Friday Fulham Stuff (16/07/10)

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2010/07/15/fulham-defender-wants-new-boss-appointed-82029-26859334/
Fulham defender wants new boss appointed

AARON Hughes has urged Fulham to get a manager in ASAP.

The Whites are yet to appoint a new boss – two weeks after Roy Hodgson jumped ship to take up the hotseat at Liverpool.

And Northern Ireland defender Hughes wants the club to get their target in place as quickly as possible, with Sven Goran Eriksson still the favourite for the post.

He said: "I think it's an anxious period for everyone because you're waiting for a new manager to see what happens.

"It's the same anywhere in the world with any team. It's just nice to get it sorted then we know where we go from there.

"We're not too worried because at the minute we're just getting along with our pre-season training and letting the powers that be make the decision."

Hughes played 45 minutes of the pre-season friendly at Brentford last night, as the Whites cruised to a 5-0 win against their west London rivals.

He added: "It's nice to be back with no injuries, and everyone getting through the game okay. Everyone's got a bit of match fitness, and we got a couple of goals as well."

[WhiteJC]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/jul/15/fulham-ray-lewington-roy-hodgson
Ray Lewington says he does not want to be new Fulham manager
• Caretaker happy to see 'outsider' replace Roy Hodgson
• Expects key players to stay at Craven Cottage

Ray Lewington is not interested in taking over as Fulham manager and is happy for the club to appoint a fresh face to replace Roy Hodgson, who joined Liverpool two weeks ago. Fulham hope to name their new manager by the start of next week, with Sven-Goran Eriksson, Bob Bradley and Ottmar Hitzfeld thought to be the front-runners for the job.

Lewington had a four-year spell as manager in the 1980s and acted as caretaker after Lawrie Sanchez was sacked in 2007. The 53-year-old marked the start of his second caretaker spell with a 5-0 win over Brentford last night.

He said: "I'm not interested in the job, it's going to an outsider. Which is fair enough. I think it can be very dangerous to bring up coaches who are familiar with players. So we're all accepting that an outsider's going to come in and we're just waiting to see who it is."

Mark Schwarzer and Brede Hangeland have been linked with moves to Arsenal and Paul Konchesky has been tipped to return to West Ham. The Birmingham manager, Alex McLeish, is said to be interested in signing Bobby Zamora. Lewington said it was inevitable that there would be interest in Fulham's best players after the club's run to the Europa League final last season, but added that he was confident that they would stay at Craven Cottage.

"I don't think the players will be looking elsewhere," said the former Watford manager. "They're a tight bunch of players and it's all about them now. The manager can push and prod but, at the end of the day, it's the players who go out and play.

"Their achievement last year was fantastic. I think they all appreciate Roy had to move on and we've no problem with that but they're here, they are all contracted and they have kept the same team spirit. We've had no problem in the week or so we've been training. They're geared up for the season and wanting to do as well as they did last year."

Fulham play Bournemouth in their second pre-season friendly on Saturday. Andy Johnson will not play as he continues his recovery from a knee injury. Lewington said he hoped the striker would return soon.

Lewington said: "He's making good progress. We hope he will be playing in the next few weeks, or getting very close to playing. We won't rush him, it's pointless. We'd love AJ to be there at the start of the season, for the first game, and he won't be far away. But if it means taking a little bit of time, we will. But we're very pleased with him."

[WhiteJC]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1294987/Fulham-blow-Ottmar-Hitzfeld-rules-running-replace-Roy-Hodgson-boss.html
Fulham blow as Ottmar Hitzfeld rules himself out of running to replace Roy Hodgson as boss

Ottmar Hitzfeld has ruled himself out of the running to replace Roy Hodgson at  Fulham.

The 61-year-old has announced he intends to retire from management when his  contract as Switzerland coach expires at the end of the country's Euro 2012 campaign.

Hitzfeld, who won the Champions League with Borussia Dortmund and Bayern  Munich, said: 'I've now got another two years in Switzerland – and they will be my last two years in management.'

The German was understood to have held informal talks with Fulham and was on a  shortlist of candidates including former England manager Sven Goran-Erikkson and Ajax boss Martin Jol. 

Erikkson is still hopeful of a return to the Premier League, but told Swedish  broadcaster SVT last night there was also a possibility he could resume his role with the Ivory Coast.

The 62-year-old resigned after the African side failed to make the knock-out stage of the World Cup.

He said: 'They (Ivory Coast)  were really pleased and I guess that I can stay on if I want to. If so, it will be for four years until the next World Cup  finals.

'I'll make up my mind in a week or so. I have to do it soon since there are friendlies in August and qualifications for the Africa Cup of Nations in September and October.'



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1294987/Fulham-blow-Ottmar-Hitzfeld-rules-running-replace-Roy-Hodgson-boss.html#ixzz0tp5CrWL3

[WhiteJC]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=808863&sec=england&cc=5739
Johnson backing Bradley

Fulham striker Eddie Johnson believes USA coach Bob Bradley is the right man to replace Roy Hodgson.

Bradley is rumoured to be on a three-man shortlist for the vacant Fulham post alongside Switzerland coach Ottmar Hitzfeld and Sven-Goran Eriksson, while Martin Jol could also be a contender.

Yet Johnson, who has played regularly under Bradley for USA, feels his compatriot may be best placed to continue Hodgson's good work.

"Bob could do a good job at Fulham," he said. "If you look at the statistics then it's plain to see that he has done a good job with the US. They did well in the World Cup, won their group and played really well and that's all down to him.

"He's a very similar manager to Roy. He plays attractive football but also organises his team in a defined shape that is hard to play against. They are similar in a lot of ways. The training sessions are very similar and their style on the pitch is.

"Bob was always keen to come over to Europe to see how the game was over there and he has been over to Fulham's training ground a couple of times and has seen how Roy coached Fulham. I think that made their styles similar."

Johnson spent last season on loan at FC Aris but he now feels he could force his way into the Fulham first-team.

"Being on loan in Greece was good for me. It was a good league, a good standard. The target now is for me to get a first-team spot.

"If I'm scoring goals in pre-season in these games then it's good to get in the manager's head and it's good to put pressure on the manager. At the end of the day all I can do is control what I can control, keep playing well and make the manager's decision hard.

"I'm confident in myself. If I get a manager that believes in me here then - who knows? - this could be the year here for me."

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulham-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/sven_will_take_pay_cut_to_get_job_537743/index.shtml
Sven Will Take Pay Cut To Get Job

Sven Goran Eriksson is willing to take a wage-cut to get the Fulham job.

The Daily Star report that the Swede remains Fulham's No 1 choice but fears his reputation will ruin his chances of succeeding Roy Hodgson as Craven Cottage boss.

Eriksson is prepared to take a drop from the £3m a year he received at his only previous Premier League job at Manchester City.

Eriksson has been incensed by reports that his wage demands are threatening to scupper a move to west London.

The club have made initial contact with Eriksson's agent Athole Still and the 62-year-old does want the role.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/July/hughesBrentfordReaction.aspx
Hughes' View

Following Wednesday night's 5-0 win over Brentford, Fulham travel to the South Coast this weekend for a friendly fixture against Bournemouth|, when Fulham's players will be looking to build up their match fitness ahead of another highly competitive Premier League season, as Aaron Hughes explained to fulhamfc.com.

"It was good to get the first pre-season friendly out of the way on Wednesday night and come away without any injuries," said Hughes. "What we're after is match fitness but we got a couple of goals as well which is always nice.

"We know what works for us and how to get results and we've got to keep working hard ahead of the new season. We know what's brought us success over the last couple of years and what works for us. We work hard but there's always room for improvement.

"Another good, solid League finish this season would be regarded as a successful campaign. I don't think because of last season, or the season before, that we'll be getting ahead of ourselves."

Whilst the players enjoyed a well earned break over the summer months, the pain of the UEFA Europa League Final defeat to Atletico Madrid clearly still hurts Hughes, who admitted this week that to have gone so close to glory still remains a bitter pill to swallow.

"It was the first time I'd played in a Final like that," Hughes explained. "I still haven't got over it to be honest. Every time I see something that reminds me of it I still get that sick feeling. Once we get over that horrible feeling that we lost it, it will be something we can be incredibly proud of.

"Getting to a European Final doesn't happen very often, but we enjoyed it and we've got good memories of it. You look at the World Cup Final and Spain scored three minutes from the end of extra time. It happens, and that was us two months ago, so we know how it feels. I'm sure all the lads will get over it in time and when it settles down it will be something to be really proud of."

There will certainly be increased competition for places at the heart of Fulham's defence next season with summer signing Philippe Senderos joining the ranks, and Hughes clearly believes the Swiss international will strengthen the Team over the coming seasons.

"It's [Senderos' signing] healthy because it keeps everyone on their toes," said Hughes. "In this league it's very hard for any player to play all the games all the time. You get injuries here and there and if you add players to the squad they have to be of a certain standard and we've certainly done that with Philippe."



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/July/hughesBrentfordReaction.aspx#ixzz0tp6NclWg

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=204921
Fulham - Shorey Latest!
One of those we loaned last season, Nicky Shorey, still hopes to return to Craven Cottage.

Shorey, linked with a move to another of the clubs he was on loan at last season in Nottingham Forest, has refused to sign for the Midlands club as he wants to play Premier League football.

The Daily Mirror suggests that the only route back to Craven Cottage would be if Paul Konchesky were to depart, which doesn`t look too likely.

However, Shorey is prepared to wait and has indicated that he is in no rush to commit his future and is prepared to wait until the transfer window closure approaches.

We wish him luck!




Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=204921#ixzz0tp6f8AF4

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=204920
Does Either Have a Fulham Future?
Last night our strike-force consisted of Eddie Johnson and David Elm.

Bobby Zamora and Andrew Johnson were both missing and off course Erik Nevland has returned to Norway for the twilight of his career.

It has to be said that both Elm and Johnson (Eddie) did okay but it should be remembered that the fixture was against limited opposition and both teams are still far from approached match fitness.

It should also be reported that both Elm and Johnson (Eddie) got on the score sheet and both took their goals with a touch of class.

But do they have a long term future at Craven Cottage?

Elm, we believe, has signed for another year and on the surface of it looks to be just nudging ahead of Johnson (Eddie) in the striker hierarchy list.

Johnson spent last season out on loan, at Cardiff, and took a long time to win the fans over down there and never really established himself as a first team starter.

Therefore, our question to you is - which of the two do you prefer?




Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=204920#ixzz0tp6uJ7c2

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=204919
Fulham - Manager Latest!
With a mere 30 days to go before the Premier League campaign kicks off we`re still no nearer knowing who our new manager is.

Rumour after rumour has left us all a little flummoxed and the total silence from within the walls of Craven Cottage only adds to the confusion.

Yesterday, it appeared that Sven Goran Eriksson, who it had been claimed wanted more of a salary than was on offer, dismissed the idea of him being any sort of front-runner.

Therefore, having masterminded, albeit in a friendly, a fine 5-0 win over Brentford, could Ray Lewington see his temporary tenure extended into the first few weeks of the season or are we going to get our backsides in gear and sort this one out soon?




Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=204919#ixzz0tp78jYCT

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=204918
Fulham - Your Verdict on the New Kit!
Last night, at Griffin Park, was the first time Fulham had worn their new kit in public.

Produced by Kappa it was met with more than the odd puzzled look by the Fulham contingent who had made the short journey.

Vital Fulham member, DeuceBigelow wasn`t that impressed, e-mailing me to say he was disappointed and that it wasn`t a patch on last seasons.

So what are your thoughts?

Do you like it, dislike it or hate it?

Leave any comments below but also take the opportunity to vote in our latest poll.




Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=204918#ixzz0tp7Ocknb

[WhiteJC]

http://fulham.theoffside.com/team-news/a-friendly-victory-and-kits.html
A friendly victory and kits
By: timmyg | July 15th, 2010

The 2010-11 campaign (un)officially kicked off yesterday with Fulham thrashing local neighbors but table strangers Brentford FC 5-0 in a friendly.

Many of our World Cup warriors did not feature as they presumably are on a well earned vacation. Nonetheless they weren't really missed considering the League One opponent and the match being, well, a glorified scrimmage.

Chris Baird opened the scoring with a rocket from outside. Don't know if this is his first "goal", but at least this attempt went in let alone on target, unlike so many similar efforts of last year. Good job to the lad.

David Elm, Damien Duff, Eddie Johnson, and Simon Davies rounded off the scoring in a scrimmage that saw 10 substitutions.

I'd make a graphic to show the lineups and substitutions, but there were just too many. So use your imagination:

Stockdale (Etheridge 77);
Stoor (Marquez 86), Hangeland (Hughes 45), Kelly, Konchesky (Smith 45);
Duff (Davies 45), Greening (Harris 77), Baird (Marsh-Brown 63), Riise (Saunders 63);
E. Johnson (Trotta 79), Elm (Gera 45).

Yesterday also saw the unveiling of the home kits. Here's some photographic evidence:

Whereas many fans lamented the provider (Kappa) the sponsor (FxPro) and the tight-fitting nature of the shirts (shades of Airness?), I personally enjoy them. The kits from the 2008-09 season have grown on me significantly, and this kit has the sleeves and neck piping that kit possessed. Plus, anything is a step up from last year's awful sleeve design on our home and midnight blue color on our third.

Fulham return to action this Saturday in another scrimmage against another League One opponent before going on tour to Sweden next week. Hopefully we'll have a manager by then

[WhiteJC]

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_6262050,00.html
Bradley backed for Fulham job
Johnson thinks US boss is the perfect man for Craven Cottage

Fulham striker Eddie Johnson believes that United States head coach Bob Bradley could do a 'good job' at Craven Cottage.

The Premier League club are searching for a successor to Roy Hodgson after he quit earlier in the summer to replace Rafa Benitez at Liverpool.

Bradley is reportedly on a three-man shortlist for the job along with Switzerland's Ottmar Hitzfeld and former England and Manchester City boss Sven Goran Eriksson.

But after working with his international boss since 2006, Johnson, who was left out of this summer's World Cup, is in no doubt about who would be the ideal man for Craven Cottage.

"Bob could do a good job at Fulham," said Johnson.

"If you look at the statistics then it's plain to see that he has done a good job with the US. They did well in the World Cup, won their group and played really well and that's all down to him.

Target
"He's a very similar manager to Roy. He plays attractive football, but also organises his team in a defined shape that is hard to play against.

"They are similar in a lot of ways. The training sessions are very similar and their style on the pitch is.

"Bob was always keen to come over to Europe to see how the game was over there and he has been over to Fulham's training ground a couple of times and has seen how Roy coached Fulham. I think that made their styles similar."

Johnson marked his return from a season-long loan with Greek side FC Aris by scoring in Fulham's first pre-season friendly against Brentford.

The American, who spent the previous season on loan at Cardiff, has now set his sights on pushing for a first-team place.

Johnson said: "Being on loan in Greece was good for me. It was a good league, a good standard. The target now is for me to get a first-team spot."

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2010/07/15/martin-jol-set-for-fulham-job-82029-26862119/
Martin Jol set for Fulham job

MARTIN Jol is set to be named the new Fulham boss in the next 48 hours.

The Chronicle understands the 54-year-old would be happy to take the rolling contract on offer at Craven Cottage as well as an improved salary on his current job at Ajax.

Jol only took over at the Amsterdam Arena last summer, helping them to the Dutch Cup and second spot in the Eredivisie, but it is believed he is keen to return to the Premier League.

Talks with Sven Goran Eriksson, who has been favourite for the post, have stalled over the terms of the deal and the fat wage packet the Swede has become accustomed to with England, Manchester City and the Ivory Coast.

The Whites are keen to appoint Roy Hodgson's successor as soon as possible with the pre-season trip to Sweden on the horizon early next week, with Jol set to fit the void in SW6.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.football.virginmedia.com/page/Football/PremierLeague/Headlines/0,,12555~2093503,00.html
Fulham get closer to new manager

Fulham seem to have turned their attention away from both Switzerland coach Ottmar Hitzfeld and United States manager Bob Bradley, as Sven-Goran Eriksson and former Tottenham boss Martin Jol now appear to head the shortlist to replace Roy Hodgson at Craven Cottage.

However, the Barclays Premier League club - who head out to Sweden on Monday as part of their pre-season preparations - could also face competition for the ex-England manager from the Ivory Coast after Eriksson revealed he was considering an offer to stay on with the Africans, whom he coached at the World Cup.

"They were really pleased and I guess that I can stay on if I want to. If so, it will be for four years until the next World Cup finals," Eriksson said on SVT. "I will make up my mind in a week or so. I have to do it soon since there are friendlies in August and qualifications for the Africa Cup of Nations in September and October."

There is also the issue of salary demands for the Swede, with Fulham owner Mohammed Al Fayed apparently setting a limit of £1million a year.

Those sorts of figures, however, would still be able to attract the likes of Bradley, the American who has five months of his deal with US Soccer to run, along with Jol, who left White Hart Lane in October 2007 after an initial period of success and last season saw his Ajax side narrowly beaten to the Dutch Eredivisie title by Steve McClaren's FC Twente.

A spokesman for the United States Soccer Federation would not be drawn on Bradley's future plans.

"Bob is under contract with US Soccer until the end of the year and discussions are ongoing," the spokesman told Press Association Sport.

Hitzfeld, though, appears to have ruled himself out of the running.

The German was said to have held informal talks with Fulham chief executive Alistair Mackintosh over a potential move to the Premier League.

However, now the 61-year-old - who won the Champions League with Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich - announced he intends to retire when his contract as Switzerland coach expires at the end of the Euro 2012 campaign.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2010/07/16/2027561/former-tottenham-manager-martin-jol-emerges-as-candidate-to
Former Tottenham manager Martin Jol emerges as candidate to be the next Fulham manager - report

Ajax manager Martin Jol has surfaced as a shock candidate to take over for Roy Hodgson at Fulham next season.

The former Spurs boss is emerging as a serious contender to return to the Premier League, having previously managed Spurs, leading the team to two fifth place finishes in an impressive stint at White Hart Lane.

Jol won the Dutch Cup and fell one point short of winning the Dutch title with Ajax last season as Steve McClaren's FC Twente emerged as the surprise champions.

Cottagers owner Mohammed Al Fayed is keen to announce his new manager by next week and Jol is one of managers in contention for the job, according to The Mirror.

Former England manager Sven Goran Eriksson has been tipped as one of the favourites to lead Fulham but the club have been put off by his high salary demands.

United States boss Bob Bradley and Switzerland coach Ottmar Hitzfield have also been reported as candidates for the managerial position.

However, Hitzfield has pulling himself out of the race to become the Cottagers manager and intends to keep leading the Swiss.

"I've now got another two years in Switzerland - and they will be my last two years in management," Hitzfield said.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Former-Tottenham-manager-Martin-Jol-new-favourite-to-take-over-at-Fulham-Exclusive-article528033.html
Martin Jol new favourite to take over at Fulham - Exclusive

Martin Jol has emerged as a shock late contender for the Fulham job.

The former Spurs boss, currently at Ajax, is seen as a prime candidate for the post after impressing at White Hart Lane during his time in the Premier League.

Jol led Tottenham to two fifth-placed finishes in the Premier League, missing out on a Champions League place in 2006 only after his squad fell ill with a bug ahead of their last, decisive game of the season and failed to win.

Last season he missed out on the Dutch title to Steve McClaren's FC Twente by a point. But he gained consolation by steering Ajax to the Dutch Cup.

Fulham owner Mohammed Al Fayed is set to announce the successor to Roy Hodgson by Monday at the latest and could even name him as early as today.

Sven Goran Eriksson had been among the early favourites to take over at Craven Cottage but concerns over the Swede's wage demands have seen other contenders enter the equation.

That has drawn anger from the Eriksson camp who believe Eriksson is the best candidate yet fear he will be passed over as they have not heard back from Fulham since holding talks with the club.

Eriksson claimed earlier this week that he could yet reprise his role with the Ivory Coach after resigning in the wake of the World Cup.

But the Ivorians are understood to be unimpressed with the way that Eriksson left the post so soon after their team's exit from the competition and are looking elsewhere.

USA coach Bob Bradley and German tactician Ottmar Hitzfield, currently coach of Switzerland have also been in the frame for the vacant Fulham position.

But Hitzfield who lifted the Champions League with Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich, last night ruled himself out of the running.

He said: "I've now got another two years in Switzerland - and they will be my last two years in management."



Read more: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Former-Tottenham-manager-Martin-Jol-new-favourite-to-take-over-at-Fulham-Exclusive-article528033.html#ixzz0tpAGpmL4
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[WhiteJC]

http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2010/07/16/exciting-news-from-theres-only-one-f-in-fulham-toofif/
Exciting news from "There's only one F in Fulham" (TOOFIF)
Filed under: General — weltmeisterclaude @ 6:16 am

NEW TOOFIF WEBSITE
At long last the award-winning Fulham fanzine has its own website ­ check out www.toofif.co.uk for the web-based extension to the enduring magazine.

NEVER SEEN TOOFIF?
Well check out the website to see what the fuss is all about ­ it's an independent view of Fulham FC by the fans and for the fans courtesy of a mag that first hit the streets back in 1988. With Fulham reaching its first European Cup Final last season, the football club's stock has never been higher but, being Fulham, there's always plenty to discuss and debate anyway.  For further details, please see "About TOOFIF" at www.toofif.co.uk !

EVER THOUGHT ABOUT SUBSCRIBING?
It's never been easier to take out a five-issue subscription to the magazine ­ and as payment can now be made via PayPal, even those of you who live hundreds or even thousands of miles from Craven Cottage can be a part of the TOOFIF experience. Full subscription details can be found at www.toofif.co.uk under ­guess what? ­ "Subscriptions". Be sure to check out the "SPECIAL OFFERS"! Or get in touch with TOOFIF by email via [email protected] to be added to the list of subscribers and to establish full contact details.

EVER THOUGHT ABOUT ADVERTISING IN TOOFIF?
Er, probably not! But, hey, why not consider doing so and get your particular message across to the Fulham faithful? You'll find our advertising rates are very attractive (we like 'em, anyway!). Again, simply email TOOFIF at [email protected] for further information.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.teamtalk.com/fulham/6262632/Cottagers-step-up-manager-search
Cottagers step up manager search

Fulham are set to step up the search for their new boss, with Martin Jol and Sven-Goran Eriksson reportedly now heading the club's shortlist.

Over two weeks have passed since Roy Hodgson called time on a successful two-and-a-half-year stint at Craven Cottage and the club would like to install his replacement before the team begin their training camp in Sweden on Monday.

Two of the original favourites for the job - Switzerland coach Ottmar Hitzfeld and the USA's Bob Bradley - both now seem unlikely to take up the post.

Former Bayern Munich manager Hitzfeld ruled himself out of the race while a statement from the United States Soccer Federation outlined their intention for Bradley to extend his current contract as United States manager.

"Bob is under contract with US Soccer until the end of the year and discussions are ongoing," a USSF spokesman said.

Eriksson's wages could prove a stumbling block for Fulham owner Mohammed Al Fayed, who has apparently set a limit of £1million a year for the new manager's salary.

The Swede also revealed earlier this week that he is considering a lucrative offer to return as head coach of the Ivory Coast, whom he managed at the World Cup.

"They were really pleased and I guess that I can stay on if I want to. If so, it will be for four years until the next World Cup finals," Eriksson said on SVT.

"I will make up my mind in a week or so.

"I have to do it soon since there are friendlies in August and qualifications for the Africa Cup of Nations in September and October."

Jol, who was sacked by Tottenham in October 2007, may relish the opportunity of managing in the Premier League again although whether he would leave Ajax, who will be playing Champions League football next year if they come through qualifying, remains unclear.

With Fulham's pre-season campaign already under way, the players are desperate to see the situation resolved as soon as possible.

"It is a little bit frustrating not having someone in place," said midfielder Simon Davies following Fulham's first pre-season fixture against Brentford, which they won 5-0.

"I've no idea who it's going to be but the club have said that by the end of this week or the beginning of next week, they'll have someone in place."