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General Category => Archive => Daily Fulham Stuff => Topic started by: White Noise on April 27, 2010, 09:21:44 PM

Title: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (28.04.10)
Post by: White Noise on April 27, 2010, 09:21:44 PM
Rock The Cottage


Tuesday 27th April 2010

Fulham FC News

After Tuesday's training session at Motspur Park Simon Davies looked ahead to one of the biggest games of his career on Thursday night when Fulham take on Hamburg for a place in the Final of the UEFA Europa League.

Davies is hoping to capitalise on 'an unbelievable opportunity' at the Cottage against a side Fulham know plenty about after last week's away leg in Germany.

"We know a lot about them already so it's about going over what we went over last week and tweaking a few things here and there," Davies explained on Tuesday afternoon.

"We tried to keep it tight throughout the match last week and we did that. We defended really well as a team, kept it compact and worked hard for each other. We had a few glimpses of the goal towards the end of the game and it would have been perfect to knick the away goal but we didn't.

"As always going away against a good team you're always going to surrender possession. It was always going to be that type of game, especially knowing there was a second leg to come.

"It was a great effort by everybody and hopefully we can finish it off now. We have however given ourselves a great chance of getting to the Final of a major European competition. We're at home on Thursday so we'll want to take the game to them a bit more.

"It's definitely the biggest game I've had for a club side. I've played some big games on the international stage against some big countries, and we had the game against Portsmouth to stay in the League, but this game, to reach the Final of a major tournament, is an unbelievable opportunity.

"If you'd have told us that we would be in this position when we were travelling to Vetra last summer it would have stretched the imagination but we've got the chance now and we've done ever so well as a squad to give ourselves this chance."

One advantage Fulham will have over Hamburg is the Cottage faithful and Davies was keen to highlight the influence the home support can have on Thursday night's UEFA Europa League Semi-Final (second leg).

"Sometimes I wonder if the fans realise how important they are," Davies explained. "When they really get going at the Cottage they as good as anything else in the League, especially the Hammersmith End – they're brilliant.

"They almost suck us in towards them and if they can start the game like that on Thursday then they'll be a massive, massive advantage for us."


Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/April/DaviesOnHamburgReturn.aspx#ixzz0mKkD1Jta (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/April/DaviesOnHamburgReturn.aspx#ixzz0mKkD1Jta)

Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (28.04.10)
Post by: White Noise on April 27, 2010, 09:25:29 PM

http://football.fanhouse.co.uk/2010/04/27/roy-hodgson-stands-90-minutes-from-proving-he-should-be-next-eng/ (http://football.fanhouse.co.uk/2010/04/27/roy-hodgson-stands-90-minutes-from-proving-he-should-be-next-eng/)


Roy Hodgson Stands 90 Minutes From Proving He Should Be Next England Boss


27/4/2010 9:17 AM GMT By Matt Butler


Roy Hodgson is 90 minutes away from confirming his status as heir apparent to Fabio Capello as he leads his side into the Europa League semi-final second leg against Hamburg.

If he wasn't already in a good position to succeed Capello as England manager, getting unfashionable Fulham into a European final will put him firmly in the frame to lead his country when the Italian finally moves on, probably after Euro 2012.

Hodgson has proven to fans in England that he can handle the pressure of European competition, having masterminded an impressive Europa League campaign, with victories over Juventus and German champions Wolfsburg And his feats of getting teams to over-achieve are not just restricted to Craven Cottage, having taken Switzerland to the last 16 of the 1994 World Cup – the first time they had qualified for a major tournament since 1966.

So if he beats Hamburg and gets Fulham to the Europa League final, he will arguably be the best-qualified English manager to take over from Capello.

For one, he has proven he can get the most out of players who are, let's face it, not the world's best. Secondly, he has international experience. And third, he is English.

But before the FA rush to Craven Cottage to sign him up for England duty, three things must be considered.

Hodgson would certainly avoid making the same mistakes made by Steve McClaren and Kevin Keegan who blurred the lines of command between coach and players to the extent where they appeared to lose authority. But it's questionable whether the Fulham manager has the status to quickly earn the respect of top class players in the way Sven-Goran Eriksson and Capello did.

Also, Hodgson's international experience has been at the lower echelons of teams like Switzerland, United Arab Emirates and Finland, so success is measured at a different level than it would be if her were in charge of England.

Finally, it's worth remembering that McClaren was the last English manager to make it to a European final – a note of caution, if nothing more, should Fulham make it to the Nordbank Arena in Hamburg for the climax of the Europa League on May 12.
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (28.04.10)
Post by: White Noise on April 27, 2010, 09:27:05 PM
http://fulham.theoffside.com/team-news/stats-about-sunday.html

Stats about Sunday


By: timmyg | April 27th, 2010

In an attempts to make up for my rather lame post on Sunday, here are some stats about the match. The first three are courtesy of Football365.

    * Fulham have won only one of their last eight Premier League games.
    * The Cottagers have managed three shots on target in their last two league games.
    * Erik Nevland's goal was only their 11th scored in the first half this season. No team has scored fewer goals before the break.
    * Nevland's goal in the 36th minute was Fulham's first league road goal since January 5 against Stoke City — a span of 671 minutes, or 11 hours.
    * Fulham scored a league goal for the first time since Easter Sunday, a span of 248 minutes.
    * Fulham conceded a goal for the first time (in all competitions) since Easter Sunday, a span of 456 minutes, or 7.5 hours — the longest span this season?
    * Sunday was just the second time all season Fulham lost when leading at half-time. The previous occurrence was the Chelsea match on December 28. (Additionally, Fulham have drawn just twice when leading at half-time — quite the turn around from year's past.)
    * Fredrik Stoor made his first league appearance since February 28, 2009 when Fulham drew 0-0 with Arsenal.
    * Andranik made the bench for the first time since Opening Day at Pompey.
    * Matthew Briggs made the bench for the first time in a league game since May 13, 2007.

Some pretty crazy stuff, no?
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (28.04.10)
Post by: White Noise on April 27, 2010, 09:29:07 PM
http://www.101greatgoals.com/after-sacking-their-coach-fulham-have-a-brilliant-opportunity-to-beat-managerless-hamburg/53871/


After sacking their coach, Fulham have a brilliant opportunity to beat managerless Hamburg

Tuesday, April 27th, 2010

Fulham v Hamburg, Europa League semi-final second leg, April 29, 2010

Fulham 2.15; Draw 3.20; Hamburg 3.20

"We analysed the situation and we saw that as things were we would not be able to succeed against Fulham. It was the last moment for us to react to keep our Europa League target in sight." Hamburg president Bernd Hoffmann after sacking coach Bruno Labbadia.

The build up to the biggest game in Fulham's history has been dominated by Hamburg's decision to sack coach Bruno Labbadia following the 5-1 mauling at the hands of Hoffenheim on Sunday. Clearly the fact that the final of the first ever Europa League will be at their home ground, the HSH Nordbank Arena, has forced the hand of a worried board following some poor recent displays.

Hamburg now travel to London with former assistant coach Ricardo Moniz in charge. Some Spurs fans will perhaps remember the Dutchman from his time at Tottenham when he was brought to the club by Martin Jol as a "skills coach." Moniz has no managerial experience and he faces an extremely tough baptism of fire.

The decision to sack Labbadia has to go down as one of the craziest of the season, in terms of timing, but Hamburg won't care if they secure a place in the final on May 12. Anyone who saw their defeat at the "Village Team" on Sunday can confirm that the players were no longer performing for Labbadia and this talented squad needed a kick up the proverbial backside.

HSV have quality throughout the side. Jerome Boateng (brother of Kevin-Prince) is set for a big money summer move to Manchester City as one of the top young defenders in Europe. And Marcus Berg proved last summer at the Under-21 European Championships that he is a poacher supreme.

Arguably the greatest goal scorer in European football over the last 10 years will also turn out for Hamburg after Ruud van Nistelrooy was pronounced fit after recovering from a hip injury sustained in the first leg. Moniz is also expected to have veteran Brazilian Ze Roberto and Ivorian Guy Demel available after calf and knee injuries respectively. They will though be without talented playmaker Piotr Trochowski who picked up a late booking in the first game.

The main fitness doubt for Fulham surrounds talisman Bobby Zamora. The former Brighton, Spurs and West Ham hitman lasted just 52 minutes of the first leg and Roy Hodgson admitted after the defeat to Everton on Sunday that "I'm not confident Bobby will be ready for Thursday. I am hopeful, but that`s all - he`s having treatment and we will have to keep our fingers crossed."

Hodgson made eight changes for the 2-1 defeat at Everton on Sunday and the performance from the understudies was hugely impressive with the Toffees fortunate to secure a late win thanks to a Mikel Arteta penalty. We can expect the same side that appeared in Germany, with Zamora to play even if only half fit due to the magnitude of the game for the Cottagers.

Following a season where they have seen off the likes of Shakhtar Donetsk, Juventus and Wolfsburg in earlier rounds, there is heavy expectation surrounding this match. Mark Schwarzer made some crucial saves in the first leg and keeping it tight could be key, especially against what seems to be a mentally fragile side.

This is not something that can be leveled against Fulham who have knocked out the holders, one of the biggest clubs in European football and the German champions. Returning from Germany with a 0-0 draw after a 15 hour journey to the first leg was a fine achievement. They have shown impressive pluck and courage throughout the run and we can expect them to give it a real go on Thursday night.

Roy Hodgson has produced a miracle at Fulham, leading them from the "Great Escape" in 2007/2008 to the brink of a European final. The Cottagers are in a precarious position due to the away goals rule but with a frenzied crowd behind them and a well oiled team heading to its pinnacle, all signs point to another glory night by the Thames.

101gg predicts: Fulham 3 – Hamburg 1

Fulham 2.15; Draw 3.20; Hamburg 3.20
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (28.04.10)
Post by: White Noise on April 27, 2010, 09:30:50 PM
http://www.tehrantimes.com/index_View.asp?code=218462


Persepolis set to sign up Teymourian


Tehran Times Sports Desk

TEHRAN - Persepolis football club is eager to get hold of out-of-form Fulham midfielder Andranik Teymourian, according to the Iranian media.

Persepolis football coach Ali Daei has reportedly telephoned Teymourian, but has not yet succeeded to persuade the player to join Persepolis next season.

The 27-year-old midfielder is determined to join a European club in the summer transfer window.

Teymourian joined Fulham in 2008 but he is not the team coach Roy Hodgson's favorite player. Teymourian has not been in the starting lineup for a long time
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (28.04.10)
Post by: White Noise on April 27, 2010, 09:41:37 PM
Clint Dempsey on the ESPN E:60 show -


http://theoffsiderules.blogspot.com/2010/04/video-clint-dempsey-on-e60.html (http://theoffsiderules.blogspot.com/2010/04/video-clint-dempsey-on-e60.html)
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (28.04.10)
Post by: White Noise on April 27, 2010, 09:43:37 PM
http://www.whufc.com/articles/20100427/reserves-3-2-fulham-ft_2236884_2036966


Reserves 3-2 Fulham FT


Goals from Olly Lee, Junior Stanislas and Cristian Montano see West Ham United edge out Fulham


27.04.2010


West Ham United reserves v Fulham Reserves
Barclays Premier Reserve League South
Boleyn Ground
Tuesday 27 April 2010
Kick-off: 7pm



Full-time score - West Ham United reserves 3-2 Fulham reserves

100 mins - Trotta creates some space about 20 yards from goal and shoots with his right foot. Spence blocks before clearing. I am 99 per cent sure the injured player was the substitute Kamau. However, the medical staff have re-emerged from the tunnel, so fingers-crossed the stretcher was simply a precaution. The final whistle is blown and West Ham have completed their reserve season with a victory.

Don't forget to keep a close eye on whufc.com for exclusive post-match reaction. WHUTV will also have highlights and post-match interviews soon.

98 mins - Smith lifts a free-kick into the box. Toure wins it but the ball bounces safely through to Kurucz.

96 mins - GOAL! Peniket pulls a goal back for the ten men as he curls a low shot inside Kurucz's far post from 15 yards.

95 mins - The crowd give the injured Fulham player a warm round of applause as he is carried off and down the tunnel. Let's hope it's nothing serious. I'll try and work out who it is for you now.

91 mins - I'm sorry, but I can't see which Fulham player is down injured. We're going to have four added minutes, but at present, everybody's concerns are with the injured player. There are six yellow-vested paramedics and the Fulham physio tending to him at the moment. The medical staff carefully lift the player on to a larger stretcher.

90 mins - Montano is booked for a challenge that leaves a Fulham player in a heap on the pitch. The physio dashes on as the striker is cautioned. There seems to be some concern as he landed awkwardly, but his legs are thrashing around, so hopefully it's not too serious. Montano goes to check on his opponent's condition. The stretcher is brought on by the paramedics who are always on hand.

88 mins - Stefan Payne and Pierre, who is injured, are the two Fulham players to be replaced. Zola comes on for Daprela.

87 mins - Great stuff! Stanislas turns on a sixpence before shooting. His effort is deflected and Etheridge can only turn it aside. Montano races to the loose ball before crossing with his left foot to the far post. Abdulla catches the ball flush on the volley, only for the goalkeeper to save well with his legs.

85 mins - Fulham are going to make a second change. It is going to be Richard Peniket to come on. In fact, Michael Kamau is also going to be introduced. Andrea Zola is also going to be sent on for the final few minutes. I hope his Dad hasn't gone home early...!

82 mins - GOAL! Montano has his goal! Toure can only get a toe-end on the through ball and the Colombian-born player is there to finish superbly, smashing the ball low past Etheridge and into the bottom right-hand corner. Surely game over, now. Montano will be well-pleased with that, as he has been desperate to make his mark at reserve-team level.

81 mins - Fulham force a corner. Buchtman takes it, it is flicked on at the near post and Trotta tries to hook it goalwards. The ball spins high in the air and Kurucz claims.

80 mins - Steve Davis is coming back into it at the World Snooker in Sheffield. He's just rattled in a 128 break against Neil Robertson and is now only 9-2 behind... Frei is on for Harris.

79 mins - Fulham are going to make a change. Kerim Frei is going to come on.

77 mins - Zola and Modelski are warming up on the touchline. I'm not sure Dyer will want to change anything, though.

76 mins - We have a short break in play as Briggs receives treatment. Dyer uses the hiatus to issue some instructions while some of his players enjoy a drink.

74 mins - That should have been 3-1. Brown does brilliantly to trick his way into the box. He cuts the ball back to Abdulla, who controls and shoots, but it hits a Fulham defender and Etheridge gathers the spinning ball. Abdulla wants a penalty, but the referee is not having any of it. Moments later, West Ham have the ball again and Stanislas smashes the ball high and wide from 25 yards.

71 mins - I doubt anyone cares, but Bayern Munich are now 2-0 up on aggregate against Lyon in the UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg in France.

68 mins - You have to feel sorry for Montano. He runs on to Stanislas's through ball and rounds Etheridge before smashing his shot against the post from no more than five yards. The angle was a bit tight, to be fair to the striker, but still he lies on the turf, holding his head in sheer disbelief. On the plus side, West Ham are well on top here, all of a sudden.

67 mins - Boa Morte has showered and changed and is now making his way through the West Stand Lower to sit with Zola and Clarke. He gets a cheer from the fans as he jogs up the steps.

66 mins - Montano again! McNaughton slams a superb raking ball over the Fulham back-four, a la Michael Dawson. Montano gets between Fulham's centre-backs and heads goalwards, but Etheridge is able to jump high enough to catch above his head.

65 mins - Montano comes close to his first goal at reserve level, latching on to a long through ball and volleying towards the near post. Etheridge throws himself to his left to keep the ball out before expertly preventing the corner.

61 mins - West Ham make a hash of a free-kick. Spence gives the ball away to Smith. He tries to play in Payne, but Brown is there again to cut the pass out. Good positional play from the No6.

58 mins - Trotta does well to hold of McNaughton before flicking the ball into the path of Briggs. The captain cuts into the box on his right foot and shoots. The ball hits Spence and bounces towards the goal, but Kurucz is there to gather it.

56 mins - Great block from Spence to deny Buchtman after the midfielder had skipped past McNaughton. The ball rebounds to Harris, whose low shot is gathered by Kurucz at the second attempt. Fulham look by far the more likely scorers at present.

54 mins - McNaughton does well twice more in the space of a few seconds, first to out-muscle Trotta, then to cut off Payne's attempted through ball to the same player.

53 mins - Briggs shoots powerfully from 25 yards but McNaughton is there to block with his face! The ball runs through to Brown, who brings it clear with typical aplomb. The Academy defender is a cultured player.

51 mins - Payne works a yard of space inside the Hammers penalty area and shoots, but Brown blocks. Fulham work the resulting throw to Trotta, who lays off to the same player, but Payne curls his shot over from 16 yards.

49 mins - A neat flick from Abdulla looks to have released Stanislas, but Pierre sticks to his task and wins the ball back before Stanislas concedes a foul.

48 mins - Fulham have started the brighter after the break, and Trotta goes close-ish to equalising, shooting low from 25 yards. Kurucz slides, but he always looked confident that the ball would go safely wide.

46 mins - West Ham get the second half up and running, kicking towards the deserted Bobby Moore Stand end.

Half-time score - West Ham United reserves 2-1 Fulham reserves

Two half-time changes for the Hammers. Boa Morte and McCarthy are the men to make way. They are replaced by Edgar and Montano.

47 mins - Fulham take a throw-in wide on the left and Smith crosses low. McNaughton blocks it and clears and referee Bull blows for half-time. Join us again in about 15 minutes for the second half.

46 mins - We're into the one and only added minute and West Ham have got their mojo back. Daprela, who has been superb this half, gets forward again and cuts inside. Abdulla feeds the ball wide to Lee, but he crosses too high for Abdulla and Boa Morte and the ball bounces behind.

45 mins - Into the final minute of the first half and West Ham have suddenly got a bit sloppy in possession. It is important that they see out the remaining seconds. Dyer is on the edge of his technical area keeping a close eye on things.

43 mins - So close to an equaliser for Fulham. Stefan Payne gets through the middle and clear of Spence and Brown, only to shoot powerfully wide of the far post. He shrieks in frustration.

42 mins - I should also say that Stanislas looks very confident tonight. Not only is he seeing plenty of the ball, but he is also looking to run beyond the forwards and get on the end of things.

41 mins - McCarthy turns well and finds Stanislas. He lays the ball back to Lee, whose cross is just too high for Abdulla in the centre. Daprela picks up the loose ball, but Boa Morte is crowded out on the edge of the box and the chance is lost. Lee and Daprela are vital to this formation, and their willingness to get up and down the flanks is giving West Ham some real width.

38 mins - This has been a thoroughly entertaining game so far. Both teams are keeping the ball on the floor and moving it well around what is a very lush, green pitch. Alex Dyer will be delighted with the way his side have come from behind to take the lead. Without sounding too sentimental, Dyer puts a lot of time and effort into the reserve squad, and he will be particularly pleased to have seen Lee belt in his first goal of the season.

35 mins - I should have mentioned that Gianfranco Zola and Steve Clarke are here.

32 mins - McCarthy is fouled 40 yards out. Boa Morte curls the ball in, but it is headed clear.

30 mins - Stanislas concedes a free-kick 35 yards out. Buchtman shoots and Kurucz is scrambling, but the ball curls wide.

27 mins - GOAL! Good, my reverse psychology worked! Boa Morte slots the ball wide right to Lee, who slams it low across the box for Stanislas to finish first-time. Etheridge got a hand to the ball, but he couldn't keep it out.

26 mins - At last a bit of a lull in the goalmouth action...

21 mins - Josh Pritchard cuts inside on his left foot and shoots low from 25 yards. Kurucz is there, though, and collects at the second attempt.

18 mins - Brilliant stuff. Brown swaps passes with Payne before releasing Stanislas through the middle. He jets past Pierre and crosses towards McCarthy, only for Toure to stab the ball behind. The corner is won by McNaughton, but it's an easy catch for Etheridge.

17 mins - It's all calmed down a bit, but you get the feeling there could be another goal at any moment.

14 mins - It's all happening! Fulham win a corner and Briggs crosses, only for Toure to be penalised for a foul on Brown.

13 mins - GOAL! That's more like it! Stanislas drives at the Fulham defence and tries to slot the ball through to Abdulla. The youngster is muscled out, but the ball is only half-cleared to Lee, who takes a touch and belts the ball into the top right-hand corner from 25 yards.

13 mins - Briggs calls Kurucz into action again with a low shot from 25 yards, but the goalkeeper is equal to it.

11 mins - GOAL! Fulham take the lead. Smith gets round McNaughton and clips the ball high to the far post where Trotta gets above Brown and heads the ball past Kurucz from six yards. That was too easy, and Dyer lets his players know by telling them to concentrate.

9 mins - The first corner comes to nothing when Briggs's shot is deflected behind. Buchtman floats the ball in and Kurucz punches clear of the area.

8 mins - Marcello Trotta picks the ball up 25 yards from goal, but his shot is well blocked and bounces harmlessly into Kurucz's arms. Seconds later, Kurucz makes an outstanding save after Trotta had escaped Spence's clutches and shot from just eight yards. The Hungarian deflects the ball behind for a corner.

7 mins - Alex Smith picks up the ball about 35 yards out, but the Fulham left-winger can only drag his shot straight at Kurucz.

6 mins - Boa Morte is playing on the left of the three-man midfield, with Payne in the middle and Stanislas on the right. Kurucz catches confidently and bowls the ball out to Brown. He runs forward 20 yards before lofting the ball towards Abdulla, but his pass is too high and bounces through to goalkeeper Neil Etheridge.

5 mins - Fulham have a corner. Chris Buchtman crosses towards the near post, but centre-back Cheick Toure can only divert the ball well wide of the post. West Ham are in a 3-5-2 formation again, as has been Alex Dyer's prefered system in recent weeks. Daprela and Lee are the wing-backs, with Spence, flanked by Brown and McNaughton in the centre of defence.

3 mins - Payne and Lee create space for McCarthy on the edge of the penalty area. The South African passes left to Daprela, but his cross is behind Abdulla, and Fulham escape again.

1 min - So nearly a magical start for the Hammers. Daprela and Stanislas combine well down the left before the latter finds McCarthy. His first touch is into the path of Abdulla, but a defender gets back in well to concede a corner. The ball is crossed into the box, but headed clear at the near post.

6.59pm - And here we go...

6.58pm - Captain Jordan Spence steps forward to go through the pre-match rituals with his opposite number Matthew Briggs. West Ham will attack the Sir Trevor Brooking Stand end of the stadium in the opening 45 minutes. Fulham will kick-off.

6.57pm - Here come the two teams. Must admit, there isn't what you'd call a massive crowd in the West Stand Lower this evening. Still, a few hundred hardy souls have turned out. Good on them, too.

6.55pm - Both teams are back in their respective dressing rooms ahead of what promises to be an entertaining climax to the reserve-team season. A host of scouts have turned out to catch what could be the likes of Josh Payne's final appearance in a West Ham United shirt. Southend United manager Steve Tilson is among those who have popped along to the Boleyn Ground on what is a glorious, warm and sunny evening.

Good evening and welcome to the Boleyn Ground

West Ham United complete their Barclays Premier Reserve League South season with the visit of a youthful Fulham side to east London. Benni McCarthy is the star turn in tonight's starting lineup, with Luis Boa Morte continuing his comeback from a long-term knee injury with another start.

Fabio Daprela, Junior Stanislas, Peter Kurucz and Josh Payne have all turned out at first-team level this season, while Academy youngsters Jordan Brown and Ahmed Abdulla will be eager to shine.

Victory could see the Hammers finish fifth in the nine-team table, providing Portsmouth fail to beat champions Aston Villa in their final match.

With their own first team in UEFA Europa League semi-final action against Hamburger SV on Thursday, Fulham manager Billy McKinlay has named a very young and inexperienced team.

West Ham United reserves: Kurucz, Lee, Daprela (A.Zola 88), McNaughton, Spence, Brown, Stanislas, Payne, Boa Morte (Edgar 46), Abdulla, McCarthy (Montano 46)
Subs: Stech, Modelski

Fulham reserves: Etheridge, Marsh-Brown, Briggs, Pierre (Peniket 88), Toure, Pritchard, Harris (Frei 80), Buchtman, Trotta, Payne (Kamau 88), Smith
Subs: Bettinelli
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (28.04.10)
Post by: White Noise on April 27, 2010, 10:12:11 PM

West Ham Res 3-2 Fulham Res



Tuesday 27th April 2010

Fulham FC News

Fulham's Reserves lost their final game of the season on Tuesday evening at Upton Park. The Whites took an early lead through Marcello Trotta. But West Ham equalised through Oliver Lee before taking the lead courtesy of Junior Stanislas.

The home side made sure of all three points when Cristian Montano scored on 82 minutes. Richard Peniket netted an injury time consolation goal for Fulham.

Billy McKinlay's side made a fine start with both Alex Smith and Trotta having good early opportunities to hand Fulham in the lead.

Trotta, the Italian under 19 international, was looking real a threat early on. On eight minutes he saw a 25 yard effort easily collected by West Ham keeper Peter Kurucz. And the home side's custodian had to be on top form moments later when he once again denied Trotta.

Fulham took the lead on 11 minutes after Alex Smith was able to round his opponent before clipping a ball to the far post where Trotta was on hand to head home.

Unfortunately the lead was only to last a couple of minutes. The home side were back on level terms when a clearance fell to the feet of Oliver Lee who finished well from 25 yards. West Ham took the lead shortly before the half-hour mark when Junior Stanislas converted a low cross from close range.

With just two minutes to go before the half-time interval Fulham striker Stefan Payne almost netted the equaliser. The front man raced clear of the West Ham defence but unfortunately fired his shot wide of goal.

Fulham started the second-half much the brighter side. Payne, once again, came close to levelling the scores on 51 minutes after he received a pass from Trotta - only to fire over. Fulham continued to press forward in search of an equaliser and only a good save from Kurucz denied Courtney Harris.

Those scares spurred West Ham into action and the Whites were fortunate not to concede when Cristian Montano missed a hat-trick of chances all within a matter of minutes.

However, Montano finally managed to beat Neil Etheridge in the 82nd minute after latching on to a through ball and driving a powerful low effort into the net.

Richard Peniket scored the final goal of the game late into injury time with an expert finish past Kurucz.

Fulham: Etheridge, Marsh-Brown, Briggs, Pierre (Peniket 88), Toure, Pritchard, Harris (Frei 80), Buchtman, Trotta, Payne (Kamau 88), Smith


Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/April/WestHamvReserves.aspx#ixzz0mKy4epqJ (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/April/WestHamvReserves.aspx#ixzz0mKy4epqJ)
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (28.04.10)
Post by: White Noise on April 27, 2010, 10:48:43 PM
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1269322/Everton-lead-Fulham-chase-Paul-Scharner-Wigan-plan-summer-clear-out.html?ITO=1490


Everton lead Fulham in chase for Paul Scharner as Wigan plan summer clear-out


By Sportsmail Reporter Last updated at 10:14 PM on 27th April 2010


Everton have emerged as favourites to beat Fulham to the signature of Paul Scharner.

Wigan plan a small clear-out this summer and the Austrian is unlikely to get a new contract after becoming disgruntled in recent weeks.

Scharner is likely to head a list of around six first team squad players, including Jason Koumas and Olivier Kapo, who the club will look to move on after chairman Dave Whelan vowed to avoid another relegation fight.

Wigan have secured their top-flight future for a sixth successive season with two games to spare.

But Whelan said: 'I will be sitting down with Roberto Martinez very soon to discuss budgets. Some players will be staying, some players will be going.

'But one thing we won't do is go the way of Portsmouth and Hull, and just throw money around. We won't be stupid about it.'
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (28.04.10)
Post by: White Noise on April 28, 2010, 09:11:14 AM
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PAUL KONCHESKY is determined to make history with Fulham as a two-fingered thank you to his fellow pros.

No Fulham player made it into the Professional Footballers' Association Team of the Year despite an incredible season at Craven Cottage.

Striker Bobby Zamora's 19 goals and boss Roy Hodgson's leadership has taken them to the brink of the Europa League final on one of the smallest budgets in the Premier League.

Fulham reached the quarter-finals of the FA Cup and could still finish in the top half of the division despite a crippling injury list and a small squad.

Yet left-back Konchesky said: "There's not even been a mention of anyone getting near the PFA team; like Bobby or our goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer, who has been as good as or better than Joe Hart at Birmingham.

"It goes unrecognised. For certain players, ie Bobby, he has to be up there with the top five goalscorers this season.

"But even players tend to go for the big names when they vote. Maybe they don't want to pick Bobby because he has bullied a few centre-halves this season.

"But it's probably because we haven't got an out-and-out big name here. People do talk about Fulham and say 'haven't they done well?' But that's about it. I think we deserve more. We're not 'little old Fulham' anymore.

"The Europa League stands out, but also the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.

"Even in the league with as many games as we have played, we've done far better than anyone could have expected.

"We've never been in trouble with relegation even though we've had all these games. People think we're not a big club, so it goes unrecognised. We play a lot of football even when things are not going right. That's what the manager has brought to the club and he doesn't want to change it.

"We haven't had loads to spend, yet he has built a good squad here.

"We have a squad capable of going places. People want to come here and play because there's someone like the manager to learn from. But it's gone unnoticed.

"Roy should be in with a shout at Manager of the Year even if we don't get to the final. It's a great achievement what he has done."

Konchesky and his team-mates can console themselves with news that Fulham have been named Team of the Year by lads' magazine Nuts.

And they scooped a double with Hodgson being named Manager of the Season.

A photoshoot should help them overcome the snub from their peers as Fulham prepare to take on Germans Hamburg in tomorrow's semi-final second leg.

It is the first time in a marathon European run approaching 18 games and 19,500 miles that Hodgson's team have been favourites to go through.

And the Cottagers have had to contend with the lengthy absences of £10million crock Andy Johnson and Nigeria World Cup right-back John Pantsil.

Yet before Fulham's 2-1 defeat at Everton on Sunday, the team had not conceded a goal for six hours of football.

And Hamburg have problems of their own withmanager Bruno Labbadia sacked on Monday after a 5-1 loss to Hoffenheim.

Konchesky said: "That can work either way.

"You get rid of a manager and it's disappointing, but the team can respond and do well for whoever has taken over.

"It's happened so close to the game so they are up in the air.

"They have to get their minds right for the game whereas we've had a week to prepare.

"Maybe because it's 0-0 people expect us to go through. But it doesn't always work like that.

"This is the best season of my career. But it seems we have to run an extra yard to get noticed.

"Bobby got overlooked for the last England squad when he should have been a definite."

Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/2950235/Paul-Konchesky-wants-to-make-history-with-Fulham.html#ixzz0mNdBodXT (http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/2950235/Paul-Konchesky-wants-to-make-history-with-Fulham.html#ixzz0mNdBodXT)
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (28.04.10)
Post by: White Noise on April 28, 2010, 09:13:53 AM
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article7109893.ece

BBC fears as nation forced to decide: Coronation Street or the debate

Patrick Foster, Media Correspondent


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The BBC has accused ITV of trying to undermine its election debate by competitively scheduling against the corporation's coverage of the event.

ITV has confirmed that it will not move Coronation Street, the soap opera that regularly has more than eight million viewers, from its 8.30pm slot tomorrow, which coincides with the start of the third leaders' debate on BBC One.

BBC sources said they thought that ITV, which had an average of 9.4 million viewers for its debate two weeks ago, was trying to ensure that its event emerged as the most watched of the three debates between Gordon Brown, David Cameron and Nick Clegg.

"There is a feeling that we gave them quite an easy ride when it was their turn," said one BBC insider. "That does not seem to have been reciprocated."

The commercial channel moved Coronation Street from its regular slot to show its debate but insisted that it would not help the corporation by repeating the switch tomorrow, which is likely to dent viewing figures.

There has been huge interest in the live debates, but with Coronation Street on ITV and key European football games involving Liverpool and Fulham, the BBC does not expect to top audience figures for the leaders' programmes.

The team responsible for the BBC event organised a sweepstake for viewing figures with estimates among senior figures between seven and eight million. One senior official said: "If it ended up between ten and twelve we would be absolutely rejoicing."

The second debate, hosted by Sky News, had an average audience of 4.1 million viewers, including those who watched the event live on the BBC News channel and Sky Three. Sky News has been given permission to broadcast the BBC debate live and it will also be shown on the BBC News channel and aired on Radio 4.

Between 2,000 and 3,000 of Britain's 52,000 pubs are also expected to show the debate, according to the British Beer & Pub Association.
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (28.04.10)
Post by: White Noise on April 28, 2010, 09:17:21 AM
http://www.setpieceanalysts.com/20100427/the-race-for-third-place-in-the-uefa-country-ranking/

The Race for Third Place in the UEFA Country Ranking


By Johnathan Starling, on April 27th, 2010


With Bayern Munich's 3-0 victory Tuesday at the Stade Gerland, the race for third place in the UEFA County Ranking standings, currently being battled out between Italy and Germany, picked up plenty of steam. It could also be the day the entire race swung in Germany's favor. While this will mean nothing for the 2010-2011 UEFA competitions, it means everything starting with the 2011-2012 European club competitions.

For those wondering why this is a big deal, third place in these rankings guarantees 3 Champions League places with the opportunity for a fourth to qualify in the final non-champions qualification round. At worse, fourth place in those leagues will be playing in the group stage of the UEFA Europa League.  Finishing fourth in these standings means only first and second go into the Champions League, with third place fighting it out in the final non-champions qualifier for the Champions League. The difference between third and fourth is having a seventh team playing European football.

After today's Bayern Munich victory, Germany leapfrogged Italy for the third ranking spot. It also means even if Inter Milan beat Barcelona on Wednesday (which would temporarily put Italy back into third place), Hamburg on Thursday could guarantee Germany finishing in third place by winning against Fulham.

This is about the easiest way to simplified all the scenarios.
* If Inter Milan loses Wednesday and goes out of the Champions League, Germany will lock third place.
* If Inter Milan loses Wednesday and advances to the Champions League final, the only chance Italy has of finishing in the third spot is by seeing Hamburg lose outright to Fulham on Thursday. Then, Inter Milan has to beat Bayern Munich in the final for Italy to clinch third place. A 120 minute draw or Bayern Munich winning sees Germany clinch the third spot.
* If Hamburg matches or does better than an Inter Milan draw, and Hamburg advance either through away goals or penalty kicks, or Hamburg wins, Germany locks third place regardless of the results in the respective finals.
* If both Inter Milan and Hamburg draw and Hamburg does not advance, then the winner of the Inter Milan/Bayern Munich game would clinch third place for their respective country. If after 120 minutes, the Inter Milan/Bayern Munich game ends in a draw, Germany locks third place.
* If Inter Milan draws and Hamburg loses outright, Inter Milan has to beat Bayern Munich outright in the Champions League final for Italy to keep their third spot. If it's a 120 minute draw, then Italy will keep the third spot.
* If Inter Milan wins or Hamburg draws: If Hamburg advances, Germany locks third place. If Hamburg does not advance, then the winner of the Inter Milan/Bayern Munich game would clinch third place for their respective country. If after 120 minutes the Inter Milan/Bayern Munich game ends in a draw, Germany locks third place.
* If Inter Milan beats Barcelona and Hamburg loses outright to Fulham on Thursday, Italy can keep the third spot by either drawing or beating Bayern Munich in the Champions League final. If Bayern Munich wins, then Germany will take the third spot.

Again, let me remind you that this is not for next season, but for the 2011-2012 European Club season.  This is mostly to ensure that all clubs know going into the upcoming season what places will qualify you for what competition. As long as Germany doesn't tank in next year's European competitions, or Italy dominates both the Champions League and Europa League, it could be at least three years before Italy can overtake for the third UEFA Country Ranking spot.
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (28.04.10)
Post by: White Noise on April 28, 2010, 09:28:58 AM
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/28042010/2/soccer-coach-sacking-overshadows-hamburg-cup-build.html

Soccer-Coach sacking overshadows Hamburg's Cup build-up


Wed, 28 Apr 03:30:00 2010
     

As preparation for a Europa League semi-final goes, sacking your coach three days beforehand does not fit the norm yet Hamburg SV believed it was a decision that had to be taken ahead of their crunch second leg at Fulham.

Chastened by a 5-1 loss at Hoffenheim on Sunday and a league run which has seen four wins in 15 matches, the Hamburg board had had enough and Bruno Labbadia was shown the door days before the club's biggest match of the season on Thursday.

The sacking was not that much of a surprise given the widely reported rumours that Labbadia had fallen out with a number of his squad including Ze Roberto, Mladen Petric, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Frank Rost.

The timing, however, was a shock.

"Risky but right," the Welt newspaper said. "Labbadia had already proved in his career the he is admittedly a good motivator but is unsuited to the long-term task of building a team."

Assistant coach Ricardo Moniz, dubbed a 'great motivator' by the club, was handed the task as stand-in coach of raising morale after the Hoffenheim shambles against a Fulham team whose remarkable run has put them in touching distance of a first European final.

The Dutchman, who arrived in Hamburg together with former coach Martin Jol from Tottenham Hotspur, can hardly have been given a stiffer task in his first game in charge.

On the day he took over he was given the news that striker Tunay Torun had suffered a ligament injury and was ruled out of Thursday's match.

It is the second time a Bundesliga team has done this during the season though and Fulham will best be on their guard.

In December, Stuttgart sacked coach Markus Babbel three days before their final Champions League group game against Unirea Urziceni. They won 3-1, qualified for the second round, were given a plum draw against Barcelona, and have jumped from 16th to sixth in the table.

Fulham's hopes of progress could rest on the state of Bobby Zamora's Achilles as the striker fights for fitness ahead of the second leg at Craven Cottage, a compact ground tucked on the banks of the River Thames in west London.

Having scored just one goal in their last five matches - including last week's goalless first leg - Fulham desperately need their top scorer fit and firing if they are to return to the German city for the May 12 final against either Liverpool or Atletico Madrid.

Zamora has scored 19 goals this season, including strikes in both legs of the quarter-final victory over German champions VfL Wolfsburg, having set Fulham on their way in the tournament when they beat Vetra of Lithuania 3-0 away back in July 2009.

"I have had an Achilles tendon problem for a long time," Zamora said after limping off the pitch after an hour against Hamburg. "It has been niggling at me for a bit now and I just did a little bit too much but I really hope to play next Thursday. I am desperate to be part of that."

Manager Roy Hodgson, on the brink of one his greatest achievements in his long and travelled coaching career, was less than confident.

"He's having treatment and I'm hoping he'll be ready for Thursday, but I'm not confident," Hodgson told the club's website (www.fulhamfc.com (http://www.fulhamfc.com)).

Zamora missed Sunday's trip to Everton when Hodgson rested most of his first-choice players. Paul Konchesky, Aaron Hughes, Danny Murphy, Brede Hangeland, Dickson Etuhu, Damien Duff, Zoltan Gera and Simon Davies were all fit but left out of the matchday squad and should return on Thursday.

Probable teams:

Fulham: 1-Mark Schwarzer; 6-Chris Baird, 18-Aaron Hughes, 5-Brede Hangeland, 3-Paul Konchesky; 16-Damien Duff, 20-Dickson Etuhu, 13-Danny Murphy, 29-Simon Davies; 25-Bobby Zamora, 11-Zoltan Gera.

Hamburg: 1-Frank Rost, 6-Dennis Aogo, 5-Joris Mathijsen, 17-Jerome Boateng, 20-Guy Demel; 14-David Jarolim, 15-Piotr Trochowski, 8-Ze Roberto, 13-Robert Tesche; 22-Ruud van Nistelrooy, 9-Paolo Guerrero.

Referee: Cuneyt Çakyr (Turkey)
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (28.04.10)
Post by: White Noise on April 28, 2010, 09:30:52 AM
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/danny-murphy/article/4913/

No favours for Chelsea at Anfield

Tue Apr 27 02:08PM

(http://l.yimg.com/i/i/eu/sp/epta22.jpg)

Chelsea's 7-0 win over Stoke will certainly give them confidence in the title run-in, but I don't think the fact they put seven goals away will affect Manchester United's focus at this stage.

Chelsea's conviction going forward was again demonstrated as it was the third time since the turn of the year they have scored seven.

Their ability going forward is fantastic, but they still have the main challenge of their run-in, with a very difficult fixture against Liverpool to come.

Just because they are free-scoring, it doesn't necessarily deserve to win the title. As I have said before, in my opinion the team who ends up top of the league absolutely deserves the recognition as league winners.

Even though Manchester United could beat Liverpool's record of 18 championships, Chelsea certainly should not expect any favours at Anfield.

Not only do Liverpool still have a sniff of that fourth Champions League spot, they have great self-respect and a strong winning mentality every time they step onto the pitch.

Liverpool will not be thinking about the destiny of the title, and anything surrounding the game will be irrelevant once the whistle blows.

When I was playing for Liverpool, we drew 2-2 with Manchester United in 1999, and it almost scuppered their treble bid.

Paul Ince went wild at the end of the game, and the draw was well celebrated, but this was more to do with the fact that we had managed to grab a point from the game than anything else. Their treble bid wasn't a concern during the game, and it always a great result to get points against them, hence the manner of the celebrations.

If United were to surpass Liverpool's title record, I think it would be difficult for a number of the fans to take. However, I think from a fan's perspective, Liverpool getting to a position again where they are in with a real shout at the title is the main priority.

There are a lot of questions that need to be answered at the club, and working on the short-term future should be the primary focus, and I am sure this is a greater concern of the fans and players than United overtaking their record.
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (28.04.10)
Post by: White Noise on April 28, 2010, 09:32:14 AM
http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=1200720.html?cid=rssfeed&att=

Refreshed Fulham eye fairytale final


(AFP) Wednesday 28 April 2010

Fulham star Zoltan Gera believes his side's controversial weekend break could prove the decisive factor as they aim to continue their UEFA Europa League fairytale against Hamburg on Thursday.

Cottagers boss Roy Hodgson risked the wrath of the Premier League when he rested nine first-team players for Sunday's 2-1 defeat at Everton to keep them fresh and injury-free ahead of the semi-final second leg at Craven Cottage. West Ham complained to the Premier League when Hodgson made a similar selection for a loss at Hull before his team's quarter-final against Wolfsburg.

But Hungary midfielder Gera insists Hodgson's decision will ensure the team, who drew 0-0 in Germany in the first leg, are perfectly prepared as they try to set up a final clash with Liverpool or Atletico Madrid. "I would be lying if I said I didn't like the rest as the past weeks have been very tough," Gera said. "All the games have been very speedy and I needed to recover well during the weekend, especially after our long journeys."


All the games have been very speedy and I needed to recover well during the weekend, especially after our long journeys.Fulham midfielder Zoltan Gera


Despite having to make a 18-hour road trip to Hamburg after their flight was grounded by the volcanic ash cloud over Europe, Hodgson's team coped admirably with the draining journey and delivered a defensive masterclass in the Nordbank Arena. They shut out Hamburg even though the hosts dominated possession for long periods, but Gera hopes their failure to score an away goal won't prove costly as a score-draw in the return would mean the Germans go through to the final, which will be held at their own stadium.

"Our goalless draw is not the best omen because so far we have scored on all of our away games in Europe," Gera said. "Now after the goalless draw we have to win on home soil. If we don't win then we just can go through with penalties. Of course I'd accept this if it meant that we could go into the final."

That result was just the latest heroic effort by the Cottagers in a European campaign which began way back in late-July and has includes wins over holders Shakhtar Donetsk, Italian giants Juventus and German champions Wolfsburg. Now Fulham, who have never won a major honour in England or reached a European final, are on the verge of the greatest achievement in the club's 131-year history.

Zamora concern
Fulham's chances of an historic triumph will be significantly improved if 19-goal leading scorer Bobby Zamora recovers from an Achilles problem in time to feature. Zamora's performances in Europe this season have rightly earned rave reviews and even sparked talk of a surprise call-up to England's FIFA World Cup™ squad.

But he limped off in Germany last week after sustaining the injury and missed the Everton match as a result. "He's having treatment and I'm hoping he'll be ready for Thursday, but I'm not confident," Hodgson said.

Hamburg sacked manager Bruno Labbadia in the aftermath of last weekend's 5-1 loss at Hoffenheim, with assistant coach Ricardo Moniz - a former member of Tottenham's backroom staff under ex-boss Martin Jol - taking charge to the end of the season. Labbadia has been under pressure for several weeks as players complained about his stern style of management and he paid the price for such a heavy league defeat just days after his team's lacklustre effort against Fulham.

Hamburg had won just four of their last 15 matches and Chairman Bernd Hoffmann said: "We analysed the situation and we saw that as things were, we would not be able to succeed against Fulham.

"There was no alternative to this. We need to improve the probability of us being successful on Thursday. It was the last moment for us to react to keep our Europa League target in sight."
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (28.04.10)
Post by: White Noise on April 28, 2010, 09:33:39 AM
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/premiership/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/10/04/28/SOCCER_Wolves_Moxey.html

MOXEY WANTS CLARIFICATION OVER SELECTION

By John Curtis, Press Association Sport


Wolves chief executive Jez Moxey will demand the Premier League provide clarification on team selection regulations at their summer meeting.

Wolves still feel aggrieved at being handed a suspended £25,000 fine by the league after making 10 changes for the clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford in December.

Moxey points out that other teams have also made wholesale alterations to their line-ups without action being taken against them.

The issue has come back into the spotlight after last weekend when Fulham made nine changes for the clash with Everton and were beaten 2-1.

Moxey said: "Some sections of the media were having a go at Wolves for the side we fielded against Manchester United.

"I don't recall them having a go at Manchester United for making many changes on the last day of the season which could have affected relegation.

"Since then we have seen other managers make a lot of changes. Are we going to have the same furore over Roy Hodgson's selections for Fulham at the weekend?

"The Premier League have got an issue and we will be raising it at the summer meeting now being introduced are squad systems where you can only register 25 players and as many Under-21s as we like.

"The manager will have 25 players to pick. Surely he has got to be able select whatever 11 he wants to play week in and week out just as Roy Hodgson did at the weekend.

"We will be asking for clarification on the ruling. The one question is 'how many changes are too many?' but we won't be asking for an apology for the action taken against us."

Moxey wants manager Mick McCarthy to remain at Wolves for "a very long time" after saluting his efforts in keeping the club in the Premier League.

McCarthy is understood to be on a one-year rolling contract and has performed wonders since taking charge at Molineux four years ago when Wolves, according to Moxey, were a "club in crisis".

Moxey said: "Mick has been central to everything we have done from a football point of view. He took over a club that was in crisis.

"Part of our plan when we appointed Mick four years ago was to take the club and rebuild it, take it to the Premier League and stay in the Premier League.

"We set out a plan of where we wanted to go and Mick has delivered at every turn and we couldn't be more happy with what he has done.

"I hope personally Mick will be with us for a very long time."
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (28.04.10)
Post by: White Noise on April 28, 2010, 09:35:32 AM
http://www.examiner.com/x-4128-Boston-Pro-Soccer-Examiner~y2010m4d28-PSAs-Steve-Gans-explains-the-gamble-on-international-friendlies-in-a-World-Cup-year

LE: The last time we spoke, we talked about Fulham's interest in the U.S. How is that progressing?

Gans: Fulham has great interest in America and shows great interest in America. I represent Fulham and so does FSG. That particular deal announced in October has more to do with corporate sponsorship and the jersey. When you're up in a jersey year, in the team's commercial department it becomes the top priority. The people are very progressive there, they just have a lot of balls in the air right now, as most clubs do right now in the EPL.

LE: Some of that has to do with the changing economic climate, yes?

Gans: Yes, I think that's true. The changing economic climate has changed things in the EPL, some teams like Portsmouth got into major financial trouble. It's the first EPL team to go into administration. But Fulham's having an unprecedented year - they're in the semi-finals in the second leg of the Europa League and they're one of only two teams in England left in the European competition, the other being Liverpool. Man U and Chelsea and Arsenal have all been knocked out. It's unprecedented for Fulham so they're pretty much focused on in most ways, the best year in their history. If they beat Hamburg at home next week they're in the Europa League final, which is pretty extraordinary.
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (28.04.10)
Post by: White Noise on April 28, 2010, 09:39:38 AM
http://www.sportbox.tv/football/news/story.php?id=309434

Ruud set to face Cottagers

07:02 - 28th, Apr 2010
 
Veteran Netherlands international Ruud van Nistelrooy has returned to training and could feature in Hamburg's Europa League semi-final second leg clash with Fulham on Thursday.

The 33-year-old former PSV Eindhoven, Manchester United and Real Madrid star has been struggling with the hip injury he suffered in last week's first leg against the Cottagers.

He missed Sunday's embarrassing 5-1 defeat to Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga which proved to be head coach Bruno Labbadia's last game in charge of the club as he was axed on Monday.

There is more good news for Hamburg as defender Guy Demel and midfielder Ze Roberto have also been able to return to training.

Demel has recovered from a knee injury while Ze Roberto is available again following a calf problem.
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (28.04.10)
Post by: White Noise on April 28, 2010, 09:41:51 AM
http://cottagers.blogspot.com/2010/04/ful-ham.html

FUL - HAM

I'm off to Madrid in the morning for work. I'm due to land back at Heathrow just before 6pm on Thursday. Hopefully that will give me plenty of time to get to the Cottage, especially as I'll have no luggage, so fingers crossed.

My girlfriend is always on about the words that could be made by the abbreviations of the team names in the top left hand corner of televised matches. Obviously for this EUROPEAN SEMI-FINAL there is a rather appropriate word that will be created. If this had been on Sky though it would not have worked as they have taken to using only two letters (probably to 'differentiate themselves from the other channels') and a game between FU - HA doesn't have quite the same poetry.

Surprisingly Hamburg have sacked their manager Bruno Labbadia this week, which is probably bad news for the whites as it seems pretty clear that the players hated him.

Without Labbadia, the players might play with much more freedom at Craven Cottage. But Woy's amazed us in getting this far and despite being underdogs yet again, Fulham could easily progress to the final. All you need is a little bit of luck to go your way.

Anyway here are some stats from the UEFA website:

There were no goals last week when the sides met in Germany, with Fulham defending heroically. Tellingly, Hamburg had five shots on goal while their guests had none, and were also well on top in terms of corners (7-1) and offsides (3-1).

Hamburg have now played 13 games against English sides in European club competition, with the record W4 D3 L6: (W0 D1 L4 in England).

Hamburg have yet to win in five trips to England, avoiding defeat only once, with a 0-0 draw against Southampton FC at The Dell in a 1984/85 UEFA Cup first round opener.

Prior to last week's stalemate in Hamburg, Fulham had only once drawn the first leg of a European tie away from home, holding Bologna FC 2-2 in one of the 2002 UEFA Intertoto Cup finals, before winning the return fixture 3-1 in London.

Hamburg have drawn 0-0 at home in the opening leg of three previous European ties, going on to win the most recent two of them (one on away goals). They were undone in the 1983 UEFA Super Cup, however, losing 2-0 at Alex Ferguson's Aberdeen FC.

Fulham remain unbeaten in 15 European home games (11 wins, four draws) since making their continental debut in the 2002 UEFA Intertoto Cup. They have conceded more than one goal just once when holding European matches, drawing 2-2 with HNK Hajduk Split in the 2002/03 UEFA Cup first round, and have won their last four home fixtures in the UEFA Europa League.

Fulham have never been involved in a European penalty shoot-out. Hamburg lost their only European penalty shoot-out 4-3 on home turf against Dutch opponents Sparta Rotterdam following a 2-2 aggregate draw in the 1985/86 UEFA Cup first round.

Fulham have three players who will miss the final if they receive a yellow card: Paul Konchesky, Bobby Zamora and Zoltan Gera. Hamburg have six.

Turkish referee Cüneyt Çakır has officiated in four matches (including internationals) involving English teams with the English side triumphing on each occasion. He has only officiated in one match involving a team from Germany, which the German side lost. I've just noticed he is also two months younger than me, the bastard.

Good luck everyone.

Posted by Bad Andy at 22:58
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (28.04.10)
Post by: White Noise on April 28, 2010, 10:01:52 AM
West Ham chairman David Sullivan seeks end to Fulham feud with £100k charity offer


By Matt Barlow

Last updated at 1:00 AM on 28th April 2010


West Ham chairman David Sullivan wants to strike a peace deal with Fulham by making a six-figure donation to charity before the feuding clubs meet on Sunday.

Sullivan had offered to make the payment rather than proceed with a long court battle with Fulham over the Cottagers' claim for lost prize-money resulting from the Carlos Tevez affair.

'I'm told we will win but it'll take a long time and the only people who will get rich are the lawyers,' said Sullivan. 'I'll give £100,000 to Great Ormond Street Hospital tomorrow if we can call it a day.'

The clubs fell out when Fulham claimed for compensation last year, citing that West Ham finished one place above them in the 2006-07 season when Tevez was registered illegitimately. That place was worth £450,000 in prize-money.

West Ham hit back last month with a complaint to the Premier League because Fulham fielded a weakened team and lost at Hull - but Sullivan admits he acted hastily.

'I probably regret making that complaint,' he said. 'Mohamed Al Fayed is someone I admire and respect. I enquired about withdrawing it but it's gone through and it looks like we'll lose anyway.'

Fulham said last night they were planning to fight through the courts for the Tevez money.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1269361/West-Ham-chairman-David-Sullivan-seeks-end-Fulham-feud-100k-charity-offer.html?ITO=1490#ixzz0mNqyvCZw (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1269361/West-Ham-chairman-David-Sullivan-seeks-end-Fulham-feud-100k-charity-offer.html?ITO=1490#ixzz0mNqyvCZw)
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (28.04.10)
Post by: White Noise on April 28, 2010, 10:14:53 AM
The great West Ham clear-out: Who's up for grabs and how much will they cost in the big summer sale

By Tom Bellwood

Last updated at 1:08 AM on 28th April 2010

Comments (9)

West Ham are safe for another season - but the players are not. Co-owner David Sullivan has revealed that the club will accept offers on every player this summer, except Scott Parker.

The Hammers have struggled all season under manager Gianfranco Zola and have only just staved off the threat of relegation with two games to spare.

So Sullivan has promised a reshuffle in the summer – the dead wood will be cleared away and a raft of new playing bought in its place.

So with anywhere up to 25 players set to head for the exit, Sportsmail analyses the Hammers under threat and how much the club could recoup from a mass sale.

Alessandro Diamanti

Fans love him as he's as close to having Paolo Di Canio back as they're ever going to get. Naturally gifted, wonderful finisher, but prone to anonymity.
Value: £3m

Possible destinations: West Brom, Napoli

Benni McCarthy

Not one of the club's finest moves. McCarthy has looked off the pace, overweight and has struggled in front of goal when handed opportunities.
Value: £1m

Possible destinations: Galatasaray, Celtic


Carlton Cole

Fans will be disappointed to see Cole leave. Their powerful forward wears his heart on his sleeve and has scored nine vital goals.
Value: £10m

Possible destinations: Aston Villa, Arsenal, Liverpool

Danny Gabbidon

The Wales international has featured just 11 times this season as injuries continue to hamper his time at Upton Park.

Value: £500,000

Possible destination: Cardiff, Rangers


Fabio Daprela

Brought in as cover last summer and has made just seven appearances for the Hammers this season.

Value: £500,000

Possible destination: Grasshoppers

Frank Nouble

Made 10 appearances earlier in the season but barely for more than a few minutes. Now on loan at Swindon.

Value: £1m

Possible destinations: Reading, QPR, Ipswich


Freddie Sears

Has spent the season on loan at Crystal Palace and Coventry City, appearing just twice for the Hammers.

Value:  £500,000

Possible destinations: Crystal Palace, Watford

Herita Ilunga

Always an outlet going forward but suspect at the back. Has only featured once this year.

Value:  £2m

Possible destination: Paris St Germain, Blackburn

Junior Stanislas

Another product of the Academy – full of running and no shortage of ability but needs more games. Could still attract interest from some leading clubs.

Value:  £2.5m

Possible destinations: Aston Villa, Tottenham

Jack Collison

Started the season as an exciting prospect but will end it knowing he has plenty of work to do. A hardworking midfielder with real touches of class.

Value: £1.5m

Possible destinations: Ipswich, Sheffield United

James Tomkins

Aside from a couple of high-profile mistakes, Tomkins has proven himself a decent prospect. Strong in the air but needs more experience.

Value: £2m

Possible destinations: Tottenham, Fulham, Bolton

Jonathan Spector

The own goal against Wigan was unfortunate but has generally done well. Willing to shift to unfamiliar positions and has commendable workrate.

Value: £500k

Possible destinations: Wigan, Wolves

Julien Faubert

A pacy defender who has looked more comfortable going forward than dealing with duties at the back. His cross for Ilan's goal at Everton was stunning.

Value: £1.5m

Possible destinations: Rangers, Bordeaux

Kieron Dyer

A player synonymous with all that was wrong at West Ham. A highly paid former international who has failed to deliver after a series of nasty injuries.

Value: £1.2m

Possible destinations: QPR, Ipswich Town

Matthew Upson

Few players have seen their standing in the game drop as much as Upson this season. Has been troubled by imposing forwards and his heading hasn't been up to scratch.

Value: £7m

Possible destinations: Tottenham, Blackburn

Mark Noble

Suffered as many players have this season – showing moments of brilliance and no lack of hard work - but an underlying lack of confidence has hampered his development.

Value: £4.5m

Possible destinations: Tottenham, Fulham

Manuel da Costa

Endeared himself to Hammers fans by joining as part of the deal which saw Savio depart. Has acquitted himself in his few opportunities this term.

Value: £2m

Possible destinations: Fulham, Bolton

Robert Green

A certainty for Fabio Capello's World Cup squad but it hasn't been a great season for Green who has suffered at the back of an ever-changing defence.

Value: £8m

Possible destinations: Arsenal, Sunderland


Radoslav Kovac

A tenacious and talented midfielder who has made 28 appearances this season. A hard worker who is let down occasionally by his passing.

Value: £2m

Possible destinations: Sunderland, Celtic

Valon Behrami

It's all or nothing from the Swiss international. He either dazzles with creativity and finishing or rather ambles unnoticed through a game.

Value: £8m

Possible destinations: Palermo, Stuttgart, Juventus

Zavon Hines

Thrust into the limelight with Zola facing a number of injuries and enforced sales this term. The 21-year-old has shown moments of brilliance but injury has decimated his season.

Value: £1m

Possible destinations: Blackburn, Wigan

TOTAL VALUE £60.2m

OR DOES ANYONE FANCY ONE OF THESE PLAYERS...? AVAILABLE ON A FREE

Ilan

Free signing from Saint Etienne - his goals against Everton, Sunderland and Wigan have gone a long way to helping stave off relegation.

Possible destination: West Ham (permanent deal)

Guillermo Franco

Joined on a free and scored four goals - Franco, 32, has impressed but is considered too old to be offered an extension to his one-year contract.

Possible destinations: Blackburn, Stoke

Luis Boa Morte

Not a hugely popular player with the fans, the former Portugal international, 32, hasn't played all season after suffering cruciate ligament damage in pre-season.

Possible destinations: Wolves, Reading

Mido

Joined the Hammers on loan from Middlesbrough in January – and will no doubt be returning up north after a poor spell at Upton Park.

Possible destinations: Middlesbrough,

Al Ahli


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1269209/The-great-West-Ham-clear-Whos-grabs-cost-big-summer-sale.html#ixzz0mNswEPwL (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1269209/The-great-West-Ham-clear-Whos-grabs-cost-big-summer-sale.html#ixzz0mNswEPwL)
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (28.04.10)
Post by: White Noise on April 28, 2010, 10:18:18 AM
http://www.insidefutbol.com/2010/04/28/europa-league-semi-final-fulham-v-hamburg-match-preview/21230/

Europa League Semi-final: Fulham v Hamburg Match Preview


Josue Jamlang

What: Europa League semi-final second leg
Who: Fulham vs Hamburg
When: Thursday 29th April, 2010, at 20:05 BST
Where: Craven Cottage, London, England

Craven Cottage Fortress

Fulham have been spectacular at their home ground this season, losing only twice in the last 12 matches played at Craven Cottage. The remarkable run includes some truly historic Europa League victories over international heavyweights Shakhtar Donetsk, Wolfsburg, and of course the memorable turnaround to knock out Italian giants Juventus. Now, starting from scratch against Hamburg with the tie at 0-0, the London side can create yet more memories.

Despite lying innocuously in 12th place in the Premier League, The Cottagers have shown, under the guidance of Roy Hodgson, that they are capable of beating world class sides on their day, as they convincingly beat Manchester United and Liverpool earlier in the season as well.

Although Fulham have seemingly struggled to find the consistency to dispatch of the "lesser" teams in England, the side have rarely disappointed on big occasions, proving that nerves should not be a factor for Roy Hodgson's side. With a chance to qualify for the Europa League final on the line, expect The Cottagers to be well up for the challenge.

Ending Silverware Drought

Having drawn at home against The Cottagers in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final, Hamburg will be hoping to overcome what is sure to be a more adventurous Fulham side. The Bundesliga club have not won any major silverware since the 1980s and will have to get the better of the tough English team if they are to have any chance of ending their unfortunate barren spell.

Hamburg are currently sitting seventh in the Bundesliga standings, making success in the Europa League, the club's primary target for the remainder of the season. Despite getting hammered by Hoffenheim at the weekend, a result which caused the club to sack Bruno Labbadia, interim coach Ricardo Moniz will surely have his side fully focused on a positive result against Fulham on Thursday night. It really could make or break their season.

Having dominated for large portions of the first leg, Hamburg will be brimming with confidence that a repeat performance, with the addition of a goal, can be enough at Craven Cottage.


Recent form

Fulham:
Fulham 0-0 Wolverhampton Wanderers (17/04; Premier League)
Hamburg 0-0 Fulham (22/04; Europa League)
Everton 2-1 Fulham (25/04; Premier League)

Hamburg:
Hamburg 0-1 Mainz (17/04; Bundesliga)
Hamburg 0-0 Fulham (22/04; Europa League)
Hoffenheim 5-1 Hamburg (25/04; Bundesliga)

Key absences

Fulham: Bobby Zamora (doubt); Clint Dempsey; Andrew Johnson

Hamburg: Eljero Elia; Marcell Jansen; Tolgay-Ali Arslan; Maximilian Beister

Players to watch

Fulham – Mark Schwarzer: The Australian goalkeeper is undoubtedly one of the best shot-stoppers in the Premier League and did well to help Fulham emerge from Germany with a clean sheet in the first leg. While Fulham's frontline will be expected to break down Hamburg's resistance, the lack of an away goal puts The Cottagers in a precarious position – just one German goal could change the complexion of the entire tie. For this reason Schwarzer will have to keep his concentration even throughout long periods of inaction.

Hamburg – Ruud van Nistelrooy: Undoubtedly not at the same level that he once was for the likes of Manchester United and Real Madrid, Ruud van Nistelrooy remains a top-class player with a real eye for goal. The former unbelievably prolific striker has lost quite a bit of his pace, but his clinical finishing will always prove to be a significant threat for any opposing team. With the tie expected to be tight, van Nistelrooy's quality could just be the difference.

Match prediction

After a cagey affair in the first leg, expect Fulham to be more willing to take the game to Hamburg. Roy Hodgson will know though that the London side must be careful not to concede that precious away goal, while Hamburg will hunt for the strike which could ensure they reach the final due to be played at their home ground. Fulham though, with many of their team fresh having been rested for their weekend Premier League game, should have just enough to ensure a 2-0 win.
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (28.04.10)
Post by: White Noise on April 28, 2010, 10:30:29 AM
http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Fulham-v-Hamburg-preview-Zoltan-Gera-defends-Roy-Hodgson-s-rotation-policy-article407679.html

Gera defends Fulham's rotation policy


Published 23:00 27/04/10


By Darren Lewis


Fulham striker Zoltan Gera has defended Roy Hodgson's right to rotate the team ahead of their Europa League semi-final showdown tomorrow.

The Cottagers boss has come under fire for his team selection in recent weeks, drawing criticism in particular from West Ham.

The late 2-1 defeat by Everton on Sunday was suffered by a team showing nine changes from the side that earned a 0-0 draw in the first leg of their Europa League final away to Hamburg last week.

None of the absent players even featured on the bench but all are set to return at Craven Cottage tomorrow.


And Gera believes Hodgson has been right to use his squad with the club just 90 minutes away from the chance to compete for their first major trophy in their 131-year history.

The Hungarian said: "I didn't play against Everton, what's more I didn't even travel with the team. Our manager let me know after the Europa League game (in Hamburg) that I'll be rested in the Premier League with some of my team-mates.

"I would be lying if I said I didn't like this rest as our past weeks have been very tough. All the games have been very speedy and I could regenerate well during the weekend, especially after our long journeys.

"Our game in Hamburg was quite interesting. Everyone thought - me too - that we'd be tired after our day-long travel but I was fresher than ever."

Fulham go into tomorrow's match having prevented Ruud van Nistelrooy's Hamburg side from scoring on their home patch. Now they have the chance to add the Bundesliga outfit to the scalps of Roma, Juventus, holders Shakhtar Donetsk and Wolfsburg.

But Gera admits Fulham's task could have been even easier had they grabbed an away goal.

He went on: "I enjoyed the game. I was just a bit unhappy because I didn't manage to score, though I had the chance to do so at least twice.

It's a pity because an away goal, an away victory, would have been very good.

"Our goalless game is not the best omen because we had scored on all of our away games in the Europa League.

"Now it's be another game we have to win on home soil. If we don't win then we can go through with penalties. Of course I'd accept this [winning on penalties] if it meant that we could go into the final."

Meanwhile, Hamburg assistant coach Ricardo Moniz has been handed the manager's job full-time following the sacking of Bruno Labbadia earlier this week.

The role will be 45-year-old Moniz's first in management but the Dutchman does have experience of English football having worked with former Hamburg coach Martin Jol at Spurs for three years.

Hamburg chairman Bernd Hoffman said: "He is knowledgeable about English football and can therefore prepare the team in the best way for Thursday's return leg."

"We believe that Ricardo will be able to get that extra percentage out of us which had disappeared recently."
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (28.04.10)
Post by: White Noise on April 28, 2010, 10:36:37 AM
http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/articles/20100428152933/Article/index_html

A peculiar club

2010/04/28

By Himmat Singh, 17, Selayang


WHICH English Premier League club do you support? It would most probably be either Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal or Liverpool — for they are the so-called big four clubs in the EPL.

Otherwise, it could be a above-average team like Tottenham, Aston Villa or Manchester City.

But ask me this question and my answer would be something you would not imagine — Fulham! Yes, I support Fulham and have been doing so for the past six years. You ask, "Why Fulham?" Actually, the first club that I had supported in the EPL was Manchester United but that was when I was oblivious to the happenings in the EPL. I supported Manchester because my friends were supporting it, and because it was the most popular club. However, when I started to pick up the papers to read the EPL news and started watching the matches a bit here and there, I realised that I didn't actually like Manchester. And for some reason, unknown to even me, I chose Fulham as the team to support.

Maybe because the name sounded unique. From then on, I have been ridiculed a quadrillion times over by friends, family members — you name it. Every time someone spoke of the EPL, and when they asked me which team I supported, I would enthusiastically say Fulham.

But nobody would believe me, not the first time around at least. Fulham is a relatively new club to Premier League football.

It gained promotion into the top ranks of British football in 2001. Astonishingly, this was its third promotion up the British league tier in five seasons.


This feat was mostly due to the backing of Mohamed al-Fayed, a multi-millionaire who spent a lot of money to bring quality coaches and players into the club. When I started supporting it in 2004, Fulham was a mediocre team.

It would usually be fighting for places in the lower half of the EPL table.

Back then, the club had good players such as Edwin van der Sar, Louis Saha and Luis Bao Morte. But in 2008, Fulham was on the brink of Premier League oblivion.

With just 15 minutes left to play in the final game of the season against Portsmouth, it was mathematically relegated. But a goal in the 77th minute of the game earned Fulham another season in the EPL.

Had it been relegated that day, I quite possibly wouldn't have a team to support now in the EPL. Now Fulham is consistently giving the bigger teams a run for their money, and is featured prominently in the top 10 of the EPL. The present team, led by Clint Dempsey, Danny Murphy, Brede Hangeland and Mark Schwarzer, have the potential to take this Fulham side far. Its campaign in the inaugural Europa League has been a sensation — it successfully navigated past the group stages and have a chance of making it to the semi-finals after winning Juventus in the last-16 stage.

Silverware or no silverware, come the end of the season, the present 2009-2010 campaign has been the best in the entire history of Fulham. It could be in the running for the EPL crown even.

I shall then have the last laugh at the many people who have poked fun at me for supporting Fulham.

Till then, glory to Fulham!
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (28.04.10)
Post by: White Noise on April 28, 2010, 10:39:02 AM
http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/320940,hard-work-leads-fulham-to-the-brink-of-final--feature.html

Hard work leads Fulham to the brink of final - Feature

London - Were Fulham to beat Hamburg on Thursday to reach the Europa League final, it would represent one of football's great fairy stories.

This is a small side who seemed doomed to relegation when Roy Hodgson took over the season before last.

In their third last game they trailed 2-0 at Manchester City with 20 minutes to go, a result that would have ensured they were relegated.

But they came back to win 3-2, won their last two games and survived to finish seventh last season, qualifying for the Europa League.

This season, they have beaten Shakhtar Donetsk, Juventus and Wolfsburg on their way to the semi-final, and a 0-0 draw in Hamburg leaves them well placed for the second leg.

Hodgson, at last, is getting the credit he deserves in England after a peripatetic career that has taken him to Sweden, Switzerland, Italy and Finland.

His method, the midfielder Simon Davies says, is simple. He just ensures Fulham keep their shape better than other teams.

"If you are going to play for him you have got to put a shift in and perform, work to a system and be tight defensively," Davies said. "What you get after that is a bonus.

"I have been working with the manager three years now and every day is team shape, and it shows."

Davies admits that the incessant focus on shape can become boring.

"We have a little laugh about it now and again," he said, "but when he came in we were fighting relegation and now we are in the Europa League so you take it.

"I don't want to give any secrets away, but he gets the 11 that he wants on a Saturday and he drills everything in that he wants.

"We have got the ball - it's never unopposed. It's certain drills defensive, certain drills attacking and we work very hard at it.

"There's no diagrams, it's just all on the pitch. We do a lot of work after every game on analysis, sorting the bad things out, sorting the good things out.

"It's nice to know what you work hard on works so well. We are two and a half years down the line now, so we are all converted, and it's just working on little things now and hoping we can still get better."

While Fulham could hardly be happier with their manager, Hamburg sacked theirs, Bruno Labbadia, after the 5-1 defeat to Hoffenheim at the weekend.

He has been replaced by the skills coach Ricardo Moniz which, given how unpopular Labbadia seemed to have become, can only be of benefit to Hamburg.

It is Fulham, though, who have the stability.
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (28.04.10)
Post by: White Noise on April 28, 2010, 10:41:06 AM
http://www.teamtalk.co.za/blogs/james-marshment/6120631


Europa joy would be just champion for Roy


Wednesday 28th April 2010 9:08


TEAMtalk's James Marshment tips his cap to Roy Hodgson and reckons the Fulham gaffer is a leading contender for Manager of the Season.

Whatever the outcome of Thursday's Europa League semi-final second leg against Hamburg, Fulham can look back with great pride at one of the best seasons in their history.

So often in the shadow of their "significantly richer than you" west London rivals Chelsea, the Cottagers have risen and risen under the expert tutelage of Hodgson.

Now just 90 minutes away from a trip back to Hamburg for the Europa League final if they can overcome the Germans in the second leg of their last-four showdown, Hodgson deserves all the plaudits for masterminding their progress so far.

Shorn of the vast squad options that many of their rivals in the top flight, and almost certainly across Europe enjoy, Hodgson has also exceeded on the domestic front too by reaching the last eight of the FA Cup and also by overseeing a comfortable top-half finish.

Very impressive.

In a campaign that started as far back in July during Europa League qualifying, the crown jewel of their European adventure so far was undoubtedly the elimination of Juventus. A win that, lest we forget, came after the Cottagers found themselves trailing 4-1 on aggregate with two minutes played of the second leg, before eventually prevailing 5-4 on aggregate. No matter how many times Chelsea score seven in the league this season, that wining, dining, flirting-with and eventually ditching of the Old Lady will be remembered by this journalist as the performance of the season, bar none.

And it's not over yet either with Hamburg, who this week sacked their manager after a 5-1 defeat in the Bundesliga over the weekend, lie in wait for the second leg.

A goalless draw away from home, whilst a good result for Fulham, will see the visitors start as slight favourites to reach the final on May 12. Such is the way with European football and the away goals rule, as a home team, the next best result to winning is a 0-0 stalemate.

So you'd be forgiven if you had the pre-conceived thought that this will be one match too far for the Cottagers. But write them off at your peril and who'd bet against Hodgson leading out Fulham in the Europa League final against either Atletico Madrid or Liverpool in just two weeks' time.

Whatever the outcome on Thursday night, I believe Hodgson has proved himself this season (and to be fair, last season too) to be one of the game's best tactitians and definitely takes my vote for Manager of the Season.
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (28.04.10)
Post by: White Noise on April 28, 2010, 10:43:23 AM
John Carew deserves his move to Fulham - too bad it will be eight years too late for the big Norwegian


(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2010/04/28/article-1269421-09307ED1000005DC-281_306x655.jpg)

Looking good in a white shirt: John Carew could leave Villa for Fulham

JOHN CAREW is moving  into the final year of his contract at Aston Villa and his situation has alerted Fulham to the possibility of luring him to Craven Cottage.

In a football terms it makes sense, the big Norwegian having the right attributes to share the burden on Bobby Zamora.

But few potential deals would have to be conducted in as potentially explosive and toxic circumstances, so it  is intriguing that it has been raised at all.

For Fulham's chairman, Mohamed al-Fayed, signing Carew would represent a loss of  face and could even have more serious consequences after his club's aborted  attempt to sign the player eight  years ago.

A £7.5million deal was called off then when the striker was found to have 'jumper's knee' in a medical organised by the club.

Fayed later accused his manager Jean Tigana in court of acting improperly in trying 'to sign a player with a clear medical problem at such a high price.'

But Carew and his club at the time, Valencia, took great umbrage at the outcome of the medical and the decision.

The striker has proved his fitness since and Valencia went  into a legal battle with Fulham, via FIFA, for compensation.

If Carew could be transferred to Fulham now without a great deal of fuss it  would show the game has grown up more than it is given credit for.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1269421/LEOS-LONDON-John-Terry-Chelsea-powerhouse-season-despite-field-problems.html?ito=feeds-newsxml#ixzz0mO1Q53D7 (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1269421/LEOS-LONDON-John-Terry-Chelsea-powerhouse-season-despite-field-problems.html?ito=feeds-newsxml#ixzz0mO1Q53D7)
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (28.04.10)
Post by: White Noise on April 28, 2010, 10:48:36 AM
More Season Tickets Seats Available


Wednesday 28th April 2010

Fulham FC News

As of 9am Wednesday 28th April, all current Season Ticket seats that have not been renewed for next season have been released for sale to the general public, leaving some of the best seats in the house available for Fulham's 2010/11 Barclays Premier League season.

Some of the seats now available include W Block on the half way line in the Riverside Stand, there are also great views in the Riverside Stand blocks X and T and even fantastic views from Johnny Haynes Stand, F block, but you must be quick – they won't be available for long!

Buy your Season Ticket online today|

You can view which new seats have become available and even select your own seat for 2010/11 by logging in to our new online system|.

Remember, Adult Season Tickets for the 2010/11 season start at just £285, and Junior Season Tickets from just £95 – that's only £15 and £5 per game respectively!  We even have a limited number of FREE Season Tickets for Under 8s if booked at the same time as a full paying Adult Season Ticket*.

You could also benefit from our great Early Bird prices by purchasing your Season Ticket by 5pm Monday 10th May. You can purchase your Season Ticket instantly| with our new online system and in around four clicks become a Fulham Season Ticket Holder.  It has never been easier.

*Under 8 Season Tickets cannot be bought online.


Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/April/NewSTOnSale.aspx#ixzz0mO2ppBPk (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/April/NewSTOnSale.aspx#ixzz0mO2ppBPk)
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (28.04.10)
Post by: White Noise on April 28, 2010, 10:51:51 AM
http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/uefacup/manualstories/zamoraandgeraleadfulhamseuropaleaguecharge2646/default.html

Zamora and Gera lead Fulham's Europa League charge

Published: Wednesday, 28 April 2010, 9:42AM


At the beginning of the season, few would have envisaged the impact that Bobby Zamora would have on Fulham's 2009/10 Europa League campaign. The striker had hit just three goals in 48 Premier League appearances of the two seasons prior to the current one, becoming something of a figure of fun for opposition supporters, but this season has been instrumental in Fulham's reaching the semi-final of the Europa League.

It is a similar story for his team-mate Zoltan Gera who could count only four Premier League goals to his name from his two previous campaigns in the competition, but has suddenly come into his own in European competition this season.

Between them, Zamora and Gera have been involved in all but two of Fulham's 15 Europa League goals since the start of December:

Fulham's Europa League goals since start of December

Date Opponent Scorer Assist
3 Dec 09 CSKA Sofia Gera Riise
16 Dec 09 Basel Zamora Riise
16 Dec 09 Basel Zamora Riise
16 Dec 09 Basel Gera Kelly 
18 Feb 10 Shakhtar Donetsk Gera Zamora
18 Feb 10 Shakhtar Donetsk Zamora Gera
25 Feb 10 Shakhtar Donetsk Hangeland Duff
11 Mar 10 Juventus Etuhu Gera
18 Mar 10 Juventus Zamora Konchesky
18 Mar 10 Juventus Gera Davies
18 Mar 10 Juventus Gera   
18 Mar 10 Juventus Dempsey Etuhu
1 Apr 10 Wolfsburg Zamora Gera
1 Apr 10 Wolfsburg Duff Zamora
8 Apr 10 Wolfsburg Zamora Gera

Only two players can boast that they have scored more goals than Zamora's six in this season's Europa League, with Cardozo of Benfica and Pizarro of Werder Bremen both hitting nine so far, whilst Gera's four assists are surpassed only by Benfica's Di María and Bremen's Özil (six each).

Interestingly it is mainly since the Whites reached the supposedly tougher knockout stages of the competition that Gera and Zamora have come into their own; scoring against last season's winners Shakhtar, Italian giants Juventus and current Bundesliga title holders Wolfsburg, suggesting that they perform at their best against the tougher opponents.

For Zamora, such displays have led to whispers of a possible England call-up ahead of this summer's World Cup, though Roy Hodgson will be more interested in making sure that his striker has fully recovered from his Achilles injury ahead of the semi-final clash with Hamburg on Thursday.
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (28.04.10)
Post by: White Noise on April 28, 2010, 12:06:08 PM
http://www.sport.co.uk/news/Football/37508/ONeill_makes_no_apologies_for_Euro_strategy.aspx

O'Neill makes no apologies for Euro strategy

Author:  Andrew Allen


Posted on:28 April 2010 - 11:17



Martin O'Neill has made clear that he will not back down from playing inexperienced players in next year's Europa League should Aston Villa miss out on Champions League qualification in the final two weeks of the season.

The Aston Villa manager bore the brunt of criticism from fans after the Midlands outfit exited last year's UEFA Cup at the hands of CSKA Moscow while fielding reserve and Academy graduates in the hope of speeding up their integration into first team matters.

This season Aston Villa were dumped out of the renamed tournament in the preliminary stages by Austrian side Rapid Vienna; a result which cost the club's fans the opportunity to embark on a European adventure like Premier League rivals Fulham, Everton and Liverpool.

"I will make it clear to the Aston Villa  fans what we will do if we are in the Europa League," O'Neill said in the Daily Express.

"The likes of Ciaran Clark,  Marc Albrighton  and Nathan Delfouneso  would've been given a chance so that, come this stage of the season, you'd know precisely what they're capable of.

"That experience might come in really handy in the run-up in the Premier League. That's the theory. In practice there might be a Europa League game so important that you might have to go with your senior players.

"This is my thought process and, if we're in the Europa League next season, that is what we will do.

"If we're in the Champions League then try telling Richard Dunne, who has fought so hard to get this far, that he's not playing."
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (28.04.10)
Post by: White Noise on April 28, 2010, 12:15:07 PM
http://www.timesandstar.co.uk/viv-s-fighting-spirit-rubs-off-on-players-1.700937?referrerPath=sport/


Viv's fighting spirit rubs off on players

Published at 11:31, Wednesday, 28 April 2010


There was a time when Viv Busby didn't care if he never won another football match ever again. All he was interested in was staying alive long enough to see the birth of his baby daughter Megan.

Finding time to relax: Workington Reds assistant manager Viv Busby, pictured below barking orders to players from the touchline, takes some time out at his home in Carlisle The man who terrorised defences for 14 years, played in the 1975 FA Cup Final and scored more than 100 goals for Luton, Fulham, Newcastle, Stoke, Sheffield United and Blackburn was facing his toughest opponent – leukaemia.

On more than one occasion, his family were told to prepare for the worst as he lay desperately ill in hospital.

As leukaemia took hold of him in the most brutal way, he was determined he would not succumb to the disease and even managed to make it 50 yards down the corridor to be at the birth of Megan.

Ten years on, Busby, 60, may have a new sense of priority but he has also rediscovered his hunger for winning games – after celebrating his greatest victory of all.

At an age when most men are winding down to retirement, Busby is helping to lead Workington Reds to glory, as well as be doting dad to a lively nine-year-old daughter.

He's a man who has been given a second chance of life and he's determined to make the most of it.

"I was on death's door but I pulled through," says Busby of the darkest days of his fight for life.

"Something like that is life changing. One minute, you're fit and healthy and you think you're invincible and won't get a serious illness, the next, you think you're on your way out. I can't believe now that I felt that ill. Anything associated with cancer is frightening. It came as a right kick in the teeth."

It was 2000 when Busby was struck down by illness while he was working as Colin Todd's No2 at Swindon. He thought he had a severe dose of flu but was instead given the devastating diagnosis that he had acute myeloid leukaemia.

He spent a traumatic year in hospital and underwent five sessions of gruelling chemotherapy. Nothing could have prepared him for the horrific side-effects. His weight plummeted by four stone, he lost all his hair and he had to be kept in isolation because his immune system was shattered but he never gave up the fight.

"Once you get over the shock, the determination to stay alive kicks in," said Busby.

"The doctor said it would be curable but the treatment would be harsh, but I knew if I stayed strong I could make it through.

"On one occasion, doctors called my family as they thought I wouldn't make it through the night after I developed a lung infection. The infection got me down and almost put an end to me.

"You never know what's round the corner. I came down with a heavy dose of flu and it was cough, cough, cough. I had a very high temperature, my teeth were bleeding, and I was in a right state. I took myself off to A&E and was kept in and fed antibiotics and two pints of blood. The next day I was told I had acute myeloid leukaemia.

"My daughter Megan was born 50 yards down the corridor on the maternity ward, but I was able to be there.

"I went into remission after the first course of chemotherapy, probably because I was so fit and strong-minded."

Now, Busby looks so well and has so much zest for life that you can't help but do a double take when he says he'll be 61 in June.

He is fit enough to run around the training ground with Workington Reds players young enough to be his grandsons.

In the dug-out alongside ambitious young manager Darren Edmondson, he has helped to inspire an barnstorming run of nine wins and two draws from their last 11 games, which has fired the west Cumbrians into the Blue Square North play-offs.

They host Alfreton Town in tonight's semi-final first leg in front of an anticipated bumper crowd, before Sunday's return leg in Derbyshire.

Their success has coincided with the 35th anniversary of Busby playing in the FA Cup final for Fulham against West Ham in front of 100,000 fans – a stark contrast to the world of non-league football where he now finds himself.

But it doesn't matter to him that he is working with part-timers, who juggle football with jobs as postmen, electricians and roofers, rather than multi-million pound stars he was accustomed to during a career in which he played alongside Bobby Moore and Malcolm Macdonald and, after hanging up his boots, included spells as assistant manager to Howard Kendall at Everton and Sheffield United and to Denis Smith at Sunderland.

Busby unexpectedly found himself out of the full-time game in 2007 when he was controversially axed as academy director at Gretna in a savage cost-cutting measure a year before the Borderers were wiped off the football map when late owner Brooks Mileson walked away from the club following illness.

Edmondson asked him to be his assistant when he took over from Tommy Cassidy as Reds manager in 2007, and it was a perfect move for Busby, who has settled living in Carlisle.

Good assistants, as any manager will tell you, are a godsend, and in the wider football world, Busby is respected as a man steeped in experience and knowledge of the game, and 42 years in football have done nothing to dim his enthusiasm.

Busby said: "Three seasons ago , I remember being at Consett in the FA Cup first qualifying round and there were three men and a dog there.

"I was going berserk on the touchline and afterwards someone commented on how I still get excited. I jump up in the air when you win and when things don't go right I still kick the ground. I still get a thrill out of it.

"We have such a tremendous blend of players at Workington that you can't help but be swept up. We have the likes of Tony Caig, who is an experienced former professional, Tony Hopper, Kyle May and Lee Andrews, who were all at Carlisle United, Jonny Wright and Gareth Arnison who have stepped up to the plate.

"Phil McLuckie didn't make it at Morecambe but has come on leaps and bounds.

"Some of them like Gari Rowntree, who was released by Blackburn, have had a kick in the teeth but bounced back.

"There are scouts at a lot of games and people are ringing me all the time wondering about players. They say 'What about Arnison? What about Wright?'.

"It's totally different to what I'm used to but it's really refreshing. I still get the same buzz.

"When you consider the size of the budget compared to other clubs in our league, we just can't compete financially but, on the pitch, the boys work so hard and are a match for anyone.

"Because of postponements due to the weather, we have had a relentless, non-stop programme with a squad of 16 or 17 players. One or two are feeling the pinch and we've had a few playing while they're unfit. The spirit is tremendous and they should be very proud of what they've achieved."
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (28.04.10)
Post by: White Noise on April 28, 2010, 12:56:54 PM
http://www.goal.com/en/news/166/europa-league/2010/04/28/1898718/europa-league-preview-fulham-hamburg

Europa League Preview: Fulham - Hamburg


With the tie delicately poised, the Cottagers go into this encounter on level terms with an HSV side who have just lost their coach...


By Robin Bairner


Apr 28, 2010 11:30:00 AM

Kick Off: Thursday, April 20, 2010. 21:05 CET
Craven Cottage, London


On The Brink Of History

Thursday's encounter between Fulham and Hamburg promises to be a huge clash for both sides. The Cottagers, who battled to a 0-0 draw in Germany last week, will be aiming to qualify for their first ever continental final, while HSV are only one win away from the unique chance to play the competition's concluding match on home soil.

Amiable home coach Roy Hodgson has made few bones about his desire to see Fulham excel in the Europa League, making wholesale changes to his side for the weekend's domestic game against Everton, which was only lost 2-1 at the very last gasp.

Known for their excellent record at Craven Cottage, where the likes of Liverpool, Manchester United and Juventus have all be soundly thumped this season, the Premier League club will certainly limber up for the midweek tie full of confidence. Speaking after last week's draw in Hamburg, Hodgson was upbeat over his side's chances of progressing.

"We've been given enormous help from the fans in our home games and I'm sure they'll be turning up in great numbers to cheer us on," he told ESPN. "The tie is still very open, 0-0 is not such a bad result for Hamburg because if they do score away from home then we'll have to score two."

Despite the former Inter coach's warnings, Fulham have managed to score more than once at home in each round since the group phase (during which they never actually managed to score more than one home goal), and if they can maintain such a record, it is likely they will have done enough to progress against opponents in turmoil.

Changes

Bruno Labbadia finally paid for the dire league form of HSV on Monday when he was sacked from his post as head coach of the club. A dire run of results domestically has seen Hamburg tumble down to seventh in the Bundesliga table, and an especially poor 5-1 defeat against Hoffenheim at the weekend proved to be the final straw for the club.

Ricardo Moniz has since taken charge of the side on a temporary basis, but he has a big job on his hands to reverse the negative trend on the home front. In Europe, on the other hand, die Rothosen have been going along fairly steadily. Belgian sides Standard Liege and Anderlecht were dismissed, while last week's scoreless draw at the HSH Nordbank Arena certainly doesn't rule out a shock on Thursday night.

Labbadia was confident that the scoreless outcome last week wasn't a poor result, and his thoughts were echoed by players such as defender Joris Mathijsen, who seemed fairly content with the outcome. "There are certainly worse results," the Dutchman said to the press after the game, before lamenting his side's inability to convert chances – something that has plagued them throughout the campaign.

Finding the net in foreign lands hasn't necessarily been such a big issue for HSV, as the 30-year-old was swift to point out. "In the last three European away games we have scored a total of eight goals. In London, we will score our goal, I'm sure," he explained.

If Hamburg can register first, it could be a difficult evening for Fulham, who won't know exactly what to expect from their German guests.





FORM GUIDE

Fulham

LOST 2-1 (a) Everton (Premier League, April 25)

DREW 0-0 (a) Hamburg (Europa League, April 22)

DREW 0-0 (h) Wolverhampton Wanderers (Premier League, April 17)

DREW 0-0 (a) Liverpool (Premier League, April 11)

WON 1-0 (a) Wolfsburg (Europa League, April 8)

Hamburg

LOST 5-1 (a) Hoffenheim (Bundesliga, April 25)

DREW 0-0 (h) Fulham (Europa League, April 22)

LOST 1-0 (h) Mainz (Bundesliga, April 17)

WON 2-1 (a) Bochum (Bundesliga, April 11)

WON 3-1 (a) Standard Liege (Europa League, April 8)

TEAM NEWS

Fulham

Andrew Johnson is a long-term problem for Fulham, while Nicky Shorey and Stefano Okaka are ineligible for this fixture. Otherwise, only Bobby Zamora is struggling for fitness, and he's likely to try to play through the pain of an Achilles tendon problem.

Probable Starting XI: Schwarzer; Baird, Hangeland, Hughes, Konchesky; Duff, Etuhu, Murphy, Davies; Gera, Zamora

Hamburg

Ricardo Moniz has a number of selection issues to concern himself with ahead of this match. Key figures such as Eljero Elia and Marcell Jansen lead an injury list that also contains Romeo Castelen, Tunay Torun and Collin Benjamin, though there is hope that right-back Guy Demel will be able to shake off a knock in time to feature.

Piotr Trochowski is suspended.

Probable Starting XI: Rost; Demel, Mathijsen, Boateng, Aogo; Tesche, Ze Roberto, Jarolim, Pitroipa; Petric, Van Nistelrooy

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Fulham

Damien Duff is one of the players who have had their career rejuvenated under Roy Hodgson's stewardship, and the veteran Irishman will look to be one of the protagonists of a home win on Thursday. He struck what proved to be the winning goal in the Cottagers' last home European match against Wolfsburg, and he would doubtless relish similar success against German opposition again.

Hamburg

Jerome Boateng will be handed a great responsibility in the heart of the HSV defence. The 21-year-old German international cannot make a slip or else it could prove costly for his team against a Fulham side who have been efficient in front of goal in recent European matches. Big things are expected of the young defender, and it is in matches like this he has to start to deliver.

PREDICTION

HSV are in something of a state of disarray, but the loss of Bruno Labbadia may just spark them into some kind of form. It's more likely that the English side, who are generally so reliable at home, will manage to battle their way through to the final. Roy Hodgson's side will certainly have to be vigilant though.

Fulham 2-0 Hamburg
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (28.04.10)
Post by: White Noise on April 28, 2010, 12:58:13 PM
Burnley set to net shock European place...if Fulham win the Europa League

By Christopher Davies


Last updated at 12:07 PM on 28th April 2010



Burnley, relegated from the Barclays Premier League, are in line for a Europa League place next season via the Fair Play League.

The highest placed club in the Premier League's Fair Play table who do not qualify for Europe are set to win a place in the Europa League.

The latest standings show Arsenal top followed by Tottenham, Fulham, Manchester United, Chelsea and Burnley.

If Fulham win this season's Europa Cup they would be invited back as holders, leaving Burnley in pole position for an unexpected place in Europe.

Should Fulham not win the final in Hamburg next month they could be back next season via the Fair Play table.

The top three national associations in UEFA's Fair Play League are given an extra Europa League place at the last table showed England in third place.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1269455/Burnley-set-win-shock-European-place--Fulham-win-Europa-League.html?ito=feeds-newsxml#ixzz0mOZTSLv1 (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1269455/Burnley-set-win-shock-European-place--Fulham-win-Europa-League.html?ito=feeds-newsxml#ixzz0mOZTSLv1)
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (28.04.10)
Post by: White Noise on April 28, 2010, 01:01:37 PM
Final Push

Wednesday 28th April 2010


Fulham FC News

On Thursday evening Fulham will challenge Hamburg at the Cottage for a place in the Final of the UEFA Europa League and defender Paul Konchesky clearly believes his Team are in the best possible condition for arguably the biggest game in the Club's history.

"We've had a week to prepare for Thursday's match and we're over last week's trip to get to Hamburg," explained Konchesky. 

"We got the result we wanted in Hamburg and hopefully we can get an early goal on Thursday night at the Cottage.

"We just need to concentrate on what we're good at on Thursday night. We've got a great chance and we're playing at home.

"We don't want people to think it's going to be like the Juventus game. They've [Hamburg] got two attacking forwards who are always a threat and can score goals.

"We've got a great opportunity. If we can play how we've been playing and start well, get the fans behind us, and kick on, hopefully we can push the Europa League right to the end.

"Just to get to the Final of the Europa League would be a phenomenal achievement. Obviously one or two of our players have been there before, but there are not a lot of us that know what it means, so hopefully we can get there."


Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/April/KoncheskyHamburgReturn.aspx#ixzz0mOaRr6mI (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/April/KoncheskyHamburgReturn.aspx#ixzz0mOaRr6mI)
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (28.04.10)
Post by: White Noise on April 28, 2010, 01:03:51 PM
Ready To Go  - Training Photo's

Wednesday 28th April 2010

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/April/HamburgHomeTrainingPhotos.aspx (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/April/HamburgHomeTrainingPhotos.aspx)
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (28.04.10)
Post by: White Noise on April 28, 2010, 01:04:57 PM
21st April 2010

http://www.volzy.com/diary.php

Highlight of last week was the trip to Hamburg to watch my former team mates in the Europa League Semi Final first leg. With flights resuming just a few hours before I was due to leave, I got to make my way over in a much more comfortable fashion than the Fulham players following their arduous journey. While the game itself didn't have too much excitement, I had a great time overall and it was a great occasion to be at. I did a bit of media before the game - I spoke to ESPN about the Hamburg team and did a bit on Fulham for one of the German channels just before kick off. I had to walk all the way through the Fulham block to get to my seat and I have to say I got a fantastic reception from the Fulham fans. They were singing my name and asking for pictures and things, and it was a great feeling be still so appreciated even though I haven't played for Fulham in two years now. The picture you can see on the right is me with one of the Fulham punters who was wearing a World War One fighter pilots helmet - good old English humour as ever!

I hope some of the Fulham fans made more of the German experience than my friend Uncle Kev did while he was over. The whole time he was in Hamburg he managed to avoid doing anything remotely German by eating burritos and going to an Irish bar! I bet he didn't even drink German beer in there! Shocking behaviour on his part, but he can make amends for it with a sausage or two if he goes back to Hamburg for the final in a few weeks.

I went to the PFA Awards last night which always coincides with the close of the season. It was no great surprise to see Wayne Rooney win but the highlight for me was the speech from old leg-end Jimmy Greaves. He has us all chuckling away with a few anecdotes. 

Really looking forward to the second leg on Thursday now...

More soon...
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (28.04.10)
Post by: White Noise on April 28, 2010, 01:11:19 PM
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-sport/football/article-23828839-ray-lewington-sees-light-after-fulhams-dark-days.do


Ray Lewington sees light after Fulham's dark days


Ken Dyer


28.04.10


The latest leg of Fulham's grand European adventure unfolds down by the Thames tomorrow night and no one is enjoying the experience more than Ray Lewington.

Roy Hodgson's unlikely heroes will be doing their best to beat Hamburg, after a goalless draw in Germany, to reach the final of the Europa League and first-team coach Lewington is as excited about the prospect as any supporter of this grand old London club.

It is understandable that Fulham's spectacular success this season means so much to Lewington since his link with the club goes back three decades.

The Lambeth-born Lewington made 174 appearances for Fulham between 1980-85 but it was 12 months on, when he was at Sheffield United, that he took a call one day from then Fulham manager Ray Harford.

Fulham were by then in Division Three and a club unrecognisable from the one that are relishing tomorrow night's semi-final second leg.

"Ray said the club were basically skint and they were looking for a player/manager," recalls Lewington. "He had recommended me for the job but advised me not to take it.

"This was Fulham and I fancied it strongly. I was only 29 and could have gone on playing but I went to Sheffield United and told them what I wanted to do. At first they said no chance' but I kept on and they relented."

That was the start of the Lewington managerial and coaching career which has now turned full circle via Crystal Palace, Brentford and Watford.

Tomorrow night the 53-year-old will be in his usual place in the home dugout and perhaps, fleetingly, thinking back to those dark days and the extent since of the Fulham journey.

"It's been a long haul this season but one I will never forget," he added.

"The season before we had finished a marvellous seventh place so there we were in Europe. Our squad weren't the biggest and we went into the competition fairly relaxed and in a way, perhaps feeling that going out after the qualifying rounds would have suited us. Our first match was way back on 30 July, against Vetra from Lithuania.

"We had come back to pre-season training early because we wanted to be right for that first game.

"I remember there were concerns that we could run out of steam later in the season. We had seen Aston Villa the year before and the way they had fallen away because of their European commitments. They couldn't buy a win at the back end of the season.

"At the start, though, it was a nice little adventure, going to places we hadn't seen before and representing England in a major European competition.

"As we progressed, things got more serious especially after the two-legged win over Shakhtar Donetsk — easily our best performance.

"They were the holders and a very good side. They had a 20-minute spell at Craven Cottage which was better than anything we've played against at home but we won 2-1 and managed to draw the away leg 1-1. It was after that tie that I really thought we might do something special."

Tomorrow's semi-final, second leg against Hamburg is Fulham's 60th competitive match of the season.

"That's more than any other team in the country," Lewington said. "The players have done amazingly well and they still look sharp and slick considering their heavy workload. When you're winning, you don't feel fatigue."

Lewington works under manager Hodgson and alongside goalkeeping coach Mick Kelly. "I think it works well, Roy, Mick and myself," he added. "I suppose I am the outsider because Roy and Mick have worked together, on and off, for the last 30 years but they've never treated me that way.

"We split things up between us but Roy always takes the main session."

Tomorrow night, in the civilised, almost genteel environs of Craven Cottage, Hodgson's team will attempt to once again defy the odds and reach the final of the Europa League.

"The Cottage is a unique place," said Lewington. "You perhaps don't get the intensity of some other stadia although the fans there are good. They don't tend to give the opposition a hard time and they're very fair minded. It's a nice place to watch and play football, not a hard-edged atmosphere. That can though, work in our favour."

As kick-off approaches Hodgson will talk to his players one final time.

"Roy often says, Remember, be modest'," said Lewington. "Keeping things in perspective has been invaluable so far. We tend to get on with it. If we win we don't get carried away and if we lose, we don't beat ourselves up."

This season has seemed so special to Lewington because he can still remember the bad times.

"I remember the chairman David Bulstrode had plans to merge Fulham and QPR and that would have been the end of the club," he added. "I came back from training one day and I remember Yvonne Haines, who is now secretary at Millwall, was crying.

"What's happened?" I asked, and she told me. It was a devastating feeling but thankfully the club survived.

"We've come a long way since then, haven't we?"
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (28.04.10)
Post by: White Noise on April 28, 2010, 02:04:16 PM
Keane has also had a change of heart about ex-Fulham and England Under-21 defender Liam Rosenior, who is on a season-long loan from Reading.

Rosenior, a free agent in the summer, has been informed that Ipswich are no longer interested in signing him on a permanent basis.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1269468/Roy-Keane-axes-keeper-Richard-Wright-shown-door-Portman-Road.html?ito=feeds-newsxml#ixzz0mOq7HkqA (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1269468/Roy-Keane-axes-keeper-Richard-Wright-shown-door-Portman-Road.html?ito=feeds-newsxml#ixzz0mOq7HkqA)
Title: Re: Wednesday Fulham Stuff (28.04.10)
Post by: White Noise on April 28, 2010, 02:12:58 PM
Nikola Zigic hands hope to suitors Blackburn, Stoke and Sunderland by snubbing Galatasaray switch 

By Sportsmail Reporter Last updated at 12:58 PM on 28th April 2010


Valencia striker Nikola Zigic has rejected a move to Galatasaray and admits he is holding out for a move to the Barclays Premier League.

The tricky 6ft 8in Serbia international has previously been close to sealing transfers to Blackburn Rovers, Stoke City and Sunderland and now seems certain to leave La Liga this summer.

Fulham and Everton have also tracked the out-of-favour former Racing Santander player, but Galatasaray are believed to be the first club to make a strong move ahead of the transfer window opening.

However, Zigic said: 'I don't know the plans of my club, but my desire is to go to England. I'm still a Valencia player, but I have to think about my future.

'My contract is for two more years and now the most important thing for me is that the team ensures it will be playing in the Champions League next season and I'm confident we'll succeed.

'All my plans at this time are related to Valencia, but there is interest from other big European clubs. Now I must achieve our goals for Valencia and then give my full commitment to the national team.'

The 29-year-old has made just two La Liga starts this season in a side that tends to play David Villa as a lone striker with Juan Mata and David Silva in support.

Zigic is recovering from a knee injury and hopes to be fully fit in time for the World Cup finals this summer.
'I think in a week I'll be better,' he said. '(Manager Radomir) Antic heard of my injury and called to see how I was. It's nothing serious and he can certainly count on me for the World Cup.' 


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1269498/Nikola-Zigic-hands-hope-suitors-Blackburn-Stoke-Sunderland-snubbing-Galatasaray-switch.html?ito=feeds-newsxml#ixzz0mOrW2jIf (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1269498/Nikola-Zigic-hands-hope-suitors-Blackburn-Stoke-Sunderland-snubbing-Galatasaray-switch.html?ito=feeds-newsxml#ixzz0mOrW2jIf)