Monday Fulham Stuff (03/07/17)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Chelsea and Fulham in talks over Kalas

Fulham are in discussions with Chelsea over a potential deal to sign Tomas Kalas on a permanent basis.

The 24-year-old Czech Republic international impressed while on loan with the Whites last season, having turned down the opportunity to join Middlesbrough in the Premier League because he preferred to stay in London.

He spent the previous season on loan at Boro and has also been loaned to Cologne and Vitesse Arnhem since being signed by Chelsea seven years ago.

Kalas has indicated that he wants to stay at Fulham and is ready to sign if a deal can be agreed, although it could take a sizeable transfer fee in order to land him.

A number of other clubs have expressed an interest in the defender.



http://www.westlondonsport.com/chelsea/chelsea-fulham-talks-defender

[WhiteJC]

 
Middlesbrough, Villa, Fulham, Sheffield Weds, Leeds, Norwich top six. Bristol and Burton Albion – "nul points"

Should I be disappointed? Not with the goings-on at the offices and by the officers of Sunderland Football Club but with the response to my "who'll be the top six" poll. In 2015 our "who's going down" poll had over 7,000 votes cast, last year we had over 2,500.

This year it wasn't until events at the club brought in new readers that we got past 1,000 votes. To date we have had perhaps 200-300 readers bothering to take part. What's more, whereas in the past we have had interesting and entertaining comments from fans from other clubs this year we had had nothing. Is this what the championship's like? Or is it the Ellis Short effect? I don't know.

Yet, there are grounds to be pleased. Within the first 24 hours my post about the poll had received over 1500 hits. 30% came from overseas, with the remaining 70% from all over the UK. Many were from the Northeast, as you might expect, but most regions could be found in the ISPs which could be located – I can remember Lowestoft, Cardiff, Hampshire, the Potteries, Bristol and Scotland, as well as a few from various parts of Yorkshire and Lancashire, but there were many more regions that I can't recall.

So maybe I did come up on the radar of fans representing a lot of Championship clubs, but perhaps only small numbers of them responded to my invitation. That's what's reflected in the poll results; we have a spread of votes for a number of clubs. A few – Bolton, Ipswich and Millwall, for example, hardly scored but only Burton and Bristol City didn't get any votes, which is why they appear in the headline. A bit harsh, perhaps, but I thought it worth highlighting as every club usually has fans whose loyalty is unbounded, and those clubs might might now get a few votes from their fans. You could say this will distort the poll. I'd say all clubs have biased fans who will vote for them out of loyalty so it's even-ing things up. (And others might say we need to get out more).

Anyway, with the caveat that it's early days yet, Middlesbrough lead the poll, and have done since the start. Close behind come Aston Villa, who were lagging behind for the first 24 hours. Fulham have been consistently in the running, as have Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds. Early on all three were ahead of Villa.  Did Villa fans find the site later than others? If so, then maybe Millwall and Ipswich will pick up votes too. The club in sixth place is Norwich,

Sunderland lead the chasing pack, helped, I think, by a rise in visitors to our site after we appointed a manager. We weren't doing brilliantly at the start, which suggests that neither our own fans or those from elsewhere will be trotting down to the bookie and putting their hard earned cash on the Championship's northernmost club. And nor am I, although I do remain more optimistic about our chances. After all, I've been here before.

Here are the full results to date, in table form. I must warn that you shouldn't take the table as providing readers' opinions on final league positions, however, as they were asked to identify only the top six. The poll shows that no-one thinks Burton etc. will be in the playoffs; that doesn't mean they think Burton will be bottom. (Another way of looking at it is to do some sums with the percentages of votes cast for each club. 1400 points are typically earned during a Championship season. If they were distributed according to our poll Middlesbrough would finish the season with about 180 points and nine clubs would have none. You know that's not going to happen)

If you haven't already done so you can still vote (so get a move on, Burton and Bristol fans). I've made it possible to see the voting this time – If you can't see the results it's a site fault  – and I'll return in a few days to bring you an update and maybe some more of my thoughts, or to tell you my plans for tracking some of these clubs over the season.

If you want to see how your club is doing as votes come in you can bookmark our home page, update your RSS feed, or call in every now and again. You might be lucky and find one of Pete Sixsmith's posts instead of mine.

And, as always, your comments are welcome



http://salutsunderland.com/2017/07/middlesbrough-villa-fulham-sheffield-weds-leeds-norwich-top-six-bristol-and-burton-albion-nul-points/

[WhiteJC]

 
Reports: Valued at £17m in 2016, Fulham close in on bargain £3m deal for Diego Rolan

Fulham are reportedly set to sign Bordeaux striker Diego Rolan.

According to The Mirror, Fulham are set to tie up a £3million deal to sign Bordeaux's Uruguayan striker Diego Rolan.

The Cottagers missed out on promotion to the Premier League having been beaten by Reading in the Champioship play-offs in May, and manager Slavisa Jokanovic will be hoping to boost his squad with new signings this summer.

Uruguay's Diego Rolan

Chris Martin has returned to Derby Couny following a loan spell at Craven Cottage, as has Cyriac Gohi Bi to Oostende after a poor loan stint, meaning that at least one new striker has to be a priority for boss Jokanovic.

Now, The Mirror report that Fulham are closing in on a deal to sign Bordeaux attacker Diego Rolan – and they would only be paying £3million to land his signature.

Rolan, 24, joined Bordeaux from Defensor Sporting in his native Uruguay back in 2013, and he has been a strong contributor in front of goal for the Ligue 1 side ever since.

With 37 goals in his last three seasons, Rolan has scored consistently in all competitions, whilst he has also found the net four times in 23 appearances on the international stage for Uruguay.

Liverpool's Emre Can in action with Bordeaux's Diego Rolan

A pacey, skilful and versatile attacker, Rolan could be a smart addition for Fulham, especially given that he is allegedly close to joining the Cottagers in a deal worth a bargain £3million.

Last summer, SportItalia's Alfredo Pedulla reported that Everton were told to pay €20million (£17.35million), but with Rolan now having just one year left on his contract, Fulham may just be on the verge of a cut-price deal.



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2017/07/02/reports-valued-at-17m-in-2016-fulham-close-in-on-bargain-3m-deal/

[WhiteJC]

 
Remembering Pajtim Kasami's wonderstrike for Fulham at Crystal Palace

Sascha Riether's long ball forward was controlled by Kasami with his chest and, from a seemingly impossible angle, the Swiss star volleyed it into the net to make it 1-1

Former Fulham midfielder Pajtim Kasami scored one of the great Fulham goals when he found the net at Crystal Palace in October 2013.

Sascha Riether's long ball forward was controlled by Kasami with his chest and, from a seemingly impossible angle, the Swiss star volleyed it into the net to make it 1-1, following Adrian Mariappa's early opener.

It was an incredible night for Fulham as Steve Sidwell scored his own goal of the season contender just before half-time to give the Whites the lead.

Dimitar Berbatov made it 3-1 soon after the break with a header from close range before Philippe Senderos made it four with a scissor kick.

Ian Holloway parted company with Palace by mutual consent in the wake of the game but the trip to Selhurst Park would prove to be the bright spot of Fulham's season.

They lost their next six games, with Martin Jol departing after the fifth, and were ultimately relegated come the end of the season.

Palace, meanwhile, appointed Tony Pulis and the Welshman guided the Eagles to Premier League safety.

Here's how GetWestLondon reported on the contest with Palace.

Pajtim Kasami's stunning strike set Fulham on their way to an emphatic win at Selhurst Park.

The Swiss star cancelled out defender Adrian Mariappa's early opener with an unstoppable volley before goals from Steve Sidwell, Dimitar Berbatov and Philippe Senderos earned the Cottagers their second win on the spin in front of owner Shahid Khan.

Palace had started the brighter, with Dwight Gayle denied by the returning Maarten Stekelenburg, but the Fulham keeper was picking the ball out of his net minutes later.


Pajtim Kasami and Steve Sidwell celebrate

Jason Puncheon's deflected cross from the left hung in the air, and Eagles defender Mariappa somehow out jumped Brede Hangeland to nod the ball in from close range.

The hosts continued to dominate, with Stuart O'Keefe firing wide of Stekelenburg's right-hand post.

However, Fulham levelled against the run of play just before the 20-minute mark with a goal of the season contender.

Sascha Riether chipped the ball forward to the onrushing Kasami, who controlled the ball on his chest before smashing an unstoppable volley across Julian Speroni into the top corner to silence the Selhurst Park faithful.

Fulham took the lead on the stroke of half-time with another stunning strike.

Bryan Ruiz's free-kick cannoned back off the wall, only for Sidwell to fire a dipping volley over the stranded Speroni from the edge of the box.

Palace had a let off at the beginning of the second half when Speroni's clearance hit Berbatov, but the keeper made amends to turn Darren Bent's stinging effort around the post.


Fulham players celebrate fine away display at Selhurst Park

But from the resulting corner, Berbatov glanced home Ruiz's inswinging corner to give the visitors a two-goal cushion and leave Palace with a mountain to climb.

Fulham wrapped up victory on 55 minutes when Senderos found himself unmarked at the back post from another Ruiz corner to volley the ball through Speroni and make it 4-1.

Gayle had the ball in the net for Palace just after the hour mark, only to see his effort chalked off by the linesman's flag, as the Whites ran out easy winners.

Fulham: Stekelenburg, Riether, Senderos, Hangeland (Amorebieta 46), Richardson, Ruiz, Parker, Sidwell, Kasami, Berbatov (Rodallega 90), Bent (Duff 77).

Subs (not used): Stockdale, Zverotic, Boateng, Karagounis.



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/remembering-pajtim-kasamis-wonderstrike-fulham-13269163

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham set to beat Sunderland to £3million Uruguayan international striker

The Mirror understands that Bordeaux striker Diego Rolan is poised to sign for Sky Bet Championship side Fulham for £3million. The 24-year-old, who partners the likes of Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani for the Uruguayan national team, had also attracted the interest of Sunderland.

With Chris Martin returning to Derby County following the conclusion of his loan spell at Craven Cottage, Fulham head coach Slavisa Jokanovic has been scouring the market for a new centre forward. Rolan, who was rated as one of the top prospects in European football at one stage, is now set for a move into the English game for the first time.

This will serve as disappointment to Simon Grayson, who had hoped to make the strong forward one of his first recruits at the Stadium of Light. Nevertheless, Fulham's interest in the player has been the case for a little while now, as we reported last month that a bid had been sanctioned.

Rolan is a regular member of Oscar Tabarez's national team selection of players when it comes to picking a team for qualification matches. He has also appeared in World Cup's and Copa America, scoring in a qualification game against Ecuador last year.

Fulham may very well continue their search for more forward recruits even if Rolan is signed by the club. Competition for places will be important as they look to go out step further that their play-off semi-final disappointment to Reading over two legs this time around. Many players have been tipped to leave, but adding Rolan could be a crucial piece of the jigsaw for the Serbian head coach.



http://the72.co.uk/86020/fulham-near-international-striker-deal/

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham legends alongside Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United icons to take part in six-a-side tournament in July

The former Whites have signed up for Star Sixes

Fulham legends Danny Murphy and Luis Boa Morte will be putting their boots back on for a six-a-side tournament at the O2 Arena, London.

The former Whites have signed up for Star Sixes, joining up with the England and Portugal teams, respectively.

Football legends such as Steven Gerrard, Michael Owen, Rio Ferdinand, Michael Ballack, Carles Puyol, Roberto Carlos, Rivaldo and Alessandro Del Piero are all taking part as they put on their national shirts once again.

The competition, which runs from July 13-16, will have 12 teams in it; England, Brazil Spain, Mexico, Germany, China, Nigeria, Scotland, Denmark, Portugal and France. The Three Lions are in Group A along with Spain, Mexico and Scotland.

In the group stage, games will last 20 minutes while the semi-finals and final will consist of two halves of 15 minutes, separated by a short half-time break.

Whites fans can book tickets through the Fulham box office (0843 208 1234 plus option 2) at a discount or visit starsixes.com for more information.



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-legends-alongside-arsenal-liverpool-13270163

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulhamerica Homecoming

Nov. 14 Match against Colombia at Craven Cottage is Familiar Stomping Grounds for Numerous Players who have Represented U.S. MNT

If there is one venue the U.S. Men's National Team could call home outside United States, it would undoubtedly be Fulham's Craven Cottage. Plenty of current and former players can find the stadium on the river Thames without a GPS.

The list of U.S. internationals that pulled on the Fulham jersey is long and distinguished, including goalkeepers, goal scorers, FIFA World Cup veterans and aspiring leaders.

Goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann (1999-2002) was the first to don the Cottager's kit in the modern era and former U.S. MNT midfielder and defender Eddie Lewis arrived a year later (2000-2002). Despite not playing a game the whole season, his coach Jean Tigana insisted on keeping Lewis until season's end, making him the last to arrive at the USA's pre-World Cup training camp in 2002. Lewis went on to deliver one of the most famous crosses in U.S. history.

Later in the decade, three-time World Cup veteran Kasey Keller spent a season at Craven Cottage (2007), while striker Eddie Johnson had a three-year spell there (2008-11) spent mostly on loan.

The most accomplished and celebrated U.S. players at Craven Cottage are strikers Brian McBride and Clint Dempsey. McBride (2004-08) scored 33 goals during his tenure and became such a fan favorite that the stadium pub now bears his name. He was a two-time Fulham Player of the Year, and was named captain for the 2007-08 season. Most recently, McBride was named to a special committee to help select the club's next manager.

"I think it's the perfect fit. The Fulham supporters are incredibly loyal and have a great appreciation for what the American players bring to the table," McBride said of Craven Cottage. "For the U.S. players and fans who will be there for the first time, they will experience a very special place. There is a heart and soul to Craven Cottage that goes beyond just a stadium; it's like playing in front of your family."

Not to be outdone, Dempsey picked up McBride's scoring reins at Fulham. In addition to famous goals – the game-winner against Liverpool that saved Fulham from relegation in 2007 and the wonder strike against Juventus in the Europa League Round of 16, among others – the Texan set the team record for the most career tallies in the Premier League (50) by an American, surpassing his 2006 World Cup teammate, McBride.

Former U.S. captain Carlos Bocanegra also made a big impression with the Fulham faithful (2004-08), becoming one of the few MNT players in history playing outside the United States to wear the captain's armband for both club and country. He was the second leading scorer in the 2006-07 campaign with five goals – behind McBride – and finished his career there with eight total in 116 appearances.

"I'm thrilled that the U.S. Men's National Team will play at a stadium that has meant so much to the American players who got their chance at Fulham," Bocanegra said. "The fans there were incredibly supportive of us, and we have so many great memories there. Craven Cottage has one of the most intimate atmospheres I've ever played in. Sitting in the Cottage is like having a rooftop seat at Wrigley Field – it's an experience every fan should have in their lifetime."

The American line of succession at Fulham has now been passed to 18-year-old Emerson Hyndman, who played extensively in Fulham's Youth Academy and scored a goal in the U-18 FA Cup Final. Now earning regular minutes for the first time, Hyndman debuted for the senior MNT in the 1-0 win against the Czech Republic in Prague this past September.




http://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2014/10/22/11/48/141022-mnt-v-col-craven-cottage-sidebar

[WhiteJC]

 
The former Fulham striker that really needs to prove himself under Holloway at QPR next season

QPR one of the early strugglers during the Championship campaign last team and the arrival of league favourite Ian Holloway did little to turn their fortunes around.

The R's finished uninspiringly in mid-table last season and arguably a little too close to the relegation zone for comfort.

After parting ways with former manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, former Blackpool boss Holloway was trusted to move the Hoops away from the dreaded dropzone. He did that to an extent but looking ahead, supporters down at Loftus Road will be looking for even bigger signs of improvement.

A lot of that will come from the group of players that already reside at the club but bringing in some quality additions over the coming weeks and months will also be of paramount importance too.

But there's one man in particular that's already on the books at QPR that we think really needs to start pulling his socks up in pre-season and going into the league campaign when it starts in August.

The man in question? Former Fulham striker Matt Smith, brought to the Hoops by Holloway in January last season.

He started well and scored a couple of goals as QPR's form widely fluctuated but in the near future, we need to see a more regular goal rate from the former Oldham hotshot.

Granted, he's not been signed to score thirty goals a season but when it comes to end-product, he does need to a show a little more sooner rather than later.

QPR struggled for goals during large parts of the season last time out and a need to find the back of the net on a more regular basis is a must.

Smith can be a big part of that but needs to start firing as soon as the season gets underway.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/the-former-fulham-striker-that-really-needs-to-prove-himself-under-holloway-at-qpr-next-season/

[WhiteJC]

 
Fenerbahce enter the race for Fulham target Diego Rolan

Whites reportedly close to finalising a deal, but Turkish side have entered the fray

Fulham face competition from Turkish side Fenerbahce for the signature of Diego Rolan.

Whites made a bid for the Bordeaux striker two weeks ago, as exclusively revealed by Get West London, but there has been no movement on a deal since then.

Reports in the national press this morning suggested that Slavisa Jokanovic was closing in on a cut-price £3 million move for the Uruguay international.

But now it appears the Cottagers made face competition for the 24-year-old, with Turkish giants Fenerbahce keen on adding the frontman to their squad this summer.

Rolan made 31 appearances for the French side in Ligue Un last season, scoring ten goals as they finished sixth and qualified for the Europa League third qualifying round, while also scoring four goals for his country.

He has also been linked with a move to Sunderland.



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/fenerbahce-enter-race-fulham-target-13271340