Saturday Fulham Stuff (01/02/14)...

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Scores In 60% Of CL Games: Fulham Sign Thunderous Mitroglou



Fulham have made their second signing of the day by completing the signing of Olympiakos striker Konstantinos Mitroglou. The Greek striker signs for an undisclosed fee, believed to be in the region of £12.5 million,  and joins Tottenham's Lewis Holtby in making a deadline day move to Craven Cottage.

The Cottagers upped their interest in Mitroglou earlier in the week, but almost missed out on the 25 year old due to a rival offer from London rivals West Ham. However the Greek international chose to move to Fulham instead and has signed a four and a half year deal at the club.  Mitroglou has three goals in five Champions League games this season and has scored 41 goals during his 86 game Olympiakos career.

He became manager Rene Meulensteen's second signing of the day, following hot on the heels of Tottenham winger Holtby. The German international has joined the club on a loan deal until the end of the season.


http://www.squawka.com/news/2014/01/31/scores-in-60-of-cl-games-fulham-sign-thunderous-mitroglou/2014013163111?

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Hughes joins QPR after Fulham exit



Aaron Hughes has penned a short-term contract until the end of the season at QPR after being released by Fulham.

The Northern Ireland international defender has dropped down to the Championship to join promotion-hopefuls QPR and is relishing the chance to work under Harry Redknapp.

Hughes made 250 appearances for Fulham and was part of the side that drew 1-1 at Sheffield United in the FA Cup fourth round last weekend.

"The opportunity to come here was too good to turn down," said the 34-year-old, who moved to Fulham from Aston Villa in 2007.

"Harry tried to sign me as a youngster when he was at West Ham, so it's nice that I've now got the opportunity to play for him.

"QPR are a club looking to get back into the Premier League and if I can come in and help in some small way, I'll do my best to do that."

Redknapp told the club's official website: "Aaron is a very experienced player and with the injuries we've suffered lately, he's a fantastic addition."

The club have also confirmed the signing of 21-year-old Brazilian striker Dellatorre on loan from Desportivo Brasil.

"He's a young player from Brazil, who our scouts have watched and like," Redknapp said.

"I've not been to Brazil to see him play, but he's appeared on the radar and is a young player who is probably one for the future rather than the here and now."



Read more at http://www.fourfourtwo.com/au/news/hughes-joins-qpr-after-fulham-exit#RDOSS3MhHCI5OitA.99

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Rio Ferdinand thanks former United coach for signing Champions League opponent

Kostas Mitroglou will no longer be playing against Manchester United in the Champions League after signing for Fulham.

We brought you the news this morning that Greek media were certain that Kostas Mitroglou would be signing for Fulham today - with the interest from West Ham said to be falling on deaf ears.

The Greek international striker has previously been linked with the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund - but Fulham boss Rene Meulensteen has got his man for a fee in the region of £12 million.

The news is going to be greeted with pleasure at The Cottage - as he certainly seems like more of a rumbustious and rough and ready striker than Dimitar Berbatov, one more built for the Premier League survival battle.

Berbatov is in Monaco - so the goals will now have to come from Mitroglou, who has scored 17 goals in 19 games for the Greek powerhouse this season.

Three of those goals have come in the Champions League - and in his career at the club he has chalked up an impressive record in European competition of 12 goals in 36 appearances - so he is no slouch when it comes to football on the continent.

Interestingly enough, his move now means he will not be charged with bagging goals against a Premier League team in the Champions League.

Mitroglou would have faced up against Manchester United in February and March - and would have been hoping to cause a shock for David Moyes.

So it seems a man who once worked under his predecessor Sir Alex Ferguson has done them a favour. Meulensteen was at United in a coaching capacity between 2001-2006 and 2007-2013 and one of his former players has thanked him from taking away their greatest threat....

However Rio, don't get too comfortable.

Mitroglou might, if he is fit, show what he is worth at Old Trafford on the 9th February.



http://hereisthecity.com/en-gb/2014/01/31/good-work-rio-ferdinand-thanks-former-coach-on-twitter-as-cl-opp/?

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Fulham sign Greek striker Kostas Mitroglou for $18 million, as Cottagers splash the cash

Fulham have been working on this deal for quite some time, and finally they've got their man.

Just hours before the transfer deadline slammed shut, the West London club announced Greek international striker Kostas Mitroglou has signed in a deal thought to be worth $18 million.

Joining from Olympiakos, Mitroglou has given up UEFA Champions League soccer for a relegation battle in the Premier League, but is delighted to get the change to play in England's top-flight.

"I'm very happy that I'm here in the Premier League, and especially with Fulham which is a major club in the league," Mitroglou told Fulham's website. "I'm here because I want to fulfill the Club's targets and I want to help the Club achieve their goals. I was really flattered that they wanted me so badly and I'm really happy to be here."

Mitroglou, 25, has been in sublime form this campaign for Olympiakos after scoring 17 times in 19 games which includes four hat tricks. One of those hat tricks came in Olympiakos' 3-0 win in the Champions League over Anderlecht in October.

This signing is a real coup for the Cottagers, as they added real quality in the window on deadline day.

After signing Lewis Holtby on loan earlier on Friday, Mitroglou's signing signifies American owner Shadid Khan putting his faith in manager Rene Muelensteen.

In six seasons with Olympiakos Mitrglou has made 148 appearances, scoring 62 goals. Whilst there the Athens side won three Super League titles, three Greek Cups and one Greek Super Cup.

He brings goals, international experience and a work-ethic admired by fans of the Greek national team and Olympiakos.

With Dimitar Berbatov seemingly heading out of the door at Craven Cottage, Fulham's fans will be delighted to see the man they call Mitrglou arrive.



http://prosoccertalk.nbcsports.com/2014/01/31/fulham-sign-greek-striker-kostas-mitroglou-for-18-million-as-cottagers-splash-the-cash/?

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Wenger offered chance to sign Berbatov, turned down opportunity


His smile is clearly photoshopped - Steve Bardens
The Fulham striker looks set to move on from Fulham today, with Arsenal being offered a shot at capturing him

With Fulham bringing in Greek striker Kostas Mitroglou earlier today from Olympiacos, Dimitar Berbatov - facing an uncertain future after this season with his contract expiring in June - has been relegated to the dreaded bin labeled "Surplus to Requirements."  Given that Arsenal have been pretty active in attempting to secure additional striker help this transfer window, the west London club decided to pick up the phone and give Arsene Wenger a call to see if he wanted the Bulgarian.

And, it appears, Wenger told them nope, no sir, no can do:

Whether or not they'll regret it is purely hindsight in nature and a bit rich to say now, but all we can do is thank the heavens above Wenger kept that forever-frowning man away from the club.  Seriously, has anyone ever seen him smile?

All is not lost for Berbatov, as it appears he's on his way to Monaco instead as a Falcao replacement until the end of the season.


http://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/2014/1/31/5364880/dimitar-berbatov-arsenal-transfer-rumour?

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Kostas Mitroglou: Missed opportunity or potential dead wood?

Fulham have just completed the signing of alleged one time Arsenal transfer target Kostas Mitroglou. Although he hasn't been mentioned in relation to Arsenal recently, there was certainly a time when we were heavily linked with the Greek hit man. But what I'd like to know is whether the rest of you Gooners believe this is a target we have missed out on, or if he is not Arsenal quality, and we are better off waiting until the summer for a better striking option.

  The Olympiacos front man definitely knows how to find the back of the net, with 14 goals in 12 appearances in the Greek Super League this season. His numbers in previous seasons have been impressive too, not just in the Greek domestic competitions, but in the Champions League as well. As we have seen on a number of occasions however, the Premier League is a completely different beast, and many players have failed to adapt after looking fantastic overseas.

  It's looking more and more likely that Arsenal won't sign a forward this window, so have we missed out on a player who could contribute to a title push this season? Or will waiting until the summer to hopefully get a world class striker be better for the club in the long run? What do you think Gooners?


http://allarsenal.com/arsenalrumours/kostas-mitroglou-missed-opportunity-or-potential-dead-wood/?

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Spurs U18s 2-3 Fulham U18s

Watch the goals as our U18s pulled off a dramatic late win to progress in the FA Youth Cup, with Pat Roberts scoring three.

Tottenham Hotspur 2-3 Fulham, FA Youth Cup Fourth Round

Patrick Roberts hit a hat-trick as Fulham won 3-2 at Tottenham Hotspur in the Fourth Round of the FA Youth Cup.

The game, played at Dagenham & Redbridge's Victoria Road ground, started 10 minutes later than scheduled due to an accident on the A2. When play did begin, the Whites couldn't have got off to a worse start as Spurs went in front in the third minute. Nathan Oduwa spun away from Liam Donnelly near the halfway line and burst down the left. His pace was too much for Fulham to deal with and his cross from the byline was met at the far post by Joshua Onomah who slotted into an open goal from seven yards out.

Fulham hit back, constructing their first attack in the eighth minute when Emerson Hyndman won the ball in midfield before sending Dean O'Halloran clear. The striker's touch was heavy, however, allowing Spurs keeper Luke McGee to race out of his goal and save at the Fulham youngster's feet.

George Williams went close for Fulham with a curling effort from the edge of the box in the 22nd minute. But, the Whites drew level from the resulting goal-kick after a horrendous error from Tottenham's Cameron Carter-Vickers. Receiving a short pass from McGee, Carter-Vickers tried to find centre-back partner Filip Lesniak but only resulted in giving the ball straight to Roberts who smashed home.

Spurs went straight down the other end and an angled effort from Shayon Harrison forced Marek Rodàk into a parry, before the same Tottenham player shot wide at the near post after meeting a low cross from Emmanuel Sonupe.

Just before the half-hour mark Conor Ogilvie sent a free-kick from 30 yards inches wide of Rodàk's left-hand post, but it was 2-1 to Fulham in the 33rd minute. Josh Smile cut in from the right before unleashing a left-footed shot from distance that McGee could only parry. Roberts was quickest to the rebound and slotted home to double his and Fulham's tally for the night.

Shortly afterwards Williams jinked into the box and saw a left-footed shot deflected just over by Carter-Vickers, before Steve Wigley made a substitution, Ryheem Sheckleford replacing Elijah Adebayo in the 38th minute.

Oduwa went close to drawing Tottenham level shortly after the break when his shot was blocked near the line after a great run by Onomah. But Spurs were level in the 52nd minute, Oduwa cutting inside and skipping past a couple of Fulham challenges before seeing his shot squirm under Rodàk and over the line.

Fulham should have been back in front in the 58th minute. Williams showed superb skill to turn and speed past Tottenham right-back Kyle Walker-Peters and find Hyndman, but the American could only send a side-footed effort over the bar from 10 yards out.

Hyndman went into the book in the 68th minute for chopping down Walker-Peters just outside the box. Ogilvie took the free-kick and forced Rodàk to tip the ball away with a fierce left-footed drive.

Oduwa was continuing to cause Fulham problems and he flashed a shot across the face of goal and just wide of the far post with 17 minutes remaining.

With the game heading for extra-time, Fulham went back in front in the 82nd minute as Williams saw a shot beaten away by McGee and that boy Roberts was on hand to fire home at the near post to grab his third of the game.

Just moments later both teams were reduced to 10 men. Onomah was fouled by Smile and reacted to it, with the Fulham winger retaliating. Something of a melee then ensued before calm was restored and referee Ashvin Degnarain dismissed both Onomah and Smile.

Spurs threw players forward in the dying minutes in search of an equaliser and Roberts was withdrawn for Josh Walker in injury time as Fulham held on for the win and a place in the Fifth Round away to Manchester City.

Fulham: Rodàk, Donnelly, Burgess, Adebayo (Sheckleford 38), Evans, Smile, Sambou, Hyndman, Williams, Roberts (Walker 90), O'Halloran.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/january/31/spurs-u18-video?

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Fulham strengthen with Mitroglou and Holtby

Fulham FC have received a boost in their bid to avoid relegation after signing Olympiacos FC striker Kostas Mitroglou for a fee in the region of €15m.

"I am very happy to be here in the Premier League, especially with Fulham," said the 25-year-old Greek international. "I'm here because I want to fulfil the club's goals. I'm flattered they wanted me so badly and I'm delighted to be given the chance to work with René Meulensteen, who has a lot of experience."

Mitroglou arrives in west London on a four-and-a-half-year contract and with a glowing reputation after plundering 41 goals in 86 Greek Super League games since joining Olympiacos from VfL Borussia Mönchengladbach in 2007. He also caught the eye in this season's UEFA Champions League, becoming the first Greek player to hit a hat-trick in the competition against RSC Anderlecht as his side progressed to the round of 16.

Tottenham Hotspur FC midfielder Lewis Holtby has also linked up with Meulensteen's team on loan for the remainder of the campaign. The 23-year-old German international has featured 24 times for Tottenham since leaving FC Schalke 04 last January. Fulham are currently 19th in the Premier League standings, two points adrift of safety.

©UEFA.com 1998-2013. All rights reserved.



http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/newsid=2049249.html?

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Berbatov in AS Monaco Move
   
This morning, when I arrived at work, all the indications were that Dimitar Berbatov might be on his way back to Spurs.

During the day the scenario has changed considerably!

According to more sources than I`d care to name, it appears that the Bulgarian is on the move to the French club AS Monaco, on loan for the remainder of the season.

Is anyone else as surprised as I am?


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=347860#ixzz2s3YRs39K

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Fulham v Southampton

Fulham will be desperate to climb out of the relegation zone when they welcome Southampton to Craven Cottage on Saturday.

The Cottagers have endured a poor run of form that has seen them take just one point from their last four league fixtures. This has seen them slip down to 19th in the standings, two points shy of safety.

While Adel Taarabt has moved off to AC Milan, the arrival of Tottenham midfielder Lewis Holtby on loan is sure to come as a boost to the west London club.

The German is likely to jump straight into the starting line-up where he could be joined by Clint Dempsey who has been involved from the bench since signing on loan from Seattle Sounders. However, John Arne Riise is still out with a hamstring injury.

Conversely, the Saints have recovered slightly from a poor string of results, drawing 2-2 with Arsenal last time out.

Rickie Lambert missed the Gunners' visit due to a hamstring injury but is expected to feature against Fulham.

Victor Wanyama could make his return from a hairline fracture in his leg, but Gaston Ramirez and Dejan Lovren are both out with ankle injuries.


http://www.football411.com/story/0,22162,14287_9143977,00.html?

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Fulham v Southampton: match preview
Read a full match preview of the Premier League game between Fulham and Southampton at Craven Cottage on Saturday Feb 1, 2014, kick-off 15.00 (GMT).


Back in front: Rickie Lambert returns in attack for Southampton, at Fulham
Photo: ACTION IMAGES

Saturday, February 1, 2014
Fulham v Southampton
Craven Cottage
Kick-off: 15.00 GMT.
TV: Highlights, BBC ONE Match of the Day.

Fulham (Possible, 4-1-4-1): Stekelenburg; Riether, Hangeland, Burn, Richardson; Parker; Sidwell, Kacaniklic, Dempsey, Dejagah; Rodallega.
Out: Amorebieta, Riise (both unspecified), Briggs (hernia).

Southampton (Possible, 4-2-3-1): Boruc; Chambers, Yoshida, Fonté, Shaw; Cork, Schneiderlin; S Davis, Lallana, Rodriguez; Lambert.
Out: Lovren, Ramírez (both ankle).

Referee: Mike Jones. Matches: 12, R1 Y37.

Betting: Home 11-5, Away Evens, Draw 9-4.

Team News
Fulham are waiting to hear whether can give Lewis Holtby his debut in their game against Southampton on Saturday.

The Cottagers are unsure whether their application to register the Tottenham loanee with the Premier League was processed by the deadline of noon on Friday
.
Defenders John Arne Riise (hamstring) and Fernando Amorebieta (knee) are doubts while striker Kostas Mitroglou signed after the registration deadline. Rickie Lambert will return for Southampton's trip to Fulham in the Premier League.

The England forward has returned to training after a hamstring complaint, while midfielder Victor Wanyama may feature for the first time since a hairline fracture in his leg.

Dejan Lovren and Gastón Ramírez are both absent due to ankle ligament injuries.

Match Notes Fulham have been adding managers and players to their squad in the last month in the hope of beating the drop to the Championship.

To do so, they will need points against Southampton with Manchester United and Liverpool next up for the Cottagers.

The Saints' January was busy off the field but despite Mauricio Pochettino guaranteeing his presence on the South coast until at least the summer, no new signings have joined.

Stat of the game: Fulham have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last eight games, the longest run in the Premier League

Tom Prentke's prediction: Fulham 1 Southampton 1.


http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/premier-league/10602792/Fulham-v-Southampton-match-preview.html

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Hughes Moves to QPR!
   
As part of the January transfer window final day madness, it looks as if a fine servant to this club may well have called time on his Craven Cottage career.

Aaron Hughes, who has failed to grab himself a regular starting place this season, alongside Brede Hangeland, has moved down the road to Queens Park Rangers.

Harry Redknapp, a master of last minute transfer window deals, has taken the Northern Ireland international on loan for the remainder of the season.

Here at Vital Fulham we`d like to wish Aaron well as he samples life at Loftus Road trying to assist our neighbours in getting promotion.


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=347872#ixzz2s3ZkX2OB

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Steve Sidwell v Morgan Schneiderlin: Head-to-head analysis ahead of the clash between Fulham and Southampton



Check out all the vital statistics concerning the two sides' players ahead of this weekend's Premier League meeting at the Craven Cottage

Ahead of this weekend's Premier League meeting, between Fulham and Southampton, see how the sides' players Steve Sidwell and Morgan Schneiderlin compare.

Data and graphic provided by whoscored.com


http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/steve-sidwell-v-morgan-schneiderlin-headtohead-analysis-ahead-of-the-clash-between-fulham-and-southampton-9100017.html

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LAWRO'S PREDICTION

Fulham v Southampton

Southampton have had their sticky patch and have turned things around of late. They played very well in their draw against Arsenal on Tuesday and will fancy their chances of going to Craven Cottage and winning.

Fulham have the worst defence and worst goal difference in the Premier League and have not won in the league since New Year's Day.

But the Cottagers are at home and they could have a couple of new faces in their team by kick-off because William Kvist has joined on loan from Stuttgart.

Loanee Adel Taarabt has joined AC Milan and Dimitar Berbatov looks like he is on his way out, so you can see why Fulham boss Rene Meulensteen is trying to get another striker, Konstantinos Mitroglou, from Olympiakos.

I thought Fulham would have turned the corner by now, but defensively they are still very poor - and very porous. A draw on Saturday would be a big step in the right direction for them.

Lawro's prediction: 1-1

David's prediction: Fulham have not been very good recently but Southampton have. They had a great start to the season, they dipped a bit but they have hit form again.
Saints did brilliantly in their draw with Arsenal in midweek and I really like Adam Lallana who I think is a brilliant player, one of the few really bright prospects England have got. 1-3


http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25961894

[WhiteJC]

 
Holtby: It Feels Right

New loan signing Lewis Holtby was full of enthusiasm when fulhamfc.com caught up with him on Friday afternoon.

The 23-year-old had earlier put pen to paper as he completed his loan move from Tottenham Hotspur, and he was clearly thrilled to have made the temporary switch across London.

"I'm very happy and I'm looking forward to playing some games," Holtby said. "I'm happy to play for Fulham and I'll try my best to help us stay up. I'm bringing a hunger to play football and win games. I want to play week in, week out to try and help the team with my abilities.

"I'll do what I can to help us beat teams and keep us up and out of the bottom three and ensure that we have a good remainder of the season. I've had very good talks with the gaffer and it just felt right – it's a nice place here. It feels absolutely right and I can't wait to play."

Holtby became René Meulensteen's third signing following the arrivals of Clint Dempsey and William Kvist, while he was joined on Fulham's books later in the day by Greek striker Konstantinos Mitroglou, and he admitted he was impressed by what our Head Coach had to say.

"He told me about the way he wants to play and the way the Club is ticking and that really got me on board," he explained. "From the first meeting when we spoke together, I just got the feeling that I should sign here and hopefully I can play some games and show my abilities. I can't wait to show everyone at Fulham, and all the fans, what I can do.

"I know some of my teammates already; Sascha Riether and Ashkan Dejagah from the Bundesliga, and I know Scotty Parker and Clint Dempsey from my time at Spurs. All of the lads have really made it easy for me to settle in – they're really good lads and the training session was really good as well on the pitch."

The Germany international's desire to swap UEFA Champions League chasing Tottenham for a relegation scrap with the Whites is testament to his character. Playing football matches is the most important thing to Holtby, and when asked if he's confident his new side could avoid the drop, he stated: "Absolutely, I'm very surprised that this team is so close to the bottom of the table because there's a lot of quality in the squad.

"And now we've got the new guys in as well, William and Mitroglou, so there's even more quality coming into the team which is good for the squad as it gets us challenging each other for a spot in the team.

"I'm very positive that we can stay up because, like I said, from the first training session it's clear that there's so much quality here that I don't think there's any way this team could end up in the Championship."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/january/31/holtby-it-feels-right?

[WhiteJC]

 
Dimitar Berbatov seals Monaco move

Dimitar Berbatov has completed a loan move to Monaco from Fulham after passing a medical at the Ligue 1 club on Friday.

Earlier in the day, the Press Association had reported that Berbatov, who moved to Craven Cottage at the start of last season, was likely to move to the principality club -- and Monaco confirmed the deal on their Twitter page and official website.



The striker, 33, had been linked with a move back to his former club Tottenham but was given permission by Fulham to speak to Monaco, who wrapped up the move before the deadline.

He said: "I am both happy, excited and a little nervous -- I cannot wait to start training with my new strike partner and begin a new chapter in my career."

The Ligue 1 side targeted Berbatov, who would have been out of contract in the summer, to bolster their attack after Radamel Falcao was ruled out for the rest of the season through injury.

The Bulgarian joined Fulham in August 2012 and proved an instant hit, scoring 15 goals in his first season at Craven Cottage. However, with the club languishing near the bottom of the Premier League table this term, he has struggled, scoring just five.

Cottagers manager Rene Meulensteen brought John Heitinga, Lewis Holtby and Konstantinos Mitroglou to the club on deadline day.


http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1699872?&cc=5739

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Roy Carroll: Fulham have signed the new Eric Cantona in Konstantinos Mitroglou

OLYMPIAKOS shot-stopper Roy Carroll has compared Fulham new-boy Konstantinos Mitroglou to Manchester United legend Eric Cantona.


THE KING? Konstantinos Mitroglou has been compared to Utd great Eric Cantona [GETTY]

The ex-United keeper played with the Greek for two years at Olympiakos, and reckons that Fulham have got themselves a great player for just £11million.

Carroll said: "I've known him for two years at Olympiakos and he has played at the highest level in the Champions League and scored a lot of goals for us there.

"He has been the top goalscorer in Greece for the last two years. He is 26 and hungry and passionate about his football.

"Eric Cantona was a great, great player, one of the best but Konstantinos is very strong.

"I remember watching Cantona on television and he was holding the ball up and that's the type of player Konstantinos is."



http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/457270/Roy-Carroll-Fulham-have-signed-the-new-Eric-Cantona-in-Konstantinos-Mitroglou

[WhiteJC]

 
Premier League team news: Fulham v Southampton

Fulham are waiting to hear whether can give Spurs loanee Lewis Holtby his debut in their game against Southampton on Saturday.

The Cottagers are unsure whether their application to register the Tottenham loanee with the Premier League was processed by the deadline of noon on Friday.

Defenders John Arne Riise (hamstring) and Fernando Amorebieta (knee) are doubts while striker Kostas Mitroglou signed after the registration deadline.

Rickie Lambert will return for Southampton's trip to Fulham in the Premier League.

The England forward has returned to training after a hamstring complaint, while midfielder Victor Wanyama may feature for the first time since a hairline fracture in his leg.

Dejan Lovren and Gaston Ramirez are both absent due to ankle ligament injuries.

Fulham Squad: Stockdale, Riether, Senderos, Hangeland, Riise, Sidwell, Zverotic, Parker, Duff, Dempsey, Bent, Berbatov, Etheridge, Richardson, Kacaniklic, Karagounis, Kvist, Vigen Christensen, Hughes, Dejagah, Taarabt, Kasami, Amorebieta.

Southampton squad: Boruc, K Davis, Gazzaniga, Clyne, Chambers, Shaw, Fox, Hooiveld, Fonte, Yoshida, Wanyama, Schneiderlin, Cork, Lallana, Isgrove, Ward-Prowse, Do Prado, S Davis, Reed, Rodriguez, Gallagher, Lambert.



http://www.itv.com/sport/football/article/2014-01-31/premier-league-team-news-fulham-v-southampton/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Neil Taylor's Deadline Day Swansea to Fulham Move Hit as Wife Goes into Labour

Transfer deadline day is complicated enough with players, clubs, agents and more all acting and reacting to every minute change or piece of information.

Neil Taylor, the Swansea full-back, looked set for a move to Premier League rivals Fulham on January 31, but on top of the usual question marks hovering around such a deal, the move has been complicated by the fact that his wife has gone into labour.

Fulham, according to the Metro, appeared to have solidified their interest with a £4m offer for Taylor, but his absence from Swansea's training ground was not down to his impending transfer, but the imminent birth of his second child.

With a wife to support and a child to welcome into the world, it would be no surprise if the deal fell through for personal reasons. At the time of writing, with less than four hours to go until the transfer window closes, there was no deal on the horizon.

That said, stranger things have happened when it comes to moves.

And on the positive side, if Taylor finds himself needing to do a medical urgently, he'll already be at the hospital.



http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1943923-neil-taylors-deadline-day-swansea-to-fulham-move-hit-as-wife-goes-into-labour?

[WhiteJC]

 
Glorious transfer deadline day for Fulham – which is set to get even better

Deadline Day is always a fun prospect for the neutral but, when your club is embroiled in a relegation scrap that becomes ever more fateful with each passing defeat, it's usually something of a gloomy 23 hours, filled with faint hope and regret.

Yet, at Fulham, there has been no such pessimism. Seemingly, it's all gone according to plan.

Konstantinos Mitroglou is confirmed – probably our record transfer. William Kvist has arrived on loan, with an option to sign on permanently in the summer. Lewis Holtby has joined temporarily too.

It all bodes rather well which, in itself, is concerning. Surely, just surely, something is about to go wrong?

If you consider Dimitar Berbatov leaving a bad thing then, yes, some of this optimism is going to go astray in the midst of all this euphoria, as we wave goodbye to an eclectic artist who, in his rare moments of brilliance, was just that: brilliant.

[Berbatov]'s not cut out for battles at the bottom, and so cashing in makes the utmost sense

The Bulgarian is off to Monaco, it would seem, which probably suits him perfectly. He was good; Mitroglou aside, probably our most audacious purchase. But he's not cut out for battles at the bottom, and so cashing in makes the utmost sense.

As for the players coming in, each and every deal reeks, gleefully, of ambition and sensibility. Holtby is a fine central midfielder, even if his chances at Tottenham Hotspur have been limited. He is exactly what we have been missing since Moussa Dembele left although – it must be said – they're not necessarily similar players.

Mitroglou comes with all the fanfare you'd ever want. His goals to games ratio is superb and, with a price tag of around £13million, he also comes as a statement of intent from Shahid Khan.

Kvist is lesser known but is, again, an astute acquisition. Formerly held in high regard in Germany, the Danish international should help shore up a midfield that is lacking in depth.

There are more deals on the horizon, too, with a bid lodged for Neil Taylor – if this goes through, it would probably be our best January in years – Larnell Cole and Ryan Tunnicliffe. John Heitinga could arrive too, Fulham having allowed Aaron Hughes to go on loan to Queens Park Rangers.

That deal, which sees the 34-year-old at Loftus Road for the rest of the season, is perhaps the only sad note from today's otherwise outstanding affairs.

To see such a legendary figure leave is sad enough, but to QPR? That's just criminal.


http://metro.co.uk/2014/01/31/glorious-transfer-deadline-day-for-fulham-which-is-set-to-get-even-better-4286007/?