It's not just about running around alot. Look at the relationship Karagounis built up with the fans - that is because he not only tried hard, but actually seemed to want to bond with the fans. Sidwell has a rapidly deteriorating relationship with the fans due to his idiotic tackling and failure to own up to it. I see Karagounis in a very similar position to Murphy last year. Murphy would not have played a full season for us last year, but I think Jol is aware of the void his leadership and personality left in the dressing room. If Karagounis isn't up to speed next season, he won't play. But if he is up to speed, he still adds to the squad. The only question is whether Karagounis uses a 25-man squad place that could go to someone more deserving; however, even if he does that just means another chance for a youngster. Win-win in my eyes.
From various tid bits that have been around his agent (his mum?) has been sounding clubs out. The Mail is now saying that he is in talks with Weder Bremen: “Fulham Left-back John Arne Riise is in talks over a free transfer to Werder Bremen. The German side had reportedly chased the Norwegian defender in 2009 while still at Roma, before he moved to Craven Cottage in 2011." Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2388421/Fulhams-John-Arne-Riise-talks-free-transfer-Werder-Bremen.html
No great loss really, will help decrease the average age and get his hefty wages off the bill, it's clear that Jol rates Richardson above Riise so there's no need to keep him really with Briggs in reserve too.
Not crying over him going either Bandit. However, as I mentioned Briggs is scheduled to go on loan. There is also the small additional problem of Richardson's injury affliction - so surely the Club must have someone else lined up.
Regarding Gargano being another enforcer rather than a creative player, perhaps Jol is thinking of changing how he sets up a 4-2-3-1. There was an interview a few weeks back where he referred to always having had a passer as one of the central two - Danny Murphy with us, Michael Carrick at Spurs, etc - but perhaps having to look for something different. With Taarabt and Ruiz plus one other (Kacaniklic? Dejagah? Duff? Mesca?) behind Berbatov, the front four now provide plenty of flair and creativity. It might see more interchanging of position from the front players rather than traditional wingers, but it might prove the best use of what we've got. We've all voiced concerns about the defensive limitations of Berba, Ruiz and Taarabt in the same line-up, so perhaps adding another solid central midfielder is a response to that. Of course, if all of the above turns out to be true, it doesn't stop us signing a playmaker who can also tackle if one becomes available in the future, but the addition of Taarabt makes it less crucial to find someone who can do both jobs like the much-missed Danny Murphy.
I certainly don't want Briggs as first choice but as back up I think he's perfectly fine, only as long as our new LB NEVER EVER gets injured/suspended
Agreed. I keep forgetting it's Murphy we miss as much as Dembele, and we've not really replaced either. We were doing ok last season until Diarra got injured, I think we all forget what he brought to the team. If Gargano can be our new 'metronome' I'd be pleased with that.
It could be that if Riise goes to Bremen then old summer rumors of Ridgewell from WBA could resurface as cover for Richardson, he can play LB or CB.
I'd be surprised if both Ridgewell and Bent joined...just saying... http://www.ely-news.co.uk/People-an...lla-footballer-Darren-Bent-20130614130047.htm
No way, that's my hometown! Maybe I'll pop down and ask him what's going on. EDIT: Perhaps I won't, he got married there in June. Apparently I'm behind the curve.
All bets are off Bandit. âCeltic's Stokes arrested over alleged assault on Elvis impersonatorâ please log in to view this image Anthony Stokes has been arrested in connection with an alleged assault in a nightclub Source: http://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/aug/12/anthony-stokes-arrested-celtic-ireland?CMP=twt_gu
Wow, he must be all shook up by this! Maybe he ain't nothing but a hound-dog or I wonder, I wonder, I wonder if the guy might have just stepped on his blue suede shoes- must be feeling like checking into the heartbreak hotel with a move so close, should have kept his hands off and his eyes on the girls, girls, girls. Wonder what his punishment will be for steppin' out of line. Hope it doesn't hang over him, he's still got a lot o' livin' to do, it won't be long until it's all cleared up, I'm sure- I hope so, it's no fun being lonely. That's when your heartbreaks begin. I'm sure he will patch it up.
Rumours are that Walter Garganoâs wage demands were too high and the we are going back for Eyong Enoh âFulham is currently the only club in the race for Eyong Enoh. Manager Martin Jol of the London club recently announced not wanting to meet the asking price of Ajax but that is the door to the Cameroonian has not yet closed. That left Stephan Breandli, the agent of Enoh know Monday in talks with Ajax Showtime . 'Fulham hopes Enoh, "said the representative. "However, Martin Jol refuses the asking price of Ajax (3.5 million ed.) lay on the table. Fulham therefore hopes that the price will drop. The clubs are there still in negotiation.â Source: http://www.ajaxshowtime.com/hoofdnieuws/72404/fulham-nog-altijd-optie-voor-enoh.html
Tentative links to us and Watford striker Troy Deeney "Representatives from Fulham and West Ham are both thought to have watched Deeney in action last weekend when he scored a superb hat-trick in the 6-1 win over Bournemouth. The 25-year-old is now widely regarded as the best striker outside the Premier League having scored 20 goals last season. Watford are desperate to keep hold of their prize asset as they look to mount a bid for promotion to the Premier League, but manager Gianfrano Zola admitted after the win over Bournemouth he was wary of clubs making moves to sign Deeney. Source: http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11686/8868696 Cor, sounds as though we've got scouts after all.
I doubt we'll sign him. Watford will probably want more than the £68 we will be willing to pay for him.
The rumour mongers say they would want at least £5m. Anyway, I suspect this is paper talk. They've just let Vydra go on loan to West Brom, haven't they? If so, I'm not at all sure they'd consider letting him going now.
A couple of name cropping up are Dan & Faurlin both possible loan signings, i would not be adversed to having either,if not regulars then good squad members. Been down to MP today rumour 2 squad players will be leaving before the transfer window closes ? Frei possibly but who else.
