Sven is back in contention for THE job

[tingtawng]

http://www.casinotimes.co.uk/sports/news/2010/7/as-fulhams-manager-20132823.html

Whilst he is no longer Britain's favourite and has had considerably bad press, Sven Goran Eriksson has seen considerable success and shouldn't be dismissed.

Believe it or not, there was a time when any club's supporters would be thrilled to hear that Sven-Goran Eriksson may soon be managing their club and not worrying that he would soon disappear carrying a large cheque with him.

At one point there were rumours that Chelsea were going to take Eriksson from England and he was also one favourite to replace Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United.

However, much has changed since those days when England beat Germany 5 -1. In the end his time with England was a disaster, whilst he didn't make a huge mistake, he should have managed better than just a quarter final.  His reputation was also ruined by the regularity in which he appeared on England's front pages, his meetings with an FA secretary and Ulrika Jonsson alongside his meeting with the News Of The World's 'Fake Sheik' provided a wealth of material for the press.

However, Fulham fans should not worry, even if he does take over, he has always been far better at the club level than the international level and the tabloids have moved on to other stories. Before becoming England manager, Eriksson had won a treble with Gothenburg in 1982, two championships with Benfica, a Copa Italia at Rome and another league title at Benfica. Just before taking control of England he too Lazio to a Coppa Italia, won them the European Cup Winners Cup and the Serie A title within just four years.

If Eriksson goes to Fulham they should have confidence in him, he has brought results to nearly every club he has managed and Sven should be able to prevent Fulham from slipping back to the bottom of the league. Whilst the man has his history, it must be remembered that it includes a strong line of success stories.

[epsomraver]

Rehashed twaddle

[tingtawng]

Today was supposed to be the day. Players and fans of Fulham thought the long wait was over, but they'll have to wait a little bit longer as the South West London club edge towards appointing a new manager.

The Craven Cottage hierarchy has seemingly bottled at its self imposed deadline and the official news will come next week.

Former Tottenham Hotspur boss Martin Jol is now the number one favourite to take over the Whites - but the extra time may mean officials are scrambling to secure the services of long term bookies tip Sven Goran Eriksson who poured cold water on his apparent appointment last week. It is also thought that the Swedes wage demands were too high.

It was widely expected that an announcement would be made by the Premiership club today before the team head off to Sweden for a 10 day pre season tour. The new man will fly out to the squad.

The smart money was always the ex England coach - Fulham Chairman Alistair Mackintosh knows the Swede from their time together at Manchester City.


Players "frustration"

The frustration at the long drawn out process is apparently affecting the team. "It is a little bit frustrating not having someone in place," said midfielder Simon Davies following Fulham's opening pre-season fixture against Brentford on Wednesday.

"I've no idea who it's going to be but the club have said that by the end of this week or the beginning of next week, they'll have someone in place."


Case for Jol

Dutchman Jol could be playing Champions League football this year is his Ajax side navigate the qualifiers, Fulham can only offer him the Europa Cup.

Despite being sacked by Spurs in October 2007, he still owns a house in England and may fancy another crack at the Premier League.

Reports suggest the 54-year-old would be given rolling contract, similar to that which Hodgson was on, and an improvement on his current salary.


Rivals out

Dark horse, USA coach Bob Bradley is seemingly out of the frame after the United States Soccer Federation outlined their intention to extend Bradley's current contract.

Earlier in the week a representative of former Siena manager Alberto Malesani, Michele Ruggiero, revealed that Fulham are interested.

Fulham have been without a boss since Roy Hodgson left for Liverpool July 1, Ray Lewington has taken charge of the sides friendly's and says he does not want the job.

Sven 'cools' on move

Long term favourite Erikson is currently manager of the Ivory Coast and has revealed he's mulling over a new contract with the Elephants. Eriksson told Swedish broadcaster SVT:

"I do not know, honestly. I do not think Fulham have decided what they want to do.

They (Ivory Coast) were really pleased (with the team's efforts in the World Cup) and I guess that I can stay on if I want to. If so, it will be for four years until the next World Cup finals.

I'll make up my mind in a week or so. I have to do it soon since there are friendlies in August and qualifications for the Africa Cup of Nations in September and October."

Also putting the breaks on a possible move to the Whites is Switzerland coach Ottmar Hitzfeld who today ruled himself out of the running. The 61-year-old saying:

"I've now got another two years in Switzerland – and they will be my last two years in management."

Here are the latest odds from Ladbrokes

Sven Goran Eriksson  4/6
Ottmar Hitzfeld  3/1
Alan Curbishley  7/1
Slaven Bilic  7/1
Dave Jones  7/1
Stuart Baxter  7/1
Mark Hughes  12/1
Lee Clark  14/1
Gianfranco Zola  16/1

[Rambling_Syd_Rumpo]

behave yourself,MJ will become our new manager,it will just take a bit longer,it's almost impossible for him to stay at Ajax now,so Ajax will let him go,or he will quit but he will come don't worry about that :clap_hands:

[Serotonin]

Dutchman Jol could be playing Champions League football this year is his Ajax side navigate the qualifiers, Fulham can only offer him the Europa Cup.

He'll need to lose some weight...  :022: