Sunday Fulham Stuff (24/01/15)...

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Sunderland 0-0 Fulham: Black Cats draw a blank against determined Cottagers as Jack Rodwell sees red
Jack Rodwell is sent off for a second yellow in the second-half, blocking Fulham keeper Bettinelli's throw
Fulham striker Hugo Rodallega nearly won it for the Championship side late on but his effort hit the post
The FA Cup fourth round replay will take place in London at Craven Cottage on February 3

Jack Rodwell was once a highly-rated future England captain, right?

Sadly, his career is drifting by. It says everything that Sunderland actually improved following his second-half dismissal.

But don't let that minor upturn mask what was a dreadful match – what must home debutant Jermain Defoe have thought? On this evidence, he's staring at an awfully long three-and-a-half years on Wearside.


Referee Anthony Taylor shows Sunderland midfielder Jack Rodwell the red card after a second bookable offence on Saturday


Rodwell was cautioned for impeding Fulham goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli to receive a second booking and get sent off


The former Manchester City midfielder's unnecessary challenge on the Fulham keeper reduced the home side to ten men


Rodwell hangs his head as he walks off the pitch having been sent off for Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Saturday in the FA Cup


Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe looks on with frustration as the home side struggled to break down their Championship opponents

Sunderland fans can only hope he does not regress into the same rut in which Rodwell finds himself.

This was only his 12th start since his £10 million arrival from Manchester City, but that fee looks inflated with every sorry showing.

The 23-year-old was lucky not to see red for a first-half lunge on Konstantinos Stafylidis, but was given his marching orders for a second yellow when he needlessly impeded goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli on 66 minutes.

Remarkably, Black Cats boss Gus Poyet refused to criticise the three-times-capped midfielder.

'Sometimes you do things that you would not do again. You don't have time to think. I'm not bothered about it,' he said.
What Poyet was disturbed by was his side's lacklustre performance.

'I'm more bothered about the disconnection with the fans. I think they want Niall Quinn and Kevin Phillips back, but that's not going to happen,' he added.

'The first half was poor and it was difficult to watch. We didn't pass it well or have the pressure in their half. I wouldn't like to watch that week in, week out.'

Poyet was right. The first half was everything which has become so disheartening about this competition at times - two teams feigning interest, rendering the contest utterly meaningless.

Highlights? Lowlights more like. There was a Patrick van Aanholt shot which smashed new team-mate Defoe flush in the face. That got a laugh, at least.

The home crowd were rightly restless at half-time. Despite playing two up front – Defoe and Steven Fletcher – Poyet eroded that positivity by starting with five defenders.

It wasn't until the 56th minute that Defoe registered an effort towards goal – a dipping 25-yard strike dropping way wide. Still, it was progress.


Sunderland's Jack Rodwell attempts to shield the ball from Shaun Hutchinson of Fulham at the Stadium of Light in their FA Cup clash


Lasse Christensen of Fulham keeps the ball in on the byline for the Championship side under a challenge from Sebastian Larsson


Sunderland striker Steven Fletcher attempts to hit the target for the Black Cats whilst Nikolay Bodurov of Fulham tries to make a block

And Defoe came a damn sight closer to breaking the deadlock four minutes later when his volley, from Billy Jones' centre, was shoveled around the post by man-of-the-match Bettinelli.

The new signing drew another instinctive stop from the Fulham netminder when flicking Rodwell's mishit shot on target, Bettinelli reacting to shin clear.

From the resulting corner the keeper confidently gathered and, as he strode forward to launch a counter-attack, Rodwell intervened with a mindless tug and was off.


There is chaos in the Sunderland penalty area as Black Cats keeper Vito Mannone misses a cross during the FA Cup fourth round tie


Fletcher attempts an audacious volley for the Premier League Black Cats as the Fulham defence watches on

Fulham boss Kit Symons – whose side could have nicked it when Hugo Rodallega cracked the post late on – said: 'The sending-off stirred Sunderland into life if anything.

'But to come here to a Premier League side and equip ourselves like we did, I can be proud.'

As it is, these two will replay a week on Tuesday – just don't expect a surge for tickets.


Anthony Taylor brandishes the red card to Rodwell after his second booking in FA Cup fourth round tie with Fulham on Saturday


Sunderland's new acquisition looks on during the FA Cup fourth round clash with Londoners Fulham on Saturday afternoon


Sunderland's latest striking recruit Jermain Defoe unleashes a dipping volley but his effort failed to find the back of the Fulham net


Alex Kacaniklic of Fulham races down the wing during the FA Cup fourth round clash at the Stadium of Light on Saturday afternoon


Defoe applauds the home fans after the game as Fulham's Hugo Rodallega (centre) and Bryan Ruiz (right) help earn a FA Cup replay


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2924607/Sunderland-0-0-Fulham-Black-Cats-draw-blank-Jack-Rodwell-sees-red.html#ixzz3Plz5706h
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Sunderland boss Gus Poyet goes from hunter to hunted in the FA Cup

Gustavo Poyet of Sunderland knows all about inflicting cup upsets, so he will be anxious to ensure his team do not suffer one themselves

There is no danger of Sunderland taking today's visit of Fulham lightly because the Black Cats' management know first-hand what it is like to be the underdog in a big cup tie.

At home to Championship opposition, the Wearsiders will be strong favourites in the FA Cup fourth-round tie.

But having engineered wins over Sunderland in the League Cup and Newcastle United twice in the FA Cup while at Brighton and Hove Albion, coach Gustavo Poyet knows the underdogs travel to the North East with nothing to fear.

"It is ironic but if you are looking for someone to lead a Championship side to put a Premier League side out, Gus is probably your man!" said Charlie Oatway, Poyet's assistant at Brighton and Sunderland. "It is just good he is on our side!

"We managed to knock out a few big clubs while we were at Brighton and they were fantastic times. Now we are the Premier League club and teams are coming here to try to do the same to us.

"We will not be taking anything for granted and so it will be the same preparations as any other game. We will be watching clips of good and bad of Fulham, and talking about it, and hopefully go out there and perform the way we want."

Relegated Fulham had a disastrous start to the season under manager Felix Magath, taking a point from their first eight league games. But they are a much tougher proposition under his successor Kit Symons.

"I have watched most of their recent games and they are decent," said Oatway. "They have some good players and a nice blend of senior players and youngsters to give them legs while (Ross) McCormack is obviously scoring goals right now. It is a tough game and they will fancy their chances as much as we do."

One game into the competition, Sunderland have already won as many home games in this season's FA Cup as in the Premier League.

Oatway sees the Cup as an opportunity to build confidence at the Stadium of Light, and to find some momentum for the league.

"We bring 40,000 to our home stadium and we wanted to impress them," he said. "You do that by getting results and playing the brand of football Gus wants to play. We would like to repay the fans a bit.

"They (the supporters) have had to learn the way we want to play football, out from the back, and that may be a bit different to what some may class as the norm. The fans have had to be a bit patient with it but I think they are starting to buy into it.

"Maybe the players have been a bit edgy when they have been hearing fans urging them to get ball forward and they can lose concentration. Maybe that is why the final pass or cross has been a bit more nervous than it should have been.

"Let us be honest. The chance of us winning the league are pretty slim. So for us, cups give us a good possibility of achieving something. As a club and as a football fan myself, you have to be realistic about what you can achieve.

"It is realistic to think we could put three or four wins together and then suddenly you are in a good Cup run and not far from the final. There is a chance of really growing into the competition and getting the fans excited about that. Quite rightly, they feel there is an opportunity here.

"It is common sense for me and I really do not understand when other clubs take the attitude of sending out weakened sides.

"I love the Cup. I would say it is a help. Maybe if you are in Europe, or with a lot of games, you might say it will hurt your season but for me, the more games the better.

"I am a proper Englishman and I love the FA Cup and what it brings. I love it that it gives smaller clubs the chance to go on a real run and it helps fund them for the future. I take it to my heart.

"It really does give me a sparkle. I am all for it."


http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/sunderland-boss-gus-poyet-goes-8507993?

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Sunderland v Fulham – Played for Both: Steed Malbranque

As Sunderland face Fulham in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Saturday, SportsByte takes a look at a player who has graced the turf at both the Stadium of Light and Craven Cottage – Steed Malbranque.

'Steeeeeeed!' was the chant heard on Wearside in honour of the popular Frenchman during his three-year stint at Sunderland.

Despite representing France, Malbranque was actually born in Belgium in 1980. His career started at Montpellier, where he was signed as an 11-year old. Malbranque quickly moved onto Lyon with whom he made his professional debut in 1997.

With Lyon, he was quietly successful. Malbranque played in both the UEFA Cup and Champions League and was part of the side that won the 1999 Coupe de France. His form caught the eye of English clubs but Malbranque turned down a chance to play for Arsene Wenger at Arsenal in 2000.

In 2001, Malbranque did move to England, signing for newly-promoted Fulham. He joined a growing list of French players at Craven Cottage under French manager Jean Tigana and was an instant hit, top scoring with 10 goals in his opening season with the club.

He then impressed again as Fulham finished in the top-half and reached the UEFA Cup in 2002/2003. Malbranque top scored once again the following season with 13 goals. His silky skills and hard-work make him a crowd favourite with the fans.

In 2006 Malbranque stated that he wished to leave the club and was allowed – moving across London to Spurs for £2m. In total he scored 32 goals in 172 appearances for Fulham.

Malbranque continued to play well at Spurs. He played 62 times over two seasons at White Hart Lane and scored 6 goals while providing many more assists. Malbranque was part of the Tottenham side that won the League Cup in 2008 at Wembley.

By 2008 Malbranque was struggling for form and signed for Sunderland. He was one of three players to make the journey from north London to the Stadium of Light, alongside Teemu Tainio and Pascal Chimbonda.

Of the three, Malbranque was easily the most successful. Combining brilliant skill with an honesty and determination in his play, the Sunderland fans adored him. He scored his first goal against Hull in December 2008 – the only league goal he would get for the Black Cats.

The following season was arguably Malbranque's best in the Premier League. He linked up well with Darren Bent and Kenwyne Jones providing assists and deliveries for goals.

Malbranque was part of the Sunderland side that finished 10th in 2011 – only the third top-half finish for the Wearside club in the previous 40 years.

In 2011, Malbranque's contract was controversially not renewed over concerns with his age and fitness. Then-manager Steve Bruce argued it would free up funds for other transfers but the deal was criticised by fans.

A free agent, he moved to St Etienne in France but made only one appearance. Malbranque later moved back to Lyon for a second spell where he is currently enjoying some fine form in the twilight of his career.



http://sportsbyte.sunderland.ac.uk/sunderland-v-fulham-played-for-both-steed-malbranque/?

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Sixer's Sevens:SAFC v Fulham FA Cup (FA stands for frustrating afternoon)

It may not have been a full house today for Jermain Defoe's home debut but Pete Sixsmith was there as usual. Although Gus made three changes it was still a strong starting line up which is what we fans want to see in the F.A. Cup. It was also still 3-5-2 with Jones and van Aanholt in the wing back positions. A goal-less first forty five minutes left Sixer and Gary Bennett somewhat underwhelmed. In the second half Jack Rodwell did nothing to further the cause, receiving his second yellow and leaving the Lads a man short. Sunderland had chances but it was Fulham's Rodallega who hit the woodwork. Pete was not a happy bunny.


- See more at: http://salutsunderland.com/2015/01/sixers-sevenssafc-v-fulham-fa-cup-fa-stands-for-frustrating-afternoon/?#sthash.bSCgoFNo.dpuf

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Sunderland 0-0 Fulham: Stalemate at the Stadium of Light

A replay will be needed to separate the sides as they played out a draw at the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland dominated possession and controlled most of the game but couldn't break down Fulham as creativity seems an even bigger issue now for Gus Poyet's men.

Sunderland started well and they dominated the early proceedings with Billy Jones enjoying space down the right. The opening chance came through Jones who crossed to the back post for Van Aanholt who cut the ball back to Defoe but Fulham managed to scramble the ball clear. Moments later Rodwell saw his shot deflect over the bar before he tried his luck again from the edge of the box but he sent his effort wide of the target.

For all of Sunderland's early dominance it was Fulham who tested the opposing keeper first as they slowly got into the game. A shot by Dembele from the edge of the area on 24 mins had to be pushed away by Mannone into the path of Fofana who sent the rebound high and wide.

Bettinelli was called into action on 33 mins after nice build up play from the Black Cats allowed Van Aanholt to cross for Defoe who couldn't connect but Seb Larsson latched onto it and his shot had to be saved at the near post.

Sunderland continued to control the game without really causing Fulham any trouble in the final third. Just before half time Fletcher led a counter attack were he sent Bridcutt through down the wing but his cut back was blocked before Defoe could line up a shot.

A fairly mundane first half with Sunderland controlling possession as neither sides really looked like breaking the deadlock.

The second half started much the same as the first with Sunderland controlling possession but unable to unlock the Fulham defence.

Fulham however had the first real chance of the half on 51 mins through on- loan Manchester City midfielder Seko Fofana. The Frenchman cut inside and curled an effort towards the far post but it took a deflection which saw the ball go inches wide.

Sunderland got back on the front foot with Defoe shooting wide from 25 yards before Steven Fletcher had an effort blocked on 58 mins.

The deadlock was nearly broken by Jermain Defoe on 62 mins as Sunderland upped the pressure on the Fulham goal. Jones drove down the right and his cut back was met by Defoe who saw his volley saved onto the post by Bettinelli. Three minutes later Defoe had another chance after latching onto Rodwell's scuffed effort but his shot was well saved by the outstretched foot of Bettinelli.

Sunderland's plans to progress without a replay took a major hit after Jack Rodwell was shown a second yellow card on 66 mins when he needlessly impeded Bettinelli as the keeper was trying to throw the ball out.

The game evened out after the sending off but Defoe still looked dangerous when Sunderland could find him and he forced Bettinelli into another good save on 71 mins after volleying towards goal.

As the game entered the final ten minutes Sunderland remained a constant threat after the introduction of Connor Wickham. Van Aanholt had a shot tipped over and Wickham had a 25 yard shot well saved by Bettinelli.

Fulham nearly snatched victory on 87 mins when Hugo Rodallega crashed an effort off the far post and saw his rebound deflect wide off Liam Bridcutt.

The game finished goalless at the Stadium of Light as Sunderland couldn't turn their possession dominance into goals as they forced no less than 15 corners but were unable to break down the Fulham defence.


Sunderland (3-5-2): Mannone, Vergini, Coates, O'Shea (c), Van Aanholt, Jones (Buckley 76'), Bridcutt, Rodwell, Larsson, Fletcher (Wickham 66'), Defoe.

Subs: Pantilimon, Gomez, Alvarez, Giaccherini, Buckley, Wickham, Graham.

Goals: None

Red Card: Rodwell 66'



Fulham (4-3-3): Bettinelli, Grimmer, Hutchinson, Bodurov, Stafylidis, Tunnicliffe, Fofana (Kačaniklić 75'), Christensen, Ruiz, Woodrow (Rodallega 76'), Dembélé (McCormack 61').

Subs: Kiraly, Zverotić, Burn, Roberts, Kačaniklić, Rodallega, McCormack.

Goals: None



http://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2015/1/24/7882335/sunderland-0-0-fulham-stalemate-at-the-stadium-of-light

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Sunderland 0 Fulham 0, match report: Ten-man hosts toil to uninspiring draw
FA Cup fourth round, Sunderland v Fulham - Jack Rodwell is sent off as Gus Poyet's side fail to score for the 11th time in 26 games this season


Dismissed: Jack Rodwell leaves the field after being sent off against Fulham Photo: GETTY IMAGES

Sunderland are a hard team to beat, but they are becoming even harder to watch, failing to score against Championship side Fulham in yet another uninspiring performance in front of their own supporters.

The Black Cats have now won just two of their 14 home games this season and Gus Poyet's side are going to be in serious trouble if things do not improve. This was the 11th time in 26 games they have failed to score this season.

Given results elsewhere, though, at least they have another chance to progress in the FA Cup in a replay at Craven Cottage.

Jermain Defoe made his home debut alongside Steven Fletcher as Poyet persisted with a two-man strike force, but Sunderland rarely got the ball to either of them in or around the Fulham box.

Indeed, the Championship side played the more attractive football for most of the first half, although they also struggled to create chances.

Sunderland goalkeeper Vito Mannone made one solid save to keep out a powerful strike from Moussa Dembele, while Cauley Woodrow also had a goal-bound effort blocked, but the game was largely played well away from either goal.

The closest Sunderland came to a goal was when Defoe flicked on Patrick van Aanholt's cross, but Seb Larsson shot was saved by the legs of Marcus Bettinelli.

The home crowd booed their team off at the break, but there was little sign of a positive reaction when the players emerged from Poyet's half-time teamtalk as Fulham continued to starve Defoe and Fletcher of service.

Frustration grew, both on and off the pitch, and Seko Fofana almost game Fulham the lead. Cutting in off the left flank, he made room for a shot that curled just wide of the far post thanks to a slight deflection off a Sunderland defender.

Defoe must have started to wonder if he made a mistake signing for the club, his ineffectual display summed up when he completely misjudged a cross from Billy Jones six yards out. Moments later, the England international sent a long range effort wide. At least that drew a ripple of applause from the crowd.

Defoe very nearly had his first goal when he met another Jones cross at the far post on the volley, which Bettinelli did well to keep out despite an awkward bounce in front of him.

Having been little more than a spectator in the first half, Defoe was suddenly at the centre of everything, although he should have scored with his next chance, a stabbed effort in the six yard box that was too close to Bettinelli.

Sunderland were enjoying their best spell of the game, but it came to an end thanks to Jack Rodwell's stupidity.

Booked in the first half for a stud high tackle on Konstantinos Stafylidis, the former Everton and Manchester City was sent off when he picked up another needless yellow card for preventing Bettinelli taking a quick throw after claiming a corner.

Rodwell signed for Sunderland talking enthusiastically about playing regularly again in order to force his way back into the England squad, the 23-year-old has been a huge disappointment.

At times, Rodwell has not even looked good enough to play for a struggling Premier League team, let alone the national side.
Given a chance to impress in the absence of Lee Cattermole, Rodwell has not only failed to take it, he left his team in trouble.
At £10m, Sunderland expected far more from him than this and the midfielder, such a bright prospect at Everton, reputation is plummeting.

Sunderland actually played better without him, Defoe going close with a low effort from 25-yards before Patrick van Aanholt fired narrowly over and Connor Wickham drew a good save from the goalkeeper.

Fulham held firm, finished the tie strongly and almost caused an upset when substitute Hugo Rodallega shot smashed against the foot of the post.


http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/fa-cup/11367467/Sunderland-0-Fulham-0-match-report-Ten-man-hosts-toil-to-uninspiring-draw.html

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Sunderland face unwanted replay after being held at home by Fulham

Jeers greeted the final whistle on a day when an excess of caution and conservatism landed Gus Poyet with a thoroughly unwanted fourth-round replay in west London.

The Sunderland manager's response to the need to play Jermain Defoe in an attacking pair has been to switch to a back five, bolstered by a utilitarian central midfield trio. It would have been interesting to see how much more inventive his team might have been had Emanuele Giaccherini or, possibly, Ricardo Álvarez, started at the expense of one of Sebastian Larsson, Liam Bridcutt or Jack Rodwell.

By the time of Rodwell's second-half sending-off for a second yellow card Sunderland had created next to nothing.

Although Defoe subsequently seized on sufficient penalty area scraps to force Marcus Bettinelli into a handful of decent saves, Hugo Rodallega came within an inch of winning it for Fulham when his late shot rebounded off a post.

"There's an element of satisfaction but also an element of frustration," said Kit Symons, the Championship side's manager. "Our quality was not quite as good as it has been recently."

Sunderland fans would probably not demur but many will hope to see Giaccherini on the team sheet for the replay. Given a decent first-team run the Italy international could surely bridge the creative gap in the Wearside midfield that has never really been filled since Andy Reid's departure four years ago.

This lack of invention largely explains why Sunderland have won only twice at home this season. Given the importance of beating Burnley in next Saturday's relegation clash here, it has also left Poyet with much to ponder. "It was a difficult game to watch," he said. "Fulham were comfortable; our passing wasn't at the level I'd hoped for."

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A twinge in an achilles tendon meant that Ross McCormack, Symons's £11m leading scorer who had hit a hat-trick against Nottingham Forest in midweek, began on the bench. Yet even though Fulham were without their talisman, the teams looked so evenly matched it was hard to credit there was a division between them.

Sunderland were struggling to get the ball to Defoe, and from their sole real first-half scoring opportunity Bettinelli reacted smartly to save Larsson's low shot with his feet.

Despite Fulham being largely restricted to half chances, Symons's extremely well organised team constructed the odd pleasing attacking cameo, frequently featuring the impressive Moussa Dembélé.

Noting that far too many Sunderland passes were directed either sideways or backwards and that, initially, Defoe might as well not have been on the pitch, the home fans booed Poyet's players off at the interval.

It appeared that those who opted to stay away – the attendance of just under 23,000 was down by almost 50% – had made a wise decision.

The mood might have turned uglier had Seko Fofana's dangerous 51st-minute shot not been deflected to safety. No matter; shortly afterwards Defoe finally connected with a half-chance, shooting wide.

Once McCormack stepped off the bench the game opened up, permitting Defoe to begin testing Bettinelli's reflexes, with one particularly fierce volley offering a reminder of why he possesses 55 England caps.

Indeed, Rodwell's dismissal for that second yellow card – his tangle with Bettinelli having followed a rash first-half challenge on Konstantinos Stafylidis – could not have come at a worse time for Sunderland.

When Rodallega subsequently hit the post, Poyet probably could not believe his luck but Symons was left with mixed feelings. "I'm a little bit disappointed but, overall, I'm very proud," he said. "I was always confident we could win tie the tie and I'm even more confident now."



http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jan/24/sunderland-fulham-fa-cup-match-report?

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Resolute Fulham secure FA Cup replay

Sunderland 0 Fulham 0

Fulham earned a fourth-round FA Cup replay with a dogged defensive performance despite fielding a weakened side.

Sunderland had the better of things but struggled to create chances and, after Jack Rodwell was sent off, Fulham substitute Hugo Rodallega almost won it late on when his shot hit the post.

The Whites left 10-goal Ross McCormack and fellow strike partner Rodallega on the bench, two of four changes from the side that beat Nottingham Forest in the Championship in midweek, and rarely threatened to find the net.

But they defended with a combination of quality and spirit and, after a slow start, almost went ahead when Cauley Woodrow saw a weak effort go wide.

The Black Cats, who had only won twice in 13 home games, were themselves denied the lead when Seb Larsson's shot was kept out by the legs of keeper Marcus Bettinelli.

Jermain Defoe then had three chances to put the hosts ahead after the interval, shooting off target with one opportunity and forcing superb saves from Bettinelli with another two strikes on goal.

Seko Fofana had Fulham's best opening, but failed to hit the target with a shot from the left-hand side.

With Sunderland on top and threatening, Rodwell saw red for a second caution when he prevented Bettinelli releasing the ball.

However, although Rodallega hit the post with a fine strike, Fulham were unable to take advantage in the last quarter but will get another chance having secured a well-earned replay against the Premier League strugglers.

Fulham(4-1-2-1-2): Bettinelli; Grimmer, Hutchinson, Bodurov, Stafylidis; Tunnicliffe; Fofana (Kacaniklic 75), Christensen; Ruiz; Woodrow (Rodallega 76), Dembélé (McCormack 61).
Subs not used: Kiraly, Zverotic, Roberts, Burn.


http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/resolute-fulham-secure-fa-cup-replay?

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Richards Joins On Loan

The Club is delighted to confirm the signing of Ashley Jazz Richards from Swansea City on an initial one-month loan deal.

The versatile full-back made his debut for the Swans in the Championship as an 18-year-old, and has since gone on to make 48 appearances for the club.

Last season saw him sample UEFA Europa League football, and he has made seven Barclays Premier League appearances this term.

"I think it's an important time for me to come and try and get some games," he told fulhamfc.com. "I'm hoping to better myself and I think Fulham's the perfect place to come and do that.

"I just want to prove to people that I can be that player that I believe I can be, and I'm hoping to do that here.

"Before we got promoted I played in the Championship with Swansea, and I've also been out on loan to Crystal Palace when they got promoted, and then Huddersfield the season later, so I know about this division and I'm looking forward to it."

The Swansea-born 23-year-old has four international caps to his name to date, and so has worked closely with Fulham boss – Wales' assistant manager – Kit Symons already.

"I've been with Kit with the Welsh first team under Chris Coleman so I know Kit and I know how he works," he explained, "so that's another thing that I'm looking forward to as well."

"I know George Williams here, too, and I've had a brief chat with him, and everything sounds good so I can't wait to get started."


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/january/24/richards-joins-on-loan?

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Fulham go close to Sunderland upset

Sunderland 0-0 Fulham

Substitute Hugo Rodallega was denied an FA Cup giant-killing act by a post as Championship side Fulham very nearly shocked 10-man Premier League outfit Sunderland.

The Colombia international blasted against the woodwork as time ran down with the Black Cats, who played the final 24 minutes without £10million midfielder Jack Rodwell after he was dismissed for a second bookable offence, teetering on the brink.

Until that point, the Black Cats had looked the more likely winners after emerging from their early torpor with keeper Marcus Bettinelli making three saves from new boy Jermain Defoe inside 10 second-half minutes to secure a 0-0 fourth round draws.

Sunderland were desperately poor for long periods, although they rallied belatedly to put the visitors under pressure as time ran down.

However, it all proved to be too little too late as head coach Gus Poyet was left with a replay he did not really want, while opposite number Kit Symons headed home with plenty to be pleased about.

There was warm applause for Defoe when his name was announced, and a relatively sparse crowd at the Stadium of Light settled down hoping to see him fulfil his billing as the missing ingredient in Poyet's plan.

In the event, they saw the 32-year-old endure a largely anonymous first half in which he rarely saw the ball as the Uruguayan's 3-5-2 formation failed to click during a drab opening 45 minutes.

Indeed, the former Toronto striker's most telling contribution of the half was to unwittingly block team-mate Patrick van Aanholt's 42nd-minute shot with his face.

The Black Cats started brightly with wing-backs Billy Jones and Van Aanholt getting forward well, but they soon wilted as Fulham worked their way into the game.

In truth, neither side was able to create much of note with Bettinelli kicking away Sebastian Larsson's 33rd-minute drive and Steven Fletcher looping a tame header over the bar five minutes before the break.

Home keeper Vito Mannone was equally under-employed, beating away Moussa Dembele's thumping 22nd-minute effort either side of fielding tame attempts from Cauley Woodrow and Konstantinos Stafylidis.

Indeed, the most notable incident of the first half was a Rodwell tackle on Stafylidis with several studs on show which resulted in a booking.

The home side returned in determined mood and pinned the visitors back in an early flurry, although the initial impetus soon abated and it was Fulham who went close six minutes into the half when midfielder Seko Fofana wrong-footed defender Santiago Vergini and fired across the face of goal and just wide of the far post.

With the home fans among a crowd of just 22,961 starting to voice their frustration and the Londoners sensing an opportunity, the game opened up and Defoe was presented with his first half-chance, a long-range effort which he screwed well wide of the target.

The Black Cats forced a series of corners as they started to gain the upper hand, but they were unable to make the most of the pressure as Fulham defended manfully.

However, Bettinelli had to bundle Defoe's 62nd-minute volley around the post after he connected with Jones' right-wing cross six yards out, and the keeper came to the rescue once again after the striker got a toe to Rodwell's scuffed shot three minutes later.

That proved to be Rodwell's last contribution to the game when he was booked for a second time for preventing the keeper from throwing the ball out seconds later.

Bettinelli denied Defoe once again from distance with 18 minutes remaining and Van Aanholt drive a rising effort just over the bar six minutes later as the home side made their final push.

Connor Wickham tested Bettinelli with a fiercely-struck 82nd-minute effort, although it was fellow substitute Rodallega who closest to a winner when he rattled the post from 25 yards with four minutes remaining.


http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/english-soccer/english-fa-cup/2015/0124/675366-sunderland-v-fulham/?

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Swansea City's Jazz Richards joins Fulham on loan

SWANSEA City right-back Jazz Richards has joined Fulham on a one-month loan deal.

Richards joins the Championship outfit after making 10 appearances for Garry Monk this season, recently featuring in the 6-2 victory over Tranmere in the FA Cup third round.

The 23-year-old joins up with Kit Symons' side after previous loan spells at Huddersfield Town and Crystal Palace.

He will be available for the Cottagers' Championship fixture against Blackburn next weekend - the team who dumped Swansea City out of the FA Cup fourth round.



Read more: http://www.southwales-eveningpost.co.uk/Swansea-City-s-Jazz-Richards-joins-Fulham-loan/story-25917889-detail/story.html?#ixzz3Pm3s4PbF
Follow us: @SWEveningPost on Twitter | SWEveningPost on Facebook

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Poyet pleads for patience

Sunderland head coach Gus Poyet pleaded for patience after seeing his team survive an FA Cup shock at the hands of Sky Bet Championship side Fulham.

The Black Cats, with new signing Jermain Defoe among their number for the first time at the Stadium of Light, could only draw 0-0, and might have lost it at the death when substitute Hugo Rodallega rattled the post from distance following Jack Rodwell's sending-off.

There were boos from the home supporters among a crowd of 22,961 on the final whistle, and Poyet admitted a disconnect with the club's supporters in recent weeks was making things more difficult as he attempts to find the answer to their problems.

He said: "I am bothered about the shape, I am bothered about the pressing, the quantity of times we had the chance to play forward and we didn't, the missed connection at the moment with the fans. "I think the fans want Niall Quinn and Kevin Phillips back, but they are not playing anymore.

There are plenty of things that we need to change because if not, it's going to be difficult. "When we are all together, it's easier and at the moment, it doesn't look like that.

There are players who need the famous 'confidence' word for them to be better and when the stadium is not happy, the players don't express themselves and that makes kick and rush very easy.

"Teams who play kick and rush is something I wouldn't like to watch week in, week out, so we are going to try to find a formula to pass the ball better and forwards - but yes, passing the ball, so a little but of understanding and patience, it would be very welcome."

In a forgettable first half - described by Poyet as "average, poor, boring" - the Barclays Premier League side turned in an insipid display during which midfielder Sebastian Larsson produced the only notable shot. However, Fulham keeper Marcus Bettinelli was much more involved after the break, saving three times from Defoe inside 10 minutes, the first of them a fine reaction stop from a close-range volley.

In the meantime, Rodwell, who had been booked for an ugly first-half challenge on full-back Konstantinos Stafylidis, had been dismissed for blocking the keeper's attempted throw-out, although Poyet was not unduly worried by his moment of madness.

He said: "I am not bothered, those are the actions of football. People who play football at the highest level know that sometimes you do things that if you could go back, probably you wouldn't do it."

The replay will take place at Craven Cottage on Tuesday, February 3, and it is a game Poyet insists he is happy to have ahead of him. He said: "I think if you ask Chelsea, Manchester City, Tottenham and Southampton if they want to have a replay, they would love it.

It's football. Some teams love this competition because of those results." Fulham boss Kit Symons left Wearside delighted with his players' efforts, but bemoaning a missed opportunity to win the tie on the day. He said: "There's an element of satisfaction to take, but also a bit of frustration, really.

Before the game, I fancied us to win it. At 11 v 11, I still fancied us to win it and then the after the sending-off, we were caught between two stools a little bit. "We will never have a better opportunity to beat a top-flight team away from home than today, but when we play at Craven Cottage, I fancy us in that as well.

"I was confident before the game and I am equally, if not more, confident now. But also, they are top-flight opposition. They have got some excellent players, and they showed that when they went down to 10 men."



Read more at: https://www.clubcall.com/fulham/poyet-pleads-for-patience-1756301.html?

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Pure Poyetry: Sunderland 0 Fulham 0 but it's not my fault

John McCormick  writes: Jermain  Defoe has a goal scoring pedigree so hopes were high that he'd mark his home debut with a goal against a middle-of-the-road Championship side. He didn't. Nor did anyone else except Jon Stead, Kenwyne Jones and Darren Bent, who had all made their mark by half time.
Oh, sorry, I forgot, they don't play for us any more. And nor does Fletcher, by the sound of  it. How does our manager explain this? Well, in his postcard to M Salut he says it's not his fault. Rather, it's all down to a man in the middle.


Dear Colin

The idea was to press high and really have a go but I think we were a little too static and a little too safe. It wasn't one of the nicest games to watch.

I thought we started better in the second half, there was more about us and we looked more determined but then the sending off interrupted what we were trying to achieve.

Jermain [Defoe] was unlucky not to score; we know what he can do and we need to do a few things better to work with him. It was important for him to get 90 minutes under his belt and he's done that today.

It was a tight game and Fulham seem to have a system of play where they play better away from home. I expect a different game when we go there for the replay.

We need the players to be ready, we've a lot of games coming up and now we have a player who is suspended so someone will have to jump in.

I would like to say that Adam Johnson will be back [for the Burnley game]; we'll have to wait on Wes [Brown] and see what happens over the next few days.

Thanks for your support,

Gus Poyet


- See more at: http://salutsunderland.com/2015/01/pure-poyetry-sunderland-0-fulham-0-but-its-not-my-fault/?#sthash.jn26Q0BX.dpuf

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Fulham boss 'frustrated' by Sunderland draw

Fulham manager Kit Symons was delighted with his players efforts in their 0-0 FA Cup draw with Sunderland – but felt they missed an opportunity to claim a Premier League scalp.

In a forgettable first half - described by Sunderland boss Gus Poyet as "average, poor, boring" - the Premier League side turned in an insipid display during which midfielder Sebastian Larsson produced the only notable shot.

However, Fulham keeper Marcus Bettinelli was much more involved after the break, saving three times from Jermain Defoe inside 10 minutes, the first of them a fine reaction stop from a close-range volley.

In the meantime, Jack Rodwell, who had been booked for an ugly first-half challenge on full-back Konstantinos Stafylidis, had been dismissed for blocking the keeper's attempted throw-out.

Fulham were then agonisingly close to victory at the death when Hugo Rodallega struck the woodwork, but they had to settle for a replay.

Symons said: "There's an element of satisfaction to take, but also a bit of frustration, really. Before the game, I fancied us to win it. At 11 v 11, I still fancied us to win it and then the after the sending-off, we were caught between two stools a little bit.

"We will never have a better opportunity to beat a top-flight team away from home than today, but when we play at Craven Cottage, I fancy us in that as well.

"I was confident before the game and I am equally, if not more, confident now. But also, they are top-flight opposition. They have got some excellent players, and they showed that when they went down to 10 men."


http://www.london24.com/sport/football/clubs/fulham/fulham_boss_frustrated_by_sunderland_draw_1_3929330

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Richards Joins Fulham (on loan)
   
Rumours had been rife, before the transfer window opened, Fulham fancied taking Swansea`s Jazz Richards.

Today it has been announced that Fulham have secured the services of the Welsh international on a short-term loan move.

Richards will don our famous shirts for a period of one month as Fulham try to hang onto the shirt-tails of the play-off clubs.

Talking about his temporary move to Craven Cottage, Richards had this to say to the official site,

'I think it's an important time for me to come and try and get some games. I'm hoping to better myself and I think Fulham's the perfect place to come and do that.

'I just want to prove to people that I can be that player that I believe I can be, and I'm hoping to do that here.

'Before we got promoted I played in the Championship with Swansea, and I've also been out on loan to Crystal Palace when they got promoted, and then Huddersfield Town the season later, so I know about this division and I'm looking forward to it.'

Welcome to Craven Cottage Jazz Richards.


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=385774#ixzz3Pm5josQu

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