http://www.juventus.com/site/eng/NEWS_newsseriea_BA1B85353D0641A8973DA1A93DBA435B.asp
Melo and Murphy won't play Juventus-Fulham due to disqualification
An absence for each part, due to disqualification, for Juventus-Fulham of Tuesday evening. Alberto Zaccheroni won't be able to count on Felipe Melo. The Brazilian is paying for the yellow card vs. Ajax when he was warned. Roy Hogdson won't count instead on midfielder Danny Murphy, expelled on return match vs. Shakthar Donetsk.
For both it's about a day stop. Therefore they will be able to come back for the return challenge in London.
http://hammyend.com/?p=5884
Danny Cullip retires
by Dan on March 8, 2010
Sad news from Lewes, where Danny Cullip has had to call it quits after failing to recover from a serious hamstring injury.
I have had to retire through injury. I can't play to any standard. The hamstring is detached and won't reattach itself. There is no surgery to sort it.
I have seen a specialist in London and exhausted every avenue possible. They have all come to the same conclusion.
Cullip was a shrewd Micky Adams signing in the summer of 1996. Picked up from Oxford for nothing, he was a promising young centre back, who slotted almost straight into the side. His first season at the Cottage was a golden one – the year Adams steered Fulham out of the Football League basement on no budget all at all. He scored his first goal in senior football in the 6-0 thumping of Darlington in January and quickly became a firm favourite with the Fulham fans.
It was something of a surprise when Ray Wilkins allowed Cullip to team up with Adams again at Brentford just six months after Mohamed Al Fayed's millions had arrived in SW6. He'd featured in fits and starts under the new management and memorably popped up to head a last-minute winner against Burnley having replaced Paul Bracewell only ten minutes earlier.
Fulham received £75,000 – a pitiful return when you consider what Cullip went on to achieve, albeit largely in lower-league football. He became a legend at Brighton, where he was again managed by Adams, who picked up for £50,000 from his former side, making 237 appearances for the Seagulls in five years on the south coast and twice named as player of the year as he helped Albion win two promotions.
His commanding performances at the centre of defence earned Cullip a big money move to Sheffield United, where he announced his arrival with a goal in the Blades' 3-1 humbling of Aston Villa. Things didn't really work out for Danny at Bramall Lane and he had spells at Watford (on loan), Nottingham Forest, QPR and Gillingham before dropping into non-league football with Lewes.
Cullip will remain involved in the game. He's currently doing his coaching badges alongside another member of Fulham's promotion-winning side, Richard Carpenter.
http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/articles/daws-happy-with-draw-080310.html
Daws happy with draw
08 March 2010
Michael Dawson reiterated Harry Redknapp's thoughts that it was vital not to lose Saturday's FA Cup quarter-final at Fulham.
In a game full of energy and commitment but few clear-cut chances, we had the better of the first half and forced Mark Schwarzer into a fine save to claw away Peter Crouch's header.
Fulham stepped up a gear after the break and Heurelho Gomes produced the save of the match to turn away Zoltan Gera's close-range header.
However, we remained strong defensively and the home side came closest to breaking the deadlock when Vedran Corluka sliced just wide of his own net in the final minute.
We meet again at White Hart Lane on Wednesday, March 24 (7.45pm) for the right to take on Portsmouth in the semi-finals at Wembley over the weekend of April 10-11.
"I've never come here and had an easy game and that was the case again," reflected 'Daws', who captained the side and led by example again at Craven Cottage.
"They make it difficult for you and it's always tough but we're in the hat for the semi-finals and that's the main thing.
"It was one of those games where neither side really had clear-cut chances. Gomes made one world-class save just after half-time, it ended honours even and we'll take that.
"We would have loved to go through on Saturday but back at White Hart Lane we'll be full of confidence, the crowd will be right behind us and hopefully we'll go through."
http://fulhampatsfan.blogspot.com/2010/03/10-things-i-think-about-fulham-football_08.html
10 things I think about Fulham Football Club this week
March 8th
The past week was very interesting for Fulham Football Club. On Saturday, Fulham played a 0-0 draw against Tottenham in the FA Cup. Now, Fulham will go to Tottenham for the replay in a few weeks. March continues to be action packed as we now have an additional match. Here are my thoughts on the week gone by and moving forward.
1. I think the 0 - 0 draw was a lost opportunity for Fulham. It was a pretty even match against Tottenham in the FA Cup . I guess the result was probably justified. I thought Fulham had a few good opportunities to score, but there weren't enough of them. It will be tough to beat them in the replay at White Hart Lane.
2. I think Fulham played to "win" the entire game on Saturday. I already mentioned this prior but I have read criticism that "Fulham played 10 behind the ball against Tottenham". Danny Murphy not playing I think dictated how the game played out. There is no question that Tottenham were in the Fulham half a great deal. However, in the second half Fulham definitely pushed forward some and created opportunities. Finally, why would Fulham want to play for a tie and have another game in a replay on the road?
3. I think I will be following the reserves and academy teams of Fulham much closer in the future. I wrote about Christopher Buchtmann last week. I have always liked following progress of young players as they move up. I enjoyed reading information about Matthew Briggs who captained England's under 19 team last week. There are also strikers like Marcello Trotta and Danny Hoesen for me to follow their progress. Hoesen and Buchtmann actually scored goals in the last reserve match which Fulham won 2 - 0 over Stoke.
4. I think Fulham really missed Danny Murphy in the last match. As I have mentioned prior I think if Danny Murphy played Saturday maybe Fulham could have gotten a better result. Not seeing him in there really made me appreciate even more. He might be getting older but he is still a great passer and player. He will be missed again on Thursday.
5. I think Roy Hogdson will have interesting lineup decisions this week if Paul Konchesky is ready to return. It shouldn't affect the Juventus match but, might have some impact on the Manchester United match. Since Nicky Shorey can't play Thursday will he play against Manchester United? It will be interesting to see how Hogdson handles his lineup this week.
6. I think Zoltan Gera has done a great job right behind Bobby Zamora. He has been very solid the last few weeks. I hope Hogdson keeps this combination intact. They seem to work very well together.
7. I think the Tottenham fans were great this week. I want to thank them for coming to my blog this week. This is a very loyal fan base and I appreciate any feedback they have given me. It is always good to know what the other teams fans think. I came away this week with much respect for team and its fans. I wish them luck the rest of the season and also in the replay.
8. I think Eric Nevland is leaving Fulham this summer. According to Dan at Hammyend.com , he has confirmation that Eric Nevland will return to his old club Viking Stavanger this summer on a free transfer. Good luck to him going back to his former club.
9. I think I will be very happy if Fulham get any kind of result at Juventus this Thursday. I think it might be asking too much for a victory in Turin. Maybe getting an away goal would be good enough? Fulham will also be shorthanded without Danny Murphy. It will be fun though to see Fulham play Juventus.
10. I think Fulham should be happy with any points at Manchester United. After playing Juventus on Thursday, Fulham go to Old Trafford on Sunday. I think Fulham showed everyone that they can play with Manchester United when they played them at Craven Cottage. This is a different story on the road though. If they can pull out a point I will be very happy.
Again, these are just 10 things I think about Fulham Football Club as of this week March 8th. It should be a fun week.
Posted by Fulham-Pats Fan at 9:35 AM
http://fulham.theoffside.com/files/2010/03/Untitled-11.jpg
Forget the past, Fulham are a second-half team
By: timmyg
March 8th, 2010
Years ago, before Roy Hodgson became Moses and led us, and still continues, to the promised land, there was a feeling amongst fans that unless Fulham scored a lot of goals in the first half, they weren't going to win.
It became such a problem that under Lawrie Sanchez there was that statistic flying around that if games ended after 80 minutes Fulham would be leading the league or something asinine like that.
Things have completely turned on their head. Of Fulham's 32 league goals, just 9 have come in the first half — and two of those nine occurred just last month against Burnley. Therefore nearly 75-percent (71.875 percent to be exact) of Fulham's goals have been in the second half.
Pardon the intrusive watermark, but premiersoccerstats.com has the breakdown:
(http://fulham.theoffside.com/files/2010/03/Untitled-11.jpg)
According to stats.football.365, Fulham are 7th overall in the second-half table — about where we should be.
Yet, using Football 365's same stats, which don't line up exactly with PremierSoccerStats, Fulham are tied with Villa for conceding the least amount of goals in the second half, as the table below shows:
(http://fulham.theoffside.com/files/2010/03/away.jpg)
Villa have two games in hand compared to us, so there is a chance we may soon be alone at the top. Considering all our road woes, this is simply stunning.
The hallmark of champions is their ability to win when playing poorly, but also managing to win games in the second half. Although we're not, nor won't, be winning titles any time soon, Roy seems to have Fulham in as good position as we'll ever be.
And for that we should be extremely grateful.
Oh, and playing Juve too.
http://tldorc.blogspot.com/2010/03/fulhams-fixture-pile-up-ctd.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheLonesomeDeathOfRoyCarroll+%28The+Lonesome+Death+of+Roy+Carroll%29
Fulham's fixture pile-up, ctd
Six months ago I boldly predicted that Fulham's fixture pile-up would make them easy opposition at Eastlands. When we went 1-0 down I was worried, but when we won 2-1 I felt like Nostradamus.
Going by the maxim that lightning always strikes twice I'm going to do the same, because Fulham's schedule in March is terrifying. This Thursday they go to Turin for the Europa League tie with Juventus, and this Sunday lunchtime they go to Old Trafford. They entertain the bianconeri at Craven Cottage next Thursday, before our game there next Sunday. Then it's a cup replay at White Hart Lane the following Wednesday before the KC Stadium that Saturday. It's six games in sixteen days, four of which are away from home. And ours is the fourth game of the six.
So I'm going to throw caution to the wind and say that at the very least I expect us to get our third consecutive score draw at the Cottage.
http://hammyend.com/?p=5886
Another big quarter final at the Cottage
by Dan on March 9, 2010
Stuck for something to do with your Tuesday evening? Get down to the Cottage and get behind Fulham's youngsters as they do battle with Aston Villa in the FA Youth Cup quarter final. Tickets are only £4 and kick off's at 7pm.
http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/newsid=1459512.html
Chiellini to sit out Fulham opener
Published: Monday 8 March 2010, 22.37CET
Juventus centre-back Giorgio Chiellini will miss only the first leg of their UEFA Europa League round of 16 tie against Fulham FC after a scan revealed that his left thigh injury is less serious than first feared.
Read moreJuventus centre-back Giorgio Chiellini will miss the first leg of the Italian club's UEFA Europa League round of 16 tie with Fulham FC on Thursday but could be back for the return in London next week after a scan revealed that his left thigh injury is less serious than first feared.
The 25-year-old suffered the injury during the 2-1 victory at ACF Fiorentina on Saturday, but analysis revealed no serious damage to any muscles. The Italy centre-back, who has contested 25 games in Serie A and six in Europe this term with the Bianconeri, will be out of action for about a week. Nicola Legrottaglie is expected to deputise against Fulham in Turin. "The UEFA Europa League is a great competition and to go all the way would be a great boost for the whole club," said Legrottaglie.
http://fulham.theoffside.com/player-news/loaner-report-3810.html
Loaner Report 3/8/10
By: timmyg | March 8th, 2010
Diomansy Kamara did not dress in Celtic's 2-0 win over Falkirk on Saturday due to an injury.
Eddie Johnson came off the bench in the 80th minute in Aris Thessaloniki's 1-1 draw with AO Kavala on Saturday.
David Stockdale started and played 90 minutes in Plymouth Argyle's 1-1 draw with Preston North End on Saturday.
Toni Kallio started and played 90 minutes in Sheffield United's 1-0 loss to Crystal Palace on Saturday.
Wayne Brown did not dress in Bristol Rovers' 4-0 win over Swindon Town on Saturday. He is recovering from an ankle injury.
Matthew Saunders started and played 90 minutes in Lincoln City's 1-1 draw at Rochdale on Saturday.
FA Cup Replay on TV
Monday 8th March 2010
Fulham FC News
Fulham's FA Cup Quarter-Final replay against Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday 24 March has been selected for coverage on ITV1. As a result, the match will now kick-off at 7:45pm.
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/March/FACupReplayonTV.aspx#ixzz0hevv3Qhg (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/March/FACupReplayonTV.aspx#ixzz0hevv3Qhg)
Fulham v Juventus
UEFA Europa League
Thursday 18 March
Kick-Off 18:00 GMT
Juventus, who have won the Italian Championship a record 27 times, boast an array of talent, including World Cup winners Gianluigi Buffon, Fabio Cannavaro, Alessandro Del Piero and David Trezeguet as well as the very talented Brazilian Diego.
Tickets have been selling fast for what is arguably the biggest match in the Club's 130 year history and a number of areas have almost sold out.
However, there are still a limited number remaining, so buy yours today to avoid missing out!
On-sale dates
Season Ticket Holders On sale (6 tickets)
Fulham Club Members On sale (6 tickets)
General Sale N/A
Buy tickets |
Season Ticket Holders who are on the Home Cup Tie Scheme will automatically have their ticket loaded onto their Season Ticket Access Card.
Due to UEFA Regulations unfortunately a number of seats will have to be held back. Supporters participating in the Home Cup Tie Scheme affected by this change will be notified and offered alternative seats.
How to Buy Tickets
buy tickets online - 7 days a week, 24 hrs a day. Save on booking fees by booking online*
by phone on 0870 442 1234 (option 1) - 7 days a week, 24 hrs a day
in person from the Ticket Office: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm; non-match day Sat 10am-12pm
by fax 0207 384 4810 (download printable form )
by postal application to FFC Ticket Office, Stevenage Road, Fulham, SW6 6HH enclosing a stamped addressed envelope (download printable form )
Seatwave - the official fan-to-fan ticket exchange
Thomas Cook - match breaks for all Fulham FC home games
* Lower booking fees compared to telephone booking
Prices
Stadium Areas Adults Conc Juniors
Riverside & Haynes (excludes A/AL) £40 £25 £20
Hammersmith & Putney & Haynes A&AL (family area)* £30 £20 £15
*Family Area of A & AL to be sold from FFC Ticket Office only.
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Tickets/Games/EuropaLast16Home.aspx#ixzz0hewFaU8V (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Tickets/Games/EuropaLast16Home.aspx#ixzz0hewFaU8V)
Tottenham v Fulham tickets
FA Cup
Wednesday 24th March
Kick-Off 19:45
On-sale dates
Season Ticket Holders 9th March (Max 2 tickets)
Fulham Club Members 12th March (Max 2 tks)
No General Sale
Prices
Adults - £25
Over 65s - £10
Under 16s - £10
Travel
Coaches depart from Motspur Park at 4:30pm, Craven Cottage 5pm.
Coach travel price
Season Ticket Holders - Adults £10 ; Juniors £5
Non Season Ticket Holders – Adults £15 ; Juniors £8
To book coach tickets, call 0870 442 1234 option 3.
How to buy tickets
buy tickets online - 7 days a week, 24 hrs a day. Save on booking fees by booking online*
by phone on 0870 442 1234 (option 3) Mon-Fri 9am-5pm; non-match day Sat 10am-12pm
in person from the Ticket Office: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm; non-match day Sat 10am-12pm
by fax 0207 384 4810 (download printable form )
by postal application to FFC Ticket Office, Stevenage Road, Fulham, SW6 6HH enclosing a stamped addressed envelope (download printable form )
* Lower booking fees compared to telephone booking
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Tickets/Games/TottenhamvFulham.aspx#ixzz0hewbJ9pD (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Tickets/Games/TottenhamvFulham.aspx#ixzz0hewbJ9pD)
Shorey's FA Cup Review
Monday 8th March 2010
Fulham FC News
Nicky Shorey's seventh Fulham appearance on Saturday resulted in a sixth clean sheet since his arrival – a quite remarkable record that underlines just how shrewd an acquisition he has been.
Having seamlessly slotted into the back four at left-back, the 29-year-old put in another composed performance that ensured Tottenham had no joy at all down their right flank.
"It was a very tight game between two very organised teams, trying to play their football and cancelling each other out," he assessed at the end of the game, before refusing to take any personal credit for the Whites' impressive defensive record since his arrival.
"It's just a club that's so well run and everyone knows their job, which has made it easy for me to fit straight in.
"Throughout the whole team everyone knows what they're doing and helps you out, so it's been really nice to come in to a club like this."
Although Saturday's Quarter-Final was no FA Cup classic, from Fulham's point of view, it was another impressive performance as Roy Hodgson's side frustrated and closed down their opponents at every turn, forcing a side usually renowned for their attacking outlook to end up settling for a draw.
"We work a lot on team shape anyway, it's drilled into us to keep organised and you need to be against a team like Tottenham that plays flowing football and likes to get forward," explained Shorey. "We knew it was going to be a tough game and it will be a tough replay. But it's exciting, and it's nice to play in games like this."
The full-back made his loan switch to Craven Cottage in search of regular football, and with the Quarter-Final replay now added to an already exceedingly busy schedule, there are no shortage of games on the horizon.
Unfortunately Shorey will be unable to take part in the next test, away to Juventus in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday, but he confirmed it's a match he's looking forward to and will be watching with interest.
"It will be a great game for the lads who've worked so hard to get as far as they have in that competition, and hopefully they can go even further."
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/March/ShoreySpursHomeReaction.aspx#ixzz0hewsKx5d (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/March/ShoreySpursHomeReaction.aspx#ixzz0hewsKx5d)
http://hammyend.com/?p=5876
Viking confirm Nevland switch
by Dan on March 8, 2010
Viking Stavanger have confirmed that Erik Nevland will join them from Fulham on a free transfer this summer.
The veteran forward is a legend at his hometown club and has signed a two-year deal with Viking.
According to Eirik in the comments, Viking were hopeful of swooping for Fredrik Stoor as well but Roy Hodgson turned down their offer.
UPDATE: Aftenbladet says it was actually Stoor who snubbed the chance to move to Viking. Thanks to Eirik once again.
http://roopaprika.blogspot.com/2010/03/sit-down-shut-up.html
Sit down, shut up?
I am a 30-something female, with a good job and a squeaky clean criminal record, yet every weekend, according to the Football Supporters Federation, my human rights are compromised. My freedom of movement and right to assemble is restricted and my image is captured, despite having never committing or being accused of any crime. This is all because I regularly attend football matches. Football matches are subject to policing and stewarding unheard of at any other public event of its kind, beyond the laws brought in to apply within football grounds as a result of the Taylor Report on Hillsborough. The Football Supporters Federation is increasingly concerned about the discrimination shown towards football supporters by the Police and the law.
Section 27 of the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006 allows the police to move someone, over the age of 16, from a specified area for a period of up to 48 hours. No offence needs to have been committed for the act to be enforced (Football Supporters Federation 2008). The Home Office's guidance to the Police on the implementation of this power states, "the power is to be used where the presence of that person in that locality is likely to cause or contribute to the occurrence of alcohol-related crime or disorder in that locality and the direction is considered necessary to prevent or reduce the likelihood of such alcohol-related crime or disorder. The aim of the new power is to minimise the likelihood of alcohol-related crime or disorder arising and/or taking place" (Home Office 2007). The Home Office advice goes on to say that the power should be used "proportionately and reasonably", however, the Football Supporters Federation has increasing accounts of this not being the case for football fans. For example, in 2008 80 Stoke City fans were rounded up in a pub in Manchester prior to a game at Old Trafford, were detained for up to four hours and forcibly transported by the police back to Stoke-on-Trent on coaches, missing the game. The fans had been well-behaved and the pub landlord made no complaints about their behaviour. Greater Manchester Police later conceded that there was no evidence to enforce Section 27 on the Stoke City Supporters and that its use in this case was unlawful and compensation was awarded to some of the fans (Football Supporters Federation 2009)
Unfortunately the examples of football fans being policed on prejudice and reputation rather than evidence are not limited to the unlawful use of Section 27. Regular attendees at football matches would, at some point, have had their freedom of movement restricted. A personal example from attending a Norwich v Ipswich game involved being rounded up by Norfolk police from the platform at Norwich Station and escorted to Carrow Road. There was no option and requests or attempts to leave the escort to make your own way to the ground or in to the City Centre were met with the reply that not conforming would result in being put on a train back to Ipswich, an occurrence that is increasingly known in football as a 'Bubble Trip'. My freedom of movement would not be restricted this way in any other circumstances without legal evidence, yet this kind of policing occurs somewhere in the Country every weekend.
At a recent Football Supporters Federation event a representative from the Metropolitan Police said that football supporters were policed on behaviour not on reputation and that disorder at football has reduced. However, the overwhelming opinion of other panellists and the audience was that football fans experienced regular discrimination, were treated as 'second class citizens' and a 'riot waiting to happen'. The panellist from the Crown Prosecution Service implied that some of the treatment of football fans such as being filmed and stopped and searched was not a problem if you were not doing anything wrong. But football has changed, why should we all be subject to this kind of authoritarianism? The demographic of the fan base has changed significantly since the 'darker days' of football, often cited to justify this kind of policing. Why should someone be discriminated against and their freedoms eroded on the ground of what sport they choose to watch? If you are not persuaded by the human rights argument, what about the cost to the taxpayer of this heavy and unnecessary use of our police service?
One solution is political lobbying for laws to be changed and the removal of laws that apply just to football and increased awareness of unlawful practices by some the Country's police forces towards football fans. Much work is being done by organisations such as the Football Supporters Federation and with millions of people attending football matches every week in the UK the political strength would be enormous, however, football support is rivalrous in nature and without more unity between factions of supporters this political power risks not being realised.
Posted by Roo Paprika at 2:11 PM
http://www.rs.goal.com/en/news/166/europa-league/2010/03/08/1823147/juventus-ace-diego-ready-to-strike-against-fulham-in-europa
Juventus Ace Diego Ready To Strike Against Fulham In Europa League
The Bianconeri playmaker is ready to down Fulham...
By Salvatore Landolina
Mar 8, 2010 11:54:00 AM
Juventus ace Diego has called for a faultless performance against Fulham in the Europa League on Thursday.
Diego is in high spirits after his utopian strike against Fiorentina on Saturday, and he is ready to repeat himself against the Premier League side.
"It would be nice to score a goal at the Olimpico so I can make the fans happy," he told La Gazzetta Dello Sport.
"I have always scored away from home so far. I hope my next one is at the Olimpico, and from a free-kick."
The Brazilian ace reflected on his goal against the Viola, and he tried to explain how he dazzled Frey with a dummy flick of his right foot, before slotting home with his left.
"Every now and then these strikes happen, but it was easier scoring them in the Bundesliga," he added.
"There [in Germany] there was more space, but I am starting to get used to the Italian league."
Diego believes that hard work from him and the team could soon pay off.
"I am working hard, but I just need some time, and a team that is in good health," he continued.
"The start was not easy for me, but we played well against Fiorentina, and we are beginning to have faith.
"I think we can reach two objectives. Champions League qualification, and the Europa League."
http://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/sport/football/5047289.Hodgson__Enjoy_the_good_times/
Hodgson: Enjoy the good times
11:58am Monday 8th March 2010
By Simon Fitzjohn »
Roy Hodgson has told Fulham's players and fans to bask in the glory of what the club has achieved this season as the Cottagers continue to defy the odds.
The Londoners face Juventus (twice), Manchester United, Manchester City and an FA Cup replay with Tottenham Hotspur in their next five fixtures.
But rather than be concerned, Hodgson wants his charges to revel in their situation.
He said: "Success is what you strive for as a professional sportsman and we are reaping the benefits.
"Yes we are playing a lot of games but we are not victims in any way.
"You look at our next few fixtures and that is what you play sport for.
"There are many players at a lower level who would give anything to be in the position we are in.
"So my message to everyone is we may not win every game but we should enjoy each and every one of them."
The Craven Cottage side were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by visitors Tottenham on Saturday, halting their bid to reach Wembley for the first time since 1975.
The teams will go at it again at White Hart Lane on March 24 with a semi-final spot against Portsmouth at stake, and Hodgson is under no illusions over the size of the task.
He added: "We will be up against it at White Hart Lane that is for sure.
"I am a bit disappointed that we could not get a goal as our home form is our strength.
"It was a close game between two good sides and a fair result.
"We may be a bit weakened at the moment but there is no question in terms of commitment.
"If we go there and reproduce that level of performance we could very easily get a result."
Fulham's next three games: Mar 11 Juventus (EL, a), 14 Manchester United (h), 18 Juventus (EL, h)
http://www.tribalfootball.com/fulham-watching-shakhtar-donetsk-defender-rakitsky-689221
Fulham watching Shakhtar Donetsk defender Rakitsky
09.03.10 | tribalfootball.com
Shakhtar Donetsk centre-half Yaroslav Rakitsky is being linked with Fulham.
The Cottagers saw off Rakitsky's Shakhtar in the Europa League earlier this year.
The People says Fulham boss Roy Hodgson is lining up a summer deal for Rakitsky as a replacement for Chris Smalling.
Smalling will join Manchester United at the end of this season.
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_6009733,00.html
Davies embracing busy March
Cottagers star insists fixture pile-up is a positive
Last updated: 8th March 2010
Fulham midfielder Simon Davies has called for his team-mates to enjoy their tough run of games.
The Cottagers have a busy 13-day period in which they play Juventus twice, Manchester City and Manchester United before their FA Cup quarter-final replay at Spurs.
Davies, however, remembers the London club falling close to relegation two years ago - and insists that the tough fixture list reflects how far Roy Hodgson's side have come.
"If someone had offered us that run two years ago, we'd have been jumping at it," said the 30-year-old.
"Juventus, Manchester United, Manchester City and a place in the FA Cup quarter-finals - it's great times and it's going to be a time when I'm sure there won't be too much training done.
"It will just be game after game and, hopefully, we can keep our run going.
"We had a great run in February even though it was a tough month - and it will be another tough month in March.
"But there's a lot of experience in the squad and the manager has a lot of experience, so I'm sure he will negotiate the month wisely.
"Not too many of us have been this far in the Cup or Europe so it's learning to deal with the big occasion and trying to make the most of it."
Man. Utd 1/4, Draw 4/1, Fulham 14/1
Tottenham and Fulham tracking Rochdale's teenage whizkid Craig Dawson
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 12:41 AM on 09th March 2010
Tottenham and Fulham are lining-up £1million moves for Rochdale's highly-rated central defender Craig Dawson.
The Premier League pair have both sent their top scouts to watch the 19-year-old defender with a view to launching a summer move.
Spurs boss Harry Redknapp sent Ian Bloomfield to Spotland at the weekend while Roy Hodgson wants the teenager to replace Manchester United-bound Chris Smalling.
Wanted: Craig Dawson (scoring) is a target for Fulham and Spurs
Dawson has been receiving rave reviews since breaking into the first team at table-topping Rochdale and Swansea have had a £750,000-rated offer turned down.
The youngster wants first-team football, so he is open to a move to the Swans - but the lure of the top-flight could be too much for Dawson to resist.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1256274/Tottenham-Fulham-tracking-Rochdales-teenage-whizzkid-Craig-Dawson.html?ITO=1490#ixzz0hf0gsW4z (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1256274/Tottenham-Fulham-tracking-Rochdales-teenage-whizzkid-Craig-Dawson.html?ITO=1490#ixzz0hf0gsW4z)
http://www.astonvilla.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=7503854
Villa v Fulham FA Youth Cup Live Audio On AVFC
Just a little plug for the official site FA Youth Cup live audio commentary for Villa's quarter final against Fulham. (Kick-off 7pm)
Details: Click Here
Tony McAndrew has praised the character shown by Villa's youngsters during this season's FA Youth Cup run - and has called for a similar effort in tonight's quarter-final tie against Fulham.
http://www.clubcall.com/aston-villa/villa-eye-spurs-ace-1034979.html
Villa eye Spurs ace
Aston Villa, 11:07, March 9, 2010
Aston Villa have joined the queue of clubs who are keeping tabs on Tottenham midfielder Jamie O'Hara.
O'Hara seems surplus to requirements at White Hart Lane after being loaned out to Portsmouth this season and a permanent move away from Spurs looks to be on the cards this summer.
The midfielder has impressed while on loan at Fratton Park this season but with Pompey seemingly heading for administration and the Championship, he will not be there for long.
O'Hara wants to move on from Spurs in search of regular football and may not be too keen to swap one bench for another so Villa boss Martin O'Neill may have some persuading to do.
Sunderland, Bolton and Wigan are also said to be keen on the player.
Youth Cup Preview
Tuesday 9th March 2010
Fulham FC News
Academy Director Huw Jennings looks towards tonight's FA Youth Cup Quarter-Final when the U18s take on Aston Villa at Cottage...
Like everyone else associated with the Academy I am very much looking forward to Tuesday evening's game and the prospect of watching the team take to the pitch at Craven Cottage – which will be a first.
It's an important moment of their development and this really is a fantastic chance for them. Equally important is that the players show what they are capable of. It goes without saying that we want to win, but we also want to see the players use this experience as a way to show their true potential which, in turn, will hopefully produce the desired result.
The FA Youth Cup is a unique competition and one that Academies all over the country take very, very seriously. It's a terrific opportunity for the boys and that is where it sits with us.
The Club hasn't had a run in the cup like this for a while, having gone out in the Third Round last year. It's been a good run and they have played very well and worked extremely hard to get to this point. It has given the Academy a nice momentum.
You can see how much it means to the squad as well and it's very rare to witness that kind of euphoria in your working life. They will remember this experience for the rest of their football careers.
We are very positive about the match itself also, but we know that we are coming up against a good team in Aston Villa – one that have an excellent record in youth competitions. They have a proven track record when it comes to producing good players and developing good teams, and this one is no different.
So it will be a strong test for us but, make no mistake, we go into this game in confident mood and we know that if we play at our best then we are a match for anybody.
When I joined the Club as Academy Director some 18 months ago I set a series of short and long-term targets. It was certainly one of the short-term hopes to improve the quality of our performances and doing that in the FA Youth Cup has been a vital stage of that process.
What I would add as well, is that if we are to attract the best young players to Fulham we need a strong group and environment in which those players can develop. The better we are as a group, the better the individuals can become.
It's certainly an exciting time to be part of the Academy and I hope that this will put us on the map in terms of the quality of work that we do here. The support has been fantastic and people have genuinely been interested in our progression. They have identified what we are doing at the Club and it's a great experience for us all.
Come and support the Young Whites:
Fulham U18s v Aston Villa U18s / E.ON FA Youth Cup Quarter-Final
Craven Cottage (KO 7pm)
Adults: £4
Concessions & Juniors: £1
(pay on the turnstile)
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/March/YouthCupCountdown.aspx#ixzz0hgWXjA64 (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/March/YouthCupCountdown.aspx#ixzz0hgWXjA64)
http://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/default.aspx?Tab=2&Page=6&Article=1821
Club Focus - Fulham - A very Italian preview
By Matt Domm
For the neutral - for whom Craven Cottage even has a section allocated - hoping to see an exciting FA Cup tie with sparkling displays from any number of on-form strikers, Saturday's match with Tottenham just did not deliver.
Looking more closely, it was less about under performing front men as it was fine defending throughout by both sides. The way the game played out certainly suited Roy Hodgson more than his opposite number as, despite Spurs seeing a fair bit of the ball, Mark Schwarzer was only really troubled on two occasions. The back four, along with Dickson Etuhu, and wingers Damien Duff and Simon Davies, defended doggedly - Duff making himself especially useful by doubling up on the threatening Gareth Bale. It is this mindset which makes Fulham such a tough side to break down, particularly at home, and has frequently been the key this season to levelling the playing field when the Whites face more illustrious opposition - which by looking at the talent available to either side, Spurs arguably are. There was nothing to choose between Tottenham - armed with the currently prolific Roman Pavlyuchenko and Peter Crouch fresh from two international goals - and Fulham at the weekend, which has been the case on several occasions this season when, on paper, outsiders would expect the Cottagers to perhaps be under pressure.
And the distinguished opponents keep coming. Having seen off a superb Shakhtar Donetsk side in the last round of the Europa League, the reward - a trip to the historic city of Turin - has already come around, the Round of 16 match kicking off on Thursday evening. Again, Fulham's latest European opponents boast some marvellous talent in their side, but Hodgson will be eyeing this cup tie as an opportunity to once again beat the Italians at their own game. Renowned for being a league which focuses on cautious, possession football, Serie A is where Hodgson's nous for steadying clubs and turning them into successful, well-oiled machines first became apparent 15 years ago. He guided a struggling Inter Milan side into the UEFA Cup places, before finishing third in the league and reaching the final of Europe in his first and only full season. His achievements at Fulham eclipse even what he managed in Italy, and he returns on Thursday intent on reminding those on the peninsula of what he accomplished, and how - with grit, teamwork, and neat passing football. A draw would go down as an upset, but should the attacking section of the team play better than it did against Spurs, a win is by no means out of the question.
Unfortunately, Jonathan Greening is not as adept at carving open defences as Danny Murphy, so while the defensive aspect of Hodgson's tactic worked as well as could be hoped at the weekend, the other important feature, unlocking the opposition to create chances, was absent. In the Europa League particularly, this creative spark has combined with lethal finishing, so Fulham need not fear anyone, and nor will they be so roundly written off as they were prior to the humbling of the Ukranian side. The FA Cup game turned into a perfect dress rehearsal for how Fulham will most likely play against Juventus, with the only downside to this defensive outlook being that the Old Lady will be more aware than most teams left in the competition of how to engage efficient, sturdy opposition. The Whites, however, can take comfort from how they performed in both fixtures against Roma, particularly in the match at the Stadio Olimpico where they outplayed the side from the capital until the harsh sending off of Erik Nevland decided the outcome. The Romans are currently eight points better off in the league than Juve, so Fulham will know from previous experience they are in with a good shout of the quarter-finals.
Even if at times throughout his managerial career Hodgson has faced criticism for a lack of goalscoring threat from teams under his tutelage, in football, and especially two-legged knockout competitions such as this phase of the Europa League. In the Delle Alpi, a stadium filled with footballing history, not losing will be the Whites' priority. For, if that happens, at Craven Cottage by the Thames, Fulham on their day are capable of beating near enough anyone.
http://www.betting-directory.com/football/09032010/fulham-v-juventus-betting-has-italians-favourites-for-europa-league-first-leg.php
Fulham v Juventus Betting Has Italians Favourites For Europa League First Leg
Having dumped reigning UEFA Cup champions Shakhtar Donetsk out of the competition in the last round, a confident Fulham will travel to Italy to take on Juventus in this round of 16 First Leg tie, knowing that they have the ability to win through into the Quarter Finals. The match will be screened live by ITV this Thursday 11 March at 20.05.
The Bookmakers however do not rate their chances too highly to win this first leg in Italy, bet 365 for example, quote the Italian side as 1/2 odds on favourites to win this match, with Fulham given a very tempting price of 6/1 and the draw being a 3/1 option.
Fulham boss, Roy Hodgson, will have noted that Juventus, while being reasonably strong at home in European matches are not too hot over the two legs, losing all four of their two legged ties against English sides since winning the 1985 European Cup. In their last 17 games at home against English sides however, they have only lost three, winning ten and drawing four.
2010 Europa League Betting News
In this year's tournament, Juventus have only managed a single win at home with four draws and a defeat, whereas Fulham can claim two wins away from home as well as two draws and have only failed to score once in their last 13 European away ties. It is statistics such as these which should give Fulham, their fans and punters plenty of heart.
Free £200 in Europa League Bets From Bet365.
Based on these stats, we think that Fulham are capable of getting at least a draw, but almost as importantly, they should be capable of scoring a goal. We would however back a 2-1 Juventus win, with odds of 13/2 from Bet 365 but at the same time, would support Fulham to qualify from the two leg tie and back the betting odds of them doing so of 9/4.
After his magnificent goal against Shakhtar, and based on his scoring form overall, we always think a small bet on Bobby Zamora to score on the night is a worthwhile proposition; he is 13/5 to do so in this match.
Juventus v Fulham Betting
1/2 Juventus
3/1 Draw
6/1 Fulham
Juventus v Fulham Correct Score Betting
1-0 Juventus win – 5/1
2-0 Juventus win – 5/1
2-1 Juventus win – 13/2
1-1 Draw – 7/1
0-0 Draw – 15/2
All odds provided by bet365
http://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/default.aspx?Tab=1&Page=6&Article=1833
Club Focus - Tottenham - Gomes the hero at Craven Cottage again
By Andrew Iddon
There are certain grounds that everyone wants to play at. An obvious example is Wembley, which bears enormous historical significance, and the FA Cup semi-finals and final offer the chance to play there for those that progress that far.
For Tottenham goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes, Craven Cottage is proving to be every bit as iconic as the home of football. A disastrous performance at Fulham's home ground in November 2008 proved to be something of a watershed in the Brazilian shot-stopper's career in English football. Harry Redknapp had recently arrived as Spurs manager and had inherited a keeper low on form and confidence, making errors of judgement and technique aplenty. It was after this trip to play the Cottagers that Redknapp confesses his patience was pushed almost past the limit with the ex-PSV Eindhoven custodian. But for the presence of the transfer window, Redknapp might well have been tempted to enter the market immediately for a replacement, but fortunately for Gomes, he was unable to do so. The New Year did herald the arrival of Carlo Cudicini from Chelsea but he was hardly the headline signing that would threaten Gomes's chance of establishing himself in the long term. A period of injury aside, Gomes has featured regularly since his horror show at the Cottage, and it is two games at the same venue in the last three months that best demonstrate why Redknapp will be glad he persevered with his man.
On his first return to Craven Cottage - the goalless Boxing Day draw earlier this season - Gomes began to lay his ghosts to rest with a star showing against a dominant Fulham attack. It was a performance he went on to repeat in Saturday's FA Cup Quarter Final stalemate, with the scoreline not the only essence of déjà vu. Again, the 29-year-old put on a match-saving showing, with the hosts enjoying the best of the second half chances. With his team diminished by injuries to key players, Gomes proved he could be depended on when it mattered most, and Tottenham's hopes of silverware continue with a replay back at White Hart Lane. For Gomes, there may be the hope of a further assault for a trophy if he can keep up this form, with the World Cup getting closer by the day. For the Seleção, Inter Milan star Julio Cesar has the starting spot nailed down, but there are still places on the plane to South Africa up for grabs. Roma keeper Doni was on the bench for the recent friendly across town from the Lane at the Emirates Stadium, and Gremio's Victor and Porto's Helton have also been in the squad more recently than Gomes. That does not mean the Spurs man should lose heart. Playing in the Premier League - and potentially the globally-watched showpiece of the FA Cup Final - will offer him a greater showcase than his rivals enjoy in the Brazilian and Portuguese leagues respectively – especially if Arsenal knock Porto and Helton out of the Champions League tonight. From a horror show in a league game at Fulham in 2008, a place in the squad for one of the World Cup favourites would cap a remarkable 18-month turnaround. Rumours abound linking Tottenham with a variety of goalkeepers, but any new arrival will be backup to the Brazilian, not a replacement.
A replay will have gone down with mixed reactions in North London. Having taken two attempts to get past both Leeds and Bolton already this season, an extra game will not have been desirable for Redknapp, particularly with his squad depleted by injuries. By the same token, the absence of the injured players, particularly in midfield, paints a brighter perspective of achieving a draw. Gareth Bale lost some of his potency stationed out of necessity on the left of midfield, unable to cause the same destruction as when he arrives from a deeper starting position. Jermain Defoe's hamstring problem picked up on international duty in midweek limited his participation to a late substitute appearance. Even if Redknapp was tempted to start with England goalscoring hero Peter Crouch alongside the in-form Roman Pavlyuchenko up front, it is likely Defoe would have been sent on as the cavalry considerably earlier if he had been properly fit. Fulham are well-organised and hard to break down and a draw is a credible result against them when under-strength.
Fulham's involvement against Juventus in the Europa League means the replay will not take place until March 24th, by which time Redknapp will hope to have some of his walking wounded back available to him. He will hope his team's performance will bear greater resemblance to the comfortable 2-0 league win at the Lane in January, but he will be confident that Gomes will not let him down if called upon to play the hero against Fulham once again.
Adams loving football 500 games on
After more than 500 games, Micky Adams tells BBC Midlands Late Kick Off he has lost none of his love for football league management.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/8555073.stm
He's managed eight clubs - Fulham, Swansea, Brentford, Nottingham Forest, Brighton, Leicester, Coventry and now Port Vale.
See a special feature on Micky Adams on the Midlands edition of BBC Late Kick Off on Monday, 8 March on BBC1 at 2335 GMT.
You can also watch Monday's episode of BBC Midlands Late Kick Off at:
http://www.imscouting.com/global-news-article/Fulham-look-to-sign-Ukrainian-centre-back-Rakytskyi/6325/
Fulham look to sign Ukrainian centre-back Rakytskyi
March 09, 2010
The 20 year-old impressed during Shakhtar's recent Europa League tie against Fulham and according to Ukrainian sports website Terrikon, Hodgson would be prepared to pay £3 million to bring Rakytskyi to Craven Cottage.
Rakytskyi has only broken into the Shakhtar Donetsk side this season and has already represented the Ukraine national side on four occasions, including a World Cup qualifier against England.
Given that centre-back Chris Smalling will be leaving Fulham for Manchester United over the summer, The West London club may well be in the market for a replacement. However, should Fulham decide to pursue their interest in Rakytskyi, they may face a problem securing a work permit for the defender.
http://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/default.aspx?Tab=1&Page=6&Article=1821
Redknapp fears Shakhtar scenario after Fulham draw
Harry Redknapp has warned his Tottenham Hotspur players not to underestimate Fulham's away form after earning an FA Cup sixth round replay after a goalless draw at Craven Cottage.
The Spurs manager pointed to Roy Hodgson's side recent Europa League scalp against Uefa Cup holders Shakhtar Donetsk, who were unable to overturn a 2-1 loss in west London when Fulham held them to a 1-1 draw in the Donetsk return leg last month.
"You come here and you take a draw," Redknapp said after yesterday's tie, which was low on quality and chances. "I'm not disappointed to come here and get a replay.
"You only have to look at their home record, they are solid at Craven Cottage and difficult to beat, so it was important for us not to lose."
But Redknapp added: "They've just knocked Shakhtar Donetsk, the holders, out of Europe and that says a lot about them.
"We've got a big chance now playing at home but I'm sure Shakhtar felt the same when they went home for the second leg in the European game and it didn't work out that way. It will be another tough game but we're still right in there."
Hodgson admitted the advantage now rested with Spurs, however.
"I'm only the more disappointed because it was a home game and the advantage now passes over to Tottenham because they will be at home for the replay," said the Fulham boss.
"We were close at the end but, on the basis of the play, 0-0 was a fair result, although it was anything other than a dull cup tie because of the quality and commitment on show.
"The atmosphere was magnificent. I'm pleased we didn't lose as that would have been a bitter disappointment."
The winner of the replay will play Portsmouth in the semis.
Great Times
Tuesday 9th March 2010
Fulham FC News
As one the Club's current longest serving players, Simon Davies clearly appreciate how far Roy Hodgson has taken the Club over the past two years.
With a mouth-watering tie in Turin on Thursday night, Davies is relishing the prospect of a historic few weeks as the Team compete across three fronts in the Barclays Premier League, FA Cup and UEFA Europa League.
"Coming from where we were two years ago, just avoiding relegation, if someone would have offered us the run of games we've got coming up, we'd of been jumping up and down," said Davies.
"We've got Juventus, Manchester United, Juventus, Manchester City and then Spurs in the Quarter Final of the FA Cup – it's great times.
"It's game after game and hopefully we can keep this run going because we had a great run in February. It will be a tough month but we've got a lot of experience in the squad and I'm sure the Manager will negotiate the month wisely. We've got a big fixture pile-up now so I'm sure the manager will use the squad."
After defeating last season's UEFA Cup winners in Donetsk, Davies believes his Team have nothing to fear after testing themselves against arguably one of the finest teams in European football.
"I don't think many teams will play football as well as Shakhtar Donetsk did. It was quite unanimous in our dressing room that they were the best side we've ever played against.
"We've got to believe in ourselves because we've had some really good results lately. We'll play our game and remain solid. We know it's going to be a very tough game but we also know we're capable of getting a result.
"We can play better than we did last weekend and hopefully we will do in the next few games."
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/March/DaviesJuvePreview.aspx#ixzz0hga1zfir (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/March/DaviesJuvePreview.aspx#ixzz0hga1zfir)
