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Martin Jol key to Fulham move says Cottagers’ new winger Urby Emanuelson

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Bulgarian Stanislav Manolev also signs.

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By Matt Davies

Versatile left-sided Dutch international Urby Emanuelson highlighted the role of Martin Jol in bringing to Fulham for the remainder of the season.

The 26-year-old joins from Italian giant’s AC Milan and adds strength in depth to the Cottagers ranks in the left full-back and midfield positions.

The Dutchman rejoins Jol after working with the charismatic manager during their time at Ajax in 2009 and is relishing the challenge.

“I’m really looking forward to the time I will be here,” Emanuelson told fulhamfc.com.

“Martin Jol helped me a lot in my progression when I was learning the game and, because of him, it was an easy choice for me to come here.

“He has a lot of faith in me and I have a lot of faith in him.

“I met the group today and it looks like a great group of players, they were having fun in training and I’m looking forward to getting involved.

“I am happy to have the chance to play in the Barclays Premier League and I will give everything to help the team.”

Emanuelson first appeared for Ajax in 2004, and made 240 appearances during a seven-year stay with the Dutch heavyweights.

He joined AC Milan in January 2011, and lifted the Serie A title that season, while he has since gone on to make 50 appearances for the Rossoneri, scoring three goals.

He won the UEFA under-21 Championships in 2006 and made his debut for the Dutch senior side in the same year, earning 16 international caps since.

Emanuelson will wear the number 28 shirt at Fulham.

Meanwhile, Bulgarian international right-back Stanislav Manolev became Fulham’s second deadline day signing as Martin Jol moves to improve his squad.

The 29-year-old joins on loan from PSV Eindhoven until the end of the season, while the Cottagers have an option of a further two years.

Manolev played against Martin Jol’s Ajax during his time in the Netherlands, and hopes he can impress the Fulham manager during his spell in London.

“I came here to play but I know that I have to fight for my place,” Manolev told the club website.

“I am looking forward to playing in the Barclays Premier League because I believe it is the best competition in the world.

“I know Martin Jol already because when I came to Holland, we played against Ajax when he was the coach. I hope that if I play well here then I will be able to stay beyond the summer.”

Manolev moved to Litex Lovech from Pirin 1922 in 2005 and spent three seasons at Litex, scoring his sides’ only goal in the Bulgarian National Cup final in 2008.

He was also part of the successful side which retained the trophy a year later.

The Bulgarian won the Dutch Cup with PSV last season and made 76 appearances after joining in 2009.

He has 29 international caps and two goals to his name after making his debut for his country in 2008.

Fulham have also announced the signing of Ajax midfielder Eyong Enoh on loan for the rest of the season.

The 26-year-old defensive-minded midfielder signed for the Dutch club in 2008, and has made 88 appearances and scored three goals.

He is a Cameroon international with 27 appearances since making his debut in 2009 and will adds a presence to the Cottagers midfield.

Picture courtesy of Wiki Commons, with thanks.

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