Thursday Fulham Stuff (17/04/14)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Why Fulham are (almost) in the same position as Liverpool


Similarities? Raheem Sterling of Liverpool and Lewis Holtby of Fulham (Picture: Getty)

It's pretty safe to say that Fulham's 2013/14 Premier League season has gone a little differently to Liverpool's – to this point, of course.

While Fulham's season-long underachievement sees them battling furiously to keep their heads above water, Liverpool's ability to batter teams on a weekly basis sees them command the league's coveted top spot.

And while you'd have to do more than squint to find any hint of a parallel between the two teams, both have taken to utilising a very specific mental tactic to potentially achieve the unachievable.

With aspirations of a top-four finish, pundits and fans alike have continually shunned Liverpool's title credentials in favour of Jose Mourinho's more experienced Chelsea side, or Manuel Pellegrini's wealth of expensive talent.

Similarly, for much of Fulham's season, both fans and pundits have decided their fate and dismissed them as nothing more than Premier League cannon fodder.


Brede Hangeland (left) and David Stockdale celebrate Fulham's 1-0 victory over Norwich at Craven Cottage (Picture: AP)

While both arguments do have some level of credence, both are now becoming a little weathered.

But why is it that two teams considered long shots in their respective battles find themselves occupying a driving seat?

Liverpool's success comes from an accumulation of many things going well a lot of the time - too many things to even list, in fact.

Fulham's, on the other hand, comes from a recent resurgence under professional, established and stable management and of course the desire and heart that Felix Magath has instilled.

But as the season draws to a close and the pressure of the prize being so close increases, momentum may just see you over the line.

As a Fulham fan, witnessing back-to-back wins is as rare as meeting an honest politician. The attitude in picking up maximum points away at Aston Villa, and then in arguably a harder game at home to relegation-scrapping Norwich, is exactly what can keep us afloat.

Similarly, Liverpool's weekend display at home to Manchester City presented a side with the bit between their teeth, and something to prove. In successfully using the positive momentum that comes from maintaining a run of 15 games unbeaten, they showed the world they can indeed win the league.

It's a cliché, but winning is a habit – one that comes a little easier to some – but a habit nonetheless.

And while it's taken Fulham far too long to assertively shrug the shackles of nervousness and inconsistency for any prolonged period of time, we seem to have stumbled upon the formula now.

Now both teams are in their own respective driving seat - albeit Fulham, in part, because of Norwich's horrifying run-in -and as long as both continue to utilise the momentum, they will look back on this season positively.


http://metro.co.uk/2014/04/16/why-fulham-are-almost-in-the-same-position-as-liverpool-4699105/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Which teams are destined for relegation? Here's how Fulham, Crystal Palace, West Ham and their rivals shape up

West Ham, Crystal Palace, Hull, Aston Villa, Swansea, West Brom, Norwich, Fulham, Cardiff and Sunderland... the long list of clubs still in relegation trouble is set to make for a fascinating finale at the foot of the Premier League.

The bottom half of the table has been squashed for large parts of the season, with even last year's League Cup winners Swansea City unable to wriggle free from the pack. It looks certain to go to the wire, and with three of the capital's teams still involved, here is how the run-in looks for all of those affected.

11th West Ham United – P 34, Pts 37

19/4 Crystal Palace H, 26/4 West Brom A, 3/5 Tottenham H, 11/5 Man City A

West Ham should be safe by now with 37 points and an admirable goal-difference, but one more success is likely to be on Big Sam's mind. That could come against Palace at home, a match they will want to win before their final three outings. West Brom is also winnable, but the hosts will similarly need the points, while a good, old-fashioned win over Tottenham would certainly please the Hammers faithful. A positive result on the final day of the season at the Etihad could be a step too far, but it shouldn't come to that.

12th Crystal Palace – P33, Pts 37

16/4 Everton A, 19/4 West Ham A, 27/4 Man City H, 5/5 Liverpool H, 11/5 Fulham A

Palace also look comfortable in 12th after their recent revival, but boss Tony Pulis will not rest until he has reached that elusive 40 points mark. Their home games look near-impossible, and away trips to Everton and West Ham in a week will not be easy, but a smattering of draws would suffice from those four. Fans will be hopeful that the final game away to Fulham is not significant.

13th Hull City – P33, Pts 36

20/4 Arsenal H, 26/4 Fulham A, 3/5 Aston Villa A, 6/5 Man United A, 11/5 Everton H

Steve Bruce will not want his players looking ahead to the FA Cup final just yet with Premier League safety still to be secured. The Tigers have a difficult run-in but points away to Fulham and Aston Villa will ease the nerves.

14th Aston Villa – P33, Pts 34

19/4 Southampton H, 26/4 Swansea A, 3/5 Hull H, 7/5 Man City A, 11/5 Tottenham A

Villa are in real trouble after defeat to Crystal Palace on Saturday. Four straight defeats are not a good sign for the Villains, who need to win their upcoming games to give them a chance of survival. One more win might keep them up, but if they lose to Swansea then they are in real peril.

15th Swansea City – P34, Pts 33

19/4 Newcastle A, 26/4 Aston Villa H, 3/5 Southampton H, 11/5 Sunderland A

Swansea can claim to have the easiest run-in in the bottom half, but it is nothing if they do not win some of them. Many teams around them have games in hand, so beating rivals such as Villa and Sunderland is imperative. Neither Newcastle nor Southampton have much to play for which could work to Swansea's advantage.

16th West Bromwich Albion – P33, Pts 33

21/4 Man City A, 26/4 West Ham H, 4/5 Arsenal A, 7/5 Sunderland A, 11/5 Stoke H

The key game from West Brom's final games is surely the Sunderland one. They could simultaneously eliminate one relegation rival whilst giving themselves a real chance of staying up. City and Arsenal will be important from a goal difference perspective, meaning the home games against West Ham and Stoke are must wins. They will need to stop conceding in the last minute if they are to stay up.

17th Norwich City – P 34, Pts 32

20/4 Liverpool H, 26/4 Man United A, 4/5 Chelsea A, 11/5 Arsenal H

With the exception of the always daunting trip to Old Trafford, Norwich will come up against teams fighting for something in each of their final four games. Plenty has been made of Norwich's run-in, and with a rookie manager at the helm it could be curtains for the Canaries.

18th Fulham – P 34, Pts 30

19/4 Tottenham A, 26/4 Hull H, 3/5 Stoke A, 11/5 Crystal Palace H

All of the bottom three will be eyeing Norwich's fixtures and sensing an opportunity to leapfrog the men in yellow. Fulham will play three teams around mid-lower half of the table, and could take advantage of those with little to play for.

19th Cardiff City – P 34, Pts 29

19/4 Stoke H, 27/4 Sunderland A, 3/5 Newcastle A, 11/5 Chelsea H

The stand-out fixture from Cardiff's final four is the away journey to Sunderland. Having beaten Southampton in their last outing, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will need to channel the same belief if Cardiff are to have any chance of staying in the top flight. Wins elsewhere are also required to avoid an immediate return to the second tier.

20th Sunderland – P32, Pts 25

16/4 Man City A, 19/4 Chelsea A, 27/4 Cardiff H, 3/5 Man United A, 7/5 West Brom H, 11/5 Swansea H

Like Norwich, Sunderland also have a daunting run-in with trips to both Manchester clubs and Chelsea. Gus Poyet has already stated his side needs 'a miracle' to stay up, as their two games in hand suddenly does not look like much of an advantage after all. Seven points adrift of Norwich, this season's League Cup finalists look like they will begin in the first round next season, along with the other Championship teams.

VERDICT: At the back end of the season, you can usually bank on one team to have an unusual run of form. Sunderland look buried with their difficult fixtures, but don't bet on Cardiff or Fulham to drop just yet as Norwich flounder. At London24 our loyalties are tied to Fulham, and we expect the Cottagers will have enough under Felix Magath to survive, leaving it between Norwich, West Brom and Cardiff to fight for 17th spot.


http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/which_teams_are_destined_for_relegation_here_s_how_fulham_crystal_palace_west_ham_and_their_rivals_shape_up_1_3561620

[WhiteJC]

 
Cole returns to Fulham

MK Dons can confirm that midfielder Larnell Cole has returned to parent club Fulham.

Cole, who arrived at stadiummk in late February, made just two appearances for Karl Robinson's men before a knee problem ruled him out of action.

The Club would like to wish Larnell a full and speedy recovery as well as all the best for the future.



Read more at http://www.mkdons.com/news/article/cole-returns-to-fulham-1491770.aspx#Zy13djFwRY7ySLEf.99

[WhiteJC]

 
Desperate Fulham Players Phone Fans To Personally Thank Them For Renewing Season Tickets

Fulham have been shocking this season, totally abysmal.

First they sacked Martin Jol, only to replace him with former Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen.

Meulensteen was given 17 games to save Fulham's season, when he failed, yep, he was sacked too.

Currently they sit in the bottom three with Felix Magath at the helm.

And the club appears to be in such a desperate situation that it has fallen to the players to personally phone fans to thank them for renewing season tickets.

Right-back Sascha Riether took to his official Twitter account yesterday and posted this rather surprising message:


Me and my teammates are calling 2014/15 season ticket holders to thank them for renewing


First team regulars Scott Parker and Brede Hangeland can be seen alongside Riether, with all three seemingly surprised by renewals.

Fair play to the trio for taking time out to spend time with the fans, but surely this image only goes to show the perilous circumstances the club finds itself in...



http://talkingbaws.com/2014/04/16/desperate-fulham-players-phone-fans-to-personally-thank-them-for-renewing-season-tickets/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Match of the Day: Brede Hangeland meets Fulham's 'Health Champions'

Captain Brede Hangeland meets children on Fulham's 'Health Champions' course, which promotes the benefits of healthy eating.

Over 200 children have attended the course organised by the Fulham Foundation, with hopefully many more to follow in the future.

Hangeland says it is crucial that footballers put the right type of "fuel" in to their bodies and he encourages more education on the subject.


http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/27057724

[WhiteJC]

 
Which three clubs will be relegated from the Premier League this season?
Analysis of Sunderland, Cardiff, Fulham, Norwich, West Brom, Aston Villa and Swansea, plus best 11s from around Europe

Tactical talking point: who is going down?


Will Fulham's defeat of Norwich help keep them up?
Photograph: Javier Garcia/BPI/REX

Sunderland: 20th, 25 points. Form W0 D1 L5

The current mood at the Stadium of Light couldn't be further from the euphoria felt a couple of months ago when Sunderland were preparing themselves for a Capital One Cup final and an FA Cup quarter-final having racked up seven wins from eight matches in all competitions.

Fast-forward to the present day and the sense of impending doom has overridden the optimism. After five successive Premier League defeats, the cup runs seem to have finally taken their toll, with their last three points coming in another memorable 3-0 rout at Newcastle at the start of February.

Though the Wearsiders have six games left to play, their three away trips are to the Etihad Stadium, Stamford Bridge and Old Trafford. With three of the top seven to play in their next four matches, the home game against Cardiff City sandwiched between is simply must win. While matches at the Stadium of Light against West Brom and Swansea also follow, Poyet's side have the worst home record in the division (13 points from 16 matches).

Man City v Sunderland, April 16
Chelsea v Sunderland, April 19
Sunderland v Cardiff, April 27
Manchester United v Sunderland, May 3
Sunderland v West Brom, May 7   
Sunderland v Swansea, May 11

Cardiff City: 19th, 29 points. Form W2 D1 L3

An unlikely win away at Southampton has given Cardiff a fighting chance that seemed to have disappeared after a crushing home defeat to Crystal Palace. The win on the road was their first in the league since September and they will need to pick up points in their remaining away games against a Newcastle side that have ground to a premature halt and the one team beneath them in the league, Sunderland. The enormity of that match cannot be overstated for either side.

Before then, they host Stoke City, who have only picked up 10 points from away matches this season. Cardiff will need to secure as many points as they can in their next three matches as they host Chelsea on the last day of the season.

Cardiff v Stoke, April 19
Sunderland v Cardiff, April 27
Newcastle v Cardiff, May 3
Cardiff v Chelsea, May 11

Fulham: 18th, 30 points. Form W3 D0 L3

Back-to-back wins have given Fulham hope. Their defensive woes have cost them all season but, their third manager this season, Felix Magath, seems to be having the desired effect.

While an away trip to Tottenham next time out may seem unfavourable, the uncertainty at Spurs with regards to the managerial position may well be a distraction, and Sherwood's side have been inconsistent of late. With six points possibly a minimum requirement, Fulham's home matches against Hull City and Crystal Palace, both of whom have realistically secured their safety and have won just 11 away points apiece this season, are extremely positive.

Tottenham v Fulham, April 19
Fulham v Hull City, April 26   
Stoke v Fulham, May 3   
Fulham v Crystal Palace, May 11

Norwich City: 17th, 32 points. Form W1 D1 L4

The board's decision to relieve Chris Hughton of his duties following a somewhat unfortunate home defeat to West Brom came as a surprise due to the timing more than the reasoning. The club clearly felt that the transfer budget was misplaced, particularly in light of the team's lack of goals this season. The summer acquisitions of Ricky van Wolfswinkel, Gary Hooper and Johan Elmander have provided just seven goals between them, with the club's goal tally 15 shy of their modest return last time around.

Norwich have an extremely tough end to the season. They host league leaders Liverpool on Sunday before travelling to Manchester United and Chelsea, and then finishing the campaign with a home match against an Arsenal side that will be hoping to qualify for the Champions League.

Norwich v Liverpool, April 20
Manchester United v Norwich, April 26
Chelsea v Norwich, May 4
Norwich v Arsenal, May 11

West Bromwich Albion: 16th, 33 points. Form W2 D2 L2

West Brom are unbeaten in three matches but they could still live to rue dropping points in stoppage time in their last two home matches. With a game in hand over the other clubs around them, they will be confident of picking up enough points between now and the end of the season, despite still having to travel to Manchester City and Arsenal.

Their next home match is against West Ham and a victory over Sam Allardyce's team would probably be enough to keep them up. Failure to pick up three points would pile pressure on a trip to the Stadium of Light, so West Brom fans will be hoping that Sunderland are relegated by then. A home match against Stoke on the final day may seem kind but West Brom have lost five of their last six matches at the Hawthorns.

Manchester City v West Brom, April 21
West Brom v West Ham, April 26
Arsenal v West Brom, May 4
Sunderland v West Brom, May 7
West Brom v Stoke, May 11

Swansea City: 15th, 33 points. Form W1 D1 L4

The fact that Swansea could yet be relegated despite averaging the most possession in the Premier League this season is perhaps the biggest indicator that being on the ball most often doesn't guarantee results. The Welsh outfit are a curious case as the general feeling is that they do not do enough with the ball in the right areas. That said, they've scored at least 5 more goals than any team outside of the top 8 and only three fewer than European hopefuls Tottenham.

The Swans' goal difference is just one short of last season's -4, but they've won just 1 of their last 9 league matches. The run in certainly plays in Garry Monk's side's favour though, with a trip to face a Newcastle side without a goal in 4 games up next before they host a Villa side that, at this moment, have also lost 4 on the bounce. A final day encounter against Sunderland is likely to be a dead rubber by kick-off on May 11.

Newcastle v Swansea, April 19
Swansea v Aston Villa, April 26
Swansea v Southampton, May 3
Sunderland v Swansea, May 11

Aston Villa: 14th, 34 points. Form W2 D0 L4

Rewind a month and, having played 29 league games, Aston Villa had earned their 34th point of the season with a memorable victory against Chelsea that may still define the outcome of both clubs' campaigns.

Four games later, however, Villa's points tally remains unchanged, with defeats to Stoke City, Manchester United, Fulham and, most recently, Crystal Palace leading to calls for manager Paul Lambert's head. Given that the clubs around them have been happy to sack managers, Lambert can certainly feel fortunate to be in a job.

Villa must pick up points – probably two at the least – in their next three games, given that they finish with matches against Manchester City and Spurs, but their inadequacies against the sides around them mean that much is far from certain.

Aston Villa v Southampton, April 19
Swansea v Aston Villa, April 26
Aston Villa V Hull City, May 3
Manchester City v Aston Villa, May 7
Tottenham V Aston Villa, May 11

All statistics courtesy of WhoScored.com, where you can find yet more stats, including live in-game data and unique player and team ratings.


http://www.theguardian.com/football/who-scored-blog/2014/apr/16/relegated-premier-league-sunderland-cardiff-fulham-norwich?

[WhiteJC]

 
Ashkan Dejagah praises Fulham fans

Ashkan Dejagah has called on Fulham's fans to help the players keep the club in the Premier League this season.

The Cottagers have given their survival hopes a huge boost in recent weeks thanks to back-to-back wins against Aston Villa and Norwich City.

Dejagah has now urged supporters to continue backing the team with plenty of enthusiasm as they try to stay in the top flight.

"It was a great atmosphere at Craven Cottage on Saturday, and also against Aston Villa," the midfielder told the club's official website. "So if the fans can do this in the next four games, I think and I hope that we will stay up.

"The fans helped us a lot in the last games. We are all together - the players, the staff and the fans - and hopefully we can get more points all together, starting on Saturday at Tottenham."

Fulham are currently in 18th place in the Premier League table, two points adrift of safety.


http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/news/dejagah-praises-fulham-fans_150202.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Wonder-Kid Tracked
   
Speculation in the national tabloid press, this morning, infers that Fulham Football Club are tracking a young defensive whizz-kid.

The player in question is 16 year-old Aaron Davies who although he is on the books of Bristol City he has yet to make an appearance for their first team.

However, it is suggested that Fulham do have competition for the young Welsh centre-back with it also being intimated that Liverpool are also showing some interest.


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=356205#ixzz2z878FfxE

[WhiteJC]

 
Spurs Sold Out

Supporters are advised that the Club has sold out its allocation for Saturday's game against Tottenham Hotspur, and no further tickets will be available to buy.

Many thanks to the fans who have secured their seat at the Lane - make sure you keep up the excellent backing that has proven so effective in recent weeks!


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/april/16/spurs-sold-out?

[WhiteJC]

 
John Arne Riise remaining patient over future

Fulham defender John Arne Riise has insisted that he is willing to remain patient over his future.

The 33-year-old Norwegian international, who joined the club in 2011, is due to be a free agent at the end of the current season.

Despite a new contract at Craven Cottage looking unlikely, Riise wants to help the team to stay in the Premier League before deciding his next move.

"Right now, I am doing everything I can to help Fulham to stay in the Premier League," he told VG.

"Nothing else matters right now. The future I will think about after the season. Then, I will be free and can choose whatever I want and where."

Fulham are currently two points adrift of safety in the Premier League table with four games left to play.



http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/transfer-talk/news/riise-remaining-patient-over-future_150245.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham fightback promises tough afternoon at White Hart Lane

Spurs will go into Saturday's match with Fulham as hot favourites – a position they were in just over 12 months ago when Dimitar Berbatov's goal was enough to separate the two sides. Football is constantly a game of 'what ifs' but that result was the one that we all looked back on when finally losing out in the race for the top four.

Champions League football has essentially evaded us for another season but three points are still on the table and it won't be easy against Felix Magath's team who have fought back to retain a faint chance of staying in the Premier League.

The Cottagers have now won two games in succession in an overall run of three victories in five and one of the men to watch is Hugo Rodallega who has scored the winner against both Aston Villa and Norwich City.

Lewis Holtby is ineligible to play against his parent club but it's a dangerous midfield with Kieran Richardson and Steve Sidwell also capable of finding the net. There's no Berbatov this year but Rodallega and Ashkan Dejagah are the type of attacking players who somehow seem to find their form against our own club.

Spurs are odds on to take the three points but we've all been watching Tottenham long enough to be slightly less confident than the bookmakers. What's your score prediction?


http://www.tottenhamblog.com/2014/04/16/fulham-fightback-promises-tough-afternoon-at-white-hart-lane/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Ryan Williams eyes Fulham return

On-loan Young Socceroo Ryan Williams has confirmed he will return to Fulham at the end of this season but is first keen to ensure Oxford United makes the League Two playoffs.

Williams joined Oxford United on loan in August and in December had his stay extended until the end of the 2013-2014 campaign.

The winger has made 38 appearances for The U's, with 32 in League One, and has scored six goals and set up five others.

Williams, 20, said he has been happy with his form.

"I've been playing well and getting minutes, goals and assists under my belt, which is the reason I'm here," he said.

Williams has been a regular starter on the right wing for Gary Waddock's side, with the occasional appearance on the left flank.

However, Oxford United have endured a barren run of late with just two victories from their past 10 matches.

Waddock took over The U's in March, after former boss Chris Wilder left to join Northampton, and the club has dropped from first position, at the end of 2013, to seventh place.

Oxford United is just inside the play-offs, one point above York, and Williams believes a combination of things can be attributed to the club's poor form.

"I'd say a couple of injuries but I think it's mainly the fact that we haven't got out of our losing streak and conceding last minute all the time kills us," he said.

"I think we can go up definitely and if we keep playing as a team like we did Saturday against Plymouth we should."

Oxford United beat Plymouth Argyle 2-0 on the weekend to move back into the play-off spots and now face promotion rivals York in a massive clash on Good Friday.

"I think every game you want to win but this one especially because they are so close behind us," Williams said.

The 20-year old Perth product has been in close contact with parent club Fulham and believes he is ready for a crack at Premier League football.

"After every game they contact me and ask me how it went and every now and then they come and watch," Williams said.

"I think (I'm ready), but you never fully know until you actually play and find out what it's like."



Read more at http://www.fourfourtwo.com/au/news/ryan-williams-eyes-fulham-return#q5LdUJJhuvVDpxLu.99

[WhiteJC]

 
Rewind Report

Before each game we take a look back through the archives to revisit a match against our upcoming opposition. This week, we recall our first win at White Hart Lane since 1948.

Tottenham Hotspur 0-3 Fulham 30.08.2003

Barry Hayles scored a brilliant brace and set up another as Fulham secured a famous win in the Premiership's first London derby of the 2003/04 season.

The first decent chance fell the way of the hosts, though, just after the quarter hour mark when Rohan Ricketts beat two Fulham men before playing in Frederic Kanoute, but Edwin van der Sar was out quickly to block his shot.

The Whites – who were sporting their away black and red strip – made them pay just seven minutes later through boyhood Spurs fan Hayles. Lee Clark seized upon a loose ball in the centre circle and showed a brilliant combination of agility, intellect and vision to send an overhead kick down field for Hayles to chase.

He then showed brute strength to win possession of the ball ahead of Dean Richards before carrying it into a wide position inside the penalty area. Stood up by both Anthony Gardner and the recovering Richards, Hayles shaped to shoot but cut inside further before arrowing in a perfect left-foot finish which nestled just inside the far post with Kasey Keller well beaten.

Van der Sar and Keller were both in action again before the interval as they kept out efforts from Ledley King and Hayles. And with the visitors leading as the whistle went, Spurs boss Glenn Hoddle made an attacking change at half-time, replacing centre-back King with Bobby Zamora.

The North London outfit came close to equalising on 66 minutes when Moritz Volz headed against his own post under pressure from Helder Postiga, but Hayles was on target again just seconds later.

A wild cross-field pass from Darren Anderton in his own half played his defence into trouble and Steed Malbranque nipped in to play a first time ball towards Hayles. His pass was over-hit, though, and went straight to Richards, only for Hayles to rob him immediately with a firm tackle.

Fulham's number 15 was a good 30 yards from goal but sprinted towards Keller, taking two touches and giving the American custodian the eyes before rifling another strike in on his left foot, this time into the top corner at the near post.

And it was 3-0 four minutes later with a neatly crafted team goal. Working the ball from his own half, Hayles fed Malbranque down the right flank before carrying on his run and collecting a return pass from his teammate. He then went one-v-one with Richards and waited for the opportune moment to fizz in a low cross for Luis Boa Morte to attack ahead of Anderton and slide beyond Keller.

From the archives

The Guardian – Sunday 31st August 2003

'Hayles heaps woe on Spurs' by Richard Morgan

"Chris Coleman was honest enough to admit that he had been working all week with his team on stifling the Tottenham forward line and that a point would have been a great result for his team. 'I would have been delighted with a draw pre-match,' said Coleman, before adding: 'Especially given our away performances last season.'

"Maybe it was the Welshman's observations after defeat away to Everton last weekend - when he said that his players had a 'lack of men and leaders' - that had acted as a spur to his team.

"After a slow start and despite enjoying far less possession than the home team, Fulham turned in a fine display of clinical, counter-attacking football that dispelled the myth that they do not travel well."


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/april/17/rewind-report?

[WhiteJC]

 
Vito Mannone mistake for Sunderland boosts Cardiff City's Premier League survival hopes


Vito Mannone's mistake sparked pandemonium... on Twitter (Picture: AP Photo/Rui Vieira)

At the Etihad Stadium, Conor Wickham scores an unlikely goal to put Sunderland 2-1 up at Manchester City.

What drama. If you'd seen my Twitter feed at 88 minutes, it was as if the world had ended for so many and the world had changed for so few. Norwich fans, Cardiff City fans, West Brom fans and Swansea fans were united in pain. Liverpool fans were jumping for joy – if such a thing can happen on a social network – as they put one hand on the trophy.

Minutes later, Samir Nasri levels the scores.

Roles reversed! Cardiff City are staying up and so are West Brom. Norwich live to fight another day, too. Liverpool fans have taken their hands off the trophy and are chastising Sunderland's goalkeeper Vito Mannone, who had been exemplary all season, after he dropped an absolute clanger, along with the ball, to let Man City back in it.

Another night in the Premier League and another sting in the tail. Sunderland's games in hand now become a game in hand; two chances at making up ground down, they sit bottom by three points. Cardiff sit 19th and Fulham sit 18th.

It's all going down to the wire. Whilst two games ago Cardiff City's great escape looked implausible, it's now looking less so. We play Stoke at home on Saturday knowing a win will put us level with Norwich. Norwich don't play until Sunday. It's the psychological advantage that people go on about.

Four games left of the season. Every fan is nervously eyeing the fixture lists of other teams. The ifs and buts and maybes are coming into play – 'We can beat them, can't we?'.

Fulham have come into form at a vital time; Norwich have a tough run in. Cardiff have winnable games. West Brom have thrown away two vital games in the last minute. Sunderland are bottom of the league.

It's all going to count for something; it's all going to count for nothing. Three hundred and 60 minutes of football to define our season.


http://metro.co.uk/2014/04/17/vita-mannone-mistake-for-sunderland-boosts-cardiff-citys-premier-league-survival-hopes-4701671/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Tottenham v Fulham: Lay an early goal as slow starters meet at the Lane

Lewis Jones has something in common with both Tottenham and Fulham in that he isn't much of an early riser either. He's predicting no goals before the 20th minute mark in this London derby....

Tottenham v Fulham
Saturday, 12:45
Live on BT Sport 1

Tottenham

You get the feeling that everyone associated with Spurs just wants to get this season over and done with.

"We'll build again," that's what the official party line will be from the boys in the boardroom as the north Londoners go in search for yet another manager this summer.

With the change will come yet more new ideas and of course, more new players.

Now fourth place is out of their reach and the fight for sixth place and a Europa League spot unlikely to be sending the fans wild with excitement, manager Tim Sherwood, who will be relieved of his duties at the end of the campaign, just has his reputation to uphold in the remaining matches.

Rumours are rife that the manager is under pressure from the board to give record signing Erik Lamela a run-out in the final games despite Sherwood saying he's unavailable for selection. There will definitely be changes to their back four following a defensive horror show in the 3-3 draw against West Brom in their last outing.


Fulham

Felix Magath arrived at Fulham with the remit to push them to the 40 point mark in his remaining games.

He's going to fail.

But such is the congested nature of the relegation picture, Fulham may only need two more wins and 36 points in their bag to survive.

Back-to-back successes against Aston Villa and Norwich have catapulted the west Londoners back into the mix.

You get the feeling the real work starts after this trip to White Hart Lane. Fulham have arguably the easiest run-in of all of the relegation candidates with a trip to Stoke sandwiched in between home games against Crystal Palace and Hull City. Two wins may just be enough.


Match Odds

Fulham's inability to defend on the road will be looked back on as a key area of weakness if they fail to keep their Premier League status this season.

Just one clean sheet in 17 games with 40 goals conceded is no way to go about winning points in this league where defensive organisation is crucial for success; see the way Sam Allardyce and Tony Pulis set their teams up. No thrills but points in the bag.

Fulham are always a side that carry a threat going forward but even the instalment of Magath hasn't managed to sure up the leaky goings on at the other end away from home, conceding three at Cardiff and five at Man City.

Spurs carve out chances for fun under an attack-minded Sherwood have scored 11 goals in their last four games.

This attacking quality is likely to come to the fore in this clash and it's no real surprise to see the hosts, who have won six of their eight home games against teams in the bottom half, heavily odds-on at 1.56 for the win

That price makes little appeal to me strictly on the basis that Fulham have it all to play for while Spurs may be easing off for the summer. Saying that, I wouldn't be overly keen on laying them either. As Bruce Forsyth put it, the price is right.

That can also be said for Fulham's odds of 6.8 for an away win and the draw at 4.7. The markets have got it spot-on in my eyes and I'll be looking elsewhere to grab some value.


Halftime score/Time of First Goal Odds

This clash brings together the two slowest starters in the Premier League. Both sides start matches like me with a hangover: intentions are good but results are sloppy.

Unbelievably, Spurs have yet to score a Premier League goal in the first 15 minutes this season and are the only side not to have done so.

Meanwhile, Fulham haven't fared much better, scoring just once in their 34 games between kick-off and the 15th minute.

All these stats points towards a very slow, cagey opening to proceedings here and it's only right that we try and profit from it.

The 0-0 halftime score is available to back at 3.45, with the potential to get matched at a higher price, and that offers a possible trading option or just a simple back bet.

Another way to approach this kind of money making scheme would be to lay the first goal to be scored before the 20th minute.

Unfortunately there isn't a market available on that particular bet but we can get round it by laying both the 0-10 minute period and the 11-20 minute period at 4.3 for the pair, which would pay around even money if no goal is scored in that period. Get on.


Recommended Bets
Back the 0-0 halftime score @ 3.6 or better
Lay the first goal to be scored between 0-10 minutes @ 4.3 or less
Lay the first goal to be scored between 11-20 minutes @ 4.3 or less


https://betting.betfair.com/football/premier-league/tottenham-v-fulham-lay-an-early-goal-as-slow-starters-meet-at-the-lane-170414-664.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham's record signing set for early exit?

Roma will turn to Fulham's Kostas Mitroglou or former Chelsea hitman Salomon Kalou if they fail to prise Jackson Martinez away from Porto.

Rudi Garcia, the Roma manager, wants to sign a new forward to augment his attack this summer and he has targeted Martinez, who has continually been linked with Chelsea and Arsenal over the past year.

The Colombia international has hit 58 goals in all competitions since arriving in Portugal in the summer of 2012 and Porto's domestic struggles this term have heightened speculation he could move on in the summer.

Roma chiefs are planning imminent talks with the 27-year-old's representatives, but is unclear if they will be able to match the striker's £31m release clause fee.

Should they fail to persuade Porto to sell at a lower price they will seek cheaper alternatives - and Mitroglou and Kalou are both on their list of targets.

Greece international Mitroglou has failed to make an impact at Craven Cottage since his £11m move from Olympiakos in January and could be made available if Fulham succumb to the drop.

Meanwhile Lille's Kalou, who was reportedly the subject of a failed loan bid from Arsenal earlier this year, would offer Roma versatility as he can play out wide and through the middle.



Read more at http://talksport.com/football/fulhams-record-signing-set-early-exit-14041787711#oKDK7TtSAPr7iXhW.99

[WhiteJC]

 
Managerial Masterclass

Brother, our Official Technology Partner, would like to offer Fulham fans the opportunity to bring their own football team to our Motspur Park Training Ground on Tuesday the 29th of April for a once-in-a-lifetime coaching session overseen by our First Team Manager, Felix Magath, and his staff.

Whether your team is preparing for a cup final, in need of some set-piece coaching or is a handful of games away from an undefeated season, simply let us know why your team should be chosen for this exclusive session.

Discussing the competition earlier this week, Magath said: "Well structured coaching, fitness and mental discipline is the key to developing players and ensuring each individual can reach their full potential.

"We're looking forward to opening our training ground gates to provide the help that will hopefully see the team that we will be working with, have a successful end to their season."

Brother's Head of Marketing, James Lawton-Hill, stated: "It's not very often that grassroots footballers get to train in Premier League climates. Football fans travel across the country and abroad following their club so it's great to be able to offer such a great opportunity to Fulham's deserving followers."

To enter this competition, simply email us before midnight on the 22nd of April at [email protected] telling us why your team should be picked.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/april/17/managerial-masterclass?

[WhiteJC]

 
Damien Duff: A look back on four years at Fulham


Damien Duff has announced he will be leaving Fulham at the end of the season (Picture: Getty Images)

Then there was one: Brede Hangeland is set to become the only remaining player at the club who featured in Fulham's Europa League final, as Damien Duff announces his intentions to leave in the summer.

If there is one player I have felt we have really missed this year, then that's Damien Duff.

For the most part this season we've been sluggish and lacking creativity – crying out for the Irishman's sudden turn of pace, ability to cut inside and have a shot on goal with either foot.

Upon arriving at Fulham, Duff made an immediate impact, slotting in nicely on either wing, and providing us with an attacking angle that we hadn't had since Steed Malbranque left the club.

Linking back up with then manager Roy Hodgson – who had previously managed Duff at Blackburn Rovers – the winger made his first appearance for the club against Russian side FC Amkar Perm in the UEFA Europa League qualifiers, where he came on as a sub to set up the third goal in a 3-1 win at the Cottage.

His first league goal for the club came against Everton, not long after, and has remained a moment that sticks out in the minds of many Fulham fans.

A piece of individual prowess, Duff not only secured all three points for the club that day, but helped create a moment of positivity – a feeling that the team were getting increasingly better and better.

Hosting an ever-impressive Everton side, Fulham, who were losing at the break, grabbed a second half equaliser to make the score 1-1.


Departing Duff will be hard to replace at FulhamDuff celebrates scoring goal against Wigan in 2012 (Picture: Reuters)
Typical for the two sides at the time, the game was closely contested with very little on show capable of forging one side's possible advantage.

That is until Duff picked up the ball on the right wing, of course. Running at the defence until he reached the edge of the area, the Irishman cut in on his left and struck the ball hard and low across the goalkeeper to put the Whites ahead.

Duff also featured for Fulham throughout their Europa League campaign and was an integral part of the team that stunned the world by reaching the final against all the odds.

Plagued with injury this year, and showing signs of athletic deterioration, the winger has sat out the majority of our recent fixtures, but has rightfully remained, in the eyes of the faithful, a fans' favourite – a relic of a time when we were not battling relegation.

Confirming the end of his tenure at Fulham, Duff, speaking to the Irish Times, said: 'I'm up at the end of the season, the club haven't spoken to me and I haven't spoken to the club but we don't need to speak: I'll be leaving Fulham. I've had a great time here but that's football.'

As a Fulham fan I wish him all the best in his future endeavours, and am positive that everyone else at the club will echo this sentiment.


http://metro.co.uk/2014/04/17/damien-duff-a-look-back-on-four-years-at-fulham-4701201/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Hugo Rodallega could be answer to Fulham's striker conundrum


Hugo Rodallega has scored two goals in as many games to boost Fulham's survival hopes (Picture: Getty Images)

You'd be forgiven for thinking that, nearly two months into his tenure, Felix Magath would have a settled starting XI.

But no – this is the club that have utilised no fewer than 38 players this season. Unsurprisingly, that is a Premier League record.

And one of the areas most struck by this recurring indecisiveness is up front, where Dimitar Berbatov, Kostas Mitroglou, Hugo Rodallega, Cauley Woodrow, Moussa Dembele and Darren Bent have all featured.

Admittedly, Magath seems to have settled on his defence and midfield now but this striker conundrum still continues to rankle, with the German toying between the tenacious Woodrow and the mercurial Rodallega.

Given their respective forms, it is an understandably difficult issue to resolve.

Woodrow, in his brief time in the spotlight, has been superb. He is a dynamic forward, adept at holding the ball up, bringing others into play and causing opposition defences all kinds of unwanted concerns.

He is intelligent, too, with wisdom beyond his years. He times his runs well and finds space with unerring regularity. All this, at only 19 years of age, is highly commendable.

But there is something extremely lacking to his game; goals. This may seem somewhat harsh – he's had barely a moment to impose himself on the Premier League.


Cauley Woodrow just needs to add goals to his game (Picture: Getty Images)

Yet, he was promoted to the first team with a prolific goalscoring history. Naturally, England's highest tier of football is something quite different to what the young striker has previously experienced. The games he has featured in have hardly been easy, either.

The problem is, though, that compared to someone like Rodallega, Woodrow, statistically at the very least, seems a little tame.

The Colombian is no out-and-out goalscorer but he has shown in his last two games that finding the net doesn't faze him.

Perhaps that is just what we need. With Rodallega, you lose a little of the off-the-ball nous and he doesn't hold the ball up quite like Woodrow, but you do retain that unerring doggedness which is so important in a situation like ours.

Against Norwich City, for example, he was there in his own penalty box, blocking shots and closing down opportunities.

Unfortunately, there is no time for the likes of Mitroglou – lacking in fitness and, from what we could garner from his sole performance for Fulham so far, well short of the unyielding qualities that the likes of Rodallega and Woodrow bring to the fore.

As for Darren Bent, hope seems all but lost now.

What we need is a mixture of both the resolute qualities of Woodrow and the more technical charm of Mitroglou.

Rodallega, for now at the very least, seems to be that man.


http://metro.co.uk/2014/04/17/hugo-rodallega-could-be-answer-to-fulhams-striker-conundrum-4701519/?

[Craven Mad]

Fulham's record signing set for early exit?

Roma will turn to Fulham's Kostas Mitroglou or former Chelsea hitman Salomon Kalou if they fail to prise Jackson Martinez away from Porto.

Rudi Garcia, the Roma manager, wants to sign a new forward to augment his attack this summer and he has targeted Martinez, who has continually been linked with Chelsea and Arsenal over the past year.

The Colombia international has hit 58 goals in all competitions since arriving in Portugal in the summer of 2012 and Porto's domestic struggles this term have heightened speculation he could move on in the summer.

Roma chiefs are planning imminent talks with the 27-year-old's representatives, but is unclear if they will be able to match the striker's £31m release clause fee.

Should they fail to persuade Porto to sell at a lower price they will seek cheaper alternatives - and Mitroglou and Kalou are both on their list of targets.

Greece international Mitroglou has failed to make an impact at Craven Cottage since his £11m move from Olympiakos in January and could be made available if Fulham succumb to the drop.

Meanwhile Lille's Kalou, who was reportedly the subject of a failed loan bid from Arsenal earlier this year, would offer Roma versatility as he can play out wide and through the middle.



Read more at http://talksport.com/football/fulhams-record-signing-set-early-exit-14041787711#oKDK7TtSAPr7iXhW.99

I just skipped through the article and caught the words: "Roma will turn to Fulham's Kostas Mitroglou"... "they will be able to match the striker's £31m release clause fee."..

Cue me getting excited about big-spending in the summer. Then I read the article properly...

That'll teach me for being lazy!