Saturday Fulham Stuff (22/08/15)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham complete Tim Ream deal in time for Huddersfield Town clash

The American has moved from Championship rivals Bolton Wanderers


Bolton Wanderers' defender Tim Ream (right)

Huddersfield Town could be facing American international defender Tim Ream when they head to Fulham.

The 27-year-old has just joined the Londoners from Bolton Wanderers on a four-year deal.

The reported £1.4m transfer had been slowed by work-permit issues, and Ream said: "It's been a long time coming.

"Over the past week and a half it's gone back and forth so I'm glad it's finally sorted.

"The biggest thing was the history, walking into the training ground and feeling the vibe around the club and the success that previous American players have had here."

Ream joins US Under 20 captain Emerson Hyndman and Under 17 midfielder Luca de la Torre at Craven Cottage.

Americans Clint Dempsey, Brian McBride and Carlos Bocanegra previously played for the club.

Ream joined Bolton from New York Red Bulls for £2.5m in January 2012, replacing Gary Cahill, who moved to Chelsea.

The St Louis-born player, capped 15 times, went on to feature 126 times for the club.

He was a firm fans' favourite at Bolton, having won the Player of the Season award twice.

Ream had been linked with QPR, who have just signed Town keeper Alex Smithies in a near £2m transfer.


http://www.examiner.co.uk/sport/football/news/fulham-complete-tim-ream-deal-9901499?

[WhiteJC]

 
Eisfeld Seals Bochum Switch

Fulham can confirm that midfielder Thomas Eisfield has sealed a permanent switch to German side Vfl Bochum.

A 2014 summer signing from Arsenal, Eisfeld made seven appearances for the Whites last term before joining Bochum on loan for the remainder of the campaign in February. The German now returns to Bochum, who currently top 2. Bundesliga, on a permanent basis.

Everyone at Fulham would like to wish Thomas all the best for his future career.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/august/21/eisfeld-seals-bochum-switch?

[WhiteJC]

 
T:Ream – Things can only get better

Sorry.  It was that obvious.  I couldn't not.

Tim Ream joins, and re-establishes Fulham's link with American players, and let's face it, it's been a fruitful link.

Hurray.  He's been supporters' player of the year twice and plays for America.  He looks like a CB, and is 6'1′, but people understandably want him to be a left-back.  But I think really he isn't.

Meanwhile, in the manager's press conference, Kit Symons says that he can't quite work out how we haven't earned more points.  That would be a function of being outplayed in three games, relying on flukes and worldies for our own goals, and generally not being able to defend for opponents'.  Yes, we could very easily have shambled our way to at least 7 points by now, but that would be papering over cracks that probably need to remain exposed lest some kind of Crystal Palace/Kasami effect happen for a second time.


https://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2015/08/21/tream-things-can-only-get-better/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Smith sidelined for up to six weeks and Bettinelli facing long spell out

Fulham striker Matt Smith has been ruled out for up to six weeks and goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli faces even longer on the sidelines after their collision on Tuesday.

Both suffered knee ligament damage when they clashed while chasing a ball played into the penalty area in the defeat at Hull.

Smith's recovery time has been set at four to six weeks but Bettinelli's injury looks more severe.

Meanwhile, new signing Tim Ream is unlikely to be fit enough to play in Saturday's home game with Huddersfield.

The United States defender had not played for Bolton this season as his future at the club was up in the air.


http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/smith-sidelined-for-up-to-six-weeks-and-bettinelli-facing-long-spell-out?

[WhiteJC]

 
New Chapter

Jamie O'Hara is flavour of the month right now in SW6. A few eyebrows were raised in the summer when it was announced the midfielder would be joining the Whites on a free transfer after an initial trial - but those doubts have quickly been dispelled after a series of fine displays in the middle of the park.

"It's understandable that there were some initial concerns," O'Hara, who spent the majority of last season at Blackpool, tells Saturday's matchday programme. "I've had a few tough years in football with some ups and downs but I got back on track at Blackpool last season. Obviously it was a bit of a disaster of a season there for the club, but on a personal level I did well and I got back to playing football. I knew if I could get into a club like Fulham and show what I was about then my ability would come through.

"I'd never been on trial before. It was a shock to the system. But I believed in myself and my ability and I heard that Kit was interested and wanted to have a look at me so I basically got his phone number and got straight on my mobile to him. I said, 'I want to get in here so whatever you need me to do I'll do it.'"

If Fulham fans thought last season's first campaign back in the Championship was a miserable experience, it was a party compared to the goings on at Blackpool, a side O'Hara joined in November after being released by Wolverhampton Wanderers.

"It was pretty mad," smiles O'Hara. "I've tried to explain it to some of the boys here. Footballers have a tendency to moan at everything and I say, 'listen lads, I was at Blackpool last season, cleaning my own kit, carrying my boots in my car, not really being able to train, the Bloomfield Road pitch wasn't right, people were trying to get at the chairman, it was a really tough place to be. You don't realise that this place is a properly run football club and don't take that for granted.'

"I've had my ups and been at top clubs and I've been at the bottom and cast aside and I've learned a lot and it's humbled me. I took a lot for granted."

To read the full interview with O'Hara, get your hands on a copy of the new-look matchday programme against Huddersfield Town on Saturday.

Other highlights in the only matchday magazine that matters - which is also available to download digitally from 10am on Saturday - are:

Manager Kit Symons on a frustrating start to the new campaign
Skipper Scott Parker pens his latest Captain's Column
Marcus Bettinelli answers some random questions in the Name Game
Duncan Jupp remembers his eventful spell in SW6
Gary Barnett on his stints at both Fulham and Huddersfield
In a regular piece, key figures take a walk down memory lane to the 1998/99 promotion-winning season
Gentleman Jim reflects on the season so far
Steve Wigley reveals why he returned to Fulham as Under-18s Manager
And there's a host of new features including One Hit Wonders, First & Last, Back On This Day and Unseen FFC

Priced £3.50, the 84-page publication is available from various sellers on Stevenage Road from two hours before kick-off. Or order it online from ProgrammeMaster.

For just £1.99, the programme is also available as a digital download with added video content from 10am on Saturday, so whether you're at home or away, you need never be without it on your iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, PC or Mac via Apple's Newsstand or Pocketmags.

Or to ensure you don't miss a single copy of the official matchday programme, purchase an annual subscription. Head here for full details.

Tickets for Saturday's game are still available to buy, priced from £25 for Adults, £20 Concessions and just £5 for Juniors. All prices will increase by £5 on match day.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/august/21/new-chapter?

[WhiteJC]

 
Preview - Fulham v Huddersfield Town

Huddersfield Town travel to Fulham on Saturday with both sides looking to pick up their first win of the season.

Fulham sit in 21st place with one point from their first three matches while Town are one point and one place above them.

Kit Symons' side haven't had a great start to the season as late goals has cost the Cottagers dear. They conceded a late equaliser on the opening day against Cardiff City and have lost two on the bounce letting in late goals against Brighton and Hull City.

An overhaul of the squad is taking place at Craven Cottage with high earners being moved off the wage bill this summer.

Town also lost to Hull on the opening day of the campaign and have drawn their last two matches in home fixtures against Blackburn and Brighton.

Fulham have been a bit of a bogey side for the visitors as the Terriers have not beaten the West London side in their last seven competitive fixtures between the two sides.

Town's last win against Fulham was on 25 September 1993 when Stuart Hicks scored the only goal of the game at the old Leeds Road ground.

Team News

Fulham's new signing Tim Ream is likely to make his debut after his £1.75million move from Bolton Wanderers.

But Symons will be without Luke Garbutt, Scott Parker and Jack Grimmer who are all sidelined with ankle problems.

Andy Lonergan looks likely to start in goal as Marcus Bettinelli is out injured.

Huddersfield boss Chris Powell is without Alex Smithies after he finally completed his move to Queens Park Rangers on Thursday.

Joe Murphy will start in goal again but Sean Scannell looks doubtful with a hamstring injury.

James Vaughan came off the bench against Brighton and is pushing for a start.


http://www.terrier-bytes.com/story/1010/preview-fulham-v-huddersfield-town/?/

[WhiteJC]

 
Huddersfield Factfile

The Whites welcome Huddersfield Town to Craven Cottage on Saturday, looking to record their first win of the new campaign.

Friday 21 August 2015 15:30


The opposition

It was a season of steadying the ship for the Terriers last term after a rollercoaster start to the campaign. A 4-0 defeat on the opening day to AFC Bournemouth was enough for the board to sack Mark Robins and Chris Powell came in and guided them to a comfortable finish despite the early season panic.

It's been a tough summer for the Yorkshire side, losing some key members of the squad to Championship rivals. Goalkeeper Alex Smithies joined Queens Park Rangers this week, whilst Conor Coady joined Wolverhampton Wanderers for £2m earlier in the summer.

Powell has moved to bring in a mix of youth and experience with seasoned campaigners Dean Whitehead and Martin Cranie and Australia international Jason Davidson.

The season has started slowly for the Terriers and Powell's side are yet to register their first win.  An opening day 2-0 defeat to Hull City was backed up with two consecutive 1-1 draws against Blackburn Rovers and Brighton & Hove Albion at the John Smith's Stadium.


Team news

Sean Scannell's fitness will be monitored ahead of the game with his reoccurring hamstring problem, while James Vaughan may be pushing for a start now he has fully recovered from his concussion. Joe Murphy will start in goal, while Joe Lolley could feature after a shin injury.


Tickets

Tickets for Saturday's game are still available to buy, priced from £25 for Adults and £15 for Juniors. Prices increase by £5 on matchday.


Weather

It expected to be a beautiful day at the Cottage with good sunny spells throughout the day. Temperatures are expected to reach 29 degrees at kick-off.


Previous meeting

Fulham defeated Huddersfield Town 2-0 in a quite remarkable match at the John Smith's Stadium in March earlier this year. Alexander Kačaniklić scored directly from a corner in the opening stages, and Fulham held on until the break without too much distress, but it was the second half when it all kicked off. After the hosts were awarded a controversial penalty for an apparent handball on the line, Cauley Woodrow was sent off in a case of mistaken identity, with Shaun Hutchinson eventually the man to walk. Nahki Wells then saw his penalty brilliantly saved by Marcus Bettinelli. Town were awarded a second spot-kick 10 minutes later but Wells again missed, this time smashing his kick against the post. And, with six minutes of time added on at the end, Seko Fofana scored with the final kick of the game to secure a huge three points for his side.


Coral match odds

Fulham: 29/20

Draw: 23/10

Huddersfield: 2/1


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/august/21/huddersfield-factfile?

[WhiteJC]

 
Marcus Bettinelli: Fulham wait for news on goalkeeper's knee injury

Fulham boss Kit Symons is yet to find out how long Marcus Bettinelli will be sidelined for, after the keeper suffered knee ligament damage at Hull.

The 22-year-old collided with team-mate Matt Smith, who also suffered an injury to his medial ligament.

"Matt's is less severe so we are probably looking at four to six weeks," Symons told BBC London 94.9.

"Marcus' is more serious and he has damaged another ligament. We're just waiting on specialist advice."

Bettinelli was Fulham's first-choice keeper last season and recently signed a new four-year deal at Craven Cottage.

Symons believes the England Under-21 international will be out "longer term" compared to Smith, and says he could bring in another goalkeeper.

"I'm delighted with Andy Lonergan but we may well be looking to strengthen in that department," he added.

Meanwhile, midfielder Thomas Eisfeld has left Fulham to join German Bundesliga 2 side Vfl Bochum.

The 22-year-old made nine appearances after joining from Arsenal last summer but ended the campaign on loan at Bochum.


http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/34019096

[WhiteJC]

 
Behind Enemy Lines

Huddersfield-born Doug Thomson from the Huddersfield Examiner gives us the inside track on the Terriers and looks ahead to the clash at the Cottage on Saturday.

Friday 21 August 2015 12:02


It's been a slow start to the season for Huddersfield but far from disastrous. What have you made of the team so far this term?

A work in progress really. With five new signings, it's taken the team a bit of time to find their feet, but there have been promising signs in parts of the games without stringing together a 90-minute performance.


How do you rate the club's business in the transfer window?

You might say there are a couple of development projects in Kyle Dempsey and Jordy Hiwula and then a bit of experience with Martin Cranie and Dean Whitehead, so a mixture really. Jason Davidson is kind of in between; he's played in World Cup Finals with Australia but is only 24.


How big a loss will Alex Smithies be? Will the money be used to reinvest in other areas of the squad, or will Joe Murphy take over between the posts for the season?

The chairman has said it will be reinvested. Smithies was a good keeper so you're always going to miss him. Murphy is pretty experienced with Republic of Ireland and has played more than 500 games so they've got someone who knows what he's doing. In the short term he'll take over and they'll have a look at it. With a keeper it's slightly easier as you can get a loan in so it's not quite as urgent as an outfield player. The back-up keepers haven't got any experience so that's a bit of a concern if there is an injury or suspension. In time they'll probably bring in another keeper for competition.

The club have rejected bids for Jacob Butterfield, do you expect them to keep hold of him?

I think so, they've gone on record to say what an integral part of the team he is and how effective he's been, so to say all that and let him go would send a pretty bad message to the fans. With Smithies going, if Butterfield went at the same time it would look like a fire sale but they've been quick to say that won't be the case.



What are your expectations for the season?

Ideally to challenge in the top half and avoid being sucked into a relegation battle. Last season we kept our head above water but were never totally free of it; there was always a chance we'd lose a couple and get dragged into it. To be comfortable in mid-table would be a good starting point. It's a slow progression in a measured way; we're not going to lump a load of money into it or make a huge amount from sales, so it's got to be a sensible progress.


Who's the stand-out man for the side?

Nahki Wells at the moment. He came from Bradford 18 months ago and it's taken him a bit of time to get used to the Championship but he's come on a lot and built himself up and he's more robust now. He's always been a good goalscorer and he's started the season well in a determined way.


What style football does Chris Powell like to play?

Normally a 3-5-2; three centre-halves, wing-backs, he likes to get the ball moving in midfield and dictate the pace of the game. Away from home, we're more counter-attacking, soaking the pressure up. I imagine that'll be the case at Fulham. We create a lot of chances - we just need more of a cutting edge.


What do you expect from Fulham this season?

A better season. I don't think anyone saw that start coming last term. Had it not been for that you would have been up there challenging. You look at the squad and it's full of quality players. The Cottage is a tough place to go to and a tight ground adds to the atmosphere. There's no reason why you shouldn't be up there pushing for a return to the Premier League


What type of game do you see panning out at the Cottage?

I think it will be an open game; both teams like to attack and have good attacking players. I like Ross McCormack, he always plays well against us.


And a score prediction...

Optimistically I will go 2-1 Huddersfield. We badly need a first win, as both teams do!

Questions from fans...


What do you make of the job Chris Powell is doing?

Steady. He's done some good activity in the transfer market. He inherited a difficult situation with Mark Robins going after the first game, so it needed stabilising. He's good with the fans, so he's done a good job on a very tight budget


Do you think being in Yorkshire surrounded by so-called bigger teams affects the club with attracting players and crowds?

To a degree it does. There is a fairly fixed fanbase here; if you look back in history and even in the glory days in the 20s and 30s we never got massive crowds as it's not a big town and there are other clubs on the doorstep, particularly with transport nowadays and it being so easy to go to Manchester and Liverpool. It's difficult with so much competition with such a finite fanbase.


What one Fulham player would you love to have in your team?

McCormack for his goals and I like the way he plays; he gets stuck in, never gives up and you can never write him off.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/august/21/behind-enemy-lines

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham v Huddersfield

SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP
Venue: Craven Cottage Date: Saturday 22 August Kick-off: 15:00 BST
Coverage: Listen on BBC Radio 5 live and BBC local radio; text commentary on the BBC Sport website

Fulham will assess the fitness of striker Matt Smith and goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli (both knee) after they picked up knocks on Wednesday.

Tim Ream will be available after transferring from Bolton but Luke Garbutt (ankle) and Fernando Amorebieta (knee) remain absent.

Huddersfield boss Chris Powell will monitor the fitness of Sean Scannell and his troublesome hamstring problem.

Striker Joe Lolley is pushing for his first start after a shin injury.

MATCH FACTS

Fulham have won their last five league meetings with Huddersfield, scoring two or more goals in each game (13 goals).
Huddersfield are winless in seven against Fulham (D2 L5), after winning the three previous to this run.
Fulham have recorded just one victory in their last seven games at Craven Cottage (D2 L4), failing to keep a clean sheet (20 goals conceded).
Huddersfield's Nahki Wells has scored in just one of his last 19 away games for the Terriers (two versus Ipswich in October 2014).
Lasse Vigen Christensen has assisted in consecutive games for the fourth time since October 2014.


http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/33944238

[WhiteJC]

 
Kit: Time For Results

Kit Symons believes Fulham have been worth way more than points they have gathered so far in the Sky Bet Championship and is demanding to start seeing the results to match their performances.

Although only delivering one point from three games, Symons says the Whites have proven they're capable by taking the ascendancy in matches and is confident the rewards will soon begin to follow.

"I've got a lot of confidence," said Symons. "I would have liked a lot more points on the board by now but the way the team have been playing we could have, and should have, been getting something out of each game.

"We could have been comfortably sitting there on seven points now, and I don't think people would have raised too many eyebrows, the way we played.

"Unfortunately we're not. We are where we are. We need to start picking some wins and more points up but, we're more than capable of doing it, that's why it so frustrating we haven't done it. Because we've played well enough to do so.

"We've picked up one point from three league games but we're pulling our hair out as to why that's our points return. We've played well in periods of all of the games.

"Brighton and Hull, we were in the ascendancy in the second half of both games and then conceded late goals so it's really annoying, really frustrating. But it is what it is. We've been really close, really unlucky, but we've got to start getting points.

"Fitness levels are excellent. We had a brilliant pre-season, I've been delighted with the work we've done. We're looking very fit, very strong.

"But it's just focus and concentration and poor decisions in the very late stages of games. It needs to change and it needs to change sharpish because, with that change, we start picking up a lot more points, which is what everyone at the football club wants.

"We're more than capable of doing it. We just need to crack on and start doing it."

Reflecting back on the 3-1 victory over Huddersfield at Craven Cottage last season, and the 2-0 win at the John Smith's Stadium, Symons is fully aware of what to expect from the Terriers.

"We had two really exciting games against them last year, that's for sure," Symons continued. "They're a good side. The game up there last year was one of the most bizarre games I've ever been involved in. That was bonkers to say the least. They're very honest, very hard working, just like Chris Powell their manager.

"I watched them on Tuesday night before we played Hull and they looked a good team, with players who can cause us problems."

Having only joined the First Team in training towards the end of the week, USA international Tim Ream isn't expected to be involved on Saturday, but Symons was glowing in his praise for the newly acquired defender.

"He's a very good player, he's very versatile," said Symons. "He can play anywhere across the back four, he can play as a holding midfield player as well. He's a USA international, he has a lot of composure, a lot of experience.

"He was Player of the Year twice at Bolton and knows the league very well, knows what's expected. He's quick and good on the ball, a lot of the things you want from a defender he has got. He's a great acquisition for us and we're delighted to have him on board."

When questioned about midfielder Emerson Hyndman's contract situation, Symons said: "It's hard with young players when their head has been turned or they've made their mind up.

"Emerson is a real talent, a very good young player and one who we would like to see stay. But you can't put their arm behind their back; they have to want to be part of the football club. Also, I need players who want to be part of it as well. That's very important."

Andrew Lonergan will return between the posts for the Whites on Saturday after Marcus Bettinelli and Matt Smith were both ruled out with knee ligament damage following a collision at Hull on Wednesday, and Symons says the incident means Fulham will aim to recruit extra goalkeeping cover.

"We may well be looking to strengthen in that department to get us through, as obviously Marcus will be a longer-term injury," he added. "We've got young Jesse Joronen, who played against Arsenal Under-21s last Friday, he played a really good game, that was his first match in a long time.

"Quality-wise, I've got no problems with Jesse at all, I'm very happy with him. But he probably needs to get out and play games at this stage of his career, especially coming back from injury as well.

"We're constantly looking at doing business anyway. Now obviously when you pick up longer-term injuries like this, it makes you more aware of that."

Asked whether the Whites were close to any further arrivals, Symons cautiously revealed: "We're led to believe, we're very hopeful, there will be more people coming in.

"At least one more so, until that happens, you don't want to count your chickens, but fingers crossed."


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/august/21/kit-time-for-results

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham v Huddersfield

Fulham will assess the fitness of goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli and striker Matt Smith who both suffered knee-ligament damage in a collision at Hull on Wednesday night.

Cottagers boss Kit Symons had named an unchanged line-up at the KC Stadium, where his side lost 2-1 to remain without a win this season, ahead of Saturday's visit of Huddersfield.

Luke Garbutt (ankle), George Williams (cruciate ligament) and Fernando Amorebieta (knee) are still unavailable while defender Jack Grimmer (ankle) has undergone surgery, but Tim Ream is available after signing from Bolton on Thursday.

Veteran midfielder Scott Parker is back in training following his ankle problem and could soon be in contention again.

Huddersfield boss Chris Powell will monitor winger Sean Scannell, who is not expected to complete 90 minutes.

Scannell made his only appearance of the season in last week's home draw against Blackburn but did not feature against Brighton in midweek due to his troublesome hamstring.

Striker James Vaughan stepped off the bench for his first appearance of the season on Tuesday night having recovered from the effects of concussion and is hoping to play a bigger part.

Joe Murphy will start again in goal and striker Joe Lolley is pushing for his first outing of the season after a shin injury, while midfielder Kyle Dempsey, winger Adam Hammill and defender Martin Cranie are among those hoping to be involved.


http://www.sportinglife.com/football/live/match-preview/339573/-?

[WhiteJC]

 
Ream: Pleased To Be Here

New Whites signing Tim Ream gives his first interview as a Fulham player and reveals some old faces helped him choose the Cottage.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PThV2A5hamg

http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/august/21/tim-ream?

[WhiteJC]

 
Ream explains decision to join Fulham

Tim Ream has told Fulham's website the previous success of American players at the club was a key factor in his decision to move to Craven Cottage.

The United States defender, 27, opted to join the Whites rather than QPR, who also had a bid for him accepted by Bolton.

Explaining his decision to join Fulham, he said: "The biggest thing was the history aspect of it and walking into the training ground and feeling the vibe – the feeling around the club was a big thing.

"But there was also the success that previous Americans have had here; Brian McBride, Clint Dempsey, Carlos Bocanegra, Eddie Lewis, Kasey Keller – the list goes on and on.

"Speaking to a few of those guys and getting a feel for what the club was about, it seemed like a perfect fit.

"There's a good network of Americans past and present who all of us [American players] speak with.

"Knowing and having played against Brian [McBride], and coming from the same university, it just seemed like a good fit."

Ream's fitness will be assessed before a decision is made on whether he will make his Fulham debut in the game against Huddersfield on Saturday.

He did not feature in Bolton's opening matches of the season while his future was unresolved.


http://www.westlondonsport.com/football/football-wls-ream-explains-decision-to-reject-qpr-and-join-fulham

[WhiteJC]

 
Cairney: Get The Points

Tom Cairney has said that 'there are no easy games in this league' but he is backing the Whites to take three points against Huddersfield Town at Craven Cottage on Saturday.

"It will be a tough game," said Cairney. "We played them last season when I was at Blackburn and they've got the players and some pace. We need to get ahead, stay ahead and get the points."

Cairney has found the back of the net in the last two Sky Bet Championship games, both times levelling the score from 1-0 down, before the Whites conceded late goals against both Brighton & Hove Albion and Hull City.

He was also was voted Man of the Match for his wonder strike at Hull.

"It was nice to go back there for the first time and to score," said Cairney, who was at Hull City until 2014.

"It was a good goal and we really needed it at the time. I know it didn't turn out to be anything in the end, but I had a lot of friends and family there as well so that made it a bit more special."

While the midfielder was happy with his goal he was ultimately frustrated with the result, and the Whites' start to the season, which has seen them take just one point from a possible nine.

"It's got to stop," he said. "We can't carry on conceding late goals. It's so frustrating. We should have taken something from all our three games but we haven't. We need to sort it out as soon as possible and start climbing up the league."


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/august/21/cairney-get-the-points?

[WhiteJC]

 
Kit Symons unfazed by job pressures but admits he's pulling his hair out over Fulham start

KIT SYMONS admits Fulham's slow start to the season has him tearing his hair out.

The Whites are targeting a play-off place in a bid to secure a lucrative return to the Premier League.

But they have picked up just one point from their opening three fixtures with defensive errors and late goals costing them dear.

"We're pulling our hair out as to why that's our points return because we've played well in periods or in halves of all of the games," Symons said.

"It's really annoying but it is what it is. We've been really close, really unlucky - great, we've got to start getting points. It's as simple as that."

Fulham have dropped four points already due to goals conceded in the final 10 minutes.

They are languishing in 21st place and the pressure will build on Symons if their wait for a first win of the campaign continues.

There were 19 managerial changes in the league last season but the White boss is matter-of-fact about the lack of job security he faces as a Championship manager.

"I'm quite pragmatic," he said. "What will be will be.

"We need to pick up some wins pretty soon but I'm realistic, I understand how it works. I'm not one to particularly worry about things.

"Certain things are out of your control. I will try and control how we prepare for each game and how we perform in each game and hopefully that will be good enough to get us wins.

"I'm well aware of the Championship stats. The LMA send them out to us regularly so they keep us informed with that!"

Matt Smith and Marcus Bettinelli will be missing for the visit of Huddersfield after both picked up medial cruciate ligament injuries in the 2-1 defeat at Hull on Wednesday night.

Smith is set for six weeks on the sidelines while the severity of Bettinelli's injury has yet to be determined.

"It was a nasty clash and they both have knee ligament damage to their left knees, to their MCL," Symons said. "Matt's is less severe so we're looking at four to six weeks with conservative treatment.

"Marcus is a more serious MCL injury and he's also damaged another ligament so we're waiting for specialist advice on that one."

Scott Parker, Fernando Amorebieta, George Williams and Jack Grimmer are also unavailable while new signing Tim Ream is short of match fitness.

Fulham did the double over the Terriers last season and clinched a 2-0 win in a "bonkers" away victory as Nahki Wells missed twice from the spot.

Naturally, Symons is hoping for a similar result but with a bit less drama this time around.

"The game up there last year was one of the most bizarre games I've ever been involved in," he said. "It was bonkers to say the least.

"They're a good side, very honest, very hard working just like Chrissy Powell their manager.

"I watched them on Tuesday night when we were up at Hull. They're a good team and they've got players that can cause us problems."


http://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/460577/Kit-Symons-unfazed-job-pressures-pulling-hair-out-over-Fulham-start

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Cardiff City stars Joe Lewis and Kadeem Harris set to leave on loan for Fulham and Barnsley

The duo have not been part of the first-team squads for league games this season and look set to go out on loan for game time


Joe Lewis and Kadeem Harris

Cardiff City stars Joe Lewis and Kadeem Harris are believed to be close to loan moves to Fulham and Barnsley respectively.

Goalkeeper Lewis is behind David Marshall and Simon Moore in the Bluebirds pecking order while young prospect Ben Wilson played in the Capital One Cup against Wimbledon.

He is thought to be set for a season-long loan to Craven Cottage after Kit Symons saw stopper Marcus Bettinelli suffer knee ligament damage in the 2-1 midweek defeat to Hull City.


Fulham goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli receives treatment for an injury during the Sky Bet Championship match at the KC Stadium, Hull

The Cottagers are waiting for specialist advice on Bettinelli's injury but he is likely to have a long spell on the sidelines, necessitating the move for Lewis.

Flying winger Harris, meanwhile, is set for a move to Barnsley until late November.

The 22-year-old came off the bench in the Capital One Cup against Wimbledon for the last 20 minutes but has not seen any league action this season.

He made 18 appearances in all competitions last season, scoring goals in an FA Cup tie against Colchester and Championship match against Norwich.


http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/cardiff-city-stars-joe-lewis-9906879?

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Match Preview: Fulham v Huddersfield Town

Fulham and Huddersfield Town go into their showdown at Craven Cottage searching for their first victories of the new Championship season.

It is the Cottagers' first full campaign under Kit Symons, yet it has began with them on the receiving end of late blows.

They were denied all three points by Craig Noone's 86th-minute strike against Cardiff City on the opening weekend, while Tomer Hemed's stoppage-time penalty snatched victory for Brighton & Hove Albion at the Cottage.

Sone Aluko then broke their hearts four minutes from time against Hull City on Wednesday, and they will be looking to bounce back against the Terriers.

Chris Powell's men endured a tough start as they lost to Hull on the opening weekend and suffered a shock Capital One Cup exit at the hands of League Two Notts County.

However, they have responded well by holding Blackburn Rovers and Brighton to 1-1 draws at John Smith's Stadium.

They must upset the head-to-head form book if they are to get that first win on the board, having lost each of the previous five meetings with Fulham and last beat them in 1993.

Both clashes last season produced comfortable wins for the Cottagers – 3-1 at home and 2-0 in Yorkshire.


Read more at http://footballleagueworld.co.uk/match-preview-fulham-v-huddersfield-town/?#D6r1pX72sxYC3bqK.99

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Albion reject bids for Dunk AND Stephens

Albion have turned down a FOURTH offer from Fulham for Lewis Dunk, together with two bids from Derby County for Dale Stephens.

The latest bid from Fulham for centre-half Dunk, which was in excess of £5 million, still falls well short of the Seagulls' valuation.

Albion have offered Dunk, who has three years left on his existing four-year deal, an improved new contract over a longer period.

Derby, meanwhile, have been told in no uncertain terms Stephens is not for sale.

Their second attempt to land the central midfielder is thought to have been for around £2.5 million.

The Argus website revealed on Thursday Albion's rejection of Fulham's third £5 million offer for Dunk and, last night, the double knock-back for Derby over Stephens.

The club are assembling a squad to challenge for promotion to the Premier League, with further attacking additions planned before the transfer deadline, and they are determined to try to hold onto their prize assets.

Albion defend their undefeated four-match start in all competitions against Blackburn Rovers at the Amex today.



http://www.theargus.co.uk/sport/albion/13619925.Albion_reject_bids_for_Dunk_AND_Stephens/?

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Fulham boss issues rallying cry to fans ahead of Huddersfield clash

Whites boss urges supporters to back the boys in their attempts to kick-start their season


Passion: Kit Symons
Kit Symons has issued a simple message to the Fulham faithful - keep the faith and the results will come.

The Whites boss is confident his team can get their first win of the season when they host Huddersfield this weekend.

Symons has highlighted his confidence in his team and all the backroom staff and believes they have what it takes to push themselves up the Championship table, despite having just one point from their opening three fixtures. Fulham would have five but for goals in the last 10 minutes of matches.

The Whites boss said; "I've got great faith in the people around me, the immediate staff and all the staff at the football club, and I've got faith in myself and the players we've got."

The Fulham chief wants an improvement in the way his players start the game as their last two matches have seen them fall behind in the first half before fighting back to equalise but then conceding a late winner.

Symons added: "Hopefully we can start a lot better than we have done, certainly last Saturday at Brighton and Wednesday night at Hull.

"I want the team to start a lot better and give the fans something cheer about and get right behind us."

Both Marcus Bettinelli and Matt Smith face lengthy spells on the sidelines after their collision in mid-week and will be unavailable for the clash with Huddersfield, while Tim Ream is unlikely to make the squad as he is yet to return to full fitness after his outings for the USA at the Gold Cup over the summer.

Tickets are available priced from £25 adults and from £15 juniors when purchased in advance. Visit fulhamfc.com/tickets

Tickets will also be available on the day from turnstiles, with all prices increasing by £5.


http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-boss-issues-rallying-cry-9907595?