Blackburn bosses Kean to demote under-pressure manager
By Chris Wheeler
Last updated at 2:08 AM on 7th March 2011
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/03/06/article-1363670-0C883DAB000005DC-818_306x423.jpg)
Under pressure: Steve Kean
Blackburn's Indian owners are exploring a demotion for Steve Kean to his old coaching role to avoid the embarrassment of firing their manager.
It is less than two months since Venky's boss Anuradha Desai claimed the 43-year-old Scot was 'unsackable'.
But with Rovers two points off the Barclays Premier League relegation zone following five defeats in six games, the club's owners have been forced to re-think.
Rovers' next fixture is at home to fellow strugglers Blackpool on March 19 and Venky's must decide whether to stand by Kean or change manager for the second time in three months.
They sacked Sam Allardyce in December and promoted Kean from first-team coach to boss.
Sources close to Venky's insist Kean is safe for now, despite the 3-2 loss at Fulham.
But one option being considered is to appoint an experienced foreign manager - Martin Jol and Claudio Ranieri were being touted as contenders last night - and put Kean back on the coaching staff, thereby avoiding having to sack him.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1363670/Blackburn-Rovers-bosses-looking-demote-pressure-manager-Steve-Kean.html#ixzz1FtMpRMgI (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1363670/Blackburn-Rovers-bosses-looking-demote-pressure-manager-Steve-Kean.html#ixzz1FtMpRMgI)
Referee Clattenburg giving serious thought to quitting after week of controversy
By Alan Biggs and Laura Williamson
Last updated at 2:11 AM on 7th March 2011
Mark Clattenburg's fellow Premier League referees are rallying round him in the belief his deliberations about quitting football are 'no idle threat'.
Clattenburg was discontented about the isolation felt by match officials even before he was embroiled in the Wayne Rooney elbowing storm — a furore followed by more controversy on Saturday.
The Tyneside official came under fire for his contentious award of a late match-winning penalty to Fulham against Blackburn and suggestions of another missed elbow incident.
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/03/06/article-0-0D7BCF39000005DC-521_468x300.jpg)
Under-fire: Clattenburg is surrounded by angry Blackburn players after their match against Fulham
A refereeing source told Sportsmail: 'I don't think this is an idle threat. Mark has not been happy for some time. His senior refereeing colleagues have been talking to him and encouraging him to carry on.
'We're talking here about a referee who has bags of courage and is refereeing very well. For instance, Pierluigi Collina is known to rate him very highly.
'The game can't afford to lose someone of Mark's ability and standing.'
Clattenburg was unavailable for comment but is known to be soul searching about his future.
There is unhappiness among referees about the disciplinary procedures that prevent them correcting a mistake through the FA when a decision is proved to be wrong.
Such was the furore over the FA not acting retrospectively against Rooney for his elbow on Wigan's James McCarthy nine days ago that there was surprise within refereeing circles that Clattenburg was not shielded from further scrutiny at the weekend.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1363613/Referee-Clattenburg-giving-thought-quitting-week-controversy.html#ixzz1FtNYzhzn (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1363613/Referee-Clattenburg-giving-thought-quitting-week-controversy.html#ixzz1FtNYzhzn)
Zamora thanks Dempsey for passing the buck
Published 23:00 06/03/11
By Neil McLeman
(http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/match-centre/article710944.ece/ALTERNATES/gallery-large/Fulham-Blackburn-Bobby-Zamora-Premier-League+cropped)
Bobby Zamora scored the winning penalty against Blackburn after Clint Dempsey passed him the ball - and the buck.
The American missed an injury-time spot kick against Chelsea in Fulham's last Premier League home game.
And when the Cottagers won an 89th-minute award this time, the England striker showed he has lost none of old confidence by ramming home his first goal since breaking his leg back in September.
"I don't normally taken penalties but I think there were a few nervous people out there, " said Zamora. "It was nice for me to get on the score sheet again so I was happy to take the penalty.
Danny (Murphy) was off and he or Clint usually takes the penalties, but Clint picked up the ball and passed it to me. So obviously he didn't want it - to be fair, when he wants a goal he lets you know about it! But he passed the ball to me and I was happy to take it. I only had one thing in my mind."
In the last year, Zamora has led Fulham to the Europa League final, signed a new contract, broken his leg and become a father of twins girls.
But the 30-year-old is now happy with his role as super sub for the rest of the season.
"I don't expect to come back in at all," he said. "I'm happy to play my part in coming in off the bench."
Read more: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Fulham-s-Bobby-Zamora-has-thanked-Clint-Dempsey-for-letting-him-take-penalty-against-Blackburn-article711340.html#ixzz1FtPBkfv3 (http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Fulham-s-Bobby-Zamora-has-thanked-Clint-Dempsey-for-letting-him-take-penalty-against-Blackburn-article711340.html#ixzz1FtPBkfv3)
Fulham 3-2 Blackburn: Daily Mirror match report
Published 22:59 06/03/11
By Neil McLeman
Serious question marks were raised over Steve Kean's suitability to manage a Premier League club after this latest defeat. Not only are Blackburn's Indian owners quickly losing patience with the Scot after his team's sixth successive away loss saw them slip to within two points of the drop zone.
But Kean also refused to rant and rave after another horrible display by Mark Clattenburg.
Instead, after giving a reasoned and rational critique of the referee's performance, Kean even promised to punish Gael Givet for his post-match red card after Clattenburg was surrounded by furious Rovers players.
There was even a hint of sympathy when the Blackburn boss suggested the Premier League should give the Consett official, who missed Wayne Rooney's elbow the previous week, a break from the game.
He is in danger of giving managers a good name. But for how much longer?
Sam Allardyce was sacked in December because he was not glamorous enough for the Venky's Group. Neither is the Championship.
Blackburn have taken only one point in the last five matches and are now in their lowest league position since Allardyce replaced Paul Ince back in December 2008.
The new owners wanted instantly attractive football and then Champions League. And they gave "unsackable" Kean a two-and-a-half year contract and backed him in the January window but have so far seen little return.
In their last nine games, they still have to play Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United. But there is now a dangerous two-week window for Kean before their next match against Blackpool.
"All we have to do is make sure we perform like that for the next nine games and we won't have a problem at all," the Scot insisted.
"Without a doubt it is the tightest relegation battle. The points we have now would have seen us safe before, and we have still got nine games to go. I think the amount of times the bottom three changes will continue to happen. We need to get the points but we felt that we were good enough to get at least one today."
Kean could take consolation that his side twice fought back from two fine Damien Duff strikes in each half at Craven Cottage. First Grant Hanley's shot deflected in off Brede Hangeland and then David Hoilett volleyed home.
But Fulham should have been given two penalties for fouls on Andy Johnson before the frenetic finale.
And Clattenburg, who rightly ruled against sending off Steven Nzonzi for a last-man foul, finally cracked by giving a soft spot kick after 89 minutes. Hanley had his arms around Aaron Hughes but Kean said: "It's a hard job, and if an assessor is looking then it is technically a penalty, but there were 10 in that game alone. If you give one then you have to give the rest."
Kean went to see Clattenburg after the match but did not discuss the relative pressure they are feeling.
"I think he is a good referee," revealed the Rovers manager. "I said: 'Maybe when you see it again you'll see it from my point of view'. But I respect his decision. He said he took my point and thanks for coming in the spirit and manner you did."
Unlike Givet. When Kean was asked if the Frenchman will be fined, he said: "We would have to say to Gael, if you get sent off for dissent or something that aggressive or bad then we would have to because that is within the code of conduct for players."
Mark Hughes said: "On occasions maybe some of the decisions are a bit mystifying but from our point of view he got the key ones right."
Fulham(4-4-2): Schwarzer 7; Baird 6, Hughes 7, Hangeland 8, Salcido 6; Duff 8, Etuhu 6, Murphy 4 (Zamora, 70,7), Dempsey 5; Johnson 7, Dembele 6 (G. Kakuta, 78,5)
Blackburn (4-4-2): Robinson 7; Salgado 6 (Emerton, 89,2) Hanley 7, Givet 7 (Pedersen, 77,4); Hoilett 7 (Rochina, 82,4) Nzonzi 7, Jones 7, Olsson 6; Roberts 6, Biram Diouf 7.
Hero: Damien Duff. Two goals capped buzzing performance down the wing
Villain: Danny Murphy. His nightmare was cut short by his second-half substitution
Read more: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Fulham-3-2-Blackburn-Daily-Mirror-match-report-Indian-owners-losing-patience-with-Steve-Kean-article711329.html#ixzz1FtQCTHrK (http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Fulham-3-2-Blackburn-Daily-Mirror-match-report-Indian-owners-losing-patience-with-Steve-Kean-article711329.html#ixzz1FtQCTHrK)
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/premier-league/8365376/Referee-Mark-Clattenburgs-big-late-call-has-Blackburn-Rovers-fuming-following-defeat-at-Fulham.html#
Referee Mark Clattenburg's big late call has Blackburn Rovers fuming following defeat at Fulham
He got the biggest decision of the match spot on but referee Mark Clattenburg still had to endure choruses of 'you don't know what you're doing' during the game and microscopic scrutiny afterwards.
By Ben Findon 6:00AM GMT 07 Mar 2011
You often can't please both sides, but it's a cruel world when you end up being picked apart by all parties.
Seven days on from overlooking Wayne Rooney's alleged elbowing of Wigan's James McCarthy, fate swung another curve ball at the Tyneside official. This time Clattenburg took decisive action, awarding an 89th-minute spot-kick against Blackburn's Grant Hanley, for a bit of routine penalty-area wrestling with Aaron Hughes at a corner.
Bobby Zamora, back from a six-month lay-off with a broken leg, was in no mood to miss, leaving Blackburn, who had twice battled back from strikes by the outstanding Damien Duff, with nothing to show for their endeavours apart from an overpowering sense of grievance.
Clattenburg showed Blackburn's Gäel Givet a red card as the visitors' protests boiled over at the end. He also received a changing-room visit from manager Steve Kean, who said: "He felt there was enough there to give a penalty but I felt it was not as aggressive or powerful because Aaron Hughes never went to ground.
"I respect his decision, it is technically a penalty but there were 10 of them in that game. If you give one, you have to give the rest."
Mark Hughes, the Fulham manager, was also nonplussed. "A number of our players were impeded and I'm not quite sure what he gave it for, it could have been two or three. On occasions maybe some of the decisions are a bit mystifying, but from our point of view he got the key ones right. Referees make honest decisions, it's a hard job. God knows how hard it is when you have players and managers telling you that you are not very good at your job."
Job security must be on the mind of Kean with Blackburn's Indian owners, Venky's London, concerned at the club's descent towards the relegation zone. Kean has supplied just three wins in 12 league matches and a two-week break before the relegation run-in opens with a crucial match against Blackpool gives the owners the opportunity to make changes.
It is understood that one scenario under consideration is to draft in former Fulham manager Chris Coleman to work alongside Kean, reviving their partnership that proved effective at Craven Cottage.
It all rather overshadowed the triumphant return of Zamora, who drilled the penalty straight down the middle. He said: "I don't normally take penalties but I think there were a few nervous people out there."
The architect of Fulham's success was Duff, who crowned his dazzling contribution with two smart finishes. Blackburn looked as if they had saved a point, with a deflected goal from Hanley and David Hoillet's volley, before Clattenburg's big late call.
http://www.blackburnrovers-mad.co.uk/rprt/mtch/spoton_zamora_sinks_resilient_rovers_654146/index.shtml
Spot-on Zamora sinks resilient Rovers
Fulham 3 Blackburn Rovers 2
5th March 2011
Reporter DSG
Blackburn Rovers RSS Feed Fulham striker Bobby Zamora fired a 90th minute penalty to continue Blackburn's freefall down the Barclays Premier League as the Londoners won 3-2 at Craven Cottage.
Zamora, who missed last weekend's draw with Manchester City because of an ankle injury, stepped off the bench to drill home the winner after Grant Hanley had held back Aaron Hughes.
It was the England striker's first Premier League appearance since recovering from a broken leg sustained in September.
Twice Damien Duff gave Fulham the lead with two sweetly-struck goals, lifting his tally for the season to five, but twice Blackburn struck back.
Hanley fired the first equaliser in first-half injury time with a shot that took a heavy deflection off the head of Brede Hangeland.
Then it was Junior Hoilett's turn to reel in Fulham, capitalising on confusion in the home defence, before a late flurry from the home side saw the lead change hands for a final time.
Blackburn manager Steve Kean made six changes to the team thrashed 4-1 by Aston Villa and will be pleased by a spirited display.
But Rovers have now lost four of their last five league games and are hovering dangerously close to the relegation zone.
Fulham will argue that they should have been awarded a penalty shortly after Duff's opener when Christopher Samba hacked down Andy Johnson, but referee Mark Clattenburg was unmoved.
It was a poor decision by Clattenburg, who drew heavy criticism for failing to show Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney a red card against Wigan last weekend.
Jason Roberts drew an early save from Mark Schwarzer but the acute angle meant the Australian keeper was hardly troubled.
Blackburn conceded a free-kick just outside the area when Samba shoved Clint Dempsey in the back, but Chris Baird blasted the set piece into the wall with Duff then blazing high.
Johnson almost reached a lovely ball from Dempsey and then tucked a Duff cross just outside the post as Fulham continued to press.
The Cottagers were more incisive in attack and their reward came in the 37th minute through Duff.
Dickson Etuhu slid the ball to Duff who raced into the area, thought about rounding Martin Olsson before slotting the ball between the winger's legs.
Paul Robinson, his sight partially blocked by Olsson, dipped his hands to his right but the ball had already passed into the net.
Fulham were unlucky not to win a penalty moments later when Samba tripped Johnson without touching the ball, but Clattenburg was unconvinced.
The Cottagers' good work was undone in first-half injury time, however, when Etuhu lost the ball to Hanley on the edge of his area.
Hanley took the ball forward and pulled the trigger with his shot deflecting off Hangeland, inside Schwarzer and into the net.
Samba almost turned the ball into his own net as the second half got under way before Baird was forced to scramble a cross to safety.
A series of hair-raising moments in the Blackburn area saw Fulham subdued by some desperate defending, the pick of which resulted in Dempsey being denied from close range.
A second Fulham goal seemed inevitable and it arrived in the 59th minute when Duff struck once again.
Moussa Dembele and Johnson exchanged passes before the ball was slipped to Duff who powered his shot between the legs of Samba from the edge of the area.
But once more their lead was shortlived as poor defending in the 66th minute that saw the ball bounce around the left post allowed an unmarked Hoilett to power home.
Blackburn were now on top and it was Fulham who were having to scramble to clear their lines.
Jermaine Jones was gifted time to shoot by the home defence but his effort still sailed wide.
But the last 10 minutes belonged to Fulham with a poor first touch from Duff squandering good work from Zamora.
Robinson made a fine save from Johnson before the Cottagers' pressure told with a minute to go.
Hanley held back Hughes at a corner and Clattenburg pointed to the spot where Zamora rifled home the winner.
http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2011/03/06/dickson-etuhu-and-the-fifteen-tackles/
Dickson Etuhu and the fifteen tackles
Filed under: Analysis — rich @ 9:56 pm
It just shows to go....
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http://blogs.soccernet.com/fulham/archives/2011/03/plum_duff_the_return_of_the_je.php
Plum Duff & The Return of the Jedi
Posted by Phil Mison 16 hours, 54 minutes ago
It was attritional, controversial and full of talking points. The boys will certainly have come off knowing they'd been in a real battle. A massive win Saturday, make no mistake.
How was it for you? Boy, but that game left me drained. Elation though to have the final word against rugged Rovers, and once the war of words died away, you'd have to say we deserved the three points. Though not if you listened to the raw emotion pouring from the Blackburn corner post match.
Having twice pegged us back, with goals that had me tearing my hair out, the visitors industrial football looked likely to triumph with 25 minutes to go. Two key 2nd half moments, Baird heads off the line and Rovers spurn a massive chance on the break after Mame Diouf's pace took him clear. Hughes subs just tipped the balance I felt. He showed a bold hand in clearly pushing for a win with the introduction of Bobby for Murphy, and Kakuta replacing the ineffectual Dembele. We went up a gear in the last ten minutes and got our reward, but how tight the margins between success and struggle in the bottom half of the table.
Rovers arrived under pressure. Local newsmen told me Kean was running out of time with the new owners, and the travelling fans were not happy with his line-up picks, particularly the decision to keep Kalinic on the bench. Samba was back though, and he epitomised the fight - one of six changes from the previous week's debacle at Villa.
Hughes elected to keep faith with the same eleven from last week, so Bobby started on the bench. I thought Rovers had the better of the first 35 minutes as a number of simple 20 yard passes coming forward went astray. Clattenburg was whistling everything and with three early cautions I feared the worst. Neither Dempsey or Dembele could make any inroads up front, but I sensed early on Duff was going to fancy taking on the full-back all afternoon.
(http://www.blogcdn.com/www.fanhouse.co.uk/media/2011/03/damien-duff-fulham-blackburn-307x215-050311.jpg)
So it proved, and with his double strike proving the difference, it was great to finally see Damien back to his best of last season. Four goals from five now for the Dubliner. As for the big fella up top...what can I say? Look back to my preview and you'll see I predicted a goal for our talisman. Myself along with the whole of the Hammy End were on our feet to see him cooly despatch that penalty. Commendable composure as it all kicked off. THANK YOU Bobby! Just wish Clint had done the same v Chelsea...
Just shows what a different team we look when you have both Zamora and Duff back and performing at their best. With those two proving a handful in the weeks to come it will hopefully take the pressure off AJ a little. He worked his socks off as usual and had a solid shout for two penalties when Samba caught him. He's still missing that vital spark to take him clear of defences and gobble up half chances, but I'm certain it will be Dembele now heading for a spell of bench warming. For all his early promise and controlled dribbling I'm getting a tad frustrated with the lack of end product from the Belgian, but his time will come again.
Under the aerial bombardment our back four manfully stuck to their task, it wasn't a happy afternoon for our skipper and I point the finger at Etuhu for that goal in 1st half stoppage time. Totally preventable. With all those bodies around him, Dickson had the easy option of playing the ball the way he was facing. That should have been lashed over the stand into the Thames.
I've blogged it before and see others now posting on the forums. Schwarzer must improve his clearances, and his punching. Might be a little late at 38 mind. Goalkicks don't clear halfway. Rovers big men thundered headers straight back while flattening the man jumping in white. Do something about it before it costs us a goal.
To finish, I guess we have to return to some big moments for the unfortunate Mr. Clattenburg. Blackburn don't make it easy for referees, that must be said. I've been going on about the penalty box argy bargy at set plays that blights football from a time long before I started this blog. If it's shirt tugging, blatant obstruction, holding, barging, elbowing, sandwiching whatever, a foul is still a foul all over the pitch. Whether Clattenburg was still thinking about AJ's claim from a minute before is irrelevant. He saw illegal holding of Hughes from the corner and gave a penalty. It was the correct decision. Le Tissier said so on Sky, the MOTD muppets had to agree, even Kean agreed it was 'technically correct.' End of debate. If that means we have '10 penalties a game', as Kean moaned, so be it. Perhaps then players will get the message.
A week off now for the boys to nurse their bruises before a very winnable game at graveyard Goodison with our current momentum. Could this be our year at last to get something up there? Back to back wins would surely banish the spectre of relegation in this difficult season. Then we can sit back into spring and watch the other 'dogs of war' tearing each other apart. Great feeling this morning to look at the papers and see us sitting above Blackburn and Stoke.
Goal of the weekend by a Fulham man? Not Damien. Check out Dalla Valle's debut strike for Bournemouth. Get in there!
Fulham and proud of it twitter@fulhamphil
White Noise, you're brilliant, it's always a pleasure to wake up and read your Fulham Stuff posts, keep up the good work! :Sparkyticus:
http://sport.virginmedia.com/football/article/2011/03/06/lee_lauds_lauri
Lee lauds Lauri
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Bournemouth manager Lee Bradbury hailed the arrival of latest loan signing Lauri Dalla Valle after he scored on his debut in the 3-0 win over Oldham.
Substitute Dalla Valle, signed on loan from Fulham on Friday, lashed home a 20-yard cross-shot 10 minutes after stepping off the bench. Danny Hollands and Michael Symes were also on target for the home side while Oldham have now failed to score in seven matches.
Bradbury, unbeaten in 10 games since taking over from Eddie Howe, said: "We've got all bases covered now and Dalla Valle's arrival will give us a lot more options and provide competition for the guys up front."
He added: "We've got plenty of ammunition up front and Dalla Valle showed when we came on what a lethal finisher he can be.
"He's quick, wants to run in behind and can stretch out the line for us. He likes playing off a big man, has a very good work-rate and he's a good little finisher, so he can only be good for us. It's more firepower for me as well as more options.
"It's vital we keep clean sheets. Oldham had some big men out there but our guys defended for their lives."
Oldham manager Paul Dickov was disappointed with some of his side's defending but refused to concede their play-off challenge was over after failing to win any of their last nine matches.
He said: "I thought we did OK, except we can't defend set-pieces.
"We didn't man-mark from a corner and they scored a simple goal. I'd have thought it a fairly straightforward thing to do but it seems beyond some of our guys.
"We're on a poor run but there are still 12 games to go and I believe we're still very much in the mix for a place in the play-offs."
http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2011/03/05/blackburn-and-fulham-passing-and-passing/
Blackburn and Fulham, Passing and Passing
Filed under: Analysis — timmyg @ 10:13 pm
The charts on the left are Blackburn; Fulham are on the right. Today's match is top, September's is bottom.
(http://cravencottagenewsround.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/passing.png?w=667&h=559) (http://cravencottagenewsround.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/passing.png?w=667&h=559)
The passing stats aren't included but are as follows:
Blackburn Passing Fulham Passing
Sept: 358 total, 198/159, 1 assist
Today: 349 total, 204/144, 1 assist
Sept: 560 total, 422/137, 1 assist
Today: 421 total, 287/132, 2 assists
They played about the same game, whereas our charts look like two different teams.
So, a case of Fulham giving up all sense of Roy's visage? Blackburn's change in manager, and thus style, not allowing us to control the ball? Or something else?
Quote from: clint23 on March 07, 2011, 06:45:55 AM
White Noise, you're brilliant, it's always a pleasure to wake up and read your Fulham Stuff posts, keep up the good work! :Sparkyticus:
Cheers fella. Much appreciated.
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/kean-in-limbo-as-rovers-near-the-danger-zone-2234290.html#
Kean in limbo as Rovers near the danger zone
Fulham 3 Blackburn 2
By Conrad Leach at Craven Cottage
Monday, 7 March 2011
The timing of the penalty, not to mention the reason it was given, was a little cruel but when you are on a run like Blackburn's, you come to expect the worst. Moreover, as Rovers had already gone behind twice, a third goal was hardly beyond the realm of possibility.
Bobby Zamora's penalty, after Grant Hanley had grappled with Aaron Hughes, was struck hard and true down the middle in the penultimate minute and gave the visitors little time to recover again. It was a defeat Steve Kean found hard to stomach. It may also have been a defeat too far for the club's owners.
Rovers are in the middle of a woeful trough. They have lost four out of their last five league matches and you have to go back to 23 January for their last win – 2-0 at home to West Bromwich Albion. On Saturday morning, they were four points above the relegation zone. Wins for West Ham and Albion, and Zamora's penalty, halved that gap and they are now confronting serious danger of relegation.
An international break, with its two-week gap between league games, is often used as an appropriate moment for a club to sack its manager. Kean may have noted, to his consternation, that owing to the FA Cup quarter-finals this weekend, Rovers have almost a fortnight until their next game, at home to Blackpool.
Venky's, Blackburn Rovers' owners, who so summarily sacked Sam Allardyce soon after they took over the club, may be losing patience with Kean. If they wait until the Blackpool game is over, and that goes badly, they may have waited too long to make a change.
It is a huge game for both clubs. The two teams are level on points with only one goal separating them in their goal difference. But while Kean knows his side are in danger, he felt that what they showed at Craven Cottage would be enough to get them out of trouble.
He said: "Without a doubt it is the tightest relegation battle. All we have to do is make sure we perform like that for the next nine games and we won't have a problem at all."
Presumably, he wasn't suggesting his side should concede the lead twice, and let players like Damien Duff shoot from close range with their favourite foot, as the Irishman did in each half.
Presumably he also wasn't proposing his men give referee Mark Clattenburg, who has been under pressure for a week, since the Wayne Rooney elbow incident, an excuse to show he can make big decisions.
But when Hanley fouled Hughes, that's exactly what happened. Gaël Givet then ran on to the pitch after the final whistle to berate the referee, which earned him a red card and reduced Kean's defensive options for the game against Blackpool.
Kean may have been referring to his players finding the spirit to come back twice, through a Hanley shot, deflected in by Brede Hangeland, and then Junior Hoilett's well-taken volley. Whether Venky's have the courage to stick with Kean is another issue.
Scorers: Fulham Duff 37, 59, Zamora (pen) 89. Blackburn Hanley 45, Hoilett 65.
Subs: Fulham Zamora 6 (Murphy, 70), Kakuta (Dembele, 78). Blackburn Pedersen (Givet, 76), Rochina (Hoilett, 82), Emerton (Salgado, 90). Booked: Fulham Baird, Etuhu. Blackburn Hanley, J Jones, Roberts.
Man of the match Duff. Match rating 7/10.
Possession Fulham 55% Blackburn 45%.
Attempts on target Fulham 11 Blackburn 9.
Referee M Clattenburg (Durham). Att 25,687.
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12876_6798856,00.html (http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12876_6798856,00.html)
Red Devils move for defender
Wassmer set to join non-league giants on initial loan
Skysports.com understands that non-league giants Crawley Town have had an offer accepted for Hayes starlet Charlie Wassmer.
The 19-year-old central defender has been attracting interest from a number of Football League clubs, although The Red Devils are now in pole position for his signature.
Crawley, who boosted their revenue after being pared with Manchester United in this season's FA Cup, have now struck an accord with Hayes.
Wassmer will hold talks with manager Steve Evans on Monday morning and he is expected to initially link up with the club on loan with a view to a permanent deal.
Championship leaders QPR are said to be interested in the talented youngster along with the likes of Fulham, Watford and Exeter City.
http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/sport/8892582.Cherries__Dalla_Valle_could_be_key_for_Bradbury/
Cherries: Dalla Valle could be key for Bradbury
7:00am Monday 7th March 2011
Comments(5) By Neil Perrett
(http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/resources/images/1586027/?type=display)
BOSS Lee Bradbury is hoping loan star Lauri Dalla Valle could be the final piece of Cherries' promotion jigsaw following his explosive Dean Court debut.
Dalla Valle put the finishing touches to Cherries' facile 3-0 victory over Oldham on Saturday, capping an eye-catching cameo with a stunning goal.
The Finnish teenager, signed on a month's loan from Fulham, netted with an emphatic left-foot strike just 11 minutes after coming off the bench.
His composed effort helped Cherries despatch the Latics with consummate ease as Bradbury's 'unbeatables' opened up a four-point gap in second place in League One.
Dalla Valle has been drafted in to bolster Cherries' striking options, the 19-year-old certainly giving Bradbury food for thought ahead of tomorrow's trip to Exeter.
Bradbury said: "Lauri has come in with a big reputation for being a good goalscorer. It was said he was the best finisher to come out of the Liverpool Academy and things like that aren't said lightly.
"He had one half-chance on his weaker foot and it was a great finish. He has got a good touch, he likes to run in behind and works very hard. He is another player we can rely on to compete in every game.
"You need to stretch teams to give you space to play, especially away from home. Lauri and Danny Ings can both do that. As good as Danny has been, he needs a little rest every now and again to get the best out of him."
Dalla Valle, who bears a striking resemblance to countryman Mikael Forssell, the former Chelsea and Birmingham forward, made one brief substitute appearance for Liverpool in the Europa League before moving to Fulham in August.
He said: "I was delighted to get the goal and it was a very good debut for me. We won the game and that was the most important thing.
"I just want to get as many games under my belt as possible and try to score as many goals as I can.
"I want to help the team. It will be up to the manager whether I start against Exeter.
"This is the first time I have been on loan and I want to show people what I am capable of. Bournemouth are second in League One and, like me, they are ambitious to progress.
"Before I came here, I didn't know too much about League One or Bournemouth so did some research on the Internet. I know some of the teams in this division like to play the long-ball game but Bournemouth are not one of them. That suits me because I like to play the way they like to play."
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/mar/07/fulham-blackburn-rovers-premier-league?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+theguardian%2Ffootball%2Frss+%28Football%29
Mark Hughes ready to unleash Bobby Zamora after Fulham beat Blackburn
• Striker comes off bench to score after six months out
• Referee Mark Clattenburg endures another torrid day
Fulham 3 Duff 37, Duff 59, Zamora (pen) 89
Blackburn Rovers 2 Hanley 45, Hoilett 65
James Callow at Craven Cottage The Guardian, Monday 7 March 2011 Article history
(http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Football/Pix/pictures/2011/3/6/1299441272679/Clint-Dempsey-hands-the-b-007.jpg)
Clint Dempsey (right) hands the ball to Bobby Zamora to take the penalty. Photograph: Joe Giddens/Empics
In Fulham, all roads lead to Bobby Zamora. At least that was the impression given last season, when Roy Hodgson led his side to unprecedented success, and again this term when the striker's absence with a broken leg became a prime factor in half of Fulham's games ending in draws.
Against Blackburn, Zamora was the main reason why Fulham recorded a seventh league win rather than a 15th draw. The striker marked his return to league action after six months on the sidelines with the winning goal a minute from full-time. But if that moment was greeted with raucous abandon by the home support it had been preceded by an audible sigh of relief as Clint Dempsey, Fulham's designated penalty taker, recalled his fluffed spot‑kick against Chelsea 10 days earlier and gave the ball to Zamora, who was on as a 70th‑minute substitute.
"I don't normally take penalties but I think there were a few nervous people out there," said Zamora. "Danny [Murphy] was off and he or Clint usually take the penalties, so obviously he didn't want it. But I was happy to take it and I only had one thing in my mind."
It was enough for the Fulham manager, Mark Hughes, rakishly wearing a daffodil, to declare there was spring in the air. "Bobby's return makes a massive difference," he said. "You could see from the amount of time that he's on that he gives us a different threat. We struggled to keep the ball – they have strong centre-halves and it kept coming back, so when Bobby came on there was a marked difference. I threw him on for 25 minutes [in the FA Cup against Bolton Wanderers] and he told me off. He was a little apprehensive. But today he's ready and he knows he's ready. Now we can let him off the leash."
Such uninhibited joy would have been scarcely credible before Zamora's introduction. Damien Duff had twice given Fulham the lead in front of a sell-out crowd but Blackburn appeared capable of matching their opponents, with Steve Hanley and Junior Hoilett scoring equalisers.
The visitors were perhaps worthy of one of the 10 points their manager, Steve Kean, believes they will need to avoid relegation, but instead a fifth consecutive away defeat fuelled speculation that the former Fulham coach may be fighting to keep his job after 10 weeks in charge. Sources at Blackburn say reports in a Sunday newspaper that Kean met Venkys representatives on Saturday night were wide of the mark – the club's Indian owners are not thought to be in the country – but predictions of a fifth-place finish look as rash as the decision to sack Sam Allardyce.
The pain of a ninth defeat in Kean's 15‑game tenure was exacerbated after the final whistle, when Mark Clattenburg sent off Blackburn's Gaël Givet, who had been substituted, for aggressively questioning the referee's decision to award a penalty.
"It was probably a surge of frustration with the referee," Kean said. "We had to take him off with 10 minutes to go because he put so much into the game and was totally empty. He was in tears after the game. But if you get sent off for dissent then we would have to [punish him] because that is within the code of conduct."
It was another torrid day for Clattenburg, who added to the controversy of the previous week's failure to spot a Wayne Rooney elbow by missing a similar incident involving Steven Nzonzi on Duff and then failed to award Fulham two penalties before he did punish Hanley for what was a far more minor offence. The referee was barracked by both sets of supporters and paired a pained look with his trademark grin.
"I went to speak to Mark about the penalty," Kean said. "It's a decisive moment and we were on the wrong side of it. If an assessor is looking then it is technically a penalty but there were 10 in that game alone. He took my point and said, 'Thanks for coming in the manner you did.'"
those indian chicken farmers really have no idea how football works. Here's hoping relegation for Blackburn
Loan Star
Monday 7th March 2011
(http://www.fulhamfc.com/Images/MainNews/NewsPages/Players/DallaValle/Goal.jpg)
After sealing a loan move to AFC Bournemouth on Friday afternoon, Fulham striker Lauri Dalla Valle made the perfect start to life at Dean Court on Saturday afternoon with superbly taken goal in Bournemouth's 3-0 win over Oldham Athletic.
Dalla Valle was introduced after 70 minutes at Dean Court and it didn't take long for striker to make an impact, smashing a left footed drive into the back of the net from the edge of the area after 81 minutes.
After the game the Finnish youngster spoke of his desire to get game time under his belt at Dean Court during the month of March and has clearly been impressed by the manner in which Bournemouth go about their business on the pitch.
"I was delighted to get the goal and it was a very good debut for me," said Dalla Valle. "We won the game and that was the most important thing. I just want to get as many games under my belt as possible and try to score as many goals as I can.
"I want to help the team. It will be up to the manager whether I start against Exeter. This is the first time I have been on loan and I want to show people what I am capable of. Bournemouth are second in League One and, like me, they are ambitious to progress.
"Before I came here, I didn't know too much about League One or Bournemouth so did some research on the Internet. I know some of the teams in this division like to play the long-ball game but Bournemouth are not one of them. That suits me because I like to play the way they like to play."
Saturday's win helped AFC Bournemouth open up a four-point gap in second place in League One and Cherries manager Lee Bradbury is clearly delighted to have signed Dalla Valle on loan for one month.
"Lauri has come in with a big reputation for being a good goalscorer," said Bradbury. "It was said he was the best finisher to come out of the Liverpool Academy and things like that aren't said lightly.
"He had one half-chance on his weaker foot and it was a great finish. He has got a good touch, he likes to run in behind and works very hard. He is another player we can rely on to compete in every game."
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/March/LDVLoanStar.aspx#ixzz1FuR7wADA (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/March/LDVLoanStar.aspx#ixzz1FuR7wADA)
Spot On
Monday 7th March 2011
(http://www.fulhamfc.com/Images/MainNews/NewsPages/Players/Dempsey/vBlackburnHomewithZamora.jpg)
Clint Dempsey reflected on an important win on Saturday evening after he played his part in a positive Fulham display that saw the Whites refuse to settle for anything less than all three points.
"It was a good result," Dempsey told fulhamfc.com. "I thought we were the better team. It was very important that we got the three points and that's what we did. But now we've got to keep playing well and getting as many points as we can to finish as high up the table as possible."
In a hard-fought match, Clint was one of several Fulham players to have penalty appeals turned down before one was eventually awarded for Grant Hanley's foul on Aaron Hughes, to allow the Whites to clinch the victory. And the American forward thought that it was no less than his team deserved.
"After a while the more close [penalty] calls there are you have to call one eventually," he said. "I think it was just one too many times that people were getting pulled and grabbed in the box, so he had to make that call."
And after initially picking up the ball to take the kick himself, Clint explained how he allowed Bobby to take responsibility for a chance to get a taste of glory after his injury nightmare.
"I was going to take it, because it's usually me or Danny, but I gave him the chance," recalled Dempsey. "He looked confident and he put it away, so good for him.
"It's always good to come back and get back into the habit scoring goals – that's what forwards and attacking players want to do. It's good that he's got this one and hopefully there'll be lots more from him over the course of the season.
"We've got to keep going and see what happens. Our next game will be a tough one at Everton away, so we're looking forward to it because we want to be pushing up the table."
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/March/DempseyBlackburnReaction.aspx#ixzz1FuRtLAu9 (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/March/DempseyBlackburnReaction.aspx#ixzz1FuRtLAu9)
Lucky Programme Number Monday 7th March 2011
There could be double good news for one Fulham fan who attended Saturday¹s home match against Blackburn Rovers, for not only would they have watched the Whites collect three points from a thrilling encounter, they have also won more than £100 worth of Jack Wolfskin goodies.
The Lucky Programme Number drawn on Saturday was 01021.
If that number is printed on the back of your matchday programme then you are the lucky winner
To claim your prize please send a photograph or scan of the rear cover of the programme as proof, along with your name and address to:
[email protected]|.
Be sure to pick up a copy of the matchday programme at every Fulham home match to be in with a chance of winning more great prizes.
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/March/LuckyProgrammeNumberBlackburn.aspx#ixzz1FuSID0rM (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/March/LuckyProgrammeNumberBlackburn.aspx#ixzz1FuSID0rM)
Mark Clattenburg did himself no favours in bid to return to the shadows
By Graham Poll
Last updated at 9:33 AM on 7th March 2011
Who'd be a ref? It's the question I get asked most and, after his horrible week, Mark Clattenburg will probably be asking himself it, too.
After missing Wayne Rooney's forearm smash on Wigan's James McCarthy before being involved in further controversy at Manchester City on Wednesday, all he wanted was a quiet day at Craven Cottage on Saturday.
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/03/07/article-1363705-0D7BDB6C000005DC-213_634x351.jpg)
Trouble on the cards: Mark Clattenburg sends Blackburn's Gael Givet off at Fulham
The appointment to Fulham v Blackburn - with due respect to the two clubs - was a sensible one. It was a low profile Barclays Premier League match, yet Clattenburg once again left the field amid acrimony
That though is how refereeing can go. If you are prepared to make big decisions, as the very best referees are, then controversy often follows.
I can remember sending John Terry off at White Hart Lane on a Sunday in 2006 and then being investigated over alleged comments to Chelsea players. On the Wednesday evening I went to Everton and sent James McFadden off for abusive comments in a Carling Cup tie against Arsenal.
The players said that I was looking to be the main attraction, the media agreed and Sky Sports then advertised their next live game on Saturday lunchtime as 'Graham Poll's next game'. I hated it and Clattenburg should be feeling the same.
The problem is he created the controversy himself on Saturday and compounded it by his arrogant manner. After missing another elbow by Blackburn's Steven N'Zonzi, I think he knew that he failed to award a penalty when Andy Johnson was brought down by Grant Hanley.
He was certainly looking very closely for any potential offences form the resultant corner and, as happens at most of them, there was some holding and so a penalty was technically correct.
Blackburn boss Steve Kean called it absolutely correctly: if all of those were given there would be loads of penalties every week. The point is, as it does happen every week then referees should give penalties and it would stop.
The time to start awarding spot kicks though is not in the 89th minute just after missing a penalty. I did exactly the same in a World Cup qualifier in Slovenia and the Russian defenders were justifiably incensed.
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/03/07/article-1363705-0D7BD141000005DC-643_634x329.jpg)
In the spotlight: Clattenburg had a week to forget in the Barclays Premier League
All referees should crack down on this annoying and persistent offence from the start of every game at the start of a season. It's no good one ref doing it on a random game.
Clattenburg then appeared to have no choice but to dismiss Gael Givet after the Blackburn man raced from the dugout after the final whistle and abused the under siege referee.
Whatever the situation players and managers must show restraint. After all, Clattenburg wasn't wrong to award a penalty, he just picked the wrong incident. Now he'll just be hoping for a quiet few weeks... I'm just not sure he'll get them.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1363705/Graham-Poll-Mark-Clattenburg-did-favours-bid-return-shadows.html#ixzz1FuTvlswQ (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1363705/Graham-Poll-Mark-Clattenburg-did-favours-bid-return-shadows.html#ixzz1FuTvlswQ)
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_6800019,00.html
Zamora glad to be back
Cottagers striker pleased to have notched first goal since serious injury
Last updated: 7th March 2011
(http://img.skysports.com/11/03/218x298/Fulham-v-Blackburn-Bobby-Zamora-penalty_2570277.jpg)
Zamora: Spot on
Bobby Zamora is delighted to be back among the goals following a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
The Fulham striker suffered a broken ankle against Wolves in September, the day after penning a new long-term contract at Craven Cottage.
It has been a long road back for the England international, with a large part of the season having passed him by.
He has, however, returned to action over recent weeks and found the target for the first time since earning a first-team recall in Fulham's 3-2 victory over Blackburn on Saturday.
Nerves
He kept his cool to slot home a last-minute penalty, helping him to banish his injury demons and the Cottagers to another welcome three points.
On his late spot-kick, Zamora said: "I don't normally take penalties but there were a few nervous people out there and Danny Murphy had been substituted.
"Clint [Dempsey, who missed a late penalty against Chelsea recently] picked the ball up and passed it straight to me, so he obviously didn't want it and I was happy to take it and get my name back on the scoresheet.
"It's always tough when you're out injured for so long and the hardest part was being stuck in the gym while all the lads were training."
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11694_6800201,00.html
Duo revved up for Carr chase
Fulham & Stoke keep eye on Blues skipper
By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me on Twitter @skysportspeteo
Last updated: 7th March 2011
(http://img.skysports.com/10/10/218x298/Stephen-Carr-_2518448.jpg)
Carr: Attracting attention
Skysports.com understands Fulham and Stoke are considering moves for Birmingham defender Stephen Carr.
Carr has been in outstanding form for Birmingham this season and put in a brilliant performance in last weekend's Carling Cup final win over Arsenal.
The former Tottenham and Newcastle star, who has just over a year to run on his current contract, has rolled back the years this term with a number of eye-catching performances.
Carr has virtually been an ever-present for Birmingham this season and his form has not gone unnoticed by other clubs.
Fulham boss Mark Hughes and Stoke chief Tony Pulis are both thought to be in the market for a new right-back for next season and they are believed to be weighing up moves for Carr.
Birmingham would be loath to lose their skipper as Alex McLeish looks to build on his side's Carling Cup success this season and their plans for European football next term.
Match Winner
Monday 7th March 2011
(http://www.fulhamfc.com/Images/MainNews/NewsPages/Players/Zamora/bobbyblackburngoal.jpg)
Bobby Zamora kept his cool to drill home a last minute penalty against Blackburn Rovers at the Cottage on Saturday to earn Fulham all three points and the striker was evidently delighted to have secured the win after a hard fought 90 minutes.
"I don't normally take penalties," Zamora told fulhamfc.com after the match. "I think there were a few nervous people out there to be fair.
"It was a chance for me to get on the score sheet so I was happy to take the penalty. Danny was off, who is the regular penalty-taker. Clint picked up the ball and passed it to me and I only had one thing in my mind.
"We were under the cosh a little bit, they [Blackburn] play a certain way and it's hard to play against. We didn't play our best football but the lads have been tremendous, showed great character, worked right to the end and got all three points.
"We've got so many good attacking options that we always expect to score and the lads at the back, as usual, are always tight and make our job that much easier. Our goal difference is where it is because they're doing their job so well."
Zamora's target is to achieve full match fitness over the coming weeks but with Fulham's attacking options now as strong as ever this season the England international knows he will have to earn his place back in Mark Hughes' starting eleven.
"The lads have been a different standard all season in terms of work ethic," said Zamora. "There are so many attacking options now; I don't expect to come back in.
"I'm happy to play my part coming on off the bench. It's a shame that it's so close to the end of the season, for me it's a case of getting properly fit and hopefully doing well - that's my goal.
"Just looking at the bench, it's frightening. The options are brilliant and I think anyone can go in and do a good job. You have to be on top form every week in training to be able to get in that starting eleven."
Zamora is clearly loving being back in the thick of the action after several months of recovery and rehabilitation. The striker admits there have been some difficult moments on the sidelines this season but is now enjoying the results of all his hard work in the gym.
"Everyone knows it's tough when you're injured and trying to get back but we've got a great medical team and it's thanks to them that I managed to make a straightforward recovery," Zamora explained.
"I've been pretty lucky all through my career not to pick up anything major and I suppose that was my time but, as I said, we've got a good medical team and I managed to come back.
"It was hard watching them [the other players] outside when I was in the gym – that's the hardest part but I always used to walk past and give them a bit of banter and abuse! It's lovely to be back training."
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/March/ZamoraRoversReaction.aspx#ixzz1Fv0uaZjP (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/March/ZamoraRoversReaction.aspx#ixzz1Fv0uaZjP)
Quote from: White Noise on March 07, 2011, 06:38:07 AM
...I felt it was not as aggressive or powerful because Aaron Hughes never went to ground.
I respect his decision, it is technically a penalty but there were 10 of them in that game. If you give one, you have to give the rest...
Bogus reasoning from Kean if I've ever seen it: It's only a foul if the player goes down, and I would have been happier if Clattenburg had awarded 10 penalties against us.
Understandable, though, in light of the poor display from the ref.
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/11/03/07/SOCCER_Fulham_Zamora.html&TEAMHD=soccer&BID=165 (http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/11/03/07/SOCCER_Fulham_Zamora.html&TEAMHD=soccer&BID=165)
ZAMORA READY FOR SUPER SUB ROLE
Fulham striker Bobby Zamora does not expect to walk straight back into Mark Hughes' starting XI despite scoring his first goal since returning from a broken leg.
The England international, who came off the bench to slam home a decisive penalty in the 3-2 over Blackburn on Saturday, told the club's official website that the number of options available to Hughes mean that nobody is guaranteed to start.
"There are so many attacking options now I don't expect to come back in," said Zamora. "I'm happy to play my part coming on off the bench."
A recent run of good form has steered Fulham away from the relegation battle and Zamora feels that Hughes now has a squad brimming with quality players to select from in the closing weeks of the season.
"Just looking at the bench, it's frightening. The options are brilliant and I think anyone can go in and do a good job. You have to be on top form every week in training to be able to get in that starting eleven."
Zamora signed a new contract at Fulham back in September before breaking his leg the next day in a match against Wolves.
It was initially feared that he would not play again this season but the ex-Tottenham forward believes the club's medical staff have helped him return ahead of schedule.
"I've been pretty lucky all through my career not to pick up anything major and I suppose that was my time but we've got a good medical team and I managed to come back."
Chelsea - The Kakuta Conundrum!
Having gone on loan, just down the Fulham Road, you`d have expected Gael Kakuta to be reaping the benefits, after all isn`t that the purpose of sending a player out on loan?
But that doesn`t appear to be the case!
Gael is finding it just as hard to get valuable match-time at Craven Cottage as he did at Stamford Bridge with Saturday being an ideal example.
Once again Gael didn`t make Mark Hughes` starting eleven and once again he was restricted to less than fifteen minutes of action as Hughes introduced him as a late substitute.
Comments left on the Vital Fulham site seem to mirror our own feelings about giving the youngster more time on the pitch as he strives to make an impression.
But something inside of me feels that Gael may well have been better going elsewhere on loan but where would you send him?
Obviously we`d be reticent to loan him away from English football as the player needs to pick up on the speed and physical attributes of our native game.
There`s also the problem of dropping him down a division to the Championship, whilst it may well serve the likes of Jeffrey Bruma, Jack Cork, Jacob Mellis and Patrick van Aanholt, you get the impression that a drop down into that league may well prove a step to physical for Gael.
So, in a roundabout way, we`ve found ourselves back where we started - back in the Premier League, which makes you ask the question as to whether Fulham might not have been the correct destination.
Whilst it`s physical location lends itself well to keeping a watchful eye on Gael, it`s worth noting that Mark Hughes has in his squad players like Damien Duff, Zoltan Gera and Dembele Moussa all of whom are more experienced and likely to get the nod ahead of Gael.
Looking elsewhere, we have Daniel Sturridge performing wonders at Bolton and Michael Mancienne who, when not injured, is integrated into a variety of positions by Wolverhampton Wanderers.
But if we are to look at an alternative Premier League destination for Gael, the field is narrowed down considerably when it comes to a suitable destination; those staring relegation in the face are reluctant to take a risk on somebody who has yet to turn on the style in the Premier League.
As for the higher echelons, once again there`s the risk factor which leads us right back to the original crux of this article - where do you place a player like Gael on loan?
Read more: http://www.chelsea.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=522454#ixzz1FwGplslD
http://www.caughtoffside.com/2011/03/07/in-defence-of-mark-clattenburg-read-before-passing-judgement/
In Defence of Mark Clattenburg: Read Before Passing Judgement
by Poco T on March 7th, 2011
The internet is brilliant for meeting people and making friends, unfortunately I very much expect to do the opposite with this blog but here goes nothing...
Mark Clattenburg was right to award Fulham a penalty against Blackburn Rovers this weekend. Phew, that feels much better to have said it out loud. Please allow me to explain why.
Perhaps not to the same extent as Charlie Sheen, but Mark Clattenburg has had a tough week. It seems so long ago now but last week Mark Clattenburg was criticised for not sending off Wayne Rooney after he deliberately elbowed James McCarthey in the seventh minute of Wigan vs Manchester United. Uproar was soon to follow as the FA announced they would not be investigating the situation any further. The reason that Wayne Rooney escaped any punishment is because Mark Clattenburg had dealt with the situation and due to one of the FA's many stuffy laws, once an incident has been dealt with there will be no further investigations. This whole situation has left Clattenburg so frustrated and feeling so powerless, which is why he is sadly questioning whether he wants to continue as a top flight referee. Wayne Rooney could have been in trouble with the FA were it not simply for the honesty and integrity of Clattenburg. Last Monday morning, the FA's disciplinary department emailed Clattenburg the standard incident form. Here the procedural problems preventing justice were exposed again.
Any form Mark was sent would have contained two questions, the first part would say 'Did you see the incident, the coming together of players?' Mark couldn't lie. He'd not seen the elbow but he'd seen a coming together, because he awarded a free kick. On these emails, there's an attachment saying that if you haven't seen the incident, go to the second part. That has a video clip and you have to re-referee the clip. But Mark was powerless. He'd been honest and said he'd seen the incident. Having seen the incident again on TV, he knew it was a red card by Rooney but he couldn't do anything." Mark Clattenburg did everything right in the moment of the coming together by seeking evidence quickly from Wayne "I didn't do nuffin' mate" Rooney and James McCarthey who to his credit simply said "I don't know what's gone on." One of Clattenburg's colleagues then informed him via his headset that 'it was just a coming together'. After not seeing the off the ball incident, all of the evidence suggested just a free-kick should be awarded with no further action required. Mark Clattenburg could do no more. He is the one being punished when he has not done anything wrong, but his honesty is to be admired as he told the FA he had seen the incident and had dealt with it. It is a shame that Wayne Rooney seems to be avoiding any blame whilst being completely dishonest. That's the modern footballer unfortunately.
That brings us to this weekend. Mark Clattenburg awarded a penalty in the last minute of Fulham v Blackburn and was right to award it, but is still under scrutiny long after the match had finished. Blackburn's Grant Hanley had wrestled Aaron Hughes out of the way as the cross came in and it was Hanley who cleared it. Clattenburg had a great view of the incident and had no other choice but to award the penalty to Fulham. What's interesting to note is that Grant Hanley did not protest the decision, instead leaving that to Samba who perhaps felt it was he who was judged to have committed the foul after a nothing push on Zamora. It was great to see Bobby Zamora back after a six month lay-off with a broken leg and score the winner – it is a shame the tabloids couldn't have made that their headline. As soon as Mark Clattenburg had blown for full time, Blackburn's Gäel Givet ran on to the pitch without his boots on – he must've known he wouldn't need them for a while as he was promptly sent off for his aggressive protest.
Once again, Hanley looked on as others protested his innocence and I respect him for accepting he was in the wrong. Jason Roberts did his best to calm the Blackburn players and deserves a mention as he has always been such a gentleman of the game and knew the referee had got it spot-on. After the match Blackburn's manager Steve Kean, said: "He felt there was enough there to give a penalty but I felt it was not as aggressive or powerful because Aaron Hughes never went to ground. "I respect his decision, it is technically a penalty but there were 10 of them in that game. If you give one, you have to give the rest." These sentiments were echoed by the pretentious Alan Shearer on Match of the Day, who said "If you're gonna give a penalty for that you're gonna have 7 or 8 a game". Wrong. I continued to watch MOTD and made a note of the corners shown throughout all the matches, including the ones that lead to Gary Cahill's brace and Scharner's header from what looked like an impossible angle.
There were 9 corners shown overall on MOTD and in none of the other examples were there any situations where a referee should have awarded a penalty, let alone 7 or 8. The reason being that when the ball is dead for a corner there will be the inevitable pushing and pulling, but when the ball comes into play that all stops for fear of committing a foul. Unfortunately for Blackburn, Hanley continued to wrestle Hughes once the corner had been taken, giving Mark Clattenburg no other option but to award a penalty.
It annoys me that the best referee this country has to offer is under constant scrutiny for every decision, right or wrong. Gary Lineker chipped in with one of his pathetic, patronising comments on MOTD when he said "and he gave a yellow card but it was nothing like an elbow". Mark Clattenburg probably makes in a year what a lot of the top Premiership players earn in a week yet continues to have his life intruded and criticised for getting decisions right. He is a big football fan and it would be such an injustice if this man were to be forced out of the game that he loves so much.
Fulham set to sign Israeli kid Altman after midfielder's trials with Liverpool and Arsenal
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 9:18 PM on 7th March 2011
Fulham look set to win the battle for Israeli midfielder Omri Altman.
The 16-year-old from Maccabi Tel Aviv had trials with Liverpool and Arsenal last year.
Meanwhile Millwall have signed Tottenham winger Andros Townsend, 19, on loan for the rest of the season, while Crystal Palace are to sign midfielder Kemy Agustien from Swansea on loan.
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/03/07/article-1363952-0D7BD2DB000005DC-108_468x286.jpg)
Coup: Fulham manager Mark Hughes is set to sign Omri Altman
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1363952/Fulham-set-sign-Omri-Altman-trials-Liverpool-Arsenal.html#ixzz1FxAYIzo7 (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1363952/Fulham-set-sign-Omri-Altman-trials-Liverpool-Arsenal.html#ixzz1FxAYIzo7)
