Jol eyeing further additions

Martin Jol is looking to add up to two more new faces to his Fulham squad before the transfer window closes.

Jol will take charge of his first Barclays Premier League match tomorrow since 2007 after spending almost four years in Holland and Germany following his unceremonious sacking from Tottenham.

The Dutchman has been able to bring in John Arne Riise and little-known midfield duo Marcel Gecov and Pajtim Kasami this summer, but has seen a move for Birmingham striker Cameron Jerome fail.

The Cottagers boss feels a series of injuries could leave his squad vulnerable, especially given the demands of playing in the Europa League, and hopes to sign two more players before the end of the month.

“I’m happy with the squad we have got, if they are fit,” Jol said.

“That is probably not realistic though so that’s why we are looking for one or two additions.”

Bobby Zamora will lead the line for Fulham against Aston Villa despite breaking his hand last month in the club’s Europa League clash against NK Split.

Jol feels his squad lacks a target man to fill in for the England talisman when he is not fit, but admits bringing in a quality striker will be difficult.

“It will be hard to find someone like him (Zamora),” Jol added.

“If Bobby is injured, we lack a number nine. On the other hand, Clint (Dempsey) can play that position.”

Jol had worried that this weekend’s clash in London would be called off due to the unrest in the capital.

With the game now being given the go-ahead, Jol is relishing his return to the English top flight after spending the last six weeks playing Europa League qualifiers against sub-standard opposition.

“We are very happy that the game is on,” Jol said.

“The main thing was that we wanted to play football.

“I don’t see there is a lot of difference in playing friendlies (or playing in the Europa League qualifiers). It wasn’t as if we were playing Inter Milan or Ajax. It was Crusaders and Split.

“Hopefully it will have given us enough preparation for the season.”