http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_6076862,00.html (http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_6076862,00.html)
Hughes - Boss right to rotate
Defender backs Hodgson's decision to keep players fresh
Aaron Hughes has defended Fulham manager Roy Hodgson's decision to rest his players, insisting he is 'entitled to do what he wants'.
West Ham United have made a formal complaint to the Premier League after Hodgson left out several of his regulars for the recent 2-0 defeat at Hull City.
Hodgson rested some of his players to ensure his Fulham team would be at full strength for last Thursday's Europa League tie against Wolfsburg, which the Cottagers won 2-1.
Fulham then made only one change for Sunday's Premier League success over Wigan Athletic and Hughes has offered his support to his manager regarding his team selection.
Luxury
"He's entitled to do what he wants - at the end of the day he's the manager," said Hughes.
"If he wants to rest a few players and change a few things then that is his call, it is something that you see all the time, but people tend to make a big deal out of it when a team loses.
"The manager did what he needed to do and we certainly support that. We have not always had the luxury of resting players either.
"This is just what happens when you're involved in Europe and the latter stage of a cup competition. Those clubs that are used to such occurrences will all mix things up, bring players in and rest those that need it, why shouldn't we be able to do the same?"
Fulham will now go to Wolfsburg on Thursday hoping to go on and reach the semi-finals of the Europa League, but Hughes says a top-10 finish in the league remains a priority.
The defender added: "I think everyone would agree that we have come a long way, but at the same time we are under no illusions of what we need to achieve.
"It would definitely be nice to finish in the top half, but it will be tough because there are three or four teams with similar ambitions.
"It would be a great achievement though, especially when you consider the amount of games we have had to play."
http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=194285 (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=194285)
Fulham - Zamora Latest Injury News!
If Fulham are to progress to the semi-finals of the Europa League there`s no doubt they stand a better chance if Bobby Zamora plays.
Wolfsburg, despite their current Bundesliga position, threaten to be our hardest European opposition so far and warmed up for the tie with an emphatic win this weekend.
Zamora, as you are all aware, missed the fixture against Wigan on Sunday with an Achilles injury.
Speaking about the injury, (Sir) Roy Hodgson had this to say,
"Bobby is suffering slightly from an Achilles injury as do many players."
"If you get a kick on it, it exacerbates the slight problem he has. He got a kick the other day which has bruised the Achilles."
"We were hoping he`d recover in time but he didn`t."
"But the medical staff are optimistic he will recover by Thursday."
Let`s hope that the rest works wonders for Bobby!
http://www.tribalfootball.com/fulham-keeper-schwarzer-slams-west-ham-complaint-748821 (http://www.tribalfootball.com/fulham-keeper-schwarzer-slams-west-ham-complaint-748821)
Fulham keeper Schwarzer slams West Ham complaint
Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer has dismissed West Ham United's complaint over their team selection for defeat at Hull City.
The Aussie insists West Ham have only themselves to blame for their predicament.
Schwarzer said: "I don't think the team against Hull was weakened, especially if you look at who played.
"You're talking about Clint Dempsey, one of the best players in the American game. He has been one of our best players this season.
"You're talking about Bjorn Riise, a Norwegian international. Nicky Shorey played and he has also been a fantastic acquisition to the side. "I think West Ham are clutching at straws. The league table doesn't lie and you have to live and die by your own performances."
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_6076876,00.html (http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_6076876,00.html)
Hodgson critical of boo boys
Fulham boss feels players deserve more respect
Fulham boss Roy Hodgson has criticised some sections of supporters who booed his side off at the end of the first half of their game against Wigan on Sunday.
The Cottagers responded well in the second half, instantly replying 90 seconds after the restart through Stefano Okaka and eventually going on to win the game 2-1.
Hodgson's side have exceeded all expectations in Europe this season and are within touching distance of a Europa League semi-final should they avoid defeat against Wolfsburg in their quarter-final second leg on Wednesday.
However, the Fulham boss was unhappy with the response of the Craven Cottage faithful - although many boos were aimed at referee Mark Clattenburg - after their European exploits appeared to take their toll on some players.
"The crowd has been fantastic but you do hope sometimes that people show some degree of understanding for the level of difficulty people are being faced with," he said.
"I am afraid that, sooner or later, there is going to be a performance like the first half against Wigan which goes on for 90 minutes and we lose two or three-nil at home because these things are written in the stars."
Understanding
Fulham have played over 50 games so far this season, with Hodgson rotating his squad to prevent a number of players becoming burnt out; something he felt supporters needed to appreciate.
"We have got six more games in the league and I know they won't be at the level of the previous 54 or 55," he added.
"All I am saying is that it would be nice if people showed some sympathy and understanding for that.
"They don't deserve people shouting 'Wake up'. It is not a question of waking up, it is a question of getting tired legs going again in a tough Premier League game."
http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2010/4/5/1405783/analysis-of-my-5-keys-to-victory (http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2010/4/5/1405783/analysis-of-my-5-keys-to-victory)
Analysis of "My 5 Keys to Victory for Fulham against Wigan"
by Fulhampatsfan on Apr 5, 2010 2:45 PM BST 3 comments
Fulham beat Wigan yesterday at Craven Cottage 2 -1. This was an important victory for the team. Fulham have not performed great lately in the league. I really believed they needed the 3 points and the victory. As a review I like to go back and look at my keys to the match. Were any of my "keys" important in this match? Below is an "analysis of my 5 keys to victory for Fulham against Wigan."
1. Fuham need to be up by at least a goal or maybe more by the half. Well, we will see if this key affects them in the match on Thursday. My feelings going into the match was to be ahead at the half might give Hogdson the ability to rest players in the second half. This key was more about the big picture and this Thursday against Wolfsburg. I also thought if they were up at the half it would really hurt the confidence of Wigan. Since they were down at the half I would imagine that Wigan was feeling pretty good coming out for the second half. For Fulham's sake being down might have gotten the players to dig a little deeper, and really push harder in the second half.
2. I am looking for Stefano Okaka to start and make an impact on the match. Okaka did not start, but there is no question he made an impact. He scored a goal and I thought he was pretty physical up front. Maybe Roy will give him a chance to start in the next couple of weeks. I would like to see more of Okaka rather than less.
3. What kind of lineup changes will there be tomorrow? To my surprise there was only one change to the lineup of significance. Bobby Zamora was the only player who rested in this match. I think the lack of lineup changes was a positive yesterday. I thought the team played well especially in the second half. Players like Hangeland, Hughes and Murphy could have been rested. If Hangeland is not playing, Wigan might have scored a goal on a flick that went over Schwarzer's head. Hangeland was at the net and headed the ball away. I am happy that there were not many changes yesterday.
4. Fulham need to take advantage of the Wigan defense with Gary Caldwell out. I thought Fulham did take advantage of the Wigan defense. Both goals that were scored could be considered soft. Okaka and Hangeland both took advantage of Wigan. I wished there were a few more opportunities though.
5. If Chris Smalling is playing tomorrow on defense he needs to be solid. Chris Smalling did not play. If he did play for Hangeland would he have made that header to keep a shot out of the net? Chris Smalling will probably get more playing time at the end of the year. Let's just hope he does play solid in the future as long as he is a Fulham player.
In concluding this was a match that Fulham needed to win. On most of my keys Fulham did succeed. The club picked it up in the second half and did what they had to for the win. It is now on to Germany. I can't wait for Thursday.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1263706/Fulham-rest-like-West-Ham-complaint-dismissed-Cottagers-defender-Aaron-Hughes.html?ITO=1490 (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1263706/Fulham-rest-like-West-Ham-complaint-dismissed-Cottagers-defender-Aaron-Hughes.html?ITO=1490)
Fulham can rest who they like! West Ham complaint dismissed by Cottagers defender Aaron Hughes
Fulham defender Aaron Hughes insists boss Roy Hodgson is entitled to rest his players whenever he feels it is necessary.
The Premier League are expected to talk to Fulham this week following West Ham's complaint that they fielded a weakened team in their 2-0 defeat to Hull last week.
The league have already confirmed that the Hammers made an official protest at Fulham's decision to make six changes to their side against the Tigers.
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2010/04/05/article-1263706-08E4BFBC000005DC-870_468x311.jpg)
West Ham co-owner David Sullivan believes Fulham broke league rules by resting key players ahead of last week's Europa League quarter-final against Wolfsburg, which Fulham won 2-1.
The Cottagers made just one change to the side that beat the Germans when they defeated Wolfsburg 2-1 at Craven Cottage yesterday. Jason Scotland had put Wigan in front in the 34th minute with his first Barclays Premier League strike for the club. But second-half goals from substitute Stefano Okaka and Brede Hangeland kept Wigan dangerously close to the relegation zone.
Defender Hughes backed his manager's decision to rest players. 'He's entitled to do what he wants - at the end of the day he's the manager,' said Hughes. 'If he wants to rest a few players and change a few things then that is his call, it is something that you see all the time but people tend to make a big deal out it when a team loses.
'The manager did what he needed to do and we certainly support that. We have not always had the luxury of resting players either. This is just what happens when you're involved in Europe and the latter stage of a cup competition. Those clubs that are used to such occurrences will all mix things up, bring players in and rest those that need it, why shouldn't we be able to do the same?'
Hodgson will not be afraid to rest more players with six games to go. 'We will make changes in the forthcoming six games, some of these players do need a rest,' he said.
'It has been a magnificent season as far as I am concerned. What the players have done is lifted the club to another level. We have been given an awful lot of credit and the fans have been magnificent on European nights.'
Fulham will now go to Wolfsburg on Thursday hoping to go on and reach the semi-finals of the Europa League. But while Europe has been a nice distraction for the club, Hughes says a top-10 finish in the league remains a priority.
'I think everyone would agree that we have come a long way but at the same time we are under no illusions of what we need to achieve,' said Hughes. 'It would definitely be nice to finish in the top half but it will be tough because there are three or four teams with similar ambitions.
'It would be a great achievement though, especially when you consider the amount of games we have had to play.'
Captain Danny Murphy believes Fulham can go to Wolfsburg and finish the job to claim a place in the last four.
'I am very confident we can score ourselves in the second leg, so we will go there with the belief that we can and then they will have to score three to win the tie,' he said.
'Their goal right at the end took the gloss off an otherwise fantastic night, but I don't think we should be too harsh on ourselves.'
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1263706/Fulham-rest-like-West-Ham-complaint-dismissed-Cottagers-defender-Aaron-Hughes.html?ITO=1490#ixzz0kImhVjXP (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1263706/Fulham-rest-like-West-Ham-complaint-dismissed-Cottagers-defender-Aaron-Hughes.html?ITO=1490#ixzz0kImhVjXP)
http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2010/4/5/1405855/hogdson-is-optimistic-that-zamora (http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2010/4/5/1405855/hogdson-is-optimistic-that-zamora)
Hogdson is optimistic that Zamora will be available for Fulham on Thursday
(http://cdn2.sbnation.com/entry_photo_images/335773/97916666_large.jpg)
With the second leg of the Europa League Quarterfinals coming up on Thursday, will Bobby Zamora be fit to play? According to the Skysports.com article," Zamora in fitness race", he is suffering from an achilles injury. He did not play yesterday in the Fulham 2 - 1 victory against Wigan. In his place was David Elm.
According to this skysports.com article, "Zamora in fitness race"Roy Hogdson is optimistic that Zamora will recover from this achilles injury to be fit for the quarterfinals second leg of the Europa league on Thursday. The article has this quote from the Fulham manager. Hogdson stated " We were hoping he would recover in time to play against Wigan but didn't. The medical staff are optimistic he will recover in time for Thursday."
This article also mentions that David Elm, who was Zamora's replacement, was taken to the hospital for a precautionary measure. Also, according to this article Elm has been dealing with a Virus. Let's hope the young Swede recovers soon.
I will be monitoring the progress of Zamora and Elm as we get closer to the game on Thursday. I have a feeling that Roy Hogdson would like both of them to be available for Thursday.
http://www.eatsleepsport.com/fulham/hodgson-sweating-over-star-1047610.html (http://www.eatsleepsport.com/fulham/hodgson-sweating-over-star-1047610.html)
Hodgson sweating over star
Roy Hodgson has said he expects Bobby Zamora to be fit to face Wolfsburg in the Europa League despite missing Sunday's game with Wigan.
The Cottagers hitman missed the weekend's 2-1 win over the Latics with the Achilles injury he picked up in training on Saturday and is now a doubt to face the German champions.
Zamora, who scored the opener for Fulham in their 2-1 win over Wolfsburg in the first leg, was replaced by David Elm in the starting line-up on Sunday but was hauled off by Hodgson at half time after an awful performance.
Hodgson is now hopeful Zamora can shake off the Achilles problem before Thursday as the club look to make it into a first ever European semi-final.
"Bobby suffers with his Achilles tendon, as do many players," said Hodgson.
"The problem with those injuries is that if you get a kick on it, like he did the other day, it makes it worse.
"We were hoping he would recover in time to play against Wigan but didn't. The medical staff are optimistic he will recover in time for Thursday."
http://www.eatsleepsport.com/fulham/hodgson-unhappy-with-fans-1047637.html (http://www.eatsleepsport.com/fulham/hodgson-unhappy-with-fans-1047637.html)
Hodgson unhappy with fans
Roy Hodgson has called on Fulham supporters to be more patient after they booed off the Cottagers at half time on Sunday.
The west London outfit trailed 1-0 against Wigan at Craven Cottage on Sunday before coming back to win the game 2-1 with goals from Stefano Okaka and Brede Hangeland.
Hodgson has now moved to remind Fulham fans that they should expect a poor performance at home this season with their European exploits having taken their toll.
"The crowd has been fantastic but you do hope sometimes that people show some degree of understanding for the level of difficulty people are being faced with," said Hodgson. "I am just taking the moment really to remind the fans we do still try to give them everything but there is going to come a time in these last six games when I'm pretty sure we will disappoint them," said the Fulham boss.
"I am afraid that sooner or later there is going to be a performance like the first half against Wigan which goes on for 90 minutes and we lose two or three-nil at home because these things are written in the stars. No team can go on and on and on."
http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/fulham-wait-striker-news-1047610.html (http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/fulham-wait-striker-news-1047610.html)
Fulham wait on striker news
Roy Hodgson has said he expects Bobby Zamora to be fit to face Wolfsburg in the Europa League despite missing Sunday's game with Wigan.
The Cottagers hitman missed the weekend's 2-1 win over the Latics with the Achilles injury he picked up in training on Saturday and is now a doubt to face the German champions.
Zamora, who scored the opener for Fulham in their 2-1 win over Wolfsburg in the first leg, was replaced by David Elm in the starting line-up on Sunday but was hauled off by Hodgson at half time after an awful performance.
Hodgson is now hopeful Zamora can shake off the Achilles problem before Thursday as the club look to make it into a first ever European semi-final.
"Bobby suffers with his Achilles tendon, as do many players," said Hodgson.
"The problem with those injuries is that if you get a kick on it, like he did the other day, it makes it worse.
"We were hoping he would recover in time to play against Wigan but didn't. The medical staff are optimistic he will recover in time for Thursday."
http://www.ealinggazette.co.uk/sport/football-ealing/fulham-fc-ealing/2010/04/05/fulham-can-be-a-premier-league-force-vows-brede-hangeland-64767-26179392/ (http://www.ealinggazette.co.uk/sport/football-ealing/fulham-fc-ealing/2010/04/05/fulham-can-be-a-premier-league-force-vows-brede-hangeland-64767-26179392/)
Fulham can be a Premier League force, vows Brede Hangeland
(http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/ealinggazette/nov2009/8/1/brede-hangeland-image-2-236092437.jpg)
FULHAM'S defensive rock Brede Hangeland believes his club can be a Premier League force for years to come after their superb achievements this season.
The 28-year-old Norwegian headed the winner against Wigan in the 53rd game of a marathon season for Fulham that has included long runs in both the FA Cup and Europa League.
But the Cottagers shrugged off any signs of tiredness from Thursday's epic quarter-final first leg victory over Wolfsburg by coming from behind to beat Wigan.
"It was a big relief to win as we have struggled to get points in the league lately," admitted Hangeland.
"That is probably down to the fact that we have put a lot of effort into the European games and this came on the back of a tough game on Thursday, so it was a great achievement for us to win.
"We would like to think that we have now come away from just battling relegation every year. I hope that is going to be the case for years to come and to get above 40 points with still six games to go is a good feeling.
"I have a long contract here so I would love to stay for as long as that lasts."
http://timesonline.typepad.com/fanzine_fanzone/2010/04/fulham-allrounder-zamora-deserves-his-chance-with-england.html (http://timesonline.typepad.com/fanzine_fanzone/2010/04/fulham-allrounder-zamora-deserves-his-chance-with-england.html)
Fulham: all-rounder Zamora deserves his chance with England
(http://timesonline.typepad.com/.a/6a00d83451586c69e201347f98895c970c-400wi)
There have been some interesting responses to Patrick Barclay's latest piece on Bobby Zamora.
"Come of Patrick, you don't seriously believe Zamora should be in the starting XI? A squad place would flatter him greatly. One good season does not an international striker make."
"Zamora is at best, Premiership standard quality. Just like Kevin Phillips, Darren Bent etc."
"We really are a laughing stock of the world. I would rather have Bobby Davro in the England team!"
Frankly, these are disappointing reactions from people who, we must assume, have not watched Zamora play.
I'm not talking about goal highlights (although those should suffice these days), more his all-round contribution, his total dominance of opposing centre-backs.
I watch Bobby Zamora play at the moment and ask myself: "what else is there? What else can a centre-forward do on a football pitch?"
He leads the line impeccably. He is as strong as anyone, shields the ball brilliantly, has a good sense of when to lay the ball off and when to keep it, and can use both feet in so doing. His performance against Wolfsburg on Thursday typified this: on 60 minutes he scored with a lovely curled shot, rolled beyond the 'keeper with snooker-like precision.
A few moments later he controlled Paul Konchesky's cross, held off what seemed like (and probably was) an entire defence, then put the ball on a plate for Damian Duff, who, to borrow a cliche, doesn't miss from there. Five minutes of mayhem, Zamora at his absolute best.
The Fulham messageboards have groaned under the weight of Zamora discussions over the last couple of seasons, but those discussions are not now about whether he's worth his place in the Fulham side, but just how good he is?
My own view is that, in style at least, he is the closest thing England have to Zlatan Ibrahimovic. He's not nearly that good, of course, but who else is even in the discussion?
Emile Heskey? I'm a fan of Heskey's, and believe that he does a lot to make the teams he plays in better, but Zamora's form is making Heskey look bad (cue "he doesn't need Zamora to make him look bad" comment...).
Zamora can do everything Heskey can do and much more besides; it is, at present, not a fair comparison. Heskey has the edge of experience and knowledge of the Capello system, but Fulham play in a similar way to England: Zamora would adapt, and Rooney, Lampard et al would love playing off him.
What about Carlton Cole? Cole is tempting because he looks like he has everything, pace, strength, an eye for goal even. But has he put all this together? Not really. If he was enjoying a season half as good as Zamora's he would be England's first choice centre-forward.
But he is, at present, not in the same class. With Carlton Cole it is about potential, not yet about performance. With Zamora it is about performance, achievement, excellence.
And this is the nub of it. Again I come back to the question: "what else is there in a centre-forward's game?" Zamora has everything, has performed at this level in Europe and against the league's best teams, and at this point his omission from an England squad would not be reasonable.
Richard Allen
http://www.tribalfootball.com/fulham%E2%80%99s-hughes-defends-hodgson%E2%80%99s-squad-rotation-749451 (http://www.tribalfootball.com/fulham%E2%80%99s-hughes-defends-hodgson%E2%80%99s-squad-rotation-749451)
Fulham's Hughes defends Hodgson's squad rotation
Fulham defender Aaron Hughes insists it is boss Roy Hodgson's prerogative to rest his players whenever he feels it is necessary.
The Premier League are expected to talk to Fulham this week following West Ham's complaint that they fielded a weakened team in their 2-0 defeat to Hull last week.
West Ham co-owner David Sullivan believes Fulham broke league rules by resting key players ahead of last week's Europa League quarter-final against Wolfsburg, which Fulham won 2-1.
The Cottagers made just one change to the side that beat the Germans when they defeated Wigan 2-1 at Craven Cottage on Sunday.
"He's entitled to do what he wants - at the end of the day he's the manager," said Hughes.
"If he wants to rest a few players and change a few things then that is his call, it is something that you see all the time but people tend to make a big deal out it when a team loses.
"The manager did what he needed to do and we certainly support that. We have not always had the luxury of resting player's either.
"This is just what happens when you're involved in Europe and the latter stage of a cup competition. Those clubs that are used to such occurrences will all mix things up, bring players in and rest those that need it, why shouldn't we be able to do the same?"
Hodgson will not be afraid to rest more players with six games to go.
"We will make changes in the forthcoming six games, some of these players do need a rest," he said.
http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/April/TomWilson.aspx (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/April/TomWilson.aspx)
Tom Wilson
Tuesday 6th April 2010
(http://www.fulhamfc.com/Images/MainNews/NewsPages/ExPlayers/TomWilson/TomWilson.jpg)
Another link with the past was broken with the passing of Tom Wilson at the end of last month. A full-back in the 1950s, Tom made an even more significant contribution to the Club in the troubled pre-Mohamed Al Fayed 1990s as a director and property guru.
An influential figure in our affairs at a critical time, he always had Fulham's best interests at heart and some of his most enduring friendships were formed in his time as a young player at the Cottage.
Born in Southampton in 1930, Tom signed for his local club as an amateur in 1947 and, after a schoolboy career that included St Mary's College, Southampton and Southampton Grammar Schools, he followed his manager at the Dell, Bill Dodgin, to Fulham and signed professional in August 1950. In those early days, Tom was in digs with Jimmy Hill and Bobby Robson and remained close to both for the rest of their lives. (He spoke at Sir Bobby's Memorial service last year.)
In October 1952, he made his debut in a 1-1 draw at home to Blackburn and over the next four seasons made 49 appearances. A right-back of the industrial type, Tom (his nickname was 'Whipper') made way for the emerging George Cohen. He then moved on to Brentford in July 1957, playing 158 games for the Bees before ending his career with Folkestone Town in early 1960s.
During his time at Fulham, Tom was unlucky with injuries and illness but he turned the available time to his advantage and qualified as a surveyor. Once his playing days ended, he moved seamlessly into the property world and climbed the corporate ladder to the very top. Hugely knowledgeable and widely respected in the property market and the City up until his retirement in the 1990s, he was the first person his old team-mate Jimmy Hill called upon when he mounted a rescue to save us from property developers Marler Estates who, in the late 1980s, wanted to merge us with QPR and turn the Cottage into a housing estate.
Remaining on the board right up to 1997, Tom negotiated the purchase of the Cottage from the Royal Bank of England, which by then owned the ground. Trusted by all parties, Tom ensured the Club got the best deal possible.
At the time of his death, in his 80th year, he was still a Season Ticket Holder at the Cottage and interested in the progress of the Club. An evening in Tom's company (his favourite watering hole was the old Wig And Pen in the Strand) was time well spent. An amusing storyteller, his tales of the Cottage and his colleagues in the innocent times of the 1950s were sharp, insightful and often very funny. Tom was also keen on cricket and active for many years in charities. And he was a very nice, decent man.
We all have reason to remember and be grateful to Tom Wilson. He had a long life, well lived and, to his widow Heather and his other family and friends, we extend our sincere condolences.
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/April/TomWilson.aspx#ixzz0kJgRcbmy (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/April/TomWilson.aspx#ixzz0kJgRcbmy)
http://www.plymouth.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=194381 (http://www.plymouth.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=194381)
Stockdale Is Player Of The Month
David Stockdale has been voted as Plymouth Argyle Player of the Month for March by fans who visit the Plymouth Vital website.
Our poll asked fans to vote for the best Argyle player for March and Stockdale was a clear winner with 86% of the poll.
Young winger Yala Bolasie was in second place with 11%.
Stockdale is on a three-month loan to Argyle from Premier League side Fulham and has produced several Man of the Match performances in the last month.
The 24-year old keeper kept two clean sheets during March and pulled off a number of spectacular saves.
Under the terms of his loan deal Stockdale will miss the last game of the season against Peterborough United.
Previous winners of the Player of the Month poll include Kari Arnason in November, December and January; Damien Johnson for February, Jamie Mackie came out on top in October and September while Alan Gow was the fans' favourite for August.
http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/April/ReservesFaceWolves.aspx (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/April/ReservesFaceWolves.aspx)
Reserves Face Wolves
Tuesday 6th April 2010
(http://www.fulhamfc.com/Images/MainNews/NewsPages/Management/mckinlay/general1.jpg)
Billy McKinlay's side are back in action on Tuesday evening when they take on Wolves at Motspur Park (kick-off 7pm).
The game represents Wolves' first FA Premier Reserve South League visit to Fulham's Training Ground. When previously promoted to the top-flight in 2003, the Molineux men competed in the Northern section of the FA Premier Reserve League, doing so for three seasons until the decision was taken to restrict membership only to current Premier League clubs.
Our two clubs met back in November when Fulham ran out 2-0 winners against a strong Wolves line-up, which included former Fulham goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann.
Other first team squad players to feature that night were George Elokobi, Chelsea loanee Michael Mancienne, winger Michael Kightly and Austrian striker Stefan Maierhofer. Both goals came in the second-half through Eddie Johnson and a John Dunleavy own goal.
Wanderers went into last week's home reserve game against Stoke City seeking their first goal since beating Birmingham 2-0 at Bucks Head in November, a game, which at the time of writing, represents their only victory to date.
Having lost their opening fixture 2-1 to Portsmouth the next three games failed to produce a Wolves goal, though a point was gained at West Ham. A second away point was gained at Aston Villa where Kightly scored what thus far has been Wolves only goal on the road this season. A 2-2 home draw against Arsenal was followed by the aforementioned win over Birmingham.
Defeat to Fulham in November marked the start of five consecutive losses, all without a goal being scored.
Recent line ups have included a number of Wolves U18 academy hopefuls, with Aaron McCarey featuring between the posts replacing Welsh international Wayne Hennessey.
Youth team captain Nathan Rooney has also featured of late. Last July Rooney led the Wolves U17 team that won the Gothia Cup tournament held in Gothenburg, Sweden. Another to feature in that triumph was striker Nathaniel Mendez-Laing.
Other regulars in the side include ex-Luton midfielder David Edwards, skilful defender John Dunleavy and striker James Spray. Other youngsters used in recent games include England U17 international Jamie Reckford and striker Sam Winnall.
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/April/ReservesFaceWolves.aspx#ixzz0kJhCbK8k (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/April/ReservesFaceWolves.aspx#ixzz0kJhCbK8k)
Quote from: WhiteJC on April 06, 2010, 11:57:56 AM
http://www.plymouth.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=194381 (http://www.plymouth.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=194381)
Stockdale Is Player Of The Month
David Stockdale has been voted as Plymouth Argyle Player of the Month for March by fans who visit the Plymouth Vital website.
Our poll asked fans to vote for the best Argyle player for March and Stockdale was a clear winner with 86% of the poll.
Young winger Yala Bolasie was in second place with 11%.
Stockdale is on a three-month loan to Argyle from Premier League side Fulham and has produced several Man of the Match performances in the last month.
The 24-year old keeper kept two clean sheets during March and pulled off a number of spectacular saves.
Under the terms of his loan deal Stockdale will miss the last game of the season against Peterborough United.
Previous winners of the Player of the Month poll include Kari Arnason in November, December and January; Damien Johnson for February, Jamie Mackie came out on top in October and September while Alan Gow was the fans' favourite for August.
This one is a jewel. Mark my words: he'll be Mark's replacement and go on to a full productive career. In a few year's time England will be spoiled at GK with Stockdale and Joe Hart.
http://www.tribalfootball.com/west-ham-co-owner-sullivan-determined-push-through-fulham-complaint-751151 (http://www.tribalfootball.com/west-ham-co-owner-sullivan-determined-push-through-fulham-complaint-751151)
West Ham co-owner Sullivan determined to push through Fulham complaint
West Ham United's co-owners are determined to push through their complaint against Fulham over their team selection for defeat at Hull City.
David Sullivan has vowed to pursue the issue relating to the March 27 contest.
Sullivan said: "We have done this not because we have anything against Fulham but because the rules need clarification so we all know exactly what the rule means.
"I think it's good that we will all have the question clarified by the Premier League, so we all know where we stand for the future."
Wolves were fined £25,000 earlier this season for making wholesale changes for their defeat to Manchester United, and West Ham feel Hull's victory over Fulham could have a bearing on the relegation fight.
Fulham owner Mohamed Al Fayed has already registered his contempt for the Hammers' protest by insisting: "I stick two fingers up to West Ham."
Sullivan continued, however: "We fully respect the stand Mr Al-Fayed is taking, and his views, as he is a man we greatly admire and like.
"However, we'd ask for a ruling by the Premier League. Our complaint in effect is a test case for the benefit of all Premier League clubs."
http://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/p6_1_2280_club-focus-fulham-league-status-secured-now-for-a-european-semi.html (http://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/p6_1_2280_club-focus-fulham-league-status-secured-now-for-a-european-semi.html)
Club Focus - Fulham - League status secured, now for a European semi
By Matt Domm
It might have taken a while coming - with the team's points total having been stuck in the late 30s for several weeks - but the 'magic 40' barrier was finally breached on Sunday with a solid comeback victory over Wigan. The focus can now turn completely towards the Europa League.
Most defences, in fact every one in the Premier League this season, have coped with the threat of Jason Scotland, but Fulham, as they so frequently do to out-of-sorts forwards, provided the big man with his first top-flight league goal. This was, barring one player, the same back line that struggled against the Trinidadian in last year's FA Cup, while he was playing for Swansea. Despite Brede Hangeland and Mark Schwarzer doing their utmost, the back five were not at their best in the first 45 and Wigan were deservedly in front. And it was at half time when a section of the Craven Cottage faithful echoed their disgust, which riled Roy Hodgson in his full-time press conference. While the fans were most likely booing what they thought was an appalling refereeing display, the manager suggested hearing boos can be detrimental to the players' own performances and, in this writers' opinion, the ever-so-rare booing is best left to subside and not be highlighted in the media. Whether what he heard from the stands had an effect on his team-talk or not, the home side improved dramatically in the second half to turn the result completely around.
Just as Harry Redknapp in the recent FA Cup replay turned the game on its head thanks to his half-time substitutions, Hodgson brought on Stefano Okaka for David Elm at the break and the Italian took just two minutes to bring the Whites level. Every time the on-loan striker has been brought on as a substitute he has shown enthusiasm and energy that can often be lacking before his introduction, and Sunday's game was no exception. Where Elm was lethargic, Okaka was full of running, and where the Swede was wasteful with his few chances, the Italian was clinical. Strangely, the same about coming off the bench could have been said of Elm earlier in the season. Just a few short months ago, Elm was a used sub for several games running and his performances earned him a short spell in the starting line-up - and that was when he faded. Okaka has started a couple of games for the Cottagers but it seems, for now at least, he too is more effective when entering later in the game. It has been a season where second halves have far out-performed the first, so having a boat-load of super-subs but few effective starting strikers is fitting, but Okaka and Elm must now look to prove themselves ahead of next season in case of injury to Bobby Zamora or the - again excellent - Zoltan Gera. Okaka, unfortunately, cannot play in Europe for the rest of the season, so the fitness of the two star forwards is essential to Fulham's continued continental success. And if the second-half defence turns up for the full 90 minutes this Thursday, then the slender 2-1 lead could well be enough to see the Whites in a European semi-final.
Hangeland was at his imperious best against Wigan and will need to be again as Edin Dzeko somewhat bullied him in last Thursday's encounter. Had it not been for the late goal, which came about from some slack marking from an 89th-minute corner, Fulham might already have one foot in the draw. Now, however, it will take a lot of composed football (and probably some heroics, a la Shakhtar leg two) to overcome a solid attacking Wolfsburg outfit. With any lingering thoughts of relegation now firmly put to bed, the team that starts in Germany will be the strongest possible to Hodgson, and - sorry West Ham - if league line-ups have to suffer (slightly, as there were still plenty of first-teamers against Hull, remember) for the greater good of fighting for a trophy, then that is what will be done.
There have, arguably, been some more attractive cities on the glamorous European tour thus far, but 90 minutes in Wolfsburg is all that stands between Fulham and a Europa League semi-final - which would be even more remarkable than the current feat of just the quarters. There have also been stronger teams faced, but a 4-1 win over Juventus will not get the Whites through 90 minutes of nail-biting football. Teamwork, form and a little bit of luck, however, will.
http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2010/04/06/fulham-duo-tipped-for-world-cup-spots-82029-26184118/ (http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2010/04/06/fulham-duo-tipped-for-world-cup-spots-82029-26184118/)
Fulham duo tipped for World Cup spots
(http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/fulhamchronicle/apr2010/7/5/bobby-zamora-image-1-460761393.jpg)
PAUL Konchesky reckons there is room not only for him in the England World Cup squad but for Fulham team-mate Bobby Zamora as well.
The defender is all too aware of his country's problems at left back, and has thrown his hat into the ring for a trip to South Africa in the summer.
And, acting as unofficial agent for his team-mate, Konch wants his striker pal alongside him in cabin class for the ride.
The shoo-in for England's left side of defence, Ashley Cole, is injured and likely substitute Wayne Bridge declared himself unavailable after the scandal surrounding his former girlfriend and Chelsea's John Terry.
So Konchesky is hoping boss Fabio Capello gets himself down to Fulham between now and the end of the season.
The player said: "With Bobby scoring as he has been doing, it would be great if he got a chance as well.
"If Mr Capello keeps coming (to see Fulham) - and one or two of us can catch the eye - we can hopefully get there.
"I've been at the club three years and this is the best we've done, so with the team doing well, it's always going to help you."
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/7559339/Who-is-the-Premer-Leagues-most-improved-player-of-2009-10.html (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/7559339/Who-is-the-Premer-Leagues-most-improved-player-of-2009-10.html)
Who is the Premer League's most-improved player of 2009-10?
So Wayne Rooney is a runaway bet for end-of-season honours, but which other players should be recognised as the most improved in the Premier League? Have your say below and vote in our poll.
(http://i.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph/multimedia/archive/01610/most-improved_1610355c.jpg)
Rooney's outstanding season for Manchester United has overshadowed some terrific performances at rival clubs. Here is Telegraph Sport's choice for the 10 most-improved players in this season's Premier League.
Leighton Baines (Everton)
Everton's left-back has been one of the club's most consistent performers this season, producing a string of impressive displays leaving him well worth his England call-up after 16 appearances for his country's Under-21s. With Ashley Cole injured and Wayne Bridge withdrawing from international football, the left-back slot was available and he did not disappoint against Egypt, taking the opportunity well and impressing Fabio Capello in the full 90 minutes.
Gareth Bale (Tottenham)
Harry Redknapp cannot believe his luck. Benoit Assou-Ekotto was his first-choice at left-back and the Spurs manager waxed lyrical about the Cameroon international's performances. But an injury meant that Bale, more used to operating on the left side of midfield, was thrust into defence – and he did not disappoint. And yet when Assou-Ekotto returned from injury, Bale took advantage to injuries, mainly to Aaron Lennon, and remains one of the first names on Redknapp's list. Great news for Spurs and, also, for Wales, who has lest Aaron Ramsey for the foreseeable future and need a player of Bale's capabilities.
Darren Bent (Sunderland)
Surely the time will come when Fabio Capello recognises Bent's remarkable achievements at the Stadium of Light this season. Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp saw fit to allow the former Ipswich and Charlton striker to leave, for a £10 million fee that will eventually rise to £16m. But it is looking like money well spent and Bent must have relished his two goals against Spurs – even though he also missed two penalties – against Redknapp, whose jibe about "my missus could have scored" when Bent missed against Portsmouth last season, coming back to haunt him. His 23 goals represent his best ever scoring season so far and England could beckon.
Didier Drogba (Chelsea)
It's easy to take Drogba's goals for granted but the records confirm his massive improvement this season. On Saturday, at Old Trafford, he scored the winner to take his tally for the campaign to 31 goals, including 25 in just 27 appearances in the Premier League – and that is more than in his previous two seasons combined. Last season he managed just 14, with 15 in the 2007-08 campaign. Three more goals will give him his best ever return (he got 33 in 2006-07), and then he flies the Ivory Coast flag at the World Cup. Perhaps that has been the spur.
Joe Hart (Birmingham City)
It is, perhaps, no surprise that Birmingham's hugely impressive return to the Premier League has coincided with goalkeeper Hart's arrival at St Andrew's. He is on loan from Manchester City, having lost his place to Shay Given, and fears a return to the City bench next season. Hart has not played for City since the arrival of Given but was allowed to help Birmingham in their return to the Premier League and was important in guiding the club to a 12-match unbeaten run, the club's best sequence since 1908. He is brave and athletic, with room to improve further, and could be Fabio Capello's third choice goalkeeper.
Lucas Leiva (Liverpool)
Not the best season for Liverpool, while Lucas has not always been the most popular player on Merseyside. But even his most ardent detractors cannot deny that the Brazilian midfielder has improved vastly this season. The feeling remains that there is more to come, but Rafael Benitez remains a great fan and continues to select him.
James Milner (Aston Villa)
Fabio Capello has already identified Milner as the "most improved" England player this season. The Villa player has been instrumental in helping Villa push for a European spot and the England manager, when asked which players caught his eye, Capello had no hesitation in singling out Milner, saying: "Last season Theo Walcott was a surprise to us, he came in and was very important in crucial qualifying games. This year our most improved player is Milner. He played with us three or four times and he will be part of the squad."
Ryan Shawcross (Stoke City)
Shawcross' season will be best remembered for the regrettable incident when he broke the leg of Arsenal's Aaron Ramsey. But his performances have been outstanding, with the one-time Manchester United defender producing a succession of outstanding performances. He never played for United but after a loan spell at Stoke, he joined full-time. Ironically, he earned an England call-up the day of the incident involving Ramsey. With Rio Ferdinand and Gary Cahill unavailable against Egypt Shawcross got the call. Though he was an unused substitute, he remains in Fabio Capello's mind.
Alex Song (Arsenal)
Just how much Song has improved could be gauged by how much Arsenal missed him when he was on duty at the African Cup of Nations in January. Equally at home in midfield or the centre of defence, Song is still only 22 but his strength and passing have been influential in helping Arsenal to maintain an interest in the Premier League race. Indeed, Arsenal's continuing injury problems would have been felt much more but for the burgeoning talents of Song. Even his manager admitted recently that Song was Arsenal's most improved player, admitting he had "real quality".
Bobby Zamora (Fulham)
Just a couple of corner kicks away from Drogba, at Craven Cottage, Bobby Zamora has hit back at his critics, including Fulham fans, to inspire a remarkable season down by the River Thames. It could have been so different for Zamora; in the summer his manager Roy Hodgson gave the former Spurs and West Ham striker permission to speak to Hull but he decided to stay and it has proved to be the best decision of the season. Andrew Johnson's injury has helped; now he is the main striker and has responded with 18 goals – more than his previous three seasons combined.
http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/April/StokeFixture.aspx (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/April/StokeFixture.aspx)
Stoke Fixture Notice
Tuesday 6th April 2010
Fulham would like to announce a change in date to the Fulham V Stoke City fixture scheduled for 14 April.
The Club made an application to the Premier League Board and to Stoke City, to enable the Club to spread its fixture commitments, which was kindly agreed to.
The re-scheduled date will be either Wednesday 5th or Thursday 6th May and will be confirmed shortly.
http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/facup/generalnews/gera-geared-up-for-big-occasion-775120870.html (http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/facup/generalnews/gera-geared-up-for-big-occasion-775120870.html)
Gera geared up for 'big occasion'
Fulham midfielder Zoltan Gera has warned Tottenham he is relishing another chance to shine on the big stage after last week's heroics against Juventus.
Gera scored twice against Serie A giants Juve in the Europa League but considers the FA Cup quarter-final replay, with a place at Wembley at stake, just as important.
"This is a big occasion for the players, fans and the club," he said. "It will be an important night for us all, and hopefully I can play my part. I am pleased with my season so far, but there is always more that you can do."
He added: "I have managed to score some important goals, and I would like to do so again. It's always nice to score, but of course, when it has a greater importance for the team that is great.
"But it's not just about one player, this is a team and we all have the same hopes for Wednesday - we all want to go through."
Getting to Wembley would be the latest chapter of success under Roy Hodgson, who has taken the club into Europe after being relegation candidates under Lawrie Sanchez.
"It has been a long while since Fulham last ran out at Wembley," Gera added. "So to be part of a team that achieves that for the club would be very special.
"And it's a special place to play, one of the best. I have been lucky enough to play there twice before, but I would love to go back and this time with Fulham."
Chris Smalling's last trip to White Hart Lane came on the day it was confirmed he would join Manchester United next season.
"We'd love to reach the semi-final of the FA Cup, that really would make this season another one to remember," the youngster said. "We've had quite a few games lately but the focus now falls solely on Spurs. And it's one that we're relishing."
http://www.fulham-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/europa_league_hard_slog__hodgson_512562/index.shtml (http://www.fulham-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/europa_league_hard_slog__hodgson_512562/index.shtml)
Europa League Hard Slog - Hodgson
Roy Hodgson believes the Europa League is a far tougher competition to be successful in than when he was rampaging across Europe with Inter Milan.
In 1997 Hodgson guided Inter to the final of what was then the UEFA Cup before losing on penalties to Schalke. On Thursday night he will attempt to lead Fulham a step closer to this season's showpiece when another German outfit, Bundesliga champions Wolfsburg, arrive at Craven Cottage for the first leg of their quarter-final.
He said: "In reaching that final at Inter we did not encounter anything like the standard of opposition that we have had to meet here."
It promises to be another memorable chapter in an adventure which began with a trip to Vetra Vilnius of Lithuania back in July and has since taken in, among others, Basle, Roma, Shakhtar Donetsk and Juventus.
He added: "Ten months is a long time to be playing. These will be our 16th and 17th games in this competition. When I got to the final with Inter, which was a double-headed final, we played 12 games.
"Now we'll have ended up playing 17 even if we go out, so it's half the season longer. That shows what we have achieved."
Hodgson rested five players for Saturday's defeat at Hull, a move which has reportedly irritated the Tigers' relegation rivals West Ham.
But the Cottagers chief is sticking to his guns over his team selection.
"We haven't prioritised," he said. "But in one particular game after we played Juventus, Manchester City and Tottenham and prior to playing Wolfsburg, I made the decision to rest four or five players knowing full well I had a right to do that with the quality I have at my disposal."
http://www.fulham-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/hodgson_optimistic_about_bobby_513817/index.shtml (http://www.fulham-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/hodgson_optimistic_about_bobby_513817/index.shtml)
Hodgson Optimistic About Bobby
Roy Hodgson is hoping that star striker Bobby Zamora will be fit to face Wolfsburg in their Europa League quarter-final second leg in Germany on Thursday.
Zamora missed Sunday's 2-1 win over struggling Wigan because of an Achilles tendon injury, but Hodgson believes that Zamora - who scored in the 2-1 first leg victory over the German side - will be fit enough to lead the attack.
"Bobby suffers with his Achilles tendon, as do many players," said Hodgson. "The problem with those injuries is that if you get a kick on it, like he did the other day, it makes it worse. We were hoping he would recover in time to play against Wigan but didn't. The medical staff are optimistic he will recover in time for Thursday."
Zamora's replacement against Wigan, David Elm, only lasted until half-time after Hodgson admitted he blundered by selecting him.
Elm had not fully recovered from a virus and was taken to hospital as a precautionary measure.
"He was totally shattered at half-time," Hodgson added. "With hindsight I made the wrong decision playing him because he is in hospital at the moment on an ECG machine because the virus in his body is still there.
"I could see that he was struggling. I thought it was maybe because he had not played for a while and the pace of the game was beyond him.
"I suddenly realised at half-time I had made a big mistake and that I should never have thrust him into a game of this nature. The illness took more out of him than I thought."
