Pressure has eased - Hangeland
Brede Hangeland believes Fulham's resounding 6-0 win against west London rivals QPR has relieved the pressure building at Craven Cottage.
While some feared the Cottagers may struggle with a hangover from their midweek European exertions, they dominated from the offset on Sunday against their neighbours from less than three miles up the road.
Andrew Johnson was the standout performer for the Whites, netting a hat-trick as Fulham secured their first Premier League victory of the season.
Hangeland admitted the start of the season has been frustrating for everybody involved with the club, although he believes Sunday's result can act as a catalyst.
"It was a great, great day at work finally after a few disappointments and quite a slow start to the season," he said.
"We've tried to get goals and then all of a sudden they come at once so it was a good result for us.
"There is a bit of pressure off us and we can prepare well for the next game.
"We're always under pressure but especially when results have not been as good as they should be.
"We're very happy to get that result against QPR."
Fulham impressed as a cohesive team unit throughout the 6-0 win despite reports emanating earlier in the day about divisions within the camp.
There had also been talk that manager Martin Jol's position was coming under threat but Hangeland rubbished such suggestions.
"We're all in this together and everyone involved with the club can feel a bit of extra pressure when things haven't gone as well as we wanted them to," he said.
"That goes for me, the rest of the players and I am sure the manager as well.
"We're very much a united club.
"I think there is always a bit of frustration when we play reasonably well and don't get the results and people wonder why this is happening.
"You can see we are still a good team and can take a lot of confidence form this."
He added: "The big thing for me is to score first in the Premier League.
"That gives us a little bit of a chance to relax and the other team has to chase it.
"We're quite good when we can sit back and counter-attack it, especially at home.
"To get that first goal finally after six games was a good feeling."
http://www.teamtalk.com/fulham/7220412/Pressure-has-eased-Hangeland? (http://www.teamtalk.com/fulham/7220412/Pressure-has-eased-Hangeland?)
Johnson ready to commit future to Fulham
(http://www.talksport.co.uk/sites/default/files/imagecache/ts_news_article_header_image/Andrew_Johnson_Fulham.jpg)
Andrew Johnson insists he has no intention of walking out on Fulham this summer.
The former England striker scored his first Premier League hat-trick on Sunday as Martin Jol's side swept aside near neighbours QPR 6-0 at Craven Cottage.
The treble came just days after he scored twice against Odense in the Europa League, bringing his total this season to nine goals in all competitions - just one fewer than his previous best tally of 10 during his first campaign at Craven Cottage.
That came after Fulham paid Everton £10.5m for his services in August 2008 but a series of injuries has prevented the club from ever really getting their money's worth.
And they are now in danger of losing Johnson for nothing at the end of this season when his current deal expires.
Jol insists the club are doing all they can to keep the 30-year-old in west London and revealed that they have offered him a two-year deal with the option of a third - but so far Johnson has failed to sign.
However, the former Crystal Palace frontman is adamant that he has no intention of leaving Fulham and is ready to commit his future to the club.
"I hope something can be sorted out soon with a contract," Johnson said. "I have said I want to stay here, we have been talking for some time but it is a busy period for clubs - the transfer window only recently closed.
"The club and myself are talking and I hope something can get sorted. I don't think it is in question that I want to stay at the club, I go out on the pitch and I work my heart out. I have proved that since the start of the season. I am a Fulham player and I want to stay it that way."
http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/1163/27/johnson-ready-commit-future-fulham? (http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/1163/27/johnson-ready-commit-future-fulham?)
Fulham - England Call-Ups!
Our heartiest congratulations go to two Fulham players who have made Fabio Capello`s squad of twenty-four for the forthcoming international with Montenegro.
The game, in which England needs a point to ensure qualification for 2012; takes place this coming Friday and both Bobby Zamora and David Stockdale have been selected.
For Bobby it is the first time he`s been back in the squad since the leg injury that kept him out last season whilst for David, on loan at Portman Road, it is fast becoming a recurring theme.
Our best wishes, for Friday, got to the lads.
Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=257710#ixzz1ZnOREjMo (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=257710#ixzz1ZnOREjMo)
Milestone Time!
As well as scoring more in a game than he`d scored all last season, Andrew Johnson set another couple of milestones yesterday.
The goals ended a run of 9 Premier League games without a goal for the striker whilst it was also his first hat-trick in the Premier League and the first from a Fulham player as well.
Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=257711#ixzz1ZnOmyLOf (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=257711#ixzz1ZnOmyLOf)
A Few Mischievous Words!
The stories in the national media, yesterday, about an apparent row between Bobby Zamora and Martin Jol, have brought a response from our Dutch manager.
Post the 6-0 win over our near-neighbours, Queens Park Rangers, Martin had this to say about the Zamora situation,
"Hopefully Bobby will start liking me - because I like him after scoring a goal. You tell someone he should do something different, but I can`t remember a bust up with Bobby."
"The only thing is Bobby is a sensitive person. When you leave him out, if he`s ill in bed you can`t expect me to take him with us. We didn`t have a row."
"He was ill. He wasn`t even on the training ground. I told him he had better stay here and do some extra training sessions."
That all seems fair enough to me!
And as for the combination with Andrew Johnson, one we`ve yet to see really flourish due to one reason or another, Jol added,
"He makes a combination with Andy Johnson. When I came here I said to Andy, 'I think you`re capable of scoring 12 or 15 goals." I think he will prove me right."
After two wins on the trot, I`m now starting to get excited after my early season enthusiasm was somewhat dampened by that sequence of no wins in eight games.
Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=257712#ixzz1ZnP4CQGi (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=257712#ixzz1ZnP4CQGi)
Latest on Johnson Deal
It`s something we`ve commented twice on already, the supposed uncertainty over the future of Andrew Johnson.
Yesterday we left it with AJ admitting he`d love to stay, even more so we suspect after the first hat-trick of his Fulham career.
Martin Jol, when asked about the very subject by the media, following the 6-0 thrashing of Queens Park Rangers, has this to say about the situation,
"Other people are in negotiations with Andy and I will back him all the time."
"He scored more goals today than the whole of last season."
"I think we are a good combination, Fulham and Andy, but it`s a good deal for him. You would be happy with it. We offered AJ this year, next year and an option. It was good."
So let`s get pen on paper then!
Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=257713#ixzz1ZnPKUbTg (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=257713#ixzz1ZnPKUbTg)
Hughes denied N Ireland send-off
Aaron Hughes will not make a farewell appearance for Northern Ireland after a groin injury ruled him out of their final Euro 2012 qualifiers.
Retiring Northern Ireland captain Hughes is not fit to play against Estonia and Italy.
The defender recently announced his decision to quit international football when the current European campaign concludes and an untimely injury has now brought about a premature end to his NI career.
The 31-year-old had hoped to lead the side out for the final time at Windsor Park against Estonia on Friday before making his last appearance against Italy four days later but instead finishes up with 79 caps, having made his debut in 1998.
The Fulham defender hopes to prolong his top-flight career for as long as possible and last week decided his country's arduous World Cup 2014 qualification schedule - which includes trips to Russia, Azerbaijan and Israel - would be a campaign too far.
Hughes enjoyed a distinguished international career after debuting against Slovakia in 1998 and scored his first and only goal against the Faroe Islands in August.
On a difficult day for boss Nigel Worthington, Hughes was joined by striker Josh McQuoid (virus) and midfielder Jamie Ward (hamstring) in pulling out of both games.
Manchester United defender Jonny Evans is doubtful for the fixtures with an ankle problem while Preston defender Conor McLaughlin has been called up as cover.
http://www.teamtalk.com/fulham/7220675/Hughes-denied-N-Ireland-send-off? (http://www.teamtalk.com/fulham/7220675/Hughes-denied-N-Ireland-send-off?)
Bobby Zamora Doesn't Like Martin Jol, According to Jol
"I can't remember a bust-up with Bobby. He's a sensitive person and if you leave him out because he's ill in bed maybe he doesn't like it. That could be the case.
"The day before we left for Denmark he trained but I told him to stay here to do some sessions because I had Andy Johnson, and he proved to be enough.
"Bobby scored a very good goal [against QPR] and hopefully he will start liking me because I like him after scoring a goal."
http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2011/10/3/2466614/bobby-zamora-doesnt-like-martin-jol-according-to-jol? (http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2011/10/3/2466614/bobby-zamora-doesnt-like-martin-jol-according-to-jol?)
Fulham Weren't That Bad Before Sunday, And Aren't That Good On Monday
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The latest fad seems to be writing features using Moneyball, the recently released film based upon the book that chronicled Billy Beane and the Oakland Athletcis' sabermetric-based approach to player evaluation, as a pretext for some assertion. Here's where I give in to the fad, though hopefully I do it in a less-than-cheap way.
Also, fair warning, spoilers of a very mild nature lurk after this sentence for anyone who has not read the book, watched the movie or has little familiarity with the 2002 Major League Baseball season. You've been warned.
Early in the Athletics' cinematically-streamlined player evaluation experiment, Peter Brand, based primarily off of then-A's assistant general manager Paul DePodesta, and Beane go to speak with the owner about their team's rough start, mainly to defend themselves.
The team had lost a handful of its most influential players during the off-season, and expectations were lowered heading into 2002. Still, there were expectations, and losing wasn't one of them.
Brand told the owner that, despite the A's sitting well below .500, he still expected them to be within fighting distance of first place by the midway point of the season, and challenging for a playoff spot by the end of it.
He relied on data to say that, while the team was losing, statistical variation would eventually even out in the A's favor. Meaning they were a good team, but the bounces were going against them.
The bounces wouldn't always go against them, and once everything was said and done, the team's results would accurately reflect its quality.
Much like Fulham, and their rough start to the early Premier League season, a bit of smoke and mirrors made them seem worse-off than they truly were.
After Sunday's resounding 6-0 victory over Queen's Park Rangers, Fulham became the very last team to record a win in the Premiership. Before that, manager Martin Jol was taking heat from fans, stories of locker room disharmony were leaking, it was mass hysteria.
And then an emphatic derby victory. The clouds lifted. All was right in the world again.
The fact is that Fulham was a better team than their record indicated before they laid the hammer on QPR.
QPR is also better than the 6-0 scoreline would indicate, and Fulham, especially its offense, isn't that dominant (but it is good).
Individual games and scorelines are merely blips on the radar, small samples of data that will become much more complete by the end of the season. And when that time comes, it's hard to imagine the data showing Fulham as anything but a solid team.
Sunday's match was the Cottagers' 18th of the season in all competitions. It raises the club's record to 1-4-2 in Premiership play, but to 7-8-3 overall, with one shootout loss to Chelsea.
Not too shabby, especially when you've averaged one competitive match every 5.3 days since June 30, and a match every 4 days when including friendlies.
By what we do about the team, its acclimation to new tactics, fixture congestion, and the general run of play in matches so far, Fulham is a good team. It's not a threat to qualify for the Champions League, or maybe even a Europa League spot. But it is a good team with a wealth of attacking depth and experience.
The Whites will be nowhere near the relegation fray come February. You can bookmark this and rub it in my face if I'm wrong, but I don't expect crow to be on the menu in 2012.
http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2011/10/3/2466379/fulham-werent-that-bad-before-sunday-and-arent-that-good-on-monday-qpr-6-0? (http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2011/10/3/2466379/fulham-werent-that-bad-before-sunday-and-arent-that-good-on-monday-qpr-6-0?)
Andy Johnson pledges future to Fulham
ANDY Johnson insists he is ready to commit his future to Fulham.
The former England frontman smashed a hat-trick in Sunday's derby drubbing of west London rivals QPR, but is in the final 12 months of his contract at Craven Cottage.
Johnson is yet to sign the two-year extension on the table, but says he has no intention of quitting SW6.
He said: "I hope something can be sorted out soon with a contract.
"I have said I want to stay here, we have been talking for some time but it is a busy period for clubs - the transfer window only recently closed.
"The club and myself are talking and I hope something can get sorted. I don't think it is in question that I want to stay at the club, I go out on the pitch and I work my heart out.
"I have proved that since the start of the season. I am a Fulham player and I want to stay it that way."
Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/10/03/andy-johnson-pledges-future-to-fulham-82029-29531903/?#ixzz1ZnQiOZjC (http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/10/03/andy-johnson-pledges-future-to-fulham-82029-29531903/?#ixzz1ZnQiOZjC)
Andy Johnson, Ramblin' Man
It's no secret Andy Johnson has had a windy time at Fulham: most expensive player; star striker; constantly injured; percevied shadow of former self. But things have been turning around, and more so than in the past 4 days.
Here's Andy Johnson's last six months: 22 appearances, 9 goals, 1 assist
And six months prior to that: 22 appearances, 2 goals, 3 assists.
Are we witnessing a return to past glory (he's finally staying healthy, fingers crossed) or a sudden hot streak (five of his recent goals have come in the past 4 days)? Like with most things, it may just be a change in tactics.
Considering the Guardian's Chalkboards are down, I had to bust out soccernet's heat map. The top is yesterday's romp over QPR, the below chart is that Boxing Day nightmare against West Ham.
(http://cravencottagenewsround.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/aj.png?w=493&h=347)
(http://cravencottagenewsround.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/aj2.png?w=493&h=346)
He was really all over the place yesterday, huh? That may be a concern for other outfield players, but it's best to have the little guy marauding around, causing turnovers, and drawing penalties. He's clearly more effective being everywhere and yet nowhere than in one or two hotspots. Sure, he's only been scoring in the past week but most of the heat maps this season show the same result.
The only concern I currently have is wondering what the heck that second goal celebration was all about. I think the QPR fans were right to show their disapproval. Sheesh.
http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2011/10/03/andy-johnson-ramblin-man/? (http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2011/10/03/andy-johnson-ramblin-man/?)
Murphy calls for consistency
Fulham captain not getting carried away with QPR hammering
(http://img.skysports.com/11/10/660x350/Fulham-v-QPR-Danny-Murphy-celeb_2659887.jpg)
Murphy: Pleased to see the confidence flowing back into the Cottagers
Danny Murphy has called on Fulham to show the same level of performance in their next Premier League match as they did in the 6-0 demolition against Queens Park Rangers.
Although the skipper was pleased with the derby victory at Craven Cottage on Sunday, he was also realistic in his assessment by calling the win 'only three points'.
And Murphy expects Matin Jol's side to take their form straight into the next game when they travel to struggling Stoke on October 15th.
Overboard
He told the club's official website: "On Sunday it all clicked, but let's not go overboard. They (QPR) had a bad day at the office and I'm sure they'll admit that but we did play some terrific stuff and it's a good foundation to move forward.
"It's only three points at the end of the day. That's seven games and seven points and really we feel like we should have done better than that.
"It's pleasing but we've got to be careful because you can get carried away with a 6-0 win.
"We've got Stoke City away next and that's as tough a place to go as anywhere and you can soon come down to earth with a bump if you think you're better than you are.
"We've got the international break now but we've got to make sure we go there with the same hunger and passion we showed against QPR on Sunday."
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_7220840,00.html? (http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_7220840,00.html?)
Total Football Fulham style
It was a rout. The Whites dazzled like the unseasonal sunshine. At the seventh time of asking we break our duck, and picked the perfect game to turn it on.
It was a big weekend in more ways than one. London had never experienced October weather like it with temperatures the highest since records began. Great for our Cajun band on the Saturday as we abandoned the hall hired for my landmark birthday and strummed away by the river to the amusement of the strolling public. Family gifted me my Hammy End ticket right behind the goal, but with more than a few Rangers fans among my guests on Saturday, I avoided too much banter on who might be crowing loudest after our local derby.
Believe it or not, I was contemplating a teaser for you all last week on who got Fulham's first hat-trick in the Prem. The answer of course, in our 11 seasons to date we'd never managed one. Not even with King Louis in his prime. And if you'd suggested to fans over the summer Andrew Johnson would be the first man to get it, well, you'd have found few takers.
50% of us quietly hoped the club might get him off the pay-roll (top earner at £50k per week last two seasons) in return for £2 million back on the £10 million paid for his services. Now he's the hero of the hour, and nobody deserves it more after the injury hell AJ's endured, but even when fit, could anybody seriously suggest we'd had a return on our dough for the ex-England international? He was certainly not a guaranteed starter in Jol's early season plans, and the player himself appeared lukewarm to overtures of a one year contract extension. I'm certain Fulham listened to enquiries for AJ in the summer, and until last week I fully expected to see him moved on in January.
That was before Odense away. For whatever reasons (more of this later) Bobby stayed home. Researching the Danes for my preview I felt there was not much to fear in this group match-up. Odense were on a poor run domestically, and in provincial Denmark in front of a small crowd I knew we had far bigger characters in our ranks who could change a game. Jol picked a strong side, Fulham did the business, and Andy scored both goals - the 2nd a real peach.
Building on that momentum, Jol got his selection for QPR bang on. Andy was paired up front in a no-frills 4-4-2 with Big Bob, something the players could all intuitively play to. Let's not forget that Bobby too had scored in our last two home league games, so both front men were in the goals. Dembele running at last with purpose, and getting off the shot that led to our early goal, was a real handful for defenders all afternoon. His close control and ability to dribble round players at times is sublime. Once he learns to offer himself more with runs into space and link the play at speed when Fulham break out, he could become a real menace.
Although more one-paced than Moussa, our Belgian boy has much to learn from the magnificent Texan in midfield. Is he getting taller season on season or is Clint's integral impact on games now so immense it just seems like he's morphed into a colossus? Both were brilliant yesterday in supporting the front two, with Deuce feeding Bobby for number 6 while topping off the move of the match for number five himself. Rangers were shredded on the break, a terrific pass out of his own half by Brede putting AJ away on the left. Pace took him past one man, his cross back-heeled by Bobby at the near post and Clint arrived like a train to pick his spot from 10 yards. Fabulous goal! I was 20 yards away from it in Row I and for me the move summed up our overall performance and the tremendous potential now in this side
If all you've seen of the game to date are brief highlights, let me tell you, it could easily have been 10-4. Clint shot straight at the full-back on the line with the whole goal to aim at, AJ and Bobby missed by inches, and Ruiz fired just wide of the far post at the death after a brief cameo that at last showed glimpses of his potential. To be fair to Rangers they came to try and match us at the passing game. What they lacked was the skill to get at us down the flanks - Grygera again very solid - no big target man up front (Bothroyd subbed) and no defensive pairing to match the calibre of Hangeland and Baird. Both made crucial interventions around our own box before Danny's pen put us two up. We writers do tend to bang on about strikers, but let's not overlook this was our 4th game in all competitions returning a clean sheet.
As with his decision to go 4-4-2, Jol has now got around to recognising Baird's worth. I'm pleased to see Jol open to change, and with an international break to savour the implications of this result, we can hopefully start posting the points our potential suggests. I think you can safely assume the AJ-BZ twinning - the one Roy anticipated such a return from - will be in place through the autumn. If AJ really has discovered a new lease of life, three years on, we fans could be in for some really exciting football in the weeks to come.
Despite the heat and the White's game Thursday in Odense, it was Rangers looking demoralised at the end, with Kenny happy to time waste rather than risk conceding more goals.
So we finally get to salute our first hat-trick hero in the EPL. All three typical poacher's goals, a thing Andy used to do by instinct. If his mojo really is back, and he and Bobby get on the same wavelength (they are clearly best mates), the rest of the league had better watch out. As for team spirit, when Andy's quick thinking saw him latch onto Danny's cute free-kick for the hat-trick goal all nine outfield players roared over to the little man as one to join in the back-slapping.
Now to Bobby Z, called up again for England duty. You can't argue with that. What happened before the plane left for Denmark? Maybe Bob asked if he'd be kept back among the subs, as he was at the Bridge. And maybe, with two wee babbies in the house, Bobby might politely have enquired if he could be spared to stay in London? It's conjecture, but possible. Damien Duff, also married just a year ago, might have backed up Bobby with a similar request recently? We will never know. But where the 'People' found their story that 'Zamora seeks out in January after Jol bust up,' I cannot imagine. Pure fantasy. I could not believe some idiotic postings elsewhere that Bobby 'did not show up Sunday till late on.' He was in the thick of it from the off, feints, flicks and headers setting up chances for Dembele, AJ and Clint. He had two assists, finished powerfully for his goal, and brilliantly created the opening for Dempsey to bury. Bobbie was at his best, playing with a smile, and playing for the team...and the gaffer.
Stoke next up away will be interesting, for they surely will mix it up far more than QPR. At which point I must do the unthinkable, and praise Joey Barton. Despite being absolutely thumped he was not guilty of a single bad challenge or moment of petulance. The game in fact was played in a good spirit and from my vantage point I noted a fair bit of banter between 'us' and 'them' at corners and throw ins - SWP even responding to crowd taunts with a quip.
You may choose not to believe it, but after the Europa game I had a gut feeling someone was about to really cop it from us. I think Jol sensed the same. I stayed my hand from typing it last week, not wishing to jinx the day. But in this season of big results we've finally got one of our own. We've tonked both Norwich and WBA with six in the past, though I did not see either game. Sunday was my first 'sixer' since Darlington at Christmas 1996, so that's how rarely such results come along. Rangers were not actually that poor. Their patchwork quilt of a new side however was ruthlessly unpicked on the day by Fulham's slick play, and Warnock acknowledged the fact. The chairman must also have had an inkling, choosing to parade across the ground before kick-off.
One final element to what was a red letter day all round. The Fulham Badgers and the QPR Tiger Cubs partook of the interval penalty shoot-out. These kids have charity status and are supported by the two clubs. They all had the kit colours, and they were all up for it. Oh yes, they also had Downs Syndrome. What they all got Sunday was the unforgettable experience of bearing down on the Hammy End to have a pop at goal. It ended 4-4. They punched the air and ran the length of the Johnny Haynes Stand to a standing ovation. I bet there were some pretty proud parents in there. You can't bottle an experience like that. Bravo the two clubs for setting it up. Now there's a video clip I'd like to send someone...Carlos Tevez perhaps?
Enjoy the international break, and here's to more points at Stoke and off the Toffees!
WE ARE FULHAM! The Pride of West London
Twitter@fulhamphil
http://blogs.soccernet.com/fulham/archives/2011/10/total_football_fulham_style.php? (http://blogs.soccernet.com/fulham/archives/2011/10/total_football_fulham_style.php?)
HOTSHOT AJ AFTER FUL STOP
RED-HOT Andy Johnson insists he wants to stay at Fulham despite turning down a new contract.
Johnson is a free agent next summer when his deal expires and has turned down a new two-year offer.
But the former England striker, 30, committed his future to the club after scoring his first Premier League hat-trick in the 6-0 rout of QPR.
"I hope something can be sorted out soon. We have been talking for some time," he said.
"I don't think it is in question I want to stay at the club. I go on the pitch and work my heart out.
"I'm a Fulham player and I want to stay that way."
Johnson now has five goals in two games after scoring a brace against Odense in the Europa League last week.
But his strikes on Sunday were his first top-flight goals since April.
http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/214219/Hotshot-AJ-after-Ful-stop/? (http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/214219/Hotshot-AJ-after-Ful-stop/?)
ANDREW JOHNSON WANTS NEW FULHAM CONTRACT
ANDREW JOHNSON wants a new Fulham contract after his hat-trick in the 6-0 demolition of QPR.
"I hope something can be sorted out soon," he said.
"I have said I want to stay."
http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/275432/Andrew-Johnson-wants-new-Fulham-contract? (http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/275432/Andrew-Johnson-wants-new-Fulham-contract?)
INJURY DENIES HUGHES SWANSONG
Aaron Hughes has been denied an international swansong after a groin injury forced the retiring Northern Ireland captain out of his side's final Euro 2012 qualifiers against Estonia and Italy.
Hughes announced his decision to call time on his international career last month but was hoping to lead his country out for a final time at Windsor Park on Friday before a high-profile final appearance against the Azzurri four days later.
But the 31-year-old was forced off after 20 minutes of Fulham's Barclays Premier League match against Blackburn on September 11 and has not played since.
The former Newcastle and Aston Villa centre-half finishes with 79 caps, having made his debut in 1998, scoring his only goal in the 4-0 defeat of the Faroe Islands in August.
Hughes will now hope to extend his top-flight career for as long as possible under Cottagers boss Martin Jol, while Northern Ireland face up to their latest batch of injuries.
Manchester United defender Jonny Evans, who has been a regular at left-back under current manager Nigel Worthington, is the obvious replacement for Hughes in the middle but he could also miss the next two matches with an ankle injury.
He played the full 90 minutes for United in their win over Norwich at the weekend, but is rated as doubtful for the final qualifiers of what has turned into a disappointing campaign for Worthington's men.
Blackpool's Craig Cathcart is the next likeliest candidate to partner Gareth McAuley in the centre, creating a possible vacancy at right-back and uncapped Preston full-back Conor McLaughlin has been added to the squad as a result.
Under-pressure boss Worthington, whose contract is up at the end of the current campaign, is also struggling for options in attack, with Millwall's Josh McQuoid (virus) and Derby's Jamie Ward (hamstring) also pulling out of the original 23-man party.
Highly-rated Rams forward Ward made his debut as a late substitute in the win over the Faroes but has now withdrawn from the last two squads through injury.
Worthington must also choose someone to take the armband in Hughes' absence, with the likes of McAuley and Chris Baird among the candidates.
Rangers skipper Steven Davis is likely to be the favourite, though, as he is a good long-term bet for the job and could be handed the role for the Estonia clash in recognition of his 50th cap.
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/11/10/04/SOCCER_N_Ireland_Hughes.html&TEAMHD=soccer&BID=165 (http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/11/10/04/SOCCER_N_Ireland_Hughes.html&TEAMHD=soccer&BID=165)
Boss faces dressing-room backlash over player fine
THE SUN: Martin Jol has fined one of his Fulham players £500 for missing a penalty. But the Craven Cottage boss is now facing a dressing-room backlash. Also: Roman Abramovich is set to turn his back on 106 years of history and move Chelsea away from Stamford Bridge.
http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/sport/boss_faces_dressing_room_backlash_over_player_fine_1_3835092 (http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/sport/boss_faces_dressing_room_backlash_over_player_fine_1_3835092)
Fulham players furious after manager fines Kasami for missing a penalty
London, Oct 4 : Fulham boss Martin Jol, who has fined one of his players 500 pound for missing a penalty, is now facing a dressing-room backlash.
Several senior stars are furious after Jol rapped rookie Pajtim Kasami.
The Swiss midfielder, 19, was penalised for taking a spot-kick in Fulham's Carling Cup defeat at Chelsea on September 21 because Orlando Sa was the designated taker.
Jol has upset his squad by implementing a tough new disciplinary regime with wide-ranging financial punishments for lateness and backchat, The Sun reports
"Kasami wouldn't have been fined if he'd scored it. Some of the new rules are strange to say the least. He is a young kid. He was only trying to do his best for the team and he's ended up being fined 500 quid for it," A club source said.
Kasami''s penalty hit the bar and Chelsea went on to win 4-3 in a shootout after a goalless draw.
--ANI
http://www.newkerala.com/news/2011/worldnews-80956.html? (http://www.newkerala.com/news/2011/worldnews-80956.html?)
The Sun creating a rift at Fulham
'Fulham fury after Martin Jol fines Pajtim Kasami for missing a penalty' screams a headline in The Sun. Eye-catching certainly, because that doesn't sound like Martin Jol – and it doesn't sound very reasonable.
'MARTIN JOL has fined one of his Fulham players £500 for missing a penalty. But the Craven Cottage boss is now facing a dressing-room backlash. Several senior stars are furious after Jol rapped rookie Pajtim Kasami.'
This refers to Kasami's miss during the Carling Cup defeat at Chelsea.
So why would Jol do something as potentially damaging as that to a 19-year-old player? Oh hold on, he didn't...
'The Swiss midfielder, 19, was penalised for taking a spot-kick in Fulham's Carling Cup defeat at Chelsea on September 21 — because Orlando Sa was the designated taker.'
So actually, the player has really been fined for disobeying an instruction from his manager – that's a little bit different isn't it? So the headline and main body of the story are actually just the product of a willful misinterpretation of what actually happened.
Our old friend, the club 'insider' also chipped in:
"Kasami wouldn't have been fined if he'd scored it. Some of the new rules are strange to say the least. He is a young kid. He was only trying to do his best for the team and he's ended up being fined 500 quid for it."
Except that's a quote that has just been fabricated isn't it?
So in summary – The Sun have twisted a series of events into something more interesting, framed it with a misleading headline, and supported it with a false quote.
Top, top journalism.
http://thepremierleagueowl.com/2011/10/04/the-sun-creating-a-rift-at-fulham/? (http://thepremierleagueowl.com/2011/10/04/the-sun-creating-a-rift-at-fulham/?)
Tactic Talk: Clinical finishing key as Fulham record huge win
Martin Jol's Fulham secured an emphatic 6-0 win over West London rivals Queens Park Rangers at Craven Cottage, with Andrew Johnson among the goals with a hat-trick as Fulham climbed to 12th in the Premier League table. While the six-goal cushion suggests a resounding defeat for Neil Warnock's side, statistics would suggest that one side's ability to convert chances was key to their success.
With both sides producing comparable performances in terms of quality of possession, the vital difference between the two sides came in the hosts' incisive play in the final third, producing a devastating attacking display. With three goals in each half, Fulham's offensive players showed a consistency and a confidence in front of goal that on this occasion, certainly set them apart from their local rivals.
After Johnson opened the scoring inside two minutes, Rangers looked to steady themselves, aiming to pass the ball in the style which had seen them secure promotion last season. During this local derby, both sides looked to move the ball with a similar consistency and fluidity, with Fulham completing 81% of passes to Rangers' 82%, with the visitors slightly edging possession by two per cent and territory by three per cent, according to statistics producers Opta.
However, despite not being dominated in possession, QPR found themselves three down at the break, having registered just a single shot on target in the first-half, while Fulham captain Danny Murphy scored from the penalty spot and Johnson doubled his tally for the Cottagers before the interval.
As the second-half began, Rangers looked to reduce the deficit. Throughout the second period, the visitors created 13 chances (four on target) to the hosts' 10. However, Fulham continued to find the net, scoring three goals from five attempts on target with Johnson completing his treble just before the hour mark, followed by goals from Clint Dempsey six minutes later and Bobby Zamora on 74 minutes to seal the win for a jubilant home crowd.
While it would appear difficult to argue that Fulham were not good value for their victory, despite the relatively small consolation, Rangers' boss Warnock may take some small comfort in his team's display in possession. However, in a new league against stronger defences and in a division famed for fast-paced, attacking play, his side will face stronger challenges from their opponents. On this occasion, they encountered a Fulham side whose attacking players certainly hit a strong run of form together. Despite matching and at times bettering the hosts in possession and looking to create in front of goal, the most significant statistic of all was the one that, as always, decides matches, as Fulham showed a clinical edge in front of goal that saw them collect three famous points at Craven Cottage.
http://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/p6_1_10086_tactic-talk-clinical-finishing-key-as-fulham-record-huge-win.html? (http://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/p6_1_10086_tactic-talk-clinical-finishing-key-as-fulham-record-huge-win.html?)
Fined £500 for missing a penalty! Fulham fury after Jol raps rookie Kasami
Fulham new boy Pajtim Kasami was fined £500 after he missed a penalty in the Carling Cup against Chelsea last month.
The 19-year-old hit the bar in the 47th minute after Alex was sent off for bringing down Karim Frei and Fulham went on to lose after extra-time and penalties.
Senior players are understood to be upset by the decision to punish Kasami for missing a spot-kick, although manager Martin Jol argued it was because Orlando Sa was the designated penalty-taker.
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/10/04/article-2045011-0E06116F00000578-890_468x286.jpg)
On the spot: Rookie Kasami was fined £500 for his penalty miss at Stamford Bridge
The teenager, who earns around £8,000 a week and only joined Fulham this summer from Palermo, insisted he did not realise Sa was supposed to take the penalties in the absence of club captain Danny Murphy.
A Fulham insider told Sportsmail: 'A few of the lads were upset Kasami got fined after the Chelsea game because it was ridiculous – if he had scored, there would not have been a problem.
'The players have been quite lucky in the last few years because (former managers) Roy Hodgson and Mark Hughes didn't really bother with fines.
'But Jol fines players for lots of little things, like being late for team meetings or throwing a strop if they are substituted.
'That's fine, as the payments are minimal and the fines are for bad discipline, but the Kasami thing upset a few of them.'
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/10/04/article-2045011-0E06126D00000578-532_468x350.jpg)
Have a word: Chris Baird speaks to his young team-mate Kasami after his Carling Cup miss against Chelsea
Jol oversaw his first Premier League win as Fulham boss on Sunday as his side hammered QPR 6-0 at Craven Cottage, but doubts linger over the Dutchman's communication skills.
The manager admitted at the weekend he does not get along with star striker Bobby Zamora, who was angry at being rested for Fulham's 2-0 win over Odense last week.
Jol called the striker a 'sensitive person' and added: 'Hopefully Bobby will start liking me - because I like him after scoring a goal.'
But Sportsmail understands Zamora was particularly upset at being told via text message he was not needed in Denmark and the pair have not spoken since last Tuesday (Sept 27).
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/10/04/article-2045011-0E268D5700000578-60_468x286.jpg)
Backlash: New Fulham boss Martin Jol has unsettled some players with his management
Zamora, who set up two and scored Fulham's sixth goal on Sunday, has now joined up with the England squad and is not expected to report back for club duties for a further week.
Andrew Johnson, meanwhile, has insisted he wants to stay at Fulham.
The striker, 30, recently turned down a new two-year deal and will be a free agent next summer.
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/10/04/article-2045011-0E30B1F900000578-837_468x286.jpg)
Talking point: Andrew Johnson wants a new contract at Craven Cottage but strike partner bobby Zamora has not spoke to boss Jol for a week
Johnson said: 'I hope something can be sorted out soon with a contract. I have said I want to stay here.
'We have been talking for some time but it is a busy period for clubs, but I hope something can get sorted.
'I don't think it is in question that I want to stay at the club. I have proved that since the start of the season. I am a Fulham player and I want to stay it that way.'
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2045011/Fulham-fined-Pajtim-Kasami-500-missing-penalty.html#ixzz1ZpOOs9wO (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2045011/Fulham-fined-Pajtim-Kasami-500-missing-penalty.html#ixzz1ZpOOs9wO)
Hughes Update(http://www.fulhamfc.com/Images/MainNews/NewsPages/Players/Hughes/HughesvEstoniaNews.jpg)
Northern Ireland captain Aaron Hughes has been denied a fitting home finale to his international career at Windsor Park on Friday night after being ruled out of action through injury.
Hughes recently announced his decision to retire from the international scene at the end of the current EURO 2012 Qualifiers to concentrate on his club career with Fulham FC.
A groin injury will stop Hughes adding to his 78 caps on Friday night and after more than a decade of outstanding service will sadly not have the chance to play on one final occasion at Windsor Park.
Speaking of his decision to retire from the international fold recently, Hughes said:
"After thinking long and hard, I have decided to retire from international football after the final two Euro 2012 qualifiers, to concentrate on my club career and hopefully prolong it for another few years," said Hughes.
"I have always felt very proud and privileged to play for my country and it has also been a great honour to captain the side.
"It has not been an easy decision, however after speaking with players, managers and my family, I knew it was the right time to call it a day. I also knew in my own head it was the right time.
"I would like to thank everyone for their support over the years - managers, players, fans and my family.
"I have played under some great managers and have enjoyed every minute playing for Northern Ireland and hopefully we can get a good finish to the Euro 2012 campaign."
Northern Ireland currently reside in fifth place in Group C, five points behind second placed Serbia. Following Friday night's match against Estonia at Windsor Park, Nigel Worthington's team will travel to Pescara to face Italy on Tuesday night.
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/October/AaronEuroFinale.aspx?#ixzz1ZpPMQ7a0 (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/October/AaronEuroFinale.aspx?#ixzz1ZpPMQ7a0)
Heartbreak for retiring Hughes as crocked Fulham defender is denied international farewell
Aaron Hughes has been denied an international swansong after a groin injury forced the retiring Northern Ireland captain out of his side's final Euro 2012 qualifiers against Estonia and Italy.
Hughes announced his decision to call time on his international career last month but was hoping to lead his country out for a final time at Windsor Park on Friday before a high-profile final appearance against the Azzurri four days later.
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/10/04/article-0-065BBAD9000005DC-400_468x365.jpg)
End of the road: Hughes' international career is over
But the 31-year-old was forced off after 20 minutes of Fulham's Barclays Premier League match against Blackburn on September 11 and has not played since. The former Newcastle and Aston Villa centre-half finishes with 79 caps, having made his debut in 1998, scoring his only goal in the 4-0 defeat of the Faroe Islands in August.
Hughes will now hope to extend his top-flight career for as long as possible under Cottagers boss Martin Jol, while Northern Ireland face up to their latest batch of injuries.
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/10/04/article-0-0B992EAE000005DC-217_306x423.jpg)
Keen to stay: The Fulham defender is holding out for a new contract at Craven Cottage
Manchester United defender Jonny Evans, who has been a regular at left-back under current manager Nigel Worthington, is the obvious replacement for Hughes in the middle but he could also miss the next two matches with an ankle injury.
He played the full 90 minutes for United in their win over Norwich at the weekend, but is rated as doubtful for the final qualifiers of what has turned into a disappointing campaign for Worthington's men.
Blackpool's Craig Cathcart is the next likeliest candidate to partner Gareth McAuley in the centre, creating a possible vacancy at right-back and uncapped Preston full-back Conor McLaughlin has been added to the squad as a result.
Under-pressure boss Worthington, whose contract is up at the end of the current campaign, is also struggling for options in attack, with Millwall's Josh McQuoid (virus) and Derby's Jamie Ward (hamstring) also pulling out of the original 23-man party.
Highly-rated Rams forward Ward made his debut as a late substitute in the win over the Faroes but has now withdrawn from the last two squads through injury.
Worthington must also choose someone to take the armband in Hughes' absence, with the likes of McAuley and Chris Baird among the candidates.
Rangers skipper Steven Davis is likely to be the favourite, though, as he is a good long-term bet for the job and could be handed the role for the Estonia clash in recognition of his 50th cap.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2045062/Aaron-Hughes-denied-Northern-Ireland-swansong.html#ixzz1ZpPelnoA (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2045062/Aaron-Hughes-denied-Northern-Ireland-swansong.html#ixzz1ZpPelnoA)
Injury denies Aaron Hughes international swansong
Aaron Hughes has been denied an international swansong after a groin injury forced the retiring Northern Ireland captain out of his side's final Euro 2012 qualifiers against Estonia and Italy.
Hughes announced his decision to call time on his international career last month but was hoping to lead his country out for a final time at Windsor Park on Friday before a high-profile final appearance against the Azzurri four days later.
But the 31-year-old was forced off after 20 minutes of Fulham's Barclays Premier League match against Blackburn on September 11 and has not played since.
The former Newcastle and Aston Villa centre-half finishes with 79 caps, having made his debut in 1998, scoring his only goal in the 4-0 defeat of the Faroe Islands in August.
Hughes will now hope to extend his top-flight career for as long as possible under Cottagers boss Martin Jol, while Northern Ireland face up to their latest batch of injuries.
Manchester United defender Jonny Evans, who has been a regular at left-back under current manager Nigel Worthington, is the obvious replacement for Hughes in the middle but he could also miss the next two matches with an ankle injury.
He played the full 90 minutes for United in their win over Norwich at the weekend, but is rated as doubtful for the final qualifiers of what has turned into a disappointing campaign for Worthington's men.
Blackpool's Craig Cathcart is the next likeliest candidate to partner Gareth McAuley in the centre, creating a possible vacancy at right-back and uncapped Preston full-back Conor McLaughlin has been added to the squad as a result.
Under-pressure boss Worthington, whose contract is up at the end of the current campaign, is also struggling for options in attack, with Millwall's Josh McQuoid (virus) and Derby's Jamie Ward (hamstring) also pulling out of the original 23-man party.
Highly-rated Rams forward Ward made his debut as a late substitute in the win over the Faroes but has now withdrawn from the last two squads through injury.
Worthington must also choose someone to take the armband in Hughes' absence, with the likes of McAuley and Chris Baird among the candidates.
Rangers skipper Steven Davis is likely to be the favourite, though, as he is a good long-term bet for the job and could be handed the role for the Estonia clash in recognition of his 50th cap.
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/international/injury-denies-aaron-hughes-international-swansong-2365389.html? (http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/international/injury-denies-aaron-hughes-international-swansong-2365389.html?)
Fulham players furious after manager fines Pajtim Kasami for missing a penalty
Fulham boss Martin Jol, who has fined one of his players 500 pound for missing a penalty, is now facing a dressing-room backlash.
Several senior stars are furious after Jol rapped rookie Pajtim Kasami.
The Swiss midfielder, 19, was penalised for taking a spot-kick in Fulham's Carling Cup defeat at Chelsea on September 21 because Orlando Sa was the designated taker.
Jol has upset his squad by implementing a tough new disciplinary regime with wide-ranging financial punishments for lateness and backchat, The Sun reports
"Kasami wouldn't have been fined if he'd scored it. Some of the new rules are strange to say the least. He is a young kid. He was only trying to do his best for the team and he's ended up being fined 500 quid for it," A club source said.
Kasami's penalty hit the bar and Chelsea went on to win 4-3 in a shootout after a goalless draw.
http://www.dnaindia.com/sport/report_fulham-players-furious-after-manager-fines-pajtim-kasami-for-missing-a-penalty_1594908? (http://www.dnaindia.com/sport/report_fulham-players-furious-after-manager-fines-pajtim-kasami-for-missing-a-penalty_1594908?)
Andy Johnson makes Fulham vow
ANDY Johnson insists he is ready to commit his future to Fulham.
The former England frontman smashed a hat-trick in Sunday's derby drubbing of west London rivals QPR, but is in the final 12 months of his contract at Craven Cottage.
Johnson is yet to sign the two-year extension on the table, but says he has no intention of quitting SW6.
He said: "I hope something can be sorted out soon with a contract.
"I have said I want to stay here, we have been talking for some time but it is a busy period for clubs - the transfer window only recently closed.
"The club and myself are talking and I hope something can get sorted. I don't think it is in question that I want to stay at the club, I go out on the pitch and I work my heart out.
"I have proved that since the start of the season. I am a Fulham player and I want to stay it that way."
http://www.ealinggazette.co.uk/sport/fulham-fc-ealing/2011/10/04/andy-johnson-makes-fulham-vow-64767-29534604/? (http://www.ealinggazette.co.uk/sport/fulham-fc-ealing/2011/10/04/andy-johnson-makes-fulham-vow-64767-29534604/?)
QPR stars say sorry after Fulham drubbing
FITZ Hall has apologised to QPR fans for their dismal display in the derby drubbing at Fulham.
Rangers were hammered 6-0 at Craven Cottage by their west London rivals as Andy Johnson and Bobby Zamora ran riot against QPR's makeshift backline.
But Hall, who was playing through the pain barrier with a hamstring injury, has held his hands up.
He posted on his Twitter account: "All I can is apologise to every single QPR supporter. Our performance today was unacceptable, I'm sorry."
Midfielder Shaun Derry added: "A terrible performance by us all today. Feel embarrassed and angry. That's just not like us normally. Feel for the fans who witnessed it!"
Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/london-qpr/2011/10/02/qpr-stars-say-sorry-after-fulham-drubbing-64767-29526679/?#ixzz1ZpROAoFm (http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/london-qpr/2011/10/02/qpr-stars-say-sorry-after-fulham-drubbing-64767-29526679/?#ixzz1ZpROAoFm)
View from the river: Anger seems to get the best out of Zamora
"Everybody remembers him running round going sssshhh after every goal a few years back and whilst it wasn't to everyone's cup of tea then, if that's what it takes to get Bobby scoring then bring back the angry man"
What a difference a couple of weeks make. Before the City game it felt like we'd never score, whereas now we've got eight in four days!
AJ has five in two and the team head for the international break off the back of one of our best every Premier League victories, in a local derby no less.
Whilst it must be said that QPR were exceptionally poor (especially defensively) it was one of the best team performances we've seen for a long time.
Creative differences (and from Jol's comments after the game something, however slight, must have gone on with Bobby) seemed to inspire both Zamora and AJ as they took QPR to the sword as Anton Ferdinand and 'one size' Fitz Hall wilted against their pace and movement.
As with Bobby's golden season, it seems as though anger gets the best out of him. Everybody remembers him running round going sssshhh after every goal a few years back and whilst it wasn't to everyone's cup of tea then, if that's what it takes to get Bobby scoring then bring back the angry man.
Also, having said a few weeks back that Johnson still has a lot to do to justify his price tag, it's great to see him looking sharp again and that the goals are beginning to come. There's no doubt that he brings something different to our front line and long may his return to fitness and form continue.
In some ways it's a real shame that the international break has come now but I'm sure I speak for every Fulham fan when I say I'm (hopefully) looking forward to seeing Zamora running round in an England shirt again later this week.
One final thought on Sunday: not bad for a team with a European hangover!
http://www.london24.com:80/sport/fulham/view_from_the_river_anger_seems_to_get_the_best_out_of_zamora_1_1079216? (http://www.london24.com:80/sport/fulham/view_from_the_river_anger_seems_to_get_the_best_out_of_zamora_1_1079216?)
Andy Johnson finally has his big Fulham moment
(http://cravencottagenewsround.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/aj3.jpg?w=600&h=408)
Andy Johnson's hat-trick and ongoing contract talks got me thinking. Should we renew? Tough call, but my instinct is that if we do it should be very much on our terms. He's been a good player to have around, but the time he's spent off the pitch should be a red herring flag (herring indeed!) given his age (this may be very unfair, but may not be).
Johnson's a strange player in that he seems to like us and we seem to like him (at the ground he's exceedingly popular; on the internet you get more negativity but that's to be expected), but he's never really got any momentum going at the club. Most obviously, he missed the fun bit of the European run, and when the story of Fulham's great seasons in the 2000s is written his contribution may be surprisingly light. Contrast Johnson with Diomansy Kamara, an inferior player who nevertheless made some telling interventions when we needed them most, or with Zoltan Gera, who flickered in and out of the team but who made himself memorable with some of the most enthralling moments some of us will ever see. Danny Murphy, who probably arrived at Fulham with more to prove than Johnson, has achieved his place in our affections through both big moments and consistent performances.
AJ's goals have come against Wigan, Newcastle, Spurs, Sheffield Wednesday, Kettering, Portsmouth, West Brom, Bolton, FK Vetra, Amkar Perm, Wigan, Villa, Wolves, NSI Runavik, Crusaders, Split, Twente, Odense and QPR.
Now those goals all needed scoring and we're very pleased he scored them, but until two days ago you couldn't come up with a more humdrum catalogue of triumph if you tried (obviously you could: Eddie Johnson would have been delighted with that hit list, but Eddie Johnson wasn't a highly paid frontline striker). Everyone else had their big moments, their event that would ensure a place in our memories long after they're gone. Johnson was missing that. He's been a good player for Fulham, but until Sunday there was no defining moment there. It's tempting to think that we've never really seen him at his best, but is that right? Perhaps this has been him: good, but not quite what we'd hoped for. He must have felt this, and it must have nagged away at him.
So I'm glad QPR happened. It was a huge result, fun notwithstanding, and to grab a hat-trick like that instantly gives him his folk-lore. He's worked hard for Fulham, and while his form may occasionally have disappointed, his effort never has. He deserved that moment, and whatever happens now, his place in the Fulham story is secure. Nice, one, AJ, chuffed for you.
http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2011/10/04/andy-johnson-finally-has-his-big-fulham-moment/? (http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2011/10/04/andy-johnson-finally-has-his-big-fulham-moment/?)
International Watch(http://www.fulhamfc.com/Images/MainNews/NewsPages/Players/Zamora/EnglandGeneral1.jpg)
EURO 2012 Qualification:
The final EURO 2012 Qualification matches take place during the current international break with several members of Fulham's First Team squad involved for their respective countries.
On Monday Fulham striker Bobby Zamora teamed up with Club team-mate and goalkeeper David Stockdale at England's London Colney training base ahead of Friday night's final UEFA Euro 2012 Group G Qualifier in Montenegro (Sky Sports 1 / 7.30pm).
The Three Lions travel to Podgorica knowing that a point against Montenegro will secure a place at next summer's Finals in Poland and Ukraine.
Two further Fulham players who have a chance of playing at next summer's Euro 2012 Finals are Republic of Ireland internationals Damien Duff and Stephen Kelly.
Victories for Ireland over Andorra away on Friday (Sky Sports 2 / 7.30pm) and then at home to Armenia next Tuesday will secure a play-off spot for the 2012 European Championships.
There was unfortunate news for Aaron Hughes on Tuesday morning, who has been ruled out of Northern Ireland's final two Qualification matches due to injury (groin).
In September Hughes confirmed his decision to retire from international action at the end of Northern Ireland's Qualification campaign but the defender will now be denied the chance of a final appearance at Windsor Park on Friday night against Estonia.
However Chris Baird has been included in manager Nigel Worthington's Northern Ireland squad to face Estonia on Friday night (Sky Sports 4 from 7.30pm) and Italy (a) next Tuesday evening.
Fellow Fulham defender and Swiss international Philippe Senderos has two crucial Qualifiers coming up as Switzerland look to pip Montenegro to second place in Group G. Senderos will be hoping England do Switzerland a favour on Friday night by defeating Montenegro.
Senderos and company will play Wales at the Liberty Stadium on Friday night (Sky Sports 3 / 7.30pm) before returning home to play Montengro on Tuesday night at St. Jakob-Park, Basel.
Mousa Dembele's Belgium team will be competing with Turkey for second place in Group A with two games remaining.
Belgium will play Kazakhstan in Brussels on Friday night before playing Germany in Dusseldorf on Tuesday night whilst Turkey will play Germany and Azerbaijan on home soil in Istanbul. Dembele and company are currently two points behind Turkey.
Norway will be without their skipper, Brede Hangeland (suspended), for their final Euro 2012 Qualification match against Cyprus in Olso next Tuesday.
Norway are currently in third place in Group H, level on points with Denmark in second. John Arne Riise is expected to play for Norway against Cyprus.
U21 Euro 2013 Qualifiers:
At U21 level Matthew Briggs has been selected by England whilst Pajtim Kasami has teamed up with Switzerland for their respective U21 Euro 2013 Qualifiers.
England's Young Lions will play Iceland in Reykjavik on Thursday night (ESPN / 7.30pm) before playing Norway in Drammen. Switzerland will compete against Georgia in Tbilisi on Friday night.
U19 International:
Following his outstanding performance for Fulham against Chelsea in the Carling Cup in September, Kerim Frei will represent Switzerland's U19 team against Finland at home on Sunday and Tuesday. The first match will be played in Renens whilst Tuesday's match will take place in Vevey.
Friendly Matches:
US international star Clint Dempsey returns home this week for two friendly matches against Honduras and Ecuador.
The first friendly against Honduras will be played on Saturday at the Sun Life Stadium in Miami, before Dempsey and his US team-mates head up the East Coast for Tuesday's match against Ecuador at the Red Bull Arena in New York.
Philippine international goalkeeper Neil Etheridge will head to Singapore this week for a friendly on Friday before returning to the Philippines for another friendly match against Nepal at the Rizal Memorial Stadium on Tuesday.
Out of Action:
The following Fulham players will not be taking part in international matches for their respective countries during the current international break due to injury:
- Mark Schwarzer (Australia)
- Bryan Ruiz (Costa Rica)
- Aaron Hughes (Northern Ireland)
TV Watch This Week:
Thursday 6th October
Iceland U21 v England U21 / ESPN from 7.45pm (Matthew Briggs)
Friday 7th October
Montenegro v England / Sky Sports 1 from 7.30pm (Bobby Zamora & David Stockdale)
Andorra v Republic of Ireland / Sky Sports 2 from 8.30pm (Damien Duff & Stephen Kelly)
Wales v Switzerland / Sky Sports 3 from 7.30pm (Philippe Senderos)
Northern Ireland v Estonia / Sky Sports 4 from 7.30pm (Chris Baird)
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/October/InternationalPreview.aspx?#ixzz1ZpSVuIxT (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/October/InternationalPreview.aspx?#ixzz1ZpSVuIxT)
Baird tells hotshot Sam to be fearless at Fulham
IAN Baird has advised Eastleigh's teenage striker Sam Wilson not to feel daunted when he returns to Premier League outfit Fulham on Thursday.
After impressing on an assessment week with the Craven Cottage club, the former Wildern schoolboy has been invited back for a trial game this Saturday which, by coincidence, is his 17th birthday.
"From what I hear Sam has gone up to Fulham last week and done alright, which I always thought he would," said Baird.
"As far as I know he's going back up there to train this Thursday and Friday and then playing a game on Saturday morning.
"I don't think it will faze him. I told him not to go up there and feel inferior because he's got a lot of very good qualities.
"He's a hard worker and he believes in himself, but he hasn't got an inflated opinion of himself.
"A lot of these kids at professional clubs have been in the system since they were ten and they all get told they're going to be the next Bobby Zamora or whoever.
"But I think Sam will have qualities that they haven't got. Just like Aaron Martin (sold by Eastleigh to Saints) he's got a real desire to be a professional footballer."
Admitting he is "not a great advocate" of the academy system, former Saints and Leeds United striker Baird argued: "It has taken away from the days when all young lads were trying to do was earn a contract to play professional football and make a good living.
"These days pro clubs are having to entice these lads to join them by giving them a hell of a lot of money.
"If you give a lad X-amount of pounds before he's achieved anything, where does the desire come from?
"In some of these academies you've got people earning upwards of £500-£600 a week. It's a real vicious circle."
Wilson was an academy lad himself with Portsmouth before joining the Eastleigh youth set-up last season.
He had a chance to go back to Fratton Park in the summer but felt he had a better chance of progressing with the Spitfires who, in the last four seasons, have helped Martin, Brett Williams, Mark Marshall and Damian Scannell into the pro game.
"Sam's come to us and he reminds me very much of Aaron with his unquenchable desire to succeed," said Baird.
"I've told him to go to Fulham and show his peers no respect whatsoever.
"I said there's massive improvement in you and they can't buy what you've got.
"I wish Sam all the best. It's good for him and good for the club that the module of bringing young players through is working."
West End-based Wilson was due to play for the Spitfires in the FA Youth Cup against Salisbury City last night.
In the FA Cup, Baird's men have landed a home draw against Evo-Stik Premier high riders Oxford City in the third qualifying round on Saturday week (October 15).
"We're at home against a lower league side, but Oxford are going well and we know how difficult it will be," said Baird. "We'll have them watched this Saturday and take it from there."
http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/football/9286451.Baird_tells_hotshot_Sam_to_be_fearless_at_Fulham/?ref=rss (http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/football/9286451.Baird_tells_hotshot_Sam_to_be_fearless_at_Fulham/?ref=rss)
Winning Boost(http://www.fulhamfc.com/Images/MainNews/NewsPages/Players/hangeland/HangelandPresser.jpg)
After Fulham hit Queens Park Rangers for six on Sunday afternoon, defender Brede Hangeland spoke of his satisfaction at having secured Fulham's first Barclays Premier League win of the 2011/12 campaign after a frustrating start to the season.
"There's always a bit of frustration when you play well but don't get the results you deserve," Hangeland explained. "There has been some frustration in us not getting the results we wanted but against QPR everything clicked.
"It was a great win on Sunday after a few disappointments and quite a slow start to the season. It's nice to go into the international break knowing we got a great win and it takes a bit of pressure off.
"You could see what a good team we are and everyone should take a lot of confidence from the performance and the result. We can now start concentrating on preparing for our next game against Stoke City."
Hangeland stressed the importance of striking first in the Barclays Premier League and praised the performance of Andrew Johnson, who bagged a hat-trick on Sunday to take his tally for the season to nine goals in all competitions.
"He's [Johnson] impressed me a lot," said Hangeland. "He scored two goals last Thursday and then scored a hat-trick on Sunday – that says it all really. He's a player I very much like having on my team and I wouldn't like to play against him.
"The big thing for me is to score first in the Premier League and we did that on Sunday. You can then relax a bit and the other team is forced to chase the game so you can sit back and counter attack, especially at home."
Hangeland's prior experience of such an emphatic score-line was during his time in Denmark with FC Copenhagen FC and whilst the Norwegian international expected a tighter contest on Sunday, he was evidently most pleased with putting three points on the board.
"I've certainly not been involved in a result like that in England before," said Hangeland. "I must have been when I was playing in Denmark but I was playing for the best team and we won all our matches.
"We were anticipating a very close game on Sunday because it was a local derby but these things happen in football every now and then. It was a very good result for us.
"I believe that equals the record of goals scored for Fulham in the Premier League but I was happy just to win. Whether it's one-nil or six-nil, what we needed on Sunday was a win and obviously we're delighted to have done it in such good fashion."
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/October/HangelandQPRReaction.aspx?#ixzz1ZpTJzPdg (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/October/HangelandQPRReaction.aspx?#ixzz1ZpTJzPdg)
Reserves Play Tonight
Fulham Reserves v Norwich City
Tuesday 4th October
Motspur Park Training Ground (KO 7pm)
Fulham's Reserve Team are back in action this evening when they challenge Norwich City at Motspur Park Training Ground.
Tonight's Barclays Premier Reserve League match will kick-off at 7pm and supporters are welcome to attend.
Billy McKinlay's team narrowly lost out (2-1) to Manchester United in their last League outing but have picked up some impressive wins this season against Everton (0-2) and Bolton (7-0).
A full match report will be published on fulhamfc.com shortly after the final whistle at Motspur Park.
Ticket Prices:
- Adults £3
- Under 16s & Over 65s £1
Free for Season Ticket Holders who produce a valid Season Ticket Card at Reception.
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/October/ReservesvNorwichPreview.aspx?#ixzz1ZpTbcbOT (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/October/ReservesvNorwichPreview.aspx?#ixzz1ZpTbcbOT)
Fulham: "When you least expect it, they go and play like gods"
Well, there had been talk of unrest at Fulham, with Martin Jol taking over and ruffling a few feathers – not the kind of talk that normally leads to your team putting in one heck of a show against their London rivals. The Life's a Pitch panel stands back and applauds Fulham's 6-0 demolition job against QPR at the weekend.
"It was a very Fulham-ish performance, as we say down at Craven Cottage," says Dave Kidd of The People. "When you least expect it, with uncertainty surrounding Martin Jol, they suddenly go and win 6-0 against their local rivals and play like gods. I actually think they've got the strongest squad they've ever had."
England boss Fabio Capello may be inclined to agree, having reinstated Fulham's striker Bobby Zamora into his England squad for Friday's match against Montenegro.
"Capello's a big fan of Zamora and you can see why," says Duncan White of the Sunday Telegraph. "He plays that intelligent holding position better than most, and will be looking to get into double figures, goals-wise, this season."
So there's much to be cheerful about at Craven Cottage. Or is there?
"One swallow doesn't make a summer," warns Tom Hopkinson of The People. "There have been murmurs of discontent."
http://www.lifesapitch.co.uk/laptv/two-minute-warning/fulham-when-you-least-expect-it-they-go-and-play-like-gods/? (http://www.lifesapitch.co.uk/laptv/two-minute-warning/fulham-when-you-least-expect-it-they-go-and-play-like-gods/?)
Every time Hangeland opens his mouth, I admire him more.
"We're all in this together and everyone involved with the club can feel a bit of extra pressure when things haven't gone as well as we wanted them to," he said.
"That goes for me, the rest of the players and I am sure the manager as well.
"We're very much a united club."
The quote maybe a bit clichéd but he always gives the impression of being really genuine.
May he continue building a long and distinguished career at our club.
and a another thing..... How good was Phil Milsons blog?... Eloquent, colourful, very readable and rounded off with a terrific reality check.
Thanks for publishing JC
