Fulham 1 Manchester United 3 match report: Antonio Valencia, Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie score | Daily Mail Online More scores Seconds later, Parker was robbed in his own half by Januzaj. The midfielder claimed a trip, though he fell so easily that referee Lee Probert waved play on. Januzaj then released Van Persie with exquisite timing and the Dutchman unleashed an unstoppable near-post drive and Fulham already looked in disarray. Before Jol’s men could recover, the rampant Van Persie raced on to Tom Cleverley’s searching pass and delivered a simple cross for Rooney to convert. At that point it looked as though a football score might turn into a cricket score. Yet in attack Fulham remained an occasional threat and a swift combination saw Berbatov turn freely with only the keeper to beat. Once again, however, the excellent De Gea was his equal. Midway through the second half, Alexander Kacaniklic cut in and fired goalwards, Rooney stretched a desperate leg at the shot and the ball deflected off his studs and found the corner. ‘That was a Manchester United own goal,’ said stadium announcer and former Radio One DJ “Diddy” David Hamilton with a trace of bitterness.

Kacaniklic may beg to differ. Moyes had taken off Rafael with an ankle injury, Cleverley with double vision and Jonny Evans with a stiff back at half-time. On came Marouane Fellaini, Shinji Kagawa and Chris Smalling, as Valencia went back into defence. United’s momentum suffered. Fulham captain Berbatov, desperate to score against his old club, saw his final significant effort headed off the line by Smalling, while Kacaniklic scooped another half chance over the bar. Leading by example: Skipper Dimitar Berbatov (front left) fires a shot in vain against former team-mate Nemanja Vidic Heart on his sleeve: Scott Parker (centre) battles past Rooney and Phil Jones Manchester United zipped the ball about for Antonio Valencia's opener. Check out more amazing stats, results and graphics here at our match zone service Wheeling away: Valencia (third lefT) was on hand to fire Rooney's pass beyond Maarten Stekelenburg Sunday Fulham Stuff (13/04/14)... Sunday Fulham Stuff (13/04/14)...

« on: April 13, 2014, 08:31:04 AM » No-nonsense Fulham manager Felix Magath would get on well with my dad, says David Stockdale No nonsense: Fulham's David Stockdale thinks his manager would get on well with his dad. Fulham goalkeeper David Stockdale is comfortable with his new manager Felix Magath’s no-nonsense attitude – because it is what he is used to from his parents. The Cottagers secured a vital 2-1 victory at Villa Park last weekend, but neither Stockdale’s parents nor his manager were overzealous in celebrating the result. Stockdale attributes his parents’ attitude to their Yorkshire roots and thinks that Magath would fit in well up North. The keeper revealed: “My mum and dad came to Villa. Afterwards dad said ‘Good win that’. And that was it. Thanks! “It was mum’s birthday and I said, ‘Happy Birthday mum, there’s your three points’ – she just replied ‘It means nothing if you don’t win next week.’ “That’s the Yorkshire way. Dad has told me to shut up and get on with it. “The boss is like that too.

He told us it’s no good us winning at Villa if we don’t carry it on. “The gaffer doesn’t give much away, that’s for sure. He’s just made us realise that we will only be rewarded by hard work. “I think he would get on well with my dad – he seems to have a Yorkshire attitude too!” As Fulham’s third manager this season, following the sackings of Martin Jol and Rene Meulensteen, Magath was faced with the extremely tough task of turning the club’s fortunes around. However, last week’s victory at Villa has given Stockdale and co renewed belief and if Fulham beat Norwich on Saturday afternoon the gap to the Canaries and Premier League safety will be down to two points. Having displaced Maarten Stekelenburg as Fulham’s first choice goalkeeper, Stockdale is having to cope with the expectations of not only his parents and manager, but also his friends. He said: “I can’t stop thinking about Fulham’s situation. I’m one of the longest-serving players at the club and it means everything to all of us to stay up. “A lot of my friends are fans and when we lose I can’t face them, I feel I have let them down personally.

I feel that I am responsible.” « Reply #1 on: April 13, 2014, 08:43:26 AM » Fulham 1-0 Norwich: Rodallega grabs precious winner after Stockdale denies managerless Canaries It has taken a couple of months, but the change in philosophy that Felix Magath demanded when he was brought in to rescue Fulham appears to be paying off. The German was exhausted at the end of this encounter. ‘I’m kapput,’ he declared. ‘That was a very dramatic 90 minutes.’ But it was also the product of the cultural shift that he has overseen since arriving at Craven Cottage; a shift that sees the players eat breakfast and lunch together; that means those who are injured do not just come in for treatment in the morning but have their days divided into three sessions with the medical staff. Magath sets an example by continuing to cycle to the club’s Motspur Park training ground every day. No longer on Boris bikes but on three bicycles that were recently purchased by the club. In his mind it is a further representation of his back-to-basics approach.

Delighted: Hugo Rodallega celebrates with Steve Sidwell after scoring for Fulham Goal! Rodallega fired past John Ruddy in the first half as Fulham took a vital lead at Craven Cottage Behind you: Goalkeeper John Ruddy fails to stop Hugo Rodallega from scoring Hard, honest graft is Magath’s mantra and this performance — capped by a marvellous first-half goal from Hugo Rodallega — was the product of the work that the 60-year-old former Bayern Munich coach has been doing since he arrived. Fighting for their own survival under the guidance of a new manager desperate to make a good first impression, Norwich made it far from easy for Fulham. In spells, they were much the better side. Magath acknowledged as much afterwards, admitting his side were a little ‘lucky’. But there was a collective will about Fulham, a defiance and a determination that proved the difference between these teams and might just be decisive in determining which one remains in the top flight and which goes down.

It was the sheer courage with which Fulham defended that was so memorable, Rodallega’s clearance to deny Michael Turner in the 74th minute a perfect example of Fulham’s work ethic, plus some wonderful saves from David Stockdale. What a transformation the Colombian Rodallega has undergone. Not so long ago he broke down in tears in the dugout, shattered by defeat to Sheffield United in the FA Cup. And what a transformation, too, for Mahamadou Diarra, the former Real Madrid midfielder somehow returning from a career-threatening injury to deliver two huge performances in the last two games.

Breakthrough: Fulham's Rodallega scores past Norwich goalkeeper John Ruddy Scramble: Norwich John Ruddy loses the ball from a corner Hurry up: Norwich caretaker manager Neil Adams runs across the pitch towards the dugouts You were warned: A fan treats his bleeding nose after being hit in the face with a ball while standing behind the warm up net Double time: Fulham's Mahamadou Diarra (right) and Steve Sidwell battle for the ball with Norwich City's Ricky van Wolfswinkel (left) ‘More people will believe we can stay in the league now,’ said Magath, and so they should. ‘It helps us to be confident.’ He would have had sympathy for Neil Adams, promoted from the Under 18s side to suddenly take charge at Norwich after the dismissal of Chris Hughton. ‘I couldn’t have asked for any more,’ said Adams. ‘We had some great chances and I thought we were the better side for long periods. But there are some very sad players in that dressing room.’ They are sad because Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal now stand between them and survival and, as Adams acknowledged, they are ‘four of the best teams in Europe, never mind England’.

But perhaps there is a lesson here for Norwich. Perhaps they should have acted long before now. Perhaps they should have had the conviction Fulham displayed when they changed their manager for a second time this season and recruited Magath. Former BBC Radio 1 DJ David Hamilton did his usual just before kick-off in his role as stadium announcer, declaring that it was ‘show time’ here at Craven Cottage. But, for once, it far from captured the magnitude of this match — not to mention the sense of anxiety. Tangle: Fulham's Mahamadou Diarra (left) goes downin challenge from Norwich City's Leroy Fer Quick feet: Norwich City's Leroy Fer (left) takes on Fulham's Steve Sidwell Close up: Norwich midfielder Bradley Johnson has a shot at goal Focused: Norwich caretaker manager Neil Adams keeps an eye on the action On the ball: Leroy Fer of Norwich takes on the Fulham defence In fairness to the Fulham players, they appeared less nervous than their supporters and Magath’s decision to start with Rodallega immediately looked like a prudent move. He wasted no time in imposing himself on the Norwich defence, threatening with a shot across the face of John Ruddy’s goal after bursting clear.

Stockdale, nevertheless, had to be at his very best. It was a terrific save that denied Ricky Van Wolfswinkel and a similarly impressive stop to then deny Leroy Fer from the resulting corner. Stockdale was a little more fortuitous moments later. He appeared to be beaten by a Robert Snodgrass free-kick but was saved by the crossbar. Jump for joy: Fulham's Brede Hangeland, left, and keeper David Stockdale celebrate after the final whistle Despair: Robert Snodgrass can't hide his disappointment after defeat at Fulham Floored: Nathan Redmond sits on the pitch Positive: Sebastien Bassong gives thumbs up to fans and tries to console Nathan Redmond Dropped in it: Norwich fans fear the worst with four tough fixtures to come The sense of frustration for an animated Adams was compounded when Rodallega then struck five minutes before the break, producing a brilliant left-foot volley after Steve Sidwell had flicked on Lewis Holtby’s free-kick. Over in the technical area, Magath punched the air, even if he would have remained concerned by the opportunities Norwich were creating. No sooner had the second half began than Van Wolfswinkel was through with only Stockdale to beat.

Fortunately for Fulham, though, the Dutchman continues to fail in justifying his inflated price tag and after little more than an hour he was hooked. Take off: Fulham defender John Heitinga dives in No way: Norwich midfielder Robert Snodgrass is tackled by Fernando Amorebieta (left) and Brede Hangeland Delight: Goalscorer Hugo Rodallega celebrates victory with Lewis Holtby and Pajtim Kasami While Rodallega might have scored a second had it not been for a clearance from Martin Olsson, Norwich continued to press. It seemed certain Snodgrass would score after Olsson had accelerated on to a ball from Bradley Johnson and squared it for a colleague. But a courageous Brede Hangeland launched himself across the six-yard box and Snodgrass sent his effort wide. Fulham lived on their wits, with Fernando Amorebieta producing a marvellous block to send Gary Hooper’s shot for a corner, with Rodallega then diverting that Turner header to safety. Near the end, Ashkan Dejagah should have scored a second for Fulham, only to blast his effort over with only Ruddy to beat.

Had it mattered, he might have been ‘kapput’, too. « Reply #2 on: April 13, 2014, 08:45:56 AM » Premier League: Fulham claim crucial 1-0 victory over Norwich at Craven Cottage Hugo Rodallega: Earned a crucial three points for Fulham against Norwich Hugo Rodallega's first-half goal was enough to give Fulham a crucial 1-0 victory in their pursuit of Premier League survival and condemn Neil Adams to defeat in his first game as Norwich manager. Rodallega's close-range finish in the 40th minute gave the Cottagers a second consecutive win for only the second time this season and puts them two points from safety with four matches to play. Norwich, who have now lost their past seven away fixtures, arguably had the better chances in a pulsating contest at Craven Cottage but the visitors lacked incision in the final third. The Canaries now face an unenviable task to hold off their relegation rivals with their remaining games coming against Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal.

The hosts started brightly and had the first shot of the game in the fifth minute when Pajtim Kasami drove forward from midfield but his shot from distance went well wide. Moments later Nathan Redmond drew a sharp save at the other end with a snapshot towards David Stockdale's near post as Norwich gradually settled into the game and began to enjoy the majority of possession. Steven Whittaker's lofted cross-field pass lured Jonny Howson into an audacious volley but his effort was deflected behind. Just before the quarter-hour mark, a routine ball up to Kasami was flicked into the path of Rodallega who stumbled before firing wide of the far post. Norwich were the more measured side in possession but their slow build-up play was easy to absorb for the hosts, who looked to find their front two at every opportunity. Neil Adams post-match reaction It was the Canaries though who had the best chance of the match in the 28th minute when Martin Olsson's cross found Ricky van Wolfswinkel and his first-time effort produced an excellent save from Stockdale. The Fulham keeper was called into action again from the resulting corner as Leroy Fer's header was saved and Bradley Johnson put the rebound wide.

The Cottagers were rattled and, with the home crowd agitated, John Heitinga committed a needless foul 25 yards out. Robert Snodgrass nearly made him pay but the midfielder's bending free-kick clipped the bar on its way over. The home side regained their composure however and in the 40th minute took the lead as Lewis Holtby delivered a free-kick from the left and Rodallega half-volleyed high into the net from close range. The second period began just as frantically as the first with Snodgrass testing Stockdale early on with a shot from the edge of the box. Rodallega almost doubled the hosts' lead in the 55th minute but his downward header was cleared off the line by Olsson. Norwich should have equalised moments later as Johnson's chipped ball through found Olsson whose heavy touch across the box looked certain to give Snodgrass a simple finish but Brede Hangeland scrambled across to make a crucial block. The home side seemed to lose energy as the second half went on but, while Norwich began to dominate possession, the visitors struggled to create any clear-cut chances.

Michael Turner went close from a corner in the 74th minute but his header towards goal was diverted away by Rodallega. Fulham grew increasingly nervy in the latter stages but the expected Norwich onslaught never really materialised. Instead it was the Cottagers who should have finished with a flourish as Ashkan Dejagah blazed over with only the keeper to beat but it made no difference as the hosts were able to see out a vital victory in the race for survival. « Reply #3 on: April 13, 2014, 08:49:03 AM » Fulham 1 Norwich City 0: match report Read a full match report of the Premier League contest between Fulham and Norwich City at Craven Cottage on Saturday, 12 April 2014 Cottage industry: Hugo Rodallega shoots and scpores past the Norwich defenders Photo: GETTY IMAGES Once more, Norwich City found themselves in a waking nightmare on the banks of the Thames. They have not beaten Fulham in more than three decades, since 1986. And yet, for all the weight of history, this was a match they could not afford to lose. They lost.

Their Premier League survival now hangs by a thread. It was a scrappy, excruciatingly tense game, with Norwich having more possession and the better of the chances, certainly early in the game. But Hugo Rodallega's goal towards the end of the first half ultimately proved decisive. "Today we are lucky," said Fulham manager Felix Magath. "Norwich were the better team, but our goalkeeper was very great today." If this performance and the league table still offer Norwich a certain comfort - clear of the relegation zone, still two points ahead of Fulham - then the fixture list will act as a harsh corrective. Their last four games are against Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal: a baptism of fire for Neil Adams, the former BBC Radio Norfolk phone-in presenter and youth team coach appointed in place of Chris Hughton on a caretaker basis. The timing of Hughton's sacking on Monday, so close to the end of the season, was curious, but it could be argued that the decision itself was sound. All season, Norwich have struggled for goals, for cohesion, but most of all for identity. How should Norwich City play? What should they look like?

On this front, there already appears to be clear water between Adams and his predecessor. None of Norwich's loan signings made the matchday squad, with Adams opting for the midfield diamond formation that served Norwich so well under Paul Lambert. Out went captain Sebastian Bassong and Joseph Yobo; into a revamped defence came Steven Whittaker and Michael Turner, and they did a pretty decent job. So the early signs of the Adams era were encouraging, but the sharp end of a Premier League relegation fight offers no prizes for effort. And for all Norwich's impressive defensive solidity, the problem was further forward. If you fail to score against Fulham, you have nobody to blame but yourselves. Ricky van Wolfswinkel, £8.5 million of pure footballing nonsense, again flattered to deceive up front, extending his undistinguished record to one goal in 23 games. Yet praise is also due to Fulham goalkeeper David Stockdale, who denied Van Wolfswinkel with a wonderful fingertip save from a powerful first-half shot. It was the sort of save that turns games. "Ricky needs a goal," Adams said. "He's come with a hefty price tag, and he works his socks off, but strikers are paid to score goals.

He's done everything right with the chance, and we all thought it was in. I suppose that's your luck." Norwich will hope their luck has not deserted them when they need it most. Stockdale made another good save immediately afterwards, from Leroy Fer's header, and Norwich could also have taken the lead when Robert Snodgrass put a free-kick against the crossbar. Instead, it was Fulham who opened the scoring five minutes before the break. Kieran Richardson, a tireless and threatening presence all afternoon, won the free-kick on the left. Lewis Holtby swung it in, Fernando Amorebieta's flick wrong-footed the Norwich defence, and Rodallega was on hand on slam the ball in at the far post. Rodallega has been virtually anonymous all season, just another one of the 41 players Fulham have used in league and cup this season. In many ways, his undoubted talent has been one of the main casualties of this season's turmoil: three different managers and about three dozen different systems. Rodallega is not a complicated or especially cultured player, but give him the simple responsibility of leading the line, and he will punch holes in a defence.

"Hugo is showing that he is a very good striker and he is now in very good shape," Magath said. "We need Hugo." Snodgrass missed another chance in the second half, attempting to slide the ball into an empty net but putting the ball wide under pressure from Amorebieta. Adams threw on all three substitutes in an attempt to change the game. But Fulham's innovative three-man defence held firm, Ashkan Dejagah missing a golden opportunity to make the game safe in injury time. Full-time was greeted with a cheer that shook the stadium to its wooden floorboards. Fulham fans have found their voice in recent weeks, stung into action by the threat of Championship football, buoyed by the outstanding win at Villa Park last weekend, and at full glorious volume again here. Magath praised their influence. "That is the way we can stay up in the league," he said. "There's a dressing room full of desperately sad people," Adams said. "Tactically we were spot on, and I thought we dominated the game for long spells. But one mistake will cost you at this end of the table.

We've got four very, very tough games, but we'll have a good go." Those four games will decide whether Adams ends up as a hero or a footnote. « Reply #4 on: April 13, 2014, 08:50:43 AM » Rodallega breathes life in Cottager's survival hopes Fulham 1 Norwich City 0 Hugo Rodallega's first-half goal was enough to give Fulham a crucial victory in their pursuit of Barclays Premier League survival and condemn Neil Adams to defeat in his first game as Norwich manager. Rodallega's close-range finish in the 40th minute gave the Cottagers their second consecutive win for only the second time this season and moves them to within two points of safety with four matches to play. Norwich, who have now lost their past seven away fixtures, arguably had the better chances in a pulsating contest at Craven Cottage but the visitors lacked incision in the final third. The Canaries now face an unenviable task to hold off their relegation rivals with their remaining games coming against Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal.

Adams made six changes to the Canaries starting XI as Ricky van Wolfswinkel, Nathan Redmond, Leroy Fer and Bradley Johnson were all recalled. Steven Whittaker and Michael Turner also returned from injuries in defence. Fulham made just one change from their 2-1 victory over Aston Villa as Rodallega replaced Cauley Woodrow up front. The hosts started brightly and had the first shot of the game in the fifth minute when Pajtim Kasami drove forward from midfield but his shot from distance went well wide. Moments later Redmond drew a sharp save at the other end with a snapshot towards Robbie Stockdale's near post as Norwich gradually settled into the game and began to enjoy the majority of possession. Whittaker's lofted cross-field pass lured Jonny Howson into an audacious volley but his effort was deflected behind. Just before the quarter-hour mark, a routine ball up to Kasami was flicked into the path of Rodallega who stumbled before firing wide of the far post. Norwich were the more measured side in possession but their slow build-up play was easy to absorb for the hosts, who looked to find their front two at every opportunity.

It was the Canaries though who had the best chance of the match in the 28th minute when Martin Olsson's cross found Van Wolfswinkel and his first-time finish produced an excellent save from Stockdale. The Fulham stopper was called into action again from the resulting corner as Fer's header was saved and Johnson put the rebound wide. The Cottagers were rattled and with the home crowd agitated, John Heitinga committed a needless foul 25 yards out. Robert Snodgrass nearly made him pay but the midfielder's bending free-kick clipped the bar on its way over. The home side regained their composure however and in the 40th minute took the lead as Lewis Holtby delivered a free-kick from the left and Rodallega half-volleyed high into the net from close range. The second period began just as frantically as the first with Snodgrass testing Stockdale out early on with a shot from the edge of the box. Rodallega almost doubled the hosts' lead in the 55th minute but his downward header was cleared off the line by Olsson.

Norwich should have equalised moments later as Johnson's chipped ball through found Olsson whose heavy touch across the box looked certain to give Snodgrass a simple finish but Brede Hangeland scrambled across to make a crucial block. The home side seemed to lose energy as the second half went on but while Norwich began to dominate possession, the visitors struggled to create any clear-cut chances. Turner went close from a corner in the 74th minute but his header towards goal was diverted away by Rodallega. Fulham grew increasingly nervy in the latter stages but the expected Norwich onslaught never really materialised. Instead it was the Cottagers who should have finished with a flourish as Ashkan Dejagah blazed over with only the keeper to beat but it made no difference as the hosts were able to see out a vital victory in the race for survival. « Reply #5 on: April 13, 2014, 08:52:07 AM » Fulham's Hugo Rodallega raises hopes and adds to Norwich City gloom Perhaps this should have been billed as the game of the gamblers.

Fulham and Norwich have been through five managers between them this season in a desperate attempt to retain Premier League status yet this narrow victory, secured by Hugo Rodallega's strike during a scrappy and frantic game at the bottom of the table, leaves the Canaries' high-risk ploy of sacking Chris Hughton under serious question and their survival hopes hanging by a thread. They were unlucky to lose here, but that was little consolation to Neil Adams in his first game in charge. Adams, who made six changes to the Norwich starting XI, was appointed in the hope that his presence could inspire a crucial win in this six-pointer, a result that would have been a huge step towards safety. Instead, his side now hold a mere two-point lead over Fulham in 18th and with a daunting run-in to come. Felix Magath, Fulham's third manager of the campaign, has certainly improved performances but will thank his goalkeeper, David Stockdale, for an outstanding display. Norwich have Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal left to play and Magath, whose Fulham side were rock-bottom and in dire straits before his arrival, may just complete the unlikeliest of turnarounds.

"Suddenly there is now hope," the German said afterwards. "We were very lucky because Norwich were the better team and played very well. We were not so good today but there was a lot of pressure. We played not as well as last week but at the moment three points is the only thing that counts. "I am kaputt. It was a dramatic 90 minutes. It's always a risk if you take over a team on the bottom. You cannot promise that you will manage the situation but I know that I have had these situations many times." On his goalkeeper's display, Magath said: " I took [Maarten Stekelenburg] out because David Stockdale is a goalkeeper who talks more with his team-mates, it works better together and today he was the best man." This was the fourth meeting between these sides this season and, for Norwich, another miserable trip to west London. They should have led at half-time and were denied in the first half only by Stockdale and the woodwork, before switching off at a free-kick and conceding shortly before half-time.

Stockdale superbly denied Ricky van Wolfswinkel in the 28th minute, reacting quickly and sticking out his right arm to keep out the striker's first-time effort from a cross. The Dutchman has still not scored since the opening day of the season in any competition. From the resulting corner, Stockdale was on hand again, palming away Leroy Fer's header from a Nathan Redmond cross before Bradley Johnson shot wide. When Robert Snodgrass rattled the crossbar from a free-kick shortly after half an hour, Norwich could be forgiven for thinking their luck was out. Indeed, Rodallega struck shortly later, sweeping into the roof of the net after Steven Sidwell had flicked on Lewis Holtby's free-kick from the left. There was more misery for Van Wolfswinkel who, when breaking into the penalty area down the right, laid the ball back to a white shirt when he had options in the penalty area. The incident, in front of the Norwich fans, did not amuse the travelling hordes. Van Wolfswinkel was withdrawn soon afterwards for Gary Hooper, a move the supporters applauded, before Snodgrass somehow fired wide from six yards out.

"We had chances and didn't take them," Adams said. "The keeper made one fantastic save from Ricky. Ricky needs a goal. He gives you everything you want from a centre-forward but of course they are paid to score goals. He knows that. The keeper has pulled off a fantastic save. "We know what's at stake here. We've got four huge games against four of the best teams in Europe. But the positive thing to take from this is what we just saw from our 14 players. We just needed a goal. "It's hard to take. What we've done all week, what we've asked of the players … I couldn't ask for any more, I really couldn't. I think we got it tactically spot-on and I thought we dominated the game for long spells." Michael Turner had a goal-bound header deflected wide by Rodallega late on and the substitute Ashkan Dejagah could have killed off the game in injury time, instead slicing wide after a quick counterattack. But for Norwich, their self-proclaimed "fate worse than death" moves one step closer to becoming a reality.

« Reply #6 on: April 13, 2014, 08:53:42 AM » Fulham 1-0 Norwich City: Cottagers' revival continues The Colombian swept in Lewis Holtby's free-kick after Steve Sidwell's flick-on to give Felix Magath's men back-to-back victories and momentum in the relegation battle Fulham continued their bid for a great escape with a slightly fortuitous win over fellow Premier League strugglers Norwich City. Hugo Rodallega, who famously netted at Stoke City to preserve Wigan Athletic's top-flight status in 2011, was rewarded with a start by Fulham boss Felix Magath after sealing last weekend's 2-1 win at Aston Villa. The Colombian striker once again proved himself adept amid a scrap for survival as he stole in to score the only goal five minutes before half-time. Fulham were indebted to goalkeeper David Stockdale for a pair of magnificent saves, while Norwich - playing for the first time under club stalwart Neil Adams after Chris Hughton's sacking last Sunday - also struck the crossbar through Robert Snodgrass.

But Magath's men played with greater assurance after taking the lead and are now just two points behind fourth-bottom Norwich, who face a daunting final four games against Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal. Stockdale endured a nervy moment in the sixth minute, pushing behind as Nathan Redmond – one of six new faces in the starting XI selected by Adams – launched a right-wing cross that threatened to sneak in at the near post. Rodallega carried the major attacking threat for the hosts during a disjointed opening. He pulled a shot across the outstretched John Ruddy and past the far post after Pajtim Kasami's flick on, before nodding tamely at Norwich's goalkeeper when Steve Sidwell diverted a 19th-minute punt into his path. Stockdale was soon handed some considerably more taxing work and responded with a pair of outstanding stops. Ricky van Wolfswinkel was ready to celebrate the end of a 23-game goal drought when he volleyed goalwards from Jonathan Howson's cross, but Stockdale produced a stunning reaction save. From the resulting 29th-minute corner he kept out Leroy Fer's powerful header before Bradley Johnson lashed the rebound wastefully wide.

Stockdale could do nothing as a Snodgrass free-kick cannoned back off the bar and, buoyed by those reprieves, Fulham took a 40th-minute lead. Norwich full-back Steven Whittaker rashly brought down Kieran Richardson and some horrible marking allowed Sidwell to glance on Lewis Holtby's left-wing delivery for Rodallega to sweep home on the half-volley. Van Wolfswinkel's plummeting confidence levels were underlined when he inexplicably gave away possession when well placed inside the Fulham area as Norwich sought a second-half response. But the visitors' set-piece frailties almost undermined them again as Rodallega met a 55th-minute corner to be denied by Martin Olsson on the line. Meanwhile, Fulham's defence were covering themselves in glory - centre-back Fernando Amorebieta launching a brave last-ditch challenge to deny Snodgrass after the lively Redmond touched the ball beyond the previously impenetrable Stockdale. Even Rodallega was influential in his own area, heading Michael Turner's goal-bound effort to safety, while substitute Scott Parker and fellow midfielder Sidwell came close to giving Fulham breathing space within the last 20 minutes.

Norwich were relegated following a 6-0 drubbing at Craven Cottage nine years ago. Despite substitute Ashkan Dejagah spurning a glorious chance to rub salt into City's wounds, this result could prove just as decisive in the final reckoning. « Reply #7 on: April 13, 2014, 08:55:58 AM » Fulham 1 - Norwich 0: The Cottagers on the verge of another great escape HUGO RODALLEGA's second goal in as many games was enough to give Fulham a vital victory in their bid to avoid relegation. HOT ROD: Hugo Rodallega celebrates scoring Fulham's winner [GETTY] Rodallega's close-range finish in the 40th minute gave the Cottagers their second consecutive win for only the second time this season and moves them to within two points of safety with four matches to play. Norwich, who have now lost their past seven away fixtures, arguably had the better chances in a pulsating contest at Craven Cottage but the visitors lacked incision in the final third.

The Canaries now face an unenviable task to hold off their relegation rivals with their remaining games coming against Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal. ON YOUR KNEES: Rodallega celebrates with his Fulham team-mates [REUTERS] Norwich caretaker boss Neil Adams made six changes to the Canaries side who lost to West Brom last week in an attempt to change the teams' fortunes. Ricky van Wolfswinkel, Nathan Redmond, Leroy Fer and Bradley Johnson were all recalled to the starting line up while Steven Whittaker and Michael Turner also returned from injuries in defence. The defeat for the Canaries leaves them just two points ahead of their hosts Fulham who sit in 18th place, and the Cottagers will now be confident of completing another great escape as the Canaries have « Reply #8 on: April 13, 2014, 08:57:57 AM » Premier League: Felix Magath believes Fulham were lucky to beat Norwich at Craven Cottage.

Felix Magath: Delighted with the performances of Hugo Rodallega and Mahamadou Diarra Felix Magath admits Fulham were lucky after they claimed a crucial 1-0 victory over Norwich at Craven Cottage on Saturday. Hugo Rodallega's first-half strike sealed three points which saw Fulham close to two points off 17th-placed Norwich, and more importantly take a stride nearer Premier League safety. Norwich enjoyed the majority of possession throughout but were unable to beat the excellent David Stockdale in the Fulham goal. Stockdale made a stunning reflex save to deny Ricky van Wolfswinkel in the first half and went on to keep a clean sheet, much to the delight of his German manager. "Today we are lucky, Norwich were the better team but our goalkeeper was very great today," Magath told Sky Sports. The breakthrough in the match came against the run of play after Kieran Richardson was brought down by Steven Whittaker on the left flank. Lewis Holtby whipped in the subsequent free-kick, which was flicked on by Steve Sidwell, before Rodallega crashed the ball into the roof of John Ruddy's net.

Shape "I am glad that Hugo is now showing that he is a very good striker and he is now in very good shape," Magath added. "We need Hugo." As Norwich sought an equaliser, Fulham did well to repel their efforts and Mahamadou Diarra ensured they remained in the ascendancy in the midfield battle. Diarra was struggling to walk towards the end of the match but still continued to commit to tackles and Magath praised the commitment of his holding midfielder. "It is little wonder that he plays so well," he said. "Last week he played 90 minutes and today he almost played 90 again and he helps us a lot with his experience." Fulham were roared on by a vocal Craven Cottage crowd and Magath believes the supporters could play a crucial role in their survival bid. "That is the way we can stay up in the league, with this support from our fans," he claimed. Fulham travel to Tottenham next weekend before hosting Hull City the following week as they aim to retain Premier League status.

« Reply #9 on: April 13, 2014, 08:59:39 AM » 'Fulham are favourites to stay up ahead of Norwich now', claims Magath Felix Magath hailed Fulham's "important" 1-0 win over relegation rivals Norwich and believes it means they are favourites to stay up instead of the Canaries. The Cottagers tight victory now means they are just two points behind the East Anglian side, who had new boss Neil Adams in charge, with four games left for both sides. However, Norwich's last four matches are against Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal, whereas Fulham have the easier task of taking on Tottenham, Hull, Stoke and Crystal Palace. And the contrast in those last fixtures has filled Magath with confidence of a great escape. "I think Norwich have very tough games ahead so I think we are in front of Norwich, but you never know whether it’s enough or not," he said after the victory. "We have to go on winning and try to do better in the next game. It was a very important win but I am not so satisfied with the way we played today.

"There was a lot more pressure today so they didn’t play as well as we did last week but the most important thing is we got the win." « Reply #10 on: April 13, 2014, 09:01:12 AM » Rodallega raises the roof by DAN on APRIL 12, 2014 Hugo Rodallega’s post-match prayers might become a defining image of Fulham’s season. The man who was moved to tears by a Rene Meulensteen substitution in February has suddenly emerged as Fulham’s unlikely saviour as Felix Magath turned to the Colombian to rescue his stuttering survival bid. Rodallega, who starred in Wigan’s successful fight against relegation a few years ago, followed up his late header at Villa Park last week with a first-half winner against fellow strugglers Norwich, who could count themselves unfortunate to have left Craven Cottage without anything to show for their considerable effort. This was only the second time in a torturous campaign that Fulham had strung together back-to-back wins and cut the gap between the sides separated by the relegation line to just two points with four games to go.

New Norwich manager Neil Adams could point to his sides pressing and possession, but will be ruing the lack of quality in the final third that saw them unable to reply to Rodallega’s instinctive 40th minute finish when a free-kick from Lewis Holtby dropped at his feet. Adams’ six changes to Chris Hughton’s last line-up galvanised a side that have looked like sacrificial lambs away from Carrow Road at times this season but the Canaries created the best chances in a tense – and yet remarkably open – affair. Ricky van Wolfswinkel’s return up front was largely forgettable, but the industry of Leroy Fer and the lively pace of Nathan Redmond represented a real threat to the league’s shakiest defence. Magath’s only change from the team that triumphed at Aston Villa saw Rodallega replace teenager Cauley Woodrow in attack – and it proved an inspired move.

Fulham might have managed the first chance of the game, but the miscued drive from Pajtim Kasami summed up an ultimately frustrating afternoon for the Swiss midfielder, who laboured lethargically down the right wing before Ashkan Dejagah arrived to add real impetus as the Iranian has done regularly off the bench in recent weeks. Where Fulham looked ponderous, Norwich were all action and ambitious. Redmond gave real threat behind the Fulham back-line and his powerful snapshot threatened to surprise David Stockdale at his near post, before Jonny Howson’s speculative strike was deflected wide. Rodallega slipped at the vital moment before shooting wide of John Ruddy’s goal, but Fulham were indebted to two superb reaction saves from Stockdale and the crossbar for keeping them in the contest at half-time. First, Stockdale thrust out an instinctive hand to claw a van Wolfwinskel’s volley around the post and then pushed away a powerful Fer header from the resultant corner. Somehow Bradley Johnson dragged his rebound wide. Robert Snodgrass almost capitalised on a needless foul from Johnny Heitinga but his bending free-kick from 20 yards clipped the top of the crossbar.

Fulham could count themselves fortunate to have come through a prolonged period of Norwich pressure unscathed, but they were ahead before the break. A clumsy challenge from Steven Whittaker on Kieran Richardson allowed Holtby to measure an inswinger from the left-flank. The German’s metronomic delivery arrived perfectly for Rodallega after Steve Sidwell’s flick on and the Colombian swept it high into the net on the half-volley. Craven Cottage reverberated with relief as much as anything as Fulham dared to dream of survival. Norwich emerged with renewed purpose after half-time, but their early pressure only delivered a Snodgrass drive that was easily smothered by Stockdale. Fulham forced a series of corners by way of response, with Rodallega climbing highest at the far post, only for his downward header to be scrambled off the line by full-back Martin Olsson. The home side were then thanking their captain for a last-ditch intervention of his own as Norwich broke dangerously and Snodgrass seemed to have the simplest of task to tuck Olsson’s inviting pass into an empty net before Hangeland and Fernando Amorebieta converged on him.

As Fulham’s defensive line sunk deeper and deeper, even goalscorer Rodallega was called upon at the back. The forward put his head in where it hurt to divert the returning Michael Turner’s header over his own crossbar. Magath moved to shore up his side’s slender advantage by sending Scott Parker and then William Kvist on as second-half substitutes, with the veteran Mahmadou Diarra withdraw to rapturous applause after running himself to a standstill. Norwich pressed for an equaliser, but couldn’t create a clear-cut chance in a nervy final ten minutes. Instead, it was Fulham who should have sealed the victory in added time. Rodallega raced clear of the Norwich defence and unselfishly squared it for Dejagah, who went for power, and blazed the ball agonisingly over the bar. It proved academic after Mike Dean’s final whistle and Adams will now turn his attention to conjuring some points from a frightening final four fixtures – against Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal – to keep the Canaries afloat.

FULHAM (4-2-3-1): Stockdale; Riether, Amorebieta, Heitinga, Hangeland; Diarra (Kvist 85), Sidwell; Kasami (Dejagah 57), Richardson, Holtby (Parker 69); Rodallega. Subs (not used): Stekelenburg, Riise, Roberts, Bent. BOOKED: Kasami. GOAL: Rodallega (40). NORWICH CITY (4-2-3-1): Ruddy; Whittaker, M. Olsson, Turner, Martin; Johnson, Fer (Hoolahan 68); Snodgrass, Howson (Josh Murphy 79), Redmond; van Wolfswinkel (Hooper 60). Subs (not used): Bunn, Garrido, R. Bennett, Tettey. BOOKED: Whittaker, Fer, Snodgrass.

« Reply #11 on: April 13, 2014, 09:02:25 AM » Canaries left flapping after defeat to Cottagers FULHAM beat Norwich 1-0 in the Premier League to cause a major change in the relegation betting with the Cottagers now just two points behind the flapping Canaries. Norwich are only 1-2 to go down with City’s last four matches against Liverpool (home), Manchester United (away), Chelsea (away) and Arsenal (home), while Fulham are evens for the dreaded drop having been as short as 1-7 two weeks ago. Cardiff, 4-11 for relegation, have also given themselves a shot of survival with a massive 1-0 success at Southampton with Juan Cala the Bluebirds hero. Those two results were bad news for Sunderland, who are rock-bottom and seven points adrift of safety with two games in hand and the Black Cats 1-10 to slip down to the Championship following a 1-0 loss to Everton. The Toffees are 6-5 to finish in the top four with Arsenal at 5-6.

West Brom are also left to sweat over their survival hopes after a dramatic 3-3 draw against Tottenham where Albion wasted a three-goal advantage. Christian Eriksen equalised deep into injury-time for Spurs, who also missed a penalty when Emannuel Adebayor’s weak attempt was saved by Ben Foster. Jason Puncheon scored the only goal of the game as Crystal Palace beat Aston Villa 1-0 at Selhurst Park to virtually secure their top-flight status. Villa, 20-1 to go down, still have work to do. « Reply #12 on: April 13, 2014, 09:03:40 AM » Fulham were fortunate, admits Magath by DAN on APRIL 12, 2014 Felix Magath admitted Fulham were fortunate to emerge from their crunch clash with Norwich with all three points but praised the predatory instincts of forward Hugo Rodallega for putting their survival bid back on course.

The Whites were indebted to the Colombian striker for a second week running after Rodallega, who has had to bide his time and wait for an opportunity under Magath, followed up his winner at Aston Villa with the only goal of this vital game at Craven Cottage. I am glad that Hugo is now showing that he is a very good striker and he is now in very good shape. We need Hugo. The German coach was also full of praise for goalkeeper David Stockdale, who made two superb saves before Rodallega’s winner, and has firmly established himself as Fulham’s number one. Today we are lucky, Norwich were the better team but our goalkeeper was very great today. Magath also reserved warm words for Mahmadou Diarra’s resilience after the veteran Malian midfielder – sidelined for much of the season by two serious knee injuries – produced a combative display to match the one that proved so important at Villa Park last week. It is little wonder that he plays so well. Last week he played ninety minutes and today he almost played ninety again and he helps us a lot with his experience.

The rousing support from a near capacity Craven Cottage also helped Magath’s side to hold onto their slender lead – and Magath urged the supporters to recreate that atmosphere in the closing weeks of the season. That is the way we can stay up in the league, with this support from our fans. « Reply #13 on: April 13, 2014, 09:06:08 AM » Magath 'kaput' as Fulham claw towards great escape LONDON, April 12 - Felix Magath steered Fulham closer to an escape from the relegation zone with a 1-0 win against fellow strugglers Norwich City on Saturday but admitted the frenetic Premier League basement scrap had left him "kaput". German Magath, who replaced Rene Meulensteen as head coach in February, has a proud tradition of never suffering relegation in his managerial career having saved VfB Stuttgart, Eintracht Frankfurt and VfL Wolfsburg from the drop from the Bundesliga.

The former Bayern Munich boss looks like he might have the Midas touch again after Fulham notched a third win in their last five league games on Saturday to move to within two points of fourth-from-bottom Norwich who have a horrible run-in. A goal from Hugo Rodallega, in only his second game since February, and two world class saves from young goalkeeper David Stockdale proved to be the difference. Magath admitted it was a risk introducing players who had been out of the picture. "There is nothing without risk," Magath told a news conference. "It was a risk (to pick Stockdale over Netherlands goalkeeper Maarten Steklenburg). "Martin is a very good goalkeeper too. I took him out because Stockdale is a more exciting goalkeeper who talks more with his team mates. "Today he was our best man and he saved us the win." Rodallega scored the crucial goal five minutes before half-time, sweeping home Steve Sidwell's header from Lewis Holtby's free kick.

It was only his second league goal of the season, with his first coming in the 2-1 away win at Villa last Saturday, and he looks a different prospect from the player that cried on the bench after being substituted during an FA Cup defeat against Sheffield United under the previous Fulham manager. "It's not just Hugo, the whole team is developing in the last weeks," Magath said of the transformation of fortunes for both the striker and his side. "Everybody profits when the team does better and we're very glad that Hugo is in good shape and now he is a very dangerous striker." "We are very lucky (today) because Norwich were the better team and they played very well. We didn't play well but at the moment three points is the only thing that counts," he added. "Today I'm very kaput! It was a very dramatic 90 minutes." Norwich's newly-appointed manager Neil Adams must now try and find enough points to survive from games against Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal. "We've got four huge games now against four of the best teams in Europe, not just in England," Adams said.

(Editing by Martyn Herman) nL3N0N408N « Reply #14 on: April 13, 2014, 09:08:13 AM » Premier League: Fulham 1 Norwich 0 Fulham continued their bid for a great escape with a 1-0 win over fellow Premier League strugglers Norwich City. Hugo Rodallega, who famously netted at Stoke City to preserve Wigan Athletic's top-flight status in 2011, was rewarded with a start by Fulham boss Felix Magath after sealing last weekend's 2-1 win at Aston Villa. The Colombian striker once again proved himself adept amid a scrap for survival as he stole in to score the only goal five minutes before half-time. Fulham were indebted to goalkeeper David Stockdale for a pair of magnificent saves, while Norwich - playing for the first time under club stalwart Neil Adams after Chris Hughton's sacking last Sunday - also struck the crossbar through Robert Snodgrass.

But Magath's men played with greater assurance after taking the lead and are now just two points behind fourth-bottom Norwich, who face a daunting final four games against Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal. Stockdale endured a nervy moment in the sixth minute, pushing behind as Nathan Redmond – one of six new faces in the starting XI selected by Adams – launched a right-wing cross that threatened to sneak in at the near post. Rodallega carried the major attacking threat for the hosts during a disjointed opening. He pulled a shot across the outstretched John Ruddy and past the far post after Pajtim Kasami's flick on, before nodding tamely at Norwich's goalkeeper when Steve Sidwell diverted a 19th-minute punt into his path. Stockdale was soon handed some considerably more taxing work and responded with a pair of outstanding stops. Ricky van Wolfswinkel was ready to celebrate the end of a 23-game goal drought when he volleyed goalwards from Jonathan Howson's cross, but Stockdale produced a stunning reaction save. From the resulting 29th-minute corner he kept out Leroy Fer's powerful header before Bradley Johnson lashed the rebound wastefully wide.

Stockdale could do nothing as a Snodgrass free-kick cannoned back off the bar and, buoyed by those reprieves, Fulham took a 40th-minute lead. Norwich full-back Steven Whittaker rashly brought down Kieran Richardson and some horrible marking allowed Sidwell to glance on Lewis Holtby's left-wing delivery for Rodallega to sweep home on the half-volley. Van Wolfswinkel's plummeting confidence levels were underlined when he inexplicably gave away possession when well placed inside the Fulham area as Norwich sought a second-half response. But the visitors' set-piece frailties almost undermined them again as Rodallega met a 55th-minute corner to be denied by Martin Olsson on the line. Meanwhile, Fulham's defence were covering themselves in glory - centre-back Fernando Amorebieta launching a brave last-ditch challenge to deny Snodgrass after the lively Redmond touched the ball beyond the previously impenetrable Stockdale. Even Rodallega was influential in his own area, heading Michael Turner's goal-bound effort to safety, while substitute Scott Parker and fellow midfielder Sidwell came close to giving Fulham breathing space within the last 20 minutes.

Norwich were relegated following a 6-0 drubbing at Craven Cottage nine years ago. Despite substitute Ashkan Dejagah spurning a glorious chance to rub salt into City's wounds, this result could prove just as decisive in the final reckoning. Chris Hunt | Vive Fulham VIVE LA REVOLUTION: BEHIND THE SCENES WITH FULHAM FIRST PUBLISHED: Four Four Two, November 2001 By Chris Hunt It’s Friday lunchtime at Motspur Park, New Malden, training ground and administrative headquarters of Fulham football club. Somewhere around back of the large three-storey house that serves as the club’s office facility, and way over the other side of the new purpose-built training complex, there’s a game going on. Not any old game, mind you. It’s the real match of the day, the game that the staff of Motspur Park look forward to all week. Fulham Football Club has grown beyond all comprehension in the Al Fayed era. In their first season in Division Two they had only 28 full-time staff – now, four years later, they can boast over 140 on the payroll.

But whether you’re just a junior in the marketing department or the Managing Director himself, the club’s Friday staff kickabout is everybody’s chance to play alongside the gaffer: French footballing legend Jean Tigana. Success might have come relatively suddenly to Fulham, but as a club they seem desperate to avoid the swelling of heads and self-congratulatory arrogance that comes with life in the higher echelons of football. They’ve done a lot of work here – based on both research and gut-feeling – to keep the core values the same; Fulham may have an ultra professional approach to all things football and business, but they’re damn keen to ensure that their unpretentious approach and friendly outlook continues to make this a very special club. After all, this is the only ground in the Premiership not to enforce a dress code in the director’s box – and it’s also probably the only club in the country to organise a formal staff kickabout with the manager! To the press, Jean Tigana is an enigma. He doesn’t read what is written about him, he rarely does interviews, and – the unthinkable – almost never does post-match press conferences.

But there isn’t a man, woman or child at the club who has a bad word to say about him. After all, it was Tigana himself who introduced the weekly football match for the lads (and the fitness session for the ladies). A disciple of modern motivational techniques and a believer in the unifying qualities of team spirit, the kickabout gives him the opportunity to see many of the employees throw themselves around a football pitch for the greater good of club morale. “When the manager first introduced the game it was quite an amazing thing,” explains Publications Manager Patrick Mascall, the man behind, among other things, the matchday programme. “I arrived a bit late for that first game and I was just told to put on a bib. I slotted into midfield and when I looked to my left I thought ‘ah, there’s Jean Tigana, wasn’t he in that legendary French midfield of Giresse and Platini?’ and here I am, threading passes through to him.” Managing Director Michael Fiddy is another member of this ‘Friday Club’. Eighteen months ago Michael was a partner in a city law firm specialising in business reconstructions and numbering Mohamed Al Fayed among his clients.

Now he finds himself, once a week, playing football alongside a French midfield legend. “The first few times it was awesome,” he says. “Now it’s just really irritating that he beats me all the time. I try to be competitive but I’m not quite as competitive as Jean. He always likes to win.” “It’s a good laugh,” adds Patrick, “and it’s better than any kind of corporate team-building exercise that you’d pay good money for. The ex-pros take it pretty seriously though. It’s ingrained in them. You put a football in front of them and they have to win at all costs. Jean plays every game like it’s the World Cup semi-final. He’ll shout at you and tell you to get back – just like you see him doing when he’s on the sideline on matchday. He’ll have this look in his eye where he can’t believe that you’ve just run into a certain position and he’ll shout at you in the same way as he’ll shout at Louis Boa Morte or someone.” The last of the hot, sweaty, red-faced amateur footballers are back behind their desks when the stars of Fulham start to file out for afternoon training.

They’re stars with different backgrounds but a common cause. Barry Hayles and Rufus Brevett, for instance, are stalwarts of Fulham’s two recent championship seasons, but they jog out alongside big money additions Edwin van der Sar and Sylvain Legwinski. It is here, on the training park, you can really see that the approach of the coaching staff is unscrupulously detailed. Tigana has imposed a strict code of discipline, while his assistants are scientific in the way they approach the game. The strategy is to focus on: i. the tactical; ii. the technical; and iii. the physical condition. In doing so, Tigana and his coaches work closely with the players, talking to them, cajoling them, making them understand this different approach to how the game should be both prepared for and played. And despite the absence of traditional British motivational techniques – shouting, swearing and personal abuse – the players seem keen to learn. They are under no illusions who the boss is, though. Tigana tells them once and they do it – they know there’s no second chance. From his second floor office window, MD Michael Fiddy can look right out over the training session.

In the distance he can see Tigana, assistant manager Christian Damiano and fitness coach Roger Propos conferring on the edge of the pitch. A tight but effective three-man team, they are the trio behind the remarkable revolution that has taken the club to a completely new level. “As a manager Tigana really is on a different level,” says Fiddy, “so it’s no surprise that he has taken the club to another level. Everything about Jean is different – he knows every detail of what you have to do to be a successful football club and I don’t think many people understand just how tough that is. Even many people within the game don’t realise that you can actually push the standards a lot higher by using the appropriate science, like with motivation. In Jean’s case it’s by not shouting at the players, by encouraging them, giving them confidence… all of those are important psychological building blocks to make each athlete perform at their highest. But the supporting staff too – the coaching methods used by Christian Damiano and the physical preparation of Roger Propos – are, to coin a footballing phrase, different class. It’s not that it’s just slightly better. It’s genuinely a different class!” And it seems to be working for the players.

“Tigana has been a breath of fresh air,” says Sean Davis after training has wound down. “As soon as he came in he instilled a lot of confidence in me and I just need to try and learn as much as I can from him. Hopefully if I’m half as good as him I’ll have a good career.” Sean Davis is probably best placed of all of the players at the club to have a perspective on the Fulham revolution. Signing at 16 on a YTS contract, Sean made his debut in the third division to ensure his place in FFC history as the only player to have turned out for the club in every division. “There’s no-one still here from when I first joined,” he smiles. “Nearly everyone else has come here from much bigger club. Someone like Edwin Van der Sar is probably far more used to being at a club where there’s a big staff and a big hype about playing, but it’s only Barry Hayles and a few of the other boys who have played in non-league and in the lower league that are going though the changes too and can make the same comparisons as me!” Revolution or not, Davis also aware of the qualities which make Fulham such a special club at the moment.

“When you come down to the Cottage on a Saturday there’s a real feeling of togetherness – not just with the players, but with the whole staff.” John Collins might not have been at the club as long as Sean Davis but he’s in full agreement. “There’s a great atmosphere here from the top to the bottom,” he says, “from office staff to cleaners, everybody is pulling together. A lot of the staff have worked here from when Fulham were in the third division and that has left them a special affinity with the club.” Tigana might now be enticing the big names to Fulham in quick succession, but for a few of the squad coming to the club was a bigger leap of faith. After all, when you drop down a division or two, there’s no guarantee that you’ll ever be back. “When I signed for the club we were in Division Two and the training ground was not the best,” says Rufus Brevett eyeing up the place. “But look at it now, it’s unbelievable. When Kevin Keegan signed me he said I’d be back in the Premier League within four years but when you’re playing Macclesfield away you can’t really think that you’re going to be in the Premiership one day.

It’s unbelievable how quickly it has all happened.” Likewise John Collins. “This time last year people said I took a huge gamble when I left the Premiership to go to the first division,” he recalls, “but I said at the time it was one step back to go two steps forward. People weren’t convinced but I think we’ve proved everybody wrong. We walked away with the First Division and we’re going to make a real impact on the Premiership.” Saturday morning. It’s ten o’clock on matchday and Craven Cottage is already alive. Wherever you look there are people: Carmello from the Press Office is in early to make sure that everything is okay for the early arrival of the TV crews; Frank the groundsman and his staff are conferring around the edges of an immaculate pitch; and over in the Riverside Stand there’s a lad with a feather duster whose sole job seems to be dusting down the seats of the Director’s Box. This may be Fulham’s second home game of the season after their 2-0 crushing of Sunderland, but it’s the first big Saturday match and there’s a palpable sense of excitement in the air. It’s bank holiday weekend and it’s got the weather to match.

The day has all the makings of a scorcher – things couldn’t be better! Back in the top flight for the first time in 33 years, for Fulham this season has been a long time coming. Nevertheless, it’s hard to calculate whether the club’s new found unity is a result of history and heritage or a consequence of the team-spirit of a bunch of people who largely – but not entirely – have come together in the post-Fayed era. There’s a huge awareness at every level of the importance of Fulham’s traditions, but few of the staff pre-date the Al Fayed revolution. The expansion has been so rapid that even staff with just ‘three years in’ are accorded the kind of respect and seniority usually reserved for those heading for a gold watch. Scratch the surface and you’ll find the long-serving staffers (ticket office manager Sandra Coles, for instance, has 30 years under her belt), but the spirit of the place seems more a product of the ‘revolution’. Four years ago Al Fayed told these believers to shoot for the moon and this has left the staff with an overwhelming sense that everything is achievable!

It’s this team spirit that leaves you with the feeling that there is something of a ‘Wimbledon’ about the current reinvention of Fulham. Tigana’s intelligent passing play might be light years away from the long-ball of the classic Dons, but there’s the same sense of spirited common purpose. With their wholesome family charm and informal manner Fulham may be more Brady Bunch than Crazy Gang, but the togetherness and unity of everyone associated with the club means that the comparisons are, to some degree, warranted. Like the Wimbledon of old Fulham have their share of characters – kitman Adrian Bevin, for instance! Nicknamed ‘Pudsy’ because he happens to be the bloke who dresses up annually in a large yellow bear costume at BBC TV Centre for ‘Children In Need’, Bevin is one of the bigger personalities at the club and this morning’s stab at crazy japery is a joke at the expense of Sky TV. During a live feed to the ‘Soccer AM’ programme, Pudsy’s assistant interrupts the interview with a delivery. “Hmmm, my favourite – Pizza Hut!” deadpans Pudsy to camera.

And while the contrived plug for Fulham’s sponsors is more downhome charm than downright crazy, there’s a lack of pomposity about these Craven Cottage folks that makes it all rather endearing. With the TV tomfoolery out of the way, Pudsy is able to divest himself of his Adidas branded cowboy hat and boots, but his Country & Western fetish remains a dominant dressing room force. He is insistent that the team arrive at the Cottage each week to the sounds of Brad Paisley’s ‘Me Neither’; and while it may not be to everyone’s taste, it seems there’s to be no sonic revolution at Craven Cottage. Word in the dressing room has it that the minor insurrection started by John Harley after his ï¿½3.5m move from cosmopolitan neighbours Chelsea – “Surely this music can’t be for real” – was quickly crushed by team lynchpin John Collins. “This is what he likes,’ said Collins, “and this is what he plays!” Another of the club’s characters is Gerry Kerton, a fan since 1948.

Having worked at the club looking after the dressing room area from the early 1970s, at 75 years of age and not so steady on his feet, Gerry is no longer on the Fulham payroll but he still comes in on a match day, pottering around the Cottage, making the tea and helping out. Everyone knows him. Today’s opposing manager Jim Smith shakes him by the hand on arriving at the ground and Derby’s goalkeeping coach Mick Kelly (a former Assistant Manager at Craven Cottage) smiles fondly at the sight of him. “Gerry? He’ll still be here when they knock this place down,” he jokes, standing in the doorway of the Cottage. He manages to make the joke a further three times before the end of the day but Gerry is happy now – unlike that day in the early 1980s when he believed his beloved Fulham were heading for oblivion under the latest of a succession of dubiously-motivated owners. “There was a time when we thought this place was going to fold,” he recalls. “Jimmy Greaves even announced on TV that Fulham would be closing their gates for the last time on one particular day.

I walked down to the ground with my wife and daughter and I was gutted.” Given all the traumas of the past, though, Gerry is delighted by the revival of the Al Fayed years. As a member of the old guard, he still doesn’t like the idea of demolition and reconstruction of the stadium, but he knows things have to move on. “Personally it don’t take with me,” he says. “I would like it to remain as it is but at my age I can’t expect that, can I? I’ve just got to accept that in May next year this will be a building site.” As we speak, Mohamed Al Fayed sweeps by, guided by MD Michael Fiddy and flanked by minders. Gerry looks pleased to see him and wants to greet him on this first home Saturday of the new season, but his legs aren’t as fast as they once were and by the time Gerry has got moving the Chairman has stepped through the Cottage doorway and is heading down the short hallway to the dressing room to wish the team good luck. “I like to go over and say ‘hello boss’ and shake his hand,” says Gerry. “He’s a nice man and I think he’s very enthusiastic about Fulham.

He might miss the odd match now and again, but he doesn’t miss very many.” As Mr Al Fayed makes his way into the dressing room, Pudsy is still running around the edges of the Cottage. “Mr Fayed always has a couple of minders, front and back, but he’s friendly enough,” says Pudsy. “If you saw him on the Ali G show, that’s what he’s like. He has a fantastic sense of humour and people don’t see that side of him.” It’s 0-0 at the fag-end of the match and from pitchside, just along from the dug-outs, the sound of the matchday announcer resounds around the stadium with news of the additional minutes on the clock. The smooth, familiar voice belongs to ‘Diddy’ David Hamilton, not just a former Radio One deejay, but a former Fulham director and a lifelong fan. “I actually first came here when I was about nine,” he recalls, as Alain Goma limps passed him towards the Fulham bench. “My mother lived in a flat behind Putney Bridge station and I used to stand behind the goal in the days when people like Johnny Haynes played.

He was a great player, but we never had a team that was as good as this team now.” Between announcements ‘Diddy’ observes the contrast in styles of the managers who pace about to his left. Tigana stands cool and thoughtful in a tailored shirt and cufflinks. A trademark toothpick hangs from his mouth and despite his apparent frustration at the ten men that Derby have placed behind the ball, he seems perturbed rather than angry. A few yards down the pitch, Derby boss Jim Smith is a manager straight from the old school. Animated and angry, he hurls a torrent of abuse at his players while doing a passable impression of Bob Hoskins in ‘The Long Good Friday’.“You fookin’ idiot, come over here!” he scream. “Fookin’ come over here!”. “You may get a great view from the director’s box,” says David Hamilton, “but down here you really feel part of it. You hear the industrial language and you can really feel the tackles!” You get the feeling that ‘Diddy’ wouldn’t swap this place on the touchline for anything. But then at Fulham you are surrounded by passionate people – by real fans, each brought to the club by a different era.

Player Liaison Manager Mark Maunders, for instance, is of the class of 1974-75. “I was ten when my mother first brought me down with my brothers,” he says. “Fulham got to the Cup Final at the end of that season, so I though every season was going to be the same – but it wasn’t!” Patrick Mascall too has been a fan “since the year dot”, while ticket office manager Sandra Coles inherited the bug from her family at aged five and has travelled on the supporters coach to most away of the games for the last 20 years. “I remember seeing men in tears when we were relegated at Swansea,” she recalls, “but the same men were doing the conga across the terraces when we came back up!” The final whistle blows and after the tremendous opening to the season, there’s a slight feeling of deflation as the fans file away from the last remaining terraces in Premiership football. Having battled his way to a 0-0 bore draw Jim Smith is happy, but Jean Tigana exits the pitch as patently frustrated as any fan. There’s an air of disappointment on the faces of the staff too.

“I didn’t enjoy it much,” says Michael Fiddy as he watches the players greet their families from the doorway of the Cottage. “It’s very difficult when people come and stick so many men behind the ball. We had that a lot in the first division but we weren’t expecting it in the Premiership. We were expecting teams to come and play a little more football against us.” “It just shows how far we’ve come,” agrees John Collins. “We’ve played a team who’ve been established here in the Premiership for a few years and played them off the park – we’ve not managed to score a goal but we’ve not lost the match and everyone is disappointed. It just shows we set ourselves high standards!” Out on the pitch, Frank the groundsman is surveying the wear and tear. Not traditionally a Fulham man, like every one else at this club he is obviously very much in love with the place. “Am I a fan? Yeah – how can you put your heart and soul into that pitch and not become a really committed fan!” he says. But when in just eight months time this pitch becomes a building site in the name of progress, how will he feel then?

His answer betrays more about the attitude of everyone at this club than he could know. “Excited!” he says with a broad, engaging smile. “I’ll just be looking forward to the new pitch.” Things are winding down and Mohamed Al Fayed scurries around the edge of the pitch, like everyone else respecting the sanctity of the turf. He breezes into the Cottage area, flanked by his entourage and followed a minute later by a couple of immaculately turned out young ladies, each holding a selection of Harrods Food Hall carry-outs. And then, before you can says ‘Neil and Christine Hamilton’, the Chairman is into his limousine and away from the ground – like any fan, obviously on his way home to watch the highlights on the telly with a couple of mates and a takeaway. Well, football’s like that, isn’t it?!

Question: Former radio DJ 'diddy' David Hamilton has, in recent years, been the stadium announcer for which Premier League football club?
Answer: FULHAM