Sunday Fulham Stuff (17/11/13)...

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Fulham hoping to complete a sensational double swoop on Man Utd

Premier League side Fulham will be hoping for an edge over other suitors, when they make a move for Manchester United stars Anderson and Wilfried Zaha in the winter transfer window. According to reports in The Daily Mirror, the Cottagers will hope to benefit from the presence of new head coach Rene Meulesteen, when they approach the Red Devils for the players.

Fulham are reported to be desperate to land the United duo on loan this January. And Meulesteen, a former United coach who recently took up his new role at Craven Cottage will be expected to help the club in their pursuit by pulling a few old strings. Newcastle United are also believed to be keeping tabs on Zaha, but the Cottagers will certainly hope to turn the tables in their favour, benefitting from the presence of the 49 year old Dutchman among their officials.

However, although United manager David Moyes has indicated that he may be contemplating sending Zaha out on loan in January to aid his development, it is unlikely that he will have the same view regarding Anderson. It is believed that the Scot may prefer to offload the Brazilian on a permanent basis, and that may in turn make it a bit difficult for Fulham to acquire his services on a temporary basis.



http://footylatest.com/fulham-hoping-to-complete-a-sensational-double-swoop-on-man-utd/51059?

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I Wanted Rene Meulensteen at Fulham as Soon as He Left Manchester United – Martin Jol

Fulham manager Martin Jol has revealed that he was desperate to tempt coach Rene Meulensteen to the club over the summer, as soon as the Dutchman's departure from Manchester United was confirmed.

Jol has been under pressure at Fulham following the club's poor start to the new season and the appointment of Meulensteen as head coach has been seen in some quarters as undermining the manager.

But Jol insists this is not the case and is at pains to point out that he wanted Meulensteen to come to Craven Cottage.

"Everyone here knows that I wanted to bring him to this side in the summer, after his departure from Manchester United, but he made a different choice", Jol told Voetbal International.



Read more at http://www.insidefutbol.com/2013/11/16/i-wanted-rene-meulensteen-at-fulham-as-soon-as-he-left-manchester-united-martin-jol/108975/#RGfDsgRuveuUl5bL.99

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Ashkan Dejagah fears for World Cup place

Fulham midfielder Ashkan Dejagah has voiced his concerns that he will not earn a place in Iran's World Cup squad if he is not playing regularly.

The 27-year-old has made just two appearances this season, although he missed the start of the campaign struggling with a calf injury.

"It's a big year for me," he told the Fulham Chronicle. "It's a dream to play in the World Cup and I have the chance to do that next summer, so it's very important that I'm playing.

"The manager tells us every time that we have to be playing for our clubs because you need games to be sharp heading into the tournament.

"If you're not playing you're scared about your World Cup chances, so hopefully I'm fit and ready."

Dejagah joined the Whites from Wolfsburg last year.



http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/world-cup/news/dejagah-fears-for-world-cup-place_118245.html

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Fulham star Kasami grabs first international goal in loss to country ranked 49 places lower

Patijm Kasami scored for Switzerland yesterday, but the European side still lost to South Korea in Seoul.

Fulham have certainly not had an excellent season so far, as Martin Jol's men hover precariously close to the relegation mark after a woeful run of form.

The likes of Dimitar Berbatov, Philippe Senderos and Fernando Amorebieta have all underperformed at Craven Cottage this term, and Martin Jol now has a Dutch buddy in Rene Meulensteen arriving to help out - as the season begins to run away from them.

But if there has been one shining light from this campaign so far, it would have to be the performances of Swiss youngster Patijm Kasami.

Signed from Palermo in 2011 he spent the first part of 2013 on loan with FC Luzern, where he thoroughly impressed and has come back to emerge as a starter for The Cottagers.

And of course he has already scored a truly remarkable goal against Crystal Palace that leaves him a shoe-in for at list the Goal of the Season shortlist - although there already has been some devilish finishes this season to compete with.

With that in mind there was little wonder why teams in Italy were said to be interested in his services this January, and why he is now a fully-fledged member of the Swiss national team.

Yesterday he made his second appearance for the side, and scored his first international goal.

Winning possession in the heart of the pitch he drove forward and hit a 25-yard daisy cutter beyond the South Korea goalkeeper in their international friendly last night.

Unfortunately for Kasami and Switzerland, currently ranked number seven in the world, their Far East rivals did not let up.

Goals from Hong Jeong-Ho and Bolton Wanderers winger Lee Chung-Yong earned the side ranked 56 in the world come out on top in Seoul.

See if you can spot Senderos misreading the flight of the ball for South Korea's first goal.

South Korea 2-1 Switzerland | 한국 2:1 스ìœ,,스 All Goals | 모ë"  목í'œ 및 ê°œìš" 15.11.2013


http://hereisthecity.com/en-gb/2013/11/16/fulham-star-kasami-grabs-first-international-goal-in-loss-to-cou/?

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Karagounis Edges Closer
   
Our ageing, nay ancient Greek midfielder, Giorgos Karagounis, saw his Greece side almost book their tickets to the World Cup Finals, in Brazil, last night.

Having made the play-offs, after finishing second in their group, Greece were given a two legged play-off game against Romania with the winner going to the finals.

Last night Greece played their home leg and romped to a 3-1 win, meaning that barring a disaster in Romania, the Greeks will be on the plane to Brazil.

I say - barring a disaster, because the Greeks have become something of experts when it comes to defensive play and if they can hold any Romanian attacks at bay, in the early stages, feel it`ll be a job well done.


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=339002#ixzz2kt6PpGJO

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FFC U18s 3-1 West Brom

Fulham Under-18s rallied either side of half-time to see off the challenge of West Bromwich Albion and go clear at the top of the Barclays U18 Premier League.

Patrick Roberts fired in the equaliser after the Whites had fallen behind early on, then Roberts doubled his tally before half-time and Mehki Leacock-McLeod struck just after the restart.

Despite controlling a larger share of possession, the Whites were chasing the game when the Baggies midfield seized control of a loose pass and the visitors took advantage on the counter attack to score.

Steve Wigley's boys responded well to the set-back and Leacock-McLeod's quick footwork created space find Roberts with a precise pass, which the England Under-17 International made no mistake with, slamming his shot in off the post midway through the first half.

West Brom continued to sit deep and frustrate Fulham, with Leacock-McLeod and Roberts threatening to find a way through but the match seemed set to go into half-time level.

That was until Roberts' excellent burst of pace from the right wing prompted some tight close control to ride a tackle and draw a foul on the edge of the box.

The winger dusted himself down and stepped up to take the free-kick, bending the ball around the wall and into the top corner to put the Whites in front.

And Fulham caught West Bromwich cold after the re-start when Dean O'Halloran's deep cross was met sweetly on the volley by Leacock-McLeod to extend the lead.

The Whites continued in search of a fourth, and Moussa Dembele's drive after a neat turn whistled just wide of the West Bromwich goal.

Aaron Redford made his return from a long injury lay-off, replacing Dembele, and almost made an immediate impact but his firm strike was blocked by the legs of the goalkeeper.

The Baggies pushed for a consolation in the last half hour after Leacock-McLeod was sent off for retaliation, but Whites goalkeeper Marek Rodak kept the visitors' attack at bay.

Fulham: Rodak, Baba (Sheckleford 87), Edun, Burgess, Adebayo, Smile, Sambou, Roberts (Elworthy 89), Leacock McLeod, O'Halloran, Dembele (Redford 62). Subs not used: Norman, Nobay.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/november/16/ffc-u18s-3-1-west-brom-u18s?

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Fulham Close In On Deal to Sign Man United Pair

Craven Cottage side look to land Old Trafford duo.

Fulham will reportedly use the appointment of former Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen as a head coach at Craven Cottage to help the West London side to secure the services of a pair of Old Trafford talents according to the Daily Express.

Fulham have started the season poorly and sit in the relegation zone but Martin Jol will hope the presence of Meulensteen could help the club to snap up midfielder Anderson and young winger Wilfried Zaha on loan deals in January.

Brazilian Anderson is very much surplus to requirements but efforts to sell the 25 year old have failed but a temporary exit would at least help to lessen the impact of the player's reported £90k a week pay packet and a move to Fulham could act as a useful shop window at the same time.

Zaha is a target for both Everton and Newcastle United, with both sides considering bids to sign the England man on a permanent basis, though David Moyes is thought to be open to only a loan switch for the former Crystal Palace man, who is still awaiting his Man United Premier League debut.

By all accounts Fulham are confident that the presence of Rene Meulensteen at the club could aid the pursuit of the pair as the Dutchman still retains good ties with the Premier League title holding side.



http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/11/16/fulham-close-in-on-deal-to-sign-man-united-pair/?

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Exeter City 0, Southend United 2

SOUTHEND United made it three wins in succession, beating Exeter City 2-0 at St James Park this afternoon.

Goals from Cauley Woodrow and Kevan Hurst saw the Shrimpers move up in to the play-off places.

And the triumph was also their first in Exeter since 1999.

Despite the final score-line, Exeter were initially on top and, with 11 minutes on the clock, the home-side created their first chance of the game when striker Matt Jay sent a low 12 yard volley straight at Southend goalkeeper Daniel Bentley.

Moments later, Bentley also smothered a header from Matt Grimes before Blues broke the deadlock in the 12th minute of the match with Woodrow bagging his first goal in the Football League.

The on Fulham forward was picked out by a fantastic right wing cross from John White and made no mistake with an assured close range finish.

Southend could then have doubled their lead when Ben Coker's right wing corner was headed over at the near post by Luke Prosser before Woodrow's low volley from Michael Timlin's chipped ball forward was tipped wide of the left post by Artur Krysiak.

But Blues did not have to wait long for their second goal as Hurst extended their advantage in the 29th minute.

Anthony Straker was the provider as his left wing cross was headed in to the path of Hurst by Grecians centre-back Danny Cole and the winger's well struck took a slight deflection on its way past Krysiak and in to the back of the net.

With Southend remaining on top, Ryan Leonard then had a long range effort kept out by Krysiak in the final action of the first half.

After the break, Exeter almost got back in to the game when Sam Parkin headed Matt Jay's left wing cross inches wide of the right post.

However, the Shrimpers were soon back on the front foot with Anthony Straker doing well to pick out Woodrow inside the penalty area but his goalbound effort was blocked by Exeter skipper Danny Coles.

Southend soon broke again down their left hand side with Ben Coker picking out Michael Timlin but the midfielder was unable to make a clean connection with his shot.

Exeter immediately replied with substitute Tom Nichols having a powerful shot smothered by Bentley at the second attempt.

The Shrimpers soon responded by making their first substitution of the afternoon with Barry Corr coming on to replace Woodrow.

And Corr was soon picked out by Straker's chipped left wing cross but the Irishman could only send a tame volley straight at Krysiak.

Blues then made their second change of the game in the 77th minute when Marc Laird came on for Hurst in midfield before Mark Phillips replaced Straker in the closing stages of another successful game for Phil Brown's side.



http://www.echo-news.co.uk/sport/10814735._/?

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Brentford 5-0 Crewe

Crewe concede five goals again at Griffin Park with Donaldson scoring brace

Two goals either side of half-time at Griffin Park from the head of Marcello Trotta and a composed finish from Adam Forshaw condemned Crewe to their first defeat in three games. Further goals from George Saville and two from our former forward Clayton Donaldson in the second half well and truly put the Railwaymen completely out of sight in the capital as we collapsed in a glut of Brentford goals.

Before Trotta had reacted quickest to powerfully head home a clearance following a free-kick a couple of minutes before the interval, Crewe had defended reasonably well and had survived an early glaring miss from Trotta to be very much in the game. The two goals either side of the half time break, seemed to deflate any confidence we had and for a 20-minute period we couldn't contain Uwe Rosler's promotion hopefuls at all.

The home side doubled their advantage barely a minute into the second half when Forshaw was allowed to waltz into our penalty area and calmly slot his shot past Martin.

Our former forward Clayton Donaldson should have scored to make it 3-0 after a shot from Jonathan Douglas had hit the post and fell invitingly at his feet, but he could only lift his shot over the top of the crossbar. He would certainly make up for it though, with the fourth goal after he had raced in to take a chance on a lifted ball from Jonathan Douglas. He simply waltzed in, flicked the ball over Alan Martin to tap home. He would score a second too after being put clear by substitute Farid El Alagui.

Just before Donaldson's first goal against his former club, George Saville had curled home a killer third goal after he had tricked his way past George Evans on the edge of the box.
Crewe Alexandra boss Steve Davis made one change to the side that drew 1-1 at Wycombe Wanderers in the FA Cup. Midfielder Bradden Inman returned to the starting line-up for Vadaine Oliver with the tactical switch seeing Chuks Aneke moving into a more forward role.

Harry Davis captained the Railwaymen for the first time this season ahead of Adam Dugdale and club captain Abdul Osman who again had to settle for a place on the substitutes' bench.

Both sides settled into an early passing rhythm with Crewe trying to exploit the pace and runs of wide men Byron Moore and Max Clayton.

Adam Dugdale conceded a dangerously positioned free-kick after pulling Marcello Totta back, as he threatened to make inroads into the Crewe penalty area. Thankfully, the compact wall stood firm as Adam Forshaw hit his first shot into it and Alan Martin was well behind his follow up effort.

George Evans was booked after just nine minutes after letting a throw-in roll across his body and with ball escaping away from him, he clattered into Forshaw. It was an obvious caution and Evans had to tread carefully.

Crewe had been defending their box reasonably well but after a through ball from Jonathan Douglas had found Kadeem Harris, his forceful run was halted by a stretched out leg by Harry Davis, but the ball squeezed out invitingly towards Trotta. The Brentford striker opened his body up from no more than seven yards out but leaned back to sent his shot well over the crossbar. The same player then stole in behind Harry Davis from an acute angle couldn't lob the advancing Martin.

Brentford were certainly beginning to apply some concerted pressure inside the Crewe half of the field and when in possession but on the break we had a couple of good opportunities to feed the ball into Clayton but over hit the passes at the crucial moment.

Forshaw collected a bouncing ball to shoot a yard or so over Martin's crossbar before Davis read a situation perfectly to intercept a Forshaw pass aiming to pick out the run of Donaldson. Moore sprung into life on 25 minutes with a dazzling, burst of a run but his shot took a deflection to spin away for a corner.

Brentford's attack minded full-back Jake Bidwell produced a fine cross to pick out the run of midfielder George Saville but he couldn't quite direct his header on target to trouble Martin.

Crewe continued to get into some promising positions in the final third but it was just that final ball into the in-coming Clayton and Moore that was truly lacking.

Martin was called into serious action on 35 minutes though and he produced a fine one handed save to push away a header from Trotta after the cross had come in from Forshaw via a free-kick.

Another decent move from the Alex found Moore in space down the right and after Aneke and Clayton had tried to get a grip of possession inside a crowded box, the ball fell to Inman, but a little off balance, he couldn't guide his curling shot into the corner of the net.

Two minutes later, Crewe finally fell behind. A free-kick from Forshaw was initially headed out of the box by Harry Davis, but an alert Trotta raced onto it to powerfully head past Martin. It was some header to beat the Crewe goalkeeper from the edge of the penalty area and his reaction time had given him the change to get to the loose ball first. It was a poor goal to concede though from a Crewe perspective but Trotta deserved great credit for his inventiveness.

The supporters had barely taken their seats for the second half before Forshaw nipped around Evans and Dugdale and calmly passed it beyond Martin. From defending well and looking reasonably comfortable, the Alex found themselves 2-0 down at Griffin Park. It signalled a dramatic collapse.

Brentford boss Uwe Rosler made the first change of the afternoon with Will Gregg replacing Kadeem Harris and soon after it really should have been 3-0. Douglas was rather unfortunate to see his drive take a deflection and smack the post but our former forward Donaldson should really have converted the rebound from close range. You would have backed Donaldson to have scored from such an easy chance but it was a poor miss by his high standards.

Trotta continued to be a handful and a low cross nearly found Donaldson coming in at the far post.

The points were sealed just before the hour mark with another well taken finish. George Saville tricked his way past Evans to curl his shot beyond Martin, although the Crewe goalkeeper may have got his fingertips to it.

Minutes later, Jake Bidwell struck a free-kick that Martin had read clearly to move across and make a reasonably comfortable save.

Crewe were finding it increasing difficult to contain a Brentford side, who had seemed to step up a gear following the half-time break. It seemed to be wave after wave of attack from the Bees and the fourth goal wasn't long in coming.

On 62 minutes, the Alex defence were caught static as Douglas lifted the ball over a collection of bodies and completely unopposed Donaldson raced into yards of space to lift the ball over Martin and tap home. Crewe must have been waiting for a flag that never came.

Steve Davis made a double change with Aneke and Evans making way for Oliver and young Nolan. Oliver's first touch saw him head into the gloves of Martin.

Brentford's substitute Farid El Alagui, who had replaced Trotta, created the fifth goal with his first contribution. He stole possession from Grant and fed Donaldson who raced away to slot past Martin for his second goal of the afternoon. He didn't over celebrate again much to his credit.

With frustration beginning to take hold, Moore was booked for kicking the ball away before the impressive Forshaw was handed a rest for Jake Reeves.

Crewe's best chance of the entire game saw Oliver go close again to applying a decisive touch inside the six-yard box, but the covering Alan McCormack did superbly to get it off the line.

Our final change of the afternoon saw Osman replace Inman. Crewe needed the whistle with Grigg trying his luck to try and get on the score-sheet but Martin dived to his right to make the save. Crewe also survived a late appeal for a penalty for handball but it would have been harsh.



Read more at http://www.crewealex.net/news/article/brentford-crewe-2014-1177734.aspx?#T4QccJYEzheIqsxP.99

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Bees boss praises on-loan Fulham frontman after crushing Crewe

Rosler says Trotta has proved his doubters wrong with a hardworking performances

Uwe Rosler hailed Marcello Trotta after the striker's performance in Brentford's 5-0 thumping of Crewe Alexandra .

The on-loan Fulham frontman set the Bees on their way to victory with a powerful header and led the line well all afternoon with a determined display in attack.

Trotta was given a standing ovation by Brentford fans when he was substituted in the 71st minute, and boss Rosler says the young Italian's exploits haven't gone unnoticed.

He said: "Week-in, week-out Marcello Trotta is working harder and leading the line well.

"He has come along way since he came back. We know he can score goals, that's why we have him, but the work-rate he is putting in now is day and night.

"He has arrived as a Brentford player and is now fully committed to our cause."

Brentford dominated throughout against the Railywaymen to extend their winning streak to six games ahead of next weekend's trip to league-leaders Wolves.

And Rosler added: "I told the players they have to work even harder every week to keep up the momentum and they are doing that.

"They enjoyed themselves today. I was delighted with our work-rate and determination and we were clinical especially, in the second half.

"It was a very good performance, I'm happy about the clean sheet and now everyone looks forward to going to Molineux."



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/bees-boss-praises-on-loan-fulham-6312045?

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Toivonen targets January move

PSV Eindhoven forward Ola Toivonen has put a host of Premier League sides on alert after confirming his desire to secure a January move.

Toivonen has been a key player for PSV since arriving from Malmo in 2009 but is out of contract at the end of the season.

Toivonen has spoken to club bosses and confirmed that he feels it is the right time to embark on a new challenge, preferably when the transfer window reopens in January rather than on a free transfer in the summer.

The Sweden international, 27, has previously been linked with a move to the Premier League, with Newcastle United and Fulham among those credited with an interest.

"It looks good, it expires in June," Toivonen told Fotbollskanalen.se.

"We have had a meeting with the club and I told them how I feel. It was an open and honest talk.

"I want to find a new club. But PSV also want that I sign and help the club.

"The dream would be to move in January, then PSV also get money."


http://www.teamtalk.com/newcastle-united/9028975/Toivonen-targets-January-move?

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Rene Meulensteen claims Man United fans wouldn't believe how LOW his wages were at the club

Former United assistant coach reveals he could have earned more money at almost any other Premier League club, but that he wouldn't change a thing

Former Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen has revealed he worked at Manchester United on the cheap.

The Dutchman, who is now Martin Jol's right-hand man at Fulham, reckons he was never paid the going rate during 12 years in two spells at Old Trafford.

Meulensteen worked as Sir Alex Ferguson's first-team coach for five years – and played a key role in helping United land three Premier League titles and the Champions League.

But he insisted: "Anybody who thinks I have become a millionaire being a coach at United and being so successful with the team over the last five years has got it totally wrong.

"I guarantee you, most people will scratch their head when they hear what my wages were as Sir Alex's assistant in comparison to the same job at other clubs in the Premier League.

"But money has never been my main motivation. I could have moved to a new job in Qatar instead of joining Fulham, while the money I have earned during the last fee months working with Anzhi in Russia was very good.

"My private life is more important and my wife and kids are so happy living in Manchester.

"But the figure the people of Qatar put on paper for me was mind-boggling.

"Honestly, I had never seen such an incredible amount of money in a football contract. There was no comparison to anything at Man United."

Despite feeling he never earned what he was worth at United, the 49-year-old was devastated when Ferguson decided to retire.

That turned to bitter disappointment when David Moyes decided not to retain Meulensteen's services.

He admitted: "I was absolutely gutted when Ferguson left. I had a real friendship with Ferguson - and I still have."

Meulensteen added: "Moyes is very hands-on. My role, as it had been with Sir Alex, would have been stripped to the bone.

"I sat down with Moyes and said that the way he wanted me to work under him would lead to frictions."



Check out all the latest News, Sport & Celeb gossip at Mirror.co.uk http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/rene-meulensteen-claims-man-united-2799576#ixzz2kt9BGJRH
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