Wednesday Fulham Stuff (24/09/14)...

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Fulham hang on to reach fourth round

Fulham 2 Doncaster Rovers 1

Marcus Bettinelli's 79th-minute penalty save meant first-half goals from Bryan Ruiz and Dan Burn were enough to take Fulham into the fourth round of the Capital One Cup.

Ruiz, recently recalled by Kit Symons, netted in the 16th minute after being teed up by Hugo Rodallega.

And Burn, who was made skipper for the night by the caretaker boss, headed in Ross McCormack's cross just after the half-hour mark – the defender's first goal for Fulham.

James Coppinger pulled a goal back for Doncaster and they were given a chance to equalise when Nathan Tyson's far-post header was handled by Tim Hoogland.

But Bettinelli dived to his left to keep out Theo Robinson's spot-kick and give the hosts – bottom of the Championship and without a league victory this season – their first win since Symons was placed in charge following the sacking of Felix Magath.

The former Whites centre-back has made it clear he wants the manager's job on a permanent basis, and his cause can only have been helped by Ruiz's response to being brought back into the fold and Burn's to being given the captain's armband.

But Fulham were sloppy in the second half and League One outfit Rovers came close to forcing extra time.

Symons selected a strong side, making only two changes from Saturday's home defeat to Blackburn, with Emerson Hyndman and Nikolay Bodurov coming in for Scott Parker and the suspended Shaun Hutchinson.

And Fulham would have gone ahead after only 40 seconds but for keeper Jed Steer, who saved with his legs to deny McCormack after a slip by Luke McCullough had put the striker through on goal.

Rodallega was involved in the build-up to that chance and missed a golden opportunity himself five minutes later, shooting wide of the target from 10 yards out.

But he atoned by heading Fernando Amorebieta's lofted ball down for Ruiz, who fired into the corner of the net – the Costa Rican's first Fulham goal for almost exactly a year.

Fulham seemed in a commanding position once Burn nodded in, but they had to absorb sustained pressure after the break and Coppinger scored a fine goal 14 minutes into the second half when he cut in from the left and belted into far corner.

Symons responded by bringing Parker on to shore up the midfield and he did so, but in the end it was Bettinelli – who, crucially, escaped with only a yellow card after handling the ball outside his area in the first half – that ensured Fulham went through.

The victory was almost capped by a fine goal from McCormack, whose late free-kick was tipped over by Steer.

Fulham (4-1-2-1-2) : Bettinelli; Hoogland, Bodurov, Burn, Amorebieta (Kavanagh 70); Hyndman; Christensen, Stafylidis (Parker 72); Ruiz (G Williams 81); McCormack, Rodallega.
Subs not used: Kiraly, Roberts, Woodrow, David.


http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-hang-on-to-reach-fourth-round?

[WhiteJC]

 
Burn and Ruiz on target as Fulham see off valiant Doncaster

Dan Burn celebrates his firsrt goal for the club with Fernando Amorebieta. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Capital One Cup third round: Fulham 2 Doncaster Rovers 1

Kit Symons tasted victory for the first time as Fulham's caretaker manager and he had two previously marginalised players to thank for helping the Whites to a Capital One Cup third round win against Doncaster.

Bryan Ruiz, who spent the second half of last season on loan at PSV Eindhoven and was only welcomed back to the first team after Felix Magath's sacking, opened the scoring on 16 minutes.

And Dan Burn, who was frozen out until the Whites' win at Brentford in the second round of the competition, headed home his first goal for club after being handed the captain's armband by Symons.

James Coppinger pulled a goal back for Doncaster on the hour mark after a mazy run and powerful shot.

Marcus Bettinelli made himself a hero in the final 15 minutes as he kept Theo Robinson's penalty out; diving to his left.

Symons made two changes from the side that were beaten 1-0 by Blackburn. Emerson Hyndman was brought in to give Scott Parker a rest, while Nikolay Bodurov replaced the suspended Shaun Hutchinson.

The home side nearly took the lead inside 30 seconds as Bettinelli's clearance was headed into the path of Ross McCormack.

However, Doncaster goalkeeper Jed Steer was on hand to deny the former Leeds man with his left foot.

Hugo Rodallega should have made it 1-0 after six minutes but he fired over the bar from close range as Fulham continued their dominant start.

In an issue that would come back to grate Rovers fans later in the piece, Bettinelli handled the ball outside his area – referee Kevin Friend elected only to produce the yellow card.

Cedric Evina took the free kick but the ball curled harmlessly over the goalkeeper's bar.

It was 1-0 to the home side on 16 minutes as they finally took a chance.

McCormack headed the ball on to Ruiz and the Costa Rican, who shone for his country at last summer's World Cup, blasted the ball home.

The Doncaster defence looked to have as much holes as a Swiss cheese and it was no surprise that Fulham doubled their lead on 30 minutes.

A short corner played to McCormack was whipped in and Burn, all six foot five of him, rose and nodded the ball home to double his side's lead.

Doncaster introduced Harry Forrester at half-time and the former Brentford man caused the tiring Fulham defence all sorts of problems.

And Rovers pulled a goal back on the hour mark as Coppinger twisted his way through the home side's defence and fired a blistering shot past Bettinelli.

The visitors poured forward in a desperate search for an equaliser and were handed an opportunity on a plate when Nathan Tyson's cross clattered into the hand of Tim Hoogland.

Robinson stepped up but Bettinelli guessed right and was on hand to beat the ball away and maintain his side's lead.

McCormack was the glove of Steer away from driving Fulham into the fourth round but his free kick was brilliantly tipped over the bar by the goalkeeper.

There were fears for Rovers as Tyson went down in a heap in the final minutes and had to be escorted off the pitch leaving the visitors to play the remaining minutes with 10 men.

Fulham: Bettinelli, Hoogland, Bodurov, Burn, Amorebieta (Kavanagh 69), Ruiz (Williams 81), Hyndman, Stafylidis (Parker 72), Christensen, McCormack, Rodallega.

Unused Substitutes: Kiraly, Roberts, Woodrow, David.

Doncaster: Steer, Evina, Wabara, McCullough, Wakefield (McCombe 90), Coppinger, Keegan, Wellens (Robinson 45), Furman, Bennett (Forrester 45), Tyson.

Unused Substitutes: Marosi, De Val Fernandez, Askins, Ferguson.

Referee: Kevin Friend.

Attendance: 8,070.



http://www.london24.com/sport/football/clubs/fulham/burn_and_ruiz_on_target_as_fulham_see_off_valiant_doncaster_1_3781529#3

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Capital One Cup: Fulham defeat Doncaster 2-1 to reach fourth round

Hugo Rodallega: Shoots wide under pressure against Doncaster

Fulham survived a second-half missed penalty to secure a 2-1 victory over Doncaster in the third round of the Capital One Cup at Craven Cottage.

Kit Symons has been placed in caretaker charge as the Whites attempt to get themselves out of the pickle Felix Magath left them in.

And first-half crackers from Bryan Ruiz and Dan Burn were enough to secure only a second win of the season for the Sky Bet Championship's bottom club - the first also coming in this competition - and send them into round four.

They still had to survive a second-half scare, though, as James Coppinger pulled one back before sub Theo Robinson missed a late penalty.

Magath, who endured a disastrous seven-month spell in charge, had completely frozen Ruiz out of the first-team picture.

But Symons, who hopes to replace the German permanently, immediately brought the striker back into the side and the move paid off in the 17th minute.

Ross McCormack had already forced Rovers keeper Jed Steer to save with his legs after just 30 seconds as the hosts made a bright start.

And Ruiz struck the first blow when he latched onto Hugo Rodallega's knock-down and drove ih a first-time shot from 15 yards.

League One Rovers had their chances in the first half with Cedric Evina curling a free-kick narrowly wide and Dean Furman seeing his shot deflected over.

But centre-half Burn, standing in as captain for the rested Scott Parker, grabbed Fulham's second in the 31st minute when he took his 6ft 7in frame to the far post and nodded in McCormack's cross.

But Fulham, having previously won just twice at home since New Year's Day, lost their way after the interval and Doncaster threatened when Nathan Tyson raced past Burn into the penalty area, only to drag his shot wide.

The visitors deservedly pulled one back on the hour when skipper James Coppinger jinked his way into the box and thumped an angle drive past home keeper Marcus Bettinelli.

And they were gifted the chance to equalise 12 minutes from time when Tim Hoogland handled Robinson's header in the area and referee Kevin Friend pointed to the spot.

But the luck which has deserted Fulham all season was with them for a change as Bettinelli guessed correctly, diving to his left to keep out Robinson's low shot as the hosts held out for an all too rare win.


http://www1.skysports.com/football/live/match/325937/report?

[WhiteJC]

 
Bryan Ruiz helps Fulham edge past Doncaster

World Cup star on target as Kit Symons enjoys first win as caretaker boss


Forgotten man: Bryan Ruiz celebrates after putting Fulham ahead
Fulham 2-1 Doncaster Rovers

Kit Symons' chances of landing the Fulham job on a full-time basis were boosted after a hard-fought victory over Doncaster.

First-half goals from Bryan Ruiz and stand-in skipper Dan Burn earned the Cottagers a healthy lead at the break.

But a stunning goal from James Coppinger gave Rovers hope before sub Theo Robinson saw a late penalty saved by Marcus Bettinelli as the hosts held on to book their place in round four.


Opener: Ruiz set Fulham on their way
Ross McCormack almost gave Fulham the lead inside 29 seconds when he capitalised on Liam Wakefield's slip, but Jed Steer stuck out a leg to save his effort.

The home side had a let off at the other end as keeper Bettinelli handled outside the area, only to escape with a yellow card.

Fulham broke the deadlock on 16 minutes when Fernando Amorebieta's long knock forward was nodded down by Rodallega, and Ruiz slotted the loose ball into the top corner.


Leading by example: Dan Burn climbs highest to score the second
Kostas Stafylidis almost added a second when he stung the hands of Steer with a fizzing long-range effort.

But the Cottagers doubled their lead just after the half-hour mark when Burn headed in McCormack's cross.

Doncaster captain Coppinger gave the visitors hope after the break with an angled drive into the top corner.

And Robinson fluffed the chance to force the added 30 when Bettinelli saved his spot-kick after Tim Hoogland had handled in the area.

Fulham: Bettinelli, Hoogland, Bodurov, Burn, Amorebieta (Kavanagh 70), Ruiz (Williams 81), Hyndman, Christensen, Stafylidis (Parker 72), McCormack, Rodallega.

Subs (not used): Kiraly, Roberts, Woodrow, David.


http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/bryan-ruiz-helps-fulham-edge-7821727?

[WhiteJC]

 
Kit Symons hopes Fulham manager hopes boosted after Doncaster win

Kit Symons hopes he has boosted his chances of becoming the permanent Fulham manager after overseeing a 2-1 Capital One Cup victory over Doncaster.

Symons has been placed in caretaker charge of the Whites, who sacked Felix Magath last week after a disastrous run in the Sky Bet Championship that has left the west London side bottom of the table with just one point from eight matches.

But they put aside their league struggles as first-half goals from Bryan Ruiz and Dan Burn were enough to secure only a second win of the season for Fulham - the first also coming in this competition - and help Symons stake his claim for the job on a full-time basis.

"There will be a thorough search for the right manager and my challenge is to make sure that right person is me," said Symons.

"Results are vital for my chances of getting the job. We have to build confidence - this is stepping stone and a good starting point."

Fulham still had to survive a second-half scare as James Coppinger pulled one back before substitute Theo Robinson missed a late penalty.

Magath, who suggested using cheese to treat injuries during his torrid seven-month spell in charge, had completely frozen Ruiz out of the first-team picture.

But Symons immediately brought the striker back into the side and the move paid off in the 17th minute when he drove home a first-time shot from 15 yards.

"Bryan is enjoying his football, after training yesterday we couldn't get him back in," added Symons. "It's lovely to see him with a smile on his face, kicking the ball about. He's not scored in a while so that will give him confidence."

Centre-half Burn, standing in as captain for the rested Scott Parker, grabbed Fulham's second in the 31st minute when he took his 6ft 7in frame to the far post and nodded in McCormack's cross.

Doncaster pulled one back on the hour when Coppinger thumped an angled drive past home keeper Marcus Bettinelli.

And they were gifted the chance to equalise 12 minutes from time when Tim Hoogland handled Robinson's header in the area, but Bettinelli guessed correctly to keep out the striker's low shot.


http://www.london24.com/sport/football/clubs/fulham/kit_symons_hopes_fulham_manager_hopes_boosted_after_doncaster_win_1_3781549#1

[WhiteJC]

 
Capital One Cup: Fulham caretaker boss Kit Symons wants job full-time

Kit Symons hopes he has boosted his chances of becoming the permanent Fulham manager after overseeing a 2-1 Capital One Cup victory over Doncaster.

Symons has been placed in caretaker charge of the Whites, who sacked Felix Magath last week after a disastrous run in the Sky Bet Championship that has left the west London side bottom of the table with just one point from eight matches.

But they put aside their league struggles as first-half goals from Bryan Ruiz and Dan Burn were enough to secure only a second win of the season for Fulham - the first also coming in this competition - and help Symons stake his claim for the job on a full-time basis.

"There will be a thorough search for the right manager and my challenge is to make sure that right person is me," Symons said.

"Results are vital for my chances of getting the job. We have to build confidence - this is stepping stone and a good starting point."

Fulham still had to survive a second-half scare as James Coppinger pulled one back before substitute Theo Robinson missed a late penalty.

Magath, who suggested using cheese to treat injuries during his torrid seven-month spell in charge, had completely frozen Ruiz out of the first-team picture.

But Symons immediately brought the striker back into the side and the move paid off in the 17th minute when he drove home a first-time shot from 15 yards.

"Bryan is enjoying his football, after training yesterday we couldn't get him back in," added Symons. "It's lovely to see him with a smile on his face, kicking the ball about. He's not scored in a while so that will give him confidence."

Centre-half Burn, standing in as captain for the rested Scott Parker, grabbed Fulham's second in the 31st minute when he took his 6ft 7in frame to the far post and nodded in McCormack's cross.

Doncaster pulled one back on the hour when Coppinger thumped an angled drive past home keeper Marcus Bettinelli.

And they were gifted the chance to equalise 12 minutes from time when Tim Hoogland handled Robinson's header in the area, but Bettinelli guessed correctly to keep out the striker's low shot.

"Theo's taken penalties for us before and I'll never have a go at anyone who stands up there as I've done it myself," said Rovers boss Paul Dickov.

"He put it on target but the keeper made a good save. The only disappointment is if it had gone in I think we would have gone on to win the game."


http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/9485952/capital-one-cup-fulham-caretaker-boss-kit-symons-eyes-job-full-time-after-win?

[WhiteJC]

 
Kit Symons holds 'positive' talks with Fulham owner Shahid Khan

Caretaker boosts his chances of landing job full-time with Doncaster win


In the frame: Fulham caretaker manager Kit Symons
Kit Symons hopes Fulham's Capital One Cup win against Doncaster can boost his chances of landing the job on a permanent basis.

Goals from forgotten man Bryan Ruiz and Dan Burn put them in the driving seat before James Coppinger gave the visitors hope after the break.

Marcus Bettinelli's late penalty save from Theo Robinson earned the Cottagers a 2-1 win to seal their spot in round four.

Symons, who faces competition from the likes of Chris Hughton and Gianfranco Zola for the post, held talks with Shahid Khan earlier this week as he tries to convince the Fulham owner he's the right man for the job.

He said: "I had a really good chat with the owner and [non-executive director] Mark Lamping which went very, very well.

"Mark actually came over today and he was at the game tonight. It went really well, it was very positive, very upbeat and very beneficial to all parties.

"There will be a proper, thorough search for the right manager. I've got no problem with that, I think that's the right thing to do.

"I want the right person to take this football club forward – my challenge now is to make sure that person is me.

"There are no timeframes at the moment but I know from talking to Mark earlier that there's no rush. They'll make sure it's the right appointment."


http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/kit-symons-holds-positive-talks-7821947?

[WhiteJC]

 
Manager Reaction

Kit Symons was pleased to see his Fulham side confirm their place in the Fourth Round of the Capital One Cup with victory on Tuesday, but admitted the second half against Doncaster Rovers did not live up to the first.

The Whites took a deserved 2-0 lead into the break at Craven Cottage, but a confident second 45 by the visitors saw them claw a goal back, and they could have taken the tie to extra-time had it not been for Marcus Bettinelli's superb penalty save.

When asked for his emotions at full-time, Symons replied: "Relief probably more than anything else, with the way the game went. I thought we played some great stuff first half, some really good football, good combinations and link-up play, and we created lots of chances.

"Second half we made a bit hard work of it but it's a case of building their confidence back up. They're not used to being in winning positions, and certainly not at home, so to get the win is massive for us and is something that I'm delighted about and, judging by the reaction of the players, they're absolutely delighted too.

"Confidence is a fragile thing that needs to be built up. I might not have that much time to do it so we need to work quickly and this was a good stepping stone, a good starting point.

"That hanging on tonight will go a long way to building that confidence but it's not a quick fix, it will take time. But you saw how well we can play first half and how well we played second half on Saturday. It's now getting that over 90 minutes, which is not far away, hopefully this Saturday."

Bryan Ruiz opened the scoring for Fulham when he put the finishing touch to a fine team move early on, and Symons has been impressed with his input since he took over as Caretaker Manager.

"He's enjoying his football," he explained. "After training yesterday, Bryan, Hugo Rodallega and Fernando Amorebieta, we couldn't get them in.

"They were still outside, it was a lovely day in the sunshine, playing keep-ups between them, so I was torn between telling them to rest their legs and telling them 'enjoy yourselves boys, it's lovely to see you with a smile on your face kicking a ball about.'

"Bryan scored a very good goal tonight so that will please him and give him confidence, and it was a good, well worked goal as well.

"I know how good he is. He's just come back from playing for Costa Rica so we knew he was match fit so there were no issues along those lines. I spoke to him first to gage his frame of mind and he was very positive so it was quite an easy decision to make [to play him]."

Naturally, a significant portion of post-match questions related to the managerial vacancy, and Symons revealed he has been in touch with Mr Khan.

He stated: "I had a really good chat with the Owner and [Non-Executive Director] Mark Lamping  which went very, very well. Mark actually came over today and he was at the game tonight. It went really well, it was very positive, very upbeat and very beneficial to all parties.

"It's still the same situation and I spoke with Mark earlier and there will be a proper, thorough search for the right manager. And I've got no problem with that, I think that's the right thing to do. I want the right person to take this football club forward – my challenge now is to make sure that person is me.

"There are no timeframes at the moment but I know from talking to Mark earlier that there's no rush. They're not going to rush an appointment, be that me or anyone else. They'll take their time and make sure it's the right appointment, which I think is the right thing to do."

Symons also paid tribute to the spirit in the camp at present.

"The players have been excellent," he admitted. "I've got to say, really positive, as is everyone at the Football Club so it's a happy place to be at the moment and long may that last.

"That's the way I've always taken my teams – it's got to be hard work, it's got to be organised, it's got to be structured, but it's important that the players enjoy it as well. Football's a great game and it should be played with a smile on your face – I firmly believe that."


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/september/23/manager-reaction

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham 2 Doncaster 1: Robinson's missed penalty proves costly as Doncaster's journey ends

DONCASTER ROVERS saw their Capital One Cup journey end for another season as they lost 2-1 to Fulham at Craven Cottage.

First-half crackers from Bryan Ruiz and Dan Burn were enough to secure only a second win of the season for the Sky Bet Championship's bottom club – the first also coming in this competition – and send them into round four.

They still had to survive a second-half scare, though, as James Coppinger pulled one back before substitute Theo Robinson missed a late penalty.

The hosts took the lead in the 17th minute.

Former Leeds striker Ross McCormack had already forced Rovers goalkeeper Jed Steer to save with his legs after just 30 seconds as the hosts made a bright start. And Ruiz struck the first blow when he latched onto Hugo Rodallega's knock-down and drove in a first-time shot from 15 yards.

League One Rovers had their chances in the first half with Cedric Evina curling a free-kick narrowly wide and Dean Furman seeing his shot deflected over.

But centre-half Burn grabbed Fulham's second in the 31st minute when he took his 6ft 7in frame to the far post and nodded in McCormack's cross.

The visitors pulled one back on the hour when captain Coppinger jinked his way into the box and hit an angled drive past goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli.

And they were gifted the chance to equalise 12 minutes from time when Tim Hoogland handled Robinson's header, but Bettinelli guessed correctly to keep out Robinson's penalty.

Fulham: Bettinelli, Hoogland, Bodurov, Burn, Amorebieta (Kavanagh 70), Christensen, Hyndman, Ruiz (George Williams 81), Stafylidis (Parker 72), McCormack, Rodallega. Unused substitutes: Kiraly, Roberts, Woodrow, David.

Doncaster: Steer, Wakefield (McCombe 89), Wabara, McCullough, Evina, Wellens (Robinson 46), Keegan, Coppinger, Furman, Bennett (Forrester 46), Tyson. Unused substitutes: Marosi, De Val Fernandez, Askins, Ferguson.

Referee: K Friend (Leicestershire).


http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/football/doncaster/fulham-2-doncaster-1-robinson-s-missed-penalty-proves-costly-as-doncaster-s-journey-ends-1-6857518

[WhiteJC]

 
A Stepping Stone for Fulham FC

Last night, the Capital One Cup victory, in the third round tie against Doncaster Rovers, gave Fulham Football Club a rare victory.

In fact it was only our second win in ten attempts this season, with both those coming in the Capital One Cup.

The in, over Doncaster, last night gave Kit Symons his first taste of victory as the caretaker boss of our fine club.

After the game Kit, who has admitted he`d like the job on a permanent basis, had a few words to say about the situation, remarking,

"There will be a thorough search for the right manager and my challenge is to make sure that right person is me."

"Results are vital for my chances of getting the job. We have to build confidence - this is a stepping stone and a good starting point."

Indeed it was and us Fulham supporters are eagerly waiting for the draw for the fourth round tonight to see who we are paired with.

COYW`s!


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=371482#ixzz3EFMEfT81

[WhiteJC]

 
Birmingham Away

Back Kit's Black and White Army on the road this weekend when the Whites take on Birmingham City at St. Andrews (Saturday 27th September, 3pm), with tickets still available.

Tickets are priced at just £20 adults and from £5 for juniors, and can be purchased online until 3pm today. After 3pm, all tickets can be collected from either the Fulham Ticket Office or directly from the Ticket Office at St Andrew's Stadium.

What's more, we're offering one lucky young Fulham supporter the chance to walk the team out as official mascot – to be in with a chance of winning simply purchase an adult and junior ticket for the trip today!*.

Our official coach travel can get you to the game, with pick-up points at both Craven Cottage and Motspur Park. This is available for £17 for adult STHs/Members and £10 for junior STHs/Members.

Alternatively, train tickets from London Marylebone to Birmingham Moor Street can be bought for £21 (round-trip), or from London Euston to Birmingham New Street for £30, from thetrainline.com.

Fans preferring to get a coach from London Victoria can travel with Megabus for approximately £11 for the round-trip, while National Express offers approximately £16 for the trip.**

We want as many of you as possible to get behind the boys this weekend!


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/september/24/birmingham-away?

[WhiteJC]

 
Symons hails Fulham's forgotten man after Doncaster win

Caretaker boss hopes Costa Rican can build on Rovers goal


Opening his account: Bryan Ruiz set Fulham on their way to victory
Kit Symons praised forgotten man Bryan Ruiz after he set Fulham on their way to victory against Doncaster on Tuesday night.

The Costa Rican World Cup star - frozen out by former boss Felix Magath - was brought in from the cold by the Cottagers caretaker manager at the weekend.

And Ruiz, who spent the second half of last season on loan at PSV, repaid his new gaffer with the opening goal as Fulham scraped into the fourth round of the Capital One Cup with a 2-1 win over the League One strugglers.

"Bryan scored a very good goal, so that will please him and give him confidence," said Symons. "It was a good, well worked goal as well.

"I know how good he is. He's just come back from playing for Costa Rica, so we knew he was match fit, there were no issues along those lines.

"I spoke to him first to gauge his frame of mind and he was very positive, so it was quite an easy decision to play him."

Symons also revealed he held 'positive' talks with owner Shahid Khan earlier this week as he tries to convince Fulham chiefs to give him the job on a full-time basis.

[WhiteJC]

 
Sacked Fulham boss desperate for second chance in English football

Former Fulham manager Felix Magath plans to stay in England and wait for the right offer to come along.

Magath's reputation took a knock during a troubled seven-month stint in the Cottagers' hotseat, but he insists he still has something to give - and that his future lies in England.

"I'm going to stay in England and I will see what comes," said the 61-year-old, who left Craven Cottage a week ago, with the team at the foot of the Sky Bet Championship. "I still believe my methods can still help at some clubs."

He added in Germany's Sport Bild magazine: "I certainly don't doubt myself."

Magath previously led Bayern Munich to back-to-back Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal doubles, before arguably topping both by guiding an unfancied Wolfsburg to their first ever Bundesliga title in 2009.

His most recent success was a second-place finish with Schalke in 2010, but a return to Wolfsburg did not work out and he oversaw Fulham's relegation from the Barclays Premier League last season.


http://www.london24.com/sport/football/clubs/fulham/sacked_fulham_boss_desperate_for_second_chance_in_english_football_1_3781636

[WhiteJC]

 
Caretaker boss Kit Symons boosts chances of landing Fulham job

Fulham's caretaker manager Kit Symons has boosted his chances of landing the job on a permanent basis after overseeing a rare win on Tuesday. The 43-year-old led the Cottagers to a 2-1 victory at home to Doncaster in the Capital One Cup, in what was only their second victory in 10 games this season (in all competitions).

As a result Fulham are in the pot for tonight's fourth round draw, with the League Cup proving to be a welcome relief to their disastrous league form. The West London club have registered just one point from eight Championship matches, leaving them rock-bottom of the table and four points adrift of safety. Symons lost his first match in charge at the week - 1-0 defeat at home to Blackburn - but Tuesday's moral boosting victory means he is still right in the mix in the Next Fulham Manager Market, with Paddy Power pricing him at 13/2.

However, the betting remains as close as ever with awhole host of managers in contention for the frame. The unemployed quadrant of Chris Hughton, Malky Mackay, Neil Lennon and Tim Sherwood all feature at the top, while the likes of Alan Curbishley, Glenn Hoddle and Gianfranco Zola are all in the mix.


http://www.thesackrace.com/news/24th-september-2014/caretaker-boss-kit-symons-boosts-chances-of-landing-fulham-job?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham Picking Up
   
WRITE YOUR INTODUCTION HERE

Fulham have now played twice since sacking manager Felix Magath. Picking up a spirited defeat against Blackburn and now they have picked up a 2-1 win over Doncaster in the Capital One Cup.

Fulham are without a league win this season and are the Championship's bottom side. All reasons why Birmingham may be picking up just their second home league win this year.

But are Fulham picking up? what may be the case is that Fulham have sorted out their disgruntled mentality and are starting to look like a team.

Whether they have repaired enough of the damage to beat Birmingham is another question. Blues did well to get two goals ahead against Norwich on Saturday and have shown at times this season that they can pressure teams and be the dominant force.

Both teams have issues. Should Birmingham take the lead, can they keep it? Will Fulham hold resolute against a dangerous Birmingham team?

One thing for sure is Blues may let Fulham in to score, their last clean sheet coming against Brighton in their other home win!


Read more: http://www.birmingham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=371499#ixzz3EFNwJ1Ga