Thursday Fulham Stuff (27/03/14)...

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Fulham midfielder Derek Boateng in Watford, Charlton talks to salvage 2014 World Cup hopes

Ghana midfielder Derek Boateng is having talks with Charlton and Watford over a loan move in a bid to get more first-team football to force his way into the Black Stars World Cup squad.

Boateng has only made two Premier League starts for Fulham this season and with just about six weeks before coach Kwesi Appiah names his provisional squad for the World Cup, Boateng wants a loan move to get some playing time.

He is fearful that his ambitions of making the Ghana World Cup squad are dwindling away by sitting on the Fulham bench as Ghana prepare for Brazil 2014.

Newspaper reports in England today indicate that Fulham are prepared to let 30 year-old Boateng leave and that, already, two clubs in the shape of Charlton Athletic and Watford have expressed an interest in taking the player.

Both clubs are keen on taking the Fulham midfielder Boateng on loan for the rest of the season.

The 30-year-old has featured just once since previous coach Rene Meulensteen took charge in December and that was in the FA Cup draw with Norwich.

Boateng is desperate to quit Craven Cottage to get regular first-team football in order to cement a place in Ghana's World Cup squad.

Fulham bosses has sanctioned a deal for the African to join the Hornets for the rest of the campaign.


http://www.ghanasoccernet.com/fulham-midfielder-derek-boateng-watford-charlton-talks-salvage-2014-world-cup-hopes/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Ticket Office latest [26.03.14]: Fulham clash in focus

Villa v Fulham
Barclays Premier League
Villa Park
Saturday April 5 - 3pm
Category B game
Prices: £23 to £42 [adults], £23 to £42 [concessions], £15 to £35 [U16s], £10 to £35 [U8s], £32 to £38 [adult/junior combo]
Earlybird Pricing: Available in the Holte End Lower Wings until Sunday March 9 - £25 [adults] and £19 [concessions]
Wheelchair Tickets: Available by calling the Consumer Sales Department on 0800 612 0970
CURRENTLY: On general sale
*Maximum six seats per booking. Remember to supply one client reference per seat to build up booking history
To ensure that we can process your sales as efficiently as possible, please note that tickets and other products can be purchased using Villa Cash in the ticket office up until two hours before kick off each matchday.
Buy info: hotline 0800 612 0970, in person at Villa Village or New Street or from online box office.


http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10265~3731730,00.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham's Plight – It's Anything But Rosy Down By The River

Fulham's Plight – It's Anything But Rosy Down By The River

Written by @MKenn10

It's been a dreadful season if you're a Fulham fan and the outlook isn't bright as the seeming inevitability of relegation from the Premier League looms nearer. In a crazy four-month period since December which has seen owner, Shahid Khan, dispose of two managers and however many assistants with them, the club's fortunes have seen no obvious signs of improvement under current incumbent Felix Magath and what actions Khan will take should the South-West London club be relegated from the top flight this season is anyone's guess.

Lacking Leadership

Khan's trigger happy approach has served of no benefit to the club, who seem to be lacking direction both on the pitch and off it. In the past four months a mad series of events saw Dutchman Rene Meulensteen first brought in as a coach in November and then handed the reigns just three weeks later when Martin Jol, Fulham's first manager this season, was sacked following a run of five straight defeats which left Fulham 18th in the table. Alan Curbishley (25th December) and Ray Wilkins (30th December) were requisitioned as experienced men to lend support to former Manchester United coach Meulensteen as he looked to mastermind a turnaround in fortunes, but just 75 days after the Dutchman's appointment and with Fulham now rooted in last place, having won just four of 17 games under the new boss, Khan wielded the axe again with all three men being shown the door, along with coaches Mich Priest and Jonathan Hill just for good measure.

While Magath was brought in with a good reputation from his early managerial career for keeping struggling clubs up – he managed this in the late '90's in his stints at FC Nurnberg, Werder Bremen and Eintracht Frankfurt – further upheaval this season has so far failed to show any signs of success for the Cottagers. As with some of the other managerial casualties in the Premier League this campaign – notably Cardiff's Malky Mackay, Swansea's Michael Laudrup and West Brom's Steve Clarke – change at the top has been shown to by no means usher in guaranteed success and we are led questioning whether managers cop too much of the flak for a poor performing side; sometimes a little more patience when a team is in a rocky patch is required, though sadly this seems a far-fetched hope given the hefty investment nowadays and potential for huge financial losses for profit-hungry owners.

Lacking Quality

Currently sitting rock bottom of the League on 24 points, four behind Crystal Palace in 17th and having played a game more than them, Fulham were routed 5-0 away at title challengers Manchester City last weekend and can't hope for much repreive from top-four chasing Everton at home this Sunday. The forever frustrating, yet equally talented, Bulgarian forward – Dimitar Berbatov – departed for the riches of Monaco in January and Fulham's week squad would currently seem poorly equipped to be able to mount a promotion challenge from the notoriously tough Championship and an immediate return to the Premiership next season should they go down.

Berbatov's replacement, £11m Greek striker Kostas Mitroglou, has so far failed to show anything of substance in his measly two appearances, with Magath recently stating the striker has been "suffering a culture shock" since arriving in London – hardly encouraging for a team desperate for goals, while defensively they have been woeful, conceding a whopping 70 goals this season; 12 more than the next worst defence, Cardiff City. Too often have they been their own worst enemies, such as against Liverpool where a needless challenge in stoppage time with the scores at 2-2 gifted Liverpool with a penalty which Gerrard converted to snatch a 3-2 win and all three points.

Whether Magath can inspire his players with that notorious toughness and summon the gritty determination that, along with a little bit of lady luck, will be required if they are to secure an unlikely survival remains to be seen, but don't count on Magath still being in charge come the end of May if there is to be no silver lining in their desperate season.


http://fourfourtweet.co.uk/fulhams-plight-its-anything-but-rosy-down-by-the-river/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham re-sign former Real Madrid midfielder Mahamadou Diarra

Fulham have re-signed midfielder Mahamadou Diarra on a deal until the end of the season.

The 32-year-old previously joined the club in February 2012 but suffered a serious knee injury later that year.

Diarra's original contract expired last summer but, despite being released, he continued to train at the club to build up his fitness.

The former Real Madrid player made 19 appearances for Fulham in his first spell, scoring once.

Fulham are four points from a position of safety with seven Premier League games remaining.

They face Everton at Craven Cottage on Sunday, before playing Aston Villa and Norwich.


http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/26757260

[WhiteJC]

 
Loan Round-Up

Brentford suffered a blip in their automatic promotion ambitions in Sky Bet League One on Tuesday when Play-Offs hopefuls Rotherham United earned an impressive 3-0 home win.

The in-form Marcello Trotta played 75 minutes for the Bees and could have brought his side level with a low shot that was saved, after Kieran Agard had put the hosts in front from the penalty spot.

The same man doubled the advantage, though, seconds before half-time after being sent through by Ben Pringle. And on-loan Newcastle United midfielder Haris Vuckic netted a third at the death to condemn Brentford to a first defeat in six games.

There was no better luck for Jack Grimmer elsewhere in the division as Port Vale suffered a 5-0 defeat at Bristol City's Ashton Gate.

The defender was one of three players taken off at the interval in a tactical reshuffle after City had established a four-goal lead; Jay Emmanuel-Thomas (2), Nyron Nosworthy and Sam Baldock the scorers. Carl Dickinson was then sent off for Vale after the restart, before Baldock grabbed his second and City's fifth.

Tom Richards enjoyed a more prosperous night's work in League Two as he played 90 minutes and provided an assist in AFC Wimbledon's 2-2 draw away at Northampton Town.

The 19-year-old delivered a fine cross in the 19th minute for George Francomb who finished well. But the game was turned on its head just before the half-hour mark when Dons striker Jack Midson was adjudged to have handled on the line.

Midson was dismissed and Darren Carter converted from the spot, with the same man firing his side in front for what looked like the winning goal in the 79th minute. The London side earned a valuable point deep into stoppage time, though, when Sammy Moore got on the end of Alan Bennett's cross.

Marcus Bettinelli helped Accrington Stanley to a goalless draw at Dagenham & Redbridge. Both sides had chances to win the game, with Bettinelli called upon several times, making four saves to earn a clean sheet.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/march/26/loan-round-up

[WhiteJC]

 
Martinez: Refresh and Recharge for Fulham

Martinez has indicated today that there may be some changes when Everton face Fulham this weekend. Speaking on the back of Everton's excellent away win at Newcastle, Martinez claimed that Fulham was a very different proposition. With a number of important games coming up including a crunch game with Arsenal, it is likely that Martinez will shuffle his pack with Mc Geady and Mirallas both likely to feature.

John Stones head injury may well give Martinez good cause to bring in a medically fit Phil Jagielka on Saturday despite the young defender's excellent performance against Newcastle. The defender required ten stitches during the Newcastle and with Martinez claiming rotation may be key to Everton's push for a Champion's League place, it is likely Stones will make way.


Read more: http://www.nsno.co.uk/everton-news/2014/03/martinez-refresh-and-recharge-for-fulham/#ixzz2x65M4UAw
Follow us: @nsno on Twitter | nilsatis on Facebook

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham must show intent and take all three points from Everton on Sunday


Ashkan Dejagah celebrates his goal in Fulham's rare win against Newcastle United earlier this month (Picture: AP)

Too often this season Fulham have obliged bigger-name opponents, submitting to them and relying on next weekend's fixture – which never seems to come – to attempt to pick up points and climb the table.

And each week, against a team we should be more than capable of beating, we either drop vital points - West Bromwich Albion (home and away) – or get completely humiliated – Cardiff City (home and away).

Some fans have suggested that our run-in, which sees us face the likes of Norwich (H), Aston Villa (A), Hull City (H), Stoke City (A) and Crystal Palace (H), means we can accumulate around 36 points and stay up.

But I wouldn't be so sure.

In fact, I seriously doubt we can achieve the impossible and pick up maximum points against the aforementioned teams.

It is time... to stop feeling sorry for ourselves, drop the 'we can take some positives from this defeat' and 'on another day' excuses and start winning some football matches

It's not completely out of the question, of course, but to rely on picking up three points at home which we're rarely done all season against the likes of goal-shy Crystal Palace on the last day is asking for trouble.

We need to be out of imminent danger long before this dignity-destroying fixture sets the stage for one of these two London clubs to possibly break the other's heart.


Fulham must stop the likes of Everton's Ross Barkley (Picture: Reuters)

And the only way we're going to get out of this is by showing our worth now and beating Everton – a game we would perhaps like to dismiss as an inevitability.

Taking three points from a team of such quality will send a message to the rest of the league and show everyone that we have the fight to stay in the top flight.

It will also breed belief among the players - who are devoid of confidence – and it will perhaps temporarily restore some of the grit that once saw the Cottage a fortress in time for Norwich and Hull City.

Felix Magath has his feet firmly under the table now and, despite his fondness to surprise even the most informed supporter with a peculiar line-up, he appears to have a formation and first XI he is happy with.

It is therefore time for everyone at the club to stop feeling sorry for themselves, to drop the 'we can take some positives from this defeat' and 'on another day' excuses and start winning some football matches.


http://metro.co.uk/2014/03/26/fulham-must-show-intent-and-take-all-three-points-from-everton-on-sunday-4677441/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Dutch explain Fulham striker bid refusal

Heerenveen president Jelko van der Wiel insists the Dutch club did not price Alfred Finnbogason out of a move to Fulham in January.

Iceland international hitman Finnbogason branded Heerenveen "amateurs" after claims that they upped their asking price from 10million euros to 12million on transfer deadline day in January. But Van der Wiel believes Fulham were to blame for the situation that has upset Finnbogason, 24, who had scored 19 league goals before the offer and only five since. He told Omroep Friesland: "Fulham knew for weeks that they needed strengthening, and then they came to speak to us only at five minutes to twelve for the man that they want - Finnbogason. "They did not want to meet our price. Then they bought the Greek (Kostas Mitroglou) for 15million euros. "If they wanted Finnbogason they would have paid our price. We did not play for high stakes."



Read more at: http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/dutch-explain-fulham-striker-bid-refusal-1719012.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
Kacaniklic targets five wins for survival

Alex Kacaniklic believes that Fulham will need five wins from their final seven matches if they are to survive in the Premier League.

Felix Magath's men sit bottom of the table after 31 matches, four points adrift of safety and in severe danger of losing their top-flight status.

They face relegation rivals Norwich City and Crystal Palace in two of their remaining games and host Everton at Craven Cottage this weekend.

And Kacaniklic told The Fulham Chronicle: "Everton coming up is a home game that we need to win. I'm really looking forward to the game.

"You need to win your home games and if you get something from your away games then that's good as well.
"We probably need four or five wins."

The Sweden international has made 21 appearances for Fulham this season, including starts in their last two matches against Manchester City and Newcastle United.



Read more at http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/kacaniklic-targets-five-wins-survival#FJSfHfqWUjfm7oRz.99

[WhiteJC]

 
Diarra Rejoins Fulham

The Club is delighted to announce that Mahamadou Diarra has rejoined Fulham on a deal that will run until the end of the 2013/14 season.

The 32-year-old was out of action for a sustained period after struggling with a knee injury, but worked relentlessly to regain full fitness. Diarra's short-term contract with Fulham will see his remuneration based on the number of appearances he makes for the First Team.

The former Real Madrid midfielder initially joined the Whites on a free transfer in February 2012 and he went on to make 19 appearances for the Club, scoring once.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/march/26/diarra-rejoins-fulham?

[WhiteJC]

 
Would Fulham bounce back if they are relegated from the Premier League?

Fulham's star names have failed to impress (Picture: Getty)

We shouldn't really talk about it, but the prospect of Championship football is at the back of every Fulham fan's mind.

Amidst all the hope and belief of staving off relegation, there is a daunting reality – acceptance, if you will – that losing our 13-year Premier League status is more than a mere possibility. It is now a likelihood.

But, as a club, are we really prepared for England's second tier? Because, if the likes of Bolton and Wolverhampton Wanderers are taken as case studies, dropping down from the elite and into the mercurial depths of the Championship is no mean feat.

The slightest mishandling can cripple you, as can complacency or overspending. Anything, be it a hefty wage bill or rapidly decreasing attendance, is intensified in a league that seems to absorb money and never let it go. Parachute payments will help, and you would hope the generosity of owner Shahid Khan will avoid a Portsmouth-style demise, but the competitiveness will no doubt shock the core of our squad.

It's not unfair to say we are of a similar ilk to Bolton when they went down – a well established Premier League side with a core of premium rate players. Their failure to bounce back, though, has shown how difficult it is below the top level, while Queens Park Rangers have proven that throwing money at anything that moves is probably the last thing you ought to do.

So what is in order? A clear-out would be a start.

Financially, we're a reasonably sensible club and rumours that each player has a 50% relegation wage cut probably carry not a small degree of truth.

Fulham's youngsters are the future (Picture: Getty)

Yet still, earners like Maarten Stekelenburg, John Arne Riise and Kostas Mitroglou  - many of whom, let's face it, wouldn't be cut out for the Championship anyway – should depart. They haven't lived up to their Premier League billing and don't deserve another opportunity.

Their understudies, instead, should prove themselves. David Stockdale has already done so, while youth team products like Cauley Woodrow, Patrick Roberts and Dan Burn are worthy of first-team football.

Of course, some additions would be necessary, but relying on a core of high quality younger players would provide that sustainability that Khan is so keen on, while also keeping our wage bill manageable.

As it is, with such an esteemed academy, it is not unreasonable to think that we could bounce straight back, were we to go down. Retain a core of solid players – Brede Hangeland, Steve Sidwell – blend in one or two new signings and a number of graduates, and you have yourself a very capable side.

Naturally, we have to hope that all of this will not be a worry to us.

But, if the worst does indeed come to the worst, it's nice to know that we should be in a good place.


http://metro.co.uk/2014/03/26/would-fulham-bounce-back-if-they-are-relegated-from-the-premier-league-4679167/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Mahamadou Diarra rejoins Fulham on pay-as-you-play basis
• Diarra came close to joining Panathinaikos


Mahamadou Diarra battles with Andy Carroll of West Ham United during his first spell with Fulham back in September 2012.
Photograph: Jamie Mcdonald/Getty Images

The former Real Madrid midfielder Mahamadou Diarra has rejoined Fulham on a short-term pay-as-you-play deal until the end of the season. The 32-year-old has not played since being released at the end of last season due to a persistent knee injury but has been training with the London club in a bid to prove his fitness. Diarra – who joined Real from Lyon in 2006 for €26m (£21.5m) – was close to signing a new contract in November before the former manager Martin Jol decided against it. The Mali international then almost joined the Greek club Panathinaikos before Christmas but was invited to train with Fulham once again in February, when Felix Magath replaced René Meulensteen. With the Cottagers struggling to preserve their Premier League status, the German manager has now decided to hand Diarra the opportunity to resume his career. "Diarra's short-term contract with Fulham will see his remuneration based on the number of appearances he makes for the first team," read a statement on Fulham's website on Wednesday. PA


http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/mar/26/news-in-brief?

[WhiteJC]

 
Five things you might not know about Mahamadou Diarra as midfielder rejoins Fulham

Premier League strugglers Fulham have announced they have re-signed midfielder Mahamadou Diarra on a short-term deal until the end of the season.

Felix Magath's side currently sit bottom of the table and the Mali international will now attempt to help the Whites maintain their top-flight status.

Diarra, 32, was released following a long-term knee injury but Fulham announced on Wednesday that he has now rejoined the west London side.

"The club is delighted to announce that Mahamadou Diarra has rejoined Fulham on a deal that will run until the end of the 2013/14 season," a statement read on Fulham's official website.

"The 32-year-old was out of action for a sustained period after struggling with a knee injury, but worked relentlessly to regain full fitness. Diarra's short-term contract with Fulham will see his remuneration based on the number of appearances he makes for the First Team.

"The former Real Madrid midfielder initially joined the Whites on a free transfer in February 2012 and he went on to make 19 appearances for the Club, scoring once."

With just seven games remaining, Fulham are four points from safety and face Champions League-chasing Everton at Craven Cottage on Sunday before taking on Aston Villa and Norwich.

Here are five facts about Diarra:

1. Diarra started his career at OFI Crete

2. He scored twice at the 2004 African Cup of Nations

3. Doncaster Rovers tried to sign the Mali international in October 2011

4. He was born on May 18 1981

5. Diarra has scored 23 league goals in his entire career


http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/five_things_you_might_not_know_about_mahamadou_diarra_as_midfielder_rejoins_fulham_1_3490461

[WhiteJC]

 
Roberto Martinez Calls On Everton To Take Form Into Fulham Clash

Roberto Martinez wants Everton to replicate the momentum and intensity showed in their 3-0 win over Newcastle United on Tuesday in their upcoming game against Fulham on Sunday.

Goals from Ross Barkley, Romelu Lukaku and Leon Osman at St. James' Park handed the Toffees their 16th Premier League win of the season as they moved into fifth spot with 57 points from 30 games.

Everton are now just six points shy of fourth-placed Arsenal, who have played a game more than the Merseyside club.

However Martinez, who does not want his side to get carried away, underlined the importance of picking up points at the crucial juncture of the season.

Hence the Spaniard wants Everton to claim the full three points against a relegation-battling Fulham team at the weekend.

"[The three points] are really important but that's not the end of the season", Martinez explained to his club's official site.

"We've been working really hard for the last 10 months and you can see the team is ready to give everything in every game and make every single Evertonian proud.

"We'll see how many points that gives us.

"Now we need to refresh and regenerate for Fulham. It'll be a completely different game but we'll have to bring the same momentum and intensity that we showed [at Newcastle]."


Read more at http://www.insidefutbol.com/2014/03/27/roberto-martinez-calls-on-everton-to-take-form-into-fulham-clash/133301/#3gLs84WRMVHvZ5hw.99

[WhiteJC]

 
Hoping That Felix Magath Can Change Long-Term Directions At Fulham

Ben Weeks discusses Felix Magath's impact at Fulham and hopes the German will be at the club beyond the end of the season...

Since his arrival, Felx Magath has been seen as a short-term appointment by Fulham – a quick-fix to the White's current woes. Supposedly, irrespective of whether the club avoid relegation, Magath will be gone next year in favour of a manager tasked with a 'rebuild'.

I certainly believe that this was the thinking from Shahid Khan and Alistair Mackintosh – lets try and keep Fulham up with this guy, and next season we'll appoint based on our situation at that time.

"I'm especially impressed with the reputation Felix has for coming into clubs at difficult times, often late in the season, and lifting them to their potential and beyond" – Shahid Khan, upon appointing Felix Magath

It's looking increasingly likely that that reputation might get dented, but whatever happens to Fulham I hope Magath is afforded at least one more season. During his short tenure, the German has shown an acute awareness of Fulham's major flaws – there's no need to go into these, as they're now quite well documented – which is great for attempting to keep the club up this year, but he has also demonstrated a willingness to reward (or 'punish') players fairly based on their performances and attitude, and adjust the team with 'outside of the box' thinking.

This was something that Rene Meulensteen and particularly Martin Jol were reluctant to do – Cauley Woodrow being the standout example. Darren Bent and Hugo Rodallega clearly have not shown enough to be shoe-ins for the lone striker role and so the 19 year-old has been given a chance. Woodrow didn't necessarily excel in the game versus Newcastle, but he showed tremendous awareness and a willingness to hassle the opposition that had been missing from Fulham's forward play – as such, he was rewarded with a start against Man City. The same applies to David Stockdale, who too often over his time at the club has been dropped off the back of a good performance.

My feeling is that if Fulham do go down, Magath has shown an understanding of the club and the players within. He appears to know what the current squad lacks (fighters and runners, he'll call it) and I personally have faith that he'd be ruthless enough to make the serious change that is needed come this Summer: getting rid of the those players who see Fulham as the cushy retirement in the nice part of London and instead, and replacing them with far healthier options.

Shahid Khan talked a lot about sustainability when he arrived. Obviously it has not gone to plan so far, but I'm confident that by properly backing Magath next season that can become more than just words.


http://thepremierleagueowl.com/hoping-that-felix-magath-can-change-long-term-directions-at-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

 
Grimmer recalled

Defender returns to Fulham

Fulham have exercised a clause in the loan agreement between the two clubs to recall defender Jack Grimmer from his loan spell as their injury situation means he is likely to be involved in their first team plans for this weekend.

Jack leaves Port Vale with everybody's best wishes after the youngster impressed right from day one, both on and off the pitch.

Vale boss Micky Adams said: "Jack has been a pleasure to work with and I am sure if he continues to learn he will have a big future in the game and we wish him all the best on his return to Fulham."



Read more at http://www.port-vale.co.uk/news/article/20140327-jack-grimmer-recalled-to-fulham-1448453.aspx?#8LlTev4oF3HQYbWh.99

[WhiteJC]

 
Heitinga hungry for points ahead of Everton clash

Dutch defender hopes to get one over on former club at the weekend

John Heitinga is preparing for seven cup finals to save Fulham from Barclays Premier League relegation.

The Whites sit rock bottom of the table heading into this weekend's visit of Robtero Martinez's Everton.

Heitinga only swapped Goodison Park for Craven Cottage in January and knows only too well the threat posed by the Toffees.

It is the first of seven tests Fulham are facing between now and May 11 as Felix Magath looks to mastermind a great escape.

Four or five wins should be enough to see the Whites survive but Heitinga is approaching every game with a cup final mindset in a bid to beat the drop.

"I knew when I came to Fulham that it was going to be hard and a long season," he said.

"Hopefully my experience will keep Fulham in the league.  We will still need to play better. We need to fight to survive.

"It's important to look at ourselves. We showed against Newcastle [a 1-0 triumph earlier this month] that we will be hard to beat at home, and in the games before for example.

"It [Everton] is an important game and all of the games that are coming are important. They are all big. They are all cup finals. There's still 21 points to play for and hopefully we will survive."

Fulham's hopes of beating the drop took another blow on Saturday as they were thumped 5-0 by title hopefuls Manchester City.

Fernando Amorebieta partnered Brede Hangeland in the centre of defence, Heitinga's preferred position, but conceded two penalties and was sent off.

It means the Venezuelan will miss this weekend's game with Everton through suspension and opens up a spot in the heart of the Whites backline for Heitinga to slot into.

"I will play wherever the manager asks me to play," added the Holland international.

"Normally I play as a centre-half. I did for the national team and my other clubs. It's up to the manager but I can play in different positions and at the moment I am flexible."


http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/heitinga-hungry-points-ahead-everton-6875736?

[WhiteJC]

 
Transfer news: Bryan Ruiz refuses to rule out return to Fulham


Bryan Ruiz: Will see out the season on loan at PSV Eindhoven

Bryan Ruiz has no regrets at having joined Fulham and insists he could return at the end of a PSV Eindhoven loan spell.

The Costa Rica international struggled for consistency throughout two-and-a-half seasons in England, with the Cottagers disappointed with the return offered on their sizeable investment.

With Ruiz slipping slowly out of the first-team picture, he was allowed to return to Holland in January - where he has previously shone for FC Twente.

A move was intended to aid his World Cup ambitions and allow him to rekindle a faltering career.

It may be that a permanent switch is made in the summer, with Fulham still sweating on their Premier League status, but Ruiz is ruling nothing out when it comes to future calls.

He told Het Nieuwsblad: "Martin Jol, the manager who signed me, was sacked and I asked his successor, Rene Meulensteen, if he still needed me.

"I was thinking about the World Cup. I had to play, but Meulensteen made me feel as though I wasn't part of his plans.

"I thought I could still help the team, but he had other thoughts - although I still rate him as a manager.

"Was Fulham the wrong choice? No. My first year was difficult but I played well in my second season. This season the whole team was struggling.

"I still think I am a player built for the Premier League. I can't say that Fulham didn't play the football I prefer, but I can't say the opposite either. But if you are fighting against relegation, sometimes you forget to play football. Then you get typical English football, which suits me less.

"It was the right decision to join PSV. It is going well and after the World Cup I will weigh up my options.

"I don't exclude a return to Fulham, as they can still save themselves. London is a fantastic city."


http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11681/9234690?

[WhiteJC]

 
Kača Eyes Everton Win

Alexander Kačaniklić insists Fulham are ready to fight for every available point between now and the end of the season.

The Whites go into Sunday's showdown with Everton at Craven Cottage four points adrift of safety with seven games remaining.

Felix Magath's side were beaten 5-0 at title-chasing Manchester City last weekend after playing the majority of the second half with 10 men. But in their previous game at the Cottage, the Whites defeated Newcastle United 1-0 – and it's the performance from the Magpies fixture that Kačaniklić will draw inspiration from.

"We just need to forget about the Man City game," Kačaniklić told the official website. "To lose 5-0 isn't something you want and it was very disappointing.

"It was a tough game, we gave away two penalties and received a red card. To play against City with 11 men is tough so it's even harder with 10. They're a good team and near the top of the table for a reason.

"But we just need to move on and look to the game against Everton. We have seven games left and we need to fight for every point. We played well against Newcastle so we want to put in a similar display on Sunday."

Fulham went down to a 4-1 defeat to high-flying Everton in December but Kačaniklić felt the final score wasn't really a fair reflection on a game the Whites were in for a long period.

"We got it back to 1-1 and then they scored three in a short space of time," he recalled. "At 2-1, we were pushing to get back in it and got hit twice on the break.

"Everton play well, they're a good team and they'll be eyeing fourth spot. They've got a good style under Roberto Martinez and they're having a great season so it's going to be difficult. But we're at home on Sunday and we need the three points. We need the fans to be with us and we need to perform."

Sweden international Kačaniklić has started the last two games for Fulham and was replaced at the Etihad Stadium in the 55th minute by fellow Academy graduate Patrick Roberts – a player five years his junior.

"It's great for the Club," said Kačaniklić. "He's very young so it was a big thing for him, as it should be to make your debut for Fulham. He just needs to keep working hard in training. It's easy to say but that's the main thing if you want to develop when you're that young."


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/march/27/kaca-eyes-everton-win?