more in the future and advance in the standings.

"I would like us to collect some points in the two upcoming matches [against Crystal Palace and Southampton] before the two difficult matches [against Manchester United and Liverpool].

"It is possible to take points against United and Liverpool. We've got a tradition of taking points against the top clubs at times."

Fulham will travel to Crystal Palace on Monday hoping to record a second away win of the campaign.

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2013/10/20/4347217/-?

WhiteJC · October 21, 2013, 08:15:36 AM

Crystal Palace v Fulham match preview: Pressure building on Martin Jol and Ian Holloway to rescue poor starts to Premier League season
Defeat for Fulham or Palace tonight would leave losing manager fearing for their future

Martin Jol may be under pressure, but he remains typically relaxed. When asked whether he has yet met with Shahid Khan, the new Fulham owner widely understood to be assessing his position, the manager could not help a humourous flourish. "Of course. I met him last time he was here with the girls, with his beautiful girls."

Jol was talking about the Jacksonville Jaguars cheerleaders, who were at Craven Cottage when Fulham finally claimed a first win since the opening day by fortuitously beating Stoke 1-0. They will be back in London on Sunday, when Khan's NFL franchise play the San Francisco 49ers at Wembley. Jol has been invited to watch but the wonder is whether the cordiality will last much longer. Some around Fulham believe Khan has been delaying any decision until this visit, because he wants to give Jol the chance to steady the team.

The intrigue of tonight's match at Selhurst Park is that Crystal Palace are apparently viewing it in a similar way. Although Ian Holloway's poor record of just one win and six defeats has hardly been helped by a difficult opening set of fixtures – Tottenham Hotspur at home, Manchester United and Liverpool away – the questions will become tougher if he cannot claim points at home against Fulham. Defeat tonight could begin to determine either manager's future.

At least Khan has a clear idea what he wants to do with Fulham, which has been complicated by the manner their form has dropped off from this point last season, as well as the rumours of some squad discontentment. Jol abrasively denied such speculation on Thursday.

With Palace, it's more complex. Essentially, their perceived troubles have become exaggerated because the regime achieved success ahead of schedule. Having seen his club promoted giddily quickly, chairman Steve Parrish had to re-adjust his steadier three-year plan for the Premier League. Most conspicuously, that necessitated rethinking their summer transfer policy three times – balancing an attempt to stay in the division with their existing approach to buying young and securing the future. It was something Jol alluded to as he discussed Holloway's pursuit of eventual Fulham signing Darren Bent.

"Maybe they haven't got the resources like Liverpool, [Manchester] United, whatever, but I think they did well. If you look at the quality they've got up front and the players they bought, they wanted for example Darren Bent. They were in for Scott Parker."

In the end, Palace got a somewhat curious mix of signings which has affected the balance of the squad and not necessarily lifted the standard. As it is, only Joel Ward and Mile Jedinak have really excelled. This is also not to absolve Holloway. Although he spent the summer insisting lessons had been learned from his 2010-11 relegation at Blackpool, Holloway continues to play the naïvely expansive football that does not quite work.

It is the sort of space that players such as Dimitar Berbatov and Bryan Ruiz could finally revel in, like they did for the first half of last season. At the same time, it might just be the approach to unnerve an anxious Fulham backline.

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/crystal-palace-v-fulham-match-preview-pressure-building-on-martin-jol-and-ian-holloway-to-rescue-poor-starts-to-premier-league-season-8892938.html

WhiteJC · October 21, 2013, 08:16:42 AM

Jol set for crucial week at Fulham

This week could decide the future of Fulham and manager Martin Jol, who is set to have talks with the club's owner, according to reports.

Shahid Khan, the Fulham owner, is flying to London from the United States to have a meeting with Jol and his backroom staff, according to the Daily Mirror.

Future

Khan bought the club from former owner Mohamed Al Fayed in July 2013, and may be assessing the future of Fulham, including Jol's role at the club.

He is flying in time for the Cottagers' match against Crystal Palace on Monday at Selhurst Park, the newspaper claims.

The Daily Mirror states that the game on Monday may decide Khan's actions for the football club.

The Fulham chairman will be staying in London for a week to assess the club's situation after a poor start to the season.

Jol will be hoping his side can produce a good performance when they take on Palace on Monday.

Concerns

Khan has given the backing of his manager on several occasions, but according the Daily Mirror, there are concerns over the team's average age.

Khan's meetings in London are looking in to the future of Fulham, and deciding whether to spend more on youth development and promote from within the club, according to the newspaper.

http://www.touchlinetalk.com/jol-set-crucial-week-fulham/70036/?

WhiteJC · October 21, 2013, 08:17:39 AM

Ian Holloway expects Fulham to be safe

Crystal Palace manager Ian Holloway has said that he expects Martin Jol to steer Fulham to higher reaches of the Premier League by the end of the season.

The West Londoners are currently one place above the drop zone with seven points from their seven Premier League games, which has seen the Dutchman come under pressure at Craven Cottage.

Meanwhile, the Eagles are second bottom, but Holloway dismissed the notion that Monday's meeting at Selhurst Park is a relegation battle.

"That would be a bit of a disgrace to Fulham," Sky Sports News quotes him as saying.

"For them they have had a mixed bag of results recently and then people were talking with a new owner and speculation grows, but Martin is a very shrewd cookie and they have got all sorts of players there.

"Scott Parker is fit again and when you look at it they are used to this division. I'm sure they will have much bigger aspirations than ourselves and the truth is we have got to try and finish first of the bottom four."

Palace have won one and lost seven on their return to the Premier League.

http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/crystal-palace/news/holloway-expects-fulham-to-be-safe_112558.html

WhiteJC · October 21, 2013, 08:18:43 AM

Hangeland Remains Focussed Ahead Of Relegation Battle

Fulham defender Brede Hangeland remains fully focused on helping the Cottagers emerge from the bottom four by beating rivals Crystal Palace on Monday night.

Martin Jol has been under pressure this season having suffered a poor start to the season and possibly saved his job for the time being after securing their first win since the opening day of the season against Stoke City two weeks ago.

They currently sit fourth from bottom on goal difference with the clash on Monday night shaping up to be an early six-pointer at the foot of the table.

They then face three tricky ties to in-form Southampton, before taking on Liverpool and Manchester United and Hangeland bemoans the lack of points secured by Fulham so far.

Taken off Sky Sports, he told Dagbladet: "I am not particularly pleased (with the points total).

"That statistic doesn't impress anyone. We've got work to do - we have had a fairly tough programme, but one point on average per match is worse than we had planned."

And he hopes the victory over Stoke can be the catalyst to a turning point in their season.

"I hope it was a turning point." He added.

"It was a truly important win. Without it, it would have looked really bad."

http://www.sportsvibe.co.uk/news/football/hangeland-remains-focussed-ahead-of-relegation-battle-28797/?

WhiteJC · October 21, 2013, 08:19:57 AM

Liverpool midfielder reveals he could have left in the summer

How it could all be different for Jordan Henderson today. Having been signed by Kenny Dalglish in the summer of 2011 from Sunderland, Henderson reveals that he may not have been a Liverpool player today as Brendan Rodgers could have sold him in the summer to Fulham has part of the deal that would have bought Clint Dempsey to Anfield.

Speaking to the Telegraph, Henderson said,

"There was an opportunity that got brought to me (the move to Fulham) but I wanted to fight for my place. The manager was happy with that. Even when I wasn't playing, he was still helping me, which meant a lot; a lot of managers will forget about you. I always felt he believed if I could do the things he was saying, he would give me the opportunity and he did. I kept working hard and repaid the faith he had shown in me. The manager has been brilliant since he came in."

Henderson who was signed for a reported £16million plus add-ons, was a big disappointment to many Liverpool fans during his first season at the club under Dalglish. The pressure of such a huge transfer fee for a young player weighed heavily on him, coupled with moving to a big club like Liverpool.

The following season under Rodgers, Henderson improved slightly but he was not quite the player Liverpool fans hoped he would be and many called for him to be moved on. So it is no surprise that Henderson was part of a potential deal for Clint Dempsey, but that deal never went through and thus Henderson is still at Liverpool and fighting for his position.

Henderson's versatility is what makes him a good squad member. We have recently seen in the absence of Glen Johnson due to injury, Henderson has been able to slot in at right wing back. The last two games against Crystal Palace and Newcastle, he has been asked to play alongside Steven Gerrard in midfield. Some say that being too versatile can hamper a player; I agree with that school of thought.

For a coach it is a pleasure to have a player who can play in multiple positions but at the end of the day, the player should be a specialist in one position and work hard to perfect that position. If you look at Jamie Carragher and when he started his Liverpool career, he played in central midfield. He then spent time operating between, left back, right back and centre back until ultimately he settled in at centre back and perfected that role.

When it comes to Jordan Henderson, he played a lot of his football at Sunderland on the right side of midfield and he has played there too for Liverpool. But central midfield seems to be where he will end up playing and making a name for himself. He has the physical attributes to be a dominating central midfielder and has the legs to get from box to box. Henderson would have to work a lot on his decision making and picking out the right pass in that role. Liverpool currently are a bit thin in terms of central midfield options with only Gerrard, Lucas and Allen in Henderson's company. If Henderson is given a chance to settle in central midfield he could be an England central midfielder for many years to come.

It is a good thing that he stayed with Liverpool and turned down the chance to join Fulham. Now he has to prove himself and all the doubters wrong.

http://www.ourkop.com/2013/10/20/liverpool-midfielder-reveals-he-could-have-left-in-the-summer/?

WhiteJC · October 21, 2013, 08:24:46 AM

Murphy: I've got what it takes to manage at the top... but it won't be an easy journey

Danny Murphy smiles at the suggestion he was a footballing 'thinker'; an intelligent player with an eye for a pass before cultured midfielders became fashionable.

'I think they just say that for players who don't have pace!' he jokes.

After 20 years and 599 league appearances for the likes of Crewe Alexandra, Liverpool and Fulham, Murphy, now 36, has retired. Yet there are still more challenges ahead.

Top career: Danny Murphy enjoyed two decades as a professional before retiring this month

Murphy will complete his UEFA 'B' Licence in November and, coupled with his growing profile as a media pundit, has a firm desire to go into management and coaching.

He finds it odd some people still think it has to be one or the other, believing the best managers are generally the best coaches.

Gerard Houllier at Liverpool was the exception: a manager who dictated to other coaches but still attended every session.

'I'm sure that managing is easier than coaching,' adds Murphy. 'Being able to put on good sessions and improve a team, that's tough and that's what I want to do.

'I was a thinker and a talker but I think I became better at helping others around me in a team shape. That's a rare quality in players now, that leadership. Everyone gets on with their own job a little bit more now and I think teams miss that.

Father figures: Crewe's Dario Gradi and Liverpool's Gerard Houllier were huge influences on Murphy's career

Early days: Murphy as a youngster playing in the Championship for Crewe

'Think of Liverpool with Carra (Jamie Carragher) at the back, screaming. He's a leader and a winner. Joe Hart's got the same great presence and quality.

'After being in the game and learning from managers as long as I have, I feel I could be good at coaching and managing. I've got a lot to learn but I've got more to give.'

There were three managers who really shaped Murphy's career: former Liverpool boss Houllier, Dario Gradi at Crewe and Roy Hodgson, who made the midfielder his captain at Fulham.

Murphy counts himself especially lucky he encountered Gradi, who was 'like a dad' to him and used to stop training sessions to draw attention to his trainee 'having a strop' if he didn't get the pass he wanted.

'It took months, rather than weeks,' admits Murphy, 'but I stopped moaning.'

Touch: Lifting the ball over Fabien Barthez in the Manchester United goal to win a game in 2002

Houllier inherited Murphy at Liverpool, but the Frenchman sent him back to Crewe on loan to test his desire after 18 months at Anfield. It was a move that Murphy admits 'changed his career'.

'I thought I had made it a bit,' he says. 'I went from £200 a week to £3,000, but looking back I was a bit cocky. Liverpool was the dream.

'I was a season ticket-holder at Liverpool for years as a kid. It was just classic schoolboy stuff.'

Champions: Murphy was among the Liverpool side to win the treble in 2001 including the UEFA Cup

Houllier brought him back down to earth again after Liverpool won the Treble — the League, FA and UEFA Cups — in 2001.

Murphy thought his 10 goals and 47 appearances that season would be rewarded with a new contract, but instead Houllier told him to lose three quarters of a stone.

After a gruelling pre-season, Murphy made his England debut the following November.

'Some of the best moments of my career were wearing that Liverpool shirt and winning trophies,' says Murphy. 'I think about the Manchester United goals, getting the winner at Everton (in April 2003) and playing in big games in big stadiums all over Europe.

'It was disappointing to leave Liverpool. I could have gone to Everton under David Moyes, but I didn't want the Liverpool fans to think badly of me.'

After spells at Charlton Athletic and Tottenham Hotspur, Murphy joined Lawrie Sanchez's Fulham in August 2007. He thought the big European nights were behind him but then Hodgson arrived at Craven Cottage in December, marking the beginning of a relationship with the 'most caring and articulate manager' Murphy has ever had.

Murphy was incredulous at the notion his old Fulham boss's 'space monkey' story could be construed as racist. He was equally livid that the sanctity of the England dressing room had been breached.

For it was Hodgson, after all, who gave Murphy the responsibility on which he thrived, both as captain and in a deeper role on the pitch.

International colours: Making his debut for England against Sweden in November 2001

After Murphy scored against Portsmouth to keep Fulham in the Premier League on the final day of the 2008 season, the club finished seventh the following year and then reached the 2010 Europa League final.

Murphy said: 'Those few years we had a resilience and togetherness in that squad that was very rare. That's why losing the Europa League final against Atletico Madrid was the biggest disappointment I had ever had in my career, even more than being injured at the 2002 World Cup.'

There are not many regrets, but Murphy feels he 'probably left Fulham a year too early' when his contract ran out in 2012.

And so to Blackburn Rovers, on 'good money' and a two-year contract, but a club where the constant change of personnel made it difficult for him to thrive.

Looking to the future: Murphy wants to take his first steps into management

This was not the finale Murphy wanted, nor did he feel a desire to extend his playing career by moving down the divisions or to continue living away from his home in Surrey with wife Joanna and their children Mya and Ethan.

'It wasn't about finances,' he says, 'it was about location and enjoying playing a certain way. Otherwise, what's the point?'
Murphy's 'football philosophy' is clearly already in place.

Perhaps the 'thinking footballer' tag wasn't so wide of the mark, after all.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2469431/Danny-Murphy-Ive-got-takes-manage-top.html#ixzz2iL4M1Gas
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WhiteJC · October 21, 2013, 08:26:14 AM

Jol denies poor morale ahead of Palace trip

FULHAM manager Martin Jol has assured the club's fans that there is no problem with team spirit in the Cottagers' camp, ahead of tonight's clash with fellow strugglers Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

The west Londoners won their last game at home to Stoke to ease pressure on under-fire boss Jol, yet the team still lies fourth from bottom in the Premier League. Newly-promoted Palace are second from bottom.

"We have got a great team spirit. We've got new players in [and] I've got all these players – 80 per cent of the players are my players and the other players are here for at least two years, so there's no problem," Jol said.

"The only problem we have is we had an indifferent result against Cardiff, but Cardiff beat Manchester City as well. So they're all strong, these teams."

Jol added that he expects tonight's game to prove tough for Fulham, despite Palace having lost six of the opening seven league games of the season.

Palace boss Ian Holloway is hoping that his team of new signings can click sooner rather than later.

"To be honest I think the group will respond to that because they are so newly-formed – it is no excuse but it is the fact, and we have to learn through adversity to get stronger," Holloway said.

"We have got 31 [games] left and have got to try and get some points and stay with the pack."

Holloway added his support for Jol, who has faced criticism from Fulham's supporters following a poor end to last season and slow start this time around.

"They have had a mixed bag of results recently, but Martin is a very shrewd cookie and they have got all sorts of players there."

- See more at: http://www.cityam.com/article/1382320333/jol-denies-poor-morale-ahead-palace-trip?#sthash.uwq4ivGv.dpuf

WhiteJC · October 21, 2013, 08:27:19 AM

Storming the Palace

We need an October Revolution of our own down by the river, so let's unleash the shock troops Monday night and get Fulham's season truly up and running. According to the boss, all our internationals returned from overseas duty unscathed last week, and the squad, for the first time this season, should be at full strength. Accepted wisdom says by mid-October all players should be at peak fitness. This may not be the case at Fulham, with the likes of Darren Bent, Adel Taarabt and Ashkan Dejagah coming into the ranks having missed part of pre-season, while other like Derek Boateng spent much of last season side-lined.

However, a trip to floundering Crystal Palace says this is a game Martin Jol must be looking to win. Ian Holloway's team have proved easy meat for most sides so far this season. One solitary win over Sunderland and six defeats leaves them one off the bottom, and the widespread belief that promoted Palace would be making a swift return to the Championship still looks a safe bet.

Lest we forget Holloway almost pulled off a miracle with Blackpool three seasons ago. The Tangerines played with enterprise and freedom, fearlessly prepared to take the game to big names like Liverpool and Manchester United before running out of puff in the final month of the campaign.

It's where you finish in May that matters. Something I'm surprised Jol hasn't trotted out yet. While Fulham's form in the first two months has not been as bad as Palace or Sunderland, it has still been way below the standard we fans expect. Now there really can be no more excuses.

Our big money signings -- Bent, Scott Parker and Maarten Stekelenburg should all be raring to go. The players have had time to integrate, and are well rested. Let us pray Jol has prepared the team in the right way, and that his team selection proves to be the right one.

We are increasingly bombarded with statistics and match analysis, although I'm never quite sure what the data capture methods are. However, the following is relevant in revealing where Fulham's current shortcomings lay. We have conceded 60 corners to date in league action -- the highest tally in the EPL. And we are having real trouble defending corners and keeping clean sheets. What a surprise.

Second, and more damningly, on average to date, last season's top scorer Dimitar Berbatov makes contact with the ball in the opposition's box just three times per game played. That's not three efforts on goal, that is simply making contact with the ball. Woeful -- and this man is a striker! Little wonder we are not scoring freely. Dimi needs to start getting in where it hurts. Now!

Is Darren really going to be sitting on the bench again Monday? Surely not, after his winner bailed Jol from the slammer two weeks ago. I think the gaffer is asking for trouble if he pulls that stunt again. And will he get the balance right in midfield? We saw Boateng really impress when introduced against Stoke. The Palace boys will be like frightened rabbits if we take the game to them. Time to take a leaf out of Roy Hodgson's book and carry the fight to the opposition surely?

Sitting back and passing the ball across the back four at pedestrian pace will only encourage the strugglers, and if given a foothold in the game, Fulham could well be made to pay. I'm certain Holloway's team will be full of guts and endeavour even if lacking quality. The gaffer wriggled off the hook with that Stoke win, but with the Cardiff result still fresh in our minds, defeat at Selhurst Park would be a damning indictment of Jol's failings, and I suspect to such a feeble side, one the board would find hard to ignore.

Should Jol's position again come under the spotlight, how interesting to note that owner Shad Khan just happens to be in town later this week with his NFL team the Jaguars.

There's your tasty little scenario then for Monday's derby. Nowhere to hide for Jol as Fulham, feeling the pressure with no goals to show on their last two trips away from home, come up against Holloway's willing collection of Championship players and summer panic buys -- a side currently without both their captain and main striker.

A win takes us up to 14th and gives the table a healthier look. Heaven knows we need it, because lurking round the corner is notorious November. Yes, the month when winter kicks in and the Whites go on the slide. Following our trip to buoyant Southampton on Saturday, things really get interesting. Yes folks, Manchester United and Liverpool coming to haunt your nightmares real soon!

This will be only the third clash between the two clubs in the top flight. Both sides won their respective home games in the 2004-05 season, Fulham winning 3-1 at the Cottage. Our heroes have failed to score in nine of their last 16 league away games, scoring just 11 goals. Crystal Palace have lost their last four without managing a goal.

And the TV companies picked this for televising???

COYW!

http://espnfc.com/blog/_/name/fulham/id/1445?&cc=5739

WhiteJC · October 21, 2013, 08:28:41 AM

Crystal Palace v Fulham: Why Olly v Jolly could be a TV blockbuster

It may not be the first London derby fans were looking out for when the fixtures were released but Crystal Palace v Fulham is the biggest capital clash so far this season.

Both sides are struggling at the foot of the Premier League and face a long hard winter scraping for points to heave themselves out of trouble.

CLUB METRO: Jol must beat Palace or be sacked

It could be also pivotal for managers Ian Holloway and Martin Jol, who are both feeling the heat. Defeat, especially if it is heavy, could mean the losing boss becomes the next winner of the top flight's sack race. So who will win the Olly v Jolly derby? Wow, that's a difficult one to call.

Something's got to give
Palace have yet to keep a clean sheet in the Premier League this season while Fulham have failed to find the net in nine of their last 16 away games, including the last two.

Fulham have won four and drawn one of their last six meetings with Palace but the Eagles have hit the woodwork a league high seven times this term and are must hope their luck is set to change.

Going for broke
Both Jol and Holloway must be viewing this, not so much as 'must-win', but 'can-win'. If both sides go for the win it could be a great game and a superb start towards relieving the growing pressure on the victorious club, players and manager.

Defeat will only turn the focus on Saturday as both sides faces demanding tests – Palace entertaining table-toppers Arsenal while Fulham endure a difficult trip down the M3 to tackle surprise package Southampton.

A draw only means clubs like Stoke, Sunderland and Norwich can breathe a little easier for a few more days.

Pure box office
It won't make attractive viewing for their suffering supporters but Crystal Palace v Fulham could provide excitement for neutral armchair fans as Holloway thrashes athletically along the touchline and Jol stands motionless with that ice-old expression which likens him to ruthless monster Tony Soprano.

Finally, just consider this. The six points up for grabs in the two fixtures between these teams this season could make the difference between staying in the English elite or dropping down to he Championship at the cost of millions and millions.

Who says this isn't the best drama on television this month?

http://metro.co.uk/2013/10/21/crystal-palace-v-fulham-why-olly-v-jolly-could-be-a-tv-blockbuster-4153357/?

WhiteJC · October 21, 2013, 08:29:37 AM

Failure Is Not An Option Against Fulham

Morning all.

This evening's game holds huge significance, there's no denying it. In each and every one of our prior fixtures this season, there has been a feasible reason for failure, whether it relates directly to the quality of the opposition or other contributing circumstances, such as the notoriously boisterous atmosphere at the Britannia Stadium. Now though, there can be no excuses for failure on our part. It's quite a daunting thought.

Much has been made of our lacklustre start to the season by pundits and newspaper columnists in recent weeks, all of whom have been very hasty in their assumption that we are a club well out of our depth amongst the Premier League's power brands. Admittedly, our results haven't been stellar, but just a small amount of time spent analysing our form, reveals that five of our six defeats so far have come against sides currently occupying third, fifth, sixth, eight and eleventh in the table. It's hardly been a walk in the park.

Our other two games have been against teams who now sit in 15th and 20th respectively, with one of them bringing a convincing victory and the other seeing us capitulate in a mad few minutes, having taken the lead during the first-half. Of course, anyone who hopes to stay in the top flight for longer than a single season, must pick up points from a variety of venues, but the last few weeks have been a real slog for everyone involved.

Each week has brought a fresh challenge just as tricky as the last, with the physiological barrier placed in front of you upon visits to places like Old Trafford and Anfield being punctuated by games against the ruthless passing units of Southampton and Swansea, there has been no respite in the quality of the teams we've faced.

Fulham, without wanting to sound insulting in the slightest, present a feasible opportunity for us to break free of the rut we've fallen into. Although they had lofty ambitions when the season began, reality has seen them fall to earth with a sizeable bump, with Jol under pressure from a set of fans demanding more and a new owner who'll be a tad perplexed at their lacklustre start. Their win at home to Stoke last time out, was their first since beating Sunderland on the first day of the season, whilst games against Cardiff, Chelsea, Newcastle and Arsenal have all ended in defeat.

There is a certain symmetry to our form, with neither ourselves nor the Cottagers having any success against anyone outside of the bottom third of the table, and with this evening's game taking place under the lights at Selhurst Park, even the most pessimistic of supporters should hold out some hope of a victory.

Our players know the importance of coming away from tonight with a positive result, of that there is no doubt. Regardless of the manner in which they've been judged by most so far, the men who helped to get us here remain fiercely proud of their achievements, whilst those who've recently come into the fold will be desperate to prove the doubters wrong.

There is no hiding place in the Premier League, with the standard of play higher than ever before. Sooner or later, we are going to have to demonstrate that we weren't lucky to get here, proving instead that we earned the right to play amongst the billionaires and superstars. Tonight is as good a time as any to start altering the perceptions of those who've already consigned us to the scrap heap.

http://hltco.org/2013/10/20/failure-is-not-an-option-against-fulham/?

WhiteJC · October 21, 2013, 08:31:40 AM

Dwight Gayle Will Be Key As Palace Must Beat Fulham To Stop The Rot

Crystal Palace – Fulham
Date: Monday 21st October

Venue: Selhurst Park

KO: 20:00

One of the season's first six-pointers, Ian Holloway's Crystal Palace will be aiming to kick-start their season once more after a four game losing streak, the latest coming in a 3-1 defeat to Liverpool, while Martin Jol's Fulham are also struggling, hovering just above the relegation zone in 17th, but are seeking a second straight win after a 1-0 victory over Stoke last time out.

Team News:
Crystal Palace
The Eagles have Kagisho Dikgacoi and Jonny Williams on the long-term injury list but a late fitness test is mooted for Wales defender Danny Gabbidon who could feature after an hamstring injury.

Fulham
The Cottagers have several players facing fitness check-ups before the game, with Dimitar Berbatov, Scott Parker and Aaron Hughes all in contention. Ashkan Dejagah and Maarten Stekelenburg are also close to returning from injury.

Recent Form:

Crystal Palace have had an horrid start to the season, losing six of their seven games so far with just one win - a 3-1 victory over fellow strugglers Sunderland. Holloway is desperately trying to turn the ship around and he will see a home match against Fulham - who aren't in great form themselves - as a perfect opportunity to record their second win of the season. A defeat however, could leave them seven points adrift of safety at this early stage of the campaign if results elsewhere don't go their way.

Fulham aren't doing much better, although a win would lift Martin Jol's side to midtable after their 1-0 victory over Stoke City before the international break. Their form has been patchy so far but the Cottagers will be confident of taking a win against a hapless Palace side in the first fixture between the two London sides for eight years. Defeat however, will see their opponents close the gap on them to just one point.

Players to Watch:
Crystal Palace - Dwight Gayle
With The Eagles low on attacking threat, it is up to the 22-year-old to provide the goals alongside Moroccan striker Marouane Chamakh and the 23-year-old has delivered so far with two goals against Sunderland and Liverpool. Playing non-league football as little as two years ago, the striker is still adapting to the rigours of top-flight football with a 33% shot accuracy rate so far, but he carries a bigger threat than his contemporaries in Chamakh and Cameron Jerome.

Palace will still have a tough task putting a goal past Fulham's defence having scored just once in the past four games but the Cottagers have conceded nine times in the past seven games, so goals could be in store in the fixture. Gayle, provided he starts, is as likely as anyone to snatch a goal for the home side and Holloway will be hoping that they can keep it tight in defence to make the most of it.

Fulham - Scott Parker
Martin Jol will be crossing his fingers for the return of veteran midfielder Scott Parker - subject to a late fitness test - for their visit to Selhurst Park. The combative central midfielder has already established himself as a key component of the Fulham engine room and will be vital to their cause on Monday with his drive and composure in the middle of the park.

With an 89% pass accuracy, Parker is capable of pulling the strings in midfield and with a 100% tackle success rate, he still has the ability to come out on top in a midfield battle. Expect the former England international to stamp his authority on the game against the likes of Mile Jedinak and Stuart O'Keefe.

Prediction
This is a real six-pointer at such an early stage of the season, and a win for either side will be a huge boost to their confidence going forward. However, Fulham have quality in abundance and if the likes of Scott Parker and Dimitar Berbatov overcome injury to start the game, they should prove to be too much for Crystal Palace to handle.

Crystal Palace 0-2 Fulham

http://squawka.com/news/2013/10/21/preview-crystal-palace-vs-fulham/2013102127391?

WhiteJC · October 21, 2013, 08:32:41 AM

Crystal Palace v Fulham: We have the quality to get win, says Martin Jol

Fulham boss Martin Jol has sounded a note of caution over their Premier League match at Crystal Palace tonight, claiming Ian Holloway's boys have greater potential than their lowly position on the table would suggest.

Crystal Palace have just three points from their first seven games since their return to the top flight, with only Sunderland keeping them off the foot of the table.

However, Jol does not believe the statistics tell the full story about Holloway's managerial skills.

"I remember Ian Holloway doing an unbelievable job at Blackpool. He played a different system, a very progressive 4-3-3 and he did it again with Crystal Palace," said the Dutchman.

"So I still feel that the man is doing a good job, but the results are not going for them.

"It's not easy to go away from home to play against these teams. But I think we've got the players and the quality to get the result.

"They [Crystal Palace] need the points as well and it's the Barclays Premier League, so it will be difficult," he said.

Fulham themselves need points, with only seven from seven matches so far this season.

Their form has naturally led to reports that Jol's job at Craven Cottage is under threat, with speculation rife after their 2-1 loss to Cardiff in September.

Their most recent outing - a 1-0 home victory over Stoke - helped subdue the tempers of frustrated fans somewhat, and Jol knows another win could see them jump to mid-table and turn their season around.

"We've got a great team spirit. The only problem we have is we had an indifferent result against Cardiff, but Cardiff beat Manchester City as well. So they're all strong these teams," he said.

"But we will fight like other teams and we will try to get the results like other teams and you will have good spells and bad spells, especially clubs like Fulham.

"All the other bottom 10 clubs, they will all have the same spells as we do. And I think for the top clubs, and there are six now in England - it's no longer a top four, it will be difficult to get into this top six," he said.

Dimitar Berbatov is expected to take to the pitch having used the international break to get over a knock he picked up against Stoke, while Scott Parker could make a welcome return to Fulham's midfield if he's recovered from his calf problem.

Aaron Hughes is also expected to return after a few weeks off the pitch with a thigh injury.

http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/crystal-palace-v-fulham-we-have-the-quality-to-get-win-says-martin-jol-8893704.html