Wednesday Fulham Stuff 04.08.10

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http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1300208/Fulham-West-Ham-Dusan-Pernis-goalkeeper-eyes-Premier-League-chance.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

Fulham and West Ham to move for Dusan Pernis as goalkeeper eyes Premier League chance

Dundee United goalkeeper Dusan Pernis has alerted Fulham and West Ham to has availability by announcing his hope to secure a move to the Premier League.

The Slovakian World Cup stopper is being tracked by the London clubs who are seeking reinforcements for different reasons. Fulham are set to lose Mark Schwarzer to Arsenal while the Hammers' No 1, Rob Green, could suffer a World Cup hangover after his gaffe for England against the USA in South Africa.

Both clubs sent scouts to watch the 25-year-old in action against Hull earlier this month but are yet to follow up their interest following the 2-1 defeat.

'I have heard the rumours but I don't know anything about any offers from those clubs,' Pernis said. 'Of course it's great to have those kinds of teams interested in me.

'And I always said I came to Scotland to move closer to my dream which was to play in the English Premier League.

'But I am young, I'm 25 and I have plenty of time to do that in the future. I am a Dundee United player and happy with that.

'It has also helped me go to the World Cup with my country, which was a fantastic achievement.

'I feel I can continue to become a better goalkeeper here - I do not have to leave.'

Pernis was a near ever-present for the Tangerines after joining them in January, and helped them to a third-placed finish behind the usual big two of Celtic and Rangers.

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http://www.thisishullandeastriding.co.uk/sport/HULL-CITY-Tigers-linked-Simpson/article-2489049-detail/article.html

HULL CITY: Tigers linked to Arsenal striker Jay Simpson

HULL City are interested in signing Arsenal's young striker, Jay Simpson for £1.2m, according to today's Daily Mirror.

The 21-year-old is thought to have 12 months left on his current contract at the Emirates.

Despite netting twice in a friendly against Barnet last month, Simpson was left out of Arsenal's pre-season visit to Austria.

Having slipped down the strikers' pecking order at the Gunners, it could pave the way for the former England junior international to either go out on loan or be sold.


That has alerted a string of clubs to his availability, with Bristol City, QPR, Leicester, Celtic, Blackpool, Fulham, Millwall, Leeds and Nottingham Forest all linked with the player over the last month.

The Arsenal academy product is no stranger to the Championship, having scored 12 goals in 39 appearances for QPR last season.

Given the club's financial situation, it would appear very unlikely City could fork out £1m-plus for the striker.

However, with the Tigers hoping to wrap up a loan deal for Spurs' youngster John Bostock before Saturday's Championship opener against Swansea, a similar loan move for Simpson might not be beyond the realms of possibility.

It is no secret the Tigers are hunting a striker in this transfer window, having seen the likes of Jozy Altidore and Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink leave the club and Kamel Ghilas go out on loan so far this summer.

Daniel Cousin is also expected to head for the exit door before this weekend.

Simpson would appear to fit Tigers' bill – if the deal is right.

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http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/Blades-Statue-immortalises-former-Sheffield.6454989.jp

Blades: Statue immortalises former Sheffield United star
 

Unveiling: Hettie Shaw and her family unveil a statue of her husband Sheffield United legend Joe Shaw at Bramall Lane.

SHEFFIELD United star Joe Shaw's widow Hettie said the new statue of her late husband outside Bramall Lane was a "lovely" tribute to the late footballer.
Blades legend Shaw, who made more than 700 senior outings for the club, was the trusty bulwark of the United defence in the 1950s and 60s.

He has been immortalised alongside fellow hero Derek Dooley.

Their statues were unveiled in a joint ceremony last weekend.
Hettie, who lives at Dronfield Woodhouse, attended the event with seven members of the family.

They included their two daughters. The eldest, Pam, had flown in from Ireland, where she now lives.

Hettie said: "It was a big occasion. There were hundreds of United supporters at the unveiling despite it pouring down with rain.

"The statue is lovely and all the family agree. It's a credit to the sculptor, Paul Vanstone."

After retiring, Shaw, who died in 2007, coached briefly at Bramall Lane and was then manager of York City and later Fulham's chief scout. He spent three years with Third Division Chesterfield.

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http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/04082010/63/hughes-pushes-zamora-england-claims.html

Hughes pushes Zamora's England claims

New Fulham boss Mark Hughes has vowed to help Bobby Zamora break into the England side as quickly as possible.
Zamora enjoyed arguably the finest season of his career last term and was linked with a call-up to Fabio Capello's provisional squad for this summer's World Cup.
An Achilles injury ended any hope the 29-year-old had of forcing his way onto the plane for South Africa but the subsequent retirement of Emile Heskey has opened up one of England's striking berths for next week's friendly against Hungary.
Hughes, who was officially unveiled as Fulham manager after signing a two-year contract last week, is excited about working with Zamora and hopes to see him gain senior international recognition soon.
"Let's hope so - it's down to Bobby," Hughes said.
"We'll give him every opportunity to show what he can do. If he plays well for Fulham then he may get recognition at international level."

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http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11800_6294562,00.html

Tigana glad to be back

Bordeaux boss beaming ahead of new season

Jean Tigana admits he is delighted to have returned to his spiritual home as the new manager of Bordeaux.

The former France international was announced as Laurent Blanc's successor back in May, bringing to an end a three-year absence from management.

Tigana has been out of the game since parting company with Turkish outfit Besiktas in 2007.

Before that he enjoyed considerable success as manager of Fulham, Monaco and Lyon.

He is delighted to have experienced life away from his homeland, but insists he has no desire to leave France again.

Tigana hopes he is just starting out on what will become a long-running relationship with Bordeaux, a club that means more to him than most.

In the 1980s he was an integral part of a side which dominated French football, making over 250 appearances for the club during an eight-year stint.

"I had many propositions, but my desire was to go abroad," he told L'Equipe on his decision to join Fulham in 2000.

"It is something you have to experience. England and then Turkey were very enriching, but there was also a lot of pressure.

"Going abroad is now done for me. I have been through that already.

"Bordeaux is my club. They have won six national titles, three with me, and three French Cups, two with me. I am a little part of this club's history. To come back has been very emotional."

Bordeaux chairman Jean-Louis Triaud insists Tigana was always the club's preferred choice once Blanc announced that he was to take the reins of the France national side.

"We never lost our desire to sign him," he said.

"We thought about the option for several years. As a replacement for Laurent Blanc, he was our first choice.

"He was not difficult to convince. We had a phone call, we met and it was all sorted in 15 minutes.

"We wanted to hire a coach with a strong character, with a lot of titles to his name and an impressive CV as a coach."

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Jack Wolfskin become new sponsor of Fulham FC

German outdoor clothing outfitter, Jack Wolfskin, continues its successful campaign to increase brand awareness in the United Kingdom with its commitment to sponsor English Premier League club Fulham FC, during the next two seasons.  The relationship extends to significant presence on LED perimeter advertising and Jack Wolfskin branding throughout the Club’s varied executions.

‘The decision to approach the long-standing club from London’s West End is in keeping with our goals of increasing brand recognition in the UK and supporting our sales activities in the London Metropolitan Area’. Explained Manfred Hell, Managing Director of Jack Wolfskin GmbH & Co. KGaA.

He continued: ‘Fulham, as the oldest, continuously active professional club in London, has a long history of tradition, embodied in the time-honoured and unique Craven Cottage Stadium. The partnership with Fulham FC forms plays an important role in promoting the Jack Wolfskin brand in the UK and we very much look forward to working with the Cottagers.’

As the most important football league in the world, the Premier League has an immense drawing power which Jack Wolfskin, a company operating on a global scale, can use to its full advantage.  Having reached last year’s European League final, Fulham made a strong impression internationally and, as it enters its tenth successive season, is an established name in the Premier League.

Alistair Mackintosh, CEO Fulham Football Club added:

We are delighted to welcome Jack Wolfskin to Fulham at this very exciting time in the Club’s progression. We enjoyed arguably our most successful ever season in 2009/10 and the Chairman and the board are determined that we continue with ambition and drive. Attracting partners of the calibre of Jack Wolfskin, is a reflection of our success, both on and off the pitch.’

Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/August/JackWolfskin.aspx#ixzz0veIBtsZP

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Countdown to Tomorrow's Home Kit Launch

The Club will be launching the brand new 2010/11 Fulham Home Kit from Kappa this Thursday 5th August and you could be the first to pick one up in either of the Club stores located on Fulham Road and Craven Cottage.  Kappa, a leading brand in European sportswear, has developed this innovative Home shirt for the Fulham Football Club squad at its Kappa R&D centre in Turin, Italy, to the finest quality and design standards.  The home kit this year is more than just a replica, it is of the exact standards worn by the First Team.

The new kit continues in Fulham’s traditional black and white, and incorporates the well-known Omini Kappa logo of the back-to-back male and female silhouette.

Can’t make it to the Fulham stores before Saturday?  Then why not pick your brand new Fulham Home Kit before this Saturday’s friendly against Werder Bremen at Craven Cottage.  Buy your match tickets today.

Billboard Campaign Launched in London

The Club would also like to make fans aware that it will also be supporting the new Kappa home shirt with an extensive outdoor campaign in the form of billboards in various locations throughout South West London starting this week and through to the start of the Barclays Premier League season on 14th August.

Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/August/HomeKitCountdown.aspx#ixzz0veIZZv8R

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Seatwave Fulham Ticket Exchange Now Open

With Fulham v Manchester United now sold out, Seatwave, Fulham's Official Ticket Exchange, is now open for this game.  If you’re a Season Ticket Holder and can't attend this match, you can sell your ticket via Seatwave to another Fulham Season Ticket Holder or Member and you’ll even get some money back!

For those short of a match ticket, the exchange will give Fulham Members & Season Ticket Holders the opportunity to get hold of genuine match tickets safely and securely.

Using the Fulham FC Ticket Exchange couldn't be easier:

Log on at www.seatwave.com/fulhamfc and activate your Fulham FC account. You will need your client reference number then simply follow the prompts.
Select the Manchester United match and list your ticket for sale.
Fulham FC Season Ticket Holders and Members can browse the site for your available tickets.
If your ticket sells, your season ticket for that match will be deactivated and the buyer will be sent a paper ticket (there's no need to hand over your card).
You will be reimbursed for your ticket directly into your bank account. (Your season ticket cost divided by 19, less a 10% + VAT seller's service charge). If your ticket does not sell you will be notified before the fixture.
For more information on the exchange please visit http://www.seatwave.com/fulhamfc/ticket-exchange/FAQ

Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/August/ManUSeatwave.aspx#ixzz0veIesrNc

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http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/africa/8885690.stm

Ghana omit Essien & Muntari for South Africa friendly

Michael Essien and Inter Milan's Sulley Muntari are among the big names missing from the Ghana squad to face South Africa in a friendly next week.
But Black Cats coach Milovan Rajevac has named a strong squad, including 12 of the players who reached the quarter-finals of the 2010 World Cup.
On Monday, Essien played his first game for for his club Chelsea since the start of 2010 after a knee injury.
No reasons have been given for leaving out Muntari and Fulham's John Pantsil.
The Black Stars reached the last eight of the World Cup for the first time in their history in July and only missed out on a place in the semi-finals after losing to Uruguay in a penalty shoot-out.
Rajevac has called up Cofie Bekoe, Harrison Afful, Bernard Kumordzi, Haminu Draman, Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu and Yaw Antwi in an 18-man list named for Wednesday's clash in Johannesburg.
The match will be played at Soccer City - the scene of the World Cup final and venue of the Black Stars loss to Uruguay.
Also included is Andre 'Dede' Ayew one of the stars of the Black Stars World Cup campaign who has been linked with a move away from French champions Marseille.
Reports in a German newspaper claim he has signed for Bundesliga side VFB Stuttgart, despite Marseille coach Didier Deschamps insisting the 20-year-old is part of his plans in the coming season.
Ghana Team:
Goalkeepers: Richard Kingson (unattached), Daniel Agyei (Liberty Professionals).
Defenders: Samuel Inkoom (Basel, Switzerland), Harrison Afful (Esperance, Tunisia), John Mensah (Lyon, France), Lee Addy (Bechem Chelsea), Jonathan Mensah (Granada, Spain).
Midfielders: Anthony Annan (Rosenborg, Norway), Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu (Udinese, Italy), Kwadwo Asamoah (Udinese, Italy), Andre Ayew (Marseille, France), Kevin-Prince Boateng (Portsmouth, England), Cofie Bekoe (Petrojet, Egypt), Bernard Kumordz (Panionios FC, Greece).
Strikers: Asamoah Gyan (Rennes, France), Dominic Adiyiah (AC Milan, Italy), Haminu Draman(Lokomotiv Moscow, Russia), Yaw Antwi (FK Vojvodina, Serbia).

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http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/04082010/63/davis-misses-premier-league.html

Davis misses Premier League

Rangers midfielder Steven Davis admits he misses playing in the Premier League.
The Northern Ireland international joined Walter Smith's side from Fulham in 2008 in a £3million move after a successful loan spell at the club he supported as a schoolboy.
Davis, 25, is one of Rangers' most saleable assets and his revelation will do little to calm the nerves of Light Blues fans who have already seen six players leave the cash-strapped club this summer.
The former Aston Villa midfielder, preparing for Saturday's friendly against Newcastle United at Ibrox, insists the solution to his frustrations would be for the Old Firm to move to England - but accepts that is an unlikely scenario.
"I'd be lying if I said I didn't miss playing Premier League-standard teams every week and it would be hard not to miss it," said Davis, who has been recently linked with Everton.
"Without being disrespectful to the SPL, I think everybody connected with Rangers would like nothing more than to be taking on sides of that calibre all the time. That's why we find our pre-season games against the big English sides so enjoyable. It's a real opportunity for us to show what we're capable of."

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http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hC2_LXBEGivQdoiQ5XyoK68xCKjQ

Hodgson tackles Al Fayed over 'walk out' claim

LIVERPOOL, England — Roy Hodgson has accused Mohamed Al Fayed of damaging their relationship after the Fulham owner hit out at Hodgson for quitting Craven Cottage to join Liverpool.
Hodgson has admitted he was disappointed to read his former chairman's comments in the wake of him leaving Fulham to succeed Rafael Benitez at Anfield.
Al Fayed, 77, accused Hodgson of letting the club down by walking out on them.
Hodgson, who helped established Fulham in the Premier League and led them to last season's Europa League final during his successful spell in charge at the London club, refused to let Al Fayed's criticism pass without a response when questioned on the subject.
Hodgson said: "They were part jovial I think. He (Al Fayed) didn't want me to leave and thought that's what I should do.
"But the chance to manage here was a bit special. I loved Fulham. My good fortune in leaving was that all the staff, players and chief executive understood the decision.
"I'm a bit disappointed that the excellent relationship I had with Mohamed has taken a bit of a knockback. It would have been nice had he said nice things about me, but I'll just have to take things on the chin."
Hodgson meanwhile admits he might be powerless to prevent Javier Mascherano from leaving if an acceptable bid comes in.
The Argentine captain is keen on a move to Inter Milan to be reunited with Benitez and Hodgson knows he faces a difficult task in keeping the midfield enforcer despite having managed to talk Fernando Torres into remaining at the club.
Mascherano's agent has flown to Italy to try and thrash out a deal with the European champions and Hodgson added: "In terms of Javier Mascherano, that will be more difficult.
"If a big offer comes in and it's a club he wants to go to then that will be harder (for us), but this hasn't happened yet and I continue to work with him and consider him a Liverpool player.
"If an offer comes in that meets our valuation and he wants to go, then maybe my powers of persuasion won't be as strong."
Hodgson is delighted Torres has pledged his future to the club ahead of the new season, despite strong speculation linking him with moves to Chelsea and Real Madrid.
But Hodgson did admit he never feared Torres, who is doubtful for the start of the new campaign, would turn his back on the club.
He said: "Of course I'm pleased. He's only been back a couple of days and needs to do a lot of work to recover from his holidays and the injury he picked up at World Cup.
"I'm still hopeful it won't be out of question to use him against Arsenal. I've got to say, ever since I took the job we were always confident he would stay and that there was nothing to worry about, that he would play for Liverpool.
"It's nice the speculation can now end once and for all and that he has made it absolutely clear how committed he is to this club.
"We believe he wasn't fully fit going into World Cup and that affected his performances. We want to make sure we prepare him right for the new season because it's not just about the first few games. But we don't want to look too far ahead."
Hodgson has promised to field his strongest possible side when Liverpool host Rabotnicki Skopje in the second leg of their Europa League, third round qualifying game at Anfield later Thursday.

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http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5gGnU8FhNlXyaIdgG0uL_KfCKxxDw

Hughes vows to help Zamora

New Fulham boss Mark Hughes has vowed to help Bobby Zamora break into the England side as quickly as possible.
Zamora enjoyed arguably the finest season of his career last term and was linked with a call-up to Fabio Capello's provisional squad for this summer's World Cup. An Achilles injury ended any hope the 29-year-old had of forcing his way onto the plane for South Africa but the subsequent retirement of Emile Heskey has opened up one of England's striking berths for next week's friendly against Hungary.
Hughes, who was officially unveiled as Fulham manager on Tuesday after signing a two-year contract last week, said: "Let's hope so - it's down to Bobby. We'll give him every opportunity to show what he can do. If he plays well for Fulham then he may get recognition at international level."
Zamora scored 19 goals in all competitions last season, and Hughes challenged him to better that tally this term.
The former Manchester City boss said: "He had a great season.
"What Bobby needs to do is obviously build on that and become a consistent scorer for seasons to come.
"That's the demand that we will place on him.
"It can't be that you just have one standout season and you don't build on it.
"That wouldn't be acceptable for any player.
"Certainly, from our point of view, we will drive players on to achieve what they're capable of. Bobby is a player who can achieve as much as he wants."

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http://www.fansfc.com/story/23292.html

Fulham ready to make Santa Cruz splash

Fulham Football Club manager Mark Hughes has, perhaps predictably, been linked with a big-money move for Roque Santa Cruz.

The Welsh coach first worked with the Paraguayan international at Blackburn Rovers, and he moved heaven and earth to lure him to Manchester City last summer.

Santa Cruz endured an injury-plagued season following his £17million move to Eastlands, and he is expected to leave the club in the coming weeks.

Reports suggest Hughes is hoping to sign the 28-year-old for a third time, and is prepared to pay around £8million to take him to Craven Cottage.

The South American isn’t the only City player being linked with their former coach, as Craig Bellamy, Nedum Onuoha and Stephen Ireland are also reported targets.

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Fulham - Hughes Aims High!

Speaking to the press at the news conference yesterday, confirming his appointment, Mark Hughes, to his credit, remained remarkably calm when pressed about his time at Manchester City.

At City, Mark was operating in an environment whereby cash was plentiful and players were signed whatever the cost. But, at Craven Cottage, Mark realises that things are slightly different and compared his forthcoming spell here with his spell at Blackburn whereby he spent prudently but also achieved a degree of success.

This is the gist of what he had to say,

"At Fulham it`s a different league in terms of what we can achieve."

"But whenever I`ve gone into a club, I`ve tried to overachieve, I don`t play down expectations like some managers do."

"Some downplay it and then get a pat on the back but I don`t. Fans need to feel they can achieve something."

"I`ll try to build on what`s been achieved here - it`s not as tough as managing City."

"Don`t forget I was in a similar role at Blackburn and the budgets I`ll be dealing with will be significantly lower than what I`ve had in the last couple of years."

But my spending record at Rovers will compare with anybody."

Two points we`d like to pick up. The first relates to overachieving. It`s an admirable attitude an done to be admired. We don`t want somebody in charge whose happy to finish mid table each season and if that they do finish slightly higher look like the cat that`s got the cream!

And secondly, his record at Rovers with regard to cash spent was very decent picking up players that have subsequently proved to be value for money or sold on at a profit.

Exciting and interesting times ahead!


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=207417#ixzz0vekudQny

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http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/sport/899454/Who-will-win-the-Premier-League-Golden-Boot-this-season.html

GOLDEN BOOT CONTENDERS

WITH the big kick off just a week away, the Sport of the World takes a look at the leading contenders for the Golden Boot.

Last year's winner, Didier Drogba, is the bookies' favourite to bag the award once again.

Arsenal's Robin van Persie will be looking to fire the Gunners to their first Premier League title since 2004, and, along with World Cup flops Fernando Torres and Wayne Rooney, is hotly tipped to give the Chelsea talisman a run for his money.

Darren Bent was last season's dark horse. Despite finding the net 24 times, the Sunderland striker was overlooked by Fabio Capello ahead of England's disastrous World Cup campaign.

Meanwhile, Bobby Zamora may prove a decent bet at 100/1. The Fulham hitman was on fire towards the back end of the season and could be a real steal if he can rekindle that rich vein of form.

Emmanuel Adebayor and Dimitar Berbatov have flopped in front of goal since their big-money moves. With a point to prove, the pair could be worth a punt at 33/1 and 50/1 respectively.

However, more often than not, a surprise package fires their way towards the top of the goals tally from under the radar . Remember Andrew Johnson in 2004-5 and Benny McCarthy in 2006-7? Who will be this year's shock goal-grabber?