http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=193372 (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=193372)
Fulham - (Sir) Roy Explains Why!
Having crashed out of the FA Cup, in midweek, to Spurs and with a vital Europa League fixture, against Wolfsburg, coming up this week, did we really expect anything else?
(Sir) Roy was perfectly within his rights to rest a few players, our Premier League status is safe and we have a bigger fish t fry, one of the European variety.
Therefore, in his after-match interview, Roy had no qualms about resting key individuals and instead turned the focus on to how we`ve done so well with such a hectic schedule, when he remarked,
"I have no concerns about managers saying we played a lesser side."
"Most managers should say how well we did to keep playing the same players."
"We had seven games in twenty-one days in February. We had eight games in twenty-four days in March and we have another seven or eight in twenty-five days coming up in April. I don`t think it`s fair for anyone to suggest we can do that with eleven players."
"The players who have come into the team are more than capable of playing at this level."
"I had confidence in the players that I put in the team - they need more football."
Besides, it doesn`t seem to matter who we field in an away Premier League fixture, we invariably, for some strange reason, fail to get a result!
http://www.teamtalk.com/football/story/0,16368,1775_6059515,00.html (http://www.teamtalk.com/football/story/0,16368,1775_6059515,00.html)
Hodgson unsurprised by fan reaction
Roy Hodgson defended Fulham fans' right to boo Jimmy Bullard during Hull's 2-0 win over the Cottagers at the KC Stadium on Saturday.
(http://images.teamtalk.com/10/03/330/Hull-v-Fulham-Jimmy-Bullard-celeb_2436100.jpg)
Bullard: Had last laugh against old club
Bullard opted to leave Craven Cottage in January 2009 for a longer-term contract at Hull, who paid £5million for his services.
The 31-year-old's time on Humberside has been marred by two serious knee injuries but he recovered in time for the Premier League run-in as Hull look to preserve their top-flight status.
And Bullard silenced the jeers of the visiting fans with an early penalty before Craig Fagan sealed victory three minutes into the second half.
Hodgson said: "You've got to remember the Fulham fans loved Jimmy Bullard and they weren't very happy when he refused to sign a new contract with Fulham and went to Hull for an awful lot more money so I don't think I can really criticise them.
"Jimmy knew what he was doing. I don't think he came up here to better his football, he came up here because there was a lot more money on offer, and that's what our fans choose to remind him of from time to time. I don't expect Fulham fans to be anything other than disappointed in him.
"But Jimmy had the last laugh because he scored the penalty that got his team the victory so I don't think he'll be losing any sleep over it."
For Hull boss Iain Dowie it was three points in his first home match and ended a run of five successive defeats.
The victory moved the Tigers level on 27 points with 17th-placed West Ham, having played a game fewer, and Dowie hopes the whole club's belief has been bolstered by the win.
"One swallow doesn't make a summer but it certainly gives us a fighting chance with West Ham getting beaten," he said. "We've just got to take care of our business. The most important thing was the result but the manner of the performance gives me added confidence."
Dowie also paid tribute to the Hull fans, saying: "Every time I've been here, it's a special atmosphere. The people of East Yorkshire are passionate about their football, they're passionate about their sport, they want people to show desire and hunger.
"And when we pressed them in the first half, the noise in the stadium was magnificent. They got a display they deserve."
Hodgson is no stranger to relegation battles having kept Fulham up on the final day of the season in 2008. They have since gone from strength to strength, finishing seventh last term, and on Thursday they will take on Wolfsburg in the Europa League quarter-finals.
It is also familiar territory for Hull after their narrow escape last season, and Hodgson would not be surprised to see the Tigers in the Premier League again next season.
"They have a very aggressive style of play, they have some very strong players in the team, the two centre-backs, the forwards are very strong at holding the ball up, so I think the way they play will cause many teams problems," he added.
"If they continue to show the same fighting spirit, determination, the will to win and the will to hold on to leads, then I think they'll get points and there's no reason why they can't stay up just in the same way as we did."
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=762768&sec=england&cc=5739 (http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=762768&sec=england&cc=5739)
Hodgson defends fans' right to boo Bullard
Roy Hodgson defended Fulham fans' right to boo Jimmy Bullard as the Hull midfielder faced his former club in the Tigers' 2-0 victory at the KC Stadium.
• Hull City 2-0 Fulham: Bullard haunts Cottagers
Bullard opted to leave Craven Cottage in January 2009 for a longer-term contract at Hull, who paid £5 million for his services.
The 31-year-old's time in East Yorkshire has been marred by two serious knee injuries but has recovered in time for the Premier League run-in as Hull look to preserve their top-flight status.
And Bullard silenced the jeers of the visiting fans with an early penalty before Craig Fagan sealed victory three minutes into the second half.
Hodgson said: "You've got to remember the Fulham fans loved Jimmy Bullard and they weren't very happy when he refused to sign a new contract with Fulham and went to Hull for an awful lot more money so I don't think I can really criticise them.
"Jimmy knew what he was doing. I don't think he came up here to better his football, he came up here because there was a lot more money on offer, and that's what our fans choose to remind him of from time to time. I don't expect Fulham fans to be anything other than disappointed in him.
"But Jimmy had the last laugh because he scored the penalty that got his team the victory so I don't think he'll be losing any sleep over it.''
WhiteJC, thank you for taking over for White Noise while he is gone. This made me so happy before I go to bed to see this thread. I appreciate it and have to have my daily Fulham fix on what is going on. :dft009:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1261356/Roy-Hodgson-insists-Fulham-fans-right-boo-Bullard-Jimmy-moved-Hull-money-says-boss.html?ITO=1490 (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1261356/Roy-Hodgson-insists-Fulham-fans-right-boo-Bullard-Jimmy-moved-Hull-money-says-boss.html?ITO=1490)
Roy Hodgson insists Fulham fans were right to boo Bullard: Jimmy moved to Hull for the money, says Cottagers boss
Roy Hodgson defended Fulham fans' right to boo Jimmy Bullard as the Hull midfielder faced his former club in the Tigers' 2-0 victory at the KC Stadium on Saturday.
Bullard opted to leave Craven Cottage in January 2009 for a longer-term contract at Hull, who paid £5million for his services.
The 31-year-old's time on Humberside has been marred by two serious knee injuries but he recovered in time for the Barclays Premier League run-in as Hull look to preserve their top-flight status.
And Bullard silenced the jeers of the visiting fans with an early penalty before Craig Fagan sealed victory three minutes into the second half.
Hodgson said: 'You've got to remember the Fulham fans loved Jimmy Bullard and they weren't very happy when he refused to sign a new contract with Fulham and went to Hull for an awful lot more money so I don't think I can really criticise them.
'Jimmy knew what he was doing. I don't think he came up here to better his football, he came up here because there was a lot more money on offer, and that's what our fans choose to remind him of from time to time. I don't expect Fulham fans to be anything other than disappointed in him.
'But Jimmy had the last laugh because he scored the penalty that got his team the victory so I don't think he'll be losing any sleep over it.'
For Hull boss Iain Dowie it was three points in his first home match and ended a run of five successive defeats.
The victory moved the Tigers level on 27 points with 17th-placed West Ham, having played a game fewer, and Dowie hopes the whole club's belief has been bolstered by the win.
'One swallow doesn't make a summer but it certainly gives us a fighting chance with West Ham getting beaten,' he said.
'We've just got to take care of our business. The most important thing was the result but the manner of the performance gives me added confidence.'
Dowie also paid tribute to the Hull fans, saying: 'Every time I've been here, it's a special atmosphere. The people of East Yorkshire are passionate about their football, they're passionate about their sport, they want people to show desire and hunger.
'And when we pressed them in the first half, the noise in the stadium was magnificent. They got a display they deserve.'
Hodgson is no stranger to relegation battles having kept Fulham up on the final day of the season in 2008. They have since gone from strength to strength, finishing seventh last term, and on Thursday they will take on Wolfsburg in the Europa League quarter-finals.
It is also familiar territory for Hull after their narrow escape last season, and Hodgson would not be surprised to see the Tigers in the Premier League again next season.
'They have a very aggressive style of play, they have some very strong players in the team, the two centre-backs, the forwards are very strong at holding the ball up, so I think the way they play will cause many teams problems,' he added.
'If they continue to show the same fighting spirit, determination, the will to win and the will to hold on to leads, then I think they'll get points and there's no reason why they can't stay up just in the same way as we did.'
http://www.eatsleepsport.com/fulham/hodgson-stands-by-selection-1044074.html (http://www.eatsleepsport.com/fulham/hodgson-stands-by-selection-1044074.html)
Hodgson stands by selection
Fulham boss Roy Hodgson is refusing to accept any criticism after naming a weakened side during yesterday's shock defeat to Hull City.
The Cottagers boss made six changes from the FA Cup game against Tottenham in midweek, with the likes of Bobby Zamora, Damien Duff and Danny Murphy all rested.
Hodgson decided to rest the trio ahead of Thursday's Europa League quarter-final against Wolfsburg and he is convinced it was the right thing to do.
The Tigers' relegation rivals are unlikely to see it that way but the Fulham boss isn't too concerned about their thoughts.
He said: "What most managers should be saying is how well we've done to keep playing the same players week after week. I don't think it's fair for anybody to suggest we can (cope with the number of fixtures) with 11 players.
"The players who've come into the team, I think I'm entitled to say those players are more than capable of playing at this level - (Chris) Smalling's a £10million Manchester United player, (Kagisho) Dikgacoi plays for South Africa and Clint Dempsey is the star of the USA team. So I didn't think we've done anything other than what anyone could expect us to do.
"I don't think the situation was any more complicated than we paid a high price for conceding such a bad first goal then, in the second half, when we looked like maybe we could take the game to Hull, we conceded another very poor second goal, which gave Hull something to hold onto, and they did that exceptionally well."
Quote from: Tom on March 29, 2010, 08:00:50 AM
WhiteJC, thank you for taking over for White Noise while he is gone. This made me so happy before I go to bed to see this thread. I appreciate it and have to have my daily Fulham fix on what is going on. :dft009:
no problem, its good to know that people like this 'feature'
http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/hodgson-hits-back-over-selection-1044074.html (http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/hodgson-hits-back-over-selection-1044074.html)
Hodgson hits back over selection
Fulham, 15:55, March 28, 2010
Fulham boss Roy Hodgson is refusing to accept any criticism after naming a weakened side during yesterday's shock defeat to Hull City.
The Cottagers boss made six changes from the FA Cup game against Tottenham in midweek, with the likes of Bobby Zamora, Damien Duff and Danny Murphy all rested.
Hodgson decided to rest the trio ahead of Thursday's Europa League quarter-final against Wolfsburg and he is convinced it was the right thing to do.
The Tigers' relegation rivals are unlikely to see it that way but the Fulham boss isn't too concerned about their thoughts.
He said: "What most managers should be saying is how well we've done to keep playing the same players week after week. I don't think it's fair for anybody to suggest we can (cope with the number of fixtures) with 11 players.
"The players who've come into the team, I think I'm entitled to say those players are more than capable of playing at this level - (Chris) Smalling's a £10million Manchester United player, (Kagisho) Dikgacoi plays for South Africa and Clint Dempsey is the star of the USA team. So I didn't think we've done anything other than what anyone could expect us to do.
"I don't think the situation was any more complicated than we paid a high price for conceding such a bad first goal then, in the second half, when we looked like maybe we could take the game to Hull, we conceded another very poor second goal, which gave Hull something to hold onto, and they did that exceptionally well."
Quote from: WhiteJC on March 29, 2010, 08:08:28 AM
Quote from: Tom on March 29, 2010, 08:00:50 AM
WhiteJC, thank you for taking over for White Noise while he is gone. This made me so happy before I go to bed to see this thread. I appreciate it and have to have my daily Fulham fix on what is going on. :dft009:
no problem, its good to know that people like this 'feature'
I love it and wouldn't know what to do without it. Keep up the great work.
http://www.tribune.ie/sport/soccer/article/2010/mar/28/dowie-looks-to-salvation-as-fulham-look-to-europe/ (http://www.tribune.ie/sport/soccer/article/2010/mar/28/dowie-looks-to-salvation-as-fulham-look-to-europe/)
Dowie looks to salvation as Fulham look to Europe
FA Premier League: Hull City 2, Fulham 0. Eleanor Crooks, KC Stadium
Iain Dowie tasted victory in his first home game as Hull boss as the Tigers gave their survival hopes a major boost with three points against Fulham at the KC Stadium. Starting second from bottom and on a run of five consecutive defeats, Hull knew time was running out for them to turn things around.
But Jimmy Bullard calmed the home fans' nerves with a 16th-minute penalty and Craig Fagan doubled their advantage with a looping header just after the break as Hull moved level on points with 17th-placed West Ham.
Roy Hodgson's selection indicated Fulham have bigger fish to fry, with Wolfsburg due at Craven Cottage on Thursday for the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final.
Only 13 years ago these sides were meeting in the bottom tier of the Football League. Both have enjoyed meteoric rises since then but Hull knew victory today was vitally important in their bid to avoid a return to the League.
The home crowd were becoming frustrated as Hull struggled to find any rhythm but in the 16th minute they were handed a golden chance to take the lead.
Bullard found Altidore in the area and the American striker turned away from Smalling, who wrestled him to the ground six yards from goal and the midfielder stepped
Within three minutes of the start of the second half, Hull had doubled their lead. Marney swung over a deep cross from the left and Fagan looped home.
http://www.tribalfootball.com/perth%E2%80%99s-sterjovski-and-burns-train-fulham-731581 (http://www.tribalfootball.com/perth%E2%80%99s-sterjovski-and-burns-train-fulham-731581)
Perth's Sterjovski and Burns to train with Fulham
Perth Glory players Mile Sterjovski and Jacob Burns will train with English Premier League club Fulham as they strive to gain selection for the Australian World Cup squad.
The duo will undertake a five-week training schedule with the Cottagers, linking up with Socceroos veteran goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer.
Burns said it was important to continue training at a top level during the A-League off-season and also expressed his gratitude to Fulham boss Roy Hodgson.
"We had Pim's (Verbeek) blessing to go to a top European club and keep training and that was a good thing to do," Burns said.
"There may be a certain few that are walk-in starters but for the majority of the group it's going to be a battle till the end. I feel as though we've (he and Sterjovski) had a decent season behind us and (Verbeek) knows that it's a dream and we'll be doing everything we can to be there. With injuries, with form, with managers not playing players everyone's in with a chance.
"We're forever in his (Hodgson's) debt for having us there. Training at a level of football such as Fulham could be as good, if not better, than some of the other leagues in the world playing games.
"You can look at it this way - there's a whole lot of (Australian) players in Europe that aren't playing. I think it's impossible to think that Verbeek's going to have 23 players playing week-in, week-out leading into the World Cup."
http://timetosoundoff.wordpress.com/2010/03/28/the-post-juventus-comedown/ (http://timetosoundoff.wordpress.com/2010/03/28/the-post-juventus-comedown/)
The Post-Juventus Comedown
March 28, 2010 There can be no doubt that Fulham's amazing comeback against Juventus will go down as one of the best games in the history of Fulham FC. It was a truly magical night that I was proud to witness first hand. When the season draws to a close, people will look back and consider the Juventus game a truly great night in a pretty special season. Right now, however, it looks a little different.
Three games after Fulham inserted themselves into European folklore, things are not looking so rosy. A defeat to Man City may have been expected, but this was followed with two results which are more difficult to simply laugh off. Being knocked out of the FA cup by Tottenham is not something to be ashamed of, yet it still stung, especially since Fulham had effectively played them off the park at their own stadium in the first half. The loss to Hull on saturday stung also, but in a different way. This time Fulham had lost to a team struggling to perform with one of Football's worst managers in charge. To add more misery, one of the goals was scored by former Fulham fan favourite and all round 'cheeky chappy' Jimmy Bullard.
But to look at the results in the above way neglects the subtleties of the recent run of poor results. Fulham could have drawn against City if Okaka had scored when through one on one. Fulham were undone against Tottenham by a decent delivery and a slice of luck. And against Hull, many key first teamers were rested for the upcoming clash with Wolfsburg on thursday night. The myopia of some fans is truly amazing. Before I get harassed as someone who won't criticise Hodgson I would just like to point out a few things. Before the Man City game, fans were screaming for a full 2nd team to be played in order for the heroes from the Juventus game to be rested for the midweek FA Cup clash with Spurs. When this didn't happen and Fulham subsequently lost both games, the message boards were full of 'I would have liked to see Riise, he has always looked fantastic when brought on' or 'why is Roy so hesitant with his subs' or 'why is Kelly still playing'. A week after the Man City loss and some fans have produced a Fox News-like turnaround in opinion. When I logged on to one fan message board I was greeted with 'Dikgacoi, Riise, (insert player name here) not good enough' etc etc etc. For me, the Hull game was almost a Hodgson riposte to the naysayers. I know that he would never select a team to prove people wrong and that the changes were with the Wolfsburg game in mind, but to me they seemed to make a statement. Don't like Kelly? Lets see how you like Shorey on the right. Riise the best thing since sliced bread? Lets see how you like him in the premier league.
It is a fans job to be highly critical ( and I am as unreasonable as most at games) but I think we need to take a deep breath and look forward. This week we have a European Quarter Final against the reigning Bundesliga champions. If all does not go to plan and we are knocked out we still have some winnable games to look forward too and the fact that our premier league status is all but assured. Add to this that we might sneak into the Europa next season under the fair play banner and it is all looking a bit better. This summer should be very interesting. I do not think that massive investment is needed. Fulham are in a funny position for a club of its size. There is a good squad that is full of players who have been here a few seasons and there is the feeling of stability that has perhaps not been here since Fulham's entry into the top flight. If we can add a few smart signings then the squad will improve as former first teamers who are perhaps getting on a bit move into the squad (such as Danny Murphy) and younger players arrive to take their place and strengthen the first team. Success (read: the victory over juventus)does a funny things to people. I have been as disappointed about the last week as the next man, but we need to ask ourselves why we follow Fulham keep our feet on the ground and try to enjoy what has been one of the most enjoyable and successful periods in the clubs history.
http://hammyend.com/?p=6602 (http://hammyend.com/?p=6602)
Making sense of it all
by Dan on March 29, 2010
Alex has a great post up at Sound Off, noting just how different the last seven days was when compared to the Juve hysteria.
Like he says, things might have been so different:
But to look at the results in the above way neglects the subtleties of the recent run of poor results. Fulham could have drawn against City if Okaka had scored when through one on one. Fulham were undone against Tottenham by a decent delivery and a slice of luck. And against Hull, many key first teamers were rested for the upcoming clash with Wolfsburg on thursday night. The myopia of some fans is truly amazing.
He hints at summer signings freshening up the squad, but that – to a certain extent – will depend on how well we do in the run-in and how successfully Roy has managed to persuade MAF of the need for imminent investment.
http://hammyend.com/?p=6597 (http://hammyend.com/?p=6597)
Welcoming Wolfsburg
by Dan on March 29, 2010
It was clear from Saturday's team selection that the Fulham fans aren't the only ones who are looking forward to the visit of the German champions on Thursday. Roy Hodgson's decision to make six changes to the team that bowed out of the FA Cup at Spurs suggested two things: 1) his priority was Fulham's forthcoming Europa League quarter-final and 2) that he'd almost certainly already decided on the eleven that would start at Craven Cottage.
It would be wrong to call Wolfsburg an unknown quantity, since they won the title last year, but they were certainly unexpected Bundelisga champions. Their history is somewhat similar to ours, even if they were a slightly pre-World War Two successor to the Volkswagen works team in Lower Saxony. Predominantly a second-tier side, the Wolves reached a German Cup in 1995 but were still expected to be something of a one-season wonder when they won promotion to the top flight in 1997.
Instead, they quickly established themselves as mid-table regulars. Appropriately managed by Wolfgang Wolf, Wolfsburg came remarkably close to qualifying for the Champions' League in 1999. A 6-1 thumping on the final day at Duisburg put an end to that dream, though they did do enough to finish sixth and qualify for the UEFA Cup. Like Fulham, they have history in the now-defunct Intertoto Cup (participating on five occassions). Just like the Whites, Wolfsburg progressed to face Italian opposition in the final, but lost to Perugia in 2003.
Goalscoring machine: Edin Dzeko
The appointment of former Bayern Munich manager Felix Magath helped Wolfsburg surge of a couple of seasons scrapping against relegation to the higher etchelons of the table. In Magath's first season, the Wolves recorded a club record finish of fifth, which saw them qualify for the UEFA Cup again. Magath managed to top the achievement by landing the title the following season. Ten successive post-winter break victories put Wolfsburg on course for the championship and their successive owed much to their two twenty goal-plus strikers, Grafite (28 goals) and Edin Džeko (26).
The Germans almost qualified from their Champions' League group, but they ran into one Michael Owen's rare predatory moods this season, and had to settle for continuing their European adventure in the Europa League. Managerial changes had an effect too. Magath had been poached by Schalke and his replacement Armin Veh was sacked in January, after a two month winless run, that saw Wolfsburg slump to tenth in the table. Interim manager Lorenz-Günther Köstne r has steadied the ship a little, but Wolfsburg sit in ninth well off pace, despite Saturday's 2-0 win at Mainz.
Brilliant Brazilian: Grafite
There are plenty of threats that Fulham will have to neutralise. The first two seem obvious. Both Džeko, whose late brace secured the weekened win at Mainz, and Grafite are in good form again: the Bosnian is German football's second highest scorer with 24 goals, including five in Europe, while Grafite has managed 16. Ex-Newcastle forward Obafemi Martins should also be watched carefully, while there's plenty of talent in midfield. Zvjezdan Misimovi? shouldn't be allowed too much time on the ball, whilst German international Christian Genter scored twice in the Europa League.
The Wolves are certainly entertaining. They've scored 52 Bundesliga goals (the fourth highest) but let in 51 (only Bochum and Hannover have conceded more) despite boasting the likes of Jan Šimunek, Alexander Madlung, Andrea Barzagli and Sergei Karimov in defence. That weakness might have Bobby Zamora licking his lips. It should be a cracking contest.
http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/March/royhullreaction.aspx (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/March/royhullreaction.aspx)
Hull Reaction
Saturday 27th March 2010
Following Fulham's 2-0 defeat to Hull City at the KC Stadium on Saturday, Roy Hodgson gave his reaction to the day's events during his post-match press conference.
"I thought both goals were poor defensively," said Hodgson. "I was very disappointed with the way we conceded the two goals today. We found ourselves a goal down and that was the perfect start for Hull. We paid a high price for conceding such a bad first goal.
"They were very determined to work hard, chase and fight today and they did extremely well. We would have needed something special in the second half to get back on level terms and we made that much more difficult for ourselves when they scored the second.
"We're better defensively than that and with the two chances that were cleared off the line the luck didn't go our way today, it went Hull's way, which is often the case when a team is scrapping at the bottom, fighting for their lives, and playing with such grit and determination. That little bit of luck goes to that team."
Hodgson made six changes to his starting eleven for Saturday's game following Fulham's FA Cup clash earlier in the week and highlighted the demands placed on his squad this season due to the Club's success on the domestic and European fronts.
"If you win the game making changes then you congratulate yourself on the squad system," Hodgson explained. "If the team that gets a chance doesn't win the game then of course people say, 'had the other players played they'd of won'.
"I'm not certain with the two goals we conceded today we'd of been capable of scoring three goals here whatever team we'd of played. The pitch is not easy and I don't think there were that many serious goal chances in the game to be perfectly honest.
"We played seven matches in 27 days in February. We played eight in 24 days in March and we've got another seven or eight in 25 or 26 days in April. I don't think it's fair for anyone to suggest that we can do that with 11 players."
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/March/royhullreaction.aspx#ixzz0jY3mtttP (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/March/royhullreaction.aspx#ixzz0jY3mtttP)
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_6060817,00.html (http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_6060817,00.html)
Hodgson backing Smalling
Fulham manager insists defender will cope at Old Trafford
Roy Hodgson has joked that he is doing Manchester United a favour by letting Chris Smalling get his mistakes out of the way for Fulham.
Smalling will move to Old Trafford at the end of the season after a deal was agreed between the clubs back in January.
The 20-year-old defender earned plaudits for his performances during the first half of the campaign and is regarded as an exciting prospect for the future.
However, the announcement that he will soon join United has resulted in increased scrutiny and every error is now being highlighted.
Smalling endured a torrid afternoon on Saturday as Fulham went down 2-0 to Hull City but Hodgson is still backing him to be a success for United.
And Hodgson believes Sir Alex Ferguson should be thankful that Smalling is being allowed to continue his development at Fulham.
"Had he not been signed by United then the criticism would be quite different. But now all eyes are on him," Hodgson said in The Sun.
"He'll cope with the pressure of playing at Old Trafford. I'm doing Alex a favour, letting him get his mistakes out of the way at Fulham."
More crap from The Sun.
And Geovanni's team-mate, midfielder Jimmy Bullard, will be top of Newcastle's shopping list if the Magpies secure promotion to the Premier League. Bullard, 30, has only started eight games since a £5m move 14 months ago but scored in Saturday's win against his former club Fulham.
Full story: The Sun
http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Birmingham-star-Liam-Ridgewell-ready-to-slap-in-transfer-request-as-new-contract-talks-drag-on-Exclusive-article371957.html (http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Birmingham-star-Liam-Ridgewell-ready-to-slap-in-transfer-request-as-new-contract-talks-drag-on-Exclusive-article371957.html)
Liam Ridgewell is ready to slap in a transfer request unless Birmingham hurry up and finalise a bumper new contract.
Versatile defender Ridgewell, 25, has been one of promoted City's most consistent performers this term in the Premier League.
The star's contract expires in the summer and Brum have a 12-month option in the club's favour to extend his £12,000-a-week terms.
But Ridgewell, signed from Aston Villa in August 2007 for £2million, is after a pay-rise and a new four-year deal to put him on around £20,000-a-week.
Click here to find out more!
Talks with City have been dragging on since last November following Carson Yeung's takeover.
Ridgewell's frustration has alerted West Ham and several other top-flight sides as the centre-back has performed well at left-back this season.
But City appear in no rush to agree terms with Ridgewell as they are planning to buy a new left-back with Fulham's Paul Konchesky a target.
Interesting, I could see Konch moving on to Birmingham. Although with the money that birmingham have it would suprise me if they went for Konch.
http://www.tribalfootball.com/fulham-linked-vitoria-guimaraes-midfielder-yves-desmarets-733551 (http://www.tribalfootball.com/fulham-linked-vitoria-guimaraes-midfielder-yves-desmarets-733551)
Fulham linked with Vitoria Guimaraes midfielder Yves Desmarets
Fulham are being linked with Vitoria Guimaraes midfielder Yves Desmarets.
Desmarets is off contract in June 30.
Carlos Goncalves, Desmarets' agent, held talks in London with a Premier League side this week and the fact he has a close relationship with Cottagers owner Mohamed Al-Fayed has sparked rumours that Roy Hodgson's side are the club in question, says the News of the World.
Desmarets has insisted he is open to all options regarding his future and he is likely to wait until May before finalising his plans.
http://blogs.soccernet.com/fulham/archives/2010/03/tough_week_for_fulham_as_wolfs.php (http://blogs.soccernet.com/fulham/archives/2010/03/tough_week_for_fulham_as_wolfs.php)
Tough Week For Fulham As Wolfsburg Looms
After Fulham's historic come from behind win over Juventus 11 days ago that put the Cottagers into the final eight of the Europa League, things have not gone well for the Cottagers. Roy Hodgson's crew sandwiched Premier League losses to Manchester City and Hull City around a disappointing FA Cup quarterfinal loss to Tottenham at White Hart Lane during the midweek. Despite the recent setbacks, all eyes are on Thursday when Fulham takes on Wolfsburg in the Europa League quarterfinals at Craven Cottage.
Admittedly the Premier League losses are not a big deal to me. A European finish was not going to be in the cards as it stood and on the opposite end of things, relegation is not going to happen either. Outside of the money a team earns for its' finishing position in the Premier League table, the Cottagers have very little to play for in the league. That's not to say the matches have no importance, but I would say at this point the priority of the team rests in the Europa League.
The main reason priorities have changed in the past week is not just the league table, but because Fulham was knocked out of the FA Cup. Like many others, I was really hoping and thinking this was going to be the year that the Cottagers got back to an FA Cup final for the first time since their last and only final appearance at Wembley in 1975.
Unfortunately, after an early 1-0 Fulham lead, the wheels fell off at White Hart Lane and Tottenham took the Cottagers to the cleaners and ended any hope of a 1975 repeat for Fulham fans. A win over Spurs would have set up a very winnable semifinal date with lowly Portsmouth at Wembley. As it stands, Spurs will take on Pompey and the Cottagers will be left to focus on the Europa League.
With three matches over the previous seven days, it was nice to see Roy Hodgson rest some of his regulars in this past Saturday's match with Hull City. This came at a cost as Hull City defeated the Cottagers 2-0. However, as mentioned earlier, there is little to play for in the Premier League at this point in the season and a priority on resting players in preparation for the defending German champions Wolfsburg to me is wise move by Hodgson and it will give his side its' best chance at winning at Craven Cottage on Thursday.
Wolfsburg is having a disappointing season in the German Bundesliga. After winning the title last season the club has slumped to 9th place in the league. This past weekend they were 2-0 winners over Mainz but the previous weekend Wolfsburg was buried 5-1 against Hertha Berlin. Perhaps Wolfsburg was resting regulars after their Europa League tie the week before the Hertha match, but regardless, a 5-1 defeat at home is not good for any club no matter what players are on the pitch.
Expect a well rested Fulham team on Thursday and with the first leg being played at home, it is important that the Cottagers get the upper hand in this tie before heading to Germany a week later to try and finish off Wolfsburg. Almost as important as winning on Thursday will be not allowing the German champions to score and get the all important away goal. If the Cottagers can keep the Germans off the scoresheet on Thursday it will be a job well done by Roy Hodgson's side.
Needless to say, Thursday is going to be a great day for Fulham Football Club. The team's run in the Europa League has been nothing short of sensational and exciting and I expect more of the same later this week. A semifinal birth is at stake and with Roy Hodgson in charge of our side I am sure the team will be prepared and ready to play. I do like our chances in this tie. After the miracle comeback against Juve in the last round, anything is possible.
Do you think Fulham will win on Thursday against Wolfsburg? Are you disappointed in the team's play over the last week? Did you agree with Roy's decision to rest some of the regulars against Hull City on Saturday? I would like to read what you have to say.
Thursday will be fun against Wolfsburg. I can't wait.
http://www.premiershiptalk.com/2010/03/29/a-trip-to-craven-cottage/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+PremiershipTalk+%28Premiership+Talk%29 (http://www.premiershiptalk.com/2010/03/29/a-trip-to-craven-cottage/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+PremiershipTalk+%28Premiership+Talk%29)
A trip to Craven Cottage
Fulham have suddenly dropped in the form table with a disappointing FA Cup elimination at the hands of Tottenham last week, which followed the previous weekend's 2-1 home defeat against Manchester City. A 2-0 defeat away to Hull this past weekend only made matters worse. However, as Juventus learned after a shocking defeat in the 2nd leg of their Europa League clash against Roy Hodgson's men a little more than a week ago, Craven Cottage is host to truly one of the greatest atmospheres in English football. Some may argue that on a night as magnificent as that, the atmosphere at any stadium would be terrific.
Therefore, this article is dedicated to documenting my personal experience visiting the Cottage towards the end of 2007. My visit came when Fulham hosted Blackburn Rovers in a routine mid-season Premier League game that carried no immediate repercussions. Why did I particularly choose the visit of the Rovers? Well, aside from the fact that Blackburn's visit was conveniently scheduled, I was excited to see the likes of Brett Emerton and Morten Gamst Pedersen in action.
As soon as I arrived outside the stadium, which is located ideally on the banks of the Thames, I saw hundreds of fans marching towards the entrance with great excitement. Most of them were extremely friendly as they spoke to me about their optimism in regards to winning the game. Fulham was struggling at that point while Blackburn was an established midtable team, but the persistent group of Fulham supporters looked far from intimidated. In fact, upon finding out that I am an Arsenal supporter, they even joked about their willingness to take on the Gunners instead of Blackburn that afternoon.
Once inside the Cottage, it was a pleasure to see how beautifully the club has preserved its history by retaining the classic architecture. One can clearly feel being at the ground of an English football team with a notable past. Throughout the announcement of the line-ups, fans cheered the name of each Lilywhite with great zeal, and the energy within the stadium only increased as the game went on. Supporters shared entertaining jokes but the banter was only one of the many reasons that led to the high energy level.
Other reasons included the unconditional support that the home faithful provided every time Fulham touched the ball, and most importantly, whenever Fulham trailed – which happened twice during the 2-2 draw – the crowd got even more involved in the game rather than projecting even a mere indication of surrender. As expected, the crowd erupted with cheers when the Cottagers scored a late second goal to level matters. In fact, Blackburn survived a few nervy moments towards the end of the encounter as the home fans continued to sing loud and proud for a good few minutes after the final whistle.
Without a doubt, this trip to Craven Cottage remains etched in my memory as one of the most entertaining experiences I've had watching a football game. As a neutral, I got to see all the action I could ask for and paid only a fraction of the price that is needed to attend matches hosted by the top teams in England. I reiterate what locals tell most tourists seeking to experience a Barclays Premier League game: don't think twice about visiting Craven Cottage .
http://www.tribalfootball.com/hull-playmaker-bullard-tops-newcastle-shopping-list-733741 (http://www.tribalfootball.com/hull-playmaker-bullard-tops-newcastle-shopping-list-733741)
Hull playmaker Bullard tops Newcastle shopping list
Hull City midfield schemer Jimmy Bullard will be Newcastle United's No1 summer target should they win promotion back to the Premiership.
The Sun says Toon boss Chris Hughton is already looking to life back in the big-time with Hull midfield ace Bullard one of his top targets.
Owner Mike Ashley is set to give Hughton £15million to go shopping.
Bullard cost Hull £5m from Fulham two years ago and earns around £30,000 a week at the KC Stadium. That is small fry for Toon.
Hughton said: "We have a lot of good players here but we are always looking to strengthen. I've got some big decisions to make.
"We've got a scouting system set up to identify players doing well and there are ones we have on the radar once we've achieved promotion."
http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/March/RogerBrownTribute.aspx (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/March/RogerBrownTribute.aspx)
Roger Brown Tribute Evening
Monday 29th March 2010
ROGER BROWN TRIBUTE EVENING
THURSDAY MAY 6TH, 7.30pm
As many of you will already know, our former captain and central defender, Roger Brown, has been experiencing serious health problems.
Some of his former colleagues are planning a reunion to celebrate Roger's career, an event for which a limited number of tickets are available for interested supporters.
On Thursday May 6th, kick off 7.30pm, Malcolm Macdonald's 1981-82 promotion side will be getting back together in the McBride's Lounge for an evening hosted by Tony Gale and Les Strong. All proceeds will go to Roger.
Space is limited and tickets, priced £40 (to include a buffet), are available on a first come, first served basis. To secure your seat, book your ticket at www.fulhamprogrammes.co.uk (http://www.fulhamprogrammes.co.uk)|.
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/March/RogerBrownTribute.aspx#ixzz0jZexKSGI (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/March/RogerBrownTribute.aspx#ixzz0jZexKSGI)
http://www.fulhamfc.com/Tickets/Games/FulhamvWolfsburg.aspx (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Tickets/Games/FulhamvWolfsburg.aspx)
Fulham v Wolfsburg tickets
(http://www.fulhamfc.com/Images/Crests/Reports/Wolfsburg.gif)
UEFA Europa League
Thursday 1 April
Kick-Off 20:05
On-sale dates
Season Ticket Holders on sale (6 tickets per person)
Fulham Club Members on sale (6 tickets per person)
General Sale on sale (6 tickets per person - Putney End only)
How to Buy Tickets
buy tickets online - 7 days a week, 24 hrs a day. Save on booking fees by booking online*
by phone on 0870 442 1234 (option 1) - 7 days a week, 24 hrs a day
in person from the Ticket Office: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm; non-match day Sat 10am-12pm
by fax 0207 384 4810 (download printable form )
by postal application to FFC Ticket Office, Stevenage Road, Fulham, SW6 6HH enclosing a stamped addressed envelope (download printable form )
Seatwave - the official fan-to-fan ticket exchange
Thomas Cook - match breaks for all Fulham FC home games
* Lower booking fees compared to telephone booking
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Tickets/Games/FulhamvWolfsburg.aspx#ixzz0jZfpxlzv (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Tickets/Games/FulhamvWolfsburg.aspx#ixzz0jZfpxlzv)
http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2010/3/29/1395008/roy-hogdson-manages-his-way-for (http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2010/3/29/1395008/roy-hogdson-manages-his-way-for)
Roy Hogdson manages "his" way for Fulham
Before the Fulham match on Saturday I thought a win on the road was very important for Fulham. I watched earlier in the year, Fulham destroy Hull City at Craven Cottage. I was very confident going into the match regardless of Fulham's record on the road.
Before the match, I checked online to see what the starting lineup was going to be for the Cottagers. I thought maybe Bobby Zamora would be sitting on the bench, and that would be the extent of the lineup changes. I was shocked to see how many changes there were to the lineup from the last match. Bobby Zamora, Danny Murphy, and Damien Duff were all out, and not even listed as substitutes. Dickson Etuhu and Aaron Hughes were not starting, but were on the bench. They ended up not playing at all either. The fact that all these players were not starting surprised me before the match.
As a fan I want the best lineup out there every match. I believe if the players are able to play they should. I have never been a believer in "resting players" in a match unless they are hurt. Bobby Zamora was suffering from an illness in the last match. I could understand him not playing, but why all the other changes for the Cottagers?
Roy Hogdson is the manager, and not a fan. If he went by what I wanted, and other fans every week he would be out of a job quickly. Am I at training every day? Do I know if any players need some extra rest? Do I know if any players deserved more playing time from hard work? The answer to all of these questions is a resounding "no".
Hogdson needs to make tough decisions for what he thinks is right for his club. In the article from Skysports.com "Hogdson defends his selection" , he explains some of the reasons for the selections on Saturday. According to this article on Skysports.com Hogdson stated " We played 7 matches in 21 days in February. We played eight in 24 days in March, and we have got another seven or eight in 26 days in April". Hogdson also stated" I do not think it is fair for anybody to suggest that we can do that with 11 players.
Hogdson also talked about why some of the players were playing in this match. According to the Skysports.com article, " Hogdson defends his selection" Hogdson stated " I think the players who have come into the team, Dempsey for Zamora, Dikgacoi for Murphy and Chris Smalling for Hughes, I think I am entitled to say that those players are more than capable of playing at this level". I would definitely recommend reading this article in its entirety if you have a chance.
Based on what I have read the decision of player selection for the match were a couple of reasons. First, it sounds like Roy wanted to rest some players because Fulham have been playing a huge amount of matches in a short period of time. It also sounds like to me he wanted to give some players a chance to play that he feels can do the job. Who am I to judge? I am just a fan who loves the team. I want them to win every match and that is not possible.
I do understand why Roy Hogdson made the lineup changes on Saturday. As a fan of the club I just don't happen to like the decisions made. What I do know is that Hogdson is making decisions that he thinks are in the best interest of the club. He has the knowledge and the information that fans like me do not have.
Roy Hogdson is one of the reasons I love Fulham. I think he has done an extraordinary job with the team. For me there is no other manager I would want for the Cottagers. He is the right manager with the right club. It is a perfect fit. I might not like everything he does, but I know how lucky Fulham are to have him. I might not like these decisions on Saturday, but I do know they were made in the best interest of the team. In concluding there is one great thing I can say about the Fulham manager. Roy Hogdson manages "his" way for Fulham.
