Sunday Fulham Stuff (05/01/14)...

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Why Arsenal Should Not Sign Dimitar Berbatov

The Gunners' 2013 form has been outstanding and much of that success has been attributed to togetherness within the squad.

For the first time in recent memory no key players were lost in the transfer window. Morale was high at the Emirates to begin the season and that has made all the difference.

Since the close of the summer transfer window much has been made of the lack of depth the Gunners currently have at centre-forward and with the most recent injuries to Nicklas Bendtner and Olivier Giroud those fears are now a reality. A new striker is an absolute necessity for the Gunners to maintain their current pace.

However, the temperamental Bulgarian is not that man. As a player Berbatov's quality has never been in question. He possesses an immaculate first touch, and steely calm in front of goal, making him an ideal front man for many sides in Europe.

But not for Arsenal.

The current Gunners set up requires a selfless striker who is willing to press and chase for the team as well as make countless runs in behind. Based on his time in the Premier League there is little evidence to suggest Berbatov is capable of that style of play.

He possesses an excellent ability in holding the ball-up and getting others involved. But Arsenal are a notoriously quick counter-attacking side and quick isn't exactly part of Berbatov's repertoire.

The strength of Wenger's side in 2013 was their mental strength and never say die attitude. Collectively they have fought and won results that in the past would have been squandered.

A new striker is imperative but maintaining the current first-team bond and attitude should be the first requirement.

If they can do that as well as bringing in a top-class striker, even better.


http://www.givemesport.com/415594-why-arsenal-should-not-sign-dimitar-berbatov?autoplay=on

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Dimitar Berbatov omitted from Fulham's matchday squad at Norwich signalling imminent exit

Dimitar Berbatov's Fulham future remains in doubt after the striker was omitted from the Cottagers' squad for their FA Cup Third Round tie at Norwich.

The Bulgarian international has been linked with a January move to Arsenal, with the Gunners hunting a solution to their front-line problems.

And speculation will mount today, with Berbatov's matchday omission ensuring he is not cup-tied for future rounds should he move to pastures new before the end of the month.

Fulham boss Rene Meulensteen made multiple changes from the New Year's Day victory over West Ham, with the likes of Chris David and Dan Burn being called into action, as well as loanee Clint Dempsey.

But there is no space even on the bench for Berbatov, who may have played his last match for the London outfit.



http://metro.co.uk/2014/01/04/dimitar-berbatov-omitted-from-fulhams-matchday-squad-at-norwich-signalling-imminent-exit-4249493/?

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Training stint at Fulham 'a great experience' for Colorado's Shane O'Neill

Rapids defender picks up precious pointers from fortnight with Premier League club



The Colorado Rapids defender Shane O'Neill has begun 2014 the way that he ended 2013 – front and center.

News of his selection to the USMNT January training camp followed swiftly in the footsteps of a fortnight at Fulham, of the English Premier League.

"It was such a great experience," O'Neill told ColoradoRapids.com. "And it will set me up nicely for the forthcoming camp with the US."

The 20-year-old Irish-born O'Neill was quick to confirm that the spell in London was purely a 'training stint' and not a trial, but believes he returned a better player.

"You've got to be aware of what's around you," O'Neill admitted. "That was the big thing for me. You had to try to play one-touch, otherwise you got kicked in a hurry, so I definitely picked up a few good learning things and the coaching staff were very helpful, so it was good."

The Rapids' Homegrown Player was in London at a similar time to teammates Clint Irwin, Chris Klute and Dillon Serna being at Everton, and it clearly served a purpose.

"I played a match against the under-21s of Crystal Palace," O'Neill said. "I then was just training with the (Fulham) under-21s. It was really good training, really intense and so I was really happy with the two weeks.

"Speed of play, maybe, and just the intensity – the physical intensity – were the two big differences. Obviously the players are very technical over there but, at the same time, I think they just move the ball really fast. They see the next pass and play one-touch really well."

O'Neill, who lives with his family in Boulder, has made no secret of his desire to play in Europe – ideally in the English Premier League. For now, though, he'll use the experience to good effect in MLS. His spell with Fulham will stand him in good stead as he continues to learn his trade, and that can only be good for O'Neill, the USA and the Rapids.

"The intensity over there is definitely very high," he added. "It's very cut-throat, so I think it's going to set me up well. I think the staff over there at Fulham, and the whole club in general, are extremely professional. I couldn't say a bad word about them."



http://www.coloradorapids.com/news/2014/01/training-stint-fulham-great-experience-colorados-shane-oneill

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Clint Dempsey Makes Debut for Fulham vs. Norwich City in FA Cup


Scott Heavey/Getty Images
After a somewhat disappointing spell with the Seattle Sounders of MLS, American star Clint Dempsey is back with the Premier League's Fulham, and he is making his second debut for the Cottagers Saturday, according to the club's official Twitter account.

Fulham is taking on Norwich City away from home at Carrow Road in an important FA Cup third-round encounter. Both sides are struggling mightily in the EPL this season, so FA Cup success may be their only hope to salvage this campaign.

Dempsey spent six fantastic years at Fulham and scored 58 goals as a member of the Lilywhites. Dempsey didn't have nearly as much success with Tottenham Hotspur, which ultimately led to him joining the Sounders.

Unfortunately for Dempsey, he was injured for much of the MLS season. He was limited to just nine starts for Seattle, during which he scored one goal and assisted on another.

Not only is the two-month loan to Fulham good for Dempsey in terms of regaining his form, but it is also a major coup for the Cottagers considering Dempsey's FA Cup track record, per ESPN's Paul Carr.

One person who is particularly excited about Dempsey's return to Fulham is United States men's national team boss Jurgen Klinsmann. According to Sky Sports, Klinsmann believes that returning to arguably the highest level of soccer will be great for Dempsey moving forward.

Obviously, we are pleased with Clint Dempsey, our captain, making the jump for two months to Fulham to get games in now. He had a very difficult couple of months because of injury and the transition back into MLS.

I think it's a great decision from Clint to start off the year in the right way going on loan for two months to Fulham, his old team. They need him to get them back up in the table of the league, and he will come already in good shape back into MLS. That is great!

Dempsey will surely be a part of Team USA for the 2014 World Cup unless injury strikes, but the squad needs Deuce at his best in order to make it out of the group stage and make a run through the tournament.

Perhaps some time with Fulham is just what the doctor ordered.


http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1910831-clint-dempsey-makes-debut-for-fulham-vs-norwich-city-in-fa-cup?

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Fulham face replay after draw at Norwich

Norwich City 1 Fulham 1

Fulham and Norwich face an FA Cup replay at Craven Cottage after Robert Snodgrass' equaliser for the Canaries.

Darren Bent opened the scoring seven minutes before half-time but Rene Meulensteen's side were pegged back by Snodgrass' goal on the stroke of the interval.

Norwich made a strong start to the FA Cup third round tie, with Jonas Elmander shooting wide before Josh Murphy had an effort saved by Whites keeper David Stockdale.

But Fulham, with Clint Dempsey in the starting line-up following his recent return to the club on loan, began to come into the game.

Alex Kacaniklic forced a fine save from Mark Bunn, who then did well to deny Bent after the striker had been set up by Pajtim Kasami.

Bent should have done better with that chance but made amends by heading home Chris David's ball in from the left.

Stockdale then produced a fine save, pushing away Ricky van Wolfswinkel's shot to deny Norwich an instant equaliser.

He was unable to keep out Snodgrass' header from Murphy's cross but produced another great save in the second half, somehow managing to deny van Wolfswinkel, who looked certain to score.

Fulham: Stockdale; Zverotic, Burn, Hughes, Amorebieta (Riise 69); David, Boateng (Christensen 69); Kačaniklić (Plumain 45), Dempsey, Kasami; Bent.
Subs not used: Joronen, Dejagah, Rodallega, Dembele.


http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-face-replay-after-draw-at-norwich?

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Replay Details

Following Fulham's draw with Norwich City in the FA Cup with Budweiser on Saturday afternoon, the Club can confirm that the Replay will take place at Craven Cottage on Tuesday 14th January.

Tickets will be priced at £15 for adults, £10 for over-65s and £5 for under-17s. These will be available for Season Ticket Holders and Members to purchase from 12pm on Monday 6th January.

The match will go on General Sale from 10am on Wednesday 8th January.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/january/04/replay-details?

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Fulham boss hails Stockdale after Gordon Banks-like save forces replay

Cottagers keeper claws out Ricky Van Wolfswinkel's goalbound header to deny Canaries


High praise: David Stockdale denied Ricky Van Wolfswinkel late on
Rene Meulensteen hailed keeper David Stockdale after his Gordon Banks-like late save earned Fulham a 1-1 draw at Norwich .

The former Darlington shot-stopper somehow kept out Ricky Van Wolfswinkel's goalbound header to deny the Canaries victory and force a replay.

"A draw's a good result away from home," said boss Meulensteen afterwards. "David Stockdale had a Gordon Banks-like save to keep us in the game.

"It was definitely one of the best saves I have seen. It was a fantastic cross by Garrido and a great leap by Van Wolfswinkel.

"I honestly thought it was in, but it was a fantastic save. That's what makes football so exciting sometimes."


Debut: Chris David made his first appearance for the senior side
Meulensteen handed full debuts to youngsters Dan Burn and Chris David, while Lasse Vigen Christensen and Ange-Freddy Plumain came on after the break.

And the Craven Cottage chief was delighted with the impact of his starlets.

"Four players made their debut, which in my opinion is the biggest bonus," he added. "That was a big positive for us.

"It is a competition where you want utilise the squad and you want to use it, but without losing too much quality."


http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-boss-hails-stockdale-after-6468949?

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Meulensteen unhappy with Fulham facing FA Cup replay

Fulham boss Rene Meulensteen says having to play an FA Cup third round replay is not the ideal scenario after his side were held 1-1 at Norwich.

The Cottagers took the lead through a Darren Bent header but conceded just five minutes later, on the stroke of half-time, to Robert Snodgrass following poor goalkeeping from David Stockdale.

Having just emerged from the busy festive period Fulham will now have to squeeze in a replay against the Canaries on January 14/15.

Asked about the replay, Meulensteen said: "Before the game all the managers would say, especially the positions we're in (battling relegation), it's not an ideal scenario but when you're handed one you have to deal with it.

"We came here to get a result, simple as that. We wanted to progress. We both made changes but it was still a very entertaining game.

"I think it was a bit silly to give away that goal just before half-time through our own mistake in midfield. I think we could have held onto the 1-0 at half-time, then we probably could have got away here with a 1-0 [victory]."


Read more at http://talksport.com/football/meulensteen-unhappy-fulham-facing-fa-cup-replay-14010474281#C1ETjv5jsjyOycd7.99

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FA Cup: Fulham manager Rene Meulensteen hails David Stockdale after Norwich draw


Rene Meulensteen (l) joined by Ray Wilkins (r) on the touchline

Fulham boss Rene Meulensteen hailed a "Gordon Banks-like save" from David Stockdale after his side drew 1-1 with Norwich at Carrow Road in the FA Cup third round.

Darren Bent fired the visitors into the lead six minutes before the break when he turned home a swinging cross from Chris David.

It was a lead short-lived however, as Robert Snodgrass headed in from Josh Murphy's cross in the closing seconds of the first half.

Stockdale came to the fore in the second half, making a miraculous one-handed save to deny Ricky van Wolfswinkel from six yards.

Norwich had the better of the chances, but must now replay the tie at Craven Cottage and Meulensteen was pleased with Stockdale's intervention.

The Dutchman said: "We didn't want a replay, I think Chris [Hughton] didn't want it either, but that's how it turned out. A draw's a good result away from home.

"David Stockdale had a Gordon Banks-like save to keep us in the game.

"It was definitely one of the best saves I have seen. It was a fantastic cross by [Javier] Garrido and a great leap by Van Wolfswinkel.

"I honestly thought it was in but it was a fantastic save. That's what makes football so exciting sometimes."

A free-flowing second period saw plenty of opportunities for both sides, who made a combined 17 changes ahead of the game, but neither was able to seize the initiative.

Meulensteen will hope his side can get the better of Norwich when they host the Canaries at Craven Cottage on January 14 or 15, subject to confirmation, for a place in the fourth round.


http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11681/9102097?

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Fulham step up search for new signings

Meulensteen reveals work is going on behind the scenes to strengthen squad

Rene Meulensteen hopes to make further signings this month to boost Fulham's survival hopes.

The Cottagers have already brought in Clint Dempsey on loan from MLS side Seattle Sounders and have been linked with a string of other names.

And boss Meulensteen says he is stepping up his search to bolster his squad for the second half of the season.

"Behind the scenes people are working hard seeing what's out there and what's available," said the Dutchman after Fulham's FA Cup draw at Norwich .

"There's not a number on it. We've got to make sure the people we do bring in are right to help us secure our Premier League status and beyond that."



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/fulham-step-up-search-new-6468964?

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Norwich City's Robert Snodgrass leaves Fulham heading for a replay


Darren Bent watches his header give Fulham a 1-0 lead at Norwich City in their drawn FA Cup third round game.
Photograph: Christopher Lee/Getty Images

Robert Snodgrass snatched a headed equaliser to keep Norwich City's FA Cup hopes alive after a third-round stalemate against Fulham at Carrow Road.

The Scotland winger stooped low to cancel out Darren Bent's earlier header and ensure the first match in this competition between the teams in 106 years ended in a 1-1 draw. But Fulham also had their goalkeeper David Stockdale to thank for a string of saves, including one close-range reflex stop from the Norwich striker Ricky van Wolfswinkel.

The pre-match statistics had not been encouraging for Norwich. They had not recorded a victory over Fulham since March 1986, a 2-1 league success. Since then the two sides had met 13 times in all competitions, with Fulham winning 10 of those encounters. The most recent of those victories came on Boxing Day when Fulham snatched a crucial three points in their fight against relegation.

But with 17 changes in all from the sides these teams fielded in their Premier League matches on New Year's Day, eight from Norwich and nine from Fulham, there was an open, vibrant feel to the encounter.

It was Norwich who looked the more creative in the early stages, a Johan Elmander right-foot shot fizzing just wide and a Josh Murphy right-footer well smothered by Stockdale.

They have high hopes for Murphy at Carrow Road. The 18-year-old winger was making his full first-team debut and impressed with a series of mazy runs down the left, one shot from the edge of the penalty area, in particular, bringing a flying save from Stockdale.

There was no denying the work rate and determination on show, nor Norwich's domination. It was finishing quality which was in short supply, until, that is, the enigmatic Bent struck after 39 minutes.

The former England striker, on loan from Aston Villa and whose career has been littered with barren patches, latched on to a Chris David cross and rose above the advancing goalkeeper Mark Bunn to head home his third goal in 13 matches for Fulham.

It was against the run of play and barely deserved but to their credit Norwich did not dwell on their misfortune.

In fact, they were level within five minutes and it was Murphy again who provided the inspiration. Another penetrating run saw him surge down the left before whipping in a precise cross which Snodgrass stooped to send past Stockdale.

They may not have been first-choice lineups but, with Derek Boateng toiling in midfield for Fulham and Snodgrass a constant menace for Norwich, there was no doubt the FA Cup mattered at Carrow Road as the teams went in at half-time.

The high tempo continued in the second half and it was clear that neither manager wanted a replay to further clog up the fixture calendar.

Norwich would have taken the lead after 57 minutes if it had not been for the agility and reflexes of Stockdale. A swinging corner from the left fizzed on to the head of Van Wolfswinkel and the Dutch striker's powerful header appeared goalbound until somehow Stockdale palmed it away at full stretch.

It was tough on Van Wolfswinkel, the £8.5m purchase from Sporting Lisbon who was making his first start since 6 October following a troublesome toe injury and who so far has managed just one goal for Norwich.

Snodgrass might have snatched a second goal after 66 minutes but his swerving free-kick rippled the side-netting, although many in Carrow Road were already celebrating.

There was something of a unique occurrence after 79 minutes when Josh Murphy, making his full senior debut, was substituted by his identical twin brother Jacob, also making his full senior debut.

But while both teams had chances to seal their place in the fourth round they will have to fight it out again at Craven Cottage when the replay takes place the week after next.



http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/jan/04/norwich-city-fulham-fa-cup-match-report?

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£16m transfer opens the door for Fulham and Crystal Palace in striker hunt

West Ham United may be about to benefit from AS Monaco's transfer dealings. Could Inter Milan striker head for Premier League strugglers?

Giant Ivory Coast international striker Lacina Traore has finally moved away from crisis club Anzhi Makhachkala - leaving one big spending outfit for another.

He joined Anzhi in June 2012 for a fee of €18 million from Kuban Krasnodar - and helped them fight for the title under Guus Hiddink last season. But things have gone sour at Anzhi - and sitting bottom of the Russian Premier League did not appeal to the big Ivorian striker.

So he has joined AS Monaco fee for an undisclosed fee believed to be in the £16 million region - although he is not expected to stick around.

Initial reports claim Monaco want to loan him out immediately, with West Ham the likely destination.

The Hammers need striker cover as Andy Carroll continues to suffer with a serious heel problem. And bringing in the 6ft 8ins striker might just be the perfect option.

And it seems the ramifications are already apparent - which could provide good news for Fulham and Crystal Palace.

Reports in Italy suggest that Inter Milan striker Ishak Belfodil could move to either London club on loan in January - now that West Ham are said to have their eyes fixed solely on Traore.

The Algerian, who was linked with a Liverpool move this summer, only joined from Parma a few months ago - but first-team football is hard to come by.

He was recently informed by his national team coach that despite playing for an illustrious club and being obviously very talented - he will not go to the World Cup in Brazil if he is not playing regular football.

That has seen him force permission for a loan move - with Fulham and Palace certainly in need of his services.

He has a French passport, so no need for a Work Permit, and is a player playing for a World Cup spot - so should be fired up.

Fulham could lose Dimitar Berbatov this winter - but regardless, another striker is needed. Meanwhile Palace will need all the firepower they can get to survive the drop.

The transfer merry-go-round then is in full swing - and it could be a player's switch from Dagestan to the principality of Monaco could have a vital impact on the season of these two relegation fighters.



http://hereisthecity.com/en-gb/2014/01/04/16m-transfer-opens-the-door-for-fulham-and-crystal-palace-in-str/?

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Norwich City 1 Fulham 1: match report
Read a full match report of the FA Cup third-round game between Norwich City and Fulham at Carrow Road on Saturday Jan 4, 2014.


Promising start: Norwich City's Josh Murphy battles with Fulham's Elsad Zverotic at Carrow Road in the third round of the FA Cup - the Norwich teenager set up his side's equaliser which forced a replay
Photo: PA

Anyone wondering whether the FA Cup still holds its magic should look no further than Norwich, where for one family at least the 1-1 draw with Fulham was a special day.

Josh Murphy, 18, gave a man-of-the-match performance on his first start for the Canaries before being replaced in the closing stages by his twin brother Jacob, who was also making his debut.

The local youngsters were part of the Norwich side that beat Chelsea to win the FA Youth Cup last season, and Josh in particular was a constant threat on the left flank.

Having gone close to scoring on a number of occasions, he crossed for Robert Snodgrass to head Norwich's equaliser shortly after Darren Bent had given Fulham the lead.

And with a replay set for Craven Cottage on Tuesday week (14th), the youngsters will surely get another chance to shine.

"Josh did very well, and we know he is a real prospect," said his manager Chris Hughton.
"But he's still only 18 and you want to protect young players from any hype."

Like Hughton, Rene Meulensteen gave four youngsters their debuts as both managers made wholesale changes from the sides that are fighting relegation from the Premier League.

Josh Murphy helped Norwich make the early running, having two shots saved by David Stockdale, before Fulham took the lead against the run of play. Bent, replacing Dimitar Berbatov, atoned for an earlier miss when, in the 39th minute, he rose above goalkeeper Mark Bunn to head home.

Norwich hit back quickly, however. Stockdale saved a shot from Ricky Van Wolfswinkel, making his first start for three months, but could not stop Snodgrass's diving header after Murphy sprinted down the left wing and fired in a low cross.

The Fulham keeper than made a terrific one-handed save low to his right to keep out a Van Wolfswinkel header in the second-half, a save compared by Meulensteen to Gordon Banks' famous stop against Pele in 1970. "I thought the ball was going in but he made a fantastic save," he said.

"That is what makes football so exciting."


http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/fa-cup/10550019/Norwich-City-1-Fulham-1-match-report.html

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City Fail To Beat Fulham - Again
   
The FA Cup 3rd round draw has that strange way of pitching teams against each other in quick succession and that`s what we had here. Having played, and lost to Fulham on Boxing day, the Cottagers came back on the first Saturday in January for this cup tie.

Big news overshadowing the squad news for City was a reported bid by Aston Villa for Wes Hoolahan. Would Wes be in the squad?

As it turned out, no he wouldn`t with Chris Hughton insisting afterwards that the player had an injury and that he knew nothing of any bid for him.

'Wes [Hoolahan] reported an injury yesterday and at this moment is having treatment. There has been no bid that I am aware of, absolutely not" Hughton said.

'It's not our intention to lose players, our intentions are to strengthen what we have got here and to make sure we get these players back fit.'

With injuries and a suspension to Leroy Fer, City named a slightly unusual side but needs must. Hooper was rested and Ricky van Wolfswinkel came in for his first start for three months. Michael Turner was also injured and in his place came Ryan Bennett to play alongside Russell Martin with Seb Bassong having a slight knock.

Javier Garrido returned, as did (amazingly) David Fox with Josh Murphy making his first ever start for the senior side.

Fulham were able to call on the prodigal son, Clint Dempsey, who is back on loan from the MLS - it seems all is forgiven after he refused to play when effectively forcing a big money move to Spurs a couple of summers ago.

Norwich had plenty of possession early on and efforts from Murphy and Elmander went close, but the best chance fell to panto villain, Darren Bent when he was put through by Kasami, only to be denied by Mark Bunn on the half hour.

Ten minutes later though and Fulham were ahead after Bent was allowed to head past Mark Bunn, who came, didn`t get it and ended up in no-man`s land. Not really the keeper`s fault, although if you come, you`ve got to get it but the defence should`ve been better.

The visitors` lead didn`t last long as Murphy fired in a cross after some really good wing play on the left for Snodgrass to head past Stockdale, the ball seemed to go straight through him and I don`t expect he was happy, he should`ve done better but that was the scores level again and how it stayed at half time.

City had the best of the possession with David Fox being the string puller in chief, playing plenty of neat passes, something that our team has been crying out for.
Can Foxy not play alongside Leroy Fer in the league, with Fer doing the muscle work?

Murphy was also a revelation and had a great game, his dynamism and explosive pace being a real threat whenever he got the ball and an assist on his first start isn`t too shabby.

In the second half, City looked the more likely of the two sides to score and for all his nervousness for the City goal, Stockdale made up for that with what his manager described as a "Gordon banks like save" from RvW.

A beautiful cross from Garrido saw Ricky jump and head the ball downwards. Meulensteen also said that he thought the ball was in as soon as it left Ricky`s head. Stockdale somehow made a terrific one handed save to deny the City striker, who otherwise looked sharp and lively.

'David Stockdale had a Gordon Banks-like save to keep us in the game" said Meulensteen.

'It was definitely one of the best saves I have seen. It was a fantastic cross by [Javier] Garrido and a great leap by Van Wolfswinkel.'

Robert Snodgrass` free kick hit the side netting and Steven Whittaker`s low cross towards the end evaded all the City forwards when a touch would`ve knocked it in.

A draw won`t suit either side and the replay will be at Craven Cottage on Tuesday 14th January.

The pluses are that we are still in the hat for the fourth round and David Fox was named man of the match. One of the first things Hughton did when he took over from Paul Lambert was to award Fox a new two year contract, he virtually never played him again and I think I`m right in saying that his contract is up in the summer - poor form from the gaffer, I say.

Josh Murphy continues to go from strength to strength and was replaced on his debut by his brother, Jacob. It must be a great day in the Murphy family, well done lads.

OTBC


Read more: http://www.norwich.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=344282#ixzz2pVq5uclw

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Dempsey returns to action for Fulham

[AMERICANS ABROAD] Clint Dempsey made his first appearance for Fulham since his return on loan from the Seattle Sounders, starting in its 1-1 tie at Norwich City in the third round of the English FA Cup. Geoff Cameron (Stoke City) and Tim Ream (Bolton Wanderers) both started in wins. For more on how the Americans contending for World Cup spots fared over the weekend.

Leading Scorers (2013-14):
18 Aron Johannsson (AZ)
12 Terrence Boyd (Rapid Vienna)
8 Sacha Kljestan (Anderlecht)
(Goals in all competitions.)

Dempsey went the distance for Fulham, which along with Norwich made wholesale changes from their teams that played on New Year's Day.

SUNDAY. Californian Sebastian Lletget, 21, could make his debut for West Ham on Sunday against Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup as the Hammers have been hit by injuries and suspensions and have a League Cup semifinal against Manchester City on Wednesday.



http://www.socceramerica.com/article/55637/dempsey-returns-to-action-for-fulham.html?

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Fulham And Crystal Palace Latest Clubs To Target Inter Starlet

Fulham and Crystal Palace are reportedly the latest clubs to show interest in signing Inter striker Ishak Belfodil.

The 21-year-old has been widely linked with a departure from the Nerazzurri during the January transfer window, as he looks for more time on the pitch with hopes of earning a spot in the Morocco national team line up for the World Cup this year, and a loan move to England could be likely.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Eagles and the Cottagers have recently joined the growing list of teams that are supposedly looking to secure the youngster's services this winter.

Other clubs that have been rumoured to want the player are West Ham United and Serie A side Sassuolo, as the striker has apparently been on Neroverdi coach Eusebio Di Francesco's radar since the summer.

Ishak Belfodil joined Inter from Parma before the start of the 2013-14 season and is yet to score a goal in his eight league appearances for the club thus far.


http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2014/01/fulham-and-crystal-palace-latest-clubs-to-target-inter-starlet/?

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Fulham's youngsters promise much after Norwich audition


Fulham's youthful looking side put on a good show against Norwich City (Picture: AP)
There is no news in Fulham playing reasonably well any more. Since Rene Meulensteen came in, bar one extraordinarily shambolic performance, it has become an expectancy rather than a rarity.

So that we played well against a solid Norwich City side, and created ample chances, is nothing spectacular. That doesn't mean this was no significant weekend, though.

Yes, gaining a replay rather than a passage to the next round is frustrating and worrying in equal measure, but Saturday's draw at Carrow Road was something of a new dawn for this club.

That new dawn was found in Meulensteen's insistence that youth be given a chance. Against Norwich, Dan Burn and Chris David were offered starting berths while Ange-Freddy Plumain and Lasse Vigen Christensen came off the bench.

For most teams that is nothing particularly extraordinary but Fulham have a knack for producing genuinely talented young players and not giving them the stage on which to prove themselves. Danny Hoesen is a prime example of such a short-sighted system, now firing in goals for fun at Ajax.

But no, those days are behind us now Meulensteen is here, keen as he is to place faith in a pool of teenagers who have exceeded expectations in their own field and have earned the right to show what they can do at a higher level.

MORE: Fulham must buy a defender this January to bolster slow, ageing back-line


Steven Whittaker of Norwich shoots past Dan Burn of Fulham (Picture: Getty Images)
It's what he did, with much success, at Manchester United and the early signs are that we will feed off that ideology here too.

Burn was probably the most well received of those who featured, putting in a fine shift at the centre of defence. He barely put a foot wrong all day and though it is, of course, too early to make such bold predictions, a first team spot surely awaits him in the not-too-distant future.

That's all the more remarkable given he's a defender. Placing someone so young and naive to Premier League football in the heart of your back line against an established top tier side is fraught with risk, but Burn simply did everything right.

But that shouldn't detract from the rest – all put in a superb shift, with David even grabbing an assist.

It all bodes well for a future in which we don't rely on signing players beyond their best on short term, expensive contracts (see Darren Bent).

Instead, we're taking the initiative and planning for the long term.



http://metro.co.uk/2014/01/05/fulhams-youngsters-promise-much-after-norwich-audition-4249757/?

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René's Reaction

Head Coach René Meulensteen likened David Stockdale to England legend Gordon Banks after his wonder save helped Fulham earn a Replay against Norwich City in the FA Cup with Budweiser.

After Robert Snodgrass had cancelled out Darren Bent's opener, Stockdale showed remarkable agility and reflexes to throw himself down to his right to deny Ricky van Wolfswinkel what looked like a certain goal in the second half.

"David Stockdale had a Gordon Banks-like save to keep us in the game," Meulensteen admitted. "It really reminded me of when he [Banks] saved Pele's effort from on the line at that last second.

"But David was very good throughout because the first half he kept us in the game, he was very solid, he dealt with everything that he had to deal with."

Asked if the superb save was one of the best he'd ever seen, Meulensteen stated: "It's definitely up there. If you look at it and watch it back, it was a fantastic cross for a start and it was a great header from van Wolfswinkel, and I thought it was in to be perfectly honest.

"But then it was a fantastic save and that's what makes football so exciting. At the moment Maarten [Stekelenburg] is injured and David's stepped into his place and he's done it really well."

The result means the Whites will be in the hat when the draw for the Fourth Round is made on Sunday afternoon, and while Meulensteen would rather have seen off the Canaries at the first time of asking, he's still confident of progressing in a competition he holds in high regard.

"We didn't want a Replay, I don't think Chris [Hughton] wanted it either but that's how it turned out," he said. "We still had one or two little opportunities, but a draw's a good result away from home. We've got the home advantage now so hopefully we can turn a draw into a win.

"The FA Cup is a great competition to be in and it is a competition where you want to utilise the squad. I think if you look at the side that we put out initially, and then the fact that we featured more younger players in, then that was the right way to go.

"You look at the game and it gives you opportunities to bring other people into the fold. Four players made their debut today, four young players, which in my opinion is the biggest bonus. It's a breath of fresh air in that respect so that was a big positive for us."

The four debutants each impressed in their own way throughout the game. Chris David claimed an assist for Bent's goal and always wanted the ball, Dan Burn was assured and composed at the back, Ange-Freddy Plumain caused Norwich full-back Steven Whittaker no end of problems, while Lasse Vigen Christensen looked more than comfortable in the middle of the park.

"It was a great assist from Chrissy David," Meulensteen said. "Dan Burn was on loan to Birmingham and has done a fantastic job there, and it was a good opportunity to have a look and see how he's progressing.

"I thought he was excellent, absolutely excellent. It was like he'd played many more games for us before. He's calm, he dealt with everything, he reads the game well, his timing was good and I'm very pleased with him.

"And then of course Freddy Plumain and Lasse Vigen Christensen came in and did really well, so there are lots of positives."

There was also a debut too, of sorts, for Clint Dempsey who played the full 90 minutes to mark the first appearance of his two-month loan from Seattle Sounders, and he was another who impressed Meulensteen.

"I'm very pleased with him," the Dutchman stated. "We wanted to see how he got through the first 45 minutes and I asked him and he felt good. Clint was good and, like I've said, I'm glad he's part of our squad now."

There was no place for Dimitar Berbatov in the matchday squad following his winning goal against West Ham United on New Year's Day, but his Head Coach – after confirming that no transfer bid had been received for the striker – explained that his absence was purely to give him a rest.

"He was not injured but he had just come back from that niggling injury," he said. "We were so happy that he was able to play the 90 minutes against West Ham, so we thought it was better that he recuperates in a good fashion so to be ready for the Sunderland game."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/january/04/renes-reaction

[GloucesterWhite]

Dimitar Berbatov omitted from Fulham's matchday squad at Norwich signalling imminent exit

Dimitar Berbatov's Fulham future remains in doubt after the striker was omitted from the Cottagers' squad for their FA Cup Third Round tie at Norwich.

The Bulgarian international has been linked with a January move to Arsenal, with the Gunners hunting a solution to their front-line problems.

And speculation will mount today, with Berbatov's matchday omission ensuring he is not cup-tied for future rounds should he move to pastures new before the end of the month.

Fulham boss Rene Meulensteen made multiple changes from the New Year's Day victory over West Ham, with the likes of Chris David and Dan Burn being called into action, as well as loanee Clint Dempsey.

But there is no space even on the bench for Berbatov, who may have played his last match for the London outfit.



http://metro.co.uk/2014/01/04/dimitar-berbatov-omitted-from-fulhams-matchday-squad-at-norwich-signalling-imminent-exit-4249493/?

OMG! Does that mean the other 8 players rested yesterday are leaving too?!! LOL. Cr*p reporting.

[grandad]

Dimitar Berbatov omitted from Fulham's matchday squad at Norwich signalling imminent exit

Dimitar Berbatov's Fulham future remains in doubt after the striker was omitted from the Cottagers' squad for their FA Cup Third Round tie at Norwich.

The Bulgarian international has been linked with a January move to Arsenal, with the Gunners hunting a solution to their front-line problems.

And speculation will mount today, with Berbatov's matchday omission ensuring he is not cup-tied for future rounds should he move to pastures new before the end of the month.

Fulham boss Rene Meulensteen made multiple changes from the New Year's Day victory over West Ham, with the likes of Chris David and Dan Burn being called into action, as well as loanee Clint Dempsey.

But there is no space even on the bench for Berbatov, who may have played his last match for the London outfit.



http://metro.co.uk/2014/01/04/dimitar-berbatov-omitted-from-fulhams-matchday-squad-at-norwich-signalling-imminent-exit-4249493/?

OMG! Does that mean the other 8 players rested yesterday are leaving too?!! LOL. Cr*p reporting.

Quite agree. Do these sort of papers not listen to Rene´s explanation of why he was rested. Pure dross reporting.