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General Category => Archive => Daily Fulham Stuff => Topic started by: White Noise on January 27, 2010, 06:19:16 AM

Title: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (27.01.10)
Post by: White Noise on January 27, 2010, 06:19:16 AM
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger tries to snatch Fulham's Chris Smalling from Manchester United's grasp  

By Simon Jones Last updated at 2:46 AM on 27th January 2010

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Arsenal made a last-ditch bid to prise Chris Smalling from the grasp of Manchester United last night after being gazumped in their attempt to sign the Fulham defender.

Arsene Wenger had been planning a move for the 20-year-old over the past month but was beaten to the punch on Tuesday as United stepped in with a £7million deal for a player who has made only nine first-team appearances.

United agreed the fee with Fulham and personal terms with the player's agents before contacting Fulham again prior to making an official announcement on the club website.

United expect Smalling, who was in Fulham's starting line-up last night against Tottenham, to arrive in Manchester today for a medical and he will then be loaned back to Craven Cottage until the end of the season.

However, United's move scrambled Arsenal into action and they made a counter-offer to Fulham which was rejected.

'It just looks like Manchester United offered more money than us,' said Wenger. But the Arsenal manager, determined not to let his target slip through the net, was busy trying to salvage the deal last night.

However, Fulham boss Roy Hodgson said last night he expects the player to end up at Old Trafford.

'The club has accepted an offer from United and as far as I know that's where he's going,' he said. 'I know nothing about an offer from Arsenal. Sir Alex doesn't make mistakes when he pays a lot of money for a young player because he realises in years to come he is going to seem very cheap.

'We knew we had a diamond in our midst but when you are Fulham and you produce a diamond you're always aware it can be taken away from you.'

United see Smalling as a long-term replacement for Nemanja Vidic.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1246364/Arsenal-manager-Arsene-Wenger-tries-snatch-Fulhams-Chris-Smalling-Manchester-Uniteds-grasp.html?ITO=1490#ixzz0dn5y9FKw
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (27.01.10)
Post by: White Noise on January 27, 2010, 06:21:08 AM
Fulham plan to pip rivals Sunderland and Celtic to Egypt midfielder Mohamed Gedo

By Sportsmail Reporter

Last updated at 3:11 AM on 27th January 2010

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Fulham are interested in Egypt's attacking midfielder Mohamed Gedo, who has been one of the few stars to emerge from the Africa Cup of Nations.

The 25-year-old has scored three goals for Egypt in Angola and has attracted interest from Sunderland, Celtic, Real Sociedad and Osasuna.
Palermo, meanwhile, want to take Fulham midfielder Luca Moscatiello back to Italy

Rising star: Fulham are interested in a deal for Egypt midfielder Mohamed Gedo


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1246322/Fulham-plan-pip-rivals-Sunderland-Celtic-Egypt-midfielder-Mohamed-Gedo.html#ixzz0dn6gXGwK
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (27.01.10)
Post by: White Noise on January 27, 2010, 06:24:39 AM
Eidur Gudjohnsen and Benni McCarthy move to West Ham with David Bentley next on Gianfranco Zola's transfer radar

By Simon Cass

Last updated at 2:47 AM on 27th January 2010

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West Ham have stepped up their bid to ensure their Premier League survival with a flurry of transfer activity.

After Benni McCarthy moved to Upton Park from Blackburn in a £2.5million deal Eidur Gudjohnsen was on the verge of joining him after a medical.

The former Bolton, Chelsea and Barcelona forward is expected to sign today after his current employers, Monaco, agreed to let him leave for nothing.

And Tottenham winger David Bentley, who scored in their 2-0 win over Fulham last night, emerged as another West Ham loan target.
   
Ironically, Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp last night revealed he was keen to sign Gudjohnsen, 31, on loan and said: 'I like Eidur and I've spoken to his agent.

'He's a good footballer. I thought he was going to West Ham but I left it with my chairman. He would be a good loan signing.

'We've got a lot of games coming up and he can play in different systems.'

If Gudjohnsen, 31, joins McCarthy both could feature against Blackburn on Saturday.
This would pitch the South Africa forward, who had effectively gone on strike to force through his move, against his former manager Sam Allardyce.

Meanwhile, Portsmouth have had their transfer embargo partially lifted by the Premier League after they struck a deal with Udinese to restructure the payments for former player Sulley Muntari.

Portsmouth, however, are only allowed to sign players on loan or on free transfers even though the Premier League will hand over the £1.6m left over from January's television money.

The decision paves the way for Jamie O'Hara to return to Fratton Park on loan from Tottenham.

Portsmouth manager Avram Grant said: 'This is the first day with good news. We need three or four new players.'


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1246306/Eidur-Gudjohnsen-Benni-McCarthy-West-Ham-David-Bentley-Gianfranco-Zolas-transfer-radar.html#ixzz0dn7M7eix
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (27.01.10)
Post by: White Noise on January 27, 2010, 06:27:23 AM
Tottenham 2 Fulham 0: Clinical Crouch starts the party and Bentley finishes with a flourish

By Matt Barlow

Last updated at 12:32 AM on 27th January 2010

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First it was Roman Pavlyuchenko. Now it's David Bentley. Two players Harry Redknapp would love to see the back of are scoring vital goals for Tottenham.

Pavlyuchenko, on target against Leeds in the FA Cup fourth round, was injured last night but it was the forgotten Bentley, starting his first Barclays Premier League game in three months, who stepped up to score the second for Spurs after Peter Crouch had fired them ahead.

It might well be Bentley's last for the club, with West Ham looking to strike a deal to take him from their rivals. But Redknapp, who is thought to be poised to pinch Eidur Gudjohnsen from under the nose of the Hammers, will not complain.

He has been trying for months to sell the winger who cost £18million from Blackburn but who only gets into the team when Aaron Lennon and Niko Kranjcar are not available.

'He got a chance and he took it well,' said Spurs manager Redknapp. 'If he comes in, works hard and shows a good attitude, I've got no problems with him. I was pleased for him tonight. When you are not in the team you can get down and low. That's what's
happened to him. But he's a terrific footballer.'

Bentley's goal helped Spurs back to winning ways after a stutter and moved them three points ahead of Liverpool in the push for Champions League qualification.

Even the country's hottest young central defensive property Chris Smalling - the object of a tug-of-love between Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger before the game - was unable to stop Tottenham.

You're not there yet: Fulham's Manchester United-bound defender Chris Smalling gets a word of advice from team-mate Brede Hangelaand

It was something of a surprise that Hodgson included Smalling in the team at the end of a day when Manchester United declared they had agreed a deal worth up to £7million for the defender, signed 18 months ago from non-League Maidstone for a nominal fee.

An hour before kick-off, Fulham had confirmed Smalling would be moving to Old Trafford in the summer as long as he passed a medical, planned for later today.

It had been quite a day for20-year-old Smalling and all eyes were on him as he made only his second Premier League start.

He slotted into central defence alongside Brede Hangeland, with Aaron Hughes shifting to right back in a defensive reshuffle enforced by injuries to first-choice full backs John Pantsil and Paul Konchesky.

Smalling's admirers have likened his style to Rio Ferdinand. He is quick and comfortable on the ball and his talents were soon under even closer scrutiny with
Tottenham starting strongly, zipping the ball forward at a healthy tempo and working Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer.

Tom Huddlestone forced two saves from Schwarzer in the first five minutes and Hangeland needed to be alert to beat Crouch to a dangerous cross from the left.

Rare sight: David Bentley is congratulated after firing in Tottenham's second
But, having survived his early tests with some degree of composure, Smalling was then caught ball-watching as Crouch prodded Tottenham into the lead from close range in the 27th minute.

Schwarzer misjudged a swirling cross from Bentley. The goalkeeper raced from his line but, under pressure from Crouch, sliced an attempted punch towards Luka Modric, darting in from the left at the far post.

Modric did well to keep the ball alive and, when he acrobatically turned it back into the goalmouth, Crouch had drifted behind Smalling to poke home his 10th goal of the season.

Modric almost made it two in first-half stoppage time, whipping a right-foot shot just over the bar, and Spurs continued to threaten after the break. Bentley became increasingly involved and Gareth Bale continuing his excellent form since replacing the injured Benoit Assou-Ekotto at left back.

Bale was outstanding against Leeds on Saturday and his attacking flair was in evidence again last night. It was his raid down the left which drew the free-kick for
Tottenham's second.

Bentley stepped up to take the kick, curling it with his right foot but it was a big deflection off the head of Bjorn Helge Riise, stretching to block the shot from the defensive wall, which beat Schwarzer.

Crouch said: 'I think we deserved to win the game. We had the better chances, we were the better side. If you don't score early on you get nervous so I'm glad to have done that, and after the second one we started playing the kind of football we can play.

'Liverpool are a big big team and they're going to be up there come the end of the season so for them to drop points is good news for us.

Hodgson said: 'We were a bit unlucky with the second goal, it took a cruel deflection. And I thought in the second half we evened things out, but to be fair their back four did well, and ours did well, too.'


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1246269/Tottenham-2-Fulham-0-Clinical-Crouch-starts-party-Bentley-finishes-flourish.html#ixzz0dn7x2hS2
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (27.01.10)
Post by: White Noise on January 27, 2010, 06:30:02 AM
Mohamed Nagy

Al-Ittihad to Fulham - The Insider says: 3/5

Star man: Nagy has been in fine form in Angola

Fulham are preparing a bid for Nagy who has been one of the few stars to emerge from the Africa Cup of Nations.

The 25-year-old, nicknamed Geddo, has scored three goals for Egypt so far in the tournament and has attracted interest from Sunderland, Real Sociedad, Osasuna and Celtic.

However, Fulham could have money to spend from the impending sale of Chris Smalling to Manchester United and are willing to put cash on the table or discuss an initial loan deal.

Nagy is contracted to Al-Ittihad until the summer of 2012 and he is highly-regarded by the national team coach Hassan Shehata, who took a lot of flak for including him in the squad ahead of their other well-known stars including Mido.

Geddo, which means grandfather, reflects a maturity in his play and he has grown in a role behind the front striker as a playmaking forward or attacking midfielder.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1246189/Anderson-way-Manchester-United-Marc-Janko-added-Birmingham-wish-list-Fulham-target-Egyptian-star-Mohamed-Nagy--THE-INSIDER.html#ixzz0dn8sWiOW
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (27.01.10)
Post by: White Noise on January 27, 2010, 06:31:55 AM
Winger Wayne Routledge makes Newcastle his eighth club - and he's still only 25

By Sportsmail Reporter

Last updated at 3:17 PM on 26th January 2010

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Newcastle have completed the signing of Wayne Routledge on a three-and-a-half

deal from Coca-Cola Championship rivals QPR.

The 25-year-old winger joins Chris Hughton's side for an undisclosed fee from the Loftus Road club.

Routledge, who has scored seven times in 49 appearances for the Londoners before his move to the north-east, was part of the Hoops side which drew 1-1 at St James' Park earlier this season.

The Magpies are Routledge's eighth club, not including the 12 games he played for England under-21s.


WAYNE ROUTLEDGE - A CAREER IN PICTURES  Crystal Palace (left) 2001-05; Tottenham Hotspur 2005-08


  Portsmouth (loan deal) 2006; Fulham (loan deal) 2006-07


  Aston Villa 2008-09 (far left); Cardiff City 2008-09 (loan deal)


...and then there was the matter of just over a year at QPR after signing in the 2009 January transfer window

He began his career at Crystal Palace where he made 110 League appearances before joining Tottenham in 2005.

He played just a handful of games there in three years, instead being farmed out on loan to Portsmouth and Fulham.

Two years ago Routledge joined Aston Villa for £1.25m but was again sent out on loan - this time Cardiff - before signing for QPR last year.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1246214/Winger-Wayne-Routledge-makes-Newcastle-eighth-club--hes-25.html#ixzz0dn9JWMWQ
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (27.01.10)
Post by: White Noise on January 27, 2010, 06:33:35 AM
The reason why Chris Baird takes free kicks

by Dan on January 27, 2010

He either bangs them in at Motspur or we're trying to replicate this:


http://hammyend.com/?p=4983
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (27.01.10)
Post by: White Noise on January 27, 2010, 06:35:07 AM
http://hammyend.com/?p=4979

Roy says United are getting Smalling on the cheap

by Dan on January 27, 2010

Roy Hodgson seems upset to be losing defender Chris Smalling, saying that Manchester United will soon realise that they have signed the Fulham prospect on the cheap.

The England under-21 international has agreed terms for a transfer to Old Trafford that will go through at the end of the season and will have a medical in Manchester today, according to reports.

The club has accepted an offer from United and as far as I know that's where he's going. I know nothing about an offer from Arsenal. Sir Alex doesn't make mistakes when he pays a lot of money for a young player because he realises in years to come he is going to seem very cheap.

We knew we had a diamond in our midst but when you are Fulham and you produce a diamond you're always aware it can be taken away from you.
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (27.01.10)
Post by: White Noise on January 27, 2010, 06:37:51 AM
http://www.tribalfootball.com/fulham%E2%80%99s-schwarzer-praised-tottenham-boss-redknapp-601681?

Fulham's Schwarzer praised by Tottenham boss Redknapp

27.01.10 | Andrew Slevison

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has heaped praise on Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer after a good performance in Spurs' 2-0 win at White Hart Lane.

The Australia international was at his best in the loss and kept his side in the contest on numerous occasions.

He was undone by a first-half Peter Crouch goal but the 60th minute strike from David Bentley took a cruel deflection off Cottagers defender Bjorn Helge Riise.

Redknapp was quick to applaud the Australian custodian at the post-match press conference, saying: "Three points for Tottenham, that's the main thing," he said. "We've been playing well and we've come up against a terrific goalkeeper.

"But we deserved it, we dominated and our keeper didn't have too much to do."

The win put Tottenham three points clear of Liverpool in fourth position on the table whilst Schwarzer's Fulham remained in ninth.
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (27.01.10)
Post by: White Noise on January 27, 2010, 06:38:56 AM
Match Reaction

Tuesday 26th January 2010


Roy Hodgson spoke of his pride at Fulham's performance at White Hart Lane on Tuesday night in light of the Club's current injury situation.

After weathering an early Tottenham storm Fulham conceded just as they were beginning to assert their authority on the match and Hodgson admitted his side were somewhat unfortunte on the night.

"Tottenham started quite brilliantly but we were unfortunate with the second goal," said Hodgson after Tuesday night's match. "In the first ten or fifteen minutes they played some excellent football and if they'd of scored in that period I'd of been less disappointed than when they did actually score the goals.

"We started to get a grip on the game and the first goal was a very unnecessary goal to concede. We didn't let it get us down and I thought we started the second half brightly. Our passing and movement through midfield was pretty good. It wasn't that bad in the first half but it even better in the second half.

"When that second goal went in off a deflection it gave Tottenham the security they needed and with the quality they have and ability to keep the ball it was always going to be a tough task.

"I'm quite proud of the players performance given the amount of injuries we have at the moment. I thought it was a brave performance and a hard working performance. We certainly made sure Tottenham knew they were in a game.

"We can't complain about the result because we didn't create enough clear-cut goalscoring opportunities to allow ourselves to say we deserved more from the game."


Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/January/RoySpursReaction.aspx?#ixzz0dnBDGVYO
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (27.01.10)
Post by: White Noise on January 27, 2010, 06:40:00 AM
There was positive news ahead of kick-off with Roy Hodgson welcoming Bobby Zamora back for Tuesday night's match at White Hart Lane after the striker recovered from a recent shoulder injury.

Zoltan Gera resumed his role alongside Zamora in attack; a partnership that has brought impressive results in recent months. In midfield Bjorn Helge Riise made his first league start for Fulham following a notable performance in last weekend's FA Cup Fourth Round victory over Accrington Stanley.

Roy Hodgson revised his defensive line-up to face Spurs with Chris Smalling making his second league start of the season in central defence. Aaron Hughes shifted to right back with Chris Baird highlighting his versatility at left back.

Ledley King returned to Tottenham's starting eleven on Tuesday night, captaining Harry Redknapp's side in front of a crowd of 35,467 at White Hart Lane.

It was a testing start for Fulham at the Lane on Tuesday night as Spurs reigned in shots during the opening exchanges. The home side applied pressure down the flanks with Bale and Corluka's overlapping runs causing particular concern in the first few minutes.

Mark Schwarzer was required within the first minute of play to deny Tom Huddlestone from finding the bottom corner with a fierce drive. Sixty seconds later Peter Crouch went close, heading over the cross bar from close range. However Fulham soon subdued the home side as they settled into the passing game.

Fulham's first phase of pressure came after 10 minutes of play with Bobby Zamora almost finding a finishing touch from just six yards out. Spurs keeper Gomes managed to smother the ball at the striker's feet after a positive passage of play in the final third by Hodgson's side.

Both sides were guilty of losing possession all too easily during the first twenty minutes as the attacking threat dried up at either end. Fulham had certainly settled after the home side's potent start as their passing game came more and more into play as the game wore on.

After a promising start Fulham were dealt a blow just before the half hour mark when Peter Crouch clipped the ball over Mark Schwarzer from close range. The goal came courtesy of Luka Modric, with the Croatian midfielder stealing the ball off Riise on the left by-line before handing Crouch the opener from barely four yards out.

Following Crouch's goal the remaining 15 minutes of the half passed without incident but as the break approached both sides went on the offensive. After Bjorn Helge fired in a defence-splitting cross in to Tottenham's area, Luka Modric found space in Fulham's area to deliver a curling right-footed shot that skimmed the roof of Schwarzer's net.

Whilst Spurs enjoyed the majority of attacking opportunities during the first 45, Hodgson's side would have been disappointed to have entered the break a goal behind after containing Tottenham effectively after the home side's early surge.

Fulham made a bright, positive start to the second half, playing at a higher intensity with some quick one touch passing. However Spurs continued to threaten, particularly from the flanks and five minutes into the second half Palacios went close, sending a headed effort from Bentley's cross just wide of Schwarzer's far post.

Fulham were battling hard to re-establish their position as the hour mark approach and Kagisho Dikgacoi caught the eye in central midfield with some tough tackling and high energy levels.

Just before the hour mark Spurs were awarded a free-kick twenty yards from goal down Fulham's left flank. David Bentley's right-footed curling effort caught a deflection and flew into the far corner of the net.

Schwarzer was left with no chance as the ball deviated off its original course to double the home side's lead.
Following the home side's second goal of the evening Roy Hodgson made two substitutions in quick succession. First Simon Davies came on for Bjorn Helge Riise down Fulham's right flank before Diomansy Kamara replaced Zoltan Gera.

Kamara earned Fulham's next opportunity on 74 minutes, winning a free-kick 25 yards from goal. The set piece was laid off to Chris Baird whose shot blazed harmlessly wide of goal. At the other end Dawson went close a minute later with an angled header which flew just over the cross bar.

After completing almost 80 minutes of action on his return from injury, Bobby was replaced by David Elm. Harry Redknapp followed suit a minute later, replacing Jermain Defoe with Robbie Keane.

The final minutes of the match petered out as Fulham failed to find a way back into the game, resulting in Tottenham taking all three points from Tuesday night's game. Fulham will now have three full days to prepare for Saturday's game against Aston Villa at the Cottage.



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/MatchAndTeam/MatchCentre/Matches/0910/Premiership/TottenhamAway.aspx#ixzz0dnBWU2as
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (27.01.10)
Post by: White Noise on January 27, 2010, 06:42:39 AM
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/7074136/Tottenham-Hotspur-2-Fulham-0-match-report.html?

Tottenham Hotspur 2 Fulham 0: match report

Read a full match report of the Premier League game between Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham at White Hart Lane on Tuesday Jan 26 2010.

By John Ley at White Hart Lane

Published: 6:22AM GMT 27 Jan 2010


David Bentley enjoyed a rare night of success to help Tottenham Hotspur hold on to fourth place in the Premier League.

But his chances of claiming a regular place could be hindered by Tottenham's late attempt to hijack West Ham's bid for Monaco's former Chelsea forward, Eidur Gudjohnsen.

West Ham are understood to have agreed terms with the 31-year-old Iceland striker. But Redknapp admitted he had spoken to his agent and left the matter with Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy.

Redknapp said: "I like Gudjohnsen. He's a good footballer and an interesting player on a loan. I spoke to his agent, he said he was going to West Ham, so I left it with the agent and Daniel."

Turning to Bentley's contribution - and his chances of remaining at the club - Redknapp said: "Niko Kranjcar went sick so I gave David a chance. If he shows a good attitude and comes to work and trains hard he has a chance."

Bentley had a hand in the first goal and claimed the second to earn Tottenham their first League win of 2010, while disappointing Roy Hodgson in the Fulham manager's 100th game in charge. It also served as a reminder to the latest multi-million pound player that life at the top is not always perfect.

Fulham included Chris Smalling on the day he agreed a £7 million summer move to Manchester United, but the one-time Maidstone defender could do little to prevent Spurs from claiming an ultimately easy win.

They opened the scoring in the 27th minute, after Bentley crossed from the right. Mark Schwarzer miss-punched and Luka Modric's wonderful tenacity produced dividends with the winger somehow keeping the ball in and clipping it over Bjorn Helge Riise before prodding it back for Peter Crouch, who claimed his 10th goal of the season.

On the hour Spurs doubled their advantage when Bentley's free-kick caught the head of Riise and flew into the far corner.

Afterwards Hodgson insisted that reports claiming Arsenal were still in the hunt for Smalling were wide of the mark.

"He is off to Manchester overnight to complete his medical tomorrow," Hodgson said. "There is no doubt in my mind that he will sign for Manchester United.

"Sir Alex Ferguson doesn't make mistakes when he identifies a young player. He realises it will look very cheap in years to come. We've known we had a diamond in our midst but unfortunately when you are Fulham you are aware that diamond can be taken away by clubs with more power."

Hodgson will also be concerned about Fulham's decline; they have now lost four League games in a row and gone five without a win since beating Manchester United 3-0 before Christmas.
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (27.01.10)
Post by: White Noise on January 27, 2010, 06:46:13 AM
Tottenham 2 Fulham 0

LOFTY AMBITION ... Peter Crouch takes the plaudits after helping Spurs cement their place in fourth

From ANDREW DILLON at White Hart Lane

Published: 26 Jan 2010

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DAVID BENTLEY was Bjorn again last night with a goal to help ressurect his career.

Tottenham's forgotten winger put the seal on a comfortable victory - with the help of a hefty deflection off Fulham's Bjorn Helge Riise.


It was Bentley's first Premier League start since Halloween last year.


And he grabbed the chance to put himself in the shop window and escape his White Hart Lane nightmare before the transfer window closes on Monday.


Spurs boss Harry Redknapp said: "David did well. Niko Kranjcar was sick so I gave him an opportunity and he took it well.


"If he plays well he has a chance. When he plays like that he has every chance.


"While he is here he has a chance. If he shows a good attitude and comes to work and plays hard. I was really pleased with him. When you're not in the team you're disappointed but he showed a great attitude."


Bentley was certainly in a more positive frame of mind than when he clashed with his manager on the training ground over Christmas and found himself even further down the pecking order.


But Bentley's free-kick which flew in off Riise's head was Spurs second goal of the night and put an easy win to bed with an hour gone.


Whatever Redknapp says, Bentley knows his days in North London are numbered and it is in his best interests to seek a move.


"So this was a great chance to showcase the talent that often lies hidden behind his brooding personality.


Peter Crouch put fourth-placed Spurs ahead on 27 minutes as reward for their relentless pressure.


Tom Huddlestone went close in the first minute as Fulham's Chris Smalling and his fellow defenders endured a tortuous night.


Smalling, who has Arsenal and Manchester United drooling over his potential got a tough examination of his credentials.


Maybe his head has been turned by all the attention but he was looking the wrong way when Peter Crouch slipped away to stab home the opener following great work by the irrepressible Luka Modric.


Crouch said: "We deserved to win the game. We created the better chances and were the better side.


"It's difficult when you don't score early on, you get nervous and people start feeling strange - we've had that a few times this season. It was nice to get the first one and after the second we played some good football.


"It's important for us that we pick up points when others around us drop them."


Roy Hodgson marked his 100th game in charge with a comprehensive defeat - the West Londoners' fourth in succession.


Smalling, 20, was a surprise inclusion in as the Fulham boss was forced into several changes.


Midfielder Chris Baird was shoe-horned into the left-back slot and striker Bobby Zamora gamely returned just three weeks after breaking his collarbone.


Hodgson insisted: "We were unfortunate with the second goal. I would have been less disappointed if they scored when they started well in the first 20 minutes.


"I'm still proud of the performance. It was a brave performance and hard-working with the injuries we have."



SUN STAR MAN - LUKA MODRIC (Tottenham)


Tottenham: Gomes 6, Bale 6, King 6, Dawson 7, Corluka 6, Modric 8, Palacios 7, Huddlestone 6, Bentley 7, Defoe 6, Crouch 7. Subs: Keane (Defoe 81) 6. Not used: Alnwick, Hutton, Jenas, Bassong, O'Hara, Rose. Booked: Dawson.


Fulham: Schwarzer 5, Hughes 5, Hangeland 5, Smalling 5, Baird 5, Riise 6, Dikgacoi 6, Murphy 7, Gera 4, Duff 5, Zamora 5. Subs: Davies (Riise 64) 6, Kamara (Gera 72) 6, Elm (Zamora 79) 6. Not used: Zuberbuhler, Nevland, Greening, Kallio. Booked: Kamara.


Ref: M Dean 7.



Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/2826038/Tottenham-2-Fulham-0.html?OTC-RSS&ATTR=Football#ixzz0dnCmPRSp
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (27.01.10)
Post by: White Noise on January 27, 2010, 07:33:45 AM
http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/smallings-pound12m-united-deal-signals-end-for-vidic-2033055.html

Smalling's £12m United deal signals end for Vidic


By James Ducker


Wednesday January 27 2010

NEMANJA VIDIC moved closer to the exit door at Old Trafford yesterday after Manchester United agreed the £12m signing of Chris Smalling, the England U-21 defender, from Fulham for the start of next season.

Smalling's pre-contract agreement will enable him to remain at the west London club until the end of the present campaign before completing the move in the summer, when Vidic is expected to leave the club, probably for Real Madrid.

Barcelona and AC Milan are also interested in Vidic, but Real appear his most likely destination, with United expected to hold out for up to £30m.

Smalling's impending move to United, who beat Arsenal to his signature, caps a meteoric rise for the 20-year-old and a shrewd piece of business for Fulham.

In the space of 18 months, he has gone from playing non-league football with Maidstone United, of the Ryman League Premier Division, to representing his country at U-21 level and agreeing personal terms.

Meanwhile, Roman Pavlyuchenko, the Tottenham Hotspur and Russia forward, could be on his way to high-flying Birmingham City after Alex McLeish challenged Carson Yeung to back up his financial pledges by bringing in a blue-chip striker before next week's transfer deadline.

The Birmingham manager has handed the club president a list of targets thought to be headed by Pavlyuchenko, who is surplus to requirements at White Hart Lane, and Sunderlsand's Kenwyne Jones.
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (27.01.10)
Post by: White Noise on January 27, 2010, 10:18:43 AM
http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/national/2010/01/27/smalling-set-for-united-medical-97319-25695519/

Smalling set for United medical

Jan 27 2010

Add a commentRecommend Fulham centre-back Chris Smalling headed for a medical at Manchester United straight after Tuesday night's 2-0 defeat to Tottenham at White Hart Lane.

The 20-year-old, who was playing non-league football with Maidstone United less than two years ago, has also interested Arsenal but a deal has been agreed with United for the youngster to join them at the end of the season.

There are still stages of the transfer to be completed but Fulham boss Roy Hodgson insisted: "There is no doubt in my mind he's going to United. Terms have been agreed, he's going for a medical and will sign for them and will join them from next season."

Smalling performed well against Spurs but could not prevent Peter Crouch opening the scoring before the break and David Bentley wrapping up victory with a free-kick that deflected in off Bjorn Helge Riise.

Bentley has been desperate to leave Spurs and his performance could attract clubs needing a winger, although Spurs boss Harry Redknapp is prepared to give the player a chance providing he shows a good attitude in training.

"It's up to him," Redknapp said. "If he shows a good attitude and comes to work every day and plays well and works hard then I have no problems with him. That's all you ask."

Victory kept Spurs in the top four of the Barclays Premier League and the only negative aspect of the evening was Heurelho Gomes picking up a shoulder injury that will require assessment before the clash against Birmingham at the weekend. It was also the first time Gareth Bale has been in the starting XI for a Premier League victory.

"It's a strange statistic," said Bale on Sky Sports. "I'm happy to get it off my back and go on from here. It was one of those freak things. It didn't really bother me but I'm happy to get the win."

Tottenham have shown an interest in bringing in Eidur Gudjohnsen on loan for the rest of the season, but Redknapp believes West Ham have beaten them to the former Barcelona and Chelsea forward's signature.

"I spoke to his agent, he said he was going to West Ham, so I left it with the agent," Redknapp said. "I would take him on a loan. He would be good loan signing playing in different systems. "He's a good footballer and an interesting player on a loan but I think he's gone to West Ham."
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (27.01.10)
Post by: White Noise on January 27, 2010, 10:23:12 AM
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_5887604,00.html

Fulham boss rues bad luck

Hodgson disappointed following Spurs defeat

Last updated: 26th January 2010   


Roy Hodgson expressed his disappointment following Fulham's 2-0 defeat to Tottenham.

The Cottagers fell behind to a Peter Crouch strike midway through the first half but contained Spurs well for the most part in a game of few chances.

However, the key moment arrived on 60 minutes as David Bentley's free-kick took a deflection to leave Mark Schwarzer wrong-footed and give Tottenham a two-goal cushion.

Hodgson believes his side were unfortunate not to claim a point but admitted that Tottenham had defended well.

"We dealt with Tottenham's play reasonably well, they're a very talented team," the Fulham manager told Sky Sports.

"We were a bit unlucky with the second goal, it took a cruel deflection.

"And I thought in the second half we certainly definitely evened things out, but to be fair their back four did well, ours did well too.

"But with their second goal it meant they could relax a bit more. I'm disappointed for the lads."
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (27.01.10)
Post by: White Noise on January 27, 2010, 10:39:26 AM
From non-league to the big league: As Chris Smalling signs for Manchester United, here are some other stars that began their careers in amateur football

By Tom Bellwood

Last updated at 2:48 AM on 27th January 2010

Comments (0)

From non-league football to the biggest club in the world - it has been a dramatic two years for Manchester United's new signing Chris Smalling.

The centre-back, 20, will spend the rest of the season at Craven Cottage before moving to Old Trafford to hook up with Wayne Rooney and co when just a couple of seasons ago he was turning our for Maidstone United in the Isthmian Premier Division against the likes of Canvey Island and Dartford.

It is a remarkable leap in short space of time for Smalling who earned an England Under 21 debut in November last year and a first league start six weeks later, but he's not the first player to make a giant leap up the football pyramid.

Sportsmail takes a look at the other non-league players who made the jump to the big time ...

Les Ferdinand

Ferdinand played for a number of non-league clubs before being snapped up by QPR from Hayes in 1987 for £30,000.
His professional career didn't enjoy what you waould term an electric start, he was loaned out to Brentford and Besiktas, but he later became 'Sir Les' as the goals came by the bucketload up at Newcastle and later Tottenham.

Stuart Pearce

Football, it seemed, wasn't for Psycho who was establishing a career as an electrician and plumber while playing for Wealdstone long before he'd become the free-kick specialist, World Cup penalty-missing left-back  we all came to love.
Coventry City paid £30,000 for Pearce in 1983 before Nottingham Forest bought him two years later and his career blossomed.

Stan Collymore

Colly initially slipped through the net after failing to make the grade at Wolves and Walsall before moving to Stafford Rangers in the Conference.
But his breakthrough came in 1992 when he was signed by Palace but was soon shipped out to Southend and later Nottingham Forest where his goals earned him a big-money move to Liverpool.

Ian Wright

He left it really late did Wrighty – he moved from Greenwich Borough to Crystal Palace aged 22, in a deal in which his transfer was secured in exchange for a set of weights.
He enjoyed a successful spell Selhurst Park and later went on to become Arsenal's all-time top goalscorer – until Thierry Henry turned up, that is.

John Barnes

Graham Taylor made one of his more sensible decisions by giving the young Barnes a chance in the Watford reserve team after he was scouted playing for Sudbury Town in 1981.

Taylor offered Barnes a professional contract and the faith was repaid with 65 goals in six seasons at Vicarage Road before his £900,000 move to Liverpool in 1987.

Barnes: Was a firm favourite at Anfield


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1246262/From-non-league-big-league-As-Chris-Smalling-signs-Manchester-United-stars-began-careers-amateur-football.html?ITO=1490#ixzz0do65HJhn
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (27.01.10)
Post by: White Noise on January 27, 2010, 10:41:39 AM
http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/119160/Smalling-is-Ful-guy/

SMALLING IS FUL GUY



27th January 2010 By Sami Mokbel

SPURS 2 FULHAM 0




ROY HODGSON last night ­insisted man of the moment Chris Smalling is ready for the big time.





It was a red-letter day for Smalling after Fulham accepted an £8m bid from ­Manchester United for the 20-year-old ­defender.




Goals from Peter Crouch and forgotten man David Bentley gave Spurs a vital ­victory.




However, last night's London derby proveda bit of a sideshow for Fulham ­after ­Smalling's big-money switch to Old ­Trafford.




Fulham boss Hodgson said: "Sir Alex Ferguson doesn't make mistakes when he identifies a young player.

"He realises it will look very cheap in years to come.




"We've known we had a ­diamond in our midst for a while, but unfortunately, when you are Fulham, you are aware that a ­diamond can be taken away by clubs with more power.





"But Smalling should take credit for the work he has put in.




"He is a good learner and has become a much better player.




"I don't know who ­scouted him, but, when he was introduced as a player, it didn't take long to realise he is a special player."




Tottenham took advantage of Liverpool's failure to beat Wolves to further stake their claim for a Champions League spot.




And Bentley put his desire to leave White Hart Lane before the end of the month to one side to seal victory for ­Harry ­Redknapp's men.




And the Spurs boss, who last night ­revealed he tried to complete a loan move for West Ham-bound Eidur Gudjohnsen, insisted the former Blackburn winger can still revive his flagging Spurs career. ­




Redknapp said: "Niko (Kranjcar) went down with an ­illness and Bentley came in and did well. If he plays well, he's got a chance. It's up to him.




"While he's here, he has got a chance to play if he shows a good attitude. I've got no problems with him."




Overnight sensation Smalling was ­handed only his second Premier League start and dealt well with the double threat posed by England strikers Crouch and ­Jermain Defoe.




However, the youngster's whirlwind day came crashing down in the 27th minute as Croatian playmaker Luka Modric ­unlocked the door after leaving Bjorn Helge Riise for dead on the left.




He then squared to Crouch, who finished past Cottagers keeper Mark Schwarzer ­after leaving ­Smalling trailing.




Modric went close to doubling Spurs' lead in the closing phase of the first half before Bentley's moment ­arrived in the 60th minute.




The winger stepped up to the plate after Gareth Bale was fouled 30 yards out, with the unsettled midfielder's free-kick ­deflecting off Riise before flying past the helpless Schwarzer to seal the points.




Redknapp added: "It was a good win for us. It gives us a bit of breathing space, ­particularly after Liverpool's draw.




"It is important for us to keep going ­because we've got a great chance of staying at the top until the end of the season."
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (27.01.10)
Post by: White Noise on January 27, 2010, 10:55:11 AM
http://fulham.theoffside.com/team-news/rinse-and-repeat-spurs-edition.html

Rinse and Repeat: Spurs edition

By: timmyg | January 26th, 2010

Um, Damien Duff played today, right? Because according to that chalkboard his presence on the left was nonexistent.

Oh golly gee what to say about today. Well Fulham have gone 0-for-3, striking out against struggling opponents. Let's do some anoraking and see how thankful our past three league opponents must've been after facing us.

When Fulham played Stoke Jan. 5 they had not won a match in 6 games, on Nov. 22 when they defeated Pompey 1-0. After that they only managed to score two goals in their next 540 minutes — 9 hours! — before facing us. In under 40 minutes they had 3 against Fulham.

When Fulham travelled to Blackburn on January 17, Rovers had not won in 9 games (a 2-0 win over Bolton, eerily on Nov. 22) scoring just 5 while conceding 14 goals in that stretch. Yet they kept a clean sheet while scoring not one but TWO against Fulham.

Then, before today, Spurs had not scored since December 28. But, more damningly, David Bentley hadn't scored a league goal since October, 2008. And today was just his second league start this season. Congrats, David!

I don't have the time or energy to research how long it was since each of the aforementioned clubs scored a goal from a set piece. But, rest assured that Fulham conceded a goal from set pieces in all three matches AND 5 of the 7 goals conceded this month were from set pieces.

Which would explain why Roy looks so perplexing when the camera pans to him. His facial expression isn't just simple anger, frustration, or flabbergasted-ness. His demeanor is reminding me of William H. Macy's character in Boogie Nights right before he went on that shooting rampage.

Oh, and lastly, Chris Smalling was sold to United today. I'm going to throw up.
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (27.01.10)
Post by: White Noise on January 27, 2010, 11:03:28 AM
http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2010/01/27/fulham-slump-to-spurs-defeat-64767-25693968/

Fulham slump to Spurs defeat

Jan 27 2010 By Yann Tear



FULHAM'S chronic inability to win on the road continues to threaten the well being of their season.

Cup wins on the road are one thing, but Roy Hodgson craved a Premier League win to mark his 100th game in charge at Craven Cottage.

He never looked like getting it as the Whites succumbed at White Hart Lane to a first half goal from Peter Crouch and a second half effort from David Bentley.

We shouldn't really be surprised. Fulham have won only once at Spurs in their nine seasons in the top flight and only 23 times in total anywhere since they arrived in the Premier League 2001.

It took 52 minutes to get a shot on target and that Damien Duff effort was hardly noteworthy.

There continues to be a makeshift look about the Whites these days – in contrast to last year's settled and injury-free line-ups.

That was particularly true in defence where both Aaron Hughes and Chris Baird were cast into full-back roles with more obvious choices either unfit or mistrusted by Roy Hodgson.

Man of the moment Chris Smalling was given another rare start, but we might get used to that in the months ahead if Sir Alex Ferguson's need for the youngster to gain experience outweighs any desire to protect him ahead of his summer move to Old Trafford.

There was nothing to dispel a suspicion of fragility at the back early on, with Tom Huddlestone twice testing Mark Schwarzer's alertness in the opening exchanges.

So it proved on 27 minutes when a Bentley cross from the right had the Whites floundering and when Bjorn Helge Riise was caught out trying to police the ball into touch, Luka Modric pinched the ball off him and laid it back for Peter Crouch to toe-poke home.

The luckless Riise also had a role in the second. He was positioned at the end of a defensive wall and got an inadvertent touch to a Bentley free-kick from the edge of the area on the hour that ballooned over Schwarzer.

The expected return of Bobby Zamora against one of his old clubs – his broken collarbone sufficiently healed - raised spirits, but the striker was often outnumbered and unsupported up front, game though Zoltan Gera was as a slightly withdrawn co-striker.

Hodgson's men simply could not get forward in sufficient numbers to trouble the Spurs rearguard, though the late introduction of long-term crocks Diomansy Kamara and Simon Davies added a little late bite.

Modric almost scored for Spurs before the break, curling just over after some clever footwork in the area, but the home side were only just shading a mostly bloodless contest until Bentley added the second with the aid of that deflection off Riise.

After that, it was as comfortable as you like for the home side, with the Whites' thoughts doubtless already turning to the prospect of much-needed home comforts on Saturday.

FULHAM: Schwarzer; Hughes, Smalling, Hangeland, Baird; Riise (Davies 64), Murphy, Dikgacoi, Duff; Gera (Kamara 72), Zamora (Elm 79). Subs not used: Zuberbuhler, Nevland, Greening, Kallio.

Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (27.01.10)
Post by: White Noise on January 27, 2010, 11:15:24 AM
http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2010/01/27/spurs-2-0-fulham/

January 27, 2010

Spurs 2-0 Fulham


Bleugh.  Today was all about making the best of an injury crisis, but it didn't really work out for Fulham, and we were comfortably beaten by a Spurs side that didn't really need to extend itself.

Mark Schwarzer made a stunning low save in the first minute of the game, and from there we appreciated that there may be trouble ahead.  A succession of Spurs corners came and went, but eventually they did score, a cross from the right not dealt with by Schwarzer, shepherded out of play by Riise, then burgled by an alert Modric who hooked the ball back into the six yard box from where Crouch could not miss.   It was about as soft as the goal we conceded at Blackburn the other day.  Roy will not have been amused.

We brought about some kind of stalemate after that, a well-matched midfield battle that we could not turn into anything tangible.   Here is where the injuries told:  Hodgson went with a back four of Hughes, Smalling (soon to be an Arsenal or Manchester United player, we learned today), Hangeland, Baird, and the two new full-backs (understandably) didn't show the attacking nous of Paintsil and Konchesky.  Time and again our players would work the ball into a wide area, only to have to turn back inside because the full-back was not advancing.  A team as bereft of width as Fulham needs its full-backs to push on; without that option it was hard to see us getting into the penalty area through the congested middle of the pitch, despite an excellent performance from Zamora, who won a good deal of what came his way.

It made for frustrating viewing. Murphy and Dikgacoi were tidy in the midfield, the former still looking a shade off his 08/09 form, the latter showing signs of being a very handy player once he gains his teammates' trust.  But at no point did it feel like we might score.  Spurs, a goal ahead, didn't have to do anything daft, and on we went.

Then it was two, a suspicious free-kick (surely Bale had lost the ball by the time he fell?) whipped in by Bentley, off the head of Riise, and into the net.   That was that.   Hodgson threw on Kamara who, not for the first time, suddenly made things happen.  Gomes was given things to do, and while we still weren't making real chances, at least we were in dangerous areas.  Too little, too late, of course.

Not a game we expected anything from, but disappointing nevertheless.  I love the Spurs away game, a proper ground in a mysterious faraway suburb of London, against one of the few teams that carries some proper mystique in these crass footballing times.  But last night was a let-down, the cold was all too present and my eyes never too far from the stadium's enormous digital screen, watching the minutes tick miserably away.
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (27.01.10)
Post by: White Noise on January 27, 2010, 11:18:36 AM
Spurs Photo Special

Wednesday 27th January 2010

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/January/SpursPhotoSpecial.aspx
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (27.01.10)
Post by: White Noise on January 27, 2010, 11:34:12 AM
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/jan/27/crystal-palace-administration

Neil Warnock and his squad were in a plane en route to St James' Park for tonight's match at Newcastle United when the club were suddenly placed into administration by their creditors, hours before they were due in the high court to face a winding-up order from Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs over an unpaid £1.2m tax bill.

The club are expected to be handed a 10-point penalty, which will take them from the fringes of the play-offs to just above the relegation places, as soon as the Football League receives documentation confirming their status today.

"I was surprised by the timing of it as there's only a few days left of the transfer window but we will just get on with the job," Warnock told the Croydon Advertiser. "The lads are obviously all terribly disappointed and [the Newcastle] game will be one of the toughest they have ever played. I've always felt we were more likely to be in a relegation scrap than a chase for the play-offs - and that's certainly the case now."

The administrators, P&A Partnership, said funds would have to be raised immediately by selling players before the transfer window shuts next week. It means Victor Moses looks certain to leave. Nottingham Forest yesterday added their name to the list of clubs interested in the 19-year-old winger, also believed to include Manchester City, Fulham and Everton.
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (27.01.10)
Post by: White Noise on January 27, 2010, 11:35:37 AM
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/jan/26/football-trasnfer-rumours-huntelaar-arsenal

Fulham and Stoke are tangled up in a web of striker intrigue. Stoke want Roma's Stefano Okaka. Fulham want Roma's Stefano Okaka. Stoke want Newcastle's Andy Carroll. Fulham want Basle's Marco Streller. Newcastle won't let Stoke have Andy Carroll. Basle's won't let Fulham have Marco Streller. The upshot of all that, the Mill reckons, is that Fulham will sign Andy Carroll, Stoke will sign Marco Streller, Basle wil sign Andy Caroll and Newcastle will bag Stefano Okaka. Probably.
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (27.01.10)
Post by: White Noise on January 27, 2010, 11:37:39 AM
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/jan/26/tottenham-hotspur-fulham-premier-league

David Bentley gives Spurs something to smile about against Fulham

Jamie Jackson at White Hart Lane guardian.co.uk, Wednesday 27 January 2010


Tottenham are one more step towards the dreamland of fourth place and Champions League football next season. Harry Redknapp might just be leading the white part of north London into the European Cup for the first time since 1961 – 49 long years ago — a prospect helped along by Liverpool's draw at Wolves.

That result meant Spurs are now a clear victory ahead of the team from Merseyside, who are fifth and continuing to struggle for consistency.

Fulham, for their part, suggested only intermittently that they might deny Redknapp's men three points, a haul they had not managed since 28 December, when West Ham were defeated here.

"We deserved it, we dominated and our keeper didn't have too much to do," a happy Redknapp said. "Three points for Tottenham, that's the main thing. We've been playing well."

So, too, has Chris Smalling, the Fulham central defender Manchester United had announced yesterday would join them this summer. Last night, given his second Premier League start, he was quick, unfazed and memorably dumped Peter Crouch on his backside during the first half to let the England striker, and neutrals, know what he can be about.

Roy Hodgson, his manager, purred when discussing Smalling's quality. "Sir Alex Ferguson doesn't make mistakes when he finds a young player," he said. "He realises it will look very cheap inyears to come. We've known we had a diamond in our midst but unfortunately when you are Fulham you're aware that diamonds can be taken away by clubs with more power."

Hodgson had been conscious that his team have yet to enjoy a league win in 2010, their previous victory being the resounding 3-0 defeat of United at the Cottage before Christmas. And barely a minute had passed when they nearly allowed Tottenham to score. Jermain Defoe, who had a quiet game, flicked the ball across the edge of the 18-yard line. This allowed Tom Huddlestone to unleash a swerving effort that Mark Schwarzer tipped around the post to concede a corner.

While that amounted to nothing there was further evidence of the Spurs play developed by Redknapp, which consists of easy technique and a slick touch while relaying ball from back to front at speed.

After Huddlestone had prompted David Bentley to probe the right flank, and Gareth Bale had failed with similar attempts from his left-back berth to involve Luka Modric, the home side nearly conceded.

From a corner taken by Damien Duff the ball broke back to the winger. He advanced and delivered a cross from the right that fell to Bobby Zamora but Heurelho Gomes smothered the shot.

Crouch was then upended by Smalling but after 27 minutes it was the striker who wore the grin. Bentley, starting in the league for the first time since October, swung in a high ball with his left foot. When the ball broke to Modric, the Croat midfielder bicycle kicked the ball back into the goalmouth and Crouch tipped it beyond Schwarzer for his fifth league goal this season. "It was nice to get the first one," he said. "And after the second we played some good football."

That second arrived from Bentley's boot. Bale drew the foul, having found himself sandwiched between two Fulham players to the left of their area. Bentley's free-kick had dip but after glancing the head of Bjorn Helge Riise in the wall the ball floated beyond the wrong-footed Schwarzer into the net.

That marked the end of any Fulham resistance. Spurs will be hoping to end January's final week with consecutive victories and six invaluable points. Crouch added: "It's important for us that we pick up points when others around us drop them. It'll be good at the end of the season – Liverpool are a top side and will be right in there, we have to make sure we are."

They certainly are, currently. At St Andrew's on Saturday, against Alex McLeish's Birmingham City, Redknapp, his team and Liverpool may learn more of how their campaign might end.
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (27.01.10)
Post by: White Noise on January 27, 2010, 11:38:54 AM
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/match/1350795

Tottenham Hotspur v Fulham

Match facts

Guardian report


Tuesday 26 January 2010 20.00

  Score line 
Final score  Tottenham Hotspur  2 – 0
(HT 1 – 0)
  Fulham 
Crouch 27
Bentley 60
   
Bookings Dawson 89
  Kamara 87

Tottenham Hotspur's Percentage Fulham's Percentage
Corners 11 78%  3 22% 
Goal attempts 12 66%  6 34% 
On target 5 62%  3 38% 
Fouls 13 43%  17 57% 
Offside 2 28%  5 72% 
Tottenham Hotspur Heurelho Gomes, Gareth Bale, Michael Dawson, Vedran Corluka, Ledley King, David Bentley, Tom Huddlestone, Wilson Palacios, Luka Modric, Peter Crouch, Jermain Defoe (Robbie Keane, 82) 
Fulham Mark Schwarzer, Brede Hangeland, Chris Baird, Aaron Hughes, Chris Smalling, Zoltan Gera (Diomansy Kamara, 72), Danny Murphy, Damien Duff, Bjorn Helge Riise (Simon Davies, 64), Kagisho Dikgacoi, Bobby Zamora (David Elm, 79) 
Referee Dean, M
Venue White Hart Lane
Attendance 35,467
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (27.01.10)
Post by: White Noise on January 27, 2010, 11:41:20 AM
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/blackburn-to-begin-striker-search-1880397.html

Sam Allardyce will target a replacement for Benni McCarthy after Blackburn agreed a fee with West Ham for the South Africa striker.


A move for Stoke's James Beattie is being lined up while Rovers have also looked at Stuttgart's gifted Turkish midfielder Yildiray Basturk.

A fee believed to be for £2.25million has been agreed for McCarthy, 32, who stayed away from training this week in an attempt to force through a transfer.

Allardyce said: "We will now look to secure a replacement - we have been inundated with offers of players who are available."

Asked if he was interested in Beattie and Basturk, Allardyce hinted at a possible move, saying: "If those players are available we may start negotiations, but the first thing would be to contact the club."

Blackburn were also linked with Eidur Gudjohnsen, who is now at Monaco, but it is understood that is unlikely to happen.
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (27.01.10)
Post by: White Noise on January 27, 2010, 11:42:43 AM
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/bentley-fires-reminder-as-spurs-stroll-to-victory-1880060.html

Bentley fires reminder as Spurs stroll to victory

Tottenham Hotspur 2 Fulham 0

By Sam Wallace, Football Correspondent


Wednesday, 27 January 2010


He has long been the forgotten man of White Hart Lane, so David Bentley's goal last night was an overdue reminder that beneath the hype and bravado that prefaced his fall from grace there is still a decent English footballer hoping to rebuild his career.


It was only a deflected free-kick against a struggling Fulham team, but for Bentley it was the little bit of good fortune that he has needed after months in the shadows. He was only in the team because Niko Kranjcar was ill and this was his first start in the Premier League since October but he took his chance with a goal that reminds the world that he still exists.

Bentley has fallen so far from favour that the best opportunity to kick start his career probably lies in a move away from Spurs with suggestions yesterday that he may be sent to West Ham on loan. It was only Bentley's second league start of the season and you have to go back to October 2008 for the last time he played for England, in Fabio Capello's first year in charge.

Redknapp and Bentley have not always seen eye to eye and you suspect that Redknapp would rather see the back of him, even if last night he did come up with the goods. "David had an opportunity and he took it well," he said. "If he plays well he will get a chance, it's up to him, if he shows a good attitude and in to work every day and trains hard I have got no problems with him."

The real class act on the Spurs side was Luka Modric who switched to the left side to accommodate Bentley on the right. It was the Croatia international who made the first goal for Peter Crouch and helped Spurs to a victory that puts them three points further ahead of Liverpool a places behind in fifth.

It was Tottenham's first win in four games and the first time in almost three years at the club that Gareth Bale has started and finished a game that Spurs have won. The only concern for Redknapp was a first-half collision between Heurelho Gomes and Ledley King that meant his goalkeeper required a painkilling injection at half-time – it might yet cause problems at a club who have no experienced No 2.

For Fulham, this was their fourth straight league defeat and their fifth game without a win since they beat Manchester United 3-0 at Craven Cottage before Christmas.

Roy Hodgson was upbeat, though, claiming that his side were unfortunate at the nature of Bentley's deflected goal. "Given the number of injury problems we had I thought it was a brave, hard-working performance and we made certain that Tottenham knew they were in a game. We can't complain about the result because we didn't create enough."

For Chris Smalling, English football's overnight sensation, there was a tough examination against Jermain Defoe and Crouch, but for a man who is about to make the biggest move of his life he looked quite composed.

Modric's tenacity and ingenuity created Crouch's first-half goal. He chased a lost cause right to the byline and, when Bjorn Helge Riise hesitated, he hooked the ball back and improvised with a volleyed cross that Crouch clipped past Mark Schwarzer for his 10th goal of the season.

The second Spurs goal on the hour came from Bentley's right boot and off the head of the hapless Riise. The free-kick was wide on the right and when it clipped the Fulham midfielder it took a looping trajectory towards the far corner that gave Schwarzer no chance.

After the game, Hodgson left the door open to the possibility that Smalling's move to Old Trafford may yet become a move to Arsenal saying only that "as far as I know" Smalling would go to United. "Sir Alex Ferguson doesn't make mistakes when he identifies a young player, does he?" said the Fulham manager, conveniently overlooking the likes of Eric Djemba Djemba, David Bellion, Liam Miller and Zoran Tosic.

If Smalling wanted an example of the perils that can befall young players then there is none better in the current game than Bentley's recent problems.

Tottenham Hotspur (4-4-2): Gomes; Corluka, Dawson, King, Bale; Bentley, Palacios, Huddlestone, Modric; Crouch, Defoe (Keane, 82). Susbtitutes not used: Alnwick (gk), Hutton, Bassong, O'Hara, Jenas, Rose

Fulham (4-4-1-1): Schwarzer; Hughes, Smalling, Hangeland, Baird; Riise (Davies, 64), Murphy, Dikgacoi, Duff; Gera (Kamara, 72); Zamora (Elm, 79). Substitutes not used: Zuberbühler (gk), Kallio, Greening, Nevland

Referee: M Dean (Wirral)

Booked: Tottenham Dawson Fulham Kamara

Man of the match: Modric

Attendance: 35,467
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (27.01.10)
Post by: White Noise on January 27, 2010, 11:49:58 AM
http://www.thestar.co.uk/sportheadlines/Sheffield-United-must-shore-up.6016588.jp

"Andy had been in difficulty before the game," revealed Blackwell. "But he went out there and gave us a shift which speaks volumes for his character.

"We knew that if he made it to the interval then the chances were he would have to come off. Willo (Lee Williamson) has also been out but he was desperate to be on the bench so the same goes for him.

"Losing people has been our Achilles heel this season. We had too many out around October and suffered for it.

"I'm aware that we might be slightly short but we've got a group of 15 or 16 players who, when they're all fit, are comparable to anyone in the division."

Matt Mills, who anchored the visitors' rearguard at Bramall Lane, Portsmouth's Aaron Mokoena and Toni Kallio from Fulham are all possible targets while Blackwell, despite appearing to rule-out the chances of him returning, could yet add Stoke's Andrew Davies to his wanted list.
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (27.01.10)
Post by: White Noise on January 27, 2010, 11:51:17 AM
http://www.football365.com/story/0,17033,13320_5887509,00.html

There`s Nothing Small About Smalling...

Posted 26/01/10 22:41


Chris Smalling could have made Manchester United look pretty stupid for agreeing to pay a sizeable sum for a defender with just 103 minutes of Premier League football under his belt. Announcing the deal on the day Smalling was charged with keeping Jermain Defoe quiet could have backfired spectacularly.


In the end, Smalling merely demonstrated why United were prepared to seal a deal in haste rather than risk losing him to Arsenal.


Ignore the scoreline - you can blame Mark Schwarzer and Bjørn Helge Riise for one goal and Lady Luck for the other - because Smalling barely put a foot wrong all night. He beat Peter Crouch in the air, Defoe on the ground and matched defensive partner Brede Hangeland for full-blooded commitment.


Defoe trooped off after 81 minutes without contributing anything of note to the match, while Crouch barely had a touch barring the goal. Spurs cruised to victory because the injury-ravaged Cottagers offered nothing going forward, not because of any shortcoming in the Fulham defence.


Smalling was excellent against Spurs, just as he was against Chelsea. Anyone who heard Roy Hodgson's uncharacteristically angry response to any suggestion that Smalling's own goal in that game had somehow blotted his copybook, would understand just how highly he rates the youngster. And Hodgson knows a thing or two about football.


Now we know he has at least three other rather knowledgeable fans - Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger and Stuart Pearce, who called him up to the England Under-21s before he had made his first start for Fulham.


Quite what Millwall's Academy coaches were thinking when they released Smalling at the age of 16 is lost in football history, but on the evidence of Tuesday night, Smalling will be taking a circuitous but well-deserved route to somewhere rather more impressive than the New Den.


Sarah Winterburn
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (27.01.10)
Post by: White Noise on January 27, 2010, 11:53:02 AM
http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/burtonmail-sport/displayarticle.asp?id=479564

"They could be important qualities against Lincoln because they're unrecognisable from the team that we beat fairly comfortably at their place earlier in the season."

Former England striker Sutton has worked hard to revive the fortunes of the Sincil Bank club and has started to see a reward for his efforts with three successive victories.

Peschisolido said: "As well as having a new manager, Lincoln have brought in a lot of good youngsters - boys from Aston Villa and Fulham - and they're not at Premier League clubs without a reason.

"They'll have the quality you expect of players from that level and they'll certainly be part of the reason why Lincoln are in a rich vein of form.

"I think it's got all the makings of a fantastic game and we know we're going to have to be at our best to get anything from it."

Sutton said: "Paul Peschisolido has done really well at Burton. They play some decent stuff and really pose an attacking threat.

"They have Steve Kabba on loan from Brentford, who has been around a bit - he is street-wise - and Cleveland Taylor on the right wing, who seems to have some major pace.
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (27.01.10)
Post by: White Noise on January 27, 2010, 11:54:20 AM
http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/sport/Mackie-word-late-harsh-Rams/article-1761935-detail/article.html

Plymouth handed a debut to goalkeeper Stockdale, who is on loan from Fulham. Long-serving Romain Larrieu, an ever-present this season, made way.

Stockdale dropped an early cross but handled impressively for the rest of the game. He looked to have been deceived by a deep, pacy centre from McEveley but back-pedalled to collect under his bar.
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (27.01.10)
Post by: White Noise on January 27, 2010, 11:55:25 AM
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-sport/football/article-23799518-peter-crouch-delighted-with-team-display-as-spurs-see-off-fulham.do

Peter Crouch delighted with team display as Spurs see off Fulham

27.01.10



Tottenham striker Peter Crouch was delighted with his team's performance tonight as they saw off Fulham 2-0 to keep their Champions League dream very much alive.

Crouch opened the scoring at White Hart Lane in the 27th minute and David Bentley sealed the win on the hour mark.

In a further boost, Liverpool could only muster a draw at Wolves, leaving Spurs three points ahead of Crouch's former team in the race for a place in the top four.

"I think we deserved to win the game," Crouch told Sky Sports 2. "We had the better chances, we were the better side.

"If you don't score early on you get nervous so I'm glad to have done that, and after the second one we started playing the kind of football we can play.

"Liverpool are a big big team and they're going to be up there come the end of the season so for them to drop points is good news for us."

The match also saw Gareth Bale finally end up on a winning Tottenham side after being named in the starting line-up.

And the Wales full-back admits it is something of a relief following 22 previous starts.

"I'm happy to get that off my back and go on from here," said Bale. "It's one of those freak things but it's in the past now."

Fulham boss Roy Hodgson was disappointed with the defeat and felt his side were unlucky not to get at least a point from the game.

"We dealt with Tottenham's play reasonably well," he told Sky Sports 2. "They're a very talented team.

"We were a bit unlucky with the second goal, it took a cruel deflection.

"And I thought in the second half we certainly definitely evened things out, but to be fair their back four did well, ours did well too
"But with their second goal it meant they could relax a bit more.

"I'm disappointed for the lads."

Bentley was the surprise name on the Tottenham teamsheet as the winger is desperate to leave Spurs.

But he put in a determined performance in his first start since the beginning of December, capped off by a free-kick that flew in off Bjorn Helge Riise, and boss Harry Redknapp was delighted for the 25-year-old.

"Three points for Tottenham, that's the main thing," he said. "We've been been playing well and we've come up against a terrific goalkeeper.
"But we deserved it, we dominated and our keeper didn't have too much to do.

"Bentley did very well, I'm very pleased with him tonight. He's a talented footballer with great ability and he showed that tonight."
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (27.01.10)
Post by: White Noise on January 27, 2010, 11:56:58 AM
http://www.tribalfootball.com/modric-teams-now-park-bus-tottenham-602801

Modric: Teams now park bus at Tottenham

27.01.10 | tribalfootball.com


Modric says Spurs need to be more patient, particularly when playing at home.

"Everyone in the division knows that we have a good team and that this season we are pushing for a place in the top four, so some teams will come here and defend and look to hit us on the break," Modric told the Spurs matchday programme.

"It is difficult if we don't open them up and get an early goal, then the game gets harder and harder the longer it goes on, but patience is the key. Everyone - the players and the crowd - must be patient and the fans need to get behind us all through the game, even if the goal doesn't come straight away.

"Even if it is 0-0 at half-time, or after 70 minutes, we mustn't panic in these situations. We need to just keep playing our football, keep creating chances and hope that one of them will go in. We will always make chances because we play an attacking brand of football and more often than not we will convert at least one of them."
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (27.01.10)
Post by: White Noise on January 27, 2010, 12:00:31 PM
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/tottenham/article7003862.ece

Peter Crouch and David Bentley help Tottenham cruise past Fulham

Tottenham Hotspur 2 Fulham 0


Tom Dart

1 Comment

Tottenham Hotspur do not do routine. At White Hart Lane this season they have lost to Wolverhampton Wanderers then thumped Manchester City, put nine past Wigan Athletic and none beyond Hull City. But this was as close to straightforward and predictable as their matches get.

Last night was exactly what they needed: a no-fuss victory over a weaker side to quell any hints of anxiety after a run of three games without a win that included a dispiriting defeat at Anfield. That lifted Liverpool to within a point of Tottenham, who remain fourth but are now three points clear of Rafael Benítez's side.

The midfield player, given an opportunity because Niko Kranjcar was unwell, was not in the squad for the 2-2 draw against Leeds United in the FA Cup last Saturday. His previous appearance was on December 1, in the Carling Cup defeat by Manchester United, and his last top-flight start came in the 3-0 loss to Arsenal on October 31.

To start, score and play well was a small shaft of light in an otherwise black season for the winger, even if his goal came courtesy of a heavy deflection.

Taking a free kick just before the hour, his shot deflected off Bjorn Helge Riise in the Fulham wall and the trajectory changed from near post to far post, giving Mark Schwarzer no chance.

If nothing else, Bentley has reminded the world of his availability only a few days before the transfer window slams shut.

"He did well. If he plays well he's got a chance [here]. It's up to him," Harry Redknapp, the Tottenham manager, said. "If he shows a good attitude I've got no problems with him. Tonight I was really pleased."

The goal confirmed a deserved victory for Tottenham, who had led since the 27th minute courtesy of a close-range finish from Peter Crouch.

Whether the home side opted for the rudimentary approach — lobbing the ball from the wings towards Crouch's head — or more subtle probings, usually prompted by the quick wit and sharp feet of Luka Modric, they constantly threatened to unhinge an understrength and underwhelming Fulham.

This was Roy Hodgson's 100th game in charge of the visiting team, but like many of the previous 99, this was a disappointing away result.

At least Bobby Zamora returned to the attack only three weeks after suffering a dislocated collarbone. Zamora's chief contribution was accidentally to give Heurelho Gomes, the Tottenham goalkeeper, a whack early in the first half as they vied for a loose ball.

Gomes played on after a painkilling injection in his shoulder at half-time. He hardly had to make a save all evening, though Fulham's workrate and organisation was evident in the solid job they did of containing a Tottenham attack that was always potent but never rampant.

"In the second half we certainly evened the game out," Hodgson said. "The second goal meant Tottenham could relax that bit more. It gave them the security they needed.

"I'm still quite proud of the players given the injuries we have. We made certain Tottenham knew they were in a game, but didn't create enough chances to say we deserved anything."

One minor, if bittersweet, positive was the decent performance of Chris Smalling, focused despite the defender's impending move to Old Trafford.

"We've known we had a diamond in our midst, but when you are Fulham you have to be aware that diamonds might be taken away by clubs with more power," Hodgson said. Exactly how powerful Tottenham are remains to be seen.

Tottenham Hotspur (4-4-2): H Gomes — V Corluka, M Dawson, L King, G Bale — D Bentley, T Huddlestone, W Palacios, L Modric — J Defoe (sub: R Keane, 82min), P Crouch. Substitutes not used: B Alnwick, A Hutton, S Bassong, J Jenas, J O'Hara, D Rose. Booked: Dawson.

Fulham (4-4-1-1): M Schwarzer — A Hughes, C Smalling, B Hangeland, C Baird — B H Riise (sub: S Davies, 64), D Murphy, K Dikgacoi, D Duff — Z Gera (sub: D Kamara, 72) — R Zamora (sub: D Elm, 79). Substitutes not used: P Zuberbühler, T Kallio, J Greening, E Nevland. Booked: Kamara.

Referee: M Dean.
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (27.01.10)
Post by: White Noise on January 27, 2010, 12:02:26 PM
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/article7003699.ece

Sir Alex Ferguson agrees £12m Chris Smalling deal: Nemanja Vidic nears exit

James Ducker

15 Comments

Smalling completes his rise from non-League football to the "Theatre of Dreams" when he moves to Old Trafford
Nemanja Vidic moved closer to the exit door at Old Trafford yesterday after Manchester United agreed the £12 million signing of Chris Smalling, the England Under-21 defender, from Fulham for the start of next season.

Smalling's pre-contract agreement will enable him to remain at the West London club until the end of the present campaign before completing the move in the summer, when Vidic is expected to leave the club, probably for Real Madrid.

The Times revealed in November that United were resigned to losing Vidic and Sir Alex Ferguson has moved quickly to sign another centre half, although the manager could delve into the market for another, more experienced defender if his worst fears about the Serbia player are realised.

Barcelona and AC Milan are also interested in Vidic, but Real appear his most likely destination, with United expected to hold out for up to £30 million.

Smalling's impending move to United, who beat Arsenal to his signature, caps a meteoric rise for the 20-year-old and a shrewd piece of business for Fulham.

In the space of 18 months, he has gone from playing non-League football with Maidstone United, of the Ryman League premier division, to representing his country at under-21 level and agreeing personal terms with the Barclays Premier League champions, despite having made only one league start for Fulham.

For all the uncertainty over Vidic's future, one player who will not be leaving United in the summer is Wayne Rooney. The England forward has been linked with moves to Real and Barcelona, but Ferguson repeated the player's own claims this week that he would be staying at Old Trafford and vowed to tackle the outside forces he has blamed for attempting to deliberately unsettle the 24-year-old.

"I think we know where that is coming from," Ferguson said. "In fact, we are sure where it's coming from. It's not his agent [Paul Stretford], it's not Wayne, so we'll deal with that.

"He wants to stay here. He has made that quite clear himself. But we knew that he didn't want to leave."

Rooney is expected to lead the line for United this evening in the second leg of their Carling Cup semi-final against Manchester City at Old Trafford, with Ferguson confident that the player will score at least 30 goals this season. Rooney's four goals against Hull City at the weekend took his tally to 20 in 28 matches.

"He is in such great form, there aren't many players matching him at the moment," Ferguson said. "His scoring form has put him up in that frame [as the best player in the country]. He could get to 30 goals quite easily."

Ferguson's appeal in his programme notes for supporters to put aside their anger towards the Glazer family's ownership of United for the benefit of the team fell on deaf ears on Saturday, with anti-Glazer chants reverberating around Old Trafford. But the United manager does not expect a repeat tonight and is predicting a Champions League-style atmosphere, given the prize at stake and the animosity between both clubs.

"It will be different [tonight]," he said. "The occasion is so much more important to them. Fans are entitled to voice their disapproval about this or that. There's nothing wrong with supporters complaining.

"[I appealed for unity] because we don't want a divisive club. We want the supporters behind the club all the time because we're coming to the important part of the season. Everything is down to what we do as a team.

"The team, always the team, is the most important thing. We should never lose sight of that — and [tonight] we will see that. All I'm interested in is that everyone buckles down to make sure we are successful — players, staff, but the supporters in particular.

"When our supporters are in full voice, they are fantastic. Hopefully, we can produce that against City."
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (27.01.10)
Post by: White Noise on January 27, 2010, 12:05:12 PM
http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Tottenham-2-0-Fulham-The-Daily-Mirror-match-report-David-Bentley-proves-his-worth-in-White-Hart-Lane-shop-window-article302207.html

Tottenham 2-0 Fulham: The Daily Mirror match report

Published 23:23 26/01/10 By John Cross



Harry Redknapp is one hell of a salesman.

The Tottenham boss, the master wheeler of the transfer market, put David Bentley in the shop window last night and the midfielder promptly delivered a timely reminder to a few Premier League managers.

Bentley struck a stunning 60th minute free-kick - albeit with a big deflection - for his first Premier League goal of the season to keep Tottenham comfortably above Liverpool in fourth place.

It is hard to imagine that it will be enough to persuade Redknapp to have a change of heart about forgotten man Bentley and suddenly save his White Hart Lane career.

But it may just do enough to convince a few managers that Bentley still possesses the talent which made him an England international and persuaded Tottenham to pay £15m for him just 18 months ago.

Redknapp also gave Roman Pavlyuchenko a chance against Leeds in the FA Cup on Saturday and the wantaway Russian striker repaid his faith with a goal to also help his chances of a January move.

And if Redknapp can do deals for the pair, then the Tottenham boss may yet be the busiest wheeler dealer in the January window while at the same time thanking Bentley for his help in a valuable victory last night.

Redknapp said: "Bentley did well. Niko Kranjcar was sick so I gave Bentley an opportunity and he took it well.

"If he plays well like that then he has a chance. When he plays like that he has every chance and while he is here he has a chance if he shows a good attitude and comes to work and plays hard.

"I was really pleased with him. When you're not in the team you're disappointed but he showed a great attitude.

"It was a good result for us because we picked up three points, we need to keep picking up points and so it was a good night for us."

It was certainly a good night for Bentley, whose last appearance for England was in October 2008, and he has fallen equally out of the picture at Tottenham

Bentley had a training ground bust-up with Redknapp last month after a behind-closed-doors friendly with Grays Athletic.

That was supposed to be that for Bentley and yet injury to Aaron Lennon and Kranjcar going down sick on the day of the game gave him an unlikely look-in.

Bentley grabbed it with both hands and, with the likes of Aston Villa, Sunderland and West Ham looking on, did his best to showcase his talent.

Whether any chairman would pay Tottenham's £15m asking price as Daniel Levy looks to recoup his outlay is, however, quite another matter.

But if anyone can persuade Levy to loan out Bentley or sell him on the cheap then there is every chance that he can rebuild his career again.

Bentley proved that after just 28 minutes when his deep cross led to Tottenham's opening goal. Peter Crouch beat Fulham keeper Mark Schwarzer in the air, Luka Modric somehow stopped the ball going out and pulled it back for Crouch.

England striker Crouch then pounced for his tenth goal of the season as he hooked the ball home from close range.

It also left the Fulham defence rather embarrassed and horribly exposed with Chris Smalling hardly covering himself in glory on the day that Manchester United and Arsenal both tabled big money bids.

Centre-half Smalling may be the most sought after man at Craven Cottage but last night there was little even the England Under-21 defender could do to stop the Tottenham avalanche.

Tottenham keeper Heurelho Gomes did, however, look shaky at the other end as he needed a painkilling injection at half time after an early collision with Fulham striker Bobby Zamora.

But Fulham did not test Gomes nearly enough to get themselves back in the game with confidence is clearly running low as last night was their fourth straight defeat.

Tottenham then grabbed a second goal on the hour mark - thanks to a stroke of luck from an unlikely source.

Spurs full back Gareth Bale was fouled on the edge of the Fulham box, Bentley, despite his absence, grabbed the ball and curled in a wicked free kick.

The ball deflected heavily off Fulham's Bjorn Helge Riise, wrong footed Schwarzer and flew into the opposite corner.

Bentley lapped up the celebration and who can blame him after being the forgotten man for so long.

But you can bet that no Spurs player would have celebrated more than Bale who finally started and finished on a winning Tottenham team only a mere three years after joining the club.
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (27.01.10)
Post by: White Noise on January 27, 2010, 12:07:20 PM
http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Fulham-boss-Roy-Hodgson-Smalling-is-going-to-Man-United-not-Arsenal-article302215.html

Hodgson: 'Smalling is going to Man United, not Arsenal'

Published 23:38 26/01/10 By John Cross


Fulham boss Roy Hodgson last night claimed Chris Smalling will join Manchester United - even though Arsenal made a last gasp bid.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is hoping to complete a deal for the England Under-21 defender today and Smalling is due at Old Trafford for a medical.

But Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has not given up and last night it was understood that Arsenal matched United's £7m offer and it is now up to the player to decide on his future.

Hodgson still believes that ex-Maidstone defender Smalling, 20, will go to United with Fulham keeping him for the rest of the season.


Hodgson said last night: "The club has accepted an offer from Manchester United and as far as I know that is where he is going. As far as I know he is going for a medical tomorrow.

"He is a great talent and we're proud we've produced a player of that quality, but it's difficult to stand in the way when Manchester United come calling.

"He will be a great success, will prove to be a bargain in the future and it's just a shame that we will have to watch him do that at United. But Sir Alex is a great judge."
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (27.01.10)
Post by: White Noise on January 27, 2010, 02:11:13 PM
http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/sport/706846/STRELLER-SNUBS-FULHAM-OFFER.html

STRELLER SNUBS FULHAM OFFER

Midfielder eyes Palermo move


By Adam Marshall, 27/01/2010

MARCO STRELLER has turned down a move to Fulham.

Roy Hodgson was keen to land the Basel striker but only on a loan basis with a view to a permanent deal.

The timing was not right for the Switzerland international, 28, who wants to at least see out the season with his current club.

"I decided very quickly not to move to Fulham," he explained.

"And Basel also expressed very quickly that they did not want me to go.

"I'm glad because we have a great team and a coach who plays attacking football. And we have big goals."

Fulham lost 2-0 at Tottenham on Tuesday and Hodgson could be doing some more business before next Monday's deadline.

One player heading for the exit door is 19-year-old Luca Mosciatello.

The midfielder is hoping to earn a move to Palermo.

"Who could say no to Palermo?" he asked. "I'd like to return to Italy.

"I will ask my agent if Palermo are really interested because I'd be happy."

Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (27.01.10)
Post by: White Noise on January 27, 2010, 02:31:22 PM
http://hammyend.com/?p=4987


Smalling Fee


by lydia on January 27, 2010

I'll update this as I hear more but Skysports have just said that the fee for Smalling will be around 10million.
Happy Days!
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (27.01.10)
Post by: White Noise on January 27, 2010, 02:34:38 PM
http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/sport/705432/AMBITIOUS-STOKE-LINKED-WITH-ITALIAN-DUO.html

AMBITIOUS STOKE LINKED WITH ITALIAN DUO

PULIS: Still looking for new talent

26/01/2010

STOKE boss Tony Pulis has been sniffing around two Italians as he continues to seek attractive reinforcements to his squad.
A bold move for Ruud van Nistelrooy failed when the Real Madrid striker opted for Hamburg instead and a move for David James has taken far longer than expected.

Pulis wants to add a touch of quality to his hard-working side and a couple of Italian players have crossed his radar.

As things start getting hectic ahead of next Monday's deadline, Pulis is believed to have been offered the chance to land Roma's Stefano Okaka.

The promising Italy Under-20 forward is available on loan and has been expected to join Fulham.

Roy Hodgson has reopened discussions with Roma about Okaka as the move is being resurrected after being held up, but Stoke have emerged as an alternative option after Portsmouth's money troubles ruled them out of the race - although their transfer embargo has now been lifted.

Graziano Pelle, 24, is another striker rumoured to be attracting interest from Stoke, as well as Blackburn, Chievo, Catania and Udinese.

The AZ Alkmaar target man played for Italy's Olympic side in 2008.

"We are working on a couple of things, but they will only happen if they are right for this club," said Pulis.
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (27.01.10)
Post by: White Noise on January 27, 2010, 02:36:49 PM
http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/sport/football/705743/TOTTENHAM-v-FULHAM.html

BENTLEY MAKES THE MOST OF HIS OPPORTUNITY

Tottenham 2 Fulham 0


26/01/2010

DAVID BENTLEY made the most of a rare Spurs start after Niko Kranjcar pulled out through injury.
The former Blackburn midfielder added a second goal to Peter Crouch's opener to see off Fulham at White Hart Lane.

Spurs won a succession of early corners but it took a mistake to lead to the breakthrough.

Mark Schwarzer failed to punch a routine cross and Bjorn Helge Riise tried to allow the ball to run out of play. Luka Modric nipped in cleverly, hooked the ball away from the Norwegian and centred acrobatically for Crouch to notch his second goal in two home games.

After three games without a win, Spurs never looked truly fluent but they earned some breathing space when Bentley's free-kick deflected home off the unfortunate Riise to make it 2-0.

Fulham struggled to make an impact and the impressive Michael Dawson headed over a Bentley set-piece late on in a bid to add to the advantage.

With Liverpool held to a draw at Wolves, this was a good result for Harry Redknapp's side.


"It's up to him," Redknapp said of Bentley. "If he shows a good attitude and comes to work every day and plays well and works hard then I have no problems with him.

"That's all you ask."

Gareth Bale, again impressive at left-back, was just pleased to finally get the monkey off his back regarding the remarkable statistic that he had never been in a winning XI for Tottenham in the Premier League.

"It's a strange statistic," said Bale on Sky Sports. "I'm happy to get it off my back and go on from here. It was one of those freak things.

"It didn't really bother me but I'm happy to get the win."

Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (27.01.10)
Post by: White Noise on January 27, 2010, 02:38:20 PM
http://arsenal-mania.com/articles/3108014/Stoke-Smalling-Bendtner---Whats-all-the-fuss-about.html

Then there's been all this talk of Chris Smalling. Supposedly we've lost out to United for his signature. Who cares? The guy has played most of his professional football for a non-league side, and the highlight of his Fulham career was an own goal at Stamford Bridge. Is that really all we have to get excited about this January?

And the main non-issue has been strikers. Will he or won't he? He, being Wenger of course, seems dead set on NOT signing a striker, as he's reminded us a couple of times now. Obviously you have to take everything he says with a pinch of salt, but I don't think anyone would be surprised if no one was brought in.
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (27.01.10)
Post by: White Noise on January 27, 2010, 02:42:33 PM
http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/January/LucozadeCompetition.aspx

Win VIP Tickets for Villa

Wednesday 27th January 2010



Lucozade Sport is the Official Sports Drink of the Barclays Premier League and has been fuelling Fulham FC players since 2001. To celebrate this long-standing relationship, Lucozade Sport are offering one lucky Fulham supporter the opportunity to receive the full VIP treatment with two places in the George Cohen Restaurant at this weekend's match against Aston Villa!

Meeting and dining with an England World Cup winner and watching the action from the Directors' Area is not an everyday opportunity, but this is what awaits the winner!

The man described by George Best as the best full-back he ever played against will greet you personally as you receive a champagne reception and canapés, before sharing his memories of a glittering career which included more than 450 appearances for Fulham and 37 caps for England whilst you and your guests indulge in an exceptional four-course á la Carte menu.

For a chance to win this great prize, simply e-mail the answer to the following question to [email protected] |* including your name and contact phone number.

Who is the Club's current top goal scorer?
a) Bobby Zamora
b) Danny Murphy
c) Zoltan Gera

For full terms and conditions, contact [email protected] |. The competition expires at 5pm on Thursday 28th January. 

For more chances to win VIP Barclays Premier League tickets throughout the season visit www.lucozadesport.com/football |, where you'll also be able to get expert football advice from our team of former top flight professionals and win Lucozade Sport products.


Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/January/LucozadeCompetition.aspx#ixzz0dp8xhwIA
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (27.01.10)
Post by: White Noise on January 27, 2010, 02:43:48 PM
http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/hodgson-voices-smalling-disappointment-1013418.html

Hodgson voices Smalling disappointment

Fulham, 13:43, January 27, 2010

Fulham boss Roy Hodgson admits there was little he could do to prevent defender Chris Smalling making the switch to Manchester United.

Fulham accepted United's bid, believed to be around £8million, for the 20-year-old defender earlier this week and Hodgson confirmed the player would be leaving Craven Cottage.

He said: "I knew from some time ago that Manchester United had made the offer and as far as I know terms have been agreed and as far as I know he is going for a medical tomorrow (today) and will be a Manchester United player next season."

Hodgson expressed his disappointment at Smalling's exit and admitted he was powerless to stop the player making the switch to Old Trafford.

He added: "It's disappointing because we're losing a great talent who has a very exciting future and I would have loved him to play in a Fulham shirt,

"But when United come calling it's not that easy to stand in a player's way."
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (27.01.10)
Post by: White Noise on January 27, 2010, 02:45:11 PM
http://www.tribalfootball.com/fulham-boss-hodgson-no-blocking-smalling-man-utd-move-603251

Fulham boss Hodgson: No blocking Smalling from Man Utd move

28.01.10 | tribalfootball.com

Fulham boss Roy Hodgson says there was no chance of preventing Chris Smalling from joining Manchester United.

Smalling is believed to be in Manchester today for a medical and could even stay to take in the Carling Cup semifinal.

"The club has accepted an offer from Manchester United and as far as I know that is where he is going to be going," Hodgson told Sky Sports.

Asked if Arsenal had also agreed a fee with Fulham, Hodgson replied: "You will have to ask (chief executive) Alistair Mackintosh about that, I don't know anything about that.

"I knew from some time ago that Manchester United had made the offer and as far as I know terms have been agreed and as far as I know he is going for a medical tomorrow (today) and will be a Manchester United player next season."

Hodgson admits he will be sad to lose Smalling to United in the summer as he believes the 20-year-old, who started against Spurs, has the potential to become a fantastic player.

"It's disappointing because we're losing a great talent who has a very exciting future and I would have loved him to play in a Fulham shirt," said Hodgson.

"But when United come calling it's not that easy to stand in a player's way.

"I've got to congratulate Alex (Ferguson). He'll (Smalling) go on to do great things for Man United and it's a pity I'll be watching him do it for them and not Fulham."


Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (27.01.10)
Post by: White Noise on January 27, 2010, 02:47:55 PM
http://football.fanhouse.co.uk/2010/01/26/clint-dempsey/


Fulham's Clint Dempsey Will Be Back to Win Over Doubters in the USA


26/1/2010 12:01 AM GMT By Jason Mellor


An almost audible sigh of relief could be heard from Fulham when it emerged that Clint Dempsey's knee injury is nowhere near as bad as first feared.

Yet conversely, large sections of US fans met the welcome news with what could at best could be described as apathy.

One of Bob Bradley's main weapons in the bid to scupper England's World Cup hopes this summer will be primed and ready for action after all. The answer from the stands from so many who hold their nation's footballing exploits so dear? A resounding so what?

It appeared Dempsey's Premier League season and World Cup dreams had been left shattered when the forward suffered the injury at Blackburn earlier this month.

Yet subsequent scans revealed far less damage than at first thought, and the Texan hopes to be back in action in the next month or so. If ever there was a good time to suffer this type of injury, then this was it.

Dempsey can enjoy the benefits of a restorative six-week break and return refreshed for the final quarter of the season to ensure he's fully back up to speed in plenty of time for the big South African jamboree.

Had Wayne Rooney or a similarly prominent member of of Fabio Capello's England squad enjoyed a similar inury escape, the celebrations at disaster being duly averted by the USA's first World Cup opponents in Rustenburg on June 12 would have raged long and hard for weeks.

Yet despite Dempsey's clear importance to the USA national effort, a significant section of fans have been, at best, lukewarm in their reaction. Not that Bradley will be swayed by their cynicism.

Echoing the sentiments of Fulham manager Roy Hodgson, Bradley insisted: "The news about Clint's injury is positive, especially given the fact that he'll not require surgery. We're confident he'll be ready to be an important part of our team during the World Cup. He's a player we can count on."

Dempsey suffers somewhat from a problem with perception from US fans who see him regularly standing out in for Fulham on TV highlight packages, and yet feel he never quite reaches those same heights when he pulls on the national jersey.

Admittedly, the 26-year-old did endure an eight-game, 10-month goal drought which saw the criticism reach its peak until he rectified that in last year's memorable Confederations Cup campaign.

In his defence, he played a big part in the march to the finals of that particular competition, and his goal against El Salvador in September helped to clinch a sixth straight World Cup Finals' appearance.

And yet the forward still seems to be the fans' scapegoat when things aren't going well. Some point at the way his body language can start to look on the negative side as frustration sets in when the going gets tough, and that his work-rate soon drops when the situation calls for it to be upped.

They are accusations which would be met by more than a raised eyebrow by the majority of Fulham fans, who have seen Dempsey regularly excel this season, weighing in with seven goals into the process.

The at times harsh criticism hasn't deterred Bradley from making a player with 17 goals in 59 international appearances one of the first names on his team sheet. He simply refuses to accept that Dempsey is somehow more committed to club rather than country.

Imminent friendlies against El Salvador and Holland may just come a little too soon for the forward to take his latest shot at proving his international critics wrong. But with his knee healing well, he will be afforded every opportunity to put the record straight once and for all in South Africa. And England had better watch out.
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (27.01.10)
Post by: White Noise on January 27, 2010, 02:52:04 PM
http://www.ealinggazette.co.uk/sport/football-ealing/fulham-fc-ealing/2010/01/27/hangeland-fires-warning-ahead-of-villa-clash-64767-25697821/

Hangeland fires warning ahead of Villa clash

Jan 27 2010 By Yann Tear


A LONG-AWAITED return to Craven Cottage on Saturday is no guarantee that Fulham will revive their stalled league campaign as long as injuries continue to bite, admits Brede Hangeland.

The Whites have suffered in the absence of several first teamers like John Pantsil, Paul Konchesky, Clint Dempsey, Dickson Etuhu and Andy Johnson and were again found wanting at Spurs in midweek.

Away defeats are nothing new to a team that have not won three points on their travels since the opening day at Portsmouth, but Hangeland said the 2-0 defeat at White Hart Lane had nothing to do with awayday phobia.

"Returning to play home game might be a relief, but it's not automatic that we will win at home just because we normally do better," said the big defender.

"It's going to be a very tough game again against Aston Villa on Saturday and obviously we'll have the same problems with injuries, so we'll have to see if we can come up with something special.

"I hope the medical staff will work really hard to try and get as many players fit as possible. While we wait for them to come back, we will have to try and grind out some results."

Fulham looked particularly troubled on the flanks, where Aaron Hughes and Chris Baird were made into reluctant full-backs who could not get forward enough to aid sporadic attacks.

"I thought Bairdy and Hughsey did well, but obviously they are not the kind of attacking full-backs that Konch [Paul Konchesky] and Johnny P [Pantsil] are, so that mostly affected our attacking," Hangeland said.

"The way we play is very much dependant on the full backs joining in the play going forward.

"All things considered, with all the injuries, I thought we did all right. But the first goal we should have defended better and the second was very bad luck. It feels like the luck's not really been on our side this past few weeks and hopefully that will change."
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (27.01.10)
Post by: White Noise on January 27, 2010, 02:54:37 PM
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-sport/football/article-23799725-danny-murphy-says-chris-smalling-can-make-big-leap.do

Danny Murphy says Chris Smalling can make big leap

Tom Collomosse

27.01.10



Danny Murphy has tipped Chris Smalling to become a star of the English game after Fulham agreed to sell the centre-back to Manchester United.

Smalling was playing for Maidstone United in the Ryman League less than two years ago, and has made only nine first-team appearances for Fulham. However, United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has seen enough to believe the 20-year-old can be the heir to Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic.

Smalling played in last night's 2-0 defeat to Tottenham but was due to undergo a medical at Old Trafford today. He will remain with Fulham for the rest of the campaign and although the move will be a huge step up, Murphy feels his team-mate is ready.

"I was fortunate enough to see players like Michael Owen and Steven Gerrard when they were young lads," said the midfielder. "Being a defender, Chris is different, and he is not quite on their level yet, but he is potentially a wonderful player.

"He has great pace is calm on the ball and good in the air. What more do you need from a good centre-half? He'll be a great asset to his new club, and he won't look out of place.

"It has been a big few days for him, but he's handled it brilliantly.Considering what is going on in his life, his performance against Tottenham was very good."
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (27.01.10)
Post by: White Noise on January 27, 2010, 02:55:50 PM
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_5888513,00.html

Costa could stay at Wolfsburg

Change of manager may convince defender to stay put

By Thomas Zocher   Last updated: 27th January 2010   


Wolfsburg defender Ricardo Costa admits that he could now remain with the Bundesliga club.

The 28-year-old centre-back looked all but certain to be on his way out of the Volkswagen Arena, but a change in manager has altered the situation.

Costa was not happy under former boss Armin Veh, but following his departure on Monday the Portugal international may fight for his place in the team.

He has been strongly linked with a move to Spanish club Valencia, with English sides Fulham and Aston Villa also in the frame, but says he has changed his mind regarding a transfer.

"The fact the manager has been sacked is creating a brand new situation for me," he told Wolfsburger Nachrichten.

"(Caretaker manager) Lorenz-Gunther Kostner is a perfect manager.

"If there would be players signed by the club now I would have to go on thinking about a transfer, but generally I think that I will stay on at Wolfsburg now."

Meanwhile, Wolfsburg are close to agreeing a deal for Brazilian central defender Rever.

The 25-year-old, who currently plays for Gremio, looks set for a move to Germany, according to Gremio's sporting director Luiz Onofre Meira.

He said "Negotiations have not been brought to an end just now. But we would probably have an agreement on Wednesday."
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (27.01.10)
Post by: White Noise on January 27, 2010, 02:57:01 PM
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/8482706.stm

Maidstone United revel in Chris Smalling windfall 


Cash-strapped Maidstone United are celebrating a cash windfall after Chris Smalling's move to Manchester United.

The 20-year defender played Ryman League football for the Kent side until 2008 when he moved to Fulham.

Stones have been unable to pay their players since 5 December, but Smalling's transfer from Fulham has triggered a compensation agreement.

"To say the money will come in handy is an understatement," Stones chairman Paul Bowden-Brown told BBC Radio Kent.

He paid tribute to the club's youth development staff for 20-year-old Smalling's emergence as a Premier League player.

"The guys who brought him through deserve all the credit. I only wish we could gain greater financial benefit for their work," he said.

Joint-manager Alan Walker, a former Millwall and Gillingham central defender, believes Smalling could go all the way and become an England international.

He said: "His attitude has always been first class and I know he will go a long way because he is so willing to listen.

"There is no reason why he shouldn't one day play for England."

Smalling is not the first Maidstone youngster to join Manchester United. Sean McGinty, who was on Charlton's books, left The Valley for Old Trafford last summer.

Stones received another cash injection earlier in the week when they were awarded £5,000 from the FA Trophy pool after Histon were expelled from the competition for fielding an ineligible player against them.

Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (27.01.10)
Post by: White Noise on January 27, 2010, 02:58:24 PM
http://hammyend.com/?p=4985

Lost at the Lane

by Dan on January 27, 2010

Plenty of sober reflections to what was a disappointing result at Tottenham last night on the messageboards.

Quite a few people getting stuck into Roy and his lack of adventure away from home. I'm not entirely sure what Hodgson should be doing in the eyes of some of these supporters. His first priority when he came to the club was to strengthen the side and stop the flow of goals – and soul-destroying defeats – away from home. He managed it and we stayed up by the skin of teeth.

2008/09 was something of a strange season on the road. We were cautious at first away from home, only really becoming more adventurous when Roy seemed certain that we wouldn't be heading for the drop. There was a certain verve about our football at Bolton, but for a while in that game it looked like one point rather than three. Even at Manchester City, we showed signs of fragility (conceding first and trailing at the break) before staging our usual fine finish at Eastlands. We grabbed a win at Newcastle, too, but not without frenzied pressure from the home side towards the end.

This season started with a win at Portsmouth that might have been more convincing that it was. We were very close to holding on at West Ham and that performance was particularly bright considering that were a goal and a man down at the break. There was very little caution at Manchester City but having gone two goals down that comeback was a bonus. Factor in the point we got at Wigan and that win in Basel, plus a spirited showing at Chelsea, and our showings on the road aren't as hopeless as some would believe.

Losing at Tottenham in the manner we did was disappointing, but hardly unprecedented. This wasn't a Boxing Day massacre like the one under Lewington that finally convinced the board to turn to Hodgson a couple of years ago. Indeed, with key performers missing and Bobby Zamora clearly not 100% fit, getting something at the Lane probably would have ranked amongst one of our best results of the season.

Hodgson's selection last night was interesting. Kelly and Kallio weren't particularly impressive at Accrington – and paid the ultimate penalty. Hughes and Baird were most definitely square pegs in round holes: that much was evident in their reluctance to cross the halfway line to offer any kind of attacking threat. Dikgacoi and Murphy found it despairingly difficult to pass to each other, let alone anyone else in a red shirt.

Timmy points out the Guardian chalkboard looks like a damning indictment of Damien Duff, but he eventually got so sick of waiting for receive the ball that he went looking for it. He was much more influential in the 'hole' after the break. I'd suggested Riise might be ready for a run in the Premier League but he looked completely ill-at-ease in his surroundings. Gareth Bale remains a real talent but he's not the best defensive left back and Riise's attempts to take him on were undermined by some woeful crossing.

Where do we go from here? We'll have to pick ourselves up and rediscover our A-game for Aston Villa on Saturday. You can bet that the training sessions today would have been full of home truths.
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (27.01.10)
Post by: White Noise on January 27, 2010, 02:59:47 PM
http://www.tribalfootball.com/maidestone-happy-smalling-over-man-utd-move-603051

Maidestone happy for Smalling over Man Utd move

28.01.10 | tribalfootball.com

Maidstone United will not receive any money from Fulham defender Chris Smalling's move to Manchester United.

Although Fulham were not bound to pay any transfer fee to Maidstone when they signed him last season, they did pay a small amount known as a "training progression payment" in respect of the work that the Kent club had done to develop him, most notably under youth-team coach Peter Nott. Maidstone are currently trying to raise £750,000 to build their own stadium; they currently share Ashford Town's ground.

Maidstone chairman, Paul Bowden-Brown said yesterday that the club were delighted for Smalling but sad that they had not been able to earn anything out of his success.

"He [Smalling] is a great guy but we couldn't get him to sign a professional contract because you can't stop a boy playing for England. So when Middlesbrough and then Fulham came in we couldn't do anything about it.

"I'm pleased for Chris but I'm just disappointed that as we try to build a new home, the big boys in football can take a player and we do not benefit. I am not blaming Fulham because they were fair but it is a shame for us."

Because of his schoolboy status and his commitments with the ESFA team and the Kent county side, Smalling only played 11 games for Maidstone's first team, scoring one goal.

The former Maidstone secretary, Darren Lovell, said that Smalling would not be the first player to start his career at Maidstone and go on to Manchester United; the 1968 European Cup winner David Sadler was an amateur at Maidstone before going to Old Trafford.
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (27.01.10)
Post by: White Noise on January 27, 2010, 03:01:59 PM
Stoke are also interested in Stefano Okaka from Roma but Fulham may yet revive that option.

And London plus former Inter Milan coach Roy Hodgson may hold sway in Okaka's mind - who figured for Roma in Italian Cup action last night.



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1246495/Cassano-replace-Robinho-Pienaar-desert-Toffees-Pelle-Premier-League-Arsenal-opt-Azpilicueta--THE-INSIDER.html#ixzz0dpE38YGx
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (27.01.10)
Post by: White Noise on January 27, 2010, 03:17:58 PM
http://www.footballtransfertavern.com/premiership/scouting-report-manchester-uniteds-new-signing-chris-smalling?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TransferTavern+%28The+Transfer+Tavern+Home+Page%29

Scouting Report : Manchester United's new signing Chris Smalling

Date: 27th January 2010 at 3:00 pm


To say Chris Smalling's rise from non-league football obscurity to starting the 2010-2011 season possibly taking the field at Old Trafford to play at the heart of Manchester United's defence, is meteoric would, for once, be something of an understatement. Manchester United's new £7m signing from Fulham, who he only joined in June 2008 and for whom he has made a grand total of 4 league appearances, was snatched from under the noses of Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, who was believed to be unwilling to match the valuation placed on the player by Roy Hodgson.

Smalling is unusual in that he never received his football education coming through the ranks at a professional club. Instead Smalling continued in full time education at Chatham Grammar School and played for Maidstone United in the Isthmian League. It was here that he was noticed by the English Schools FA who promoted him into their schoolboy squad. In April 2008, Smalling played for England schoolboys against Scotland schoolboys at Wembley stadium. If he thought that this may be the pinnacle of his career, he would be proven wrong.

Two months later, despite facing fierce competition from several league clubs including Middlesbrough, Charlton Athletic and Gillingham, Fulham snapped up the youngster and placed him in the care of Youth team boss Billy McKinlay. It wasn't long before the 6ft 4″ defender was impressing his manager enough to have him named captain of the team. His performances also caught the eye of first team boss Roy Hodgson who capped a fine year for Fulham in May 2009 by handing Smalling his league debut in the final game of the season against Everton.

His appearance at the end of last season has been followed by nine more appearances this time around, though many have been in domestic cup and European competitions. Indeed Smalling's name may well have only been brought to a wider audience for the first time on 28th December 2009, when he made his first full start for Fulham in the London derby against Chelsea and was unfortunate to see a parry from 'keeper Mark Schwarzer bounce back off his leg and into the net to hand Chelsea a somewhat undeserved victory.

Despite this setback, Smalling has continued to impress the scouts that have been paying frequent visits fo Craven Cottage to see the youngster in action. A tall, powerful centre back who has great pace and is surprisingly adroit with the ball at his feet, Smalling has all the physical and technical attributes to become a top class defender. It is this potential that has seen Manchester United invest a reported £7m in the player.

While some may argue that £7m for a player who has played just four Premier League games is a gamble, for Sir Alex Ferguson's men it may not be. With question marks over the long term fitness of Rio Ferdinand and the future of Nemanja Vidic, who has been linked repeatedly in past weeks with a move away from Old Trafford, signing Smalling makes excellent sense. He seems to be a ready made replacement for either player long term and will no doubt improve his skills further under the tutelage of the coaches and staff at Carrington.

Only time will tell if the signing of Smalling is a great piece of business for Manchester United or not, but certainly all the evidence seems to suggest that Sir Alex Ferguson may well have snapped up another gem to add to his fulsome list at Old Trafford.
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (27.01.10)
Post by: White Noise on January 27, 2010, 03:51:15 PM
The Cottage by Night

Wednesday 27th January 2010



You can't beat the buzz, drama and excitement of an evening kick-off at the Cottage!

The fantastic atmosphere at Craven Cottage during evening games has seen Fulham win six of their seven games so far this season and the Whites will be looking to add to their tally with two evening matches in the space of six days in February.

First up Portsmouth visit Craven Cottage on Wednesday 3rd February before our vital game against Burnley just six days later ( Tuesday 9th February ). Both matches kick-off at 8pm.

You can experience the unique atmosphere of evening football at Craven Cottage from just £25 Adults and £5 Juniors by calling the Ticket Office on 0870 442 1234 (option 1) , booking online | or in person from the Ticket Office during normal opening hours.

More information and prices |


Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/January/PortsmouthTickets.aspx#ixzz0dpQNyPJG

Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (27.01.10)
Post by: White Noise on January 27, 2010, 03:52:46 PM
http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/January/Full-onSale.aspx

Full-on Sale

Wednesday 27th January 2010

The 'Full-on Sale' is now on, and with up to 60% off| selected items this is the perfect time to pick up your Official Fulham merchandise. Your purchases can be made at the official online store| , or either of the Club's retail stores found on Fulham Road and at Craven Cottage.

Recently added items include the Club Zip Training Top| , which is available in both black and red, and in a wide range of sizes.

This is a great opportunity for any fan to pick up discounts on a large selection of items including the Home Kit polo shirt| , Europa League Baseball cap| , the Fulham FC Season Review Book| and much, much more!

With items in limited supply now is the time to buy all the latest Fulham FC merchandise.

Such great prices, and so much variety, treat yourself today as this sale will end soon.


Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/January/Full-onSale.aspx#ixzz0dpQdqT7C
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (27.01.10)
Post by: White Noise on January 27, 2010, 04:03:52 PM
http://www.football365.com/story/0,17033,8652_5888781,00.html

HODGSON SAD TO LOSE `DIAMOND` SMALLING

Posted 27/01/10 15:34


Fulham boss Roy Hodgson is ready to showcase Chris Smalling for the rest of the campaign after losing the "diamond" unearthed from non-league football less than two years ago.

Hodgson says it took very little time before realising the centre-back signed from Maidstone was a player heading for the top, something Manchester United also identified before making their move for the 20-year-old at the weekend.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is also a fan of Smalling but United agreed a fee with Fulham and the youngster headed straight to Manchester after the defeat by Tottenham on Tuesday evening, with the defender set to start his Old Trafford career in the summer.

"When it was put to me that I must resign myself to losing the player because Manchester United put in a very good bid that the club have accepted, I was then told the one piece of good news is that he won't be going until the start of next season," Hodgson said.

"Why that was decided, you'd have to ask Manchester United. I think (chief executive) Alistair Mackintosh, when the deal was proposed, wanted that to happen and Manchester United accepted it.

"It's obvious that it's much better but it wasn't assistance from my part."

Hodgson has no problem with fielding Smalling for the rest of the season and the centre-back will be among the likes of Michael Dawson and James Tomkins looking to force their way into the reckoning for England.

Smalling has already impressed during his three Under-21 appearances this season and has helped keep clean sheets in the last two matches under coach Stuart Pearce, who reports directly to Fabio Capello and recommends players to the England boss.

Smalling's background includes a grammar-school education, four A levels and being accepted on a business management degree course at Loughborough University before being offered the chance to go full-time into football.

The move to Fulham came in 2008 and the match against Tottenham was only his second Premier League start, but Hodgson revealed: "We've known we had a diamond in our midst but unfortunately when you are Fulham and you produce a diamond you are aware that diamond can be taken away from you by clubs with more power.

"Sir Alex Ferguson doesn't make mistakes when he identifies a young player. He pays a lot of money for that player because in years to come he realises it will look very cheap. You'd expect the player to be of that quality.

"We thought he had great potential. He should take a lot of credit himself for the work he's put in while he's been with us.

"He has improved his game in that time, he's a good learner and learnt from the players around him - he's certainly a better player than when we took him from the non-league.

"We recognised his ability. I don't know who it was who scouted him to the club, he was introduced to me as a player we should take on board and I was happy to do so.

"It didn't take long for me to realise in training that he had something special. We've had him in the first-team squad ever since."

Fulham skipper Danny Murphy has tipped Smalling for the top.

"I was fortunate enough to see players like Michael Owen and Steven Gerrard when they were young lads," said the former Liverpool midfielder. "Being a defender, Chris is different, and he is not quite on their level yet, but he is potentially a wonderful player.

"He has great pace is calm on the ball and good in the air. What more do you need from a good centre-half? He'll be a great asset to his new club, and he won't look out of place.

"It has been a big few days for him, but he's handled it brilliantly. Considering what is going on in his life, his performance against Tottenham was very good."

Maidstone are expected to receive a cash windfall when Smalling's move is completed.

"To say the money will come in handy is an understatement," Stones chairman Paul Bowden-Brown told BBC Radio Kent.
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (27.01.10)
Post by: White Noise on January 27, 2010, 07:44:37 PM
http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Manchester-United-complete-12m-Smalling-deal-as-they-fend-off-interest-from-Arsenal-article302823.html


United complete £12m Smalling deal


Published 17:42 27/01/10

By John Cross


Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson last night struck an amazing £12million deal for Fulham defender Chris Smalling.

Ferguson agreed to pay that fee after another frantic day of drama surrounding the 20-year-old, as United upped their original offer to fend off Arsenal.

United had an £8m bid accepted at the weekend for Smalling, who was playing for non-league Maidstone just two years ago.

That included a clause which stated any other club would have to bid £10m to be given permission to talk to him, and yet Arsenal met that demand on Tuesday night.

However, United then went back, matched Arsenal's offer and finally settled on a £12m deal which will include clauses for appearances and success.

It represents an incredible fairytale rise for Smalling who only made his Premier League debut last month having joined Fulham two years ago from Maidstone for just £10,000.

Smalling was on just £5,000-a-week at Fulham, where he will stay for the rest of the season, before going to United in the summer where he will quadruple his salary.

But Maidstone will not get a penny from the incredible bidding war between Arsenal and United as he was a non-contract player when he left and Fulham paid the transfer fee out of goodwill.