Monday Fulham Stuff (27/01/14)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Joy for Hugo Rodallega

I was in and out yesterday but heard the game on the radio.

I thought the team selection was spot on: a good blend of abilities, personalities and seniority.

In some ways the red card probably went against us.  I know people will say "we couldn't beat 10 men from down the leagues" but these days red cards can focus the minds and it probably made United feel happy with their "what we have we hold" approach, making it even harder for us to find a way through.

It's something we've talked about a bit in the past but if a team is well organised and can't be drawn out then it can be mighty hard to get through them.  Then we'll see stats like we saw yesterday: ¾ of possession, not much penetration.  Yeah, you'd hope that class would tell in the end and if United had had 11 I suspect we'd have found a way through, but there we are.

We were away from home in bad weather with a team of kids and reserves, against a team who would have seen this as a great chance to kick start their season.  I think a draw is nothing to moan about and seems entirely reasonable.  Yes, a certain disappointing forward might have won it at the end but I think we're learning that the certain disappointing forward isn't quite as advertised (we once bought something off ebay for Stanley: it was described "as new" but certainly wasn't, being broken in some places and covered in food.  We complained, heard nothing, then sent it back and ebay gave us a refund. Would that such things were possible with broken centre-forwards).

We'll win the replay and then have a nice home draw against a team from a lower division.  This season has been many things but the cup is opening up for us.



http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2014/01/27/joy-for-hugo-rodallega/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Midfield pair on Cottagers radar

Rene Meulensteen is reportedly aiming to bolster his Fulham midfield with bids for Valencia's Sergio Canales and Porto's Steven Defour.

The Cottagers boss has already been linked with a £4million move for Belgium international, Defour, who is looking to leave the Portuguese outfit in order to get some regular first-team football to impress his national coach Marc Wilmots ahead of the World Cup this summer. However, German side Schalke have also been linked with a possible swoop so Meulensteen will no doubt face some stern competition for the player's signature. A new name in the frame is 22-year-old Canales, who has made 24 first-team appearances for Valencia this season but appears to be available for a loan departure until the summer. The former Real Madrid man is also thought to be a target of Everton boss Roberto Martinez so it could be a straight choice between the Premier League rivals for the player. Meanwhile, Sunderland right-back Phil Bardsley has again been linked with a move to Craven Cottage in the January window. The former Manchester United defender was linked to the Londoners in the summer when Martin Jol was still in charge of the club and Bardsley was out of favour under former Black Cats boss Paolo Di Canio. However, an injury to Bardsley scuppered a deal from happening at the time and the player is now a firm fixture in current Sunderland boss Gus Poyet's plans. And with a Capital One Cup final against Manchester City at Wembley to look forward to in March it is very unlikely that the player will want to leave the Stadium of Light at this stage of the season.



Read more at: http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/midfield-pair-on-cottagers-radar-1701771.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
Royals man in Fulham's sights



Fulham are weighing up a January swoop for Reading utility man Royston Drenthe, Sports Direct News understands.

The Cottagers are on the lookout for a left-back and, having had their £4million offer for Swansea City's Neil Taylor rejected, they have switched their attention to Drenthe, who can operate on the left side of defence or midfield.

Head coach Rene Meulensteen is considering a £2.5million move for his fellow countryman, who has 18 months remaining on his Royals deal.

It is believed the former Everton and Real Madrid man would be tempted by the prospect of a second stint in the Premier League and the opportunity to work under Meulensteen.

Drenthe has made 13 appearances for Reading since his summer free transfer switch from Russian outfit Alania Vladikavkaz.

With Swansea believed to be holding out for at least £6million for Taylor, Drenthe represents a cheaper and more experienced option for the Craven Cottage side.


http://www.sportsdirectnews.com/fulham-fc-transfer-news/39129-royals-man-in-fulham-s-sights.php#.UuaDRf0eKL8

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham Transfers: 5 Strikers To Escape Relegation

Fulham are in a heap of trouble. They currently sit 17th in the table, just a single point above West Ham, Sunderland and Cardiff City.

The worrying thing is that the other sides are improving, whereas the Cottagers aren't.

Cardiff are revitalised under Ole Gunnar Solksjaer and Sunderland, with the help of Adam Johnson, are beginning to capture some form. West Ham are the masters of the great escape and you wouldn't bet against them doing it again.

Fulham have only scored seven goals in 2014, three of which came against Norwich. The Cottagers don't score more than a single goal in a game either, just five times out of the last 12.

The concerning results include a 6-0 thrashing at the hands of Hull City, as well as a 4-1 drubbing against Sunderland.

On the horizon Fulham have crucial games against Swansea and Southampton, as well as the difficult task of Manchester United and Liverpool.

Although they leak goals, the concern lies up front. Against Sheffield United they wasted some golden chances, including a sitter from Darren Bent and an air-kick from Hugo Rodallega.

It's looking likely that they'll keep hold of Dimitar Berbatov but he can't save Fulham singlehandedly. He needs help- here's five players that can give him exactly that.

5. Troy Deeney


The Watford big man is enjoying a successful season, hitting 11 goals in this years Championship. The Hornets are currently ten points off a play-off place so promotion looks unlikely.

If Deeney wants to play Premier League football this is the sort of chance he must take. He came painfully close last year after his side lost in the play-off final to Cardiff and this year he won't get that same chance.

He's certainly capable of making the step up. He gets a lot of goals and causes defences real problems due to his size. The Premier League is very physical but theres no denying that Deeney can take it.

He even has an FA Cup goal against Manchester City on his CV, which shows he can beat the leagues top defences.

Deeney will also be a cheaper option to most alternatives and everyone loves a bargain.

4. Danny Ings


Another option from the second tier of English football is Burnley's Danny Ings, who has become his sides saviour this season after the departure of Charlie Austin to QPR.

He's also been in fine form and taken the league by storm, hitting 16 goals and forming a deadly partnership with Sam Vokes, taking Burnley from relegation trouble last season to promotion aspirations.

Burnley were top of the league for a while but now slip to third, nine points behind leaders Leicester. They're still hot on the tail of QPR but there's a real danger they could fall in the play-offs.

That's what could swing the move in Fulhams favour. The chance of playing Premier League football would be a difficult one to turn down, especially as Burnley seem to be stuttering.

It may take a bit of cash to convince Burnley to part with their star man but if they could it would be a tremendous boost to Rene Meulensteens side.

3. Rickie Lambert



The Southampton striker is proven in the Premier League and can boast that he's a full England international, scoring with his first ever touch in a three lions shirt.

However, that was a while ago now and if Lambert wants to seal his plane seat to Brazil it may take a fresh challenge.

Southampton were the surprise package at the start of the season and were pushing for a spot in Europe. Though that is still very much achievable the Saints steam train is starting to slow down and Lambert is at the centre.

He's hit 6 goals this season but everyone knows he is capable of a much better return. He's beginning to become second-string at Southampton so this could be the perfect time to move.

He's been involved in a lot of speculation this January, which suggests the Saints are willing to listen to offers. All Fulham have to do is make the right one.

2. Wilfried Bony



The Ivorian forward is a shiny light in what has been a fairly disappointing display for Swansea this season, as they get sucked towards relegation trouble.

They're not in as bad a situation as Fulham but they will be looking over their shoulders and there are some doubts as to whether they can avoid the drop after losing Roberto Martinez to Everton.

Bony has hit seven goals this season, the same amount as the current tally of last years golden boot winner Robin Van Persie. It's also more than Roberto Soldado, Christian Benteke and Samuel Eto'o.

It may be time for Bony to jump ship. He won't attract the attention of the top clubs in the league, nor will he want to drop down a level or play for a smaller side.

That's what makes this difficult, as it would take some serious negotiations. Stranger things have happened, he'd create quite a partnership with Berbatov.

1. Ross McCormack


He's the championships golden boy, the pride of Yorkshire and a superb striker. The Scotsman is high on a lot of peoples wish list.

Ross McCormack is bringing back the glory days at Elland Road this season and currently has a total of 17 goals in the league this season. However, there's a problem.

The problem is his club, Leeds United, aren't good enough for him. They currently sit 12th in the league and frankly he's wasted at a mid-table Championship club.

They could still reach the play-offs as they are just six points behind but with the talented teams around them, Leeds won't be promoted this year.

He's attracted the attention of West Ham this window but they haven't been able to pry him away. A real problem is that he is the clubs new captain, clearly a move to try and keep him.

At the start of next season there is a very high chance he will be playing in the top division- so why not jump now, enjoy a good half season in the Premier League and attract the attention of a top half club?



Read more at http://whatculture.com/sport/fulham-transfers-5-strikers-escape-relegation.php#SbQe5lCDhty20rkf.99

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham boss confident Berbatov will stay



Rene Meulensteen says he is confident Dimitar Berbatov will still be a Fulham player at the end of the week.

Berbatov's agent has stated that the Bulgarian, whose contract expires in the summer, would like to leave Craven Cottage during this month's transfer window.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has dismissed reports he is interested in Berbatov, who has also been linked with a return to his former club Tottenham.

Meulensteen insists Fulham have received no approach for the player – and he does not expect one before Friday's deadline.

"I expect him to stay, yes, because there has been no interest so far," said the Whites head coach.

And the Dutchman says he has no current plans to add a forward to his squad as Fulham battle to stay in the Premier League.

"Not at the moment, no, because we have Darren Bent, Hugo Rodallega and Berbatov," he explained.

"They always say the transfer window is a month, but it is not a month – it is one week and 24 hours, that is what it comes down to. We'll have to wait and see."



http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/no-interest-in-whites-star-despite-arsenal-and-spurs-speculation-wls-football

[WhiteJC]

 
Sidelined-2-Sidelines

Fulham FC's Motspur Park training ground was the venue for the latest stage of the Zesh Rehman Foundation's (ZRF) efforts to tackle under-representation of British Asians in football.

The ZRF flagship project, 'Sidelined-2-Sidelines', funded by the Professional Footballers' Association and the Premier League, aims to address the imbalance in the number of British Asian coaches in football by giving 50 young participants the opportunity to gain football-related qualifications, learn from professional club coaches and acquire the necessary skills to act as role models within their communities.

Fulham FC has nominated this Saturday's home fixture against Southampton as its designated 'Kick It Out' awareness match and, earlier this month, coaches from the Premier League club delivered a theory session focusing on 'Producing Technical Players' and a coaching master class for a number of coaches from the ZRF.

Fulham Under-11s Academy Lead Coach and Coach Educator Keith Stiles, who co-hosted the session alongside Under-12s Support Coach Rupesh Popat, said: "The coaches were very receptive and actively involved throughout. Initiatives like this are very important as they give young people an opportunity to get a better insight of how the Academy system works and the step-up from grassroots coaching to Academy level.

"I fully support the aims behind the ZRF, and for them to have a mentor on board like Rupesh who is already working within the Academy system, will give the cohort of coaches a ready-made role model to aspire to".

Rehman was the first British Asian to play in the Premier League when he made his debut for Fulham against Liverpool in April 2004.

Now playing his football in the Malaysian Super League for Pahang FA, for whom he recently lifted the Charity Cup on his debut, the foundation that runs under the Pakistan international captain's name continues to grow with strong support from the football governing bodies and a number of professional clubs all geared towards striving to change perceptions and myths surrounding British Asians in football by providing opportunities to disadvantaged and under-represented communities.

Rehman said: "I am delighted that Fulham FC has opened their doors to give young people from my Foundation an opportunity to learn from experienced Academy coaches. To have Keith and Rupesh spend over four hours on a Saturday afternoon to support the development of community coaches is a testament to everyone at Fulham.

"I have fond memories of my time at the Club and I remember supporting, along with all of the players, many of the worthwhile initiatives delivered by the Fulham FC Foundation, particularly the Social Inclusion work. It's really pleasing to see how these programmes have developed and how Fulham remains at the forefront of positive work and groundbreaking projects within their local communities

"I would like to thank Geoff Noonan (Fulham Academy Coach Developer) and Steve Day (CEO, Fulham FC Foundation) for making this visit possible and, from speaking with some of the attendees, I know they took valuable information away from the session which will help them in their coaching careers."

Since the launch of the initiative, a number of young coaches have experienced coaching roles within professional club academies and community departments, including Chelsea and Queens Park Rangers who are formal partners of the project, as well as Fulham and Crystal Palace.

Vikas Sadiq, who coaches on the Schools Programme and Soccer Schools at Fulham FC Foundation, said: "12 months ago this was just a distant dream. I've always had a passion for football but never thought I would be working at a professional club.

"Without the support of the ZRF this would not have been possible and it's like a dream to be coaching at Fulham and one I hope to make the most of. The workshop at Motspur Park was possibly one of the best we've had and I know I will be implementing the information given to me into my future coaching sessions."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/january/27/sidelined-2-sidelines?

[WhiteJC]

 
Hughes: Youth Impressed

Aaron Hughes believes the Club's youngsters acquitted themselves well in the 1-1 draw at Sheffield United in the FA Cup with Budweiser.

Hughes: Our Youngsters Impressed


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/january/27/hughes-reaction?

[WhiteJC]

 
Swansea City v Fulham – Premier League preview

Two Premier League strugglers clash in south Wales on Tuesday night as Swansea City and Fulham tussle for three vital points.

Both sides survived FA Cup scares against lower league opposition at the weekend and will turn their focus to moving away from the Premier League relegation zone this week.

Swansea came from behind at Championship side Birmingham City thanks to a Wilfried Bony brace, while Fulham's Hugo Rodallega scored a late equaliser to spare the Whites any blushes at League One Sheffield United on Sunday.

Fulham manager Rene Meulensteen made no less than eleven changes to the side that lost 2-0 at Arsenal in their previous game as their Fourth Round tie was rescheduled for television, meaning the Cottagers have just one day to recover for their trip to Swansea.

However, history bodes well for Fulham when it comes to this fixture. The away team has won this match on the last four occasions – including Swansea's 2-1 win at Craven Cottage back in November.

Swansea have been awful at home this season too, winning just two Premier League games at the Liberty Stadium. In fact, no side has won less home games that Michael Laudrup's side in the Premier League this season.

However, Fulham's recent away form has reverted to type too. Known for their away day troubles, Fulham have lost six of their last seven Premier League games on the road, conceding 22 goals.

That said, Swansea have lost their last three in a row at the Liberty Stadium and another defeat on Tuesday will see Fulham climb above them in the Premier League table.


Key stat

Swansea City forward Wilfried Bony has scored six goals in his last six games. The Ivory Coast international is 1.80 to score at any time.


Team news

Jonjo Shelvey, Michu and Jose Canas are definitely out for Swansea. However, midfielders Nathan Dyer and Jonathan de Guzman, as well as goalkeeper Michel Vorm, could come back into the team.

Having made 11 changes to the team for Sunday's FA Cup Fourth Round tie at Bramall Lane, Fulham will be comparatively fresh, with Fernando Amorebieta and Matt Briggs the Whites' only absentees. Left-back John Arne Riise is also a doubt after limping out of Sunday's draw at Sheffield United.


http://blog.marathonbet.com/?p=10581

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham target Canales loan

Premier League strugglers Fulham want to sign Valencia playmaker Sergio Canales, according to reports.

The Daily Mirror have revealed this morning that the west London side are tracking the Che attacker, and hope to bring him in on loan before the end of the transfer window.

The former Real Madrid man has been plagued by injuries in his short career, suffering two cruciate ligament knocks.

But Cottagers Coach Rene Meulensteen is confident that he can get the best out of the 22-year-old, and will offer to bring him to the Premier League on a six-month deal.

The youngster has started just seven times for the Mestalla outfit this term.

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http://www.football-espana.net/39638/fulham-target-canales-loan?

[WhiteJC]

 
LAWRO'S PREDICTION

Swansea v Fulham

This is a big game for both teams, with Swansea and Fulham both sitting just above the relegation zone.

Swansea striker Wilfried Bony is a player I have been looking out for since the start of the season, because he arrived with a big reputation. He has always looked decent but he has suddenly kicked on, which is exactly what Swansea need to get out of their slump in form.

Fulham were quite good defensively in their last Premier League game, at Arsenal, but I just do not see them scoring goals on the road.

Lawro's prediction: 2-0
Gail's prediction: Wilfred Bony has hit form recently and Fulham have leaked goals all season, Swansea have been playing well without picking up too many results. They need to start winning and Fulham are the perfect club to play to start a good run going. 4-1


http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25868474

[HatterDon]

Midfield pair on Cottagers radar

Rene Meulensteen is reportedly aiming to bolster his Fulham midfield with bids for Valencia's Sergio Canales and Porto's Steven Defour.

That's a lot of ugly for just two dudes.