Sunday Fulham Stuff (18/01/15)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Leeds sold Matt Smith in September, yet he is still third best in Championship over last two years in key area

Leeds United's Matt Smith may be in League One at present, but his recent record still holds up.

Former Leeds United striker Matt Smith has the third best headed goals record over the pas two Championship seasons, report WhoScored.

Going back to the start of the 2013/14 season, Blackburn Rovers' in-demand Rudy Gestede leaves his rivals in his wake, contributing 16 goals with his head.

He is followed by Ipswich Town's Daryl Murphy on 13, before Bournemouth's Yann Kermorgant and Fulham's Matt Smith sit level on eight.

Smith's place on the list is fascinating. He was sold by Leeds United on deadline day to Fulham, but did not score a single goal for the west London side.

He didn't net any for Leeds before he was sold, meaning his high place on the list is entirely down to his efforts last season, with eight of his 12 Championship goals coming with his head.

   Headed Goals 2014/15   Games
Leeds   0   25

What is absolutely remarkable is that this season, Leeds United have not scored a single Premier League goal, and they are the only Championship side not to do so. Cardiff City and Nottingham Forest lead the league on 11 each.

Meanwhile Matt Smith is out on loan at League One side Bristol City, and has scored nine goals for the club during the spell already, four in League One, one in the FA Cup, and four in one game in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.

When broken down like this, it appears so simple that Leeds may have made a big mistake by letting go of a striker who can add a different element to their attack, or at least have failed to replace him adequately.


http://hereisthecity.com/en-gb/2015/01/17/leeds-sold-matt-smith-in-september-yet-he-is-still-third-best-in/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Kit Symons discusses Chris David's lack of Fulham action
FULHAM boss Kit Symons says midfielder Chris David's continued absence is a result of his decision to choose matchday squads "best placed" to pick up points.


FRINGE MAN: Chris David has featured just once for Fulham since Kit Symons took charge in September [GETTY]
Dutch youngster David made six appearances at the start of the season under ex-boss Felix Magath but he has featured just once under Symons - an 18-minute cameo in the 5-2 Capital One Cup loss at home to Derby in October.

Symons explained: "I pick the squad that I think is best placed to get the results for the team on each occasion and he's just not made those squads."

David could be handed a chance to impress in the coming week with Fulham set to face a run of three fixtures in eight days and Symons is considering shuffling his pack.

He said: "The games are coming thick and fast now and progressing in the FA Cup will add to that.

"It's a lot of fixtures and people will be rotated, as you have to to get through these periods, but I'm happy we've got the players to do that."



http://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/420543/Kit-Symons-discusses-Chris-David-s-lack-Fulham-action

[WhiteJC]

 
Haynes, England's pass-master general
John HAYNES



Johnny Haynes may not have gained the same international recognition as his English compatriots who lifted the FIFA World Cup™ in 1966, but the status of this star of the 1950s and 60s could easily have been so different.

Haynes' place in British football folklore is best remembered for his pay cheque, with the Fulham star the first player in England to earn £100-a-week after the removal of the wage cap. But to define him by currency cheapens the memory of an artisan footballer and loyal servant to his club. When Hayes left Fulham on 17 January 1970, it brought to an end a 17-year era in the west Londoners' first team that has led both to a stand being named after him at Craven Cottage and his statue standing outside it.

Given an early taste of his talents via a televised England schoolboys game against Scotland, fans wanted the 15-year-old fast-tracked into the Fulham senior side, but it was not until Boxing Day 1952 that the 18-year-old Haynes stepped out in white, and what a Christmas present he would turn out to be.

Blessed with sublime vision, a deftness of touch and unbelievable ability to dissect a defence from his inside-left position – akin to an attacking midfielder today – he was the equivalent of a Xavi or Andres Iniesta of his day. Similarly, it is apt his nickname 'the Maestro' would later also be attributed to Xabi Alonso, such was Haynes' penchant for precision 40-yard passes.

Already well on his way to his 56 caps for England before Fulham reached Division One on the back of his 25 goals in 1959, his creativity would become integral to everything his country did. "[He is] the greatest passer of the ball I've ever seen," England forward Jimmy Greaves said. "There has rarely been such a dominant figure for England as Johnny. Nearly ever forward move was masterminded by him."

Then-captain Billy Wright was similarly effusive about his team-mate: "I almost used to purr when watching Johnny play his beautifully disguised passes with either foot. He was a footballing master."

Haynes had already appeared at his first World Cup while still in Division Two, playing every game as England narrowly missed out on the quarter-finals at Sweden 1958. He scored what would be his only World Cup goal in their third group game with Austria, where England - knowing a win would put them through - drew 2-2 and departed following a 1-0 play-off defeat to USSR.

Taking off the cap
Known as the 'Brylcreem Boy' for being one of the first footballers to put his face to advertising - in this case hair styling products - the wage-cap abolishment on 18 January 1961 set in motion a whirlwind 18 months.

After Fulham chairman Tommy Trinder – a famous comedian in those days – had turned down an offer of £100,000 from AC Milan, which would have reportedly made Haynes the best-paid player on the planet, Trinder said he would pay him five times the £20 maximum wage if he could. "Haynes is an entertainer like I am, and if the maximum wage is ever abolished, I will pay him what he is worth, which is £100-a-week."

Come January 1961, Haynes turned up at Trinder's door with the newspaper cuttings of those quotes, and the chairman had no choice but to give him the triple-figure wage, equating to roughly £2000-per-week today. "I signed the contract straight away," said Haynes. "I love London, I am captain of England and I feel I owe the game something." For future England coach Bobby Robson, a team-mate for club and country, it was money well spent. "We've got the best player in the country, nobody's going to touch him, and we'll pay him whatever we have to."

A few months later, the then England captain had arguably his greatest moment in his country's colours, when he orchestrated a decimation of neighbours Scotland to clinch the British Home Nations Championship. The 9-3 defeat still ranks as the Scots' second-heaviest in history, and Haynes was carried aloft by his team-mates after scoring two and making several more.

There has rarely been such a dominant figure for England as Johnny.
Jimmy Greaves on team-mate Johnny Haynes

[/i]

"We paraded the great Haynesie around the pitch as if he was the FA Cup at the end of a match in which he touched perfection," Greaves, who got a hat-trick, reflected. "We would have beaten anybody that day." From the other side of the field, Dave Mackay was quite clear about his impressions of England's captain. "I'd sooner have the job of marking any other footballer in the world than Johnny Haynes."

Going into the World Cup the following year, Haynes led his team to Chile, where they faced a daunting opening game against Hungary. The Magyars' coach, Lajos Baroti, was disarmingly frank about how they planned to beat England. "Simple: No10 (Haynes) takes the corners, No10 takes the throw-ins; No10 does everything. So what do we? We put a man on No10. Goodbye, England." It worked a charm, with Hungary winning 2-1.

That result proved the difference as the Hungarians topped the group ahead of the Three Lions, though both were to crash out in the quarter-finals, with a Garrincha-inspired Brazil seeing off Haynes and Co 3-1 on the way to glory.

After being far from his best, Haynes, who would be 31 when the competition came to his homeland in four years' time, was defiant. "My burning ambition now is to captain England in the finals of 1966 at home, and to be the captain of the winning team."

But just two months later the dream was to be cruelly shattered. Driving through Blackpool after an away game with Fulham, Haynes suffered a car crash, doing serious damage to his knee. It took almost the entirety of the 1962/63 season to return, but having torn his cruciate ligament in the accident, he was forever more dogged by injury.

As a result he would never play for England again and his powers began to wane. Having carried Fulham for so long – though two FA Cup semi-finals were the peak of his achievements there – they eventually succumbed to successive relegations. Haynes retired after half a season in the third division, with his heyday eight years earlier frozen in time by the famous contract he had signed. "I was the first player to be paid £100 a week," he observed, "but Fulham did not increase my wages by a penny to the day I retired in 1970."


http://www.fifa.com/classicfootball/players/do-you-remember/newsid=2507597/index.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham 2-1 Reading FC: Instant Reaction



A close game at the Cottage, but Brian Ruiz stole the points for the West London outfit with a stoppage time header.

The Royals made just one change for the trip to the Cottage- Garath McCleary returning from a knock to replace Jamie Mackie on the right-wing.

Early on, Fulham started well but the visitors had the first chance at goal- Alex Pearce seeing a header cleared off the line. The hosts responded by Hugo Rodallega shooting wide from 18 yards.

With a scrappy first-half, it became apparent that this wasn't to be a game full of goals, with Rodallega again having a chance that was shot against the post. Reading were being particularly stout at the back, until Kit Symons' side broke the deadlock early in the second half.

Scott Parker was allowed to drift into a dangerous area, with recalled Fulham winger Alex Kacaniklic broke in between Chris Gunter and Michael Hector to put the Cottagers in front.

Reading replied quickly, with Pavel Pogrebnyak nodding home a 63rd minute Oli Norwood corner, sending the 2700 fans into raptures. The visiting fans' excitement almost reached fever pitch, but Garath McCleary's low cross flashed across the face of goal without a finish.

Pogrebnyak again had a header go close, and with five minutes of stoppage time on the board Reading almost had a chance through Nick Blackman. However, it was the hosts who took the points with substitute Brian Ruiz heading home in the 92nd to take the points.


http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2015/1/17/7628989/fulham-2-1-reading-fc-instant-reaction

[WhiteJC]

 
Result: Bryan Ruiz rescues Fulham with Reading win

Bryan Ruiz struck in the dying seconds to snatch victory for Fulham after Pavel Pogrebynak's equaliser had cancelled out Alex Kacaniklic's opener at Craven Cottage.

Fulham should have been ahead when Ross McCormack cleverly picked out Hugo Rodallega on 10 minutes, but the striker could only fire wide of goal.

Reading would have been ahead if Hal Robson-Kanu had found the target following a good turn in the Fulham box, before Marcus Bettinelli had to be alert to deal with Pogrebnyak's powerful header.

Fulham took the lead 10 minutes after the restart when Scott Parker's superb through ball found Kacaniklic who calmly placed the ball beyond Adam Federici.

However, the Royals were level just after the hour mark when Pogrebnyak nodded home from Oliver Norwood's corner.

Simon Cox thought he'd won it for the away side but his effort was ruled out for offside, before Ruiz struck in the last second to take all three points for Fulham.

The result sees Fulham climb to 15th, while Reading sink to 18th.


http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/result/result-bryan-ruiz-rescues-fulham-with-reading-win_199394.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Ruiz snatches win for Fulham

Bryan Ruiz struck a stoppage-time winner to give Fulham a 2-1 home victory over Reading at Craven Cottage and arrest their run of three Sky Bet Championship defeats.

The home side had taken the lead in the 55th minute when Sweden midfielder Alexander Kacaniklic scored his first goal for the club in over 14 months in his first start since returning from a loan spell at FC Copenhagen.

But Reading were level after 63 minutes as Pavel Pogrebnyak headed in his first league goal of the season against the club he scored six goals for while on loan in 2012, before Ruiz's later winner.

The win sees Fulham move eight points clear of the drop zone following a revival under Kit Symons, who has steered them away from relegation trouble since taking over in late October.

But it was Reading who got out of the blocks quicker and they had already had a decent early chance through Alex Pearce's header before a sixth-minute opportunity fell to Fulham striker Hugo Rodallega.

Ross McCormack found space on the left to cut a pass back to the Colombian, but he could only slice his effort wide of the right post with Reading goalkeeper Adam Federici seemingly beaten.

Reading manager Clark had been critical of his side's attacking play during the first half of their 0-0 draw at home to Middlesbrough last Saturday but their intent and movement was better here.

Hal Robson-Kanu cut in off the right flank and curled an effort which skimmed the top of the bar before another headed chance fell to Pearce from a corner.

But it was the home side who should have taken the lead just before half-time as defender Shaun Hutchinson's header from a corner forced a brilliant save from Federici before Rodallega thundered his follow-up effort against the post.

But ten minutes after half-time Fulham had the opening goal as Kacaniklic found space just outside the area to receive a drilled pass from Scott Parker and he took a superb touch to control before steering home a finish that Federici got a touch to but could not keep out.

Reading then pressed for a leveller with Wales striker Simon Cox forcing a good save from the feet of goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli.

But the visitors' lead last just eight minutes as Pogrebnyak used his strength to win a header from Oliver Norwood's corner and draw Fulham level from around eight yards out.

Fulham had looked the more likely to win the game and the man who had replaced their opening goalscorer then headed in from close range after fellow substitute Cauley Woodrow had nodded McCormack's cross into Ruiz's path, with the Costa Rican's fifth goal of the campaign snatching victory at the death.


http://www.espnfc.co.uk/english-league-championship/match/395168/fulham-reading/report?

[WhiteJC]

 
Next At Home: Nottingham Forest

The Whites are back in action at Craven Cottage this Wednesday against Nottingham Forest (21st January, 7.45pm) under the Cottage floodlights.

Tickets for the match are available to purchase on General Sale now, priced from £25 adults and £10 juniors.

Make sure you're at the Cottage for our final game of the month as the Kit Symons' boys look to make it two league wins on the bounce!

Forest Tickets
A number of Matchday Hospitality packages are also available to buy on Wednesday night, with our London's Original in McBride's package just £50 per person (+VAT) at this match.

Keep warm pre-game, at half-time and after the final whistle in McBride's Bar, as well as enjoy the game from seating on the half-way line.

Forest Hospitality


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/january/17/forest-tickets?

[WhiteJC]

 
Sky Bet Championship: Bryan Ruiz grabs late 2-1 win for Fulham against Reading

Bryan Ruiz: Scored a stoppage-time winner

Bryan Ruiz struck a stoppage-time winner to give Fulham a 2-1 home victory over Reading at Craven Cottage and arrest their run of three Sky Bet Championship defeats.

The home side had taken the lead in the 55th minute when Sweden midfielder Alexander Kacaniklic scored his first goal for the club in over 14 months in his first start since returning from a loan spell at FC Copenhagen.

But Reading were level after 63 minutes as Pavel Pogrebnyak headed in his first league goal of the season against the club he scored six goals for during a 2012 loan spell, but Ruiz had the last word.

The win sees Fulham move eight points clear of the drop zone following a revival under Kit Symons, who has steered them away from relegation trouble since taking over in late October.

But it was Reading who got out of the blocks quicker and they had already had a decent early chance through Alex Pearce's header before a sixth-minute opportunity fell to Fulham striker Hugo Rodallega.

Ross McCormack found space on the left to cut a pass back to the Colombian, but he could only slice his effort wide of the right post with Reading goalkeeper Adam Federici seemingly beaten.

Reading manager Clark had been critical of his side's attacking play during the first half of their 0-0 draw at home to Middlesbrough last Saturday but their intent and movement was better here.

Hal Robson-Kanu cut in off the right flank and curled an effort which skimmed the top of the bar before another headed chance fell to Pearce from a corner.

But it was the home side who should have taken the lead just before half-time as defender Shaun Hutchinson's header from a corner forced a brilliant save from Federici before Rodallega thundered his follow-up effort against the post.

But ten minutes after half-time Fulham had the opening goal as Kacaniklic found space just outside the area to receive a drilled pass from Scott Parker and he took a superb touch to control before steering home a finish that Federici got a touch to but could not keep out.

Reading then pressed for a leveller with Wales striker Simon Cox forcing a good save from the feet of goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli.

But the visitors' lead last just eight minutes as Pogrebnyak used his strength to win a header from Oliver Norwood's corner and draw Fulham level from around eight yards out.

Fulham had looked the more likely to win the game and the man who had replaced their opening goalscorer then headed in from close range after fellow substitute Cauley Woodrow had nodded McCormack's cross into Ruiz's path, with the Costa Rican's fifth goal of the campaign snatching victory at the death.



http://www1.skysports.com/football/live/match/314069/report?

[WhiteJC]

 
Manager Reaction

Kit Symons was a happy manager after watching his Fulham team snatch all three points against Reading on Saturday.

In what was an even match, the Whites stunned the visitors when Bryan Ruiz popped up in the third minute of stoppage time to earn the win at Craven Cottage.

"It looked very much like it was going towards a draw which probably would have been a fair enough result," Symons admitted in his post-match press conference. "They'll feel very aggrieved about it I'm sure.

"After they got the equaliser they were putting us under a bit of pressure from corners and crosses into our box. It's easy to say with hindsight but I always felt we had the quality to pop up with another goal. I didn't expect it to be quite so late but obviously delighted to see it go in."

Symons named a bench full of attacking options, and the introduction of Cauley Woodrow had a telling impact as the England Under-21 striker set up fellow substitute Ruiz for the dramatic winner.

When it was put to him that he made 'genius' substitutions, Symons replied: "They are when you get Cauley Woodrow heading it back for Bryan Ruiz to head in, but they don't always pan out like that, that's for sure!

"But the subs who came on both did well. They combined for the winning goal following a great ball from Ross McCormack.

"It was a little bit of a gamble in some respects as it was a very attacking bench today with Bryan, Cauley, Moussa [Dembélé], George Williams, Pat Roberts – real attacking options on the bench, so we knew if we were behind or level, there were things we could do to change the dynamic of our team to hopefully get that goal that we needed. And, like I say, today it worked."

In addition to scoring the goal, Ruiz added an extra dimension to the Fulham attack, and Symons was delighted with his contribution.

"I wouldn't have minded if the tea lady came on and scored today, but it was brilliant for Bryan," he said. "He's a good guy and a very, very good player.

"I think it's fair to say he's not always had the easiest of times here but he showed his commitment. Also, before the goal, his running to the box was fantastic. He burst into the box for the initial cross, and then because of that he was then in there for the header back from Cauley.

"I speak to Bryan regularly, as I do with all the players, and we're very up front and straight with each other, and he was very committed.

"I had a good chat with him yesterday – he was committed and wanted to be involved. He's just come back from a little injury and he was good so I involved him and he came on and scored the winner, so I'm delighted."

Alexander Kačaniklić had opened the scoring with a nice finish 10 minutes into the second half, and Symons praised the winger for his input, along with Ryan Tunnicliffe who also returned ahead of schedule from a loan deal away from the Club.

"Alex and Ryan were players who were out on loan," Symons stated. "The original idea was for season-long loans but they both had a break option in January and as soon as I took over as Manager one of the first things I said was that I want these boys back.

"They're both really good players who I know really well, and they've both got Championship experience. So for me it was an absolute no brainer to get them both back. They're both excellent players – they've only been back five minutes and they've both had an impact."


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/january/17/manager-reaction

[WhiteJC]

 
Bryan Ruiz remains 'fully committed' to Fulham, says Kit Symons

Costa Rican climbed off the bench to bag winner against Reading

Kit Symons insists Bryan Ruiz is fully committed to Fulham - but admits the midfielder could leave Craven Cottage this month.

The Costa Rican climbed off the bench to bag a last-gasp winner against Reading on Saturday to end a run of three successive league defeats.

Ruiz is out of contract in the summer and has been linked with a move away from the Whites.

However, Symons has no problems using the midfielder while he remains in west London.

"I would think there is a chance [of him leaving] but there's nothing for him at the moment," said the Fulham boss.


AP Photo/Petr David Josek
No takers: Kit Symons says there have been no offers for World Cup star Ruiz
"I speak to Bryan as I do with all the players and we're very up front and straight with each other.

"I had a good chat with him yesterday, he's very committed, he wanted to be involved today, he's just come back from a little injury and he was good.

"I involved him and he came on and scored the winner, so I'm delighted.

Ruiz pounced to nod home in stoppage-time after Cauley Woodrow's header back across goal.

And Symons reserved special praise for his super-subs, adding: "They both did well and worked very hard for the team.

"I wouldn't have minded if the tea lady had come on and scored today!

"But it's brilliant for Bryan, he's a good guy and a very good player and hes not always had the easiest of times here but he's shown his commitment."


http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/bryan-ruiz-remains-fully-committed-8466998?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham 2-1 Reading: Denied At The Death

A cold winter's day on the banks of the Thames saw Reading fall to a last-gasp 2-1 defeat to Fulham. Bucks Royal has his match report from the game.

The whole club was in a buoyant mood going into this game. Steve Clarke had injected some grit into Reading, who were unbeaten in all competitions since a 0-1 defeat to Watford in Clarke's first match in charge. And the fans were clearly looking forward to this one, with 2,731 of them cramming into the away end before 3pm.

Reading made just the one change from last weekend's 0-0 draw with Middlesbrough; Jamie Mackie dropping to the bench to make way for the now fit Garath McCleary. Jem Karacan kept his place on the bench following 16 months out injured.

The first half was a pretty dull affair, with few chances for either side. The away side looked most dangerous through Garath McCleary, who was linking up well with Chris Gunter down the right flank, but the Jamaican/Welsh duo couldn't deliver any clear-cut opportunities. That said, Norwood, Robson-Kanu and Cox all had shots from distance that went close without troubling Bettinelli in the Fulham goal.

Down the other end, Hugo Rodallega spurned the two best chances of the first half. For the first, mid-way through the opening 45, he connected with Ross McCormack's pull-back into the area, only to see his shot roll narrowly wide of the far post. Close to half time, Adam Federici carried on his form from last weekend with a top save from a corner, with his parry smashed onto the post by the aforementioned Rodallega.

The second half started much in the same way that the first had gone on, with the tempo remaining pretty flat. But, as Reading would increasingly do throughout the rest of the match, they gave Scott Parker too much space in the middle of the park. The former Spurs midfielder picked out Kacaniklic (not easy to type in a hurry), finding space between Gunter and Hector before slotting past Adam Federici to make it 1-0 to the home side. It was at this point that the away fans finally noticed the presence of the home supporters, who had been silent up to that point. And they almost had something else to cheer, with a Ross McCormack free kick (~25 yards, just left of centre) going just wide of the near post.

Reading responded well to going behind, and Steve Clarke's team was on the front foot and in control of the game. Danny Williams and Oliver Norwood were moving the ball about well, with Jordan Obita and Chris Gunter supporting their respective wingers well. Garath McCleary in particular was causing his defender all kinds of problems, looking back to his best, but was unable to pick out a killer final ball. Up front, Simon Cox and Pavel Pogrebnyak couldn't find a spark to unlock the Fulham defence.

Throughout, the Royals were racking up the corners, but Oliver Norwood's deliveries weren't quite pinpoint enough to trouble the home side. That was until the 63rd minute when a well-taken outswinger found an unmarked Pogrebnyak who powered home a header to equalise against his former team.

The momentum stayed with the visitors, but once again there was a spark missing up front to create any truly dangerous chances. That said, McCleary and Williams both had efforts from range, with Simon Cox's strike ruled out for offside. But Reading's threat was diminishing as McCleary tired on the right, and it was clear that there was nothing left in the tank for the Jamaican. However, in Reading's last chance of the game, McCleary danced inside past his marker, sliding the ball in for Nick Blackman who was unmarked in the middle, but Blackman failed to connect with the ball.

That miss proved to be fatal for Clarke's side, with Fulham grabbing the winner from the resulting attack. Jordan Obita didn't get tight enough to Ross McCormack on the right, whose cross found Woodrow - the substitute headed back across goal for Bryan Ruiz to score, yet again against the Royals, with a header from inside the six yard box.

In all, it was a tough afternoon for Reading. Despite not creating much in the first 45 minutes, the away side looked solid, perhaps edging the balance of play. The second half was much more encouraging, with a series of chances created, most of them from the impressive Garath McCleary. Nonetheless, you can't get away from the inability to take chances - a striker is desperately needed in this transfer window, unless Pavel Pogrebnyak can up his game.


http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2015/1/17/7629443/fulham-2-1-reading-fc-denied-at-the-death

[WhiteJC]

 
Ruiz late show seals Fulham win
by DAN on JANUARY 17, 2015

A stoppage-time header from substitute Bryan Ruiz secured a priceless win for Kit Symonds as his Fulham side edged a scrappy encounter against Reading and ended a run of three successive league defeats.

Symons had called on his team to build on their penalty shoot-out success at Wolves in the FA Cup in midweek but they had to patiently wait for the breakthrough against a physical and cynical Reading, managed by Steve Clarke, who was rumoured to be the running to succeed Felix Magath when Fulham sacked the German coach in September. It was Swedish international Alex Kacaniklic who gave Fulham the lead, smartly latching onto a through ball from skipper Scott Parker, racing clear of the Royals' defence and clinically finishing past Adam Federici. It was the perfect way to mark Kacaniklic's first start for Fulham since being recalled from his loan spell with FC Copenhagen.

Fulham's defensive problems during a difficult first season back in the Championship have been well documented and, although Symons has done remarkably well to lift the side he inherited with a single point to their name after eight games away from the drop zone, the familiar failings reared their ugly head again here. The identity of Reading's goalscorer shouldn't have come as a surprise as Pavel Pogrebnyak scored six goals at Craven Cottage during a five-month loan spell in 2012, but Symons would have been disappointed with the way the Russian striker shrugged off the attentions of Jack Grimmer to power Oliver Norwood's corner past Marcus Bettinelli from close range.

Pogrebnyak's first league goal of the season prompted Reading's most impressive spell of the game and winger Garath McCleary twice went close to putting the Royals in front. First, he delivered a teasing cross after a tricky run that eluded everyone as he flashed across the face of goal and then sent a rising drive into the Putney End. The visitors then saw Simon Cox's close-range finish chalked off for offside and the former West Brom forward then sent a deflected shot narrowly wide as Clarke's side pushed for a winner.

Nick Blackman failed to make contact with McCleary's excellent pass as he surged clear in the first minute of injury time and that proved crucial. Just seconds later, Fulham burst forward and Ross McCormack's deep cross was cleverly headed back across goal by Cauley Woodrow and Ruiz rose bravely to restore the home side's lead. The two substitutes had enlivened a predictable Fulham front line – and Symons insisted that the Costa Ruiz captain, who has been linked with a move to Boca Juniors this evening, remained 'fully committed' to Fulham.

Such stoppage-time drama was in stark contrast to a turgid first half that was more memorable for a sub-standard refereeing performance from Mark Brown than the standard of football. Reading had started the brighter, with McCleary to fore, but captain Alex Pearce and Hal Robson-Kanu spurned their clearest openings. Pearce's downward header was headed off the line by Kostas Stafylidis and Welsh international Robson-Kanu curled a 20-yard effort narrowly over the crossbar. The home side's best chances fell to an out-of-form Hugo Rodallega. The Colombian striker sliced inexplicably wide from six yards out after excellent approach play from McCormack and then drove an instinctive effort against the far post after Adam Federici had brilliantly kept out Shaun Hutchinson's header.

FULHAM (4-4-2): Bettinelli; Grimmer, Stafylidis, Bodurov, Hutchinson; Parker; Tunnicliffe, Fofana; Kacaniklic (Ruiz 78); McCormack, Rodallega (Woodrow 73). Subs (not used): Kiraly, Burn, G. Williams, Roberts, Dembele.

BOOKED: Bodurov, Tunnicliffe, Kacaniklic.

GOALS: Kacaniklic (55), Ruiz (90+2).

READING (4-4-2): Federici; Gunter, Obita, Hunter, Pearce; D. Williams, Norwood, McCleary, Robson-Kanu; Pogrebnyak (Mackie 84), Cox (Blackman 84). Subs (not used): Andersen, Kelly, Cooper, Guthrie, Karacan.

BOOKED: Gunter, Cox, McCleary, Pogrebnyak.

GOAL: Pogbrebnyak (63).

REFEREE: Mark Brown (Lancashire).

ATTENDANCE: 17,381.


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2015/01/ruiz-late-show-seals-fulham-win/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Stoke's Robert Huth Set For Fulham?

Fulham are leading Reading & Watford in the race to sign Stoke City's German defender Robert Huth on loan. Whites also snubbed by Fryers AND Vaz Te by smaller clubs around the world.

Stoke City defender Robert Huth has been reported as a potential target for Championship sides Fulham, Reading and Watford, but it's the Cottagers who are odds on to complete the signing.

After Symons' failure to bring center back Zeki Fryers to the club earlier this month the search was back on for a strong leader of men to fit into the back four. Huth has just 4 appearances this season in all competitions and this aggravating scenario is forcing him into a move. Stoke manager Mark Hughes has admitted that the former Chelsea centre half is set to leave Stoke in a loan deal.

Despite this, Huth also revealed that Germany is where he will probably end his career: "I can imagine myself returning to the Bundesliga to play," Huth said this week. The combative centre-back wants to move to a Premier League side but Stoke like the idea of him going to the Championship as it will allow them to recall the 30-year-old should they pick up injuries.

With the poor form of Fulham's current defensive line, Robert Huth would in no doubt be a silly move for Kit Symons.

Also this month, Ricardo Vaz Te has agreed a deal to join Turkish Super Lig club Akhisar Belediyespor. The 28-year-old scored the winning goal in the 2012 Championship playoff final to earn West Ham promotion to the Premier League, fell down the pecking order at Upton Park, making only 12 appearances for the Hammers in the last two seasons.


http://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2015/1/17/7633559/robert-huth-fulham

[WhiteJC]

 
Match Report: Fulham 2 - Reading 1


Alexander Kačaniklić celebrates his goal during the Whites' 2-1 victory against Reading, - Ker Robertson/Getty Images

Bryan Ruiz's extra time header snaps the Whites' 3-game losing streak.

Fulham have moved up to 15th place in the Championship after Bryan Ruiz's late header secured a 2-1 win against Reading.

The Whites, playing at home, almost managed to take a lead in the 44th minute when Shaun Hutchinson's header hit the right post, which Hugo Rodallega then tried to convert into a shot on goal, but unfortunately Reading goalie Adam Federeci managed to make an incredible save to keep it out of the net.

Not to say we wouldn't score, though, as in the 55th minute, Alexander Kačaniklić drilling his first goal in over a year, which was assisted by Scott Parkers low-level pass. However, Reading managed to level the scoring in the 63rd minute, Pavel Pogrebnyak heading in his first goal of the season, the cross coming from a corner. Reading had also had 2 opportunities to equalise in the 61st minute, the first being Alex Pearce's left footed shot, which Bettinelli managed to save, also saving Simon Cox's shot on goal around 40 seconds later.

It wasn't until the end of the game, however, that the Whites managed to pull ahead. Ross McCormack's cross was headed into Bryan Ruiz's path by Cauley Woodrow, who came on to replace Rodallega in the 72nd minute of the game, which Ruiz (who came on to replace Kačaniklić in the 77th) shot straight into the back of the net. Scored in the final minute of extra time, Reading had no chance of making a comeback attempt, and the Whites came ahead, moving above them in the table.


http://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2015/1/18/7648077/match-report-fulham-2-reading-1