Tuesday Fulham Stuff 01.06.15

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Who do Fulham need to sign this summer?

I am sure I speak for every Fulham fan out there when I express my delight at the fact this rotten season is finally over. We all knew it would be hard work given the mass exodus of playing staff, alongside some rather questionable replacements. As we go into June the club will hopefully assess the rather battered first-team squad and establish the immediate priorities in strengthening for a better campaign come August.

I had originally set out to discuss three potential signings which could improve the Fulham squad, a brief for this piece from the editor, but all of us know that identifying any given target when it comes to Fulham is near enough impossible, and to say that we only need three new faces would be grossly underestimating the gravity of our situation. Of course a lot will also depend on returning loan players, outgoing personnel and the level of investment Mr Khan is willing to make as well.

Recently, while discussing our plight with a fellow Fulham fan, we expressed the most concern at the state of our, so called, defence. Admittedly in the past we have been spoiled. The days of Konchesky, Paintsil, Hughes and Hangeland week in, week out seem like a distant fantasy as we watch the current disjointed and leaderless group struggle to defend basic set-pieces. By no means am I saying that all of them should be replaced, but we need to establish which are capable of consistency week in, week out and then fill in the gaps.
Football - Fulham v Brentford

Despite an impressive pre-season, Stafalidis really failed to impress throughout and I would be very surprised if we do decide to take up his option to buy. James Husband would, in my eyes, be an excellent addition although how likely it is given Middlesbrough's loss in the play-offs remains to be seen. Of the central defensive options we have available, only Bodurov has slightly endeared himself to me and even then I am dropping my standards. Burn just doesn't appear to have kicked on and while Turner is decent, there are surely going to be better options available. As I have said it is near enough impossible to speculate on who, but only those with leadership skills should apply. On a side note, Liam Rosenior has just been released by Hull and as a player who knows the club would probably be a solid performer in the Championship.

As for any other specific targets it is anyone's guess but given that Carlton Cole has now been released by West Ham you can guarantee we will at the very least be heavily linked, that is of course if Derek Boateng is not available for comment. As a squad we lack wide men and the option to play them would at least be nice. There are plenty of decent seasoned professionals available on the cheap and while a few will complement the balance nicely, it is vital that we learn from our mistakes and start building for the future.

Players with sell-on value, players who are not just here for a pay day but can see the potential in returning to the top flight, players who we can actually grow with and not see as a temporary solution. That is the sweet spot to hit this summer.

Here's to a relaxing few months after a long long season.. COYW !

http://www.shoot.co.uk/category/news/who-do-fulham-need-to-sign-this-summer/

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Championship Newcomers



Every Monday for six weeks we'll profile a new opponent in the Sky Bet Championship. First up are our local rivals Queens Park Rangers.
Last season

QPR's return to the Premier League proved to be a short one as the 2014 Championship Play-Off winners were relegated after just a solitary season back amongst the country's elite, despite reportedly spending around £30m on players in the summer.

A poor start to the campaign didn't help matters as they took just four points from their first eight matches – form that saw them glued to the bottom of the table. Three wins from five in November/December lifted them to 15th, but that spell proved to be something of a false dawn.

Following a run of no wins from seven after Christmas, manager Harry Redknapp resigned from his post, at the time citing knee surgery as the reason for his departure.

Chris Ramsey took temporary charge for the remainder of the campaign but was unable to turn things around as Rangers finished bottom of the pile with 30 points – eight adrift of safety.
Ins and outs

QPR have moved quickly in the transfer market already ahead of the new season, with the acquisitions of Swindon Town pair Ben Gladwin and Massimo Luongo (pictured). The pair impressed in League One last term as the Robins reached the Play-Off Final, and they had reportedly attracted interest from the Premier League prior to their Loftus Road moves.

In terms of outgoings, Brian Murphy, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Richard Dunne, Joey Barton and Bobby Zamora will all be leaving the club when their contracts expire at the end of the month. Defender Rio Ferdinand will be hanging up his boots following the end of his contract, but Clint Hill and Alejandro Faurlin have been offered new deals.
Last time we met

Fulham 3-2 Queens Park Rangers, Monday 1st April 2013

The Whites survived a QPR fightback on Easter Monday two years ago to claim all three points from a thrilling West London derby.

Dimitar Berbatov put his side in front at Craven Cottage with a typically cool penalty with just eight minutes played after Ashkan Dejagah had been tripped by Chris Samba in the box.

The Bulgarian doubled the lead midway through the first half with a poked finish after Damien Duff had robbed Samba of possession on the edge of the area, before a Clint Hill own goal seemingly put Fulham out of sight four minutes before the break.

An Adel Taarabt strike reduced the arrears on the stroke of half-time, though, and Loic Remy squandered the chance to grab another when Mark Schwarzer saved his penalty after Giorgos Karagounis had felled Taarabt shortly after the restart.

Remy made amends just two minutes later with a vicious strike that flew in via the crossbar, and there was more drama when Steve Sidwell was shown a straight red card for a lunge with little more than 10 minutes left to play.

The Whites held on, though, to secure a third win in four matches as Martin Jol's sode went on to finish the campaign in 12th spot, while Rangers went down in 20th.
Five who played for both

In recent years there have been a number of players who have worn the colours of the two West London outfits. Bobby Zamora and Aaron Hughes both enjoyed huge success at Craven Cottage prior to moves to W12, while Adel Taarabt spent part of the 2013/14 campaign on loan at Fulham. Going further back, Rufus Brevett represented both clubs with distinction, racking up a collective 396 appearances, while popular striker Paul Peschisolido made a handful of appearances on loan at Rangers from Fulham in 2000.
How to get there

QPR away will likely be the simplest trip for the majority of Whites fans in 2015/16, with Loftus Road situated around three-and-a-half miles from the Cottage. The nearest tube stations are White City on the Central line, or Wood Lane on the Hammersmith & City line. Alternatively, the ground is approximately a 15-minute walk from Shepherd's Bush station.

http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/june/01/championship-newcomers

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The Craven Corner: Fulham must keep Dembele, Roberts and young stars during summer overhaul



Adam Brons-Smith blogs on his ideal summer for Fulham as Kit Symons prepares for his first pre-season in charge. The season is finally over and it's time for the greatest part of the summer to start. Rumours flying all over the place, even if they are completely ridiculous. But, with the club seemingly sticking with Kit Symons next season, there's a big summer overhaul ahead. I am a little surprised that Fulham haven't announced their retained list yet, but that's probably because there are a few players out of contract and the club are trying to renegotiate their deals. It wouldn't surprise if Fulham release 7-10 players this summer, with the first starting line-up being completely different to one that started last season. What is clear is that they won't risk the long term future by throwing big money at one or two players and I completely agree with that outlook. The main reason is because there is already an incredibly strong spine of the team in Marcus Bettinelli, Dan Burn, Lasse Vigen Christensen and Ross McCormack with several other players still developing. The team will only get better and with a strong pre-season under their belts, I expect a positive start. Especially if players like Emerson Hyndman and George Williams can recover and stay fit during their training camps. But, what is clear is that we will need a player who can play in the role behind the strikers with Bryan Ruiz expected to leave shortly. Yes, I agree that LVC could play in that position, but with his terrific work rate, I think he's still required in a box-to-box role. Fulham should look to sign Diego Fabbrini. The Italian magician, a skilful footballer who comes alive around the 18-yard box, seems surplus to requirements at Watford and has left some tremendous impressions while on loan at Birmingham and Millwall. Even though Danny Guthrie was at Craven Cottage for the tail end of the season, I would rather see the board pursue a deal for Jamie O'Hara. The Blackpool midfielder plays a similar role to Danny but in my opinion has a greater passing range and someone who would relish the opportunity to return to London. O'Hara, Hyndman and LVC behind Fabbrini would be a great core setup if Symons decides to stick with the diamond system. We are in desperate need of a left-back after Kostas Stafylidis returned to Bayer Leverkusen. James Husband filled that starting spot from January and if there is any opportunity to make that move a permanent one, the club should jump at it. James looked like the answer to Fulham's problems and is still young, making the player a strong investment. Finally, the only other request I'd love to see fulfilled this summer is securing the promising youngsters to new deals. Deals for Marcus Bettinelli, Dan Burn, Moussa Dembele and Patrick Roberts are vital for the long-term success of the club. By tying these talents down, even if bigger clubs were interested, Fulham would be able to gain the funds to re-invest rather than losing them for free next summer or for a minimal fee in January.

Read more at: http://www.london24.com/sport/football/clubs/fulham/the_craven_corner_fulham_must_keep_dembele_roberts_and_young_stars_during_summer_overhaul_1_4095146

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Wolves Defender on Symons Radar

But will they be prepared to play ball?

As we wait (and wait) for any significant action in the transfer market, the latest piece of transfer tittle-tattle infers that Kit Symons is looking at bringing a Championship centre-back to Craven Cottage.

The player currently on Kit`s radar is the Wolverhampton Wanderers centre-back Richard Stearman.

Stearman, 27 years of age, is about to enter the last year of his current contract and the inference is that Fulham Football Club have tested Wolves desire to keep the player by making a formal bid.

Now whether Wolves, who just missed out on promotion to the Premier League, would be willing to sell the player to what they may perceive (if we can have a better season next time out) to a promotion chasing rival remains to be seen.

Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=401474#ixzz3bqE85Rgl

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Portuguese giants in talks with Fulham playmaker

According to reports in the Portuguese press from respected newspaper 'La Nacion', Sporting Lisbon have been in talks with Fulham's Bryan Ruiz over the possibility of a transfer.

The Costa Rican international has played 34 games for the Cottagers this season, netting eight goals and assisting in five.

Despite this form, both Ruiz and the club are aware of the possibility of a transfer away this summer even though the club have just exercised a year-extension on his contract – possibly to receive a higher fee.

The 29 year-old has been at Craven Cottage for four years now playing in over 80 games, however he was loaned out to Dutch side PSV Eindhoven in 2014 due to being out of favour with Fulham.

Starting his career in his home land with Alajuelense, Ruiz has been much travelled in his career and has played for teams in Costa Rica, England, Holland and Belgium.

His most prolific stint came in the Eredivisie with FC Twente during 2009 and 2011. Winning the Dutch title in 2009-10, then coming runners-up the following years, Ruiz was also an integral part of the squad that won the KNVB Cup and the Johan Cruyff Shield twice.

During his time with Twente, Ruiz netted an impressive 35 goals from 65 appearances; form which led to his transfer to the Cottagers.

http://the72.co.uk/28460/portuguese-giants-in-talks-with-fulham-playmaker/

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Keeper Stekelenburg returns to Fulham



Monaco have confirmed they will not be taking up the option to sign goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg from Fulham.

The 32-year-old Netherlands international spent last season on loan at the French Ligue 1 club, but made just four appearances. He was signed for Fulham by former Whites boss Martin Jol from Roma in the summer of 2013.

Stekelenburg, who subsequently failed to secure a place in the Dutch squad for the 2014 World Cup, will now return to Fulham where he has two years left on his contract.

Monaco have also announced that Dimitar Berbatov, who joined them from Fulham in January last year, will leave the club when his contract expires later this month.

http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/keeper-stekelenburg-returns-to-fulham

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Miller Departs



Fulham Football Club confirms that Scott Miller has left the Club to pursue other opportunities. Since joining the Club Scott has been employed in a number of roles, having most recently been coach to the Club's Under-21 team. We wish Scott well in his future career.

http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/june/01/miller-departs

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What to do about Stekelenbug?

Our relegation from the Premier League, just over twelve months ago, meant there were significant changes to the playing staff.

Aware that playing in the Championship meant experienced players didn`t fancy it whilst others on high salaries were a burden to the club financially; Maarten Stekelenburg was one player who was loaned out to suit ours and his circumstances.

The Dutch keeper was sent out on loan to AS Monaco on a season long loan. However, it seems that the loan move wasn`t as successful as both parties might have hoped with Monaco deciding not to take up the option to buy the player.

Therefore, we are now in the situation whereby Stekelenburg will return to Craven Cottage with two years of a four year contract left.

A decision relating to the keeper will now have to be made.

Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=401507#ixzz3bqH2xWPb

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Fulham chasing Wolves' former England U21 International

By Josh Dixon on Jun 1, 2015 Championship, Featured, Fulham, News, Transfers, Wolverhampton Wanderers

Centre-back Richard Stearman has been drawing the attention of Fulham who are on the look out for an experienced defender, with Stearman heading into the final year of his contract.

The 27 year-old has been at Molineux since 2008 but is yet to be offered a new deal by Wolves, meaning that if a lucrative offer came in the defender could be persuaded to leave.

Starting his career at now-Premier League Leicester, the vastly experienced centre-back came through the youth ranks with the Foxes to play over 100 games before moving to Wolves when Leicester got relegated to League 1 in 2007-08.

Stearman has now gone on to make over 200 for the Wanderers, being part of the squad that won promoted to the Premier League in 2008-09 and the team that won promotion to the Championship in 2013-14.

Currently the reigning Fans and Players' Player of the Season with Wolves, Stearman is a firm fan favourite despite falling out of favour, and being loaned to Ipswich, for the final part of the 2013-14 season.

Stearman's youth career was highlighted by caps for the England youth system at four different levels; U16, U17, U19 and U21.

http://the72.co.uk/28507/fulham-in-pursuit-of-wolves-stalwart/

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Talented Fulham star set for move to Sporting Lisbon?



Costa Rican international Bryan Ruiz is attracting interest from Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon, according to reports on Fulham Vital Football.

The midfielder is one of many big name players at the London club who are expected to leave this summer and Sporting are seemingly set to make a move for the playmaker.

One of the biggest earners at the club, Ruiz was expected to be moved on sooner but unfortunately for the Sky Bet Championship side, they have been unable to sell him.

However, reports now suggest that someone from the senior team at Sporting arrived in London last week to meet with representatives from Fulham to negotiate the sale of Ruiz.

At this stage, neither club have made any comment on whether a formal bid has actually been made or whether any contact has actually been made at all.

Fulham fans, do you think Ruiz is a player the club needs to sell? Or do you think he still owes the club a lot?

http://footballleagueworld.co.uk/talented-fulham-star-set-for-move-to-sporting-lisbon/

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Why Fulham's future can still be bright despite another torrid season

Why Fulham's future can still be bright despite another torrid season



If you are a Fulham fan, there's much reason to be pessimistic.

We have just endured the humiliation of a torrid debut Championship campaign and, what I can imagine is even worse for some people, no-one at the club is being punished.

Kit Symons remains in the job, against a tide of justifiable vitriol, and all those above him continue on unscathed.

For what it's worth, though, I feel it is time to make a call for optimism. There is much going on at Craven Cottage to be, if not joyous about, at least hopeful.

The retention of our manager, for example, is a chance to put to bed the notion that we, as a club, have morphed from a likeable, popular side to one that hires and fires willy nilly. More importantly, though, it's an opportunity to celebrate some continuity, an unfortunate rarity in modern football.

But away from the divisive Symons, there's no reason to think this cannot be a season in which we attain promotion.

Our owner remains wealthy – even if he cannot spend it thanks to FFP – and suggestions of a summer of upheaval seem both likely and promising. There's no doubt we require change.

And, further, the club looks set to keep those who have earned our faith – the likes of Marcus Bettinelli, Lasse Vigen Christensen and Ross McCormack will all, no doubt, attract interest, yet look content to stay.

Bryan Ruiz remains a valuable asset, too, and recouping a couple of million from his sale will recompense some further, sensible spending.

The noises coming out of Fulham in the press – links with Richard Stearman and Tom Cairney, for example, have been prevalent – suggest a transfer strategy based around good quality players with Championship experience. It's the most rational approach the club have taken in some time.

And so, things seem to have mellowed out at the Cottage after a tumultuous campaign. There is a chance to rectify the errors of regimes past and start almost-afresh.

For that, we should at least be upbeat.

Read more: http://metro.co.uk/2015/06/02/why-fulhams-future-can-still-be-bright-despite-another-torrid-season-5224828/#ixzz3buiLu9vi