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Mid-season report: Fulham

Mid-season report: Fulham
© PA Photos
Martin Jol took over Fulham aiming to have a similar impact on the club as he did with Tottenham Hotspur. Sports Mole assesses how it has gone for the Dutch coach so far.

Martin Jol's appointment as the new manager of Fulham brought a fresh wave of optimism to Craven Cottage ahead of the new season.

The Dutch boss had enjoyed a largely successful spell in charge of Tottenham Hotspur up until 2007 and was tipped by many to have the same influence on Fulham.

Here, Sports Mole examines whether or not the 55-year-old managed to turn the plaudits into results.

August

It would be fair to say that Jol's impact on Fulham wasn't immediate, with only one point picked up from their opening three matches with Aston Villa, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Newcastle United.

However, Jol did manage to guide the Whites through to the group stage of the Europa League with a victory over Dnipro - helped by two goals from Clint Dempsey.

September

Draws against Blackburn Rovers, Manchester City and West Bromwich Albion meant Fulham would enter October still searching for their first victory in the Premier League.

There was no such trouble in Europe as Jol's side picked up four points from their opening group matches with FC Twente and Odense, the latter of which saw Andy Johnson score two goals.

Fulham did exit the Carling Cup though, losing out on penalties to West London rivals Chelsea.

October

Fulham recorded their first win of the campaign in emphatic style when Queens Park Rangers visited the Cottage in early October. Johnson bagged a hat-trick as the Whites struck six without reply.

Losses to Stoke City and Everton followed, before the second win of the season was achieved at Wigan Athletic.

Wisla Krakow inflicted Fulham's first Europa League group defeat, but revenge would be gained next month with a 4-1 win.

November

Jol's former employers Spurs left the Cottage with all three points following a 3-1 win in November's first fixture.

November would end up being a largely successful month for Fulham though, with away draws at Sunderland and Arsenal accompanied by a home victory over Liverpool.

There was no such luck in the Europa League, with a last minute loss to FC Twente leaving the chance of qualification in the balance.

December

That defeat to Twente was followed by a 2-2 draw with Danish club Odense. It was a result that cost Fulham the chance of progressing to the knockout stages of the competition.

Bolton Wanderers were defeated 2-0 in the Premier League, before a 5-0 thrashing by champions Manchester United.

Spirits were lifted on Boxing Day though with a 1-1 draw away at Chelsea courtesy of a close range strike from Dempsey.

That point left Fulham 13th in the Premier League table.

Jol could be forced into doing business during the upcoming transfer window, particularly with Bobby Zamora's anticipated exit.

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