Roy “October Manager of the Month” sure caused many to scratch their heads by excluding Seol, EJ, Elm, or any other fit striker on the bench for Sunday’s match. If that isn’t waving the white flag of draw, I don’t know what is.

Additionally he started Erik Nevland who early on looked quite dangerous and had several chances just go wide or hit the post. Then disappeared until he was subbed off.

Taking his place was Zoltan Gera, which caused me to think that maybe Clint would be pushed up top and pair with Zamora? Nope; 4-5-1 to see out the last 15 or so minutes.

According to Elm’s blog he and EJ were training (and both late) on Sunday for today’s reserve game against Chelsea. So maybe Roy thought it better they play 90 on Monday against a good reserve opponent rather than 10 (if that) against a mediocre side?

YET AGAIN A FULHAM BEAT REPORTER WOULD BE NICE!

Questions aside Mark Schwarzer played out of this world as Fulham were out-shot 21 to 11. How did he fall on our laps on a free? Hallelujah.

And remember last week the chalkboards showed how well Fulham pushed Liverpool’s passing from back to front, to side to side? Well, rinse and repeat!

Okay, pardon my questioning of Woy. All hail indeed.

After cruising to a 3-0 lead, Amkar Perm rescue a crucial late away goal to blemish an otherwise respectable 3-1 result. And then we learn AJ will be out for 8 weeks with a dislocated shoulder/collarbone.

No wonder other managers throw in the towel in this competition at a certain point?

Roy is as incensed as ever, and for good reason. There isn’t any video footage of the match or assault from Dmitri Belorukov anywhere, but from what I understand it was a body check. A 5 minute major in hockey, plus suspension. A red card in footy, suspension in tow.

But instead Amkar, and Belorukov — only receiving a yellow — get to live on another day. Jerks.

And its interesting to note that Roy prepared the lads quite well without having seen much of them prior to today, according to the Daily Mail.

Hodgson’s side did not know much about their Russian opponents, who were founded just 15 years ago and are named after an ammonia-based fertiliser. F
ulham had relied on three matches of video footage after their manager had been unable to secure a visa to travel to Russia.

One positive about today is Duff’s triumphant arrival, assisting Zamora a mere 30 seconds into the his substitution appearance. Hope to see more good things from him, as Gera’s reviews have been consistently woeful.

Not really sure how much AJ’s injury screws up our plans for Sunday. I know long term Roy will have something figured out. But if its good news for anyone its good news for Eddie Johnson. Kamara is above him in the depth chart, but has not been as active during the preseason as EJ so its a little unclear who is our #3 now. Time for EJ to step up, finally.

Oh, and the Greening saga rekindled and then ended rather abruptly, again. But this time he’ll be joining us on a season-long loan. Huzzah!

And Adrian Leijer is going back to Australia. In his two years with the club made 6 total first team appearances — on the bench. While with Norwich for the second half of last season, he made just 4 actual playing appearances. Things can only improve for the lad.

Brings a smile to your face, no?

Despite the pouring rain, Dickson Etuhu walked into the header that led to Fulham’s first goal and series icing. I missed the second goal, but am told Dempsey had a nice cross to AJ. Later, EJ received a pass from Dempsey and dribbled down to a few feet before the goal line and found AJ for a sitter. Romp over.

The draw for the (official) Play-Off Round is tomorrow. We’re seeded, so luckily (if I’m correct) we’ll be avoiding some tough opponents like Bremen, Shakthar, Roma and Valencia to name a few. But even being ranked 34th (of 76) via coefficient, the next round is going to be a bit tricky.

For a complete list of coefficients, Bert Kassies is again on point. Although I’ll post rankings tomorrow, here’s the breakdown:

Esteemed and storied company, eh?

Been a busy 24-plus hours! Where to start?

Well, according to the News of the World, Hodgson said Zamora rejected terms with Hull. Whether that’s before or after he scored a brace against Peterborough is unclear.

Speaking of Peterborough, a 3-0 lead quickly evaporated as time expired but thankfully Fulham wasn’t humiliated like Newcastle. Roy, as always, sums up the match superbly:

“I’m not too bothered about results in pre-season matches quite frankly. I’m worried about the performances and as I said I thought we played very well.“

Then today SkySports reports that Pompey have accepted an offer for Crouch. But then ‘Arry says he’s unaware of that. I doubt that.

Nonetheless Crouch going to Spurs doesn’t surprise me because the move, like most of Tottenham’s dealings, doesn’t make any sense. It just raises more questions than answers. Can he play with Robbie Keane? Will Defore now be a supersub? Will Bent and Pavlyucehnko fart around in the reserves? Why isn’t Spurs spending the 10 million on a defender, something they need?

Sorry to jump back to Friday, but EJ’s lone goal was enough for the reserves, including newbie Riise and more familiar faces, to win 1-0 over the Rising Phoenix. After today’s shocking display by the USMNT Development Squad, I expect a call up for EJ’s services up front soon.

I’m going to miss the reserves match on Tuesday and the Europa League match on Thursday as my new job (Americorps) requires a four day orientation in Philadelphia. Have a good week!

We think.

There’s a lot to discuss as each player’s story away from SW6 comes to a close. Sure, Seoul, Brown, and Leon are still playing elsewhere, somewhere. But their tales will come next week.

Eddie Johnson was an unused substitute in Cardiff City’s 1-0 loss at Sheffield Wednesday. Cardiff City finish the season in seventh place, tied with Preston North End on points but will miss the playoffs because of one less goal scored. (Oh, the irony.) In a full season with the Bluebirds EJ made 30 appearances, starting 5 times. He scored 2 goals and registered 4 assists.

Andranik was an unused substitute in Barnsley’s 2-1 win over Plymouth Argyle. Barnsley finish the season in 20th position. Andranik made 11 appearances and 10 starts for Barnsely. He failed to score but did get a red card in his brief stint with the Tykes.

Adrian Leijer started and played 39 minutes in Norwich City’s 4-2 loss to Charlton Athletic. Leijer was not injured, but probably substituted after the Canaries were 3-0 down, and thus relegated, within 30 minutes. Leijer made just 4 appearances for the club, today being his first start.

Hameur Bouazza was a 71st minute substitute in Birmingham City’s 2-1 win at Reading, which sent Birmingham City up on an AQ (to use a NCAA term). Bouazza made 40 appearances total with Charlton and Birmingham. He made 9 starts and 6 substitute appearances with the Brummies; 22 starts and 3 substitute appearances with Charlton. He scored once with Birmingham, and four times with Charlton.

Volzy was a 73rd minute substitute in Ipswich Town’s 2-0 loss to Sheffield United. Volzy made 20 starts and 2 substitute appearances with Ipswich, who finished the season ninth. Volzy has yet to comment on his website about Roy Keane’s hiring, or his future.

Adam Watts was an unused substitute in Northampton Town’s 3-0 loss at Leeds United. Watts made 5 appearances since arriving in April for the Cobblers, who were relegated because of their loss and Carlisle’s victory.

David Stockdale started and made 6 saves in Leicester City’s 3-0 win at Crewe Alexandria. Since arriving in March, Stockdale made 8 starts for the Foxes, registering a 5-1-2 record and helping them seal promotion to the CCC. Stockdale spent the first half of the season at Rotherham United, where he made 8 starts and posted a 4-2-2 record.

From the look of it, Stockdale sure has a future — with or without Fulham. Expect Bouazza to sign full time somewhere else. Leijer may go elsewhere too, presumably to a lower division. Still uncertain about Andranik and Volzy, as their experiences were a mixed bag.

And perhaps Cardiff missing promotion may be in a blessing for us: we sure could use another striker.

Even if its EJ.

Eddie Johnson started and played 90 minutes in Cardiff City’s 3-0 loss to Norwich City. Also, interesting story about him living in Wales in yesterday’s Daily Mirror.

Adrian Leijer did not dress in the Canaries’ 3-0 win over the Bluebirds.

Andranik sat out Barnsley’s 0-0 draw against Birmingham City because of suspension.

Hameur Bouazza sat on the bench as the Brummies drew 0-0 with the Tykes.

David Stockdale and Leicester City take on Tranmere Rovers tomorrow.

Volzy did not dress in Ipswich’s 0-0 draw with Wolves.

The reserves won yesterday 3-0 over Spurs with Barnes, Brown, and Briggs getting on the score sheet. And its nice to hear Barnes exists. Hopefully he’ll make the bench tomorrow…

And remember Alexey Smertin? You know, Cookie’s and Sanchez’s Leon Andreasen? Well, he’s now a politician. Good luck with the future ventures — I still don’t know why you disappeared off our radar.

EJ came off the bench in the 35th minute, and scored in Cardiff City’s 3-0 romp over Doncaster Rovers today. Mamma mia.

Andranik will serve a one match ban in Barnsley’s match against Birmingham City on Tuesday.

Adrian Leijer did not dress in Norwich City’s 2-0 loss at Blackpool today.

Leon Andraesen started and played 90 minutes in Hannover’s 5-1 loss at Bayern Munich. His foul allowed Bayern to score their first goal from a set piece.

Hameur Bouazza came off the bench and played 15 minutes in Birmingham City’s 1-0 win over Southampton today. He did not dress in the Brummies’ 1-0 win over Bristol City on Wednesday.

David Stockdale started and made 2 saves in Leicester City’s 4-0 win over Cheltenham Town today.

Volzy and the Tractor Boys take on Wolves Tuesday. According to his diary, he tweaked his groin so he probably won’t feature. Poor lad.

nows a good time for a mid-week Loaner Report, no?

Eddie Johnson started (omg), and played 90 minutes (double-omg) in Cardiff City’s 3-1 win over Barnsley.

Facing off against EJ was Andranik, who started and played 65 minutes before being receiving his second yellow in Barnsley’s 3-1 loss at Cardiff City. Ouch.

Adrian Leijer did not dress in Norwich City’s 1-0 victory over QPR.

Hameur Bouazza and Birmingham City face off against Bristol City tomorrow.

David Stockdale evidently went straight from Motspur Park to Leicester City, started, played 90 minutes, made 5 saves and conceded a goal in the Foxes’ 1-1 draw with Stockport County. Wow.

And Moritz Volz did not dress in Ipswich Town’s 3-0 loss to Southampton. My guess is he injured himself in the last match, as he was subbed out at half then. Poor lad.

Eddie Johnson was an unused substitute in Cardiff City’s 0-0 draw with QPR on Wednesday. He came off the bench, and managed a shot in the 10 minutes he played in Cardiff City’s 1-0 loss to Southhampton yesterday.

Andranik started and played 90 minutes in Barnsley’s 2-1 win over QPR yesterday. Interestingly enough, he was fouled 6 times.

Adrian Leijer did not dress in Norwich City’s 2-1 loss to Coventry City yesterday. he did play in Norwich City’s 3-0 reserve match win against Great Yarmouth on Tuesday.

Leon Andreasen started and played 90 minutes in Hannover 96’s 1-0 win at Bayer Leverkusen yesterday.

Hameur Bouazza came off the bench and played 26 minutes in the Brummies’ 0-0 draw at Crystal Palace on Monday. He started and played 90 minutes, while receiving a yellow card, in Birmingham City’s 2-1 loss at Sheffield United.

Moritz Volz started and played 45 minutes in Ipswich Town’s 3-2 loss at Preston North End yesterday, his first appearance since mid-January.

And Collins John and Seol Ki-Hyeon both are doing something somewhere.

Eddie Johnson did not dress in Cardiff City’s 2-2 draw with Wolves on Sunday. He was an unused sub in Cardiff’s 4-0 defeat at Arsenal in the FA Cup on Monday.

Andranik Teymourian started and played 90 minutes in Barnsley’s 0-0 draw with Charlton Athletic on Saturday. He started and played 80 minutes in Barnsley’s 1-0 win at Sheffield Wednesday, on Tuesday.

Adrian Leijer did not dress in Norwich City’s 1-1 draw with Burnley on Saturday.

Hameur Bouazza came off the bench and played 63 minutes in the Brummies 1-0 loss at Coventry City on Saturday.

Moritz Volz did not dress for Ipswich’s 3-1 win at QPR on Satuday nor for Ipswich’s 2-1 win against Notts Forest on Wednesday.

Leon Andreasen started and played 90 minutes in Hannover 96’s 3-2 loss at Borussia M. on Saturday. No, I’m not spelling out the rest of the team’s name.

Collins John did not dress in NEC Nijmegen’s 2-0 win at Utrecht on Saturday, nor for their 3-0 UEFA Cup loss to Hamburg on Thursday.

And Seol Hi-Kyeon is doing something in Saudi Arabia. Al-Hilal’s website is impossible to navigate, so just rest assure he’s alive.