Dutch duo help out Jol

Fulham manager Martin Jol has revealed he took the advice of fellow Dutchmen Guus Hiddink and Dick Advocaat before signing striker Pavel Pogrebnyak from Stuttgart.

Pogrebnyak has joined the Cottagers on a six-month contract, although the 28-year-old missed Saturday’s 3-0 defeat at Manchester City as he is yet to secure a work permit.

As Jol does not expect it to come through until Thursday or Friday this week, Pogrebnyak is already a doubt for next Saturday’s home encounter with Stoke.

However, after speaking with Hiddink and Advocaat, who have both worked closely with Pogrebnyak during their time as coach of the Russia national team, Jol is content he has got himself a good deal, even though the forward has struggled to make an impact in the Bundesliga.

“No, Pavel hasn’t had a great time at Stuttgart, but if he had, we wouldn’t have got him,” said Jol.

“I spoke to Guus and Dick and he has had some great spells as well. It was a very good opportunity. But of course, he has to prove it.”