Player Contracts & Expiry Dates

[White Noise]

I have brought the list up to date with the latest changes. Steve Sidwell has moved out of the players with contracts expiring this Summer and I have also moved out Neil Etheridge after a piece (unconfirmed by the club) reporting he has recently signed a 2 year extension. The same article says that Pascal Zuberbuhler will be joining Azkals (Etheridge's national side) as a coach from June, which would suggest he will be leaving Fulham - though I have not removed him yet. I have added Dan Burn from Darlington who has signed a 3 year deal even though he doesn't start until the Summer. I have not included Cauley Woodrow from Luton or Omri Altman from Maccabi Tel Aviv, despite articles suggesting they have agreed terms with Fulham, because there has been no official confirmation from any of the clubs.

Here is a link to the last list, for comparison -

http://www.friendsoffulham.com/forum/index.php?topic=7139.0

I have just included those players who are listed in the '25-Man Squad'

http://www.fulhamfc.com/MatchAndTeam/PlayerProfiles/1stTeamPlayers.aspx

and the 'Other Squad Players' page -

http://www.fulhamfc.com/MatchAndTeam/PlayerProfiles/OtherSquadPlayers.aspx

Now that we no longer play in the Reserve League there is very little information about our full Reserve squad and almost no match reports.

A full list of the Academy players is here -

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/Academy/PlayerProfiles.aspx

In addition to the 25 man squad registered, here is the list of U-21 players also registered -

http://www.premierleague.com/staticFiles/62/69/0,,12306~158050,00.pdf

There are some anomalies –

1 – Jesse Joronen – actually arrived in Feb 2009 on trial and then signed a 3 year contract in the Summer of 2009. I didn't include him in the last round up because he had not made the Academy squad but is now first choice for the U-18's and listed under 'Other Squad Players' for the first time. He was reported in September of this year to have 'extended his contract for a further 3 years' but, as there is no clarification from the club, I have kept his expiry as 2012. He is listed on a 'round-up from the club as having gone from scholar to a professional contract this summer until 2012 but this would mean it was just a 2 year contract -

http://www.tribalfootball.com/big-things-expected-fulham-keeper-jesse-joronen-1136671

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/October/Joronen.aspx

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/June/PlayerContractRound-Up.aspx

2) Jonathan Greening – after his was supposedly signed on a one year loan deal in Summer 2009 his local paper had claimed in February 2010 that he had just signed a 3 year contract that will take him up to the age of 33 (I had therefore assumed that is Summer 2012) but no other mention by the club or media had followed. In July though the Birmingham Mail said he had signed on permannently on a two year deal so I have kept the expiry date as Summer 2012. It was widely assumed that his move had originally been a permanent one in all but name. The club have not confirmed the length of his contract.

http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/west-bromwich-albion-fc/west-bromwich-albion-fc-news/2010/07/02/west-brom-won-t-get-windfall-from-new-jonathan-greening-deal-97319-26772616/?

http://www.friendsoffulham.com/forum/index.php?topic=1058.0

3) Alex Kacaniklic joined in the Summer with Lauri Della Valle as part of the Konchesky deal. No mention was made in the club's announcement as to contract length but I saw a report saying he had signed for 2 years. At time of writing I can't find that report.

4) Lauri Della Valle joined in the Summer with Alex Kacaniklic as part of the Konchesky deal. No mention was made in the club's announcement as to contract length but I saw a report saying he had signed for 3 years. At time of writing I can't find that report.


Here is a list of current contract expiry dates for the 42 permanent players, with the length of their most recent contract in brackets -

Aaron Hughes – Summer 2013 (3.5 years)

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2009/December/AaronDeal.aspx

Alex Kacaniklic - Summer 2012 (2 years)

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/August/KoncheskyTransfer.aspx

Alex Smith - 25th June 2012 (3 years)

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2009/June/SmithContract.aspx

Andy Johnson - 7th August 2012 (4 years)

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2008/July/JohnsonSigns.aspx

Bjørn Helge Riise - 22nd July 2012 (3 years)

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2009/July/RiiseSigns.aspx

Bobby Zamora - Summer 2014 (4 years)

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/September/ZamoraDeal.aspx

Brede Hangeland - Summer 2013 (3.5 years)

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2009/November/BredeExtension.aspx

Carlos Salcido - Summer 2013 (3 years)

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/August/SalcidoSigns.aspx

Chris Baird - Summer 2013 (3 years)

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/September/BairdNewContract.aspx

Clint Dempsey - Summer 2013 (4 years)

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2009/August/DempseyExtension.aspx

Courtney Harris - Signed Summer 2010 - Contract length unknown

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/July/foundationnews.aspx

Damian Duff - Summer 2012 (3 years)

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2009/August/DamienDuffSigns.aspx

Dan Burn - Summer 2014 (3 years)

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/April/BurnDeal.aspx#ixzz1JfSAZiEN

Danny Hoesen - (Signed professional contract Summer 2009)

http://www.fulhamfc.com/MatchAndTeam/PlayerProfiles/ProfileDetails/DannyHoesen.aspx

Danny Murphy - Summer 2012 (1 year)

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/MurphySignsNewDeal.aspx#ixzz1DClAZ3kl

David Stockdale – Summer 2013 (3.5 years)

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2009/December/StockdaleSignsExtension.aspx

Dickson Etuhu - Summer 2014 (4 years)

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/August/EtuhuContractExtension.aspx

Diomansy Kamara - 9th July 2011 (4 years)

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2007/July/KamaraSigns.aspx

Eddie Johnson - Summer 2011 (3.5 years) (Preston North End on loan until the end of season)

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2008/January/JohnsonSigns.aspx

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2009/December/EddieJohnsonLoaned.aspx

Eidur Gudjohnsen - Summer 2011 (on loan from Stoke City)

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/EGJoinsFulham.aspx#ixzz1DChv9yqW

Gael Kakuta - Summer 2011 (on loan from Chelsea until the end of the 2010/11 season)

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/LoanDeal.aspx#ixzz1DClbUCpS

Jesse Joronen – 30th June 2012 (3 years)

http://hammyend.com/index.php/2009/09/fulham-sign-young-finnish-goalkeeper/
http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/June/PlayerContractRound-Up.aspx

John Pantsil - 16th July 2011 (3 years)

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2008/July/ZamoraPantsilSignings.aspx

Jonathan Cosgrove - 30/06/2012 (2 years)

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/June/PlayerContractRound-Up.aspx

Jonathan Greening - Summer 2012 (2 years)

http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/west-bromwich-albion-fc/west-bromwich-albion-fc-news/2010/07/02/west-brom-won-t-get-windfall-from-new-jonathan-greening-deal-97319-26772616/?

Kagiso Dikgacoi - Summer 2012 (1 year)

http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/01/07/kagisho-dikgacoi-extends-fulham-stay-82029-27950767/#ixzz1AOOz7Uns

Keanu Marsh-Brown - Summer 2013 (2.5 years) (One-month loan deal to MK Dons Feb 2011)

http://www.fulhamfc.com/MatchAndTeam/PlayerProfiles/ProfileDetails/KeanuMarsh-Brown.aspx#ixzz1DmeTiFgU

Lauri Dalla Valle - Summer 2013 (3 years)

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/August/KoncheskyTransfer.aspx

Marcello Trotta – Summer 2013 (3 years)

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/August/TrottaExtension.aspx

Marcus Bettinelli  - Signed Summer 2010 - Contract length unknown

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/July/foundationnews.aspx

Mark Schwarzer - Summer 2012 (1 year - with the option of a further year)

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/December/SchwarzerSigns.aspx#ixzz17d2xu0uK

Matthew Briggs - Summer 2014 (3.5 years)

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/March/BriggsContractExtension.aspx#ixzz1FMKmTHCe

Matthew Saunders - Summer 2011 (1 year)

http://www.fulhamfc.com/MatchAndTeam/PlayerProfiles/ProfileDetails/MatthewSaunders.aspx

Mousa Dembele - Summer 2013 (3 years)

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/August/DembeleJoinsFulham.aspx

Neil Etheridge - Summer 2013 (2 years)

http://sports.inquirer.net/breakingnews/breakingnews/view/20110424-332725/Azkals-get-Swiss-goalkeeper-coach

Pascal Zuberbühler – Summer 2011 (1 year)

http://www.fulhamfc.com/MatchAndTeam/PlayerProfiles/ProfileDetails/PascalZuberbuhler.aspx

Philippe Senderos - Summer 2013 (3 years)

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/June/SenderosSigns.aspx

Rafik Halliche - Summer 2013 - (3 years)

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/August/HallicheSigns.aspx

Richard Peniket - 30/06/2013 (3 years)

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/June/PlayerContractRound-Up.aspx

Simon Davies - Summer 2013 (3 years)

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/August/DaviesNewContract.aspx

Stephen Kelly - 1st July 2012 (3 years)

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2009/June/KellySigns.aspx

Steve Sidwell - Summer 2014 (3 years)

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/April/SidwellContractExtension.aspx
 
Zoltan Gera - 11th June 2011 (3 years plus additional 1 year option)

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2008/June/ZoltanGeraSigns.aspx


6 months left - (8 players)

Diomansy Kamara - 9th July 2011 (4 years)
Eddie Johnson - Summer 2011 (3.5 years)
Eidur Gudjohnsen - Summer 2011 (6 month loan)
Gael Kakuta - Summer 2011 (6 month loan)
John Pantsil - 16th July 2011 (3 years)
Matthew Saunders - Summer 2011 (1 year)
Pascal Zuberbühler – Summer 2011 (1 year)
Zoltan Gera - 11th June 2011 (3 years plus additional 1 year option)

1 and a half years left - (12 players)

Alex Kacaniklic - Summer 2012 (2 years)
Alex Smith - 25th June 2012 (3 years)
Andy Johnson - 7th August 2012 (4 years)
Bjørn Helge Riise - 22nd July 2012 (3 years)
Damian Duff - Summer 2012 (3 years)
Danny Murphy - Summer 2012 (1 year)
Jesse Joronen – 30th June 2012 (3 years)
Jonathan Cosgrove - 30/06/2012 (2 years)
Jonathan Greening - Summer 2012 (2 years)
Kagiso Dikgacoi - Summer 2012 (1 year option take up)
Mark Schwarzer - Summer 2012 (1 year with option of another year)
Stephen Kelly - 1st July 2012 (3 years)

2 and a half years left - (15 players)

Aaron Hughes – Summer 2013 (3.5 years)
Brede Hangeland - Summer 2013 (3.5 years)
Carlos Salcido - Summer 2013 (3 years)
Chris Baird - Summer 2013 (3 years)
Clint Dempsey - Summer 2013 (4 years)
David Stockdale – Summer 2013 (3.5 years)
Keanu Marsh-Brown - Summer 2013 (2.5 years)
Lauri Dalla Valle - Summer 2013 (3 years)
Marcello Trotta – Summer 2013 (3 years)
Mousa Dembele - Summer 2013 (3 years)
Neil Etheridge - Summer 2013 (2 years)
Philippe Senderos - Summer 2013 (3 years)
Rafik Halliche - Summer 2013 - (3 years)
Richard Peniket - 30/06/2013 (3 years)
Simon Davies - Summer 2013 (3 years)

3 and a half years left - (5 players)

Bobby Zamora - Summer 2014 (4 years)
Dan Burn - Summer 2014 (3 years)
Dickson Etuhu - Summer 2014 (4 years)
Matthew Briggs - Summer 2014 (3.5 years)
Steve Sidwell - Summer 2014 (3 years)



Unknown contract length (3)

Courtney Harris - Signed Summer 2010 - Contract length unknown
Danny Hoesen - (Signed professional contract Summer 2009
Marcus Bettinelli  - (Signed first contract July 2010)

[White Noise]

Marsh-Brown Loaned


Monday 31st January 2011


Keanu Marsh-Brown has joined League One side MK Dons in a one-month loan deal


Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/Marsh-BrownLoaned.aspx#ixzz1DChhfcMe

[White Noise]

Eidur Gudjohnsen Joins Fulham

Monday 31st January 2011



Fulham Football Club is delighted to confirm the signing of Eidur Gudjohnsen on loan from Stoke City until the end of the season.

The Iceland international brings with him a reputation for being an outstanding technical player with a high degree of tactical awareness, versatility and an eye for goal.

Gudjohnsen has won a glittering array of honours with two Premier League titles, one La Liga title, the Eredivisie title, the Copa del Rey and UEFA Champions League being the most notable.

Gudjohnsen started his career at Valur Reykjavik before spells at both PSV Eindhoven and KR Reykjavik. But it was after he joined Bolton Wanderers in 1998 that he stepped into the limelight. Between 1998 and 2000 he made 55 appearances for the Trotters, scoring 18 times and catching the eye with some outstanding performances.

A move to Chelsea followed - Gudjohnsen spent six seasons at Stamford Bridge before signing for Spanish giants FC Barcelona.

In August 2009 he joined Monaco on a two-year deal. He remained at the Stade Louis II until January 2010 when he was loaned to Tottenham Hotspur for the remainder of the 2009/10 season. Gudjohnsen moved to Stoke City in August 2010.


Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/EGJoinsFulham.aspx#ixzz1DChv9yqW

[White Noise]

Eddie Johnson Joins Preston


Monday 31st January 2011


Fulham Football Club can confirm that Eddie Johnson has joined Preston North End on loan until the end of the Football League season.

The Florida-born striker spent last term on loan at Cardiff City in the Championship, where a positive campaign yielded more than 30 appearances, two goals and a number of assists.

In January 2010 Johnson was loaned to Aris FC in Greece until 30 June 2010.


Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/EJLoan.aspx#ixzz1DCke1r8V

[White Noise]

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Images/MainNews/NewsPages/Players/murphy/General1.jpg


Captain Commits

Saturday 29th January 2011


The Club is delighted to confirm that captain Danny Murphy has signed a contract extension that will see the former England midfielder remain at the Cottage until at least the summer of 2012.

Murphy has been an inspirational leader for Fulham since his arrival at the Club in the summer of 2007, captaining the Team to their most successful ever domestic and European campaigns.

On Saturday Murphy said:

"I'm delighted to have signed a contract extension this morning. As a Club we've achieved great things during my time at Fulham so far, not least our highest ever League finish and reaching the Europa League Final, and it is a great source of pride for me, as Club captain, to have played a role in some truly historic moments for Fulham Football Club.

"We've made great progress as a Club, on and off the pitch over the past few years, and with the Chairman's continued support, I believe we've got many more great years ahead of us.

"On Sunday we've got a massive game against Spurs in the FA Cup and as a Team we will give our all tomorrow afternoon to earn a place in the Fifth Round. I'm sure it's going to be a great atmosphere at the Cottage and hopefully we can continue our impressive start to 2011."


Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/MurphySignsNewDeal.aspx#ixzz1DClAZ3kl

[White Noise]

Kakuta Loan Deal

Wednesday 26th January 2011



Fulham Football Club is delighted to confirm the loan signing of Gael Kakuta from Chelsea until the end of the 2010/11 season.

The 19-year old forward moved to Chelsea from French side Lens in 2007.

Born in Lille, Northern France, Gael is a highly-rated young player who has represented France at U16s level to right through to the current U20s squad.

He has scored 15 goals from 45 appearances for the France youth teams and helped France lift the U19s championship last summer

Kakuta recently signed a contract extension with Chelsea in December and has made appearances in five out of six of Chelsea's Champions League group matches this season.


Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/LoanDeal.aspx#ixzz1DClbUCpS

[White Noise]

Elm Departs


Monday 24th January 2011


Fulham Football Club can confirm the permanent transfer of David Elm to Swedish side IF Elfsborg as of 1st February 2011.

FFC would like to thank David for his services and wishes him all the best for the future.

Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/ElmDeparts.aspx#ixzz1DCm4d7mp

[LBNo11]

...can I just say that I am sure that I speak for all FoFfers in saying that this is just a further example of why you are held in such high regard by so many; you go to extraordinary lengths to help make FoF the site that so may check first thing each day wherever they may be around the world.

I hope you know how much your efforts are appreciated...

[White Noise]

...can I just say that I am sure that I speak for all FoFfers in saying that this is just a further example of why you are held in such high regard by so many; you go to extraordinary lengths to help make FoF the site that so may check first thing each day wherever they may be around the world.

I hope you know how much your efforts are appreciated...

Thanks LBNo11 - very kind of you to say so. Its just great to have a place to do this sort of stuff and where it is useful. Fulham are a much more popular side, in media terms, than they were even two years ago and there is so much more information about us out there to collate now - which is great!! :59: My thanks for letting me slap as much up as I do. There are that many people on here now that only the good stuff hangs around. A site like this is so important and comes into its own before, during and after matches and in contexts like The Europa League campaign. 

[White Noise]

Smart Moves

Tuesday 1st February 2011



Amid the flurry of high profile transfers that took place on Monday evening, one signing certainly grabbed the attention of Fulham fans as the clock ticked down on the January window.

Mark Hughes bolstered his forward line by securing a late loan deal for former Barcelona forward Eidur Gudjohnsen from Stoke City. The Icelandic striker's arrival in SW6 followed the news that US striker Eddie Johnson would be spending the remainder of the season on loan at Preston North End.

Earlier on Monday evening the Club agreed to send Academy graduate and Development squad player Keanu Marsh-Brown out on loan to MK Dons.

Monday's activity followed some smart work earlier in the month with Steve Sidwell signing a deal which could see the player remain at the Cottage until the summer of 2014.

Mark Hughes' attacking options were also reinforced with the addition of Gael Kakuta on loan from Chelsea until the end of the season.

Three players left Fulham Football Club in January. The Swedish duo of Fredrik Stoor and David Elm left for Valerenga Fotball and IF Elfsborg respectively whilst Rob Milsom headed for Aberdeen on a permanent basis. The Club would like to wish all three players the best of luck for the future.


Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/February/TransferRoundUp.aspx#ixzz1DCmpTmDL

[NogoodBoyo]

"...can I just say that I am sure that I speak for all FoFfers in saying that this is just a further example of why you are held in such high regard by so many; you go to extraordinary lengths to help make FoF the site that so may check first thing each day wherever they may be around the world.

I hope you know how much your efforts are appreciated... "

Nogood "+1 squared on that one too" Boyo

 

[bigalffc]

...can I just say that I am sure that I speak for all FoFfers in saying that this is just a further example of why you are held in such high regard by so many; you go to extraordinary lengths to help make FoF the site that so may check first thing each day wherever they may be around the world.

I hope you know how much your efforts are appreciated...

+1 :045:

[cebu]

...can I just say that I am sure that I speak for all FoFfers in saying that this is just a further example of why you are held in such high regard by so many; you go to extraordinary lengths to help make FoF the site that so may check first thing each day wherever they may be around the world.

I hope you know how much your efforts are appreciated...

+1 :045:

+2  :045:  :045:

[Scrumpy]

...can I just say that I am sure that I speak for all FoFfers in saying that this is just a further example of why you are held in such high regard by so many; you go to extraordinary lengths to help make FoF the site that so may check first thing each day wherever they may be around the world.

I hope you know how much your efforts are appreciated...

Absolutely. WN is a real cornerstone of this forum and it is very much appreciated. :045:

Looking at that list, it's good to know that most of the important players are very well 'tied in'. I would like to see AJ and Duffers offered a year's extension to their deals in the summer. Or are they now reaching the age where, like Danny, they can only get 12 month extensions every year?

Also, I feel a bit sorry for Pantsil who I think has done enough to deserve another deal.

[nevzter]

...can I just say that I am sure that I speak for all FoFfers in saying that this is just a further example of why you are held in such high regard by so many; you go to extraordinary lengths to help make FoF the site that so may check first thing each day wherever they may be around the world.

I hope you know how much your efforts are appreciated...

+1 :045:

+2  :045:  :045:

:clap_hands:

[Mr Fulham]

Cosgrove - 2013
Peniket - 2013
Etheridge - 2011
Briggs - 2011
Marsh-Brown - 2011
Trotta - 2013
Toure - 2011
Dalla Valle - 2013
Hoesen - 2011 (sadly!)
Smith - 2012
Frei - 2013
Saunders - 2011


This is what my source claims.

[White Noise]

A current England youth international, Marsh-Brown is a skilful player who can operate anywhere down the right, but having previosuly played at right-midfield the talented youngster has been moved to right-back - where he has impressed.

A key performer for Fulham's U18s in recent seasons, he will be looking to follow a similar path into the club's Development Squad this season.

In January 2011, Keanu signed an extension to his contract, keeping him at the Club until 30 June 2013. He joined League One side MK Dons in a one-month loan deal soon after



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/MatchAndTeam/PlayerProfiles/ProfileDetails/KeanuMarsh-Brown.aspx#ixzz1DmeTiFgU

[HatterDon]

A current England youth international, Marsh-Brown is a skilful player who can operate anywhere down the right, but having previosuly played at right-midfield the talented youngster has been moved to right-back - where he has impressed.

A key performer for Fulham's U18s in recent seasons, he will be looking to follow a similar path into the club's Development Squad this season.

In January 2011, Keanu signed an extension to his contract, keeping him at the Club until 30 June 2013. He joined League One side MK Dons in a one-month loan deal soon after



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/MatchAndTeam/PlayerProfiles/ProfileDetails/KeanuMarsh-Brown.aspx#ixzz1DmeTiFgU

okay, then it IS a month loan. I thought so, but ... .

[Ron Sheepskin]

There's a few good youngsters there, and I really hope that the club are in discussion with Matty Briggs already. Would hate to lose him. I'm sure that Etheridge is also highly regarded but, like most of us, I haven't seen him play so it would be unfair of me to comment on him.

And WN -  :Sparkyticus:

[Scrumpy]

There's a few good youngsters there, and I really hope that the club are in discussion with Matty Briggs already. Would hate to lose him. I'm sure that Etheridge is also highly regarded but, like most of us, I haven't seen him play so it would be unfair of me to comment on him.

And WN -  :Sparkyticus:

Am I being unfair on Matthew Briggs when I say I'm not sure he's quite got what it takes? His speed of thought does not seem to be there at times - he was made to look a bit sloppy by both Arsenal and Chelsea. Or does it take time for this to develop, and should I be more patient? It's never easy to tell with youngsters, but I'd be interested in your views.