Thursday Fulham Stuff (28/11/13)...

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Inside Upton Park

Fulham's away trip to West Ham United on Saturday is a massive game for both teams. Upton Park Season Ticket Holder David Hardie assesses his side's season so far and looks ahead to the fixture against the Whites.

What have you made of West Ham so far this season?

In a word - disappointing. After overachieving last season there's a feeling of underachievement this term. Two wins out of 12 is worrying, especially as the fixture list looked quite inviting at the start of the season. We have been harder to beat on our travels, but we lost only four games at home last year and have matched that total already!

Are you a fan of the current 4-6-0 formation that Sam Allardyce tends to favour?

If you asked me after the Tottenham Hotspur game (a shock 3-0 win), undoubtedly I would have said yes! However, no spearhead to lead the line, at home especially, has seen a real lack of cutting edge. We've failed to score in seven of our 12 games with the paltry sum of nine goals scored all season. Unfortunately, Modibo Maiga, Carlton Cole and Mladen Petrić haven't inspired a lot of confidence so until Andy Carroll returns there seems little alternative.

What did you make of Allardyce's summer signings?

Our two major signings were Carroll and Stewart Downing. Carroll was expected to return in September and his absence has hit our plans hard. He was our record signing, our talisman, our main man. Although Downing is a good player, the concern at the time was that no real back-up for Carroll was purchased. Carroll is never likely to play all 38 games, so it was a huge gamble not to have a replacement if and when required. That lack of foresight has been glaringly exposed.

How much of a blow was the injury to Carroll?

Huge. A fit Andy Carroll would see us comfortably mid-table. With Downing and Matthew Jarvis supplying the crosses, and Kevin Nolan picking up the scraps, we would have been a real handful, at home especially. Plan A looked good but unfortunately Plan B hasn't really worked.

Former Fulham striker Petrić is on West Ham's books but you haven't seen much of him in claret and blue have you?

Petrić was signed after pre-season so has been playing catch up ever since to try and get match fit. His one appearance of note was against Everton at home when he came on, chased a lost cause and won us a penalty. We went 2-1 up with 10 minutes remaining but still lost 3-2!

What do you feel is a realistic ambition for the Hammers this season?

At the start of the season I think the fans would have happily settled for a repeat of last term and finishing 10th. Being greedy, maybe a cup run as well. With long-term injuries to Carroll and Winston Reid (our Player of the Season last term), those targets have changed to staying up!

Which players have impressed you for the Irons this term?

The emergence of Ravel Morrison has been a pleasant surprise. His past has been well documented but after a solid pre-season he has come into the team and oozes class. He rarely gives the ball away, usually picks the right pass, and has scored a couple of goals. His run and finish for our third in the win at Spurs will live long in the memory. An outsider for the World Cup squad, he's destined for bigger things. Check out some of his goals in training on YouTube - even Dimitar Berbatov would have been proud of some of them!

Which Fulham player will you be most wary of at Upton Park?

Berbatov, without a doubt. The guy is class and has the ability to change the game in an instant. Anytime he has the ball our crowd will be anxious.

What's the best and worst thing about a trip to the Boleyn?

The best thing this season is that we've been very accommodating in letting the opposition leave with three points! The worst - the traffic or queue for the tube after the game.

Apart from the obligatory 'I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles', what one song are we bound to hear the home fans sing?

'We Are West Ham's Claret Blue Army' is the most likely. It's been a while since we sang '1-0 To The Cockney Boys!'

Where's the best place for away fans to grab a pint before the game?

The Duke of Edinburgh or Queens on Green Street are close to Upton Park station and the ground.

Finally, what's your score prediction for the match?

A nervy 1-1. Neither side will want to lose.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/november/27/inside-upton-park?

[WhiteJC]

 
TRANSFER TALK: Fulham again linked with Sunderland's Bardsley

FULHAM have again been linked with a move for Sunderland defender Phil Bardsley.

The 28-year-old was understood to be close to joining the Cottagers during the summer before the move was scuppered when he suffered a broken foot in August playing for the Black Cats Under-21s.

Since then, Bardsley has been brought back into the first-team picture by new head coach Gus Poyet and has started every game under the Uruguayan's stewardship.

But Bardsley is out-of-contract in the summer and despite the full-back outlining his willingness to pen a new deal, Sunderland are yet to enter into talks.

That has prompted fresh reports that Fulham could renew their interest in the former Manchester United man in the January transfer window, with Martin Jol's side lying just two places above Sunderland in the Premier League's bottom three.



http://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/sunderland-afc/transfer-talk-fulham-again-linked-with-sunderland-s-bardsley-1-6279257

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Fulham confident of keeping Manchester United and Liverpool target

Cottagers ready to fend off interest in French wonder kid Dembele

Fulham are confident of fending off interest in French wonderkid Moussa Dembele.

The 17-year-old striker has been a prolific scorer at Under 18 and U21 level, attracting the attention of Premier League rivals Manchester United and Liverpool, who are both keeping tabs on him.

Dembele has been promoted to the Fulham first-team squad and was an unused sub for Saturday's defeat to Swansea.

The former Paris Saint-Germain frontman, who shares a name with the former Cottagers midfielder now plying his trade with Tottenham, still has two years remaining on his contract at Craven Cottage.

And boss Martin Jol is confident the club can keep hold of one of their brightest young stars.

"Dembele came in two years ago and is still under contract," said the Dutchman.

"He's only 17 now, but he's strong and scores goals every match. I took him up to the Under 21s already.

"The boy loves it here. The only thing we've got to do is in the next couple of years to keep him here."

Meanwhile, Dembele bagged a brace as Fulham U21s advanced to the last 16 of the Premier League Cup with a 3-0 win at Aston Villa last night.



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/fulham-confident-keeping-manchester-united-6344051?

[WhiteJC]

 
Ex-Fulham boss follows former Blackurn coach to head abroad

Former Fulham boss Lawrie Sanchez has become the latest British manager to move abroad in search of success.

With an influx of foreign managers throughout English football, a number of notable names are heading out of Britain in order to further their careers. Famously, former England boss Steve McClaren moved to Twente after failing to take the Three Lions to Euro 2008, and rejuvenated his career in the Eredivisie.

Former Premier League managers Peter Reid and Bryan Robson moved into international management with Thailand, whilst Bob Houghton has recently left his post as India manager after a long stint there.

This is a recurring trend, and Sanchez is the latest to ditch British football for a crack further ashore. Once the man behind Northern Ireland's giantkillings in the mid-2000's, Sanchez has seen his career stall after failed spells with Fulham and Barnet, which has led him to being appointed the new manager of Greek Super League side Apollon Smyrni. The newly promoted side are currently in the bottom three, and Sanchez has been appointed in a bid to achieve survival at the first time of asking.

Sanchez is joined by another Englishman in Greece, as former Nepal, India, Malawi and Sudan boss Stephen Constantine takes up the role as his assistant manager after recent jobs in Cyprus. Whilst Constantine has never managed in England, he has had roles with Bournemouth and Millwall, but at 51 years old, you have to wonder whether he will ever get a chance to become a manager in Britain.

One man who hasn't let that prospect faze him is Stuart Baxter, who has managed in Sweden, Norway, Portugal and Japan, as well as taking charge of South Africa and Finland at international level. The 60 year old has had just one role in England, which was to oversee the Under 19 team from 2002 to 2004, and he currently manages South African side Kaizer Chiefs. Under Baxter's guidance, Kaizer Chiefs won the South African Premier League last season, and are just five points off top spot this term.

In a similar move to McClaren, former Blackburn Rovers manager Steve Kean has attempted to resurrect his managerial career by moving to Singapore with S. League side Brunei DPMM. Kean was a much maligned figure at Ewood Park, and the hostility shown by Rovers fans towards the Scot may have ruined his chances of making a career in England. Ironically, having campaigned for months to get Kean sacked, Rovers have struggled since he departed, despite Kean guiding Rovers to second in the table at the time of his departure. It will be difficult for him to attract much interest out in Singapore, and it may ultimately be one big pay day for the 46 year old.

And now for a familiar face in British football. Former Sheffield United, Leeds United and Middlesbrough striker Brian Deane is taking his first steps into the world of management in Norway with Sarpsborg. Just a fortnight ago, Deane took to Twitter to express his delight at keeping the club in the top flight, and with a strong desire to have more black managers in the Football League, it would be great to see Deane continue his development in Norway in a bid to break into the British game.

It's a road less travelled for English managers, but with more and more being gradually pushed out by an increase in foreign managers coming to England, it seems they are more than willing to try their hand abroad. From resurrecting careers to being introduced to management, there are plenty of managers who will benefit from experiencing other styles of football in different countries – with the end goal, hopefully, to improve the British game.



http://hereisthecity.com/en-gb/2013/11/27/ex-fulham-boss-the-latest-british-manager-to-head-abroad/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham Game "Absolutely Pivotal" Says West Ham Forward Modibo Maiga as "Six-Pointer" Pressure Cranked Up

West Ham forward Modibo Maiga has dubbed Saturday's match against Fulham "pivotal" as the Hammers look to claw their way up the Premier League table.

Both West Ham and Fulham sit on ten points from 12 games, but a worse goal difference sees the Cottagers just inside the relegation zone, third from bottom, while the Hammers are one spot above them.

The narrative of a "six-pointer" has been well and truly set and Maiga is under no illusions as to just how big the game is, especially as following it is a match against second-bottom Crystal Palace.

"Absolutely, Fulham's going to be a pivotal match for us", he told West Ham TV.

"For the next two games, we have to gather ourselves and we'll be bang up for it to win them both.

"Particularly, first up against Fulham, which is going to be crucial for us.

"We'll be giving everything to get back to winning ways. We've got a week and we'll prepare right, peacefully and calmly and hopefully it's going to go well."

Maiga has yet to open his scoring account for West Ham this season and speculation of a potential return to former club Sochaux in the January transfer window has swirled.



Read more at http://www.insidefutbol.com/2013/11/27/fulham-game-absolutely-pivotal-says-west-ham-forward-modibo-maiga-as-six-pointer-pressure-cranked-up/110525/#T4TLjo5zGoDK8AdK.99

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Transfer news: Martin Jol determined to keep Moussa Dembele at Fulham

Martin Jol is determined to keep highly-rated youngster Moussa Dembele at Fulham and out of the clutches of a rival.

The 17-year-old striker is reported to be attracting interest from Premier League heavyweights such as Liverpool and Manchester United after starring at youth level.

Boasting a prolific strike rate for the Cottagers U18s and U21s, Dembele's star has risen quickly and he was named on the bench for Fulham's 2-1 defeat to Swansea City on Saturday.

It is not expected to be long before he is handed his senior bow, with Jol clearly in need of an attacking spark.

The Dutchman hopes he will be allowed to bring Dembele through and unlock his full potential, with speculation regarding his future likely to intensify once the January transfer window opens.

Fulham have no intention of allowing him to move on, with two years left to run on his current deal, but acknowledge that they may face a battle to retain the services of a hot prospect.

Jol said in the Fulham Chronicle: "Dembele came in two years ago and is still under contract.

"He's only 17 now, but he's strong and scores goals every match. I took him up to the U21s already.

"The boy loves it here. The only thing we've got to do is, in the next couple of years, try to keep him here."



http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11681/9044685?

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Manchester United and Liverpool monitor prolific Fulham striker
Fulham striker Moussa Dembele wanted by Manchester United and Liverpool

Fulham manager Martin Jol is determined to retain the services of Moussa Dembele, amid reported interest from Manchester United and Liverpool in the highly-rated striker.

According to Sky Sports, the 17-year-old is attracting plenty of admirers after impressing in the Cottagers' academy, and has already been called up to the senior team.

Dembele was an unused substitute in Fulham's 2-1 defeat against Swansea City at Craven Cottage on Saturday, but is on the verge of a first-team breakthrough in west London.

Red Devils boss David Moyes is reportedly monitoring the talented teenager's progress, as he weighs up a bid to lure the Frenchman to Old Trafford.

However, Manchester United will face competition for Dembele's signature from Premier League rivals Liverpool, as Anfield manager Brendan Rodgers also keeps tabs on his situation.

Jol was quick to dismiss speculation linking the youngster with a January exit, but admits that Fulham will face a struggle to retain Dembele's services in the long-term.

"Dembele came in two years ago and is still under contract," the Dutchman told the Fulham Chronicle. "He's only 17 now, but he's strong and scores goals every match. I took him up to the U21s already.

"The boy loves it here. The only thing we've got to do is, in the next couple of years, try to keep him here."



http://www.givemesport.com/405378-manchester-united-and-liverpool-monitor-prolific-fulham-striker?autoplay=on

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham: What can be done?
What can Fulham do to turn around their woeful start to the new season?

As I write, we are in the midst of a situation that causes great stress to many West Londoners. Fulham Football Club are in a dire position, struggling in the Premier League, being outplayed at home and seemingly lacking any will to fight a long and drawn out battle for safety. We cannot accept this anymore. I ask, just what is to be done?

For too long we have sat back and watched poor and passionless performances, winced at unnecessary red cards and gawped at an apparent inabilty to defend anything - no matter how basic or obvious.

How has this been allowed to happen to what was once such a proud club? Just a few years ago, us fans stood up in the Hammy End because we believed, we marched into Hamburg and left it forever painted black and white and we did all of this having stared relegation in the eye and told it no, not today.

Who at our wonderful club is willing to let this legacy become tainted? Tainted by poor management, by short sightedness and selfish needs. I, for one, am not.

But still, I hear you plead, what is to be done? Well, I stand tall and proud when I think back to what this club has managed to achieve and in order to get back to those heights we must embrace the elements of success that took us there in the first place.

First, we must start with the defence. Martin Jol and Rene Meulensteen must work with them and they must find a regular four - Sascha Reither - Brede Hangeland - Fernando Amorebieta - Kieran Richardson. These players must be encouraged, work as a unit every day and forge the perfect understanding. Amorebieta and Hangeland have to work together and communicate.

On from this must come another bank of four. We need the midfield to be organised and structured when we are not in possession of the ball. We are not short of warriors in the centre, Derek Boateng is a big man, while Steve Sidwell and Scott Parker know how to get stuck in.

Let them get stuck in. But the hard work has to come when we do not have the ball. A bank of four mirroring the defence should guard the Fulham penalty area whenever the opposition has the ball.

Our strong centre midfield cannot hold on its own, however. We need relief and this will come from the power and speed of players such as Alex Kacaniklic, Ashkan Dejagah, Pajtim Kasami and Na Bangna.

They must be there to aid the counter attack once our strong and organised defence has once more broken down another hapless opposition attack. From this counter attack, we must have pace and direct running. The wingers themselves cannot be solely responsible for the attack and therefore we must have the support of two strikers, one dropping deep and one moving behind the defence.

We must realise now that there is no 'flair' anymore, that we are in a battle. The boom times have been and gone and for the time being we must focus our communal efforts on securing the long term future of this club.

The club comes before any player and all players must be willing to sacrifice their place for the good of the club. Any egos should be sent to Shepherds Bush, this way and only this way will we can once again find the blank canvas on which to build a club that others will be envious of, that we can be proud of. 



http://www.givemesport.com/405512-fulham-what-can-be-done?autoplay=on

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Fulham: Zola eyed as Jol successor

Fulham will look to hire Watford manager Gianfranco Zola as a replacement for Martin Jol if results continue to go poorly this season, SportsDirect News understands.

With the Cottagers currently in the relegation zone after a disappointing start to the season, Jol is under increasing pressure to turn things around, with the club bringing in Rene Meulensteen as his assistant in a bid to help their cause.

The former Manchester United coach had been linked as a possible successor for Jol, though it now seems as though someone else could be brought in if the Dutchman is axed.

Zola is top of Fulham's list, having previously managed in the Premier League with West Ham and guided Championship outfit Watford to the playoffs last season.

The former Chelsea player would be making something of a controversial move in joining the local rivals of his old club, where he holds legendary status from his successful career at Stamford Bridge.

However, the Italian is known to be keen on returning to the top flight, and was also a candidate for the Sunderland job recently, before they instead hired Gus Poyet.


http://www.sportsdirectnews.com/premier-league-news/36503-fulham-zola-eyed-as-jol-successor.php#.UpcEkKUcKbA

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Joe Cole rubbishes West Ham transfer talk and sounds warning to Fulham

Hammers hero ISN'T looking to leave in January and reveals teammates are gagging to make up for Chelsea stinker

Joe Cole claims West Ham are desperate to put their Chelsea misery behind them – and take out their frustration on Fulham.

The struggling Hammers barely put up a fight last weekend in a 3-0 home defeat by Jose Mourinho's side.

But former England star Cole said: "We face a really important game against Fulham on Saturday and I have seen from training this week how much the lads want to win it.

"If we can get the three points that gives us the perfect platform to go into the away game at Crystal Palace three days later and get a little run going.

"I know the fans will get behind us on Saturday and hopefully we can give them what they all want to see.

"They're up there with the best in the land when they're on song, so it's up to us to give them something cheer about."

Cole also quashed reports he will leave West Ham in January.

The former England midfielder admitted he was frustrated to be hauled off before half-time in West Ham's comprehensive 3-0 defeat to Chelsea on Saturday.

But the 32-year-old rubbished suggestions he is unsettled at the Hammers, and under boss Sam Allardyce.

"I was as frustrated as anyone after Saturday's game with Chelsea but my only focus at the moment is on getting my head down, working hard and helping the team out of the difficult run we're going through at the moment," he told West Ham's official club website.

"I'm really enjoying being back at West Ham as it's a club that means so much to me.

"As a squad we've still got a lot to play for this season and I'm determined to play my part in making sure we achieve the goals we set ourselves.

"I'm happy at the club and the only way I'll be leaving is if they tell me they don't want me anymore."



Check out all the latest News, Sport & Celeb gossip at Mirror.co.uk http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/joe-cole-rubbishes-west-ham-2858971#ixzz2lveIvxXn
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Aston Villa 0-3 Fulham U21s

Here are the goals as the Whites' late rally sent us storming into the next round of the Barclays Premier League U21 Cup.

Aston Villa 0-3 Fulham, Barclays U21 Premier League Cup

A trio of late goals saw Fulham run out 3-0 winners over Aston Villa in the Barclays Under-21 Premier League Cup on Tuesday evening to book their spot in the last-16.

It looked as though the tie would go all the way to extra-time at Villa Park as the two sides searched for a breakthrough, but the crucial opener arrived in the 83rd minute when Moussa Dembele's fine season continued with a composed finish.

Villa then saw a penalty claim fall on deaf ears and quickly found themselves two down when Dembele latched onto substitute Lyle Della Verde's pass before finding the back of the net once again.

And there was still time for French winger Ange-Freddy Plumain to add a third when he netted from close range in stoppage time.

The home side named a strong starting XI for the inaugural Cup game, with First Teamers Chris Herd, Nicklas Helenius and Jordan Bowery all involved from the off, whilst Fulham had David Stockdale in goal.

Fulham started the contest well but were just lacking an end product to match their neat build-up play, although Lasse Vigen Christensen and Plumain each drew a save from Jed Steer before Villa grew into the game as Bowery was twice denied by Stockdale.

Helenius then saw a chance come and go at the end of the first half and it was his side who came out the stronger following the interval, as he and Callum Robinson both squandered opportunities.

As the game became more open, it was then the Whites who enjoyed the better of the play in the subsequent moments, with Muamer Tankovic and Ronny Minkwitz seeing efforts deflect wide and saved, respectively.

With the final 10 minutes approaching, Plumain and Daniel Johnson both tried their luck, before the clinical Dembele popped up to grab the goal Kit Symons' boys needed. An excellent long diagonal pass from Minkwitz was killed by the striker's first touch before he finished coolly from 18 yards.

Villa looked for an immediate response and appealed for a penalty when Jordan Graham tumbled in the area, but the referee ruled no foul and booked Graham for his troubles.

It proved to be a crucial decision as with 88 minutes on the clock Dembele got in behind the Villa backline to collect Della Verde's clever pass and finish with aplomb.

And with Villa left deflated, Plumain was on hand at the death to notch from close range as Fulham ensured their name would be in the hat for the next round draw.

Fulham: Stockdale; Passley, Arthurworrey, Grimmer, Richards; Na Bangna (Della Verde), Vigen Christensen, Minkwitz, Plumain; Tankovic (Sambou); Dembele



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/november/28/villa-u21-video