Posts Tagged ‘David Stockdale’

The Keeper Konundrum: What To Do With David Stockdale?

Posted: May 31, 2012 by Kyle Bonn in Player/Manager
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This is maybe the most mind-boggling situation and frustrating decision I’ve seen Fulham have to make.  And as a fan, I’m certainly not jealous of Martin Jol for being in this spot.  It’s also an issue for this summer that’s really been shoved under the rug, overshadowed by the Clint Dempsey and Moussa Dembele rumors.

The situation I’m talking about is the one of David Stockdale.  The Cottagers have a 39 year old rock in goal in Mark Schwarzer, a guy who signed a contract extension this January to keep him at the Cottage until the end of next season.  Schwarzer has said he even wants to keep playing at a high level until the next World Cup is over, meaning he could be around Fulham for a few more years.

However, they have a talented youngster……well……crap.  He’s not even young anymore.  David Stockdale, the now 26 year old man stuck behind the Aussie, is wasting his talent on the bench at Fulham.  He’s voiced his frustrations before, and while not having said anything this summer, everyone knows he’s running out of time at Fulham if he doesn’t get a chance.  He was even inexplicably left off the England Euro 2012 squad as well, strengthing the argument for him to leave and get first-team time elsewhere, so that he can prove his worth.

Everyone involved with Fulham knows just how talented he is, having stepped in for an injured Schwarzer on multiple occasions, playing admirably, and showing us all that he’s got immense talent, something no club wants to lose for their future.

But now a perfect opportunity has arose for Stockdale to get first-team Premier League action and make a case we all know he can to make the English squad.  It’s been widely reported that talks between Robert Green and West Ham have stalled, opening the door for someone like Stockdale to make a first-team impression.

So now I ask you, the fans, what I think is the most difficult question Martin Jol will have to face in his early time here at Fulham.  In a perfect world, he can keep Schwarzer until he no longer can play at a high level, and then throw David Stockdale in permanently once the Aussie’s time has come.  But we all know Stockdale won’t wait around another year or two on the bench until he’s finally called upon.  But on the other side of the coin, Schwarzer has proved more than capable, plus he’s got the loyalty card in his pocket since he’s given numerous quality years as Fulham’s first-choice goalkeeper.  So what do you do?

I’d love to know what you think Jol should do.  Should he cut ties with Schwarzer after this season and promise the 26 year old he will be the future of Fulham in goal? Or do you sell David, reinvest the money, and hope Schwarzer holds out a few more years? Also, even if you think the club should go with the Englishman, how do you convince him to stick around for another year, given that Schwarzer has signed that extension and will obviously be the first choice for the coming year? A loan might make sense, but then you lose him as your backup option on the bench, leaving the club with Csaba Somygi if Schwarzer – 39 years of age and counting – goes down.  I’m sure he’d accept nothing less than a season-long loan, most of which don’t have a recall clause.  Lots of tough questions, leave a comment with your solution! It will be interesting to see how Jol handles this scenario.

Fulham Watch: Euro 2012 Preview

Posted: May 29, 2012 by Austin in Player/Manager, Previews
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Throughout this summer’s tournament, I’ll be keeping track of the Fulham players involved in the action. Expect a quick recap after each game involving a Fulham player, detailing the squad member’s performance (and any other impressions I got thrown in, most likely). So, to begin with, here’s a quick run-down of each and – hopefully – every Fulham player involved in play. If you spot an omission, please comment and I’ll add them to the list; it seems to be a pretty thin list, though.

Group A

Russia - Pavel Pogrebnyak

The Pog’s squad will be favorites to escape this relatively weak group, but they’ll have to work harder than some may think. A slightly-aging and domestic based squad could be the surprise of the tournament (again), or could crash and burn. Pogrebnyak’s generally been a non-starter for his nation, but he started their most recent friendly against Uruguay, so take that for what you will. It should be noted, however, that he was substituted and his replacement scored. Playing time is likely, but not guaranteed, for the big man.

Group B

No representatives from Group B, unfortunately, but Jol will, according to reports, be watching Luciano Narsingh of the Netherlands (if he makes the pitch), so you may want to do the same.

Group C

Republic of Ireland - Stephen Kelly and Damien Duff

Ireland’s Euro dream may only last three games, but Fulham boasts two players in this squad that will look to bring some pride to their nation, if not a knock-out round appearance. Kelly doesn’t seem to be a regular for the team, based on their past few matches, but depending on the game and any unforseen injuries, he could get some time. At the very least, he should be a bit-part player at least, but he may have played himself into a starting role towards the end of the season.

Damien Duff, on the other hand, will look to be one of the team’s star men. He’s been in pretty good form internationally lately from what I’ve seen, and he’ll want to do his absolute best as this could be his international swansong (at least in matches of any huge significance). Look to him to work the wing in a similar manner as at Fulham, but most likely with much more defensive responsibility due to Ireland’s tactics and the strength of their opponents. Ireland probably won’t go far, but at least they’re here at all. That’s an accomplishment in and of itself.

Group D

No one in Group D either, with David Stockdale unlucky to not make the England team over a teenager that’s only ever played in League Two, but I suppose Woy wanted to give the youngster an experience since he doesn’t forsee game time for him anyway. There were also rumblings about Kacaniklic sneaking into Sweden’s squad to add some depth at wing, but alas that didn’t happen either.

So, only three players to watch by my count, but I’ll also be watching and reporting on Dempsey’s performances for the USA once World Cup qualification starts later in June. I’m very excited for this tournament and the summer as a whole for Fulham. Hopefully it will provide good soccer and good transfers!

Till next time, and as I said, feel free to comment with corrections, omissions, or opinions.

Fulham vs. Sunderland: Clint’s Cottage Climax?

Posted: May 4, 2012 by Kyle Bonn in Previews
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Is Fulham’s home tie with Sunderland the last time the Hammersmith End will see Clint Dempsey in a Fulham shirt?

Clint Dempsey.  One of the most well-liked players on the club.  One of the most coveted players on the club.  And someone who quite possibly could be playing his final match at Craven Cottage in home white.  It’s a sad reality that I haven’t exactly wrapped my head around just yet.  As an American, Clint’s a major – not the only, but a big – reason why I began to support Fulham.  To think that he could be moving on is heartbreaking to be honest.  But I know that Clint will always be a Cottager.  Always.  If he goes, I’ll support him wherever he chooses.  I’m a Clint Dempsey fan for life.

So now that we’ve gotten that out of the way and cast a horribly depressing shroud over this preview post, we might as well get into the nitty gritty of the standalone match.

State of Fulham:

The Cottagers just came off one of the most roller-coaster trips to Merseyside ever, getting thrashed by Everton at Goodison Park, then turning around and winning for the first time all-time at Anfield against Liverpool.  The Reds played horrible and the Toffes played exceptional, so they’ve seen the spectrum.

The Cottagers are just four points away from their highest Premier League point total ever (53 in the 08/09 season).  It’s been a season of change and a season of future promise for the club that deserves to be capped with a strong finish.  However, these games really don’t have a lot of meaning, and I would love to see some youngsters get some playing time.  Martin Jol recently said he wants to get younger but he also isn’t going to hand the team to undeserving youth, so here’s the perfect time to give Alex Kacaniklic, Kerim Frei, Pajtim Kasami, David Stockdale, etc the chance to prove they belong.

Craven Cottage is a fortress, and a 9-5-4 record at home this season with a +9 goal differential shows how they’ve taken advantage of most opportunities at home.  This should play into the match as well.

State of Sunderland:

In 11th place with 45 points, the Black Cats have an equally dismal road record this season as Fulham at 4-5-9 with a -9 goal differential (which oddly enough happens to be the EXACT opposite of Fulham’s home record stated above. Statistical anomaly alert!) and coming to a place like the Cottage should prove to be anything but easy.  They played Fulham at the Stadium of Light earlier this season to a horribly boring 0-0 draw.

Speaking of horribly boring draws, Sunderland has drawn in 5 of their last 6 matches, including 3 0-0 draws. YAWN.  The only non-draw during that span was a 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Everton (where have we heard that befo……..ohhhhhhh….)

They could have a mass exodus during this transfer window, which is just as similarly important to them as it is to Fulham.  Nicklas Bendtner could be moving on (although he did say a return to Arsenal is pretty unlikely).  Stephane Sessegnon has been linked with PSG and Arsenal and could be on his way out, with it rumored he’s not happy in the Sunderland area of England.  Asamoah Gyan, on loan to UAE side Al Ain who just won the Pro League title with Gyan’s help, has made it look like he’s going to stay there.  Youngster Ryan Noble, on loan to Hartlepool United, has said he might want to stay there. Unfortunately on this note, Martin O’Neill was told he has to sell before he buys, so that could pose some problems replacing these exits.

Prediction:

This seems like a pretty easy fixture, given both Sunderland’s poor away and recent form.  However, Fulham never make the easy ones look easy, do they? I’m going to go out and say 2-1 to Fulham, but 3-1 could be likely as well.  Then again, don’t be surprised with a draw, seeing as the Black Cats sure do love their draws.  You have a prediction?

Final note:

I would like to ask all those going to the match a massive favor.  Because I won’t be there, I have to garner support on the interwebs.  Please, for the love of god, cheer Dempsey as loud as you can every time he gets the ball.  I don’t care if every Fulham fans leave without a voice.  That’s how it should be.  If he does in fact leave, I want his last time at the Cottage in a home white to be one of the most memorable days of his life.  Make his REALLY rethink leaving, if he’s leaning that way.  And if he’s leaning towards staying, remind him what staying would mean to us fans.

Folks, you have to realize, if Clint Dempsey decides to stay with Fulham, it means we’ve turned a corner.  It means we’ve become a desirable club where the positives outweigh the lack of Champions League football.  It means we have some of the best fans in the league – which we do – but we need to show it.  Please, cheer your lungs out for the man.  He’s given more to this club than we could ask for, and let’s make him know we appreciate it.

Final final note:

It’s my birthday for this fixture, so let’s get a win for that too :)

Fulham Players In Action Tonight

Posted: September 2, 2011 by Kyle Bonn in Club
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A lot of Fulham players are in action tonight for the international play.  Here is a list of Cottagers in the lineups across Europe:

David Stockdale (bench) – England
Brede Hangeland (captain) – Norway
Chris Baird – Northern Ireland
Aaron Hughes (captain) – Northern Ireland
Damien Duff – Ireland

John Arne Riise is NOT in the Norwegian squad, much to the delight of Martin Jol and Fulham I’m sure.  They did send a doctor to evaluate him, so maybe that had something to do with it.  Moussa Dembele was not picked for the Belgian match against Azerbaijan.  Bryan Ruiz has been called up recently by Costa Rica but was not picked in the squad against the United States on September 6. Mark Schwarzer was the Australia goalkeeper, of course, in their 2-1 win over Thailand.

The Keeper Situation Becomes A Lot More Clear

Posted: July 9, 2011 by Kyle Bonn in Player/Manager
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David Stockdale will almost certainly be going out on loan, most likely to a Championship side

We got almost a best-case scenario with the goalkeeper situation, at least I think.  Here’s what’s going to happen:

-The biggest news is that David Stockdale will in fact be going out on loan to get 1st team experience.  If Jol’s going to stick with Schwarzer, then this is what we want.  It keeps David happy as he’s not riding the bench, and he gets experience.  The only issue is that he’s not getting Premier League experience, as it’s confirmed he will go to a Championship club, but you can’t have your cake and eat it too.  Apparently Jol wants to give him to a Championship side because there’s a rule that allows Fulham to recall Stocko with 24 hours notice.  Not so in the Premier League.  I think that says a lot about how Jol rates Stockdale.

Hammy End said on Twitter that he thinks the destination for Stockdale is going to be Leeds.  At least that’s the rumors now.

-Now that Stockdale is going to be off our bench, we need a backup.  Neil Etheridge is definitely not ready yet.  So Jol has gone out and gotten Csaba Somogyi.  The rumors were true, and he will be coming to Craven Cottage most likely to be there incase anything were to happen to Schwarzer.

I’m glad that Stocko will be going on loan.  Gets him much-needed playing time.  Jol thinks so too:

Somogyi’s signed for us now. I had him on a five-day trial and he made a very  good impression. That means we can lend David Stockdale out  because he needs to be playing every week

Stockdale said the following:

It’s not about being part of the Premier League and sitting on the bench. It’s nice, don’t get me wrong, but I want to be playing games. If there isn’t a Premier League option I might have to go down the league. The chairman’s passed the word that he doesn’t want to sell me. I just have to get on with it. I like it here. I’ve been here three years now. I’ve had to prove myself time and time again. I’ve just got to keep working hard.

The guy’s got a good head on his shoulders.  He’s clearly frustrated, but understandably so.  At the same time though, he understands that Mark Schwarzer is the 1st option, and to me rightly so, and he knows his time will come.  I love that Al Fayed said to Jol not to sell him.  That’s excellent news.  That means it’s coming from the top, which means it won’t be disobeyed.

Finally, this quote from the goalkeeping coach Hans Segers:

There is quite a few clubs interested and I can see something happening in the  next few days. I’m waiting for confirmation from one of the clubs.

Europa League Squad Announced

Posted: June 29, 2011 by Kyle Bonn in Breaking News, Previews
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So the roster has been announced by Martin Jol for the first match of 2011 tomorrow, and it includes some surprises to say the least.  According to my wonderful counterpart Jason Gatties, I have been informed this squad roster is just for the first leg of the first qualifier against NSÍ Runavik, and changes can be made up to 24 hours ahead of time.  So we’ll see what happens after tomorrow.

I figured I’d run through the roster and then give you who I think will start tomorrow against NSÍ.

GOALKEEPERS:

Predicted starter – David Stockdale
Also on the squad – Mark Schwarzer, Neil Etheridge, Marcus Bettinelli
Left off - Pascal Zuberbühler

Thoughts: Very surprised to see 4 goalkeepers on the list, considering the small amount of forwards (we’ll get there in a bit).  Think Jol will get his first shot to see Stockdale tomorrow.  Would be intrigued to see Etheridge as well but I think the benefits of starting Stockdale are much higher.  Jol will want to see what he has in David, especially since Fulham have been rumored to be in talks for a few keepers in the transfer market.

DEFENDERS:

Predicted starters – Brede Hangeland, Philippe Senderos, Chris Baird, Matthew Briggs
Also on the squad – Aaron Hughes, Stephen Kelly, Rafik Halliche
Left off - Carlos Salcido (extended leave)

Thoughts: Every defender is there besides Salcido who is on extended leave after the Gold Cup (plus I think he’s a bit knocked anyways).  So nothing really to point out other than Jol is keeping lots of defenders at the ready.  Halliche is a possibility to start as well.

MIDFIELDERS:

Predicted starters – Dickson Etuhu, Simon Davies, Danny Murphy, Jonathan Greening
Also on the squad – Damien Duff, Bjørn Helge Riise, Steve Sidwell, Kagisho Dikgacoi, Kerim Frei, Courtney Harris
Left off - Alex Kacaniklic, Keanu Marsh-Brown, Clint Dempsey (extended leave)

Thoughts: Actually really surprised to see Kac left off considering the promise he’s shown in the past.  Don’t be surprised if any of Riise, Sidders, or Dikgacoi get a start, it’s really a matter of who Jol wants to see play the most.  Dempsey is in the same boat as Salcido, extended leave after the Gold Cup.  There’s a lot of midfielders on the roster, which is fine, until you get to the next part…

FORWARDS:

Predicted starters – Andy Johnson, Lauri Dalla Valle
Also on the squad – Bobby Zamora, Moussa Dembele
Left off – Danny Hoesen

Thoughts: Was a little upset Hoesen wasn’t on the roster considering our lack of forwards, but I was over it…until news has come out that Dembele is out for 2 weeks with an ankle injury. So now we go into the competition with a total of 3 strikers.  I think this is a warning flag to Jol to get going in the transfer window.  We can’t go into the Premier League season with 5 total strikers (one of which is over the hill, two are fledgling youngsters with no PL experience, and another is coming off a 3-goal season and is more of a winger).  Let this be what opens the manager’s eyes…please…

Otherwise, I’m really, really excited to see Dalla Valle play, and that’s almost a certainnty now with Dembele injured. Don’t expect to see Zamora play much, if at all, given his importance to the team and his injury history. Looks like we’ll have to go with 2 strikers (and no subs) unless Jol wants to get him a little match time at the end to keep him fit.  Don’t really see him risking it though.

Other Fulham news of worth:

-Incase you decided to scroll down here instead of reading my post on the roster, Moussa Dembele is officially unavailable for the first leg of the match with NSÍ and is most likely out for 2 weeks with an ankle injury.

-There are rumors that Fulham are on the verge of completing a £3.5 million transfer for Sheffield United striker Jordan Slew (there’s nothing concrete yet, just a bunch of message board rumors).  That’s a hefty price to pay but I would welcome the deal.  Word is the kid is talented.  He’s been on the Fulham radar since the winter when Mark Hughes was in charge (Hughes had a £500,000 bid rejected).  We’ll see if Jol is interested as well.

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