Saturday Fulham Stuff 30.05.15

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LVC's Reaction



Following the announcement that his effort against Huddersfield Town had been voted Goal of the Season by the Whites fans, Lasse Vigen Christensen gave the following reaction to fulhamfc.com.

"It was a really special goal for me because it helped us get back in front and win the game. Also, my dad and brother were at the Cottage for the match, so I got to share it with them too. I'm happy that a lot of the fans enjoyed it, and I'm hoping I can help us win many games next season by getting more goals like this one. Thanks to everyone who voted!"

http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/may/29/lvcs-reaction

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Why Fulham need a strong pre-season



A long hard season for Fulham finally came to an end, and it was not a moment too soon for fans. After the rollercoaster ride of emotions throughout the season, it is not exactly hard to find a Fulham fan who is glad that they are not waking up on a Saturday with that feeling of dread. Well, at least for the next few months, a break is a break after all. However, it will not be too long before Fulham are back kicking the ball in a friendly game. Normally, I am not particularly someone who would take much notice of results or performance in these games. I mean just look at Fulham's last pre-season under Felix Magath, the win loss record was picture perfect.  This season it is different, certainly from my perspective, and let me explain why.

One word explains why it is important and that word is hope. Hope, leads to belief and after last season ended in a relegation battle, it is something fans need. Fans need to see positives; I am not saying that necessarily means winning 3-0 against a Premiership team filled with reserve players because that obviously is not a true reflection. Fans need to see players being played in the right positions, and that the formations being tested are ones that could realistically be played in the forthcoming season. Fans who witness these friendly game performances need to be able to walk away and think to themselves, Fulham are on the right track.  Though this point should apply to every season, coming off such a disappointing time, it is more important than previous seasons. If you have no hope at the start of the season, the writing is already on the wall.

It is not just the players that belief needs to be restored in, the manager himself-Kit Symons, needs it.  Pre-season is not going to convince all the doubters that he is in the fact the right man for the job, but you do not exactly want fuel being added to the fire. If Kit is able to put more of a positive mark on the team in pre-season, then maybe fans won't be so quick to call for his head, even if we lose the first game of the season. A prospect that is not unthinkable after last season.

Pre-season is not all about friendlies and performances on the pitch. A huge part is all down to the backroom staff and the club's transfer dealings. Fulham need to be strong in the transfer market, several areas of the team need improving and that's without considering whose leaving last year's squad. Fulham's defensive record over the last two seasons is a cry for help, begging for new personnel to be added, this season is as good as any other to resolve the problems. There's nothing like promising new signings to give fans belief in the upcoming season, and that's exactly what Fulham should do.

This is why the 2015-2016 pre-season for Fulham could be key to restoring belief which could propel the team through at least the first half of the season and restore faith with the fans.

http://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2015/5/29/8685877/why-fulham-need-a-strong-pre-season

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Lasse Vigen Christensen Wins Fulham Goal of the Season


In Fulham's 2014/15 season, there were few brights spots. However, some stunning strikes were on display from the Cottagers this year. Lasse Vigen Christensen bagged the award with 28.7 percent of the vote for his goal against Huddersfield in November. Christensen's goal against Sheffield Wednesday came runner up with 27.1 percent.

Christensen's goal came in the 77th minute of the home match against Huddersfield, just two minutes after Huddersfield had equalized. As the torrential downpour came down on the banks of the Thames, Dan Burn played a hopeful long ball to Hugo Rodallega. The center back headed it Bryan Ruiz, who plucked the ball out of the air and laid off to the incoming Christensen. The young midfielder continued his surging run, playing a slick one-two with Rodallega. And then came the moment of pure brilliance. Christensen sized up the Huddersfield defender, and with a deft touch of his right boot, delectably flicked the ball through his legs. A delectable nutmeg, it was something Lionel Messi would have been proud of. LVC then proceeded to softly chip the ball over the onrushing goalkeeper to cap off a fantastic goal.

Lasse Vigen Christensen is well deserving of the accolades, but unfortunately injuries cut his promising season short. Maybe with LVC running the midfield our mid-season push to the playoffs could have materialized. Hopefully the Cottagers can keep a hold of him in the off season.

What do you think of the goal? Was it the best the Whites scored all year? Comment below with your thoughts.

http://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2015/5/29/8686303/lasse-vigen-christensen-wins-fulham-goal-of-the-season

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All Star Quartet

Watch four of our promotion-winning heroes from the 1998/99 & 2000/01 seasons dissect the All Star game, relive some memories and discuss what makes a winning team.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrDfaxpiSpo

http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/may/29/all-star-quartet

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Fulham`s Top Five Goals of the Season Were.....

Given the opportunity to vote for the Fulham 'Goal of the Season` it is probably fair to say that you might have your own opinion as to which goal might be the worthy winner.

But, in a poll run by the official site, the goal which came out on top was scored by Lasse Vigen Christensen in the game against Huddersfield. The goal received 28.7% of the vote.

In second place was also a goal scored by Lasse Vigen Vhristensen, this time in the fixture against Sheffield Wednesday with 27.1% voting for this option.

In third place came the goal scored by Matt Smith, against Wigan which took 16.1% of the votes polled.

In fourth place was the free-kick scored by Nikolay Bodurov in the win against Derby County, a goal which took 13.3% of the votes cast.

The fifth placed goal was scored by Ross McCormack for his splendid effort against Huddersfield, a goal which received 5.1% of the vote.

Do you agree with the top-five placings or do you have a favourite of your own?

Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=401240#ixzz3bYz6Atdu

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Everton submit official enquiry for highly-rated Fulham striker



Moussa Dembele has been subject of interest from Everton, with an official enquiry being sent to Fulham, according to the Daily Star.
Everton are eyeing a move for Fulham forward Dembele

Everton are eyeing a move for Fulham forward Dembele

It's said that Everton are ready to bring in the young French forward, who signed for Fulham from French champions PSG in 2012, with other clubs challenging for his signature.
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The Toffees are said to have registered interest in a summer move for Dembele, who's contract is set to run out next season.

Dembele has been restricted to very few appearances this season, with strikers Ross McCormack, Matt Smith and Hugo Rodallega being preferred as strike partners.

The young French forward has only made two starts this season for Fulham and has played 329 minutes of football this season, contributing two goals in a league cup fixture.

If Fulham can't offer regular first team football and competitive wages, Dembele could be set to favour a move to Everton, with the club set to offer him first team opportunities in a higher division.

http://footballleagueworld.co.uk/everton-submit-official-enquiry-for-highly-rated-fulham-striker/

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40 Years On

Forty years after the Whites' record-breaking run to the FA Cup final, some of the 1975 Team gathered for some reminiscing at Motspur Park, just before the end of the season.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=huNkg7rXkfY

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Emmo Hits The Winner


Emerson Hyndman scored the winner as the United States kicked off their FIFA U-20 World Cup campaign with a 2-1 victory against Myanmar.

It did not begin well, though, for the Fulham midfielder and his team as the Asian nation scored with just nine minutes played when Yan Naing Oo poked in at the end of a goalmouth scramble following a corner.

Hyndman played a key role in the equaliser eight minutes later as he delivered a dangerous corner which was flicked on to the far post when Maki Tall was waiting to slam the ball high into the net.

And Hyndman had the final say 10 minutes after the restart when he finished expertly at the end of a swift counter attack. Rubio Rubin held the ball up well before playing in his captain who had covered a lot of ground to get up the pitch. Hyndman then took one touch before placing a low strike across goal and into the bottom corner.

With New Zealand and Ukraine drawing 0-0 in the other match, their result in Whangarei leaves the United States sitting at the top of Group A.

Argentina didn't fare quite so well, as they were twice pegged back by Panama to draw 2-2 in their Group B opener in Wellington.

Tiago Casasola played the full 90 minutes for the Albiceleste, and they went in front with less than quarter of an hour played when Angel Correa finished clinically inside the box after playing a neat one-two with Tomas Martinez.

The lead did not last for long, though, as Panama hit back in spectacular style when Jhamal Rodriguez smashed in a terrific swerving effort from 25 yards out which found the top corner.

1-1 was how it stayed for a long time, but with little more than 10 minutes left it looked as though Correa had won it for his team when he capitalised on a goalkeeping mistake and rolled the ball into the net from the edge of the area.

But Panama refused to admit defeat and drew level once again just five minutes later when Fidel Escobar thumped in Carlos Small's cross on the half-volley.

The underdogs could even have snatched it when Small raced clear late on, but he missed the target with his shot.

http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/may/30/emmo-hits-the-winner