There will be a small crowd of invited supporters at the Charlton game. They are having a supporters Q&A session before the game, and have invited a select few to participate, and watch the game after.
Fulham 1 Charlton 2 Listened to Gentleman Jim who confirmed that the pitch was in tremendous shape please log in to view this image Knew the Club had installed WiFi in the ground but I think GJ also said that there were now screens (quite small) at either end. The team selection was; Schwarzer; Riether, Hangeland, Baird, Riise; Diarra, Dembele, Duff, Kacaniklic; Petric, Ruiz Subs: Stockdale, Kelly, Sidwell, Kasami, Briggs, Rodallega, Frei, Burn and Trotta According to GJ good competent passing in 1st half; goal by Duff after 6 mins. Second half lots of subs; generally sloppy. One Dempsey his comments were, 'no sign of an obvious injury' and 'obviously not playing today, make of that what you will'. My own "impression" is that we were were very lightweight, especially up front (Ruiz and Petric). EDIT: Here is the Official report on the game - http://www.fulhamfc.com/MatchAndTeam/MatchCentre/Matches/1213/PreSeason/CharltonHome.aspx
Bristol City 2 Fulham 2 (U18s) Another decent performance by the U18s. Magnus Norman MOTM with some splendid saves and an assist. Tankovic got both our goals.
Walton Casuals 1 Fulham 1 (U21s) The Fulham line up was - Somogyl Brister Grygera Burn Kavanagh Alex Smith Donegan Ryan Wiliams Kasami Trotta Charles Banya Subs: Bettinelli Penkiket Minkowitz Richard Muso (trialist) Dino Ibramhavic Our goal was scored by Trotta. Good to see Grygera getting back to fitness - although I don't know if the Club have yet given him a new contract.
Here is a (brief) report by the Club on the Walton game - http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2012/August/ffc21svwaltoncasuals.aspx Since my earlier post, I've picked up some not very flattering comments about Kasami's performance. As you know from the other thread, there was a general feeling that, if he found his correct position, he could begin to challenge for a first team spot. Unfortunately I suspect that his 'way too casual' approach isn't going to convince the boss.
Well that's that then. Now on to the serious stuff. Compared to last year when pre-season preparation was in fact qualifying for Europe, this year has had a more relaxed feel. It's clear that the grand plan was to minimise travel (hence cancelling trips to the USA and China) and concentrate on fitness and team bonding. In the games played, I get a sense that Jol was a wee bit disappointed. Not in the results, they were reasonable (especially Nice) and not the main point anyway, more because we still lacked that 'cutting edge' he kept going on about last season. Personally I think it could be better described as 'killer instinct' or 'not putting a game to bed'. However. take out the two 'missing links', Dempsey and Senderos, and he's had a chance to see all the squad in action. Similarly all 3 Academy teams have had a good grouping of games, including the mini-tour of Portugal. Particularly effective, I think, has been mixing and matching players across the age groups in games - encouraging them to believe "we're Fulham", not just the U16s or whatever. So, having been more than a tad critical of the Club for not letting us fans know what was happening at the outset, I'm convinced that Jol. Kit and the other coaches achieved what they set out to do. And the players as well - you only have to look at the pictures. I'm certain they'll start the new season fitter, with more team spirit and altogether in a better frame of mind than last year.
Our youngest youngsters are still on holiday and playing, so I thought it worth giving them a plug. Our U13s and U15s both had games today against The Independent Schools Football Association (ISFA) and came away with wins. The U13s an impressive 13-0 and the U15s 2-0. Well done them and the Club for continuing a far sighted investment in youth.
Celtic 1 Fulham 1 (U18s) While the main squad were getting down to the bread and butter stuff the U18s are still in pre-seaon. Today they went up to Glasgow and drew with the mighty Celtic. From all accounts everyone had a great game, not least our scorer Emmerson Hyndman. One excellent thing about the youngsters in pre-season has been the number of different players picking up goals at the various age groups.
Celtic 0 Fulham 4 (U21s) Haven't been able to find out any information. The more disappointing is that there is nothing about this or the U18s game on the (new) Official site. Despite both being played yesterday at the prestigious FA St George's Park !!!
Fulham 5 Chelsea 2 (U16s) The U16s also had a fantistic win yesterday against old rivals Chelsea. By all accounts they matched the main squad with a terrific all round team effort. Wes McDonald scored 2, Aaron Redford 1, a trialist 1 and the other was and o.g.
Fulham 4 Swindon Town 2 (U16s) The youngsters are still playing during the holidays and had another great win today. A trialist got all 4 goals - I think the same one who scored in the U16 game against Chelsea at the weekend. One other tidbit - unsubstantiated, but a young player said he saw Dempsey training with the 1st team squad.
Thanks for the info Cottager,as you are well aware I am an avid follower of our youth sides, so these snippets of information are greatly received, Any news on the behind closed doors MP matches
Never got a response to my email and haven't yet written. Thanks for the reminder. That said, I've just had a look at the U21 League fixtures and if I've read it correctly, the game at Motspur Park v Crystal Palace on Sunday 2nd September (KO 2pm) is open house - what do you reckon? http://www.fulhamfc.com/the-teams/u21s/u21-fixtures-201213
