Thursday Fulham Stuff (12/12/13)...

[WhiteJC]

 
A new lease of life at Fulham

It's been quite an interesting week at Fulham, with Martin Jol relieved of his duties and recently acquired Rene Meulensteen promoted to run first team duties.

Following a dismal display last weekend at Upton Park, which resulted in a 3-0 loss to West Ham United and the eventual sack, it looked increasingly hard to back Jol's corner.

The appointment of Meulensteen was initially met with mixed reactions, thanks to the Dutchman's rather unsuccessful reigns at Danish side Bronby, and Russian outfit Anzhi Makhachkala.

However, following two encouraging home performances against Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa, with the latter producing a first win in seven league games, the mood in SW6 is positive to say the least.

Corrosive

Change and a new lease of life was evidently needed on the bank of the Thames, and the early signs are showing that this is exactly what Meulensteen will bring.

Jol's reign had become ridiculously corrosive, with a formidable home record at Craven Cottage slowly turning into one of the easiest away grounds to visit, with teams in the bottom half turning up and claiming maximum points.

He had promised total attacking football, which slowly turned out to be slow build up play with the ability to keep possession mimicking a game of hot potato and a back four as stable and organised as a gazelle on ice.

Penetrating teams become as narrow as sharing a lift with Jon Parkin and excuses for below par performances became as plausible as "the dog ate my homework".

Despite Jol's tenure ending in unfavourable fashion, there were many good times under the former Spurs boss and despite things fizzling out, he deserves a thank you, as do all managers who part company with their respective clubs.

We are now embarking on a new era and it is one that I am looking forward to if proceedings on the field continue in the same light as they have in the past week.

Positive

Meulensteen's approach is positive to say the least, with organisation mirroring that of the Hodgson days, where it became virtually impossible to break down Fulham, particularly at home.

Jol lacked the tactical noose needed to avoid opposing teams cutting through the back four like a hot knife through butter and this lack of organisation was most evident at set pieces, of which felt like conceding a penalty more times than was healthy.

Lack of width was a huge problem under Jol at times, and the persistence to refrain from starting both Ashkan Dejagah and Alexander Kacaniklic together on the wings proved unpopular.

However, the new boss has been quick to reinstate both in the starting XI, with wing play a big factor in a rejuvenated Fulham in the past two outings, particular the continuation of a strong partnership between Riether and Dejagah down the right.

The players seem motivated now, which was a toxic problem under Jol, with the effort shown in games embarrassing to say the least, which was shown no less than in a 2-0 defeat on the South Coast against Southampton, which saw the away following leave seeing one shot throughout the 90 minutes.

There seems to be a distinct fire in the belly attitude of which Meulensteen has instilled into the players, with the pressure and intent shown particularly last Sunday against Aston Villa unheard of in the Fulham camp for a long time.

At this present moment in time, I am going to attribute such a swing in fortunes towards the honeymoon period which comes with every new appointment, however, it will be interesting to see how things pan out, and I cannot wait.



http://www.touchlinetalk.com/new-lease-life-fulham/77864/?

[WhiteJC]

 
FULHAM PREVIEW

Let's do it for Martin Jol.

You have to feel for the big Dutchman don't you, when you think of him on that crisp, fateful morning, turning into the training ground and slamming on the brakes when he sees that the club's directors cars are already there and Rene Muelensteen is parked in his space.

That great head slumps forward onto the steering wheel and Jol emits a low, doleful sigh, much like the death rattle of the punctured Narwhal he so resembles.

Because he knows.

He's always known.

All that remains is for the hollow click-clack-click of his Ford C-Max's indicator to beat a lonely tattoo, marking time on the last dying moments of Maarten Cornelis Jol's proud reign at Fulham FC.

Also, briefly, while we are discussing the end of an era, you probably already know that the Liverpool Daily Post will cease to be next week. Everyone will have their own opinions on the Post, Trinity Mirror and how they have chosen to face the challenges of the digital age, but personally the paper simply means a lot because I wrote Everton stuff for them for years and will always be grateful to the sports editors, Len Capeling and Richard Williamson, for giving me the opportunity to do something that made an Everton-mad family very proud.

It also taught me a great deal about the nuts and bolts of 'journalism', such as how to talk about the same dull match four times in a week, and how busy sub-editors care not for your 'art', so if you are going to write a piece that builds up to a belting punchline in the final paragraph make sure you do not exceed your word limit even slightly because without a shadow of a doubt that's the fucker that is getting lopped off.

Right, enough of that. Personal stuff, eeugh!

See that Bears game last night?

Looking forward to Saturday's game, Meulensteen, a Dutchman who couldn't look any more Mancunian if he worked in a unit under a railway arch and drank in the Monkey, brings a club that have never won at Goodison but a side, let's not forget, that knocked the Blues out of the League Cup. Their league form has picked up since he took over from his countryman Jol, and their biggest dangerman, Dimitar Berbatov, apparently looks vaguely arsed again. Not that it will last.

Everton, for their part, have improved since the cup game at Craven Cottage – bear in mind we battered them in the first half, with a much rotated line-up – and after a couple of massive results come into the weekend as heavy favourites.

Unfortunately the Toffees will be without the suspended James McCarthy though and that's a big loss. Outside of the club, much of the attention has been on the eye-catching Romelu Lukaku, Gerard Deulofeu and of course Ross Barkley, but week by week matchgoing Blues' admiration of McCarthy steadily grows. He's a cracker and always has been, and what's more there is still so much room for improvement as he still defers to his teammates a little bit at times. As his confidence grows though he will take charge more and has what it takes to be the main man at Goodison for years to come. And what better teacher could he have than the man playing next to him, Gareth Barry?

Everton will certainly lack McCarthy's drive and pace in midfield against Fulham – Leon Osman will presumably replace him, and he brings his own set of skills – but hopefully the Blues will simply have too much all round for the Cottagers, and indeed have too much of the ball, for that to impact the result.

On a broader note, much is being made in the press lately of Roberto Martinez's use of the loan market, especially since Arsene Wenger complained that the present system is unfair. He has a point to a certain degree, that clubs should not be allowed to prevent their loaned out players from featuring against them, and Everton would love to have Barry in the side, for instance, when we play Manchester City. Romelu Lukaku not facing Chelsea is less of an issue as we've demonstrated already this season that we can beat them simply by replacing him with another top international striker, Steven Naismith.

The problem with Wenger's gripe is that even if formal agreements not to play against the 'parent' club were banned, there would be no way to prevent informal arrangements to the same effect.

'We would like you to ensure that our player is rested sufficiently while he playing for you. The second week in January looks good. If he isn't then we would have to strongly question whether we can trust you with our assets in future'.

You could even go a step further and wonder how motivated a player would be when facing the club that holds his registration if he's had a phone call the night before reminding him that clubs who have qualified for the Champions League tend to be far more generous than those who haven't when it comes to renegotiating new contracts.

Would you put it past any of them?

That quibble aside though, the loan system is brilliant, especially when you exploit it as astutely as Everton have this season. Anything that spreads the better quality players out a bit further and therefore makes the league more competitive is surely to be encouraged.

As for doubts about amorphous, antiquated concepts such as 'stability' and 'building', are the critics really suggesting that  Everton would be better off without Lukaku and Deulofeu because they are only going to be playing in royal blue for one or two seasons? Would we be more stable if, for instance, we paid £10 million for Stewart Downing and gave him a four year contract?

Is 'owning' Andy Carroll better than lending Lukaku?

As long as the players are committed while they are on what essentially amounts to a one-year deal -and the evidence is there for all to see with the three Everton have at the moment – then the rest, quite frankly, is just admin.

Ultimately the loan system, when used correctly, minimises risk and maximises opportunity for the clubs and the players alike, and the only people who suddenly seem to have a problem with it are those who are envious and perhaps even a little bit scared of how well it is working for Everton. And when it comes to stuff that is unfair in modern football, well, doing well out of loan deals is right down near the bottom of a very long, financially doped list.

And that's how Sue 'Cs' it.

Yeah, Glee references at the end of 2013, what are you going to do about it?

It could have been worse, we could have run with the whole Meulensteen as Macbeth thing we were looking at, the payoff being 'Andy Burnham would!'

You will have to agree, it's for the best that we never.



http://thisisnotfootball.co.uk/2013/12/11/fulham-preview/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Williams hoping to extend loan at Oxford United

RYAN Williams thinks he would be foolish to look elsewhere as Oxford United close in on a deal with Fulham to extend the winger's loan until the end of the season.

The 20-year-old has become a key player in recent weeks, filling the gap on the right flank left by Alfie Potter's ankle injury.

Williams had not started a senior game when he signed in the summer, but has been in the U's side for ten of the last 11 games. His four goals included the winner in Monday night's 2-1 FA Cup win at Wrexham.

As it stands, the initial agreement from Fulham expires on January 1.

There is the possibility the Cottagers may want to loan him out to a club at a higher level, but the Australian-born livewire is keen to stay at United.

"For sure – as you can tell, I'm enjoying my football here," he said.

"I've had to wait for my chance and I've taken it and proved I should be playing every week.

"I'm having fun, we're getting results and scoring goals, I could not really be happier.

"I think it would be quite stupid for me to go elsewhere at this point in time."

United are in negotiations with the Premier League club about keeping the Australian Under 20 international for the rest of the campaign.

Manager Chris Wilder is optimistic about an agreement. He said: "I think we are quite a way down the road in terms of extending it until the end of the season, which is good news."

It would be a popular move among the U's squad. James Constable, who was also on target at Wrexham, is enjoying playing alongside Williams and explained what he brought to the side.

The striker said: " We are oozing confidence, especially with people like Ryan, it just gives you an instant positive feeling.

"He gets the ball and runs at people. It causes them problems. He's a young lad, but is showing ability years above his age."



http://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/sport/10868192._/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Crewe Alexandra: Neil Etheridge could still feature at Gresty Road

CREWE have not given up hope that Neil Etheridge will pull on his gloves to play for the club again.

Etheridge has returned to parent club Fulham for treatment after suffering a tear in a quad muscle when kicking the ball in the last minute of Crewe's 1-0 win over Crawley Town.

The injury was expected to keep the 23-year-old goalkeeper, pictured right, out until after his loan spell expires on January 1.

But Steve Davis hopes the Philippines international could return in time to play in Crewe's New Year's Day fixture at home to Carlisle.

Davis said: "Neil has gone back to Fulham and we are hoping he will get back just prior to the end of his loan period, maybe for the last game.

"I've had contact with his goalkeeping coach at Fulham and we'll also try to speak to Neil to see how he's progressing.

"He has one-to-one physiotherapy down there which should speed up his recovery.

"We're hoping he can get back before the loan finishes, and we'll review it going into January."

Etheridge has impressed in his three appearances for Crewe, keeping one clean sheet to date.

Davis added: "He's done well. He looks quite established for a 23-year-old.

"He looks a presence in goal, which is what I like. It looks like he belongs there. He's athletic and he's got a point to prove."

In the meantime, Ben Garratt and Alan Martin are fighting to take possession of the number one jersey for Saturday's away match to Coventry in League One.

Veteran stopper Steve Phillips is out with a shoulder injury which may need long-term attention.

Davis said: "Steve won't be fit. He's got a shoulder tear that will need repairing at some point.

"He's had it before and he was prepared to go through the pain barrier, but he's in a lot of discomfort and he can't get down to make saves at the moment.

"So it's down to the two, Alan and Ben, and we will make a decision between them this week. It's up to them. We'll see which one does the best over the next few days."

PETER SMITH



Read more: http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Crewe-Alexandra-Neil-Etheridge-feature-Gresty/story-20305516-detail/story.html#ixzz2nFOe8478

[WhiteJC]

 
Banya Boosts Cards

Fulham youngster Charles Banya played the full 90 minutes as Woking earned a surprise 1-0 win at Skrill Conference promotion hopefuls Kidderminster Harriers on Tuesday night.

Banya almost gave the Cards a dream start, controlling the ball 20 yards from goal and running at the opposition defence but sending a shot narrowly wide of the near post.

The visitors made the breakthrough in the 64th minute when Kieran Murtagh played a great ball to Fulham Academy Coach Kevin Betsy who got to the byline and crossed for Scott Rendell to smash home from close range.

Banya saw a late shot blocked as Woking secured an excellent three points to move up to 17th place in the table.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/december/11/loan-round-up?

[WhiteJC]

 
FA Youth Cup Preview

Fulham's Under-18s kick-off their involvement in the FA Youth Cup on Wednesday night when they meet Queens Park Rangers in the Third Round (7pm).


Steve Wigley's side make the trip to Loftus Road for this mini-West London derby and will be looking to make an impression on this season's competition having dominated the Barclays Under-18 Premier League in recent years.

The Whites reached the Fourth Round last season, losing 2-1 to Arsenal after extra-time having seen off Middlesbrough 6-4 at this stage of the competition. In the last four years, Fulham have twice reached the Quarter-Final stage – losing to Burnley in 2011/12 and Aston Villa in 2009/10.

"The FA Youth Cup is an important competition, it can provide a great learning curve for the boys," explained Under-18 Manager Wigley to fulhamfc.com. "We've enjoyed some success in the league and the Dallas Cup, so naturally we'd like to do well in the FA Youth Cup as well.

"It's a competition that has got the better of us in recent years, but that's knock-out football for you – and something that we need to be aware of. As we know, in one-off matches anything can happen.

"We've made a good start to the season, so it would be nice to put a good run together – I know how much it would mean to the boys because they're an ambitious group."

Fulham remain at the top of the Barclays Under-18 Premier League South table, ahead of Tottenham Hotspur on goal difference. After last Saturday's game at Chelsea was postponed, the Whites' last competitive outing came in the 4-0 defeat of Norwich City the previous weekend, with Elijah Adebayo, Dean O'Halloran, Cameron Burgess and Liam Donnelly all on target.

Opponents QPR reside in the Under-18 Professional Development League Two (South), where they lead second-placed Millwall by 11 points – scoring 32 and conceding 12 in their 13 matches so far.

On Monday, Ryan Young scored the only goal of the game in a hard-fought victory over the Lions – a win that extended the Hoops' winning run to seven consecutive matches.

Last season, QPR were knocked out in the Third Round by Norwich, with the competition's eventual winners claiming a narrow 1-0 win.

"QPR are a decent side and they're capable of being a Category One club," added Wigley. "In fact, they're probably better than some of the clubs that already are. They're top of their league, so they're having a good season.

"It will be a challenge, but that's part of playing in the FA Youth Cup. It's a local derby under the lights, so I'm sure some of our fans will be down to cheer us on. We'll be well prepared and, as ever, we want to be competitive. As they say, the best team will win on the night, and let's hope the best team is us."

Tickets are priced at £3 Adults and £1 Concessions. Under-8s go free when accompanied by a paying Adult. Places can be purchased on the night of the game from the QPR Box Office (cash only) on South Africa Road.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/december/11/u18-preview-fayc?

[WhiteJC]

 
SCOUT SCRIBBLES – FULHAM

After such a tricky patch of fixtures we now enter a phase of eminently more winnable games against sides further down the table, starting this weekend with Fulham due at L4.

On paper this looks a dead cert toffees win. Harold MacMillan was the Prime Minister the last time Fulham took so much as a point at Goodison and you have to go back to 1948 for their last triumph on toffee soil. Added to this, they've lost five of their last six away, have failed to score in all those defeats and didn't even register a shot on target on their last away day. To provide balance, Fulham are one of only 2 sides to have beaten us this season and there is always the threat of 'new manager syndrome' which was evident last week as Rene Meulensteen picked up his first win as Fulham boss against Villa. In this game they had 9 shots on target, so he had clearly had some sort of impact.

His managerial record is relatively unproven however, with nondescript spells at Brondby and Anzhi the subtotal of his time as a 'number one'. His stock seems fairly good though, as presumably people associate him as the brains behind United's successes last season with Taggart pre occupied with emptying the Old Trafford Glenlivet reserves and Phelan overlaid with his gatorade and cone duties.

Fulham's home form has in previous seasons papered over the cracks but this campaign it has deserted them. Established and dependable top tier performers like Dempsey, Dembele and Diarra have all moved on in recent summers and some of their replacements have not been fit for purpose.  Whilst Berbatov is still clearly ace – when he wants to be –  and also to a lesser extent Ruiz , other acquisitions like Taraabt and Bent provide so little off the ball which has meant Fulham have become a soft touch – a situation made worst by the prolonged absence of defensive lynchpin Hangeland.

Lets take a look at the likely starting line-up....

(GK) Maarten Stekelenburg  - Dutch goalkeeper who appeared in the World Cup Final for Holland in 2010. After winning the Eredivisie in 2011, he infamously dropped the trophy while standing on top of the Ajax team coach with Jan Vertonghen. He has also turned out for Roma.  Amongst his many talents he possesses a more than decent long kick and he found Berbatov more than any of his colleagues in the 1-2 defeat against Spurs last week.

(CB) Aaron Hughes – 34 year old right footed left sided centre back who was perennially bullied by Fellaini in recent meetings between the clubs. A decent covering defender, he is the top clearance maker for the Cottagers with 9.1 per game and has also won the most aerial per game 3.6

(CB) Phillipe Senderos – This cat appears permanently terrified –  presumably due to looking in the mirror and seeing the reflection of Casper the friendly defender, and these supernatural powers enable him to go missing in his own penalty box at crucial times. Amazingly played for Everton -once- during a short lived loan spell. Has made the most defensive errors, most interceptions and has blocked the most shots for Fulham this season.

(RB) Sascha Reither – German right back who won the Bundesliga with Wolfsberg in 2011. Whilst at the Volkswagen  Stadium he played with right sided colleague Dejagah and his combination play with the Iranian down the right flank was a feature of Muelensteen's  first games as boss with the duo combining 69 times – comfortably more than any other Fulham duo.

(LB) John Arne Risse – Oh how 'da reds' loved this hair dying, slack jawed mutant. 'I wanna knowwwwwohoooo how you scored that goal' sang the edgy Annie road choir with regular gusto. Those days are long gone. Since joining Fulham he has fired in 105 shots but has yet to score and its difficult to see how he is still making a living from the game. He also bears more than a passing resemblance to the weird meth meff from Breaking Bad.

(MC) Scott 'Puts in a shift' Scotty Parker – Bryllcream, pie and mash, badger bating, Tower of London loving midfielder who  turned down a move to the toffees back in 05′ in favour of Newcastle. Struggled to fit in with the culture and swiftly returned south to his London comfort blanket where he has re-commenced his Challenge Anneka attempt to play for every mediocre London club within a 10 year timeframe. Has won just 4 of 22 games against us for various clubs.

(AMC) Giorgos Karagounis – Ex Inter and Benfica right footed midfield general is a known grafter with good delivery from set plays and uses his experience to buy cheap fouls. At 36 he is one of the oldest outfield players in the division and one of 9 players 30 years or over who appeared in Fulham's win last week. Can boast over 100 caps for his country but will struggle to last more than 60 minutes. Still has plenty of quality and last week was deployed at the forward peak of the midfield triangle. Fulham have also won 2 of the 3 games he has started.

(MR) Ashkan Dejagah - Iranian born right footed wide forward who was brought to the club from the Germany –  a country he represented at youth level before switching allegiances to his homeland. Has a goal and an assist in his last two games of the new era and provides some much needed youth.

(MC) Steve Sidwell - Criminally scored a last minute equaliser against us  last season in the 2-2 at Fulham when we dominated so much. Played as the number 8 last week in between Parker behind and Karagounis in front and scored a nice goal as well as creating the most chances. Is Fulham's top scorer this season with 3.

(ML) Alex Kacaniklic - Swedish left winger who can also play centrally. Spent 3 years across the park without playing one minute of first team football. Will look to whip in corners from the right side with his left peg. One goal and no assists this season is a fairly poor return for a player predominantly deployed in an attacking role.

(FC) Dimitar Berbatov - You know what you're getting with this cat, and this season it's basically not a lot. Can obviously do the incredible as he showed last week but such days are increasingly few and far between. His figures against us (4 goals and no assists in 13) would hardly make him stand out as a Les Ferdinand style toffee scourge. With Bent and Taraabt seemingly not in the plans of the new boss, Berbatov will likely lead the line on his own and be central to Fulham's attacking play

Bottom line....

With James McCarthy suspended, the only selection dilemma appears whether to go with Barkley or recall Osman in the Irishman's slot. I think the desire to get Deulofeu into the side will dictate this call and I could see Barkley moving into a deeper role to accommodate the Catalan.

In truth, Fulham simply don't have the tools to stop us getting the win that could see us go into second spot in the table depending on results elsewhere. I'm going to be bold and go for a 3-0 home win.

EB


http://theexecutionersbong.wordpress.com/2013/12/11/scout-scribbles-fulham/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Inside Goodison Park

After two much-improved performances, Fulham's new-found resilience will be firmly put to the test at Everton's Goodison Park on Saturday - a ground where the Whites have never won in the league. Toffees fan Michael Cunliffe assesses his side's season so far.


What have you made of Everton so far this term?

The season started a little slowly with three draws before it all kicked into gear with a 1-0 win over Chelsea. We've hardly looked back since. One defeat all season, looking solid defensively and an in-form striker - things are looking good!

You must be delighted with the impact Roberto Martinez has made?

I have to say I was unsure over Martinez to start with. Yes, he'd won the FA Cup, but Wigan Athletic had also been relegated. It took the players a little while to adjust to a new style of play, but he has brought a new lease of life to the club which was starting to stagnate a little after 11 years under David Moyes. Martinez's optimism and honesty have been a breath of fresh air and he seems to be getting even more out of the team than his predecessor.

What did you make of his summer signings?

At first we only seemed to sign Wigan players (Arouna Kone, Antolin Alcaraz and Joel Robles) as well as bringing in Barcelona 'B' star Gerard Deulofeu. But the business conducted on transfer deadline day has to be some of the best ever by the club. Selling Marouane Fellaini for an over-inflated price and replacing him with James McCarthy, Gareth Barry and Romelu Lukaku was a masterstroke by all involved. All three have proved key since coming in, while Deulofeu is starting to come good and could be a big star in 2014.

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

Before the season started I'd have said to finish in the top 10. But, after 15 games and only one defeat, I think top six is now achievable. January will be key in terms of whether we can truly push for fourth - a few more additions with none leaving and it could be possible, although there's a lot of competition for that spot!

Everyone's talking about Ross Barkley - just how good is he?

Tall, athletic, powerful, two-footed, an eye for goal, the ability to take on and beat a man, and he can tackle! He seems to have everything in his locker and, at 20 years old, can only improve. With the world at his feet I hope he'll be a mainstay of the Everton team for years to come.

Which other players have impressed you for Everton this term?

Defensively we've been very solid this season, with the regular back five partnership of Tim Howard, Seamus Coleman, Phil Jagielka, Sylvain Distin and Leighton Baines in imperious form. With Baines injured at the moment Bryan Oviedo has done a great job of filling in, netting two goals already! Lukaku has been grabbing the headlines with eight goals, but the midfield pairing of Barry and McCarthy have been sensational. They look like they've been playing together for years, not months!

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

Fulham have a lot of top quality players, but you've always got to be wary of Dimitar Berbatov. He's one of those players who can be quiet for a long time and then just produce a little bit of magic out of nowhere to create or score a goal.

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

Best thing is the atmosphere; the crowd will be buzzing after two strong away performances at Manchester United and Arsenal. Worst thing? Probably the trip back to London for the Fulham fans!

What one song are we bound to hear the home fans sing?

Without fail you'll hear "Grand Old Team" ring round Goodison at least a few times!

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

Either The Arkles on Priory Road or the Thomas Frost on Walton Road. Both are within 15 minutes walking distance to Goodison and are away-fan friendly.

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

Fulham's form has picked up since Martin Jol's departure, but Everton are unbeaten in the league at home in nearly a calendar year, so I'd have to go for a 2-0 win to the Blues.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/december/11/inside-goodison-park?

[WhiteJC]

 
Free Everton Travel

As with every away game in the Barclays Premier League this season, the Club is putting on free coach travel for Saturday's game at Everton.

But availability is now limited for the Goodison Park trip, so supporters are advised to book their tickets as soon as possible to guarantee a seat.

All you need to do to secure free travel to Merseyside is purchase a ticket for the game, and with adult tickets priced from just £32, it makes for a reasonable day out at the weekend.

What's more, match tickets for Junior Season Ticket Holders and Members are completely free, although they must be booked at the same time as an Adult ticket.

Join Rene Meulensteen's travelling army and get behind the boys by securing your ticket today!

Tickets can now only be bought in person from the Ticket Office, until they go off sale at 4pm on Friday. Fans will then only be able to purchase tickets on the day of the game from the Bullens Road Ticket Office at Goodison Park.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/december/11/free-everton-travel?

[WhiteJC]

 
Tottenham leading Arsenal and West Ham in race to re-sign Fulham's Berbatov

TOTTENHAM appear to be leading Arsenal and West Ham in the race to re-sign former charge Dimitar Berbatov in January.

Berbatov slotted home a cool penalty in Fulham's 2-0 victory over Aston Villa at the week.

However, the Bulgarian's future has been the subject of conjecture even though the new Fulham boss Rene Meulensteen has been tight-lipped on the matter.

But according to bookmakers' odds, Spurs are currently ahead of the pack.

SkyBet have made Spurs 7/2 to bring Berbatov back to White Hart Lane, with Arsenal second favourites at 14/1.

West Ham just trail the Gunners at 16/1, while Celtic are rank outsiders at 33/1 to clinch Berbatov's signature.

Berbatov hit 27 league goals in 63 appearances for Spurs before joining Manchester United for £30.75 million in 2008.



http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/448076/Tottenham-leading-Arsenal-and-West-Ham-in-race-to-re-sign-Fulham-s-Berbatov

[WhiteJC]

 
QPR U18s 1-4 Fulham U18s

Fulham advanced into the Fourth Round of the FA Youth Cup with a 4-1 victory over Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road on Wednesday.

It was a comfortable win for the Whites over their local rivals and the scoreline could, in truth, have been even more substantially in their favour had it not been for missed chances and good goalkeeping.

A Beckham-esque free-kick from Emerson Hyndman got things going for Fulham, before Dean O'Halloran doubled the lead with a neat finish.

Rangers then pulled one back but the Whites went into the break 3-1 up courtesy of a George Williams strike, with Jordan Evans adding some gloss to the score in the second half.

Pat Roberts had the game's first opportunity four minutes in when a drop of the shoulder left a Rangers defender on his backside, but his left-footed drive from range was well blocked.

Williams then showed good skill and strength to burst into the box but nobody could meet his pass as he pulled the ball back once he reached the by-line.

Fulham were enjoying all the early possession and O'Halloran – who was operating as the middle man in a front three with Roberts and Williams – managed to flick Williams' volley back towards goal only to see it drop a yard wide of the far post.

A sublime cross from Darnell Furlong in the 10th minute looked to have the Whites defence worried, but Captain Liam Donnelly read the danger well and nodded behind for a corner. There was a scare moments later, though, when Marek Rodak failed to hold a deep cross from the left but, thankfully, the Fulham backline was able to clear to safety. But QPR were growing into the cup tie and, having won another corner, Furlong saw his diving header deflect wide.

Good link up play between Josh Smile and Cameron Burgess in the 14th minute resulted in the former breaking forward into an advanced position. He found Hyndman in space but the American was closed down well and his effort deflected comfortably into the grateful arms of Mark Smith.

The opening goal arrived when a marauding run by Williams in the 19th minute was crudely halted on the edge of the box by Cole Kpekawa, who was unsurprisingly booked. Hyndman was charged with taking the set-piece and bent a quite exquisite effort into the top left hand corner that left Smith with no chance whatsoever.

And it wasn't long before the lead was doubled as O'Halloran put the finishing touch to a slick team move. Roberts worked some magic 30 yards from goal before playing in Smile who had made a clever run into the area. He then fed O'Halloran 12 yards from goal and the Republic of Ireland youth international shimmied some space for himself before lashing a low left-footed effort into the corner of the net.

An elegant back-flick by Williams just after the half hour mark sent Evans galloping into space down the left flank. His square pass found Roberts but the forward was off balance and his speculative shot bent wide of the far post.

Rangers had gone a fair while without threatening and so it was all the more disappointing when they reduced the deficit in the 35th minute. Fulham failed to clear their lines from a corner and after something of a scramble in the area, Harly Wise was there to rifle beyond Rodak at his near post.

But the two goal lead was restored four minutes later when the dangerous Williams got the goal his positive play deserved. Admirable perseverance from Solomon Sambou in the middle of the park resulted in him winning the ball which fell kindly to the Welshman who cut inside and crashed an effort inside the far post which may have taken a deflection on its way in.

Hyndman came agonisingly close to making it four shortly before half-time when the ball broke to him inside the six yard box, but a covering defender got just enough on it to smuggle it behind for a corner.

Aaron Mitchell looked to capitalise on a loose Burgess pass a minute later and although Rodak could only parry his powerful drive from 25 yards, Donnelly was on hand to hook away the loose ball before a lurking striker could pounce.

On the stroke of half-time, Ryan Young became the second Rangers player to enter the referee's notebook following a late, and high, challenge on Sambou who had beaten him to a loose ball.

The first major incident of the second period saw Donnelly lose possession in a dangerous area which presented Ben Beckles with a shooting chance, but the striker shot too close to Rodak who saved well.

An O'Halloran corner in the 48th minute had the home defence at sixes and sevens, with both Roberts and Williams just an inch away from turning the ball into the back of the net. And Williams was causing problems again in the Whites' next attack when he fired against a post following some neat footwork by Hyndman in the area.

In his half-time team talk Steve Wigley had clearly told his troops  not to take their foot off the gas as Fulham continued to press as Roberts played an inch perfect through ball into the diagonal run of Evans who rifled a rising effort into the side-netting.

And it was the same two who combined to score in the 54th minute as a great Roberts pass found his teammate who smashed a low effort beyond the keeper from a tight angle.

The double act of Roberts and Evans had become the story of the half as the Rangers defence couldn't handle their imagination and movement. The latest opening came in the 63rd minute when a dinked ball over the top from Roberts was poked marginally wide by Evans – again from a very tight angle.

Smith then kept the score respectable when he showed good reflexes to turn the ball over the top as it arrived at him with pace after O'Halloran's cross had smashed against a Hoops shirt. And the keeper demonstrated his agility once again from the subsequent corner when he kept out Donnelly's header.

The R's stopper was fast becoming the game's busiest player as he was called into action once again in the 72nd minute when he repelled a vicious Williams strike at the expense of another corner, before he batted away a well-struck shot by Roberts.

Wigley then made his first change of the evening on 81 minutes as Elijah Adebayo – who had enjoyed a solid game at centre-back – made way for Ryheem Sheckleford. The substitute slotted in at right-back, with Donnelly taking Adebayo's place in the middle. And five minutes later Fulham made another alteration, with Noe Baba replacing the excellent Hyndman.

A scuffle in the Fulham area almost earned QPR a second goal, but the loose ball skimmed a post before being cleared to safety.

Baba was involved in the action soon after coming on as he did well to win the ball in a wide position when it looked like a lost cause. Smile was the beneficiary of his determination and he found Roberts who drove an effort into Smith's arms. Smile was then withdrawn to make way for Adetayo Edun as Fulham saw the game out to ease into the next round.

Fulham team: Rodak; Donnelly, Adebayo (Sheckleford, 81), Burgess, Evans; Smile (Edun, 90), Hyndman (Baba, 86), Sambou; Roberts, O'Halloran, Williams

Subs (not used): Norman, Elworthy



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/december/11/qpr-u18s-ffc-u18s?

[WhiteJC]

 
Wigley's QPR Reaction

Steve Wigley's QPR Reaction

http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/december/11/wigleys-qpr-reaction?

[WhiteJC]

 
Dimitar Berbatov | Player Performance Analysis vs. Aston Villa

Martin Jol wasn't the only thing that departed from Craven Cottage recently, as it seemed to be that Dimitar Berbatov's bad attitude had also disappeared with an outstanding performance enabling Fulham to come away from Sundays game with much needed 3 points. The contrast from his last home appearance under Martin Jol in a 2-1 defeat to Swansea to this weekends game is obvious and can clearly be seen.



Having played a full 90 minutes, Berbatov had a total of 5 shots and 4 of these were on target. This 80% shooting accuracy gave the Fulham fans hope that he has returned to his goalscoring form that he had in his years at Manchester United and that an in form Berbatov can mean an in form Fulham. The Bulgarians goal came from a penalty and as you can expect with the laid-back striker this was no ordinary penalty, it managed to encompass everything he is about in one moment.

The composure shown to roll the ball right into the corner barely reaching the goal line did not suggest that he is playing for a struggling team and hopefully he can rub some of his confidence off onto some of the other players which could help to get the West London club out of the bottom three. Not only was the number 9 great with his feet when it came to getting shots off, he managed to win a header, rising above the Villa defence, and as it was about to cross the line into the top corner, Brad Guzan leapt across to palm the ball against the bar. The desire to win the ball like this has not been seen in recent weeks, with people suggesting the player only turns up for his pay-cheques which made a move away from the Cottage in January seem imminent, however, the change of management looks to have done the trick and Fulham fans should keep their fingers crossed they get to retain the services of the magical striker for longer.



From the first minute Berbatov tried to make things happen, and as Fulhams main attacking threat he was picking the ball up in any position he could. Either slowing play down by holding the ball up then passing it out wide or creative flicks forward, the 32 year old knew when to do these things and did them to perfection. 30% of his passes were forward and with 26% going left and 24% going right, this even spread illustrates how key Dimitar was in keeping play flowing and therefore not forcing the ball for an attack, compared to the loss vs. Swansea where 45% of his passes were forward.

Two moments of magic showed the separate qualities of holding the ball up and looking to create a chance quickly on an attack, and the first is where Fulham actually won the penalty by one of the passes of the season as Berbatov flicked the ball first time off the outside of the foot round his marker and allowed Kacaniklic to controversially fall to the ground in the box. Secondly, there was a switch ball across the half way line and the ball was flying through the air at an incredible height and a moment of pure brilliance occurred where Berbatov just cushioned the ball onto his foot and the ball stopped dead. This just provided him with the time and space to instruct team mates on where to move before laying off a short pass into the midfield.



With performances like this, Premier league defences and goalkeepers should be scared and cautious of the talent that the Bulgarian international posses, his intelligence shown in Sundays game is something that Fulham require to ensure safety. However, this is all down to the man himself as he needs to show this desire 100% of the time as I don't see Rene Meulensteen allowing his bad attitude at the club.



http://eplindex.com/46069/dimitar-berbatov-player-performance-analysis-aston-villa.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
GW16 Preview: Everton's Romelu Lukaku to fire against Fulham

Whilst one team in west London continues to misfire, another one could well be on the end of the latest battering administered by their rivals' best forward.

Yes, it remains a curious fact in this Premier League season that Chelsea's most effective frontman is currently being seen in the blue of another club, not that Everton are complaining ahead of their home meeting with Fulham on Saturday.

On-loan Romelu Lukaku (£8.4m) might not have found the net in his previous two games, but his effectiveness is such that he was still able to assist goals for Bryan Oviedo (£4.4m) and Gerard Deulofeu (£5.4m) in those contests, and he'll be confident of scoring in the visit of the notoriously poor travelling Fulham to Merseyside.

Everton emerged from a week of fixtures at Old Trafford and the Emirates Stadium with four points and a real sense that they will be challenging for a top four place throughout this season, and the giant Belgian that they've borrowed from Chelsea certainly has a large part to play in that.

Lukaku will get chances against a team who've conceded nine goals and scored none in their last three away games, whilst fellow forward Duelofeu could be worth taking a gamble on given his recent impressive displays.

The man that Jose Mourinho considers "not ready" to play for Chelsea is still the safer bet though, something which looks about as certain as the notion that the Portuguese is regretting his decision to loan him out.

The reason for that is that Samuel Eto'o (£8.3m), Fernando Torres (£8.2m) and Demba Ba (£7.5m) have mustered just four league goals between them this season, a figure which is now just one more than Crystal Palace's Marouane Chamakh (£4.7m) has managed on his own during this campaign.

Such numbers mean that it is difficult to recommend any of the Blues' forwards ahead of their home meeting with Chamakh's side, although it is a contest that they will surely win and in which they could be inspired by Eden Hazard (£9.8m) and Andre Schurrle (£7.1m), who scored twice in the loss at Stoke but does have a slight calf injury.

The game of the weekend is undoubtedly the first one, as Manchester City will bid to move within three points of Arsenal with a victory over the Gunners at their fortress Etihad Stadium home.

Seven home wins from seven and 29 goals make City huge favourites against an Arsenal side who faltered against Everton, with Sergio Aguero (£12.4m) certain to be key to everything good that the hosts produce early on Saturday afternoon.

Aguero's rival at the top of the scoring charts Luis Suarez (£12.7m) might find things a little tougher than usual as Liverpool go to Tottenham, especially as the Reds will be without their captain Steven Gerrard (£9.1m) for up to six weeks with a hamstring injury. Jordan Henderson (£5.9m) is also a doubt having started every league game this season.

Manchester United have now failed to score in their last two, and those who feel that run could continue might be drawn towards Brad Guzan (£5.1m) and Ciaran Clark (£4.5m) ahead of mid-table United's trip to Villa Park, although it must be said that Wayne Rooney (£11.1m) will return from suspension, Robin van Persie (£13.7m) should be closer to full fitness and United have lost there in 19 visits.

Last weekend's Old Trafford hero Yohan Cabaye (£6.5m) is suspended for Newcastle's home clash with Southampton, an absence that might see Moussa Sissoko (£5.5m) get forward more. Cabaye's fellow Frenchman assisted his goal in Manchester and scored on his last home appearance against West Brom.

The Magpies will have to be wary of the suddenly in-form Pablo Osvaldo (£7.4m) after he scored two in two, whilst after a run of 30 games without a goal was ended with a strike against his former club Swansea on Monday, perhaps Danny Graham (£5.0m) can bag another as Hull host Stoke.

Stranger things have happened, right?



http://fantasyyirma.com/2013/12/12/gw16-preview-evertons-romelu-lukaku-to-fire-against-fulham/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Date Set For Cup Clash

Fulham's Third Round clash at Norwich City in the FA Cup with Budweiser will be played on Saturday 4th January with a 3pm kick-off.

After our Barclays Premier League fixture at Carrow Road on Boxing Day, the Whites will travel to Carrow Road again in early January for the FA Cup encounter.

Tickets and travel information for this game are yet to be finalised and will be announced in due course.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/december/12/date-set-for-cup-clash?

[WhiteJC]

 
World Cup: Bryan Ruiz confident Costa Rica can hold their own in Brazil

Bryan Ruiz claims Costa Rica are capable of springing a surprise in a testing World Cup group which includes England.

The Fulham forward believes the unfancied central American nation have been placed into the 'Group of Death' at next summer's finals in Brazil.

Not only will they have to tackle England, they will also lock horns with four-time winners Italy and 2010 semi-finalists Uruguay.

Costa Rica are considered to be rank outsiders to make the knockout stages, but Ruiz feels an underdog standing could work in their favour as they will be free to play without pressure.

He said in the Daily Mirror: "It could hardly be more difficult or complicated for us, two great European sides and the 2010 semi-finalists.

"Yet at the same time it will be a real treat for us to play against them.

"I am looking forward to the summer very much and I am filled with optimism.

"All of us know we have a golden opportunity to transcend all the expectations, to shine, and to earn applause and international acclaim for what we could do."

Ruiz added: "Yes, we are in the group of death, the hardest of all. That is simply a reality we have to face.

"Compared to England, Italy and Uruguay, we are the ugly ducklings of the group, the weakest team, the easiest. But we know we can surprise all of them."



http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/9069064/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Keeper could yet return
   
Goalkeeper Neil Etheridge could still return and continue his loan spell at Crewe Alexandra.

"We're hoping he can get back before the loan finishes" - Steve Davis

The 23-year-old was recently forced to return to parent club Fulham for treatment on a quad muscle injury and expected to be out of action beyond his 1st January loan expiry date.

However, the Philippines international might yet recover in time to play in the Alex's New Year's Day home meeting with Carlisle United.

"Neil has gone back to Fulham and we are hoping he will get back just prior to the end of his loan period, maybe for the last game," manager Steve Davis told the Stoke Sentinel . "I've had contact with his goalkeeping coach at Fulham and we'll also try to speak to Neil to see how he's progressing.

"He has one-to-one physiotherapy down there which should speed up his recovery," he added. "We're hoping he can get back before the loan finishes, and we'll review it going into January."



Read more: http://www.crewe.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=341586#ixzz2nFoinowv