Thursday Fulham Stuff (10/07/14)...

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Away Days: Bolton Wanderers

Every morning for 23 days we'll be providing a bite-size profile of our upcoming opposition in the 2014/15 Sky Bet Championship season. Next up is Bolton Wanderers.


Date: Tuesday 10th February (8pm)

Recent history: A third of the trio that became the first group of teams promoted to the top flight to all stay up – alongside Fulham and Blackburn Rovers – Bolton enjoyed 11 seasons in the Premier League, especially when they secured four consecutive top-eight finishes from 2004-2007. Relegated five years later, goal difference alone denied them a Play-Off place in their first season in the Championship, although 2013/14 was more of a struggle as they finished 14th.

The manager: Dougie Freedman, appointed October 2012

Player to watch: Tim Ream, defender

Marathonbet odds for the title: 20/1

Head-to-head record: Fulham 28, Bolton 27, Draw 21

Previous meeting: Bolton 0-3 Fulham (Clint Dempsey 2, Mahamadou Diarra) Premier League, April 2012

By train: London Euston – Horwich Parkway [via Preston or Manchester Piccadilly] (approx. 2 hours 50 minutes)

Five who played for both: Zat Knight, Darren Pratley, Heidar Helguson, Sean Davis, Gael Kakuta


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/july/09/away-days-bolton-wanderers?

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Stafylidis Signs

Fulham Football Club is delighted to announce the season-long loan signing of Konstantinos Stafylidis from Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen.

The Club have an option to sign the player permanently at the end of the loan agreement.

The 20-year-old left-back moved to Germany in 2012 from Greek side PAOK where he started his career.

He has one international cap for Greece and has represented his country more than 30 times at youth level. Stafylidis was part of the Greece Under-19s side that suffered a 1-0 defeat in the Final of U19 European Championship against Spain in 2012.

He spent the 2012/13 season back at PAOK, making 24 appearances on loan and helping the team to the 2013 Greece Super League title.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/july/09/stafylidis-signs?

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Bye Bye Ross

After the weekend when Yorkshire, particularly West Yorkshire showed the world how fanatical we can be about sport, it seems the top scorer of one of the county's clubs Ross McCormack has been 'dazzled' by the promise of riches in the streets of London, West London in fact at Craven Cottage, home of relegated Fulham FC.

It wasn't a surprise he left, but where McCormack decided to ply his trade was. Fulham as I've said have just dropped out of the Premier League and although they have been tipped to challenge next season, people expected the Scottish striker to move to a either a established Premiership team or at least one of the teams going up from the Championship, Leicester and Burnley being linked just after the season ended.

Although as I said earlier it was no massive shock for McCormack to leave it leaves a lot to replace in the squad, not many others weighed in with goals last season. A prolific, at least up to Championship standard striker is definitely needed, because in my view there isn't one anywhere close to that in the present squad. The likes of Matt Smith and Noel Hunt, still without a goal in a competitive game will be asked to step up to the mark if Cellino fails to replace Ross and although Smith had a great first season, Hunt was seen as a massive disappointment.

We still have another couple of strikers I've not mentioned, Morison and Poleon are still on the books but both don't fill this fan with any confidence. Personally I'd sell Morison, as he comes across as somebody who didn't fit in for some reason at Leeds and seems uninterested when I've seen him play. Poleon although given limited opportunities has split opinion, he's a direct player but needs to see what is around him while in possession of the ball. A make or break season for the youngster.

Two deals this week have brought in two Italians, one a keeper (Silvestri) and a midfielder (Bianchi) both have played at under 21 level for Italy. They join Stuart Taylor who joined on a free transfer. The problem now is attracting a high profile marksman to the club. Already linked are old boy Becchio and Troy Deeney of Watford, these are two that would be welcomed as they both have good goalscoring records at this level, although Beechio may be a little 'rusty' after nearly spending his all Norwich City on their bench.

I'll miss the number 44, the pulling on his shirt and kissing the badge when he scored and it might seem worthless now he's gone but at least he had passion in the shirt we, as fans love. The season is around the corner and we wait to see if Mr Cellino can replace him but one thing is certain they are pretty big boots to fill. I'm not going join the criticism of the sale as eleven million is a awful lot of money for a twenty eight year old and maybe last season was his best he'll ever do.

Thanks for the memories Ross and good luck at your new club

On On On



http://www.weallloveleeds.co.uk/leeds-united-latest/bye-bye-ross?

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Konstantinos Stafylidis: Fulham sign Greece international on loan

Fulham have signed Greece international left-back Konstantinos Stafylidis on a season-long loan from Bayer Leverkusen.

The 20-year-old, who has made one appearance for Greece but was not in their 2014 World Cup squad, joined the German side from PAOK Salonika in 2012.

He is Fulham's sixth summer signing as the relegated club prepare for life in the Championship.

The deal includes an option to make Stafylidis's move to Craven Cottage permanent if he impresses.

His arrival was announced 24 hours after Fulham confirmed the capture of Scotland striker Ross McCormack from Leeds United.

They have also signed former Schalke defender Tim Hoogland, Australia striker Adam Taggart, defender Kay Voser from Basel and Motherwell defender Shaun Hutchinson.



http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/28229131

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McCormack Fall-Out
   
The capture of Ross McCormack, from Leeds United, is very welcome news.

Life down in the Championship will be no picnic and if we have any hopes of an instant return to the Premier League then a proven goal-scorer, at this level, can only be beneficial.

However, having left Leeds United it appears that there is now a war of words going on between our new striker and the new owner of the Yorkshire club, Massimo Cellino.

McCormack, getting in first, is quoted as having remarked,

"I have just been hung out to dry over this transfer. I did not want to leave in this manner but it is no longer the club I fell in love with."

Could that be a reference to the purse-strings being severely tightened with players having to bring their own lunch into training or are there more sinister goings-on?

In replay though, Cellino has retorted,

"I was disrespected and he was aggressive with me. All the time he wanted to go from here and it was not possible to keep him."

Hopefully, all this anger and angst can be put to bed before the season starts!


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=363087#ixzz373Hv1fw8

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Who is Kostas Stafylidis? Five things you might not know about Fulham's new signing

Greek defender joins Cottagers on season-long loan deal


New face: Kostas Stafylidis has made the switch to SW6
Fulham completed the loan signing of Greek defender Kostas Stafylidis from Bayer Leverkusen earlier today.

Felix Magath knows the German market well and has already raided his homeland for Tim Hoogland following his release by Schalke this summer.           

And he has returned to the Bundesliga to land left-back Stafylidis on a season-long loan deal with the option to buy.

Rebuilding job: Felix Magath is putting together a new-look side following relegation
Here's five things you might not know about the 20-year-old.

1. Where it all started
Stafylidis came through the ranks at PAOK and was handed his first-team debut at just 17.

He established himself as a regular in the side and was given a new bumper contract in a bid to warn off potential suitors.


Point to prove: Stafylidis comes to Craven Cottage after a difficult year in Germany

2. Getting noticed
The defender shone as Greece reached the final of the European U19 Championships in 2012, losing narrowly to Spain in the final. However, his performances didn't go unnoticed as he was named in the top 10 players of the tournament.

3. Making the jump
Stafylidis's display saw German outfit Bayer Leverkusen come calling and trigger the 1.5m euros release clause in his contract the following summer. He penned a five-year deal with Leverkusen believed to be worth 2.2m euros.


New home: Stafylidis has signed a season-long loan deal with Fulham

4. Struggling to settle
The left-back failed to get to grips with the language and couldn't establish himself as a regular in the Bundesliga.

He made his debut as a substitute in the 3-0 home win against Nuremberg last November but hasn't featured since.

5. International recognition
Stafylidis has represented Greece at every level and made his senior debut in a friendly against Republic of Ireland in 2012.


http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/who-kostas-stafylidis-five-things-7396152?

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Fulham tee shirts...

http://www.sixtyninetees.co.uk/fulham.php

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The Craven Corner: Why Fulham's strike partnership after McCormack deal is exciting


Ross McCormack. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Our Fulham blogger delights in the signing of the Leeds striker and believes that the Whites have balanced forward options


Kostas Mitroglou. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

So we have finally announced the signing of Ross McCormack and if I'm honest, I can't be happier.

It makes complete sense to sign him, considering the lack of goals last season from our forwards.

First of all, I want to say that it won't be £11m upfront, the guys who run the club would have not agreed to this in any way shape or form.

This is because we have been running on a smaller budget and some jobs have been cut since our relegation.


Moussa Dembele. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images)

Similar to the Kostas Mitroglou deal, whilst the total package may be worth over £10m we would have paid around half of that upfront, with the rest of the money being paid to Leeds over time should Ross McCormack live up to expectations and I assume they will be entitled to the rest of it should we get promoted.

So before we get ahead of ourselves and start worrying about why we are spending £11m so quickly, it's a good long-term investment and whilst it could cost us up to £11m, remember the money gained through promotion would mean that this deal would simply pay for itself.

Not only that, but we have trimmed our wage bill considerably with so many faces leaving and we have made a considerable income through parachute payments, with further money set to be injected into the club through player sales.

But then again, we have one of the richest owners in English football, so we shouldn't be that worried at all.


Cauley Woodrow. (Photo by Christopher Lee/Getty Images)

Furthermore, Ross McCormack will finally provide something that we have lacked so much in recent years and that's a hard-working centre forward.

Whilst, Cauley Woodrow happily runs himself into the ground for the full 90 minutes, he is still learning and developing as a forward. Ross McCormack will provide the perfect tutoring for the young striker.

Ross was the top goalscorer last season in the Championship scoring 29 times as well as creating goals for others.

He was involved in 61 per cent of Leeds goals last season which fits the bill for Felix's plans of having a team full of players who play for each other as opposed to individuals which we have grown accustomed to during the Martin Jol reign.


Hugo Rodallega. (Photo by Christopher Lee/Getty Images)

Whilst, I have appreciated and enjoyed watching Bryan Ruiz & Dimitar Berbatov elegantly stroll around creating magic, the Championship season will require hard-work and determination from everyone and Felix's recruitment policy this summer has already proved that.

With Besiktas seemingly ending their pursuit of our Greek forward, Kostas Mitroglou we look set to have an incredibly fruitful list of strikers in our squad with McCormack, Mitroglou, Woodrow, Moussa Dembele & Hugo Rodallega.

The best thing about this is that they should all have an incredibly tough pre-season with Felix's strict regimes which means we will finally be able to see Mitroglou fit and if he stays he will score, he's proved that in the Champions League and elsewhere so don't judge the Greek just yet.

Credit to the board for backing Felix Magath as he creates a new squad we finally see Fulham get the makeover that the team has been crying out for for the past few seasons.

I still expect a few more players to leave the club and at the same time they will be replaced.

The season will be a long and tough campaign but we are making positive steps. Be patient, believe in the project and support the club through this transitional period.


http://www.london24.com/sport/football/clubs/fulham/the_craven_corner_why_fulham_s_strike_partnership_after_mccormack_deal_is_exciting_1_3676782

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BARRY SIMMONDS DISCUSSES NEW ROLE

'Fresh challenge' excites former Fulham man

BARRY SIMMONDS says it was an 'easy decision' to take on the responsibility of leading Norwich City's scouting and recruitment operation.

Simmonds spent seven seasons at Fulham but had no hesitation in reuniting with Chief Executive David McNally by making the move to the Canaries.

"It all happened very quickly, and it is exciting," he told Norwich City TV.

"All new positions are fresh challenges and bring with them their own excitement and things to throw yourself into.

"I've been here several times before for games, and it's just a very nice atmosphere. Everybody has been very welcoming.

"We've got the added thing of having a manager who is new to that position as well, so it's very exciting to be part of Neil's staff. For me it was a very easy decision."

Simmonds, who was a close ally of England manager Roy Hodgson while the pair were at Fulham, gave his opinion on the positive qualities a player needs to succeed in the Sky Bet Championship.

"They need to be hard-working, honest, athletic, able to cope with the demands of playing 46 games through a season but with the technical ability to be able to fit in with the programme that Neil wants to adopt," he said.

"I think the important thing is to give Neil the opportunity to look at players as potential targets who will add to the squad. There's no point in bringing in players who will just fill the squad, they've got to add to it."

He also believes his experience of working both on British shores and abroad brings benefits, adding: "It certainly gives you an insight into the character of different nationalities, without being too general with that.

"Contacts too, of course – there's always someone you know who you can call with regards to players in particular countries, so it's good in that respect."



Read more at http://www.canaries.co.uk/news/article/20140709-barry-simmonds-1731892.aspx#zemGViBuBdQdEDd0.99

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Johnny Phillips questions McCormack fee

Sky Sports Football League pundit Johnny Phillips had stated his shock at Ross McCormack's transfer fee, in his recent Sky Sports blog.

Striker McCormack signed for Fulham from Leeds United in an £11 million fee yesterday, becoming the record of the highest transfer fee outside the Premier League, and the highest fee paid for a Scottish international.

In his blog, Phillips wrote that McCormack has the pedigree in the Championship, but according to the pundit, Fulham have overpaid for the former Rangers and Cardiff City striker, with Phillips writing.

"McCormack is a good player, proven at Championship level, but it is an enormous fee to pay for someone who has not played at a higher standard in England – although his supporters will point to a Champions League goal scored on his first European appearance for Rangers."

Phillips went onto say that the fee for McCormack itself by Fulham standards is not the highest that they have played, with the Lilywhites signing Greek international Kostas Mitroglou, who signed from Greek side Olympiakos for £12.5 million in January.

He then went onto argue that both strikers who could start Fulham's first League game at Ipswich Town cost less than when Liverpool signed Luis Suarez from Ajax for £23 million in the January of 2011.

"Fulham could field a £23m strike force of McCormack and Mitroglou in the Championship next season. Liverpool signed Luis Suarez for less."


http://footballleagueworld.co.uk/johnny-phillips-questions-mccormack-fee/?

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Kasami Heads For Greece

Fulham Football Club can confirm that midfielder Pajtim Kasami has joined Greek side Olympiakos on a permanent transfer.

The 22-year-old Swiss international made 56 appearances for Fulham in all competitions, scoring three times, after joining the Club in 2011 from Palermo.

Fulham would like to thank Pajtim for his contribution during his three seasons in SW6 and wish him all the best for the future.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/july/09/kasami-heads-for-greece?

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Motherwell welcome Fulham on Saturday

Motherwell fans have a first chance to see the team in action ahead of the 2014/15 season when Fulham visit Fir Park this Saturday. The manager will be keen to see his charges in action ahead of the Europa League game the following week.

Normal practice in these pre-season affairs results in a host of substitutions giving lots of players game time.  The effect is invariably a fragmented, stuttering game in which few of those who started are on the pitch at the end.  Fulham made 11 substitutions when they played East Fife in their first game of their Scottish tour!  On this occasion it may profit Stuart McCall to field the team that will probably face Stjarnan next Thursday.

Following a busy week in the Algarve the club set up closed door games against Livingston, Morton and Peterhead in a sprint to get the squad up to speed for the cup tie on July 17.  The meeting with the English Championship side should complete preparations.

We may get an insight to the preferred goalkeeper, although 45 minutes each from Nielsen and Twarzick would hardly be enough to form a judgement.  Will Ramsden fill the vacant centre midfield spot until a replacement is found? Who will partner Sutton up front?

Clarkson will hope he gets a chance to convince fans and management that he's the man to partner Sutton.  He played against Fulham in the 2003 pre-season friendly along with Lasley and Hammell.  That game finished 2-2

Fulham should provide a decent test.  Shaun Hutchinson is likely to face his former team-mates and he'll receive a farewell cheer from the 'Well fans in thanks for his service.  Ross McCormack is another ex-Motherwell player to join up with the Craven Cottage outfit.  He joined from Leeds this week, reports suggest an £11 million fee.

The game kicks off at 2pm and the pay at the gate prices are £10/£5.


http://www.motherwell-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/motherwell_welcome_fulham_on_saturday_836025/index.shtml?

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Motherwell v Fulham 2003

McFadden Magic Secures Draw with Fulham

We completed our pre-season build up with an enjoyable 2-2 draw at home to Fulham. We are undefeated in our five warm up games with two wins and three draws.

Fulham made the better start to the match and they took a deserved lead after fifteen minutes.Stevie Craig missed a chance to head a corner clear and the ball was quickly whipped back into the box.Corrigan was caught on the wrong side of Saha and his despairing challenge appeared to knock the ball past Corr although the goal was credited to the striker.

This startled us into action and we fought back with a couple of good passing moves.Van der Sar had to stretch to his full length to deny Burns and Pearson had a half volley deflected wide.

Fulham could have doubled their advantage but Corr produced a good one handed save to touch a shot over the bar.David Clarkson had been causing problems for the Fulham defence and when he was bundled over outside the box, Adams tested the 'keeper with a good free kick.However, when Clarkson was hauled down in the area a few moments later, Burns made no mistake with the spot kick to send the teams in level at half time.

The second half took a little while to get started but we almost took the lead in bizarre fashion.A high ball seemed to pose little threat until a defender attempted an enthusiastic header back to the goalie.Van der Sar needed all of his massive frame to prevent an embarrassing own goal.

Fulham regained the lead with a goal which started at a Motherwell corner.Marlet broke away on a counterattack but it looked like Pearson had done enough to salvage the situation.Sadly he seemed to trip over the ball and the French striker was made no mistake with an easy chance.

At this moment, James McFadden was brought off the bench to the loudest cheer of the day.He took a short while to get into his stride but it did not take him long to turn the game in our favour.He had a couple of nice touches and good runs and he stung the palms of Van der Sar along with zipping two other efforts narrowly off target.In the last minute, Faddy received a short corner in the box and turned his man brilliantly before crossing the ball into the six yard box leaving Toastie with a tap in equaliser.

So, a good test against better opposition and we did well.The defence was shaky at times but we did pass the ball about and created a lot of movement off the ball.Bring on Dundee!


Team: Corr, Corrigan, Craigan, Partridge, Hammell, Lasley, Adams, Pearson, Craig (McDonald), Clarkson (McFadden), Burns


http://www.motherwell-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/mcfadden_magic_secures_draw_with_fulham_111412/index.shtml

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Fulham transfer news: Pajtim Kasami signs three-year deal with Olympiakos


Stunner: Kasami celebrates his wonder strike against Crystal Palace

Greek champions Olympiakos Piraeus continued their summer rebuilding by signing Swiss midfielder Pajtim Kasami on a three-year deal from English side Fulham, they announced on Wednesday.

The 22-year-old international, who did not make Switzerland's World Cup squad, signed for an undisclosed fee from the Londoners, who were relegated from the Premier League last season.

"The fact that Olympiakos has ambitious goals and is one of Europe's big clubs playing in the Champions League was significant for me," said the attacking midfielder, who joined Fulham in 2011 from Palermo.

Kasami then took to his official Instagram account to thank Fulham for their support over the past three years:

Writing on his official Instagram account, Kasami said: "I would like to thank everyone at Fulham Football Club for there great support, especially to all the fans who have been incredible over the last 3 years iv been here.

"I wish you all the success in the future."

Kasami's arrival follows that of Eric Abidal, the former France defender who joined from Monaco four days ago.


http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-transfer-news-pajtim-kasami-signs-threeyear-deal-with-olympiakos-9594978.html

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Kasami leaves Fulham

Fulham's Swiss midfielder Pajtim Kasami has today left the London club for Greek giants Olympiakos.

The reigning Greek champions announced on their official website that the attacking midfielder has penned a three-year contract with the club. Kasami will now feature in the Piraeus-based club's forthcoming campaign in the Champions League.

Speaking to the Greek club's website, the midfielder stated that he is "ready to bring joy and titles" to the fans of Olympiakos.

Kasami becomes the 13th first-team player to leave Felix Magath's Fulham side this summer. The Swiss international brings to an end a three-year spell with the Cottagers. The 22 year-old joined the London side from Italian club Palermo in 2011. He struggled for first-team action in his first two years with Fulham, heading out on loan to Swiss side Luzern towards the end of the 2012/13 season. However he featured 29 times last season, scoring on three ocassions, including a memorable strike against Crystal Palace.

It is expected that the departures from Craven Cottage will continue this summer with rumours linking players such as Kostas Mitroglou and Bryan Ruiz away from the London club. It looks like it will continue to be a busy summer for the recently-relegated side.


http://footballleagueworld.co.uk/kasami-leaves-fulham/?

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Championship: Former Fulham skipper Brede Hangeland criticises Felix Magath

Former Fulham captain Brede Hangeland has launched a scathing attack on manager Felix Magath, stating the German is not the right man to take the club back into the Premier League.

Speaking to Sky Sports News, the 33-year-old criticised Magath's style of management, believing it to have contributed towards the club's relegation last season, and he has tipped them to continue on a downward spiral.

Fulham responded, telling Sky Sports News they are "baffled" by Hangeland's comments and labelling them "totally inaccurate", before insisting Magath is the right man to restore their place in the top flight.

But Hangeland said: "He is very difficult to work with. He has a reputation of being a very strict manager, which he is.

"His main tool is to try and mentally and physically batter his players and then hopefully get some results out of that. Is that a right fit for English football? I don't think so personally.

"Rather than help us try and avoid relegation, he made things worse and harder for us. I hope I'm wrong because I really love the club but, in a word, no - I don't think he is the right man.

"I think things will get worse before they get better and I really think that what's happening now at the top of Fulham is very disconnected, and very far from the Fulham that I know and from the Fulham fans."

Hangeland revealed last month that Fulham informed him about the cancellation of his contract via email, and described his unhappiness at how the club brought to an end his six-and-a-half-year stay at Craven Cottage.

"After relegation the manager asked me if I wanted to play in the Championship with Fulham," the Norwegian said.

"I told him 'I'm going to be really honest, this club has been on the decline for a few years now and I need to know that we are going to move in the right direction'.

"We left it there and two weeks later they called my agent and told me they wanted to do a press release saying that I am no longer with Fulham. I said 'I don't agree with that so I can't be part of that'.

"Then the next day, I received an email from them cancelling my contract. I don't know whether to laugh or cry when I think about it really. After six and a half years, I thought that was harsh."

Fulham insisted at the time that they acted properly regarding Hangeland's release, and following the player's latest criticism, the club said: "We are bemused by Brede's comments, which we feel are totally inaccurate.

"Sixteen months ago, Brede signed a multi-million-pound contract at the club and expressed his delight at staying, and at no point during these negotiations did he mention he felt the club was not moving in the right direction.

"Felix Magath is fully focused on pre-season preparations in Scotland and the club is confident he is the right manager to make sure Fulham moves forward.

"Regardless of his comments, Fulham hold Brede in very high regard and wish him well for the future."


http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/12040/9377043?

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Brede Hangeland blasts Felix Magath as he makes Fulham exit

Brede Hangeland has mounted a scathing attack on former boss Felix Magath.

The former captain believes the German's management style contributed to the club's relegation last season and the Magath, who only joined in February, is not the man to lead Fulham back to the Premier League.

Hangeland told Sky Sports News: "He's very difficult to work with.

"He's a very strict manager and his main tool is to try to mentally and physically batter his players and hopefully get some results out of that.

"Is that the right fit for English football? I don't think so. I thought rather than help us try to avoid relegation he made things worse.

"I hope I'm wrong but I don't think he is the right man (to get Fulham promoted) and things will get worse before they get better."

Hangeland controversially left Fulham this summer, after six and a half years at the club, reportedly only finding out he was being released from his contract by email.

However the Norwegian has revealed that he would have been prepared to stay with the club in the Championship had he been assured about the direction the club was going.

He said: "With the right signs and the right players coming in I would have been prepared to stay.

"There was a release clause in my contract which they decided to take. I would have hoped for at least (to have been told) face-to-face or a pat on the back after six and a half years."

Fulham have since insisted that "all personal protocol was followed" when Hangeland was informed of his release.



http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/football-league/brede-hangeland-blasts-felix-magath-as-he-makes-fulham-exit-9595809.html

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Trabzonspor set to table €8m bid for Fulham striker Mitroglou

Trabzonspor have joined the race for the Fulham striker Kostas Mitroglou.

The Black Sea based side have set aside €8 million for the Greek international, €2 million below Fulham's asking price.

Besiktas have also been linked with the 26-year-old striker but are unwilling to meet Fulham's transfer fee demands.

The Black Eagles have been in talks with Fulham over a loan deal for Mitroglou but have been unable to reach an agreement.

Fulham signed Mitroglou for €13 million from Olympiakos last January however, a series of injuries restricted him to just three appearances.

The Greek international still has four-years left on his contract but there have been rumours that he could be on his way out following the Cottagers relegation to the Championship.

Mitroglou was part of the Greek national side who were eliminated by Costa Rica in the World Cup Round of 16.


http://www.turkish-football.com/news_read.php?id=6119

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Senior Fulham players lost faith in captain Brede Hangeland BEFORE Premier League relegation

The 33-year-old centre-back launched a blistering attack on the Cottagers yesterday insisting ''the club had been in decline for years''

Senior Fulham players told the club's top brass that they had lost faith in captain Brede Hangeland BEFORE the club was relegated last season.

The 33-year-old centre-back launched a blistering attack on the Cottagers yesterday, including boss Felix Magath and owner Shahid Khan, insisting "the club has been in decline for years".

Mirror Sport understands, however, that before being released last month it was Hangeland himself who had lost support within the dressing room.

The players are understood to have told CEO Alistair Mackintosh that they didn't feel Hangeland was mentally strong enough to cope with the fight to keep the club in the Premier League.

Fulham stood by Hangeland were relegated to the Championship in May after 13 years having conceded more goals than any other team in the Premier League.

Hangeland has blamed Magath, appointed in February, for being too strict.

He said: "His main tool is to mentally and physically batter his players and hopefully get results out of that.

"Is that fit for English football? I don't think so. Rather than helping us to avoid relegation I thought he made it harder for us."



http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/senior-fulham-players-lost-faith-3835517#ixzz373U2rnYm
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Brede Hangeland and the decline of Fulham FC

After the fun and games with Riise and Kvist, Brede Hangeland has expanded on his beefs with Fulham, and Felix Magath in particular.

"He is very difficult to work with. He has a reputation of being a very strict manager, which he is. His main tool is to try and mentally and physically batter his players and then hopefully get some results out of that. Is that a right fit for English football? I don't think so personally. Rather than help us try and avoid relegation, he made things worse and harder for us. I hope I'm wrong because I really love the club but, in a word, no – I don't think he is the right man. I think things will get worse before they get better and I really think that what's happening now at the top of Fulham is very disconnected, and very far from the Fulham that I know and from the Fulham fans."

That's pretty damning. People have been quick to write this off as sour grapes, but this is Brede Hangeland we're talking about here. Of all the people to go mouthing off... well he wouldn't be high on the list, would he?

Egil Østenstad, former Norway footballer of distinction, said on Twitter:

"There are few people I know posessing as much integrity as Brede. His opinions matter and should be taken seriously by Fulham."

I'm inclined to agree.

Fulham moved quickly though:

"Mirror Sport understands, however, that before being released last month it was Hangeland himself who had lost support within the dressing room. The players are understood to have told CEO Alistair Mackintosh that they didn't feel Hangeland was mentally strong enough to cope with the fight to keep the club in the Premier League."

Yikes. That's a bit below the belt. Can you actually imagine a Fulham player, having seen the chaos around the club, going to Alistair Mackintosh to complain about Hangeland's mental strength?

Well maybe. Suppose it went something like this: Hangeland playing through back pain, increasingly fed up as his performances suffer. Withdraws from limelight to recuperate and get his back fixed. Maybe people got cross about that, felt he could have played on when they needed him most. Maybe he was fed up about the club's absolute inability to play coherent football, absolutely exposing the centre-backs. Maybe he got into his own head a bit, withdrew, didn't present the kind of leadership persona (what am I typing here?) that perhaps the players needed from their captain.

I don't know. I do wonder why senior professionals weren't able to restore some semblance of organisation to what became an absolute joke of a football team. They were two seasons removed from being organised like an army. Seeing the descent into shambles, couldn't the senior professionals have organised something? Afternoon defensive work perhaps? "Look guys, we're on track to concede 85 goals here. Shall we do some shape work?"

Who knows what goes on in the dank pond of a footballer's mind. Maybe Hangeland tried all this. Maybe nobody was interested. Maybe they did it but Sascha Riether wouldn't stop overlapping, even when the opposition had the ball.

One thing's for sure: I'm more inclined to believe Brede Hangeland than the Fulham press office.

Having briefed the Mirror Fulham complete their rebuff by wheeling out captain du jour Scott Parker, who has nothing but good things to say about the club and the manager.

"Training's been really good. It's been intense but we wouldn't expect it or want it any other way ahead of a new season. The gaffer is working us hard and the boys are looking sharp as a result. Everyone's raring to go. There are a lot of young boys in the squad so they're eager to impress and there are a few new signings as well who are looking to show what they can do. We want to hit the ground running. There are a lot of opportunities for everyone in the squad and that makes it a good environment for everyone."

Well that's alright then isn't it?


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