Tuesday Fulham Stuff (01/05/12)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Semi Final Update

The Club can confirm that, following their excellent 4-3 victory over Norwich City at the weekend, Fulham's U18 team will play in the Premier Academy League Play-Off Semi Final at Motspur Park on Saturday 5th May (KO 2pm).

Group B winners Leicester City will provide the opposition and the game must be settled on the day, so extra-time and penalties are a possibility. The winners of the contest will compete in the Final on Saturday 12th May.

Fans are welcome to attend the match free of charge. Directions to Motspur Park can be found here.



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2012/May/SemiFinalUpdate.aspx?#ixzz1tcQxNMKC

[WhiteJC]

 
Breaking: FA call 4pm press conference to unveil Hodgson as new England manager

Former West Brom boss will lead his country at the European Championships this summer

The FA have called a 4pm press conference where they are likely to confirm Roy Hodgson as the new England manager.

The 64-year-old will replace Fabio Capello, who resigned from the position in February.

The FA confirmed on Sunday that they had been granted permission by former club West Brom to discuss the position, while Hodgson met officials at Wembley on Monday afternoon.

Hodgson will likely be in charge for this summer's European Championships in Poland and the Ukraine.

England have been drawn in Group D along with Ukraine, Sweden and France.

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp was the odds-on favourite with the bookies to succeed Capello, however the FA have said that Hodgson is the only candidate they have spoken to regarding the job.



http://www.london24.com/sport/arsenal/breaking_fa_call_4pm_press_conference_to_unveil_hodgson_as_new_england_manager_1_1364838?

[WhiteJC]

 
Riise relishing Anfield return
Fulham full-back John Arne Riise is looking forward to playing against Liverpool this evening



Fulham defender John Arne Riise is anticipating an emotional return to Anfield tonight - the club he spent seven successful seasons playing for, making almost 350 appearances.

The 31-year-old left Merseyside for Roma in 2008, before making his Premier League comeback when he moved to Craven Cottage last summer.

Riise is yet to return to his old stomping ground, but as Martin Jol's side prepare to travel to Liverpool in the Premier League this evening, the Norway international admitted that anticipation is rapidly building.

"It was one of the first games I was looking for because I always wanted to come back," he told Fulham's official website. "Now, I'm going to be playing against them and it's emotional.

"I'm feeling a little bit - not nervous - but it's tickling a little more than usual, so I'm looking forward to it."

Fulham have never won at Anfield, but they will arguably never have a better chance, with Liverpool enduring a miserable season, particularly at home in the English top flight.

"We always play some good football away from home as well but we haven't got the results we maybe need or deserve," added Riise.

"So, we're going into the Liverpool game really confident and hopefully we can play good football and get something out of the game. But it's a tough place to go to. They want to improve on their league position as well, so it won't be easy."

During his time at Anfield, Riise built a reputation as a spectacular striker of the ball, netting a number of sensational goals.

But, in his first season with the Cottagers, the full-back has so far failed to find the net, though that could change tonight.

"I know the fans and some people are wanting me to score. Believe me, I do as well. I've been very close and sometimes you need a bit of luck for them to go in," he added.

"Because, it's not like I'm shooting from five yards. I have to shoot from 30 yards and things have to happen. Maybe it can happen at Anfield."



http://www.givemefootball.com/premier-league/riise-relishing-anfield-return?#

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham still hopeful of Clint closure

Billy McKinlay believes it is "vital" that Fulham hang on to Clint Dempsey and agree a new contract with the United States forward.


Dempsey has scored 22 goals in all competitions for the Cottagers this season and came fourth in the voting for the Football Writers Association Footballer of the Year award.

However, with just 12 months to go on his Craven Cottage contract and doubts over whether he will extend his stay, Dempsey is set to become a wanted man by many of Fulham's rivals this summer.

The 29-year-old has been with Fulham since 2007 and McKinlay has outlined the importance of the ex-New England Revolution man staying with the club.

"I think it is vital to keep Clint," said McKinlay, who filled in for ill manager Martin Jol against Everton.

"He has been outstanding this season and I am sure the club will be doing everything in its power to keep him. He has been a vital player for us and, hopefully, we shall get that one tidied up."


http://www.setanta.com/ie/Articles/2012/05/01/Fulham-still-hopeful-of-Clint-closure/gnid-140668/?