Thursday Fulham Stuff (05/06/14)...

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Brede Hangeland exit officially marks the end of an era at Fulham

After spending a successful six-and-a-half years at the club, Brede Hangeland – the last player from Fulham's Europa League campaign – has been released.

Hangeland's dismissal adds another mark to the seemingly ever-growing tally of players let go by Fulham, since relegation became a reality.

But beyond that, the big Norwegian's exit also marks a hypothetical end to the club's golden period.

At the age of 32, Hangeland is perhaps coming to the end of his career, and has indeed struggled with form this season, having failed to sustain the high level of performance fans have come accustomed to seeing from him throughout his tenure.

But, speaking on behalf of the majority of Fulham fans, Hangeland will only be remembered in the highest regard by those who got to see him play at the Cottage.

Strong, commanding, relaxed on the ball and, above all, reliable, Hangeland was the heartbeat of our defence – and team for that matter – for some of the club's most celebrated years.

The big Norwegian also showed a level of loyalty, a trait that seems elusive to the modern game, as Fulham fended off interest from Arsenal, on a number of occasions, with apparent ease.

Transferring from F.C. Copenhagen, Hangeland, who was at the time brought in to stabilise a woeful defence, was Roy Hodgson's first signing and a genuine example of real quality – something that had been seriously lacking before him.

It is therefore fitting, and rather poignant, that he – the player that marked the start of the golden era – should become the one to mark the end of it, as Fulham prepare for life after relegation.

While Fulham's future is still very much in the balance – and not all doom and gloom, I might add – it is no secret the number five jersey he leaves behind will indeed take some filling.



http://metro.co.uk/2014/06/04/brede-hangeland-exit-officially-marks-the-end-of-an-era-at-fulham-4748991/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Released Fulham captain attracting QPR and Crystal Palace

Former Fulham captain Brede Hangeland is attracting interest from Premier League sides QPR and Crystal Palace, according to Get West London.

The 32-year-old was controversially released by Fulham yesterday via email, a move which has been heavily criticised.

Hangeland joined Fulham in 2008 and went on to make over 250 appearances for the club, eventually becoming club captain.

His release yesterday immediately prompted interest from newly-promoted QPR and Crystal Palace.

QPR boss Harry Redknapp is looking to bolster his defensive options ahead of the new Premier League season.

The club were initially linked with former Manchester United centre back Rio Ferdinand, but Redknapp put an end to those rumours and has now identified Hangeland as his number one target.

Crystal Palace are also thought to be interested in the Norwegian international, and will look to make a move for the player in the next few days as they look to build upon Tony Pulis' success last season.


http://footballleagueworld.co.uk/released-fulham-captain-attracting-qpr-and-crystal-palace/?

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QPR boss Redknapp keen to sign Sidwell

QPR boss Harry Redknapp wants to sign Steve Sidwell.

The former Chelsea midfielder, 31, is a free agent after recently being released by Fulham, where his contract expires this summer.

He made 92 league appearances during a three-and-a-half-year stay at Craven Cottage, having also had spells at Aston Villa and Reading since starting his career at Arsenal.

Sidwell was one of a number of players recently released by relegated Fulham at the end of his contract, while Brede Hangeland is also looking for a new club after the Whites exercised an option to end the Norwegian defender's deal a year early.

Hangeland was previously wanted by QPR but is not currently one of Redknapp's transfer targets.


http://www.westlondonsport.com/qpr/qpr-boss-redknapp-keen-to-sign-sidwell-2?

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Stockdale reveals Fulham hopes and looks to Hull for inspiration

David Stockdale (Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images)

David Stockdale believes Fulham's squad needs to be a mixture of youth and experience as the Whites look to bounce back to the Premier League.

The west Londoners released Steve Sidwell, Damien Duff, Giorgos Karagounis, Mahamadou Diarra, John Arne Riise, Matthew Briggs, John Heitinga and Neil Etheridge after their relegation to the Championships.

Fulham also released youngsters Charles Banya, Alex Brister, Dino Islamovic, Ronny Minkwitz, Max Oberschmidt and Josh Pritchard.

And Stockdale believes that Felix Magath needs to compile a squad that has experience as well as the innocence of youth.

"I think it's got to be a mix of youth and experience," he said after the 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace. "The Championship is not easy.

"I told the lads it's not going to be a walkover. You might think you are Premier League players now, it doesn't mean you are next year."

Stockdale was one of the standout performers, despite Fulham's inability to beat the drop and he admitted that his displays were of cold comfort.

"On a personal level, I feel disappointed because we got relegated," he added.

"I know you're going to say my performances but it's not just about my performances it's about the club staying where it should be."

Stockdale does have experience of winning promotion from the Championship with Hull and he is looking to his Tigers experience for inspiration.

"I'll have to take my experience at Hull," he admitted.

"We have to get more points than 20 other teams. At Hull we had some team unity and had a manager who was a bit like this one.

"He wasn't afraid to make decisions. When it goes against you have to get behind the lads.

"You need to go to Bournemouth on a cold Tuesday night and then again on a Saturday."



http://www.london24.com/sport/football/clubs/fulham/stockdale_reveals_fulham_hopes_and_looks_to_hull_for_inspiration_1_3623114

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Norwich, Cardiff, Middlesbrough, Nottingham Forest, Derby, Fulham & Wigan keen on Bournemouth striker

Norwich, Cardiff, Middlesbrough, Nottingham Forest, Derby, Fulham & Wigan are all monitoring Bournemouth striker Lewis Grabban.

Cardiff City have already met the in-demand striker's release clause, while Middlesbrough had also been in talks with the player, although they have yet to finalise their offer.

With Cardiff signing strikers Adam Le Fondre & Federico Macheda last week, Middlesbrough looked to have edged ahead in the race to land Grabban after making him their top striking target this summer.

Reports are now suggesting that Norwich have entered the fray to land the 26-year-old, who scored 22 goals in the Championship last term.

Nottingham Forest, Derby, Fulham & Wigan are also thought to be monitoring the situation


http://footballleagueworld.co.uk/norwich-cardiff-middlesbrough-nottingham-forest-derby-fulham-wigan-keen-on-bournemouth-striker/?

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Philippe Senderos poised to sign for Aston Villa before flying out to World Cup with Switzerland
Philippe Senderos was released by Fulham at the end of the season
The defender will have a medical at Aston Villa before completing a transfer
Senderos will represent Switzerland at the World Cup this summer
He has also played for Arsenal and Everton in the Premier League

Senderos is set to sign for Villa on a free transfer before linking up with the Swiss squad on Friday.

Ottmar Hitzfeld's side will face Ecuador, France and Honduras in Brazil.

Senderos will add experience to Paul Lambert's side after they struggled to avoid relegation for a second consecutive season, eventually finishing 15th and five points clear of the drop zone.

The defender is likely to link up with Roy Keane who is expected to be named as Lambert's assistant manager at Villa Park after cancelling his plans to work as a pundit for ITV at the World Cup.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2648648/Philippe-Senderos-poised-sign-Aston-Villa-flying-World-Cup-Switzerland.html#ixzz33hH2nsup
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Southampton target Felix Magath as manager but Fulham block their request for talks

Relegated Cottagers want German to stay to mastermind a Championship promotion push rather than leave to succeed Pochettino

Fulham face a fight to keep boss Felix Magath after refusing Southampton permission to speak to him.

The 60-year-old German will have to walk out on the west London Championship club if he wants to hold talks with the managerless Saints about a swift return to the Premier League.

Southampton want to replace Mauricio Pochettino - who took over at Tottenham last month - by the end of next week.

They have already spoken to Feyenoord boss Ronald Koeman, too.

But while Koeman, rejected by Swansea, is desperate to work in the Premier League, MirrorFootball understands Southampton are particularly keen to speak to Magath - despite his relegation with the Cottagers this season.

Ex-Bayern Munich coach Magath has so far given his word to Fulham - and the club's fans - that he will continue to lead them despite their drop into the Championship.


Specs appeal: Magath is still popular at Fulham despite their relegation

However, Southampton believe Magath had little to work with at Craven Cottage - where he was the third manager of the season after Martin Jol and Rene Meulensteen were axed in December and February respectively - and could deliver better results with a squad of greater quality.

Fulham, though, want him to continue the process of restructuring their playing staff for a tilt at an automatic return to the top flight.

Captain and centre-half Brede Hangeland, 32, is among a clutch of players released by the club, who are ready to place their faith in youth next season.



http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/southampton-target-felix-magath-manager-3645778#ixzz33jScR1pC
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