[Tarrantino]

With the Premier League season kicking off in less than twenty four hours, former Fulham stalwart come manager Jamie Tarrant is in the news for all the wrong reasons as he was caught out in a run of sex tapes with a mystery Essex blonde.



Married Premiership boss, Tarrant, 36, had been filming steamy sex tapes with a married blonde. The Fulham manager hits the net more times than his said to be relegation-haunted team all pre-season in a sleazy hour-long home-made bondage porn video.



Dad-of-two Tarrant likes to portray himself as a staunch family man. And he has even bragged that he gives his players marriage guidance counselling. Ahead of tomorrow's encounter at the Riverside this news will no doubt affect the manager as his marriage begins to deteriorate and his job already looks precarious after only been appointed a month or so ago.



The players may also lose trust in the manager and Mohamed Al Fayed may be able to rid of Tarrant as manager with the team apparently unsettled by the appointment in the first place much due to the lack of experience, however this being Tarrant's first managerial job could still lead to a success story as many a debut in management has been. Chris Coleman at Fulham before, a prime example.



Tarrant has already purchased Birmingham's star player Sebastian Larsson, formerly of Arsenal for a mere two-million-pounds. The Swedish star reported to have turned down two contract offers before finally agreeing a deal around thirty-thousand a week with an appearance bonus which stands at round three-thousand a game.



Elliot Omozusi as the only departure as he moved across the river to Queens Park Rangers for a fee just under two-million-pounds. The centre back surplus to requirements with Roy Hodgson's previous January signings Brede Hangeland and Leon Andreasen who the fans have taken to already. However Jimmy Bullard and Jari Litmanen are sidelined for around two months, both with ligament trouble.



How will Fulham cope as they take on Middlesbrough at the Riverside tomorrow? Kick off is at three o' clock and the tickets are on general sale and available at the gate. Fulham are taking around five-hundred fans out of the two and a half thousand tickets that were allocated. Middlesbrough are 7-4 favourites to win the game, Fulham a mere 5/11 to succeed on Teesside.

[Tarrantino]

Jamie Tarrant was left fuming at referee Steve Bennett after he allowed Dong-Gooks equaliser to stand although being five yards offside when the ball left the foot of Stewart Downing. Tarrant labelled Bennett a 'disgrace' aswell as verbally attacking the linesman who failed to put his flag up. A two-minute tirade in which Tarrant lept off his seat over to the linesman to complain was ended with the young manager being sent to the stands.



Fulham who dominated and bossed the first half should have been in front after only thirty seconds as Eddie Johnson's timed jump flicked the ball into the path of Brian McBride who spurned his shot wide of the target at the far post with Mark Schwarzer rooted to the spot, Sanli Tucay was booked soon after for protesting McBride having stood in an offside position. Replays showed that McBride was onside and if he was to find the net, the goal to have been counted.



Brede Hangeland managed to strike the post from five yards following a goalmouth scramble from a Simon Davies corner kick, Middlesbrough fans booing, Gareth Southgate looking nervous on the touchline, Tarrant screaming at Hangeland for failing to convert the chance. "Keep a cool f*cking head" he shouted from the technical area waving his hands in hysterics.



The goal came in the seventy-eighth minute. Eddie Johnson who had not shown his pace in the game suddenly burst into life the final twenty minutes, tired Middlesbrough players not sure how to deal with American who burst through Pogatetz and Wheater before firing the ball under Schwarzer and into the net. Fulham fans began to chant in tandem; "We're winning away, we're winning away, you must be shit, we're winning away!"



Tarrant's emotions were made clear however as Dong-Gook headed home Downing's cross on eighty-two minutes. The Middlesbrough fans cheered, however some said themselves offside, to their own disbelief the flag was not raised and the goal given. Fulham players rushed to the linesman as Tarrant himself began a run towards the fourth referee and then the linesman. "He was furious with my decision and at a second glance he was correct, Lee Dong-Gook was offside and I should have flagged. I apologise for this but I felt Tarrant's way of handling the decision was out of order and I will report him to the FA" said the linesman after the game had ended.



The full time whistle sounded, Fulham fans booed and Tarrant made his way to the man in the middle where he continued his complaints. Captain Brian McBride had to pull his manager away after seconds when Tarrant looked as though actions were about to be taken. Fulham take the point of which is less than they should have but the season looks promising if they can keep up that sort of performance.

[Tarrantino]

Fulham recorded their first win of the season over Birmingham, whose former player Sebastian Larsson, signed by Jamie Tarrant in the summer ran the Midlands side ragged for seventy minutes before being substituted. Alex McLeish spoke of his dismay about the decision to sell Larsson aswell as the negative tactics that Fulham played with, something that Tarrant waved away after his post match comments.



Sebastian Larsson assisted the only goal of the game, his teasing right wing ball was whipped in low in front of Maik Taylor, defenders chose not to try and clear it incase of an own goal to their name, the ball trickling to the far post where American Eddie Johnson poached his second goal of the season, the fans celebrating a lead that unlike on the weekend, the Cottagers managed to hold on to.



Alex McLeish spoke at full time. "It was nice to see Seba Larsson playing well, he's a fantastic young player who I never wanted to sell, especially for such a small fee but the chairman Yeung overruled me on this one sadly and we've had to make do without him. However I thought our performance was alright today, we kept the ball well but I thought we lost because of how Tarrant set his team out. They were boistrous, aggressive and got in our faces in their own half. Some of their challenges were strong I thought and the referee was too lenient at times.



Our players were not protected by the referee very well at all and the Fulham players aggression to me sometimes looked as if legs were meant to be broken. I know I'll have a fine slapped on me for suggesting that, but I like to speak my mind."



Jamie Tarrant also got a few words in at the final whistle with FulhamFC.com; "I'm delighted with the win of course but a little disheartened by Alex's comments. Fair enough he spoke his mind, so I'll also speak mine. If players cannot be aggressive during a game, attacking and defensive wise and are able to get in others faces then I don't see why women aren't allowed to play football in the Premier League, let's instead let players walk round eachother because a tackle is not allowed.



The tackles from our players today were the same as they were last week, sharp and crisp, and honestly, I've looked at the match stats and out of our nineteen attempted tackles this evening, we won sixteen of them so sorry Alex but your talking bollocks. Football is a men's game, get your players to grow up and show some balls."



The FA are set to investigate both of the comments from the manager's and fines look set to be dished out to each. Birmingham will suffer the loss of Mauro Zarate for up to two months as he fell awkwardly after an aerial challenge with Brede Hangeland in the second half. Fulham host Portsmouth next on Sunday's late kick off.

[Tarrantino]

Fulham manager Jamie Tarrant has been labelled a 'sexist' after his post match comments last night after his side's one-nil win over Birmingham City at Craven Cottage. He has also been fined fifteen thousand pounds for his comments following the Middlesbrough game in which he branded the officials 'cheats' and 'scum' according to a review sent by referee Steve Bennett who was present at that specific game.



An FA spokesman stated: "The comments made last weekend and last night from Jamie Tarrant will not be tolerated by the Football Association. His comments were crude and un-neccessary and we feel the fine enforced on him is fair. We would like to remind all managers down the divisions to be careful with their actions and words on and off the pitch.



We have informed Tarrant that his outbursts will be punished each and every time and that fines will ge larger. This an attempt to prevent any further predicaments he may manage to get himself in to. He has duely apologised to the officials from the Middlesbrough game and nothing on this matter will be spoken of from now on. It's something of the past."



However, a group of women labelled Jamie Tarrant, 'sexist' , due to his choice of words after hearing what Alex McLeish had said about his side. "Football is a men's game" said Tarrant to FulhamFC.com which has led to protests outside of the stadium with banners and signs saying 'Tarrant Out of Football' and others alike.



The young manager has so far been in the headlines this season more than Amy Winehouse and reporters are flocking to London to see what he'll say next when his side host Portsmouth on Sunday afternoon.

[Tarrantino]

Fulham registered their second win in three games as they occupy third in the Premier League table, they defeated visitors Portsmouth by a goal to nil through an eighty-seventh minute strike from Norweigan striker Erik Nevland who entered the game only five minutes before the goal. Incidentally, his finish was his only touch of the game.



Harry Redknapp came out during his post match interview and declared that Tarrant has everything in him to be a top manager and Fulham would be a great stepping stone for him. He also praised the young manager's 'resilience' after comments made about him already this season. Redknapp also stated: "I like the guy, we met pre match and had a good chat in his office, nice drink aswell. He was a tremendous player, so loyal to the club, and he will go along way. He's not afraid to come out and say what he wants and that's what I like to see."



Tarrant spoke exclusively to FulhamFC.com with his current three week ban from TV interviews. He said: "I'm happy again with the performance, this is three games in a row and what should be three games in a row, if not for the wrongly allowed Middlesbrough goal but I'm very upbeat and the players are walking around at the moment as if they're fifteen points clear at the top. I don't think in the eighteen years I've been here that I've seen something like this. I've been through all the highs and lows as a player and this at the moment is as good as anything.



It was a good victory, we deserved to win by more but Harry has his team so well organised, it's hard to break them down but even when we did that David James is in the way. We have Liverpool away next and following that is Arsenal and Manchester United, one of which may end up being postponed due to the Carling Cup. It's going to be tough but we have it in us to get results in this kind of mood and form".



Sylvain Distin was sent off in the eighty-fifth munte following a crunching tackle on Danny Murphy. Distin, already on a yellow card shown a second, the walk of shame proceeded. Murphy was treated on the pitch and then stood up to take the free kick. The ball curling off the post and back in to play where Erik Nevland at the far post turned the ball into the net with his right shin from seven yards. The Cottage bouncing.



Fulham travel to Anfield next Saturday's in one of five three o' clock kick offs.

[Tarrantino]

The shock of the season so far as Fulham recorded an unlikely win at Anfield in this afternoon's match up. Eddie Johnson scoring the winnin goal after Xabi Alonso had cancelled out Diomansay Kamara's second half opener. Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez spoke of his disgust at his side's latest performance aswell as his opinion on Jamie Tarrant whose post match interview with FulhamFC.com follows.



"Well done to Fulham, they were, defensively, better than us today. They tested us very little and our defence could not cope with the pace of Johnson and Kamara, who I thought were both outstanding. We tested them twenty-eight times during the game and each time a shot would be either blocked or Niemi would manage to keep out. Maybe we weren't meant to win today but I saw a home game against Fulham as three points guaranteed. I underestimated them but still we should be beating them" - Rafael Benitez.



"Well, what can I say. This team has not beaten Liverpool at Anfield in, erm, I don't know how many years so I'm clearly delighted and three words spring to mind: f*cking get in. My team played exactly how I wanted them to, Eddie and Dio' Kamara are very pacey so I just told the lads to counter attack, let them come at us and then when we get the ball, make the two forwards run after it and both of our goals were on the counter and both very well taken. We have Crewe in the Carling Cup next followed by Arsenal at home. We're confident at the moment." - Jamie Tarrant.



Diomansay Kamara opened the scoring on sixty seven minutes to silence the Anfield crowd. Andriy Voronin's attempted shot was saved by Niemi who instantly threw the ball down the touchline to Hameur Bouazza. He beat Steve Finnan down the left and looped a cross to the back post. Kamara controlled well and caressed the ball around Pepe Reina and into the far side corner. The small pocket of Fulham fans delighted.



The lead lasted only eight minutes however. Gerrard laying the ball off for Xabi Alonso whose low right foot shot avoided everyone in the penalty area on it's way into the bottom corner. Antti Niemi rooted to the spot for the first time in the game.



However parity for Liverpool last only seven minutes. Danny Murphy, formerly of Liverpool, came on as a substitute and played a neat through ball between Jamie Carragher and Lucas Lieva for American Eddie Johnson who controlled well and touched the ball into the net over Reina who dived at the striker's feet. Johnson running the whole pitch to the away end to celebrate with the fans. The staff on the touchline hugging eachother as three points beckoned for the South-West London side for a third time in four games.



Fulham host Crewe in midweek in the second round of the Carling Cup before hosting Arsenal.

[Tarrantino]

Fulham booked their place in the third round of the Carling Cup with a straight-forward four-goals to nil victory over Coca-Cola League One side Crewe. Norwegian striker Erik Nevland who missed the weekend's clash with Liverpool due to a stubbed toe netted a perfect hat trick as he captained a make-shift Fulham team including four under-18 players and also handed rare first team appearances for Michael Timlin and Ricardo Batista.



"I'm again happy with the performance, this time from a second string side captained by Erik. We were solid at the back with three of our youth players in the back four of our line-up which is promising. We have Arsenal on the weekend here at the Cottage and with our players having a week off due to tonight's squad rotation we believe we can do them over. If we can beat Liverpool at Anfield I'm pretty sure we can dismantle Arsene's side." - Jamie Tarrant, Fulham Manager



Nevland opened the scoring on eleven minutes as Hameur Bouazza crossed from the left wing, Erik Nevland running to the back post heading the ball on into the corner of the net, a simple goal and his second of the season. His first came two weeks ago when he netted the late winner against Portsmouth.



The second goal came on the half hour mark. Michael Timlin and Clint Dempsey linked up well in the centre before Timlin placed a left foot pass through the defence for Erik Nevland who beat the offside trap, rounded the goalkeeper simply and rolled the ball into the goal with his left foot. Erik Nevland completed his hat trick just after the hour mark, picking the ball up thirty yards from goal and unleashing a right foot drive into the top corner, one of "the best goals" he'd ever scored he claimed after walking away with the matchball.



Eddie Johnson, who bagged the winning goal at Anfield on the weeked made it four-nil as he came off the bench to run on to fellow substitute Danny Murphy's lofted pass. Johnson easily bringing the ball down and lashing a left foot volley across the goalkeeper and into the net, barely a celebration for the American who trotted back to the half way line.



Fulham fans now patiently await the visit of Arsenal this coming Saturday at the thought of beating the Gunners for the second time at the Cottage in three seasons, Radzinski scored the winning goal between the two sides back in 2006 before Adebayor scored twice last season as the Gunners ran away easy three goals to nil winners.



Jimmy Bullard is expected to be on the bench.

[Jad]

Great story Tarrantino, exactly what we've come to expect from you. Good storyline and nice detail, it's perfect!

[avfc_muz]

This is a fantastic story, very well done Tarrantino. A great read.

[Tarrantino]

Jamie Tarrant's Fulham moved up to second in the Premier League table as Clint Dempsey fired a stoppage time goal to guide his side to a fourth successive win. Liverpool's second home defeat in two games saw them slip away from second to fifth, Fulham, Newcastle, Arsenal and Manchester City all benefiting from the result at Anfield.



Fulham controlled most of the first half. Sebastian Larsson carving the first chance for Erik Nevland, his mazy run followed by a neat cut back was fired just wide of the up right by Norwegian Nevland who hit a midweek hat trick in the Carling Cup win over Crewe. Larsson was next to earn a goalscoring chance, his first time control following Simon Davies' long ball set the ball up for a shot, Larsson curling the ball round the defender in front of him only to see Manuel Almunia fingertip the ball away.



Emmanuel Adebayor had the only real chance for Arsenal in the first half. Cesc Fabregas and Alexander Hleb's neat play in the middle led to the ball finding the Togo international, Adebayor however hit his attempted shot straight at Antti Niemi from thirteen yards. The half ended goalless.



Arsenal came out for the second half looking a completey different team. Gael Clichy crossed for Robin van Persie whose point blank range header rattled the crossbar, the follow up from Cesc Fabregas was blocked by defender Brede Hangeland who earned applause from the Fulham faithful. Alexander Hleb picked a sublime left footed ball through the Fulham right hand defence for William Gallas who had ventured forward.



The defender spurned his shot wide with his weaker foot with the homes fan panicking. Theo Walcott entered the game and he added further torment for the Fulham defence. His first action was to beat Paul Konchesky for pace and crossing for Adebayor, the goal at his mercy but the striker could only find the foot of the post. The second time in the half that Arsenal struck the woodwork.



Clint Dempsey was brought on with five minutes to go to tighten up the midfield with Alexey Smertin changing roles to accomodate the defensive midfield position. Diomansy Kamara was played through down the left hand side in stoppage time, he fired the ball low across goal where Eddie Johnson sidefooted the ball towards the goal, Almunia blocking with his feet, the ball breaking for Dempsey who at the far post struck the ball through the legs of Kolo Touré and into the net.



Craven Cottage erupted and Jamie Tarrant on the touchline celebrated in front of Arsene Wenger. Officials had to move Tarrant away from the Arsenal dugout with Arsene Wenger fuming. The final whistle was blow seconds later and Fulham players and fans began partying as other results went their way to move them up to second place. Granted five games have gone but the Cottagers were tipped for relegation again this season.



Jamie Tarrant however will be held in another FA hearing on his actions following the goal.



"It was fantastic, we rode our luck and you could see how much that goal meant to the fans and the players by the celebrations. I know I went over the top and I apologise to Arsene, it was unprofessional of me. That said, I'm happy with the position we are in and if we can do this to the top teams then there is no reason why we can't manage a top half finish this season, maybe even Europe." - Jamie Tarrant, Fulham Manager



After beating Liverpool and Arsenal, Fulham players will be relishing their next test: a visit to Old Trafford.

[Tarrantino]

Fulham manager Jamie Tarrant will face a seven thousand pound fine for his actions shown towards Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger and his backroom staff. The Football Association declared the incident as an act of misconduct and embarassing. The Premier League also had their say on the post-goal celebrations stating that it was unprofessional of the Fulham manager.



"We at the Football Association have come to the decision that Jamie Tarrant will be fined seven thousand pounds for his celebrations inside the Arsenal dugout after Fulham's winning goal. The incident is deemed to be an act of misconduct aswell as being embarassing. We have had complaints made by referees and other managers before about the actions of Tarrant and we feel they all have been dealt with fairly. However, we have informed Tarrant that if he continues to cause trouble he will soon be facing a few matches up in the stand" - Football Association Spokesman.



The Fulham fan club spokesman was with Sky Sports late yesterday evening and gave his views on the new Fulham manager's actions and the job he had done so far.



"I think the fine is a shambles. I've never heard of celebrating a goal being an offence. Granted, it was in front of Arsene Wenger and some of his backroom staff but there was no intent from what I've seen that shows Tarrant deliberately trying to get a reaction or so to speak from Arsene. Tarrant has we the Fulham fans have seen so far is an upbeat character who enjoys football. He's animated on and off the pitch and was the same as a player. The FA expect him to try and change his ways to curb future 'acts of misconduct' but that's not fair.



The season so far, we are only five games in but it's been amazing. We've been seeing some great football from the team and bizarrely it's the same team from last season, we've signed only one player, Seba Larsson, other than him it's very much the same squad. I never thought Tarrant would be the greatest of managers but this is the first time as a Fulham fan that we're going to Old Trafford and I actually expect us to take points." - Gary Barker, Fulham Fans Club Spokesman



Jamie Tarrant turned down the chance to speak to Sky Sports by instead saying; "All I'm saying is, if we score at Manchester United, I'll celebrate it, if we win at Manchester United, I'll dance down Sir Matt Busby Way, thank you". He proceeded to get into his car and drive off, the smile across his face suggests he's not to disheartened by the FA's comments and will surely be speaking to the press after the game at Old Trafford.



Fulham play Manchester United this Saturday in the early kick off.

[Tarrantino]

Manchester United threw away two valuable points as Fulham striker Erik Nevland cashed in on a Rio Ferdinand mistake to fire a late equaliser for the South West London side. Jamie Tarrant who refused to make a real statement on his midweek fine from the Football Association did as he said in his short few words by celebrating the goal, running down the touchline to the corner flag, Mourinho-esque according to reporters.



The home side opened proceedings by seeing Ryan Giggs spread the ball across the field to Cristiano Ronaldo who unchallenged ran through at goal. Kasey Keller, stand in for Antti Niemi who was declared injured during the warm up, pulled off the first save, the low shot from the Portuguese winger was heading into the far corner but Keller left a trailing hand of which fingertipped the ball away for a corner with Wayne Rooney ready to pounce on a possible rebound.



Fulham showed they were not at Old Trafford to defend and began their own attacking show. Eddie Johnson used his pace and power to beat Wesley Brown down the left side and put a testing ball into the box, Danny Murphy who made the forward run connected with a header. Edwin van der Sar, formerly of Fulham dived across his line to palm the ball over the bar.



The corner kick that followed was whipped in with pace by Danny Murphy towards Brede Hangeland who jumped high against Patrice Evra to head the ball goalwards, Eddie Johnson flicked the ball further on. John O'Shea headed the ball off the line as Sir Alex Ferguson blasted Patrice Evra for failing to jump with Hangeland, and the fact that Eddie Johnson was left unmarked in front of goal.



The breakthrough came early in the second half. Manchester United half time substitute Carlos Tevez went on a mazy run through the Fulham midfield, the two centre backs for the London club both broke towards the Argentinean who clipped the ball through for Wayne Rooney who was left free. The England international calmly going on to round Kasey Keller and sidefoot the ball into the empty net.



Fulham began to pressure United in the final few minutes, searching for the equaliser. Substiutes Erik Nevland and Hameur Bouazza then combined in stoppage time, Bouazza rampaging down the left before unleashing a shot from an impossible angle, the ball parried by van der Sar to Rio Ferdinand, the England captain failed to clear however leaving the ball for Erik Nevland to sidefoot into the top corner.



The Norwiegan wheeled away in delight towards the corner flag, scoring against his former club. Tarrant soon joined in with the celebrations. Sir Alex Ferguson looked on with red cheeks and angry facial expressions. This Nevland's first goal at Old Trafford since 1998. The final whistle blew shortly after the game restarted. Fulham host Wigan next at Craven Cottage in the league looking to extened their unbeaten league run.

[Jad]

Another great set of installments to the story, well written and described. I hope you stick with this one cos the only thing tainting your great storywriting is the amount of stories you start and leave after a page of updates. http://fmdiscussion....>/smilenorm.gif

[Adriano]

This really deserves more credit, great updates and articles.

[Levi]

Great story and write up, ill definately be keeping up with this