Fulham boss explains keeper decision

Fulham manager Felix Magath said he dropped Maarten Stekelenburg because David Stockdale is a more vocal goalkeeper.

Stockdale, 28, has been second choice to Stekelenburg since the Dutchman signed last summer, but produced a superb display as the Whites beat Newcastle 1-0.

“The idea was that Maarten is a quiet keeper and David is louder and more exciting. I thought we needed someone who gives more excitement to the players,” Magath explained.

“It was a hard decision for Maarten but he has taken it very well. Fortunately it worked and David made some excellent saves. He was very good and we can thank him for his very good performance.”

Ashkan Dejagah’s second-half wonder-strike clinched Fulham’s first win since New Year’s Day and Magath’s first victory since he took charge last month.

“We are happy. It’s extraordinarily important to get a first win and I am more convinced than ever we will stay up,” he said.

“It was a brilliant result. We were the better team today and it will give us the confidence that we can avoid relegation.”

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