The Daily Mail reveals tonight that Fulham have banned their players from speaking to the media in a bid to end the leaks that have undermined Martin Jol’s time in charge at Craven Cottage.
Laura Williamson, who covers Fulham regularly for the Mail, reports that all members of the squad received a letter last week informing them that they are no longer allowed to speak to the press without the club’s prior permission. Any player who breaks this rule could receive a fine of two weeks wages.
The move comes after rumours of a bust-up between Jol, who admitted this week that he is currently enduring his toughest period in management, and England striker Bobby Zamora surfaced in the tabloid press. The news that Swiss midfielder Pajtim Kasami had been fined £500 for disobeying team instructions and taking a penalty in the club’s Carling Cup exit at Chelsea – instead of the designated spot-kick taker – also made the papers. In recent weeks, the focus has largely been around the likely exit of Andy Johnson, who has turned down Fulham’s offer a new contract.
The report also claims that Jol’s job is not under immediate threat and that he will continue to look to reduce the average age of Fulham’s squad in the January transfer window. The club will hope that their new media policy will allow them to keep any dressing room disquiet under wraps.
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