Away Opportunity
Monday 25th January 2010
Fulham were able to ride out a challenging first-half against Accrington Stanley on Saturday to guarantee their place in the Fifth Round of the FA Cup courtesy of a three-one win at the Fraser Eagle Stadium. The victory set Fulham up with a home tie against either Wigan or Notts County at Craven Cottage.
Looking back on Saturday's match, Stephen Kelly reflected on what turned out to be a very challenging encounter:
"I said before the match we knew it was going to be difficult and in the first-half we were up against it," he told fulhamfc.com. "We didn't perform particularly well and we let them get back in with a sloppy goal. Them having a man sent-off obviously helped us but in the second-half we performed better and showed the professionalism that we needed to get through.
"All credit to them, at the end of the first-half they deserved to be level and still in the game. But no disrespect to Accrington, they did play well, they pressurised us but the first-half was more about what we didn't do. We didn't keep the ball too well and we gave them opportunities that we shouldn't have.
"It's nice to get a home draw in the next round and hopefully Wigan or Notts County will give us an opportunity to push on further in the competition. We've done very well at home so far this season and we're confident at the Cottage so no matter who we get, we think we can take them. Hopefully, there'll be another good result for us."
Fulham are next in action on Tuesday evening against Kelly's old club, Tottenham. The match also presents the Whites with the opportunity to end their three-game run of defeats - something Kelly is eager to do.
"I was there for a long time and I really enjoyed my time there but now I'm looking forward to getting one over on them," he said. "They're a very good side who pass the ball very well and they have a lot of diversity in their squad - they can change their play with the likes of Peter Crouch - and White Hart Lane isn't an easy place to go and get a result.
"Away from home we haven't been as good as our home form, but we've got to go there with confidence from the weekend game. In this league when we've performed well we've been capable of beating the best so why not at White Hart Lane?
"Against Blackburn I thought we dominated the game and unfortunately came out losers. At Stoke we didn't perform well in the first-half but turned it on in the second-half, Chelsea was a good performance but again we came away with nothing. So we have to start turning these good performances into wins.
"We're not the type of team who will change our tactics or shape just because of a few losses. We've proved that the way we play has been enough to beat the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool. The defeats have not been nice but that's reality, it happens in the Premiership and we've got to bounce back from that."
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/January/KellyAwayOpportunity.aspx?#ixzz0dfEmdoMF
TOTTENHAM v Fulham: Roman Pavlyuchenko struggling to make derby clash
By Sportsmail Reporter Last updated at 3:33 PM on 25th January 2010
Tottenham striker Roman Pavlyuchenko has a groin problem and could miss the Barclays Premier League clash against Fulham at White Hart Lane.
Tom Huddlestone (knee) and Ledley King (knee) will require late checks before kick-off, while Aaron Lennon (groin) and Benoit Assou-Ekotto (groin) are out.
Jonathan Woodgate (groin) and Carlo Cudicini (wrists and pelvis) are long-term absentees.
Provisional squad: Gomes, Alnwick, Hutton, Corluka, Naughton, Bassong, King, Dawson, Bale, Modric, Kranjcar, Bentley, Palacios, Huddlestone, Jenas, Keane, Defoe, Crouch, Giovani, Dervite, Rose, O'Hara.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1245936/TOTTENHAM-v-Fulham-Roman-Pavlyuchenko-struggling-make-derby-clash.html?ITO=1490#ixzz0dfFUddaA
We're no bottlers: Jermain Defoe insists Tottenham will maintain top-four challenge
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 7:05 PM on 25th January 2010
Jermain Defoe insists Tottenham will not bottle their Barclays Premier League top-four challenge as they reach a crucial point of the season.
Spurs are currently fourth in the table and have five games in the next 16 days, starting with the midweek visit of Fulham to White Hart Lane.
Defeat at Liverpool last week, along with draws against Hull and Leeds, have raised questions whether Harry Redknapp's side will sustain their campaign for Champions League football.
Leading the pack: Jermain Defoe (centre) hopes Tottenham can keep one step ahead of Liverpool and the rest of the teams pursuing fourth spot
'That is part and parcel of playing at the top level,' said Defoe on Sky Sports News. 'You are going to get that pressure. We've set that standard now and especially playing at home, teams are going to sit in and make it difficult for us.
'It's important to keep focused. The spirit has always been good but at this stage it's important to stay focused. I truly believe everything will be okay.'
Defoe, when asked if the next games could define Spurs' season, added: 'I think that's right. It is a lot of games but if you prepare right it should be okay.
'We've got a great squad with players who can come in and produce performances so it's important to prepare right. It's a massive game against Fulham, they are a good team with a great manager. Hopefully we can get three points.'
Defoe sympathises with Roman Pavlyuchenko, who has found his opportunities limited at Spurs. Defoe found himself down the pecking order before moving to Portsmouth and returning to Spurs as first choice.
Pavlyuchenko scored in the FA Cup draw against Leeds but has a groin strain ahead of the Fulham game.
He added: 'It's difficult. It's important to stay professional. At times when you are not playing it is difficult.
'I can understand that. When I wasn't in the team at Spurs it was difficult. You wake up in the morning and feel there is nothing to prepare for. When you are playing you come to training and prepare right, you're happy and buzzing.
'It must be difficult for Pav. He hasn't figured much this season and to be honest he came on and did well to get the goal against Leeds.'
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1245984/Were-bottlers-Jermain-Defoe-insists-Tottenham-maintain-challenge.html#ixzz0dfGHqnuK
Redknapp said: 'We've lost one in eight matches. So if that's a brick wall then let's hope we can keep hitting it for the rest of the season.
'I don't listen to what people are saying because I have my own opinion about what's happening and how we are doing. It doesn't interest me. I just know how well we have done. We have just had six clean sheets and one defeat in eight. If that's a bad run then my God! They are as bright as can be in training.'
Redknapp expects a test against Fulham, adding: 'Fulham are a good side. They are always well-organised and Roy Hodgson has done a fantastic job with them.
'But we are playing well at the moment. We came across two goalkeepers in our last two home games who had world-class games. That's how it goes sometimes in football.
'I look at every home game as one where we should pick up there points. I feel we can beat anyone at home.'
Striker Peter Crouch wants to bounce back after three matches without victory.
He said: 'It has been and gone. There's disappointment we didn't manage to see the game out against Leeds, but it's not the end of the world. We're still in the FA Cup and we still have aspirations to finish fourth.
'We've got a game in quick succession, against Fulham next. It's always nice to put one to bed and go and get three points.'
Meanwhile, Aaron Lennon will also go for a scan on his groin strain to determine how long he will be out.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1245982/He-came-saw-strained-groin-Roman-Pavlyuchenko-wants-Tottenham.html#ixzz0dfGqPwbl
http://www.teamtalk.com/football/preview/0,16374,1775_5884122,00.html
Zamora set for Cottagers return
Fulham striker Bobby Zamora could make his return from injury in Tuesday night's Premier League clash with Tottenham at White Hart Lane.
Zamora has been out since breaking his collarbone against Stoke earlier this month but his recovery has gone well and he could feature against his former club
Diomansy Kamara and Simon Davies are also in line for comebacks having both been named among the substitutes for the Cottagers' FA Cup fourth-round tie at Accrington Stanley on Saturday.
Andy Johnson was ruled out of that match with a knee problem and faces a late fitness test, while Dickson Etuhu is still on African Nations Cup duty with Nigeria.
Clint Dempsey (knee), Paul Konchesky (ankle) and John Pantsil (knee) are all still sidelined.
Kick-off 8pm.
Cottagers (from): Schwarzer, Kallio, Hangeland, Baird, Hughes, Kelly, Duff, Murphy, Gera, Nevland, Johnson, Zuberbuhler, Greening, Riise, Dikgacoi, Smalling, Davies, Elm, Kamara, Zamora.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/article7000770.ece
Simmons, who was 20 when he clashed with Cantona, was sentenced to a week in jail and served one day. He was first cast as victim and then as racist provocateur, after somebody unearthed his links with the far right and record for robbery with violence.
Now an unemployed building worker, Simmons told his local Croydon paper last year that he still gets hate calls, although he claims not to hold a grudge. In a 2004 interview he was more bitter about his treatment, claiming with some justification that shouting at a footballer "is not a criminal offence and certainly does not mean I should be hung, drawn and quartered". He said that he still went to Palace occasionally, but more often watched Fulham
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/article7001474.ece?token=null&offset=12&page=2
Tottenham Hotspur v Fulham, 7.45pm
Roman Pavlyuchenko has a groin problem that requires a scan and could miss tomorrow's game.
Tom Huddlestone (knee) and Ledley King (knee) will require late checks before kick-off, while Aaron Lennon (groin) and Benoit Assou-Ekotto (groin) are out. Jonathan Woodgate (groin) and Carlo Cudicini (wrists and pelvis) are long-term absentees.
Bobby Zamora could make his return from injury for Fulham. Zamora has been out since breaking his collarbone against Stoke earlier this month but his recovery has gone well and the striker could feature against his former club at White Hart Lane.
Diomansy Kamara and Simon Davies are also in line for comebacks having both been named among the substitutes for the Cottagers' FA Cup fourth-round tie at Accrington Stanley on Saturday. Andy Johnson was ruled out of that match with a knee problem and faces a late fitness test, while Dickson Etuhu is still on African Nations Cup duty with Nigeria. Clint Dempsey (knee), Paul Konchesky (ankle) and John Pantsil (knee) are all still sidelined.
Spurs (from): Gomes, Alnwick, Hutton, Corluka, Naughton, Bassong, King, Dawson, Bale, Modric, Kranjcar, Bentley, Palacios, Huddlestone, Jenas, Keane, Defoe, Crouch, Giovani, Dervite, Rose, O'Hara.
Fulham (from): Schwarzer, Kallio, Hangeland, Baird, Hughes, Kelly, Duff, Murphy, Gera, Nevland, Johnson, Zuberbuhler, Greening, Riise, Dikgacoi, Smalling, Davies, Elm, Kamara, Zamora.
http://www.spursodyssey.com/0910/prevpackfuh.html?
Number 26 could be lucky
It's exactly a month to the day since Spurs made the short trip to Craven Cottage and came away with a 0-0 draw, after quite a heroic performance by Heurelho Gomes in the Spurs goal. Both teams have played three games since, and enjoyed mixed fortunes. Spurs celebrated a Christmas Bank Holiday Monday with a 2-0 win over The Hammers, but have since disappointed in their home stalemate against Hull and a totally under-whelming performance at Anfield. Home fans are still reeling from the fact that League One Leeds have taken us back to Elland Road for next week's FA Cup replay.
Fulham have played three consecutive away games, and lost to Chelsea, Stoke and Blackburn respectively. They have not been helped by the absence of key players through injury at times since Christmas. Both Bobby Zamora and Brede Hangeland have missed some playing time in recent weeks, but they should both be available tomorrow. However Clint Dempsey is now out for three months at least with a cruciate knee injury. Andy Johnson has yet to fully establish his fitness, whilst defenders Paul Konchesky and John Pantsil are also out. The Europa league seems to be taking its toll on Fulham, whose success last season was very much based on managing to steer clear of too many injuries.
Tom Huddlestone and Ledley King trained today for Spurs, and I suspect that Huddlestone will feature, whilst Ledley might be held back for the tricky game at St. Andrews on Saturday. Mind you, the number 26 could be lucky for Spurs! (See below).In the meantime we still have to do without Aaron Lennon, Jonathan Woodgate and Benoit Assou-Ekotto.
Gareth Bale has been in really good form since being given his chance in place of Ekotto, and will be hoping to get rid of the excruciating statistic that says he has yet to start and win a Premier League game for Spurs. Bale has still only started 22 league games for Spurs, and this is his third season. It must be time Gareth!
Alan Mullery is a former player of both clubs of course, and on Saturday he was wheeled out as a former Spurs Cup legend along with David Howells. Mullery obviously could not make the trip with Fulham to Accrington for their cup success, but I know he does share hospitality duties and loyalties between the two clubs, so he might be a half-time guest again!
Our last two league games against Fulham have been played on the last two Boxing Days, and have both been 0-0 draws. Spurs have a pretty good home record in Premier League meetings against the unfortunately nicknamed "Cottagers", and I'd like something like the 5-1 win on Boxing Day 2007, or the 4-0 on 15th December, 2001!
Any win will do though, and I'll take us to do it 2-0. If you are looking for an omen, Spurs have never lost a game when the two teams have met on the 26th of the month. Mind you, they haven't won them all, either:-
26.02.1938 Spurs 1-1 Fulham
26.03.1951 Spurs 2-1 Fulham
26.12.1967 Spurs 2-2 Fulham
26.02.2005 Spurs 2-0 Fulham
26.09.2005 Spurs 1-0 Fulham
26.12.2007 Spurs 5-1 Fulham
26.12.2008 Spurs 0-0 Fulham
26.12.2009 Fulham 0-0 Spurs
· · Spurs recent record in London Derby matches
http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2010/01/25/good-draw-wigan-or-notts-county/?
Good draw: Wigan or Notts County
On Saturday morning I took the tube into town. I wanted two things: a device to allow me to tape record telephone conversations (nothing dodgy: I need to carry out a couple of interviews) and the latest Roberto Bolano novel, which I knew would be in stock at the London Review Bookshop (they get all the latest US titles in, and it's not out here for months). These tasks completed without incident I whistled my way back to Tottenham Court Road, getting myself underground seconds before the rain started to get serious.
On the way home a girl sat opposite me. One of these artistic types with summertime blonde hair, colourful tights and a flowery dress; mid-twenties maybe. She had bought herself some underwear and was inspecting it to pass the time. Later she got off at Clapham Common, but as she did, her new underwear fell to the floor, at the feet of a gentleman sitting two seats down from me. The girl kept on walking. I paused. The man either hadn't noticed or wasn't going to do anything about it. Time passed slowly – split seconds felt like minutes – and eventually I acted, leaping to my feet, swiping up the knickers like Brooks Robinson ranging to his right, taking one step towards the doors, then hurling the knickers at the girl on the platform (she had, inexplicably, paused on the steps so the save was still on). As I did this the doors closed and I shouted something – I can't remember what – she turned, wide-eyed with surprise, caught the knickers, then smiled. I sat down again and continued to read the paper, glancing up to see a delighted thumbs up coming through the window.
No wonder she was happy, having avoided that horrible feeling of getting home and realising that you've lost something you thought you had.
Which is how it feels to be knocked out of the FA Cup. One minute you're there, you're in, you have plans, expectations even, then it's all taken away. Emptiness follows, and all your dreams are nothing.
Being knocked out of the cup is a very disappointing thing, but this year I'm hopeful that it mightn't happen for a while. We will not drop our underwear before we are ready to do so. I'm sure of it. We're going to Wembley. (We just need some more good draws.)
http://community.footballpools.com/blog/2010/01/25/alan-hansens-premier-league-picks-tottenham-v-fulham/?
Alan Hansen's Premier League Picks: Tottenham v Fulham
Tottenham were very disappointing in their 2-0 defeat at Anfield following on from another failure to score against Hull at home. Another poor result against Leeds at the weekend has put Spurs under increasing pressure. Harry Redknapp will be more than aware that his side needs to get back on the winning trail and fast, although they won't find Fulham an easy prospect particularly without Aaron Lennon who has been their main creative threat this season.
Harry praised his Croatian midfielders Luka Modric and Niko Kranjcar before the defeat at Liverpool but both were poor on the night. Neither is particularly physical and were simply bullied out of the match by Liverpool's aggressive tackling. Both players are very good technically but have similar strengths in terms of wanting to be on the ball and cutting inside rather than forcing their way down the flanks like Lennon does.
Spurs lacked width at Anfield as both Croatians went looking for the ball rather than hugged the touchline leaving the defence without an out ball apart from hitting it long to Peter Crouch. An option for Harry would be to reinstate David Bentley on the right but he seems way down the Spurs pecking order so unlikely to be involved. Roy Hodgson has made Fulham a very well organised outfit and these encounters have been very tight in recent years with the last two meetings finishing goal-less. I wouldn't be overly surprised if this was another repeat as neither of these sides are full of goals at the moment.
The Cottagers have a pretty poor record at White Hart Lane. They have not won there since August 2003 (three wins & two draws since). That remains Fulham's only league victory at the Lane in 62 years. They've also only scored one goal in their last five visits so it doesn't look prmising for them this midweek. Despite Spurs recent barren run in front of goal which has seen them fail to score in three of the last four league games, I cannot see Roy's team winning this one.
Fulham's away form has been very poor including 3 defeats in the last three away games at Chelsea, Stoke and Blackburn. In fact, the Cottagers haven't won any of their last 10 matches on the road although they have drawn four of those games. Roy will be without the likes of Bobby Zamora and Clint Dempsey so the likelihood of Fulham scoring against a well-drilled Spurs defence is slim.
Although Tottenham have struggled without Aaron Lennon's pace and incision on the flanks, I am predicting a home win in this one. The Croatians will certainly be more of a threat at home where Modric and Kranjcar will get more time on the ball but I still don't expect many goals in this one. If Spurs don't make the breakthrough in the first-half it may be a long afternoon for them although with a £45,000 Premier 10 rollover jackpot up for grabs, I am tipping them to return to winning ways.
http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2010/01/25/the-full-back-problem/?
The full-back problem
The unfortunate removal of Paul Konchesky and John Paintsil leaves our previously well-grooved defence looking somewhat iffy. Part (most) of the main unit's success is in the way it works together; now half of it has been injured. What now? Spurs will probably throw Modric and Kranjcar at us from the flanks. How best to defend them?
The first thing to note is that the midfield will have to have their wits about them. The Spurs midfielders, especially at home, will get forward in numbers. So we need numbers back to deal with them. Gera and Duff can do this, but Gera may be needed as a 10 (and has looked poor out wide again), so who plays wide left? Davies may not be fit. Someone on TiFF is speculating that we may see a youngster. It's a big ask, but whoever it is will have to defend first and foremost.
But full-back is where we're short. Remaining options: Kelly, Kallio, Baird, Marsh-Brown, Hughes, Stoor
I am always reluctant to criticise Fulham players. I don't know if I know enough to judge players that well, and somehow it seems better to be wrong about someone you've been positive about than someone you've already slagged off. This is how I approach things anyway: capable until proven otherwise. But to me, Stephen Kelly has not really looked comfortable in a Fulham shirt. He has some quality – you can see this – but compare him with Paintsil and we're clearly lacking something. Paintsil is supposedly quite eccentric, but his play is (by and large) remarkably steady. He's usually in the right place at the right time, his tackling and heading are good, he's quick, has good balance, and rarely gets beaten by an opponent. His passing isn't good, as such, but it is quite rare for him to give the ball away. He is very underrated. Kelly sometimes seems on the brink of something bad, at the very limit of his capabilities. He makes me nervous.
Tony Kallio I'm not sure about. He did well at left-back against Arsenal, but got turned really easily in the box against Blackburn last year to give away a goal, and we didn't see him after that. He got mixed reviews on Saturday, which seems silly given that nobody really played well, but such is the occasional player's lot. I wouldn't be surprised if he missed out against Spurs.
Chris Baird has three well-defined roles in the team, and full-back is very much an "if I have to" option. He's far from the disaster that people make out, especially if he's going to be playing narrow (a very compact four that isn't dragged wide, which should be the case given Spurs' likely personnel), but you would hope (for his own sake) that he could stick in one position.
Keanu Marsh Brown is a non-starter really – hopefully he might get some loan experience, or at least a Coca-Cola Cup match.
Aaron Hughes? Too valuable in the middle.
Fredrik Stoor? I like him, but he has been turned inside out by a couple of wingers in his limited first team action. There's something there – he always looks very handy on the ball – but his Fulham career looks like it's over.
The answer is that there is no answer. We must, as usual, try to defend hard and as a unit, and play out the 0-0 draw! My team:
Schwarzer; Kelly-Hughes-Hangeland-Kallio; Duff-Murphy-Baird-Greening; Gera; Zamora
http://football.fanhouse.co.uk/2010/01/25/spurs-v-fulham-preview-crucial-period-looms-for-harry-redknapp/?
Spurs v Fulham Preview: Crucial Period Looms for Harry Redknapp's Team
25/1/2010 11:52 AM GMT By Ben Hunt
PREMIER LEAGUE: TUESDAY, JANUARY 26, 2010 KICK-OFF: 1945GMT
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR:
Spurs have have wobbled in the last couple of weeks but remain happy with their current place in the top four. Victory against a Fulham side without any pressing worries or lofty ambitions would establish a three-point cushion over nearest rivals Manchester City and could extend the gap between themselves and fellow contenders Liverpool and Aston Villa.
Anything less than three points however and the London club's grip on that all-important Champions League qualification spot will slacken. It would leave City with the luxury of two games in hand and the chance to overtake them by winning just one.
Villa would be able to do the same by making the most of their two extra fixtures, one which is home to Arsenal on Wednesday. Liverpool are in action at Wolverhampton at the same time as Harry Redknapp's side.
The season may still have four months to run but increasingly it is looking like make-or-break time for Spurs, who will end January with a trip to Birmingham City. That game is followed directly by a White Hart Lane showdown with Villa and Spurs fans will not need reminding that their favourites slipped up the last time they went head to head with a direct rival, losing 2-0 at Liverpool last week.
Redknapp insisted the critics who claim his side have hit a brick wall are simply wrong however. "Is that right?", he queried. "We have lost one in 10 so if that's a brick wall lets hope we can keep hitting it for the rest of the season.
"I don't listen to what people are saying because I have my own opinion about what's happening and how we are doing. It doesn't interest me. I just know how well we have done. We have just had six clean sheets and one defeat in 10. If that's a bad run then My God!"
Strategy: Redknapp played a strong side against Leeds United in the FA Cup on Saturday but it was unable to get the better of the League One side. Expect a few changes to freshen things up then, with Ledley King able to come back in the heart of defence - unless Redknapp wants to save him for Birmingham of course, as he cannot play twice in a week because of a knee injury. Wilson Palacios is a certainty to return to the heart of defence and Vedrun Corluka should supplant Alan Hutton at right back.
Injury Update: Winger Aaron Lennon is due for another scan on his injured groin muscle so his comeback will have to wait. Striker Roman Pavlyuchenko has suffered a similar fat but has not yet been ruled out and midfielder Tom Huddlestone is back in contention following a knee injury. Defender Benoit Assou-Ekotto remains sidelined however.
FULHAM:
Fulham travel to White Hart Lane buoyed by their victory in the FA Cup over League Two side Accrington Stanley on Saturday. An away victory - albeit against lowly opposition - will be a welcome memory for manager Roy Hodgson.
The Cottagers have won only once away from home in the Premier League all season - a dreadful record that will need to be improved upon if they are to repeat last year's triumph of a seventh placed finish. Hodgson says the club's away form is a mild concern, for he is pleased with the level of performance his side have been turning in on their travels.
He said: "It is never easy to win away from home. I'm not concerned about the way we are playing, I'm concerned that we are not winning. But if we keep on playing like we are then we will win some, that's for sure. We are working on it but it does boil down to the fact that decisions do go your way when you are at home."
Hodgson will be given a boost as a number of first team players are returning to fitness, including former Tottenham forward Bobby Zamora. Hodgson added: "We're missing several players from the team that finished seventh last season. But there are a lot of first-team players that we can recover as early as Tuesday so I'm pleased we got through the game on Saturday.
"I'm pleased that people like Bjorn Helge Riise and David Elm got their chance against Accrington. They're going to need this type of experience and practice because for a long time they've been sitting on the sidelines watching other people play."
Strategy: Hodgson will not be taking too many risks with his line-up and will opt for a 4-4-2 approach with Zamora poised to start in place of Erik Nevland or Zoltan Gera. Damien Duff and former Tottenham midfielder Simon Davies could provide the creativity in midfield.
Injury Update: Zamora has recovered from his shoulder injury however, Clint Dempsey, Paul Konchesky (ankle) and John Pantsil (knee) are all still sidelined.
Elm appears in the FA Cup!
http://fulham.theoffside.com/team-news/fa-cup-review.html?
http://fulham.theoffside.com/transfers/loaner-report-12510.html
Loaner Report 1/25/10
By: timmyg | January 25th, 2010
Another player joins the Loaner ranks, as budding goalkeeper David Stockdale joined CCC strugglers (but my second choice team) Plymouth Argyle on a month-long loan. Plymouth's match against Barnsley was postponed due to a (seriously) water-logged pitch. Plymouth face Derby County on Tuesday.
Matthew Briggs and Leyton Orient take on Charlton Athletic today.
Eddie Johnson came off the bench in the 68th minute in Aris Salonika's 0-0 draw against Panathinaikos on Sunday.
Michael Uwezu came off the bench in the 64th minute in Lincoln City's 2-1 win against Bradford City.
Matthew Saunders started and played 90 minutes in the Imps' 2-1 win over The Bantams.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/preview?id=270010&cc=5739
Striker worry for Tottenham
Team Stat Comparison
Tottenham Hotspur Fulham
Matches Played 22 21
Table Position 4 9
Points 38 27
Goal Difference 18 2
Goals for * 2.4 1.0
Goals against * 0.7 1.6
Last 5 L-D-W-D-W L-L-L-D-W
Last 5 home D-W-W-L-W D-W-W-D-W
Last 5 away L-D-W-D-D L-L-L-D-L
* Goals per match - home matches for home club and away matches for away club
· Club Stats: Tottenham Hotspur | Fulham
Competition Stats
Tottenham Hotspur Fulham
Goals Jermain Defoe 14 Bobby Zamora 6
Reds Jermain Defoe 1 Kagisho Evidence Dikgacoi 1
Yellows Jermaine Jenas 6 John Pantsil 4
· Club Squads : Tottenham Hotspur | Fulham
Last Five Matches in Competition
Tottenham Hotspur Fulham
A: Liverpool 2-0 A: Blackburn Rovers 2-0
H: Hull City 0-0 A: Stoke City 3-2
H: West Ham United 2-0 A: Chelsea 2-1
A: Fulham 0-0 H: Tottenham Hotspur 0-0
A: Blackburn Rovers 0-2 H: Manchester United 3-0
· Club Results: Tottenham Hotspur | Fulham
Next Five Matches in Competition
Tottenham Hotspur Fulham
26/1 H: Fulham 26/1 A: Tottenham Hotspur
30/1 A: Birmingham 30/1 H: Aston Villa
6/2 H: Aston Villa 3/2 H: Portsmouth
10/2 A: Wolverhampton Wanderers 6/2 A: Bolton Wanderers
21/2 A: Wigan Athletic 9/2 H: Burnley
· Club Fixtures: Tottenham Hotspur | Fulham
Updated: January 25, 2010, 3:53 PM UK
Tottenham striker Roman Pavlyuchenko has a groin problem and could miss the Barclays Premier League clash against Fulham at White Hart Lane.
Tom Huddlestone (knee) and Ledley King (knee) will require late checks before kick-off, while Aaron Lennon (groin) and Benoit Assou-Ekotto (groin) are out.
Jonathan Woodgate (groin) and Carlo Cudicini (wrists and pelvis) are long-term absentees.
Jermain Defoe insists Tottenham will not bottle their Barclays Premier League top-four challenge as they reach a crucial point of the season.
Spurs are currently fourth in the table and have five games in the next 16 days, starting with the midweek visit of Fulham.
Defeat at Liverpool last week, along with draws against Hull and Leeds, have raised questions whether Harry Redknapp's side will sustain their campaign for Champions League football.
"That is part and parcel of playing at the top level,'' said Defoe on Sky Sports News.
"You are going to get that pressure. We've set that standard now and especially playing at home, teams are going to sit in and make it difficult for us.
"`It's important to keep focused. The spirit has always been good but at this stage it's important to stay focused. I truly believe everything will be okay.''
Bobby Zamora could make his return from injury for Fulham.
Zamora has been out since breaking his collarbone against Stoke earlier this month but his recovery has gone well and the striker could feature against his former club at White Hart Lane.
Diomansy Kamara and Simon Davies are also in line for comebacks having both been named among the substitutes for the Cottagers' FA Cup fourth-round tie at Accrington Stanley on Saturday.
Andy Johnson was ruled out of that match with a knee problem and faces a late fitness test, while Dickson Etuhu is still on African Nations Cup duty with Nigeria.
Clint Dempsey (knee), Paul Konchesky (ankle) and John Pantsil (knee) are all still sidelined.
Roy Hodgson is feeling positive about his attacking options again after Fulham showed they have plenty of strength in reserve.
Fulham have had to endure a terrible run of luck with injuries over recent weeks, with leading scorer Zamora breaking his collarbone and Clint Dempsey sustaining knee ligament damage at Blackburn in their next fixture.
Meanwhile, Andy Johnson made his first start for almost three months in the FA Cup third round against Swindon, only to be forced out of Saturday's fourth-round tie at Accrington Stanley with a knee problem. Hodgson's resources have been severely stretched, but the trip to the Crown Ground showed that he still has other decent options, with the likes of Bjorn Helge Riise and David Elm playing their part in Fulham's 3-1 victory.
Fit-again Diomansy Kamara and Simon Davies were also on the team-sheet as unused substitutes, and with Zamora nearing a return to fitness, Hodgson believes things are looking up again.
"We're missing several players from the team that finished seventh last season,'' Hodgson said. "(But) there are a lot of first-team players that we can recover as early as Tuesday so I'm pleased we got through the game (on Saturday).
"I'm pleased that people like Bjorn Helge Riise and David Elm got their chance. They're going to need this type of experience and practice because for a long time they've been sitting on the sidelines watching other people play.''
http://cottagers.blogspot.com/2010/01/collection-point.html?
Monday, 25 January 2010
Collection point
Looking ahead to six home games (and one away game) in three weeks, I checked on the teams still to visit the Cottage. This weekend against Villa aside (although the last two seasons have seen two home wins), Fulham have a chance of filling their boots at Craven Cottage during the rest of the season.
The last 8 games could see 7 home wins (assuming a defeat by Man City - although Birmingham will be far trickier given the way they are playing).
Portsmouth
Burnley
Birmingham City
Stoke City
Manchester City
Wigan
Wolves
West Ham United
21 points on top of the current points tally will give 48 points, which was enough for 11th place last year. This is assuming there will be no points reaped on their travels, but only games at Hull and Bolton suggest the possibility of any.
This would suggest that Fulham will finish around about the half way point, well away from the European spots, but given the way the FA Cup and Carling Cup is shaping up it is unlikely that 7th will reap a European slot this year. I think many Fulham fans would have taken that at the start of the season, especially with qualification for the second stage of the Europa League secured.
And with participation in the last 32 of the Europa League and last 16 of the FA Cup, what can Fulham expect in the knock-out competitions? The tie against Notts County or Wigan is eminently winnable, mainly because it's at Craven Cottage. Another favourable (home) draw in the quarters could see a trip to Wembley for the semi-finals. Christ, anything goes! And as for Shaktar... have Fulham anything to lose? They're already further than expected.
Of course the one thing is is scuppering progress at the moment is the injury list which stayed remarkably short last year. It's extremely fortuitous that Hodgson strengthened the squad for Europe as it has become essential for the league.
Hangeland and Johnson have been rusty since returning from injury, but the team looks light up front and in the full back positions now. A little bit of jiggery pokery in the loan market here could pay great dividends to the team, even if it's only to recall Stoor from Derby County. James Beattie could be useful as a handful upfront and a reserve to Bobby Z.
That's if Elm is not up to the job.
FA Youth Cup
Monday 25th January 2010
The Club can confirm that Fulham's 5th Round FA Youth Cup fixture against Ipswich Town will be played on Tuesday 2nd February at Portman Road Stadium.
The game will kick-off at 7pm.
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/January/FAYouthCupConfirmation.aspx?#ixzz0dfRmrCsB
Fulham v Portsmouth
Barclays Premier League
Wednesday 3rd February
Kick-Off 20:00
Tickets are now on General Sale (max 6 tickets)
Buy tickets now|
Family Pack Offer
Family Packs are available for this game offering fantastic value for money! Buy two adult tickets for the match and receive two Junior tickets absolutely FREE! These tickets can be bought over the phone. Call 0870 442 1234 (select option 3) to book your Family Pack now quoting 'Family Pack'. This offer is only available to advance purchasers and not on the day of the game. All tickets are subject to availability in the Putney End Block P1 only.
Group Discounts
Receive two free tickets when you purchase six or more match tickets. These tickets can be bought over the phone. Call 0870 442 1234 (select option 3) to book your Group tickets now. Group Discounts can also be booked online using the group booking form. This offer is only available to advance purchasers and not on the day of the game. All tickets are subject to availability in the Putney End Block P1 only.
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buy tickets online - 7 days a week, 24 hrs a day. Save on booking fees by booking online*
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in person from the Ticket Office: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm; non-match day Sat 10am-12pm
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Seatwave - the official fan-to-fan ticket exchange
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* Lower booking fees compared to telephone booking
Prices
Category B prices apply to this match.
Stand (Grade B) Block Adult Conc Junior
Riverside S, Z £40 £25 £10
J Haynes D, DL, G, GL £42 £28 £15
Hammersmith / Putney All Blocks £35 £25 £15
J Haynes B, BL, C, CL J, JL, H, HL £40 £25 £10
J Haynes A, K, AL, KL £30 £20 £10
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Tickets/Games/FulhamvPortsmouth.aspx#ixzz0dfSFJ4XH
Accrington Photo Special
Monday 25th January 2010
http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/January/AccringtonPhotoSpecial.aspx
2010 FA CUP ODDS INDICATE CHELSEA AS HEAVY FAVOURITES TO WIN
By Carl Torres on 7:09PM GMT 25 Jan 2010
After another weekend of exciting FA Cup matches, we have a new slate of odds available for the winner of the world's oldest cup football competition. We still have a few replays to take care of before the next stage, but I expect some really solid matches to be taking place over the next few weeks- we could see some really exciting shocks in the next phase of the tournament.
As it currently stands, Carlo Acelotti's Chelsea side are the 6/4 favourites to win the competition. High-flying Manchester City are trading at 7/2 for the outright win, these are the favoured finalists, and then you'll notice the odds taking a significant jump to 7/1 for Aston Villa. Tottenham Hotspur still need to beat Leeds at Elland Road, but they're carrying an 8/1 price to win the tournament.
Fulham and Birmingham City trade at 14/1, and I actually think that's a great price on Birmingham. Even if they make the final, you're still looking at solid odds if you take them on the each-way. Bolton Wanderers can be backed at 28/1, Portsmouth, Stoke City and West Brom all trade at 40/1. Wigan Athletic are 50/1, but still need to win a replay.
Leeds United's odds to win the FA Cup are 66/1- the same price as Reading. Wolves pay out at a lengthy 80/1, alongside Cardiff City. Southampton can be backed at 100/1 whiel Derby County and Crystal Palace trade at 150/1. Notts County, the lowest-placed team in the competition are a massive 750/1.
Keep in mind that Blue Square are offering up specific odds of Chelsea or Manchester City (inclusive) to win the FA Cup. You can back both at 8/11 or opt for the "no" option which pays out at even money.
Betting tips http://bettingchoice.co.uk/2010-fa-cup-odds-indicate-chelsea-as-heavy-favourites-to-win_19000#ixzz0dfTGahIL
http://timesonline.typepad.com/thegame/2010/01/keepyuppy-king-in-worldrecord-attempt.html
Keepy-uppy king in new world-record attempt
Dan Magness will be hoping to break a world record tomorrow when he attempts to juggle a football over a 30-mile distance across London.
The football freestyler, who broke the keepy-uppy world record in May, is supporting Alive & Kicking, a UK-based social enterprise that manufactures footballs in Kenya and Zambia and distributes them to underprivileged African children.
Magness will leave Fulham's Craven Cottage at 8am and is expected to arrive at Tottenham's White Hart Lane, via Stamford Bridge, Upton Park and the Emirates Stadium, at 6.30pm.
Alive & Kicking have provided the ball for Magness's attempt - the first stage of its 10,000 mile journey from London to Johannesburg in South Africa, the site of the 2010 World Cup final.
"We're very proud that a ball hand stitched by Alive & Kicking in Kenya will be the centrepiece of this amazing footballing spectacle," Will Prochaska, the Alive & Kicking director, said."When Dan arrives at White Hart Lane, it will feel like the countdown to the World Cup has properly begun."
For more information visit the Alive & Kicking website.
http://blog.sport.co.uk/Football/546/Top_Ten_Public_Spats_of_the_Season.aspx
4. Ghana vs Fulham – Roy Hodgson was reluctant to release defender John Paintsil for a pre-ANC training camp in December. He said: "I expect Paintsil to be playing for us on the 28th and he will unless FIFA intervene and insist he goes. It's a bit disrespectful of the African nations to write to the English clubs asking their players to be released on December 27. They know that we all have matches on the 28th. It's probably just a little bit of oversight on their part and I don't expect for one minute for Ghana to insist that John Paintsil meets up with them on 27th, the day before we play Chelsea, or Michael Essien leave for the same fixture."
Kwesi Nyantakyi of the Ghana Football Association responded: "I don't think we will allow this to happen. We are looking at the national interest here and I don't think that is negotiable anyway. If Fulham want to test the law then we are ready to go to Fifa because the Nations Cup is equally important."
In the end, Paintsil got injured, causing him to miss the tournament and rendering all the posturing irrelevant. Club vs country rows: they're a part of the modern day football furniture.
http://www.lincoln.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=185816
The Case for Sutton`s defence.
The Chessman has done well in amassing a defence created entirely from the product of the Aston Villa and Fulham academies. His objective was to beg steal and borrow ahead of the window to stop the rot as the Imps attempted to build from the back. Where he has really excelled himself however is that all bar Nathan Baker are now under contract, though he too will see out the season at the very least. Watts and Mr Anderson are on long term deals, as is Paul Green who was already here of course.
Certainly the Kovacs situation could have been handled better, though Janos had according to sources wanted first team football and permission to look elsewhere. Most however realise that Moses Swaibu offers the pace, presence and positional skills along with Dany Hone to give us cover. On Saturday`s observations the aerial Achilles heal was not a problem though Bradford were not the tallest and most physical we will face this season. Hanson's injury was in effect a great result.
That aside, we are fast proving that defence is the best form of attack. A style that invites teams on was initially greeted with concern, yet now it has given rise to a cohesive, entertaining but above all winning formula. Thommo on Saturday even likened it to total football. There are similarities between ourselves and a traditional Ajax philosophy born in the seventies and still going strong, that proves Premiership style football can perhaps play its way out of the League Two bear pit. Ajax are also a traditionally young side who survive and prosper despite being the poor relations of Dutch football by being a selling club.
The Imps will have to do the same but you would have to go further back into history to grasp our General's newfound philosophy that blends common sense with Greek mythology. It is one that has thrown up heroes that will defend the centre to the last whilst still wishing to dominate the flanks. All generals know that battles are one before a sword is unsheathed or a ball is kicked for that matter. With Herculean Herd, Kerr and Saunders acting as the first line of what is best described as a modern day version of a two line Greek phalanx; the Imps are a very tough nut to crack at the moment. Certainly we are likely to concede one given we invite sides on, but that enables us to counter attack into space with two superb examples in eight crucial minutes winning us another game on Saturday.
Smash and grab it may be but consistently lucky is not a tag people use to describe winners is it? Further familiarity will make us stronger still despite those three 2-1 wins on the bounce. The strategy appears to be more than working even if we do need to keep our feet on the ground. Refreshing that our youthful back line are all agreed that more hard work is needed on the training ground, with the best believed yet to come.
The lack of clear cut chances and a lowly shot count on Bradford`s part, just 7, shows our zonal swarm tactics stop teams in their tracks and ensured we enjoyed most of the possession on Saturday despite appearing to be on the back foot. Shane Clark certainly came on to good effect too with an impressive performance, but for all Bradford`s bluster the 7 all put in another resilient and organised shift. Some hairy moments you would argue but then the lads are aware that we have 10 games coming our way between Wednesday and the end of February, the shortest month of the year.
http://goal.com/en/news/14/asia/2010/01/25/1761163/andranik-teymourian-ready-to-leave-fulham
Andranik Teymourian Ready To Leave Fulham
The Iranian midfielder is frustrated with his lack of opportunities at Craven Cottage...
By Rupert Fryer
Jan 25, 2010 7:55:00 PM
Iranian international Andranik Teymourian has confessed he is ready to leave English Premier League club Fulham.
The 26-year-old is quoted by Persianfootball.com as saying, "I want to leave Fulham since I am not satisfied with my situation here. I asked my agent to change my team. I am frustrated with not playing."
The midfielder went on to confirm that he wants to move sooner rather than later and hopes to wrap up his exit before the end of the month.
"I can join another team in the winter transfer window, he said. "Some English and European teams are interested in signing me but I cannot mention their names at the moment."
Teymourian arrived in England in 2006 when he left Iranian club Aboomoslem to join Bolton Wanderers. However, he was released by the club shortly after Sam Allardyce left for Newcastle and having signed for Fulham in the summer of 2008, has found himself out of favour with current manager Roy Hodgson.
"Hodgson doesn't trust me," he said. "He doesn't play me, although I am well-prepared. I talked to him to give me a chance but it didn't work."
Quote from: White Noise on January 25, 2010, 10:02:58 PM
Away Opportunity
"Against Blackburn I thought we dominated the game and unfortunately came out losers. At Stoke we didn't perform well in the first-half but turned it on in the second-half, the dark side was a good performance but again we came away with nothing. So we have to start turning these good performances into wins.
;D Please tell me he actually said the dark side... ;D
Quote from: fulhamaustin on January 26, 2010, 08:58:47 AM
Quote from: White Noise on January 25, 2010, 10:02:58 PM
Away Opportunity
"Against Blackburn I thought we dominated the game and unfortunately came out losers. At Stoke we didn't perform well in the first-half but turned it on in the second-half, the dark side was a good performance but again we came away with nothing. So we have to start turning these good performances into wins.
;D Please tell me he actually said the dark side... ;D
try typing c h e l s e a (without gaps) and see what you get ;D
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_5886134,00.html
United make Smalling move
Red Devils edge ahead in the race to land Cottagers starlet
Last updated: 26th January 2010
Sky Sports News understands Fulham have accepted a bid from Manchester United for Chris Smalling.
The 20-year-old defender has become the subject of intense speculation during the January transfer window, with a number of clubs tracking his progress.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, a man renowned for nurturing young talent, had openly expressed his admiration for the talented centre-half.
The Gunners are, however, yet to show their hand, with Wenger favouring a cagey approach in his winter transfer business.
That appears to have opened the door to reigning Premier League champions United, with Sir Alex Ferguson keen to snap up Smalling as a potential star of the future.
The England Under 21 international has made rapid progress since joining Fulham from Maidstone in 2008, and made his first Premier League start against Chelsea on 28th December 2009.
The Cottagers had been keen to fend off interest in the youngster amid mounting speculation, and have not commented on United's reported offer, but they appear to have relented in their efforts to keep Smalling in the capital.
http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=185992
Fulham - Stoor`s A Wanted Man!
I stumbled across an interesting poll over on Vital Derby!
They are asking their punters which, out of a list of four players, they`d most like the club to keep during this January transfer window.
Leading the way is our somewhat forgotten right-back, Fredrik Stoor, with 43% of the votes, holding off the other trio of Jake Livermore (who we believe has now headed off to Peterborough United, Paul Dickov and DJ Campbell.
It would therefore appear that somebody appreciates the talents of the Swedish full back!
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-sport/football/article-23799159-fa-cup-win-will-make-us-stronger-says-roy-hodgson.do
FA Cup win will make us stronger, says Roy Hodgson
26.01.10
Fulham manager Roy Hodgson hopes his players will start showing more mettle away from home after coming through a testing trip to Accrington Stanley at the weekend.
The Cottagers are currently ninth in the Barclays Premier League but go into tonight's game at Tottenham with only one win from 11 league fixtures on the road this season.
That record meant Hodgson's side were taking nothing for granted in Saturday's fourth-round FA Cup tie, where they were overwhelming favourites to triumph over League Two outfit Stanley.
Injuries to key players, an uneven playing surface and a spirited performance from the hosts all made life uncomfortable for Fulham, but Hodgson was delighted to see his team grind out a 3-1 win in testing conditions.
"Every experience that doesn't damage you makes you stronger and luckily this was an experience that hasn't damaged us too much because we go away with a victory," Hodgson said.
"We came into the game as favourites, you accept that.
"But you know also that despite the fact that you're favourites, it's going to be a tough game because you know the home team know their pitch and their ground very well, they know how to play and also they are a very energetic, enthusiastic, hard-working team.
"So on paper people think Fulham should win that one, but you know as a Fulham manager that it's easier said than done."
Hodgson is also feeling more positive about his attacking options after enduring a terrible run of luck with injuries over recent weeks.
Leading scorer Bobby Zamora broke his collarbone against Stoke earlier this month and Clint Dempsey sustained knee ligament damage at Blackburn in the following fixture.
Meanwhile, Andy Johnson made his first start for almost three months in the FA Cup third round against Swindon, only to be forced out of Saturday's fourth-round tie with a knee problem.
Hodgson's forward line has been decimated, but the trip to the Crown Ground showed he still has alternatives to call upon, with Erik Nevland scoring the opener and the likes of Bjorn Helge Riise and David Elm playing their part.
Fit-again striker Diomansy Kamara and winger Simon Davies were also on the team-sheet as unused substitutes, and with Zamora nearing a return to fitness ahead of tomorrow's match, the manager believes things are looking up again.
"We're missing several players from the team that finished seventh last season," Hodgson said.
"(But) there are a lot of first-team players that we can recover (for tonight's match) so I'm pleased we got through the game (against Accrington).
"I'm pleased that people like Bjorn Helge Riise and David Elm got their chance.
"They're going to need this type of experience and practice because for a long time they've been sitting on the sidelines watching other people play."
http://www.unitedrant.co.uk/?p=6211
Report: United's £8 million Smalling bid accepted
By Ed. Tue, Jan 26, 2010
Manchester United has made a successful bid for Fulham's 20-year-old central defender Chris Smalling, reports Sky Sports News. The unconfirmed £8 million bid comes as United head off interest in the player from Arsenal. It is a remarkable rise to the top for the player who joined Fulham in June 2008 from non-league Maidstone United.
Sir Alex Ferguson has moved for the Greenwhich-born defender following a reported bid by Arsenal this week. Smalling, who started Fulham's match against Chelsea this season, has made just nine appearances in the Premier League. But the player's accelerated development is such that Stuart Pearce called the defender into his England under-21 set-up. Smalling made his début against Portugal in November.
Should Smalling sign for Ferguson's side, the pacy left-sided central defender will offer cover in an area of the pitch that United has struggled to field fit players this season. Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand, Wes Brown, John O'Shea and Jonny Evans have all been injured at various times this campaign.
United is likely to have laden the £8 million bid with performance-based incentives in the current financial climate. Any cash up-front will come from the club's new revolving £75 million credit facility
http://www.epltalk.com/why-are-premier-league-club-websites-so-awful/15269
Why Are Premier League Club Websites So Awful?
by The Gaffer
on January 26, 2010 · 2 comments
When was the last time you visited the official web site of your favorite Premier League club? If you're honest, the answer is pretty seldom. There's a reason for that. Sixty percent of the sites are developed and maintained by one company, Perform.
Perform is more commonly known as Premium TV. The latter was acquired by Access Industries in 2007 and then merged with the Inform Group to create Perform. Sadly, though, whether it was as Premium TV or, nowadays, Perform, the web sites are terrible. They're cookie-cutter sites that almost all look identical, feature splash pages (which were big on the Internet about 10 years ago) and offer very reasons, if any, for die-hard supporters to visit the web site of their club they support.
A handful of clubs have realized how piss poor the Premium TV/Perform templates are and have broken out of that shell by working with different agencies to create better websites. The web sites for Arsenal, Everton, Fulham and Sunderland are designed by Ripple Effect. Juicy created Portsmouth FC's web site. Tottenham's web site was created by Bluhalo, while Manchester United's site was created and is managed by IMG Media.
The two major exceptions to the rule are the club websites for Manchester City and Liverpool. More about them later.
While the Perform websites are horrid for so many different reasons (it would require at least one other article to explain why), the sites for Arsenal, Everton, Fulham, Sunderland, Portsmouth, Spurs and Manchester United are much better. However, they don't break the mold. If anything, for the most part, they try to copy the Perform formula even down to the level of the splash page followed by a home page design that is almost identical from site to site. Remove the club colors and team crest and you'd have a hard job distinguishing one from another (other than a few exceptions such as Portsmouth and Chelsea).
Back to the topic of the official club websites for Liverpool and Manchester City, and why they're different. Liverpool's website, Liverpoolfc.tv, is the only one in the Premier League that is designed, programmed and maintained by the football club itself. While it's not on the cutting edge of sites, it definitely has tons of content and the recently redesigned site is a significant improvement over the last version. Plus, it's the number one football website in the United Kingdom based on the amount of traffic the site receives.
The real Premier League title winner in terms of websites is Manchester City's website, which is leagues ahead of any of its competitors. Designed by Poke, a London agency, the site is incredible and I'm not even a City fan. There are no splash pages. Instead what you get is a modern design that features globs of video content including highlights of their recent matches (here's the one from Scunthorpe against Manchester City, which is not blocked for international viewers), an official Facebook page, an official Flickr photostream, a Twitter account (unlike cross-town rivals Manchester United who are not on Twitter), a page full of links to Manchester City fan sites, and much more — all contained within a clean and very appealing design.
The site even features a Match Day Centre section that includes minute-by-minute text commentary of games as well as links to listen to the radio commentary from a local Manchester station and the Twitter feed.
These may seem like small advances to some football supporters, but in the world of English football, Manchester City's web site is a pioneer and needs to be congratulated for the strategy it has undertaken.
The big difference between clubs such as Manchester City and Liverpool and the clubs in the Premier League that use the Perform templates is that the latter are lazy. They'd much rather sign a contract for a cookie-cutter website with the same technology as 60 percent of the other clubs in the league and take the easy way out to fulfill their public service of communicating to its supporters. That strategy is short-sighted and, in reality, is costing Premier League clubs because they're leaving money on the table that they could be putting into their club instead of the deals they concoct with Perform.
If the majority of Premier League clubs were smart, they would sack Perform and either create their own site or partner with an agency who knew what they were doing and had a long-term strategy. After all this is the biggest sports league in the world yet the majority of club web sites look like they were created in 1990. And it isn't just the Premier League clubs that are poisoned with Perform's designs. By my last count, 90 percent of the 72 clubs in the Football League club websites are run by Perform.
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_5885724,00.html
Cottagers move for Geddo
Hodgson bids for Egyptian hot-shot
Last updated: 26th January 2010
Skysports.com understands Fulham have tabled a bid for Egypt international striker Mohamed Nagy.
The 25-year-old, nicknamed Geddo, has greatly impressed at the African Cup of Nations scoring three goals in the tournament.
His third came in Monday's controversial 3-1 quarter-final win over Cameroon, making him joint leading scorer in Angola.
The Cottagers are not the only interested party in Geddo with Sunderland reportedly making a move of the Al-Ittihad striker.
It remains to be seen how much Al-Ittihad may want for their in-form striker who is tied to the Egyptian club until the summer of 2012.
http://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/default.aspx?Tab=1&Page=6&Article=1197
Club Focus - Fulham - will return to attractive football provide fresh impetus?
By Matt Domm
Uninspiring, unattractive, uncomfortable - three words that sum up Fulham's FA Cup trip to the uneven surface of the Crown Ground. In fairness to Accrington Stanley, they played a perfect 60 minutes of football. Before Damien Duff's goal on 61 minutes the hosts were far better, and but for Darran Kemspon's red card just before half-time, might well have provided the fairytale this year's cup deserves.
The performances of the majority - especially Mark Schwarzer, Brede Hangeland, Chris Baird and Danny Murphy - can be forgotten, but just enough in White played acceptably for this game not to be a complete write-off. It might not have provided the much-needed injection of confidence ahead of tonight's trip to White Hart Lane, but Bjorn Helge Riise and David Elm - when he came off the bench - have at least proved there are still options within Roy Hodgson's limited squad. Erik Nevland and Zoltan Gera did well enough up front - they each scored a goal - to suggest they are currently the best options in that area, but with the injury to Clint Dempsey, and Gera being shifted up to partner Nevland, there is an opportunity for Riise to stake him claim for a regular spot. He has looked promising in his handful of Europa League appearances so far, and on Sunday - ignoring the level of opposition for a moment - he continued to impress. The cross he provided for his countryman, Nevland, along with his constant running, showed he has the ability to start games in the Premier League.
Even before the sending off, when Stanley were dominating, Riise - and to a certain extent, Duff - looked the most likely to make something happen for the away team, and Fulham fans will feel confident if he is called upon against Tottenham. Dempsey and Duff on the flanks are the goal-scoring type of wingers - they will cut inside, take on a man and go for goal the majority of the time. It is a role that they do admirably, but the Norwegian provides a more traditional wide-midfield role. He looks for quick one-twos with the central midfielders in order to get in behind the full-backs before attempting the cross. Such crossing ability is not usually on show from the regular wingers, as they are mostly on their wrong foot if behind the full-backs, so Riise could prove a good option in Hodgson's attempt to stop the away rot. Not that Dempsey and Duff were underperforming, but an intelligent crosser might provide Nevland with a few chances to display his finishing talent and make the most of his vast frame.
Rumours are abound that Bobby Zamora may return to action a full month ahead of schedule, as he has reportedly recovered from his collarbone injury. Zamora could make the bench tonight, which is unfortunate for Elm, who impressed in his 25-minute cameo against the League Two outfit. Although, again, the level of opposition was not on a par with the norm, what the Whites faithful saw of Elm was similar to what they became used to seeing from Zamora before he was clattered against Stoke. A giant of a man, he possesses a surprisingly good touch and provided a physical presence which was lacking throughout the first half. He won headers, he muscled defenders off the ball and drifted into the channels to receive it. He did balloon the one shot he had, but he had shown enough prior to that to also suggest he could fill Zamora's boots in the short-term.
Although a full-strength Fulham side struggling against fourth-tier opposition suggests yet more difficulty against Spurs, the fact that Harry Redknapp's side have a level pitch and do not press and bully as much as other home Premier League sides, means the Whites can finally think about playing their regular game once more. It is not quite back home to the Cottage, but north London is closer than the north of England - a place Fulham will hope they never have to return. Bolton on February 6, however, is much sooner than never. If Zamora does not fully recover in time for tonight's game, then expect the line-up to be very much the same as on Sunday.It will certainly not be comfortable, but a return to attractive football could provide the inspiration the Whites so desperately need.
http://hammyend.com/?p=4957
Back in for Okaka?
by Dan on January 26, 2010
This pesky little fella won't go away. From today's Indy:
Fulham are trying to revive their loan deal for the Roma striker Stefano Okaka. Fulham pulled out earlier this month when Hodgson thought that he did not need the cover for Bobby Zamora but Clint Dempsey's long-term injury has forced the club to reassess. They are expected to sign Okaka until the end of the season.
Gazetta dello Sport says that Tony Pulis is interested in taking Okaka to Stoke. Where would that leave James Beattie? The Italian paper also has Fulham reviving their interest in the Italian under-21 international.
Other reports have the initial deal not collapsing due to an injury to Okaka, but because Roma want £250,000 as a fee for the loan to go ahead.
Stockdale: I have come for first team action
Tuesday, January 26, 2010, 07:0011 readers have commented on this story.
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ON-LOAN Fulham goalkeeper David Stockdale has admitted he has come to Plymouth Argyle to play first team football.
The 24-year-old has carved out a reputation as a promising shot-stopper with his Premier League club.
Stockdale has been the second choice 'keeper to Australia international Mark Schwarzer at Fulham this season.
Now, after signing for Argyle on an initial one-month loan last Friday, he hopes to oust popular club captain Romain Larrieu from the team.
But Stockdale is not taking that for granted.
He said: "The gaffer (head coach Paul Mariner) hasn't promised me anything. It's up to him who plays.
"Romain has been a very loyal servant to the club and I can't just come in and demand that I play.
"Hopefully, I will show him what I'm capable of in training and he rewards me with a place."
Larrieu, 33, is Argyle's only ever present in the Championship this season, and has started 67 successive games since replacing Graham Stack for a 2-1 win away to Watford in September 2008.
He will hope to continue that sequence when Argyle face Derby County in an important Championship clash at Home Park tonight (7.45pm).
Stockdale said: "I have seen Romain play. You can't really say he's getting old now because our 'keepers at Fulham are 39 and 37, so he's a youngster.
"It might be the gaffer is trying to bring in competition for Romain but will carry on playing him.
"I don't know. I don't pick the team. I just do what I'm told and try to perform when I play."
Stockdale played the first half of Fulham's behind-closed-doors practice game against Argyle at their Motspur Park training ground in south-west London last Tuesday.
Fulham ran out 6-0 winners, with Stockdale replaced by former Switzerland international Pascal Zuberbuhler for the second half.
But Argyle had been interested in signing Stockdale before that game, which was attended by assistant head coach John Carver.
They made their approach to Fulham manager Roy Hodgson at the start of last week.
Stockdale said: "Our gaffer told me that Plymouth were interested and, basically, it was up to me to decide.
"I was 100 per cent about it. I just want to play games.
"I also thought, no offence to Plymouth, that they are not in the best league position and I wanted to do something to try to help that as well.
"I'm not saying Romain hasn't done that, but the gaffer here (Mariner) wanted competition for places and that's what I'm going to try to bring."
Stockdale spoke to Carver after the practice game at Motspur Park, and readily agreed to the move to Argyle.
"I had a word with him (Carver), said Stockdale. "He asked me would I be interested in signing and I said 'yes, of course I would.' I'm not getting many games at Fulham.
"The goalkeeper coach (former Argyle manager Mike Kelly) wants me to play competitive games and he felt that this would be a good move for me."
Stockdale signed for Fulham from Darlington in the summer of 2008 and he had loan spells with Rotherham United and Leicester City last season.
A neck injury to Fulham's first choice 'keeper Mark Schwarzer led to Stockdale making his Premier League debut in a 2-1 home win against Everton in September.
He played in the next two matches – one in the Europa League and the other in the Carling Cup – before Schwarzer returned to the side.
But Stockdale had done enough to earn a new long-term contract with Fulham until the summer of 2013.
Now he wants to continue to make a name for himself by putting in some eye-catching performances for Argyle.
Stockdale said: "This is the next step for me. I need to show I can play in this league.
"I have shown I can play one game in the Premier League, but I need to play in this league consistently and play well."
Despite Argyle's lowly position of 23rd in the Championship, Stockdale has been impressed with the team spirit at Home Park.
"I think there is a good aura about the place," he said. "The players are all having a laugh.
"When it comes down to it, I don't think they are a team that comes into that relegation bracket.
"With the players they have got here, they should get out of it, touch wood."
Talks have already taken place about Stockdale's loan being extended beyond one month.
He said: "I would definitely be interested. Roy Hodgson told me if I was playing and I was enjoying it, the decision was up to me.
"But, obviously, if I'm not playing and Romain is doing well I have got no other choice but to look after myself.
"I might as well sit on the bench for Fulham.
"I'm going to push Romain as hard as I can. Hopefully, I will have a good season and help keep us up."
From the BBC website : Lawro's prediction for tonights game at Tottenham.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/8478840.stm
Tottenham have gone a couple of games without winning and were poor against Liverpool.
Fulham had a good away win at Accrington at the weekend but their league form has not been great of late.
One thing is for sure, Tottenham will create a lot of chances - like they did against Leeds.
Although Fulham's away record is much improved under Roy Hodgson, I just don't see them scoring at White Hart Lane.
Verdict: 2-0
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11670_5886515,00.html
Wenger still tracking Smalling
Gunners boss has not given up on Cottagers defender
By Chris Burton Last updated: 26th January 2010
It just looks like Manchester United offered more money than us, but as long as the player has not signed anywhere it is not the end of it.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is refusing to concede defeat in the race to sign Fulham starlet Chris Smalling.
The Cottagers are reported to have accepted a bid for the 20-year-old defender from reigning Premier League champions Manchester United.
It is also claimed that the Gunners saw an official approach for the England Under 21 international knocked back.
Wenger concedes that United have stolen the upper hand in the battle to secure Smalling's signature, but insists he will continue to pursue the youngster until a deal has been agreed.
"It just looks like Manchester United offered more money than us, but as long as the player has not signed anywhere it is not the end of it," said the Frenchman.
"Let's see what happens there.
"We will not come out on what we are doing exactly. It has come out [elsewhere], but that does not mean it is true. If we have anything more to tell you we will let you know."
Opportunity
Wenger has also played down speculation that he is chasing AC Milan striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, but admits Jack Wilshere appears destined to head out of the Emirates Stadium on loan before the winter transfer window slams shut.
"We have interest now from a few Premier League teams, it will be decided today (Tuesday) or tomorrow," Wenger said.
"Burnley is an opportunity. But, at the end of the day, Wilshere will have his word to say, because he needs to decide where he likes to go."
Arsenal saw their chances of landing a major trophy this season dented on Sunday when they crashed out of the FA Cup at the hands of Stoke, but Wenger has defended his decision to play an under-strength side at the Britannia Stadium and insists he has already forgotten about the 3-1 defeat.
He said: "I do what I feel is right and that's it.
"I have already forgotten Stoke, I did not know we even played at Stoke because I am focused on tomorrow. That is the most important thing."
Marc Janko
Red Bull Salzburg to Birmingham - The Insider says: 2/5
The 6ft 5ins striker is one of the most talked about players on the European circuit but no-one has taken the plunge yet and brought him out of the Austrian League.
The competitive standard there has left clubs wary of taking a risk on a player who had the best strike ratio in Europe last year.
Fans' favourite: Janko could be a big hit in the Premier League
He has scored an incredible 67 goals in 92 games and seven in 14 appearances for the Austria national team but the doubt remains about whether he could make a successful transition to the Premier League.
He is now 26 and wants to move if not this window then in the summer.
Salzburg are a wealthy club but realise the player has ambitions and will allow him to leave for the right deal - and not necessarily the highest one.
Birmingham are definitely interested but are juggling three or four targets at the moment.
Portsmouth, Celtic and Fulham have also watched him over the past 12 months.
Mohamed NagyAl-Ittihad to Fulham - The Insider says: 3/5
Star man: Nagy has been in fine form in Angola
Fulham are preparing a bid for Nagy who has been one of the few stars to emerge from the Africa Cup of Nations.
The 25-year-old, nicknamed Geddo, has scored three goals for Egypt so far in the tournament and has attracted interest from Sunderland, Real Sociedad, Osasuna and Celtic.
However, Fulham could have money to spend from the impending sale of Chris Smalling to Manchester United and are willing to put cash on the table or discuss an initial loan deal.
Nagy is contracted to Al-Ittihad until the summer of 2012 and he is highly-regarded by the national team coach Hassan Shehata, who took a lot of flak for including him in the squad ahead of their other well-known stars including Mido.
Geddo, which means grandfather, reflects a maturity in his play and he has grown in a role behind the front striker as a playmaking forward or attacking midfielder.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1246189/Anderson-way-Manchester-United-Marc-Janko-added-Birmingham-wish-list-Fulham-target-Egyptian-star-Mohamed-Nagy--THE-INSIDER.html?ITO=1490#ixzz0djWa8pRQ
