Friends of Fulham

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/9503473.stm (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/9503473.stm)


Reaction to Mark Hughes' resignation as Fulham manager


Hughes' sole season at Fulham will be considered a success


   
Phil McNulty
Chief football writer

Mark Hughes has been at pains to make it clear that his resignation as Fulham manager has not been "influenced by any outside party."
Hughes wants to move a budding managerial career forward after enhancing his reputation at Craven Cottage, where he put behind him a faltering start that led to demands for his dismissal from the locals early in the season to lead the club to a fine recovery, eighth place in the Premier League and a spot in the Europa League via the fair play standings.
If Hughes, as many expect, moves to Aston Villa it will be time for a manager who is starting to acquire a reputation as being nomadic - after spells in charge of Wales, Blackburn Rovers, Manchester City and Fulham - to put down roots and prove he can build a long-term model as a manager.
Aston Villa is the big job Hughes will have craved after his unfortunate sacking at Eastlands and the pressure will be on him to get it right after walking away from Fulham after less than year in the job. If he is appointed at Villa Park, he will also need to prove owner Randy Lerner's judgement remains sure after Martin O'Neill's walkout and Gerard Houllier's brief tenure.
Even though he has adhered strictly to the terms of his contract, Hughes will no doubt attract accusations of disloyalty for leaving Fulham so quickly. He has sampled the other side of that particular coin at Eastlands and may just have decided it is every man for himself in the world of Premier League management.
Hughes had a huge opportunity at Manchester City before being shown the door. He cannot afford a similar fate if he ends up as Houllier's successor at Villa Park.

   
Graham Taylor
Former England manager on BBC Radio 5 live


If you're a Fulham supporter you won't take kindly to this. If you support your club then you want to be ambitious for your club.
If you haven't been approached you're putting yourself on the market but it may be that another club doesn't come for you.
I do believe Villa's end - they don't approach people without going to the club first, I do believe that.
It may be that the contract being negotiated just didn't suit Mark - he may feel he didn't get the contract offer he deserved. We just never know.
Pat Murphy
BBC Radio 5 live's Midlands football reporter

There are shifting sands with regard to Hughes in London.
I'm under the impression it's not necessarily Aston Villa he's after.
There's talk that won't go away about Harry Redknapp leaving Tottenham and a lot of talk from managers and agents that Hughes might be eyeing up a move there.

http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/06/fulham-interested-in-ings/? (http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/06/fulham-interested-in-ings/?)

Fulham interested in Ings
by DAN on JUNE 1, 2011

The Bournemouth Daily Echo are carrying an exclusive report linking Fulham to the Cherries' young striker Danny Ings.

The paper claims that Fulham's scouts were alerted to the 18-year-old whilst they were at Dean Court monitoring the progress of Finnish forward Lauri Dalle Valle, a recent signing from Liverpool who spent the second half of the season on loan at Bournemouth. Ings scored eight times in 23 appearances to help Bournemouth reach the League One play-offs, where they were beaten by Huddersfield in an enthralling semi-final.

Bournemouth chairman Eddie Mitchell is quoted as valuing Ings between £1m and £2m but insists that the club's financial position won't force them to sell one of their brightest talents.

http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/06/kelly-considers-move/? (http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/06/kelly-considers-move/?)

Kelly considers move
by DAN on JUNE 1, 2011

Stephen Kelly has admitted he may have to consider a move away from Fulham to secure first-team football.

The Irish international only made 12 appearances for the Whites last season and, with Chris Baird seemingly replacing the departing John Pantsil as Mark Hughes' first-choice right back, Kelly's opportunities for regular game time appear limited.

Obviously I want to play football and I want to play all the time. That's got to be my main aim and if that's at Fuham then that's great but if it's somewhere else then so be it.

At his moment in time I'm still a Fulham player and that's where my focus is. We're in Europe next year and there's going to be a lot of games so I'll be looking forward to taking part in that

Kelly, who joined Fulham from Birmingham on a free transfer in the summer of 2009, featured prominently as Roy Hodgson's side reached the final of the Europa League in his first season and the prospect of European football – and an opportunity to impress Hughes – might tempt him to stay at Craven Cottage. He is, however, concerned at the briefest of summer breaks, with Fulham's first game scheduled for June 30th.

It's going to be difficult; the schedule for us to be back is in the 23rd June, with our first game scheduled for the 30th June. That means we don't break up until the 8th so it's not much time off but hopefully I'll get some special treatment because we've had eight games running. It's not going to be much time off at all, straight back into qualifying for the Europa League.

http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2011/6/1/2200778/why-hughes-is-better-off-at-the-cottage? (http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2011/6/1/2200778/why-hughes-is-better-off-at-the-cottage?)

Why Hughes is better off at the Cottage


It was only a matter of weeks into his new Craven Cottage reign before other clubs began to court Mark Hughes; notably Aston Villa. It epitomises the state of today's game that a team can consider it reasonable to set their sites on a manager so fresh into his job that he would struggle to name the secretary whom he would greet on a daily basis.

It didn't stop Randy Lerner and his henchmen at the time though, and only 11 or so months on, it won't stop them again. It's become quite clear that Aston Villa would like Mark Hughes to replace outgoing manager Gerard Houllier and executives at the Midlands club have hardly made an attempt to quash such rumours. So, one must assume there is a solid foundation in the paper talk. After all, no new contract has been agreed and in the days of FIFA corruption, £50 million signings and fines for praising officials, 1 year seems a long time to hold down a managerial post.

Hughes would be sensible to hold out  a little longer than that, though.



Aston Villa, despite their indubitably decent credentials over previous years, cannot, with genuine authenticity, be considered a club on the up. At one time, it must be said, they were. Under O'Neill's tutorship they almost became the untouchables of non-top-four football. While they didn't play with the fine, flowing football of the best of them, they fought season-upon season and Villa became, before long, widely renowned as one of the best challengers to the top four's stronghold that the Premier League could boast.

Even before O'Neill's tumultuous stint came to an abrupt end, however, their prosperity began to dwindle. Tottenham Hotspur, under the guidance of Harry Redknapp, showed that it wasn't all that difficult to attain Champions League football after all, and it became clear that, regardless of abundant consistency, Aston Villa were missing something to make them a truly enriching club of modern times.

(http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/479397/106598411_medium.jpg)

Things took an even greater turn for the worse when Martin O'Neill left, though, and the bitterness of his departure underlined certain rumblings that were prevalent at the club. Couple that with a moderate opening season for Gerard Houllier and you have yourself a team in the midst of a great demise. Ninth place might look okay on a CV but it didn't tell the whole story.

And, with Houllier supposedly on the way out, it would make room for a third manager in only a year; hardly the sign of a stable club, even if none of the aforementioned departures were sackings. Yet Houllier, seemingly, isn't the only one to be quitting the Midlands following a lackluster campaign. England internationals Ashley Young and Stewart Downing have made it quite palpable that they'd prefer to ply their trade in European competition rather than taking a stab at the odd Carling Cup run alongside a tedious Premier League season next year.

It's all falling apart for Aston Villa then, and yet Hughes is seemingly up for the job?

It's perhaps plausible to understand some sort of brain process which would lead to Aston Villa having more potential than his current Fulham side. They have the recent pedigree and they have the financial backing; but don't Fulham have all of that too?

We are, almost begrudgingly by default as it goes, back into European competition. Back home, almost, given our mighty run in the 2009/10 season which saw us pipped in the final minute against a clearly fledging Ateltico Madrid side. Having the extra cup to compete in, an extra dimension to our dynamics, is invaluable to a club our size and it's something Villa can't offer. Of course, our exploits could be short lived, but if you go by recent evidence then, clearly, we have it in us to take great strides against Europe's elite.

Mohammed Al Fayed is hardly short of money, either. That his fortune is considered less than that of Randy Lerner is almost irrelevant, given his fanatical devotion to the club he has always loved. While sides around us are being bought for business reasons solely, we continue to be funded by someone who always has, and always will, have the best interests of Fulham FC at heart. He's extravagant and sometimes nonchalant, but he's one of the best chairman we could have ever asked for. Aston Villa's equivalent doesn't quite live up to those standards; look at where O'Neill is now.

And, with Fulham, you get a sense that the fans aren't constantly on your back. We want success and we want to move forward but we're aware of our limits and we know where to draw the line. In contrast, the fans of the Midlands side may be prone to the odd nag and he'll find far more pressure on his shoulders than he ever will do by the banks of the Thames.

That makes for far more room for success in London than in Birmingham. Fulham are, finally, a team that can attract the lucrative players, play the most entertaining of football and appease the most humble of fans. So, before Hughes sets himself up on a road of one year stints at average sides, perhaps he should settle for his mantra of old and slog it out while he's still successful. After all, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/06/houllier-resigns/? (http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/06/houllier-resigns/?)

Houllier resigns
by DAN on JUNE 1, 2011

Aston Villa have announced that Gerard Houllier has stepped down.

Hold onto your hats Fulham fans – the fun and games start now. After last year and Hodgson, we should at least be used to this.

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/soccer/2011-06-01-clint-dempsey-gold-cup_N.htm? (http://www.usatoday.com/sports/soccer/2011-06-01-clint-dempsey-gold-cup_N.htm?)

USA's Clint Dempsey looks beyond Spain to Gold Cup

Two years after beating Spain, which was then and still is the No. 1 team in the world, the U.S. men's soccer team is getting ready for a rematch that attacker Clint Dempsey and his teammates regard as not all that important.

"This is a friendly," he says, using the soccer term for games that are not part of official competitions or tournaments. 'They're a great team, and they're the world champions, but our focus for that game is as preparation for the Gold Cup. We want to win that tournament."

In the sometimes mysterious world of international soccer, a home match against the reigning world champion in front of a huge crowd — ticket sales for the 68,756-capacity stadium reached 57,500 as of Tuesday afternoon — doesn't carry as much importance as subsequent games against much less renowned regional opponents: Canada, Panama, Guadaloupe. Those are the first-round opponents the U.S. will face starting next week in the CONCACAF Gold Cup, a regional championship that could match up the Americans against Mexico in the final June 25.

Spain plays the U.S. on Saturday at Gillette Stadium near Foxborough, Mass. (4:30 p.m. ET, ESPN, Univision) This is their first meeting since the 2009 Confederations Cup— a competition that matches regional champions as a World Cup preview — in which Dempsey scored a goal in the USA's stunning 2-0 victory in the semifinals.

"We played a very good game against Spain that day," says Dempsey, "and maybe we got a little bit lucky, but we defended well and after we scored the [first] goal, I think they got a little nervous and started rushing."

With the win, the Americans advanced to the Confederations Cup final against Brazil and took a 2-0 lead in the first half with Dempsey scoring his third goal of the competition. Brazil rallied for a 3-2 win, yet the U.S. players and coach Bob Bradley cited that experience as a crucial factor in the team's performance a year later at the World Cup.

"Any time you can play a team like Spain it can help you," Dempsey says. "Of course we want to win, but we have more important games coming up."

The U.S. opens Gold Cup play against Canada Tuesday in Detroit. It then plays Panama on June 11 in Tampa, and Guadaloupe on June 14 in Kansas City.

"Having played in two Gold Cups [2005, 2007], I can tell you that we've learned not to take any team lightly," says Dempsey, who is coming off the most prolific scoring season — 12 league goals for Fulham — of an American in the English Premier League. "Canada has a very good team, and I remember one year [2005] Panama got to the final, so we have to be on our game."

The winner of the Gold Cup qualifies for the 2013 Confederations Cup to be staged by 2014 World Cup host Brazil. For this reason, Bradley has summoned his strongest available squad and not a second-tier team as he did for the 2009 Gold Cup, which did not carry a Confederations Cup place with it.

Bradley usually starts the game with Dempsey, 28, as a wide midfielder, but has often during a game moved him to forward, a move that has produced many of his goals. A coaching change at Fulham last summer brought a freer, more aggressive role for Dempsey, not surprising given that the coach is Mark Hughes, a star forward for Manchester United and Chelsea as well as the Welsh national team.

"I think that Clint continues to be a player that improves and establishes himself more with his teammates and his managers," says Bradley of Dempsey, a native Texan who has scored 19 goals in 70 games for the USA. "He's got an ability to make a chance for himself out of nothing. He's got an instinct and an aggressiveness to get into spots and score goals and I think that continues to show."

By playing Spain in Gillette, Dempsey will return to the stadium he called home for his three seasons (2004-2006) in Major League Soccer. He scored 25 goals in 71 games for the New England Revolution, which reached back-to-back MLS Cup championship games with him in the lineup. His aspirations, though, extended beyond MLS and even the U.S. team, which first called him up during his 2004 rookie season. After his third year in MLS, the league – which owns all player contracts -- sold him to Fulham for a transfer fee of $4 million, a league record at the time.

"In his first days with the Revs, in his first training camp, you could see he had goals in mind," says Taylor Twellman, a former teammate and attacking partner who will handle the color commentary of the USA-Spain game for ESPN. "There was some maturity that had to grow there with practice and teammates and stuff, but at the end of the day if he was wearing the same jersey as you, you felt you could take on anybody."

Taking on opponents – running or dribbling at them in search of space or a defensive mistake -- is something Dempsey does as well or better than any other U.S. attacker. His talent and confidence has enabled him to flourish in a league regarded as one of the world's best and could bring yet another transfer from Fulham, a rather modest London club that plays in a small (25,000) stadium that features a pub, McBride's, named after his former U.S. teammate Brian McBride.

"He always wanted to play in England and the move to Fulham was perfect for him," says Twellman. "He's a top goalscorer at Fulham, yet he's still accountable to his coach and his teammates to play within the system."
So if he stays, unlike many American players who try their luck overseas and fail, he's found his place in a culture of passionate fan support and zealous media scrutiny.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/jun/01/fulham-mark-hughes-aston-villa? (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/jun/01/fulham-mark-hughes-aston-villa?)

Fulham hope new deal for Mark Hughes will help rebuff Aston Villa
• Welshman is leading candidate to replace Gérard Houllier
• Villa may seek to exploit break clause in Hughes's contract

Fulham are confident they will be able to hold on to Mark Hughes as manager and remain convinced he will sign a new two-year deal despite the prospect of an approach from Aston Villa and a break clause in the Welshman's contract that the Midlands club may seek to exploit.

Hughes is the leading candidate to replace Gérard Houllier, who this evening reached an amicable agreement with Villa over the terms of his exit. Villa confirmed in a statement that the Frenchman has departed by mutual consent, after "doctors have advised that he will require further time to recuperate" following the health scare he suffered in April, when he was diagnosed with a dissection of the descending aorta.

"I would like to thank Gérard for his considerable efforts over the past nine months and for the dedication, commitment and work ethic he has demonstrated as Villa manager," said Paul Faulkner, the chief executive. "We regret the circumstances of Gerard's departure and, naturally, we wish him well in his continued recovery."

Houllier expressed frustration that he had been unable to return, although the seven-figure settlement he is believed to have picked up should help to soften the blow. "I am extremely disappointed that I will not have the opportunity to manage Aston Villa next season," he said. "My health has improved considerably since I was taken ill on 20 April. I now intend to take the next few months to concentrate on recuperating fully before I may return to football."

The process of appointing Houllier's successor is already under way and will almost certainly lead Villa to explore the possibility of bringing in Hughes as well as considering the credentials of Steve McClaren and Martin Jol, who are out of work. David Moyes, the Everton manager, is thought to be out of reach.

Hughes is the favourite at this stage, although Fulham are bullish about their chances of holding on to the former Manchester City and Blackburn Rovers manager. They believe Hughes is keen to build on his first season at Craven Cottage, which culminated in an eighth-placed finish in the Premier League and qualification for the Europa League, and expect the lengthy discussions about a new contract to end with him pledging his future to the club.

It is understood, however, that there is a clause in Hughes's current deal, which the 47-year-old was able to activate from and would allow him to walk away from Fulham for a small amount of compensation. Although sources close to Hughes have suggested he is enjoying living in London, there is also a feeling he would be attracted to the prospect of managing a club such as Villa, who have a bigger fanbase and greater spending power.

QPR told to cough up £4m to sign Fulham striker Johnson as West Brom lurk

Queens Park Rangers have been quoted £4million for Fulham striker Andy Johnson.

The 30-year-old Johnson is open to a move across west London - but QPR would struggle to match his £40,000-per-week wages.
West Brom are also very keen on the former England international.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/06/01/article-1393261-0BD66A32000005DC-29_468x302.jpg)
Won't come cheap: Ex-England man Andy Johnson is on £40k-a-week wages

Meanwhile Wolves' Marcus Hahnemann has been offered the chance to return to America with Seattle Sounders.

Wolves' veteran keeper is out-of-contract at the end of this month and has been offered a deal with the MLS side.



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1393261/QPR-told-cough-4m-sign-Fulhams-Andy-Johnson.html#ixzz1O6B7qb00 (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1393261/QPR-told-cough-4m-sign-Fulhams-Andy-Johnson.html#ixzz1O6B7qb00)

Hughes' Fulham contract expires as Welshman is linked to Villa hotseat

Mark Hughes' deal as Fulham manager expired on Wednesday night, making him a free agent.

While Fulham still wish for Hughes to continue in his role, he is technically no longer their manager after a contract deadline passed.

As Fulham officials desperately tried to convince the 47-year-old to stay — and further talks are planned with the board — a June 1 break clause in his brief one-year contract kicked in.

Aston Villa is a natural new home for Hughes after Gerard Houllier left the club, but there are believed to be other options available for the Welshman.

While it is not inconceivable that a change of heart will see him stay at Craven Cottage, Hughes wants to further his career after an impressive season when he took Fulham to eighth and qualified for the Europa League through the Fair Play table.

Houllier left Villa Park after a nine-month stay that has netted him around £5m — more than £150,000 per match. The Frenchman, 63, had argued his case to stay on as manager. He produced medical evidence that he claimed proved he would be fit to return in September.

However, Villa owner Randy Lerner believed keeping Houllier was too risky after a five-month lay-off following the turmoil caused by his manager's heart scare.

Houllier, whose original three-year deal was worth about £8m, eventually accepted an offer believed to be around £2.5m.

This was less than half what he would have been due had he been sacked, but much improved on the figure he would have received had he left on medical grounds.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1393302/Mark-Hughes-Fulham-contract-expires.html#ixzz1O6BZvK00 (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1393302/Mark-Hughes-Fulham-contract-expires.html#ixzz1O6BZvK00)

Wilson hoping to keep Slew from Fulham clutches by offering new deal

New Sheffield United boss Danny Wilson aims to head off a £500,000 Fulham bid for Jordan Slew by tying up a new deal with the 18-year-old striker.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1393232/Danny-Wilson-wants-Jordan-Slew-Fulham.html#ixzz1O6C4xW1W (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1393232/Danny-Wilson-wants-Jordan-Slew-Fulham.html#ixzz1O6C4xW1W)

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/aston-villa/8551543/Aston-Villa-show-Gerard-Houllier-the-door-but-he-does-not-go-willingly.html (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/aston-villa/8551543/Aston-Villa-show-Gerard-Houllier-the-door-but-he-does-not-go-willingly.html)

Aston Villa show Gérard Houllier the door but he does not go willingly
Gérard Houllier's long-anticipated departure from Aston Villa was finally confirmed on Wednesday night, with the club claiming uncertainty over his health as the reason for his exit.

The Frenchman's farewell had a sting in its tail, when he pointedly said that he was "disappointed" not to have been allowed to continue next season.

Villa described his exit in an official statement as "by mutual consent" and "amicable", recalling how Houllier's heart problems and subsequent spell in hospital in April meant he missed the final five games of the season. "Doctors have advised that he will require further time to recuperate," the club said.

But the 63 year-old, who stepped into the breach last September in the wake of Martin O'Neill's resignation five days before the start of the season, countered that he had recovered "considerably" and had already begun preparing for pre-season. It is clear that he did not go of his own accord, and he added that he is considering returning to football.

"I am extremely disappointed that I will not have the opportunity to manage Aston Villa next season. My health has improved considerably since I was taken ill on April 20. I now intend to take the next few months to concentrate on recuperating fully before I may return to football."

Now that Houllier's exit has been rubber-stamped Villa have confirmed that the search has begun for a new manager, with Mark Hughes pinpointed as their main target. Fulham, however, remain determined to keep him at Craven Cottage and are yet to give him permission to speak with Villa chief executive Paul Faulkner.

http://www.livesoccertv.com/news/3790/usa-vs-spain-clint-dempsey-minimizes-friendly-value-as-gold-cup-approaches/? (http://www.livesoccertv.com/news/3790/usa-vs-spain-clint-dempsey-minimizes-friendly-value-as-gold-cup-approaches/?)

USA vs Spain: Clint Dempsey Minimizes Friendly Value As Gold Cup Approaches

With the 2011 Gold Cup fast approaching, USA are not ready to sacrifice much in their upcoming international friendly against world champions Spain.

Being questioned on the importance of the game, forward Clint Dempsey referred to the imminent tie as "just a friendly", according to USATODAY.com. Both countries met in the 2009 South African Confederations Cup, but even though the Americans handed La Roja a historic defeat that put an end to the Europeans majestic unbeaten record, Dempsey asserted that shocking the Spanish this time around was not a huge priority.

"They are a great team and they are the world champions," he admitted. "But our focus for that game is as preparation for the Gold Cup."

Having confirmed that USA's target was to emerge as CONCACAF champions, Dempsey reportedly went on to add: "Of course we want to win (against Spain), but we have more important games coming up."

The Stars and Stripes finished their run in the 2009 Gold Cup as runners-up, after a hurtful 5-0 loss to arch-rivals Mexico in the final. The beginning of the competition's upcoming edition sees USA face Canada, Panama and Guadeloupe in the group stage, as they fight to qualify from Group C.

http://www.espn.co.uk/football/sport/story/94183.html?CMP=OTC-RSS (http://www.espn.co.uk/football/sport/story/94183.html?CMP=OTC-RSS)

Hughes' Fulham deal expires

Mark Hughes' contract at Fulham expired on Wednesday night, fuelling rumours the Welshman is set to leave Craven Cottage to take up the recently vacated position at Aston Villa.

Hughes did not put pen to paper prior to his June 1 contract deadline expiring, though the Daily Mail has reported that further talks with the Fulham board are expected to take place.

The 47-year-old led Fulham to an eighth-place finish this campaign and no doubt Cottagers' officials will hope to sway Hughes' decision with their Europa League spot next season thanks to the club topping the Fair Play table.

Aston Villa, meanwhile, parted ways with Gerard Houllier earlier on Wednesday evening due to recent health problems suffered by the Frenchman.

Houllier left reluctantly stating that he had medical evidence which proved he would be fit for a pitch-side return in September. It is believed the former Liverpool boss has pocketed £5 million during his nine-month stint, equating to over £150,000 per match.

"I am extremely disappointed that I will not have the opportunity to manage Aston Villa next season. My health has improved considerably since I was taken ill on April 20. I now intend to take the next few months to concentrate on recuperating fully before I may return to football," Houllier said in a statement on Wednesday.

Other managers to be linked to the Villa role include Houllier's assistant Gary McAllister, Rafa Benitez, former Spurs' boss Martin Jol and Everton's David Moyes.

http://life.hereisthecity.com/2011/06/02/fulham-hope-new-deal-for-mark-hughes-will-help-rebuff-aston-vill/? (http://life.hereisthecity.com/2011/06/02/fulham-hope-new-deal-for-mark-hughes-will-help-rebuff-aston-vill/?)

Fulham Hope New Deal For Mark Hughes Will Help Rebuff Aston Villa

Fulham are confident they will be able to hold on to Mark Hughes as manager and remain convinced he will sign a new two-year deal despite the prospect of an approach from Aston Villa and a break clause in the Welshman's contract that the Midlands club may seek to exploit.

Hughes is the leading candidate to replace Gérard Houllier, who this evening reached an amicable agreement with Villa over the terms of his exit. Villa confirmed in a statement that the Frenchman has departed by mutual consent, after "doctors have advised that he will require further time to recuperate" following the health scare he suffered in April, when he was diagnosed with a dissection of the descending aorta.

"I would like to thank Gérard for his considerable efforts over the past nine months and for the dedication, commitment and work ethic he has demonstrated as Villa manager," said Paul Faulkner, the chief executive. "We regret the circumstances of Gerard's departure and, naturally, we wish him well in his continued recovery."

Houllier expressed frustration that he had been unable to return, although the seven-figure settlement he is believed to have picked up should help to soften the blow. "I am extremely disappointed that I will not have the opportunity to manage Aston Villa next season," he said. "My health has improved considerably since I was taken ill on 20 April. I now intend to take the next few months to concentrate on recuperating fully before I may return to football."

The process of appointing Houllier's successor is already under way and will almost certainly lead Villa to explore the possibility of bringing in Hughes as well as considering the credentials of Steve McClaren and Martin Jol, who are out of work. David Moyes, the Everton manager, is thought to be out of reach.

Hughes is the favourite at this stage, although Fulham are bullish about their chances of holding on to the former Manchester City and Blackburn Rovers manager. They believe Hughes is keen to build on his first season at Craven Cottage, which culminated in an eighth-placed finish in the Premier League and qualification for the Europa League, and expect the lengthy discussions about a new contract to end with him pledging his future to the club.

It is understood, however, that there is a clause in Hughes's current deal, which the 47-year-old was able to activate from and would allow him to walk away from Fulham for a small amount of compensation. Although sources close to Hughes have suggested he is enjoying living in London, there is also a feeling he would be attracted to the prospect of managing a club such as Villa, who have a bigger fanbase and greater spending power.

This article was written by Stuart James, for The Guardian on Wednesday 1st June 2011 22.31 Europe/London

Mark Hughes emerges as front runner for the Aston Villa job

Mark Hughes has emerged as a front- runner to succeed Gerard Houllier at Aston Villa.

The Fulham boss is top of Villa's wish list and is also the bookies' favourite.

Villa's American owner Randy Lerner singled out the ex-Blackburn and Manchester City boss following the departure of Martin O'Neill in August.

But 'Sparky', aged 47, had committed himself to Fulham just a couple of months earlier so they turned to Houllier instead.

Hughes can walk from Fulham without any compensation being paid as he only signed a one-year contract with a year's option when he took over last July.

The clause in his contract effectively means he can leave the Cottagers as a free agent on June 30.

Villa are desperate to wrap up a replacement in the next few weeks, avoiding a repeat of last year's uncertainty when O'Neill walked out just a few days before the start of the season.

It took the club until September to find a permanent replacement and Lerner is hoping to swoop sooner rather than later this time around.

Hughes is a popular choice with the fans but Fulham are in the process of trying to tie him down to a new contract.

Should they succeed, Villa are likely to turn their attentions to Rafa Benitez. The former Liverpool boss is keen on a return to England after his failed mission with Inter Milan in Italy.

This week he turned his back on the chance to manage again in Spain when he rejected the Athletico Madrid job in favour of keeping his options open.

With a Champions League win under his belt, and a series of other trophy hauls including an impressive La Liga title with Valencia, Benitez would be a big coup for the club.

One man who will not be arriving in the Midlands though is David Moyes.

The Everton boss, who has worked wonders at Goodison Park on a tight budget, has distanced himself from the Villa Park role.

Moyes has refuted rumours linking him to the post insisting that he still has a job to do on Merseyside.

Despite his lack of experience, attack-minded Roberto Martinez is still in the frame after his heroics helped Wigan survive in the Premier League on the last day of the season.

So is out-of-work former England boss Steve McClaren, who had success on the continent with FC Twente.



Read More http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/west-midlands-sports/aston-villa-fc/2011/06/02/mark-hughes-emerges-as-front-runner-for-the-aston-villa-job-65233-28805249/2/#ixzz1O6Dley5V (http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/west-midlands-sports/aston-villa-fc/2011/06/02/mark-hughes-emerges-as-front-runner-for-the-aston-villa-job-65233-28805249/2/#ixzz1O6Dley5V)

Villa hand Houllier £2.5m pay-off and hunt Hughes

Gerard Houllier has waved goodbye to Aston Villa with a huge pay-off after just nine months in charge.

But Villa now face a major battle to persuade Fulham to allow Mark Hughes to take over.

The Frenchman finalised the details of his £2.5million severance following the heart problems that left him in hospital at the end of the season.

Houllier will pocket a cool £5m for less than 12 months work, following his appointment as Martin O'Neill's replacement last September.


"I am extremely disappointed that I will not have the opportunity to manage Aston Villa next season," he said.

"My health has improved considerably since I was taken ill on April 20. I now intend to take the next few months to concentrate on recuperating fully before I may return to football."

But Villa's plans to have Hughes in place hit trouble on Wednesday night when it emerged they have been asked by Fulham to pull out of their chase for Hughes.

The 47-year-old Hughes has a release clause in his contract which if triggered would allow Villa to appoint him as a free agent without any compensation.

But that had to be activated by midnight on Wednesday and it remains unclear whether Hughes' representatives took that step.

He remains Villa owner Randy Lerner's first choice - but Fulham are now ready to offer Hughes improved terms on the two-year deal which remains on the table at Craven Cottage.

They believe they are due some loyalty from the former Manchester City boss, after sticking by him when fans wanted him out during the turbulent early months of his reign.

Villa are desperate to avoid another circus like the one created by former boss O'Neill's walk-out five days before the Premier League kick-off last season.

And the tension is showing as Lerner's right-hand man, General Charles Krulak has attacked fans on message boards for their criticisms of the club this season.

Supporters are angry at the mess the club has been left in, following the loss of O'Neill and the controversial decision to appoint Houllier.

Krulak responded to one critic who asked whether the board had learned lessons from the last nine-months saying: "Oh yes, we sure have.

"Let's see, we learned that it is not good to have a manager leave the club five days before the season starts.

"We learned that it is not good to have a raft of injuries to some of our best players during the season.

"We learned that it is not good when your manager has a heart problem in the final weeks of the season.

"Are those the lessons we were supposed to have learned? If so, we learned them. I don't suppose you would like to offer a suggestion as to how to avoid these in the future?"

Krulak went on: "Thank you for all the suggestions re: a new manager.

"It seems like just yesterday that I was getting suggestions on what to do with Gerard Houllier. Now it is choosing a new manager.

"Can I have one day of rest?

"Think about it, even God took one day of rest. Don't I deserve at least a day since I am certainly NOT in any way or shape even a glimmer of God's greatness."



Read more: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Aston-Villa-Fulham-news-Gerard-Houllier-leaves-with-2-5m-pay-off-Mark-Hughes-leading-candidate-to-take-over-article743660.html#ixzz1O6EJG7es (http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Aston-Villa-Fulham-news-Gerard-Houllier-leaves-with-2-5m-pay-off-Mark-Hughes-leading-candidate-to-take-over-article743660.html#ixzz1O6EJG7es)
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http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2011/06/02/aj/? (http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2011/06/02/aj/?)

AJ
Filed under: Analysis — rich 
The papers are suggesting that our channel working hitman is interesting other clubs. Should we let him go?

If you've read this site for any amount of time you'll know that I'm not convinced by Johnson who, for all his admirable work, lacks the pace he's famous for and doesn't seem to have the eye for goal we need from him.  This is to ignore his injury issues I appreciate, but there we are.

I always used to wonder how good certain players would look if they were forced to drop down a division. Just as some Championship players could play (and thrive) in the faster company of the top league, if only they were given the chance, I believe that a number of top league players would not really stand out in the Championship.  I used to think this about Philip Neville but confess to having probably been wrong about that.

Nevertheless, at this juncture, if aliens sent scouts to watch AJ and Robert Earnshaw in action, would they clearly be able to identify the expensive Premier League forward?  I don't think they would, but I could be wrong here.  And just out of interest, here are both of their career records:

(http://cravencottagenewsround.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/re.jpg?w=300&h=225)
Earnshaw

	Club	Division	Apps	Goals	~age
2003-04	Cardiff	C	46	21	22
2004-05	Cardiff	C	4	1	23
2004-05	WBA	P	31	11	23
2005-06	WBA	P	12	1	24
2005-06	Norwich	C	15	8	24
2006-07	Norwich	C	30	19	25
2007-08	Derby	P	22	1	26
2008-09	Forest	C	32	12	27
2009-10	Forest	C	34	17	28
2010-11	Forest	C	36	9	29

(http://cravencottagenewsround.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/aj.jpg?w=300&h=180)
Johnson

	Club	Division	Apps	Goals	~age
2003-04	Palace	C	45	28	22
2004-05	Palace	P	37	21	23
2005-06	Palace	P	35	15	24
2006-07	Everton	P	32	11	25
2007-08	Everton	P	29	6	26
2008-09	Fulham	P	31	7	27
2009-10	Fulham	P	8	0	28
2010-11	Fulham	P	24	3	29

Genuine question: are their records that different?  You have the early prolific boom years (AJ scored a lot of penalties in those days back when he really was lightning), then diverging paths.  AJ got stuck in a defensive Fulham side, Earnshaw in a terrible Derby side. Earnshaw went down again and started scoring for fun again, Johnson didn't.

I have little doubt that Johnson is the better player, not least because (as the saying goes) there's more to his game than goals, but it's interesting to have a look at their trajectories and think about where each might be in their careers (NB AJ's goals per game ratio has got worse every single one of those seasons (until last year) – which probably doesn't mean anything but might).

http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/sport/premier_league_clubs_battle_for_cut_price_real_madrid_star_1_3438163 (http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/sport/premier_league_clubs_battle_for_cut_price_real_madrid_star_1_3438163)

Premier League clubs battle for cut-price Real Madrid star
(http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/webimage/worldcup_zaf_argentina_24_1_3438162!image/699650960.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_595/699650960.jpg)
Gonzalo Higuain

WE take a look at the papers for the latest from Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City, Sunderland, Liverpool, Real Madrid, Chelsea, West Ham United, Aston Villa, Fulham, Sunderland and Manchester United.

DAILY MAIL: Arsenal, Spurs and Manchester City are targeting cut-price Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain.

Liverpool are eyeing Sunderland's England midfielder Jordan Henderson and have been told they can have him for £16m.

World football gave an extraordinary vote of confidence to a corrupt regime last night as president Sepp Blatter was swept back into office despite FIFA's reputation being at rock bottom. Also: Mark Hughes' deal as Fulham manager expired last night, making him a free agent.

THE SUN: Guus Hiddink is ready to quit Turkey for the Chelsea job. Also: David Sullivan dismissed last night's takeover bid for West Ham as 'ridiculous' and told new boss Sam Allardyce: You're safe.

DAILY STAR: AC Milan are preparing an £11m bid to snap up Chelsea striker Didier Drogba. Also: Sam Allardyce was yesterday unveiled as the new West Ham boss and walked straight into a boardroom minefield.

DAILY EXPRESS: Graham Taylor today reveals how corruption is second nature at the heart of FIFA. Also: Liverpool have opened talks with Sunderland after making the first move to lure midfielder Jordan Henderson to Anfield.

DAILY MIRROR: Tottenham midfielder Wilson Palacios will discover in the next 48 hours if he can secure a £7m move to Italian side Napoli.

Gerard Houllier waved goodbye to Aston Villa last night with a huge pay-off after just nine months in charge. Also: Sam Allardyce took over as manager at West Ham yesterday - and warned the club against getting involved in a buy-out battle.

THE GUARDIAN: Fulham are confident they will be able to hold on to Mark Hughes as manager and remain convinced he will sign a two-year deal. Also: Sir Alex Ferguson has provided further evidence that he believes Dimitar Berbatov's future lies away from Manchester United by handing a one-year contract extension to Michael Owen.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: England's diminished standing in world football was exposed at the Fifa congress yesterday. Also: Counties and the MCC will submit bids of up to £15million this month to win the right to host major England matches between 2013 and 2016, a period which includes two Ashes series.

THE INDEPENDENT: The Football Association was on the receiving end of a succession of brutal and very public attacks as its attempt to postpone Fifa's presidential election incurred the wrath of Sepp Blatter's football family. Also: Sunderland's Jordan Henderson has emerged as a leading target for Liverpool this summer.

THE TIMES: The Football Association's isolation in the world game was exposed last night when Sepp Blatter rounded on England's representatives for "failing to set an example" after his re-election as Fifa president. Also: Danny Cipriani wants the Australian players union to mediate with Melbourne Rebels in his dispute over alleged breaches of club discipline.

Hammersmith End

Season Tickets for the 2011/12 season are selling faster than ever before, but don't panic if you have yet to get yours as there are still some great locations remaining.

The Hammersmith End still has a number of superb seats available.

Selected areas have availability for two or more seats next to each other, meaning you can sit with friends or family.

Season Tickets in the Hammersmith End start at just £419 for adults and £185 for juniors, that's less than £23 per game for adults and under £10 per game for juniors.

The Hammersmith End is renowned for its friendly and passionate feel on matchdays which means that you can watch the game whilst enjoying the fantastic atmosphere created by the Fulham faithful.

And with the Whites often attacking the Hammersmith End in the second-half, you will also be in prime position for any last minute goalmouth action.

To check availability in the Hammersmith End, or any other areas of Craven Cottage, visit fulhamfc.com/seasontickets or call 0843 208 1234 (option 3) today.



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/June/HammersmithEnd.aspx?#ixzz1O7WTNDt2 (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/June/HammersmithEnd.aspx?#ixzz1O7WTNDt2)

The Countdown

The brand new 2011/12 Away Kit from Kappa is now available for fans to pre-order either online or at the Stadium or Fulham road retail stores. What's more, this year there is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for someone to win a never-to-be-repeated branded Fulham FC SEAT Ibiza Copa.* With just one week left to pre-order this is the perfect opportunity to purchase the brand new Fulham Away kit and secure your entry for the chance to win a Fulham FC car!

The countdown is on with just one week to go!
The SEAT Ibiza Copa has enough features to make sure you're always travelling first class and this really is the time to take advantage of such an amazing Fulham FC prize. The brand new 2011/12 Fulham FC Away kit has made its fantastic return as an all black kit including red kappa omini logos to both shoulders and FFC detail to the back neck. A cool looking style to make every Fulham fan simply love it.

You can now save 10% on this brand new kit online today!
Your Fulham Season Ticket offers a variety of additional benefits. From today through to 30th June 2012, 11/12 Season Ticket holders are entitled to a 10% discount on a variety of Fulham products including the new, all black Away Kit.

Pre-orders for this all black Official Fulham Away Kit will be taken until 8th June after which the kit will be available in stores and one lucky fan will be handed the keys to this Fulham SEAT Ibiza Copa. That's just one week to secure your place in this amazing prize draw!



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/June/Awaykitcountdown.aspx?#ixzz1O7WkuLyM (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/June/Awaykitcountdown.aspx?#ixzz1O7WkuLyM)

http://wwos.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=8256744 (http://wwos.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=8256744)

I'm not next Schwarzer yet: Langerak

He's tipped by some as the most likely to succeed Mark Schwarzer down the track for Australia but young gun Mitch Langerak is keeping his feet firmly on the ground ahead of a likely Socceroos debut.

The 22 year old has emerged as one of Australia's brightest goalkeeping prospects after making an encouraging switch to German champions Borussia Dortmund from Melbourne Victory last season.

Langerak is vying with Adam Federici and Nathan Coe for game time in Sunday's friendly against New Zealand in Adelaide and Tuesday's clash with Serbia in Melbourne, in the rare absence of 38-year-old Schwarzer due to groin surgery.

And while some believe it could be the start of a bright international career, the down-to-earth shot stopper insists the race to replace the legendary Schwarzer, when he eventually calls time on his career, is wide open.

"It's only words, it doesn't mean anything," Langerak said of talk he could be Australia's next first-choice No.1.

"It still comes down to how I perform and things like that.

"Australia's got such good goalkeeping depth, it's going to be a big battle for the job between the sticks over the next five to ten years.

"It's a privilege to be here in the squad, it's not a given, and everyone's here on merit.

"Whoever plays will do a great job and hopefully I get the chance."

Langerak would appear likely to play at least 45 minutes against the All Whites on Sunday with Federici only joining the Australian camp late on Wednesday night after his English club Reading lost out in the promotion playoff to Swansea on Monday.

He acknowledged any game time in the friendly matches would provide an opportunity to enhance his credentials but played down the games as a showdown with Federici and Coe.

Langerak impressed on debut for Dortmund in a 3-1 win over powerhouse Bayern Munich and said he was willing to bide his time to get more first-team action in the coming campaign.

He earned a place in the squad for Australia's friendly win over Germany in March and said he was keeping in contact with Schwarzer.

"We exchange a few texts ... He told me I can give him a call, ask him questions, it's good to have his number if I need to," he said.

http://www.tribalfootball.com/articles/fulham-boss-hughes-now-free-speak-aston-villa-1670581? (http://www.tribalfootball.com/articles/fulham-boss-hughes-now-free-speak-aston-villa-1670581?)

Fulham boss Hughes now free to speak with Aston Villa

Free agent Mark Hughes is expected to hold talks with managerless Aston Villa.

The Daily Mail says Hughes' deal as Fulham manager expired on Wednesday night, making him a free agent.

While Fulham still wish for Hughes to continue in his role, he is technically no longer their manager after a contract deadline passed.

As Fulham officials desperately tried to convince the 47-year-old to stay — and further talks are planned with the board — a June 1 break clause in his brief one-year contract kicked in.

Aston Villa is a natural new home for Hughes after Gerard Houllier left the club, but there are believed to be other options available for the Welshman.

While it is not inconceivable that a change of heart will see him stay at Craven Cottage, Hughes wants to further his career after an impressive season when he took Fulham to eighth and qualified for the Europa League through the Fair Play table.

Spoiling the Party!
This Saturday evening England entertain Switzerland at Wembley.

The game could very well pit two Fulham players against each other. Bobby Zamora, fancied to start with Wayne Rooney absent and Peter Crouch carrying a knock, could be marked by his Fulham colleague Philippe Senderos.

Senderos, who only managed to shake off an Achilles injury in the dying embers of the season, is likely to form the backbone of the Switzerland defence and, quite rightly, is looking forward t the clash, promising that Switzerland are looking to upset the apple-cart, or as Senderos puts it,

"It`s up to us to ruin the England players` summer holidays. They are certain to approach the game thinking about going away."

"We want to pull off a shock and mess them up. We have a fresh new side and feel like we are at the start of something new"

The European Championship qualifier also gives Senderos the chance to play at Wembley, something else he`s been looking forward to, further commenting,

"I`ve had Saturday`s match on my mind for a long time."

"It is always special to play England at Wembley."

"The Emirates, Anfield and Old Trafford are reference points but Wembley is out there on its own."

Who`ll come out on top folks?


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=243409#ixzz1O7XtjTX7 (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=243409#ixzz1O7XtjTX7)

Leave Off Hughes!
Yesterday we reported on how Mark Hughes had suddenly been catapulted into the frame to become the next manager of Aston Villa.

Following events yesterday, the scenario is fast approaching a point where something could happen.

Aston Villa, due to Gerard Houllier`s health, agreed a severance package with the Frenchman and are now, definitely, on the look-out for a replacement.

Fulham, wary of Hughes being on the hit-list, have, reportedly responded by telling Villa not to approach Hughes. But, and it is a big but, there appears to be no indication as to whether Hughes activated the clause in his contract that could make him a free agent.

Other articles we stumbled on suggest that Fulham have also offered Hughes a new deal with his pay improved.

Like we said earlier, something could happen very soon!


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=243410#ixzz1O7Y889hX (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=243410#ixzz1O7Y889hX)

http://www.teamtalk.com/fulham/6962957/Look-Hughes-now-a-free-agent? (http://www.teamtalk.com/fulham/6962957/Look-Hughes-now-a-free-agent?)

Look Hughes now a free agent

Aston Villa's hopes of luring Mark Hughes appear to have been boosted after the Welshman's contract at Fulham expired.

Hughes - the odd-on favourite to succeed Gerard Houllier - is technically a free agent after his June 1 contract deadline passed.

The Cottagers want the 47-year-old to stay after he masterminded an eighth-placed league finish, as well as qualification for the Europa League through the Fair Play table, last season - and further talks between the two parties are expected to take place.

But Villa are understood to be keen to exploit the Welshman's break clause after agreeing a severance package with Houllier.

Houllier left Villa Park on Wednesday night after just nine months in charge, with owner Randy Lerner considering it too risky to keep the Frenchman on following his heart scare.

Houllier's assistant, Gary McAllister, former Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez and Everton's David Moyes have also been linked with the Villa Park hotseat.

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_6962933,00.html? (http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_6962933,00.html?)

Hughes linked to Villa role
Fulham boss could be set to leave Craven Cottage

Fulham boss Mark Hughes has emerged as the hot favourite to be appointed as the new manager of Aston Villa following Gerard Houllier's departure.

Hughes was appointed on a two-year deal at Craven Cottage last summer and guided the club to an eighth place top-flight finish and a place in the Europa League via their Fair Play standing.

And while the West London outfit are eager for him to remain at the helm, Hughes is understood to have a 12-month release clause in his contract, leaving him open to approaches from rival Premier League clubs.

The Fulham board are keen to hold further talks with the former Wales and Blackburn manager in the coming days but recent events at Villa Park could leave them regretting their decision not to secure Hughes' long-term future sooner.

Very vocal

Villa began their hunt for a new manager on Wednesday evening when they announced Houllier would be leaving the Midlands outfit after just nine months in charge due to concerns over his long-term health.

The former Liverpool boss was admitted to hospital in April complaining of chest pains and was forced to take a break from the dug-out for the final games of the season with Gary McAllister taking temporary charge.

Former England boss Steve McClaren, Everton manager David Moyes and ex-Liverpool and Inter Milan chief Rafa Benitez, who has been very vocal over his availability in recent weeks, have also been linked with the post.

Villa will be keen to make a swift appointment this summer having seen their plans for last term thrown into turmoil by the abrupt departure of Martin O'Neill on the eve of the new season

Sky Bet odds

Mark Hughes - 1/3


Carlo Ancelotti - 4/1


Steve McClaren - 9/2


Roberto Martinez - 6/1


Rafa Benitez - 8/1


David Moyes - 10/1


Martin Jol - 12/1


Gary McAllister - 16/1

http://www.sportsvibe.co.uk/news/football/qpr-could-start-summer-spending-by-swooping-for-england-striker/? (http://www.sportsvibe.co.uk/news/football/qpr-could-start-summer-spending-by-swooping-for-england-striker/?)

QPR Could Start Summer Spending by Swooping for England Striker

Queen Park Rangers have reportedly been quoted £4 million for the services of Fulham frontman Andy Johnson.

30 year-old Johnson has become something of a Premier League journeyman after spells at Crystal Palace and Everton before moving to Craven Cottage in 2008.

However, it is unlikely that Mark Hughes will be overly concerned about losing the eight-cap England international.

Despite being given a generous run the the first team this season, Johnson did not set the world alight and finished with a final tally of just three goals from 24 league appearances.

Hughes has other, more prolific, attackers at his disposal, including the fit-again Bobby Zamora, and will certainly be looking to bolster his options in the close season to improve on this year's eighth-placed finish.

Given that Johnson is thought to be open to a move to west London, the only obstacle to his sale will be his wages, which are allegedly in the £40,000 per week region.

Should the newly-promoted side not be able to stump up the cash, West Brom are waiting in the wings for a smash-and-grab deal, having earmarked Johnson as a suitable foil for the sparky talents of Peter Odemwingie. 

World Cup Target

Mark Schwarzer has outlined his desire to retain his spot between the posts for Australia, targeting the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

The Fulham keeper was, once again, an influential figure at the back for the Whites for a large part of the 2010/11 campaign and with his domestic form as strong as ever, he is looking to extend his record as Australia's most capped player.

"After the last World Cup I had a discussion with the new manager [Holger Osieck] who came in with regards to my future and how he saw my future going," Schwarzer explained. "I expressed my thoughts on the whole situation and left it down to him.

"He expressed his desire for me to continue playing. He's fully committed to the plans for me to be involved in the future and be part of it - but the bottom line is you have to perform. As long as I can juggle the two of them [club and international football], which I've done for 15 odd years, and it doesn't affect my club football then why would I want to stop?

"You're a long time retired and for me there's no greater honour than playing for your country. I cherish every moment I get to play for my country. I want to play for Australia for as long as I can. I don't want to give that up and until someone comes along and says move over old-timer and I'm good enough to knock you off your perch, I will continue to play.

"I think today too many countries give out shirts and caps too easily. For me you have to earn the right to wear a shirt. It should be something you should have to work damn hard to earn."

The long hours of crossing continents for international duty are certainly a demanding aspect of Schwarzer's career but the big stopper takes it all in his stride thanks to the support of his family.

"You do have to make sacrifices along the way and I have a very understanding family," he explained. "My wife is unbelievably understanding with regards to my desires to represent my country. It's her country as well and she understands that.

"We also have two children who are a big part of my life and they have to fit into my life as well. At this moment in time football is a big part of our lives and they also embrace it and play a big part in my success on the football pitch.

"We're very much open to what we're going to do and like I've said before, we love it here. Surrey is a fantastic part of England to live and we haven't got any concrete plans what to do after football."

Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/June/SchwarzerInternationalAmbition.aspx?#ixzz1O7ZXrxcs (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/June/SchwarzerInternationalAmbition.aspx?#ixzz1O7ZXrxcs)

http://www.fanhouse.co.uk/2011/06/02/mark-hughes-on-his-way-out-at-fulham-but-is-he-going-to-vill/? (http://www.fanhouse.co.uk/2011/06/02/mark-hughes-on-his-way-out-at-fulham-but-is-he-going-to-vill/?)

Mark Hughes on His Way Out at Fulham ... But is He Going to Villa or Chelsea?

Mark Hughes' contract has expired at Fulham - but his next destination is not certain to be Villa Park - with Chelsea emerging as a shock alternative.

All the smart money was on Hughes becoming Randy Lerner's third manager in less than 12-months - when his deal with Fulham ran out at the start of June.

But with Guus Hiddink still not certain to accept the post vacated by Carlo Ancelotti, Stamford Bridge has become a potential next move for the 47-year-old Welshman.

As a former player, Hughes has an affinity with the club and it is thought Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has made tentative enquiries about Hughes, should Hiddink reject a return.

What is certain is that Hughes is a free agent again, after his contract deadline at Craven Cottage passed without him signing a new deal.

The terms of his previous contract allowed for a holiday period between June and July in 2011 and that clause has kicked in, so he is technically no longer manager at the London club.

Fulham officials have been working frantically in the last few weeks to try to persuade Hughes to sign a new two-year extension, after his impressive first season at the club.

Aston Villa owner Lerner has been aware of the contract issue for several weeks and identified Hughes as his preferred choice, while the negotiations over Gerard Houllier's severance pay were concluded.

With the legal wranglings completed and Houllier's £2.5 million pay-off concluded, Villa are free to move for Hughes and would not have to pay any compensation.

Lerner has been a long-time admirer of Hughes and narrowly missed the opportunity to appoint him last season, following the shock departure of Martin O'Neill.

O'Neill quit five days before the Premier League kick-off, by which time Hughes had signed a deal with Mohammed Al-Fayed. Despite that, Villa still considered an approach until they backed out and opted for Houllier.

Fulham issued Villa with a polite warning to steer clear of Hughes, but that appears futile now as does any plan to try to offer him improved terms on the two-year deal he refused to sign.

This is not about cash for Hughes. It is about kudos and the chance to operate at the top of his profession with a high profile club. He remains angered by the way he was treated at Manchester City and is desperate to prove a point to the owners at Eastlands.

Finishing eighth in the Premier League and taking Fulham into the Europa League, via the Fair Play rankings is a start, but he wants to make a far bigger statement.

Whether that will be at Stamford Bridge or Villa Park remains to be seen.

Fulham's Kelly committed to Irish cause amid spate of withdrawals

As a man who has lived the dream and captained his country, no wonder Stephen Kelly doesn't get it.

Stay-aways, sicknotes, cry offs. Since he was a teenager, Kelly has never turned down an opportunity to play for his country, and he never will.

And he can't understand those who have done so in the last week.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/06/02/article-0-01F6FAC3000004B0-129_634x412.jpg)
Pride: Stephen Kelly (left) is disappointed with the number of Ireland call offs
He said: 'I don't get it, I just don't understand it. Maybe it's different for the guys who haven't been brought up here, they don't have the same feel for it, the same Irishness about things and same feeling for the big events growing up here.

'For me, it's probably the highest honour you can have in football. I know people talk about clubs, and Champions League and how clubs see themselves as being bigger than countries. But you're representing your country.

'I remember watching World Cups, getting half-days from school, street parties. You know the buzz I get thinking back to those days, USA '94 and all of that. The whole country was in uproar, like a craze.

'Even the World Cup when Robbie and Damien took part, I remember going to see them coming home at the Phoenix Park. It was just amazing. To be part of that now, words can't describe it.

'Of course we talk about it in the hotel, we'd be like zombies or something if we weren't talking about what's been in the press and what's going on outside.

'We're all delighted to be here, we love representing Ireland. Any opportunity we're given, we'll take it. That's great credit to the players who are here, they've shown that commitment.'

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Memories: Ireland reached the last 16 of the 1994 World Cup
If there is tension in the air this week, which is reducing now as the players prepare for their match against Macedonia, there could be fun and games ahead when/if the likes of McCarthy, Walters, Clark are recalled.

'It depends on the circumstances,' he said. 'If they come in for friendlies, fair enough.  If we qualify for Euro 2012 and they start knocking on the door, that's different isn't it?

'All Irish people want is 100 per cent commitment from their team. Nobody expects us to go out and beat Brazil and play amazing football. They want to see the passion that Irish people deserve to see from their international team.

'It's important we make it to a championship for the supporters. Irish people have been famous no matter where we've gone in the world, for taking loads of people, being the heart and soul of the party and you can see that dwindling now already.

'Even in 2009, you could see how much of a blow it was that we didn't get to the World Cup. The whole country was on the brink of exploding. The way things were economically, it would have been a great boost for people to support something else and forget about what was happening domestically.

'Falling at the last hurdle was devastating but you could see that night in Paris there, the spark was back. The Irish people were ready to go again and hopefully we can get there again.'

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/06/02/article-0-0052494100000258-606_634x322.jpg)
Dramatic: Robbie Keane (right) scored to earn Ireland a draw with Germany in 2002
Kelly has a new nickname at Fulham thanks to his temporary elevation as Ireland captain.

The moment Kelly walked in to Craven Cottage, the day after he had captained Ireland against Uruguay, manager Mark Hughes called him 'skipper'. And it has stuck.

The tongue-in-cheek moniker is a sign of the affection Hughes and Kelly's team-mates have for the 27-year-old recruit from Belvedere.

It is also recognition which has reminded the Cottagers boss of the defender's prowess, and the belief Giovanni Trapattoni for one has in a player who is much-travelled, and desperate to prove his worth to his fourth Premier League club.

Kelly said: 'They were really, really delighted for me. They see how hard I work every day in training and what it means to come back and play for Ireland. They know how passionate I am about playing for my country.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/06/02/article-0-07459931000005DC-63_634x388.jpg)
Protest: Ireland missed out on the 2010 World Cup after Thierry Henry's handball
'It was huge for me. I think my confidence, regardless of what has happened at club level, is at an all time high. I feel extremely good about myself, and really at the top of my game.'

The former Spurs and Birmingham man was arguably in the form of his life at the start of the season, following Hughes's appointment.

But an agonising calf injury forced him out of the Fulham first team for almost two months. Before taking the armband for the March friendly, Kelly had spent nearly three months on the bench, watching Carlos Salcido play in his stead.

Kelly said: 'The team did well, which was frustrating for me to watch.

'The type of manager that Mark Hughes is that if a team is doing well, he sticks by them. I love that in a manager because when I am in the team doing well I think the manager is going to pick me.

'As hard as that is to take you have got to take it on the chin sometimes.

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Made to feel welcome: Kelly (left) has impressed since joining Fulham
'Coming away with Ireland has allowed me to show that I am still fit and able to play at a high level.'

Like so many in Trapattoni's squad, Kelly faces an uncertain future at his current club. Like every member of the panel, and his international manager, he wants to play every week.

That may have to be away from Craven Cottage, although solid performances in the green of Ireland cannot have gone unnoticed.

With a Europa Cup campaign to consider from July after Fulham qualified as England's Fair Play nominees, Kelly will be in no rush to quit the club. He did well out of their last European journey to the final.

'The Europa League was a great experience for me and the club,' he said. 'Some of the games you're involved in you can only dream about, like that night we beat Juventus 4-1 at the Cottage. That was just like stuff from a story book, an amazing opportunity.

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Gutted: Fulham lost to Atletico Madrid in the Europa League final
'It was a great time for the club and it really put us on the map. We surprised everybody with how far we went and in demonstrating how capable we were as a team. To be part of that, and to showcase yourself on that stage, was fantastic.

'I'm contracted to Fulham and that's the team I am at. We're in Europe again next season so there are going to be a lot of games. As far as I'm concerned, it's well within my capabilities to get into the team and I want another crack at it.

'I feel as if I start the season, and stay fit, there's no reason why I shouldn't stay in the team.

'The manager is the kind who'll start with a clean slate and he'll go with who' s done best in pre-season, that's what he did last year.

'Hopefully I can go back with renewed confidence and prove myself again to start the season on a high.'


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1393468/Fulham-Stephen-Kelly-committed-Ireland.html#ixzz1O7aAemqd (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1393468/Fulham-Stephen-Kelly-committed-Ireland.html#ixzz1O7aAemqd)

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/fulham/8552041/Mark-Hughes-considers-future-at-Fulham-and-could-replace-Gerard-Houllier-at-Aston-Villa.html (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/fulham/8552041/Mark-Hughes-considers-future-at-Fulham-and-could-replace-Gerard-Houllier-at-Aston-Villa.html)

Mark Hughes considers future at Fulham and could replace Gerard Houllier at Aston Villa
Mark Hughes is expected to resign as Fulham manager today amid speculation he is a contender to replace Gerard Houllier at Aston Villa.

Hughes, 47, signed a one-year contract at Craven Cottage last summer, with the option for another 12 months, but he is now poised to trigger a break clause that allows him to leave Fulham without compensation before the start of next season.

There is no indication that Hughes has another job already lined up but he is an experienced Premier League manager who guided Fulham to a top 10 finish last season and is likely to attract offers from a host of clubs.

Now that Houllier's exit has been rubber-stamped, Villa have confirmed that the search has begun for a new manager, with Hughes pinpointed as their main target.

Houllier's nine-month at Villa reign ended because of recent heart problems, which resulted in the Frenchman not taking charge for the final five games of last season.

Villa chief executive Paul Faulkner said: "As a board, we are very conscious of the need to ensure that the club is prepared fully to meet the demands of the new season.

"To that end, we have already embarked upon the process which will lead to the appointment of a new manager."

David Moyes, Carlo Ancelotti, Steve McClaren, Rafael Benitez and Roberto Martinez are other names being linked with Villa.

Hughes To Walk Away From Fulham?
The two frontrunners for the Villa Park hotseat remain Carlo Ancelotti and Mark Hughes, but nobody seems to know if Hughes is still in a job?

There are plenty of rumours going round about Hughes at the moment, some suggest Fulham have warned Villa about approaching him and offered him a seriously improved deal, whereas others suggest he may have enacted his option of walking away.

When Hughes joined Fulham on his initial 2 year deal, there was an option where he could cancel the contract yesterday for a minimal compensation fee.

In recent days it's been reported that Hughes and Fulham have been negotiating a new deal, but it seems the only thing that anybody is sure of is that those talks stalled.

I would imagine we'll know if Hughes has walked away or if the press are just getting excited over nothing before the end of the day.

In either scenario, I can't imagine Fulham won't issue a full response soon, but both Ancelotti and Hughes seem to be the favourites amongst fans (outside of Moyes) but even then, there isn't anywhere near 100% agreement.

It's going to be a full couple of days!


Read more: http://www.astonvilla.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=7508894#ixzz1O7bkvW9u (http://www.astonvilla.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=7508894#ixzz1O7bkvW9u)

http://www.sport.co.uk/news/Football/53910/Martinez_and_Hughes_linked_with_Villa.aspx? (http://www.sport.co.uk/news/Football/53910/Martinez_and_Hughes_linked_with_Villa.aspx?)

Martinez and Hughes linked with Villa

Wigan's Roberto Martinez and Fulham's Mark Hughes have been linked with the vacant job at Aston Villa following Gerard Houllier's exit.

Houllier, who missed the end of the 2010/2011 season after suffering heart problems, has been forced to stand down as manager at Villa Park due to issues with his health.

A club statement read: "The club can confirm that, by mutual consent, Gerard Houllier has stepped down as manager of Aston Villa with immediate effect.

"The 63-year-old took charge in September 2010 but suffered a dissection of the descending aorta in April 2011.

"He was unable to take charge of team affairs for the final five games of the season and doctors have advised that he will require further time to recuperate.

"The club and Gerard have agreed amicably to this resolution and the search has begun for a new manager in order to prepare the team for the coming season."

Fulham boss Mark Hughes is the leading contender to replace Houllier, while Everton boss David Moyes has already ruled himself out as a possible successor.

Wigan boss Roberto Martinez, who guided the Latics to safety this season, has also been linked with the role, as have ex-England boss Steve McClaren, former Liverpool and Inter Milan boss Rafael Benitez and former Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti, who was sacked by Chelsea at the end of the season.

Fulham won't confirm Mark Hughes is still manager as Aston Villa job looms
Mark Hughes has moved a step closer to joining Aston Villa after Fulham refused to confirm the Welshman is still their manager.

The former Manchester United and Chelsea striker has been installed as odds-on favourite with the bookies after reports this morning that he was set to resign before the end of the day.

Hughes signed a two-year contract at Craven Cottage last summer, but it seems he is now poised to trigger a break clause that allows him to leave Fulham for a 'bigger club' with only minimal compensation being paid.

Fulham bosses have refused to comment on the speculation.

It is thought Hughes relishes the idea of managing a club with bigger spending power than the Cottagers' modest resources, and Villa owner Randy Lerner has continuously backed his managers in the transfer market.

Villa chief executive Paul Faulkner confirmed the club's search to replace Gerard Houllier had begun, saying: 'As a board, we are very conscious of the need to ensure that the club is prepared fully to meet the demands of the new season.

'To that end, we have already embarked upon the process which will lead to the appointment of a new manager.'


Read more: http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/football/865086-fulham-wont-confirm-mark-hughes-is-still-manager-as-aston-villa-job-looms#ixzz1O7cw90vB (http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/football/865086-fulham-wont-confirm-mark-hughes-is-still-manager-as-aston-villa-job-looms#ixzz1O7cw90vB)

Fulham make desperate attempt to keep Aston Villa target Mark Hughes

FULHAM are desperately trying to thrash out a new deal today that keeps Mark Hughes as manager – even though the Whites boss is on holiday.

Sparky's representatives are hopeful of negotiating a lucrative new contract for the 47-year-old at Craven Cottage, and Chronicle Sport understands Aston Villa – 11/10 favourites to make Hughes their next manager – have yet to make their move, officially or unofficially.

The man who took the club to a heady eighth in the Premiership in his first season, became a free agent this week as part of his rolling contract arrangement that further muddies the waters.

But the Whites are willing to go the extra mile over a new package and avoid Europa League plans being thrown into disarray when the squad report back for early duty in just over two weeks.



Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/06/02/fulham-make-desperate-attempt-to-keep-aston-villa-target-mark-hughes-82029-28809154/?#ixzz1O7dat9df (http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/06/02/fulham-make-desperate-attempt-to-keep-aston-villa-target-mark-hughes-82029-28809154/?#ixzz1O7dat9df)

http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-sport/football/article-23955867-carlo-ancelotti-and-mark-hughes-top-aston-villas-wish-list.do? (http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-sport/football/article-23955867-carlo-ancelotti-and-mark-hughes-top-aston-villas-wish-list.do?)

Carlo Ancelotti and Mark Hughes top Aston Villa's wish list

Aston Villa's search for a new manager is now a straight fight between Carlo Ancelotti and Mark Hughes.

Villa are expected to make an appointment next week after Gerard Houllier left by mutual consent yesterday.

Both of their favoured candidates are available. Hughes had a break clause in his two-year deal at Craven Cottage triggered yesterday. He has yet to agree new terms despite having talks over an extension over the past few weeks.

Ancelotti, who was fired by Chelsea last month, successfully negotiated for a clause to be taken out of his contract which prevented him from working for another English club within 12 months of leaving Stamford Bridge.

The Italian, who has already been sounded out by Villa, has made finding a job in England his priority and is prepared to wait for an opportunity to arise.

He is still highly ambitious and wants to take control of a club with genuine hopes of challenging for silverware domestically and in Europe.

Tottenham are also understood to have put Ancelotti on their wish-list whenever Harry Redknapp, whose long-term future at White Hart Lane is in doubt, leaves. But Villa are ready to make a move for him now having been impressed by his two years at Stamford Bridge. Ancelotti made history 13 months ago, when he became the first Chelsea manager to win the Double of Premier League and FA Cup.

The 51-year-old won may admirers for the style of football he employed at Stamford Bridge as well as the manner in which he handled the media, which improved Chelsea's image. Ancelotti was sacked by owner Roman Abramovich at the end of this season even though the club still finished second in the League.

Hughes is also a very strong contender, however, with Villa having targeted the former Manchester United striker when Martin O'Neil quit last August.

Fulham are fighting hard to keep their man and remain optimistic that they can convince him to stay.

The former Manchester City boss starred in his first season at the club after guiding them to eighth place in the Premier League, one position above Villa. Fulham will want an end to the uncertainty soon as they are starting their Europa League campaign at the end of the month.

http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/mystery-surrounds-hughes-future-1221290.html? (http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/mystery-surrounds-hughes-future-1221290.html?)

Mystery surrounds Hughes future


Fulham boss Mark Hughes is the leading contender to take over at Aston Villa after Gerard Houllier's departure, according to reports.

Houllier has been forced to stand down at Villa due to health problems and Hughes is Villa's top choice to replace the Frenchman.

Hughes signed a 12-month contract when he took over at Fulham last year and he could now move to Villa Park without Villa having to pay any compensation as he is out of contract at Craven Cottage.

As yet there has been no word from either Hughes, Villa or Fulham and it remains to be seen whether or not the Welshman will depart Craven Cottage.

Hughes is not the only name in the frame to take charge of the Midlands outfit, with Carlo Ancelotti, Steve McClaren, Rafael Bentiez and Roberto Martinez also said to be in Villa's sights.

http://www.hounslowchronicle.co.uk/west-london-sport/west-london-brentford-fc/2011/06/02/fulham-frontman-set-for-brentford-return-109642-28810295/? (http://www.hounslowchronicle.co.uk/west-london-sport/west-london-brentford-fc/2011/06/02/fulham-frontman-set-for-brentford-return-109642-28810295/?)

Fulham frontman set for Brentford return

FULHAM striker Jonathan Cosgrove will return to Brentford during pre-season to resume his trial at Griffin Park.

The Northern Irish frontman spent a stint with the Bees at the end of the campaign, scoring for the reserves before injury forced him back to Craven Cottage.

But the 18-year-old is still on Brentford's radar, with a view to joining their development squad next season.

Former Fulham duo Michael Kamau and Aaron Pierre have already made the switch to TW8, while Jake Reeves, Samuel Griffiths and Liam Bellamy have also agreed two-year deals.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/13628221.stm (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/13628221.stm)

Aston Villa link to Mark Hughes played down

Aston Villa have been in touch with Premier League rivals Fulham to assure them that they have not been in contact with Cottagers boss Mark Hughes.

Villa are searching for a new manager after Gerard Houllier left the club on Wednesday because of health problems.

Hughes, the bookmakers' favourite, has been heavily linked with the vacancy but Villa have moved to allay the west London club's fears.

Fulham said they are in talks to extend Hughes' contract at Craven Cottage.

Although they have refused to discuss the details of Hughes' contract they have insisted that their position is unchanged. It is also understood that without their permission no club would be allowed to talk to Hughes about a possible move prior to 30 June - coincidentally the day their seasons starts with a Europa League qualifying fixture.

Former Villa boss Graham Taylor told BBC Sport that he believed a quick appointment was key in order to allow the club to plan with confidence for the season ahead.

Houllier's nine-month reign began in September, replacing caretaker manager Kevin MacDonald who himself took the reigns following Martin O'Neill's resignation only five days before the start of the season.

"The quicker they make that appointment the better," said Taylor.

"Each manager has a certain viewpoint on players when they come into a role and if they come in too late, as happened last year, they will have to wait until January when Gerard was able to bring in [striker] Darren Bent and [midfielder] Jean Makoun.

"You hear talk of Mark Hughes and I would have no problem with that.

"Mark understands the modern-day footballer, he is not much older than some of them, and has managed internationally with Wales, at club level with Fulham and Manchester City.

"He is a youngish manager with experience and has a certain discipline that people recognise."

Other names to have been linked with the vacancy at Villa Park include Everton's David Moyes and former Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti.

"David Moyes has been hampered by the money he has had to work with, but he has done an excellent job at Everton," added Taylor.

"I don't think that Everton would want to let him go though and that is back to that problem of Villa making a quick appointment.

"David and Everton chairman Bill Kenwright get on very well as well and that is a big thing for a manager."

Villa chief executive Paul Faulkner has assured fans that the search for a new manager has already begun.

"As a board, we are very conscious of the need to ensure that the club is prepared fully to meet the demands of the new season," he said.

"To that end, we have already embarked upon the process which will lead to the appointment of a new manager."

Villa's new manger may have to focus on possible departures from the club rather than arrivals in their first few days.

Villa have so far failed to agree contract extension for wingers Ashley Young and Stewart Downing, increasing speculation the pair could move on this summer.

Under Houllier's leadership, Villa flirted with relegation before climbing to a ninth-place finish in the Premier League with four wins in their final seven games.

After finishing 2010 three places and one point above the relegation zone, Houllier spent an initial £18m in the January transfer window to sign Bent from Sunderland.

The purchase paid off with the England striker scoring nine goals in 16 league games.

Club Statement
Thursday 2nd June 2011

Fulham Football Club can confirm that Mark Hughes has provided notice, under the terms of his contract, to leave the Club at the end of June. After discussions with Mark the Club has agreed to accept this notice.

Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/June/HughesAnnouncement.aspx#ixzz1O8xUsQJc (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/June/HughesAnnouncement.aspx#ixzz1O8xUsQJc)