Friends of Fulham

http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/823843-fulhams-roy-hodgson-wary-of-hamburgs-rookie-ricardo-moniz


Fulham's Roy Hodgson wary of Hamburg's rookie Ricardo Moniz


Fulham's Roy Hodgson will be careful not to underestimate Hamburg Fulham's Roy Hodgson will be careful not to underestimate Hamburg

Roy Hodgson and Ricardo Moniz, two men a world apart in terms of coaching experience, will contest tonight's Craven Cottage semi-final – and the stakes could not be higher. Until joining Fulham, Hodgson may have been unsung in his homeland but his lengthy career with the likes of Inter Milan, Switzerland and Finland is now well-publicised.

Taking the Cottagers to their first European final would be up there with his best achievements. The contrast with Moniz could not be greater – the Dutchman, 45, is experiencing his first week in club management. The former PSV academy chief has been employed as a skills coach and while Hodgson's teams are famed for their tactical discipline, Moniz has been worried only about technical ability. Until now.

The new Hamburg coach worked at Tottenham under Martin Jol and followed his compatriot to Germany. 'He knows about English football and can therefore prepare the team in the best way,' reasoned chairman Bernd Hoffmann.

For Hamburg, victory tonight would mean a final in their own AOL Arena. Defeat would be a disaster – so no pressure, then. Not according to Hodgson, who believes the gulf in experience on the two benches will be immaterial. 'Their players will be capable of producing a very good performance, whoever the manager may be,' he insisted yesterday. Spoken from experience, no doubt.

I will take Roy at the Cottage, thank you very much! In Roy I trust!!!

http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/823842-fulhams-roy-hodgson-wont-gamble-on-bobby-zamoras-fitness


Fulham's Roy Hodgson won't gamble on Bobby Zamora's fitness


Fulham boss Roy Hodgson will take no chances over the fitness of striker Bobby Zamora ahead of the Europa League semi-final, second leg against Hamburg at Craven Cottage.

The 29-year-old – whose 19 goals this season have propelled him into contention for England's World Cup squad – hobbled out of the first leg after he aggravated an Achilles problem and missed last Sunday's trip to Everton.

Zamora has not trained with the rest of the squad, instead continuing his fitness work with the Fulham medical team.

Hodgson admits it will be touch and go whether the striker is available to face the Germans.

'Bobby is much improved and has done some work today with the physios, but we chose for him not to take part in the light training session we had,' he said.

'We just have to wait to have a 100 per cent decision on whether or not he can play. Obviously we are concerned about the situation, because if he was fully fit, he would have been training for the last couple of days.'

Hodgson added: 'When Bobby plays we know what we are ­doing, and when he does not play, we have people who come in and know what we are doing, so we can leave it late in that respect.

'He will have treatment again tomorrow, then go in front of our medical people, and I think by lunchtime I should know whether or not he has a chance of ­playing.

'It will be about their ­assessment, Bobby's own assessment, how he feels, how he thinks it will go –because he will not want to let the team down.

'He wants to play, but he wants to play as a fit player rather than play and in any way hamper our chances of doing well.'

http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/matches/season=2010/round=2000041/match=2000963/prematch/preview/index.html?rss=1475143+HSV+in+flux+as+Fulham+approach+%27finest+hour%27


HSV in flux as Fulham approach 'finest hour'


Published: Wednesday 28 April 2010, 20.05CET

Roy Hodgson is not sure Hamburger SV's coaching change will play into Fulham FC's hands as they approach the second leg of the semi-final in what is already a historic campaign for his side.
Read more

After a goalless first leg Fulham FC stand on the brink of reaching the UEFA Europa League final in only their second continental campaign – standing in their way are a Hamburger SV side seeking calm amid an internal storm.

A 5-1 defeat by TSG 1899 Hoffenheim on Sunday spelt the end for Hamburg coach Bruno Labbadia with his side just 90 minutes from a European final at their own stadium. Assistant Ricardo Moniz has taken temporary charge but Fulham manager Roy Hodgson is not so sure the upheaval will favour his side.

"Some say its an advantage to us; some say it's an advantage to them," Hodgson said. "When you reach a game at this level, coupled with the quality and experience of the Hamburg players, I think they will be more than capable of giving a very good performance, whoever the manager happens to be. The assistant has stepped into the breach so there's no vast change of style. I'm expecting the same Hamburg we met a week ago."

One difference from last Thursday could be the absence of a man with six goals in Fulham's campaign, striker Bobby Zamora, who faces a late fitness test on an Achilles injury that forced him to miss Sunday's 2-1 defeat at Everton. "He's much improved and did some work today with the physio," Hodgson said. "We just have to wait until tomorrow to make a decision whether he can or can't play."

Moniz faces a similar dilemma over Dennis Aogo, the versatile defender left behind in Germany after picking up a virus. "If Dennis decides to come we have a plane scheduled so he can be here for 1pm," explained Moniz, who is already shorn of suspended midfielder Piotr Trochowski while Tunay Torun faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after the 20-year-old damaged his knee in training last Friday. "We have many options at left-back though.

"Things have been a bit hectic over the past few days and we had to switch focus," Moniz added. ""It's an unbelievable motivation [to have the final at our stadium] but if the players put too much pressure on themselves it's not a good thing". My task is to give them confidence. Last year we had similar situation against Galatasaray [and won the round of 16 tie 4-3 on aggregate] so we know what it's all about."

Fulham do not have the benefit of such experience, yet Hodgson believes his side have already written themselves into club legend. "It's a finest hour; whatever happens it's a finest hour," he said. ""We're all as determined as we possibly can not to fail at this final stage and take the ultimate step rather than go out as gallant losers in the semi-final"."

Rodney Marsh: Johnny Haynes would be proud of Roy's boys

Last updated at 11:53 PM on 28th April 2010

It was like the Harlem Globetrotters down at Craven Cottage in 1976. It didn't last long, but it was fantastic, and now it feels like one of those out-of body experiences where you're not quite sure what happened or who it happened to.

Ken Adam, the agent who had taken me and George Best to play in North America, called me up and said he'd got a deal for us to play at Fulham. They were in the old Second Division and it was during the American off-season, so it was much like David Beckham now at AC Milan.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2010/04/28/article-0-00E5247B00000190-653_468x332.jpg)

Fulham buddies: George Best and Rodney Marsh

George was in Los Angeles and said he'd go if I went. I was in Tampa and said I'd go if George went. So Ken worked out the rest. Bobby Moore had already been there for a couple of years.

We had an absolute ball. The football was brilliant, George was magnificent and the Fulham lads all took us to their hearts and made us feel welcome.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2010/04/28/article-0-09592FFD000005DC-821_468x356.jpg)

We were getting so much publicity - well, George more than me - but our centre forward John Mitchell and left back Les Strong started an 'I Hate Marshy' club. They were giving away lapel badges at the games.

We were pulling in crowds of 18,000 when the previous year it had been about 5,000, which was great, because we were on a crowd bonus.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2010/04/28/article-0-09592FC9000005DC-327_306x694.jpg)

Fulham was my first club and I'll never forget starting out there. I joined them at 16 and spent five happy years with them. It was a unique time. They had so many wonderful players.

Johnny Haynes was a truly great footballer - an icon. People say he was the best passer of a ball ever and I wouldn't argue.

He was a perfectionist who could make a precise pass over 70 yards, which was quite a feat with the old ball with the lace in it. He could also make a 15-yard pass which would be just as incisive. He had total mastery of the football.

As apprentices, or groundstaff boys, as we were called it in those days, we'd all go to watch the first team. Haynes, George Cohen, Alan Mullery - all England players.
It was always a special place with a special atmosphere. Inside the old Cottage in the corner, we might see Michael Caine or Sean Connery or Honor Blackman and our mouths would drop open.

There's no star like Johnny Haynes in this Fulham team, but he would have been proud to see what Roy Hodgson has done for the club. Everyone tries to make out they're on a magic carpet ride but, if you know Roy, you'll realise it's all down to hard work. I watched him training at Motspur Park and it was fascinating.

I might be giving Roy's tactics away here, so I hope he doesn't mind. It was before they played Liverpool in a game that they won 3-1 and he was putting on sessions about how they'd combat Javier Mascherano and how they'd play when they lost the ball.

I've known Roy a long time and I started texting him good luck messages before the Europa League games. It's become such a superstition that he called me to say: 'Don't forget to text'. After they beat Juventus I sent a message to say: 'Roy, that was absolutely brilliant'.

It is easy to understate, but for Fulham to score four against Juventus after being three down on aggregate in the tie ... that is just off the radar.

I'm totally convinced they can beat Hamburg.

I'll be watching. Roy should be named Manager of the Year if they do it.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1269627/Rodney-Marsh-Johnny-Haynes-proud-Roys-boys.html?ITO=1490#ixzz0mTYQKQfY (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1269627/Rodney-Marsh-Johnny-Haynes-proud-Roys-boys.html?ITO=1490#ixzz0mTYQKQfY)

I saved Danny Murphy from the Spurs scrapheap, claims new Hamburg manager

By Laura Williamson


Last updated at 12:20 AM on 29th April 2010

New Hamburg manager Ricardo Moniz has claimed he convinced Danny Murphy not to walk away from football two years ago.

Moniz, who was appointed just three days before tonight's semi-final second leg against Fulham, worked with Murphy at Tottenham.

The 45-year-old was a fitness coach for three years at Spurs under Martin Jol and will take charge of his first match as a manager at Craven Cottage.

Hamburg sacked manager Bruno Labbadia after a 5-1 thrashing at Hoffenheim on Sunday which continued their slump to seventh in the German league.

Moniz said: 'I always trained the substitutes - Edgar Davids was there at that time, Danny Murphy, Hossam Ghaly. Danny was very disappointed he didn't play, so we had a lot of contact.

'He was 31 then and he thought that was the end of his career, but I said: "No, no - you keep working and you'll get your reward". He was a little bit cynical about it but I'm obviously very happy for him because, as a coach, you only work for players.'

Murphy, now 33, spoke highly of Moniz, a former Holland international, but remembers him very much as a coach and not a manager.

The Fulham captain said: 'He never managed. He worked mostly with wingers and creative midfielders. But he was a good coach and the lads liked him a lot.

'I've always spoken highly of him and I'm sure his players like him because he is that type of guy.

'I just hope he has a bizarre tactical plan that goes horribly wrong, but I'm sure he will be fired up and they will play for him.

'As for a tactician, I'm sure he will be attack-minded, because that is the type of guys he is.'

Moniz recalled Spurs beating Fulham 4-0 at Craven Cottage in the FA Cup in February 2007, but Murphy did not think Hamburg's change of manager would hinder Fulham's chances of progressing.

Murphy said: 'They could have Mickey Mouse in charge and still be desperate to get to a European final at their own stadium (on May 12).

'It's going to be one of two things. People are going to be disenchanted or play with freedom.

'If the other manager was not everybody's cup of tea, I don't think it will be any benefit.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1269625/I-saved-Danny-Murphy-Spurs-scrapheap-claims-new-Hamburg-manager.html#ixzz0mTaRPqxY (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1269625/I-saved-Danny-Murphy-Spurs-scrapheap-claims-new-Hamburg-manager.html#ixzz0mTaRPqxY)

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/apr/29/david-gold-fulham-team-selection


David Gold admits mistake over Fulham team selection complaint

• West Ham co-owner regrets Premier League complaint

• 'We probably reacted in haste and passion'

guardian.co.uk, Thursday 29 April 2010 09.11 BST 


David Gold admits West Ham made a mistake by complaining to the Premier League over Fulham's decision to field what he describes as their "ladies team" in the Cottagers' 2-0 defeat against Hull.

With one eye on a midweek Europa League quarter-final against Wolfsburg, the Fulham manager, Roy Hodgson, decided to rest five key players for the match in March, which they lost thanks to goals from Jimmy Bullard and Craig Fagan.

The Hammers hierarchy, fearing the potentially disastrous implications of the Hull win on their debt-ridden club, lodged an official complaint with the Premier League on 2 April but nothing has been made of the matter since and with survival now all-but certain, Gold admits the club now regret their actions.

"I think we were upset at the time and we probably reacted in haste and passion," said Gold. "I have to say that we were very upset and that we were in such a scary position. It's horrible being right down there when you are a club of such might as West Ham.

"We were very disappointed about the decision to put that team out at the time. Let me tell you though, I would have done the same thing. I would have put out the ladies team if I had been Fulham.

"They were beaten 2-0 by Hull and you're thinking: 'Come on, how can that be?' But of course if you put out the ladies team then that's what's going to happen."

Bobby Zamora, Danny Murphy, Damien Duff, Aaron Hughes and Dickson Etuhu all missed Fulham's defeat to Hull, which allowed the Tigers to pull level with Gianfranco Zola's side.

West Ham's 1-0 defeat against Stoke that weekend – their sixth on the bounce – ensured they only remained outside the relegation zone by virtue of goal difference.

The Premier League earlier this week confirmed they were still to receive Fulham's response to the allegations, and Gold's fellow co-owner David Sullivan admitted this week he had attempted to withdraw the complaint.

The West Ham manager, Gianfranco Zola, disagreed with the club's complaint and admitted that it could add extra spice to this Sunday's London derby between the sides.

The two club are already at loggerheads after Fulham claimed they were owed £450,000 compensation because West Ham finished one position above them in the 2006-07 season when they included the illegitimately-registered Carlos Tevez among their ranks.

Sullivan is reportedly ready to donate £100,000 to charity if Fulham scrap their bid for compensation and Gold now also hopes the two clubs can move on from the latest episode in their feud. "We're big boys and we'll move on now," he added.

Roy Hodgson: We can't afford to lose Bobby Zamora... he's our Wayne Rooney

By Laura Williamson


Last updated at 11:48 PM on 28th April 2010

Fulham could be without Bobby Zamora for the most important game in their history as he battles an achilles injury.

Manager Roy Hodgson admitted losing Zamora would be akin to Manchester United without Wayne Rooney or Liverpool without Steven Gerrard, such is the impact the 29-year-old striker has had this season.

Zamora has scored eight goals in Fulham's remarkable run to the Europa League semi-finals and is the tournament's top scorer.


SQUAD TO FACE HAMBURG Schwarzer, Zuberbuhler; Konchesky, Hangeland, Pantsil, Hughes, Smalling, Kelly; Etuhu, Duff, Murphy, Davies, Greening, Dikgacoi; Gera, Zamora, Dempsey, Nevland, Elm.

Hodgson said: 'When Wayne Rooney doesn't play for Manchester United then all the headlines are: "United are missing Wayne Rooney" and they've got riches galore compared to us.

'When Steven Gerrard doesn't play for Liverpool and Didier Drogba doesn't play for Chelsea, when Robin van Persie is out for a long time at the Arsenal, all the headlines you read are about these people.

'I can't say that it doesn't matter; that players of Zamora's quality and his importance to the team this year don't matter and we've got plenty of others who can go in and it won't affect us. That would be wrong because that would be undervaluing the contributions he's made this year, which have been fantastic.'

Hodgson, his medical staff and Zamora will make a decision by lunchtime today, with David Elm, Erik Nevland or Clint Dempsey likely to come in if Zamora is not fit to play against Hamburg.

But the striker could still require a minor operation, which would harm his chances of making Fabio Capello's England squad, for which he is still an outside bet.

Hodgson said: 'I would think if it does not clear up in the coming days, then the chances are we would chose to have a minor operation to clear up the area around the tendon, which would help him next season.

'Unless you get to the root of the problem, there's always the risk that, when you start again, sooner or later, the problem's going to ma k e i t s e l f known.


'But, if anything happens, like a call-up for England, I'm sure that would put a different complexion on the matter and it would maybe provoke a different de c i s i o n . '

Zamora limped off after 52 minutes of the first leg against Hamburg, missed Sunday's trip to Everton and did not train yesterday.

Hodgson added: 'Bobby will be absolutely devastated to have been a major influence in us getting so far and then not be able to take part in the final stage.

'Neither he nor I real ly anticipated it going on this long. We obviously underestimated the seriousness of the problem. But he i s a ma tur e and s t r ong person and he'll handle it whichever way it goes.'

Fulham captain Danny Murphy admitted Fulham would not have had such a magnificent run without Zamora, who has scored 19 goals in all competitions this season. He said: 'Even though we are a team unit, without Bobby we would not be in the semi-final.

'If you get a couple of goals the confidence starts flowing. Last season he was a bit deeper with Andy Johnson higher up the pitch. But this season he has been a bit higher up the pitch and come into play. He is proving his worth and more.'

Murphy also praised Hodgson's impact since arriving at Fulham in December 2007 and said his side's success in Europe this season has stemmed from the manager's experience on the continent.

Hodgson reached the final of the 1997 UEFA Cup with Inter Milan and has managed clubs in Sweden, Norway, Switzerland, Denmark and Italy.

Murphy said: 'The way we play seems to suit a more European style. We play a patient game. In a way it has come from Roy's Italian roots, it is an Italian style.'

Murphy won the UEFA Cup with Liverpool in 2001, but said Fulham's European adventure has been one to savour for a different reason. He said: 'Fulham are talking about reaching a final, which would be one of the greatest achievements in our history, whereas at Liverpool they are talking about reaching the same final as a consolation.

'Winning trophies at Liverpool were some of the best memories of my life. But to do it with Fulham, to get to this level would be more satisfying because nobody gave us a chance to do that.'
 
'Each time we drew big teams everyone thought it would be the end of the road but we kept jumping over the hurdles. It was only two years ago we needed to win on the last day of the season to stay up, so it has been a fairy tale in many ways and the manager deserves credit for that.'

If fit, Zamora will be one of three Fulham players - alongside Zoltan Gera and Paul Konchesky - for whom a yellow card would mean a ban from the final. John Pantsil will be at right-back in the absence of Chris Baird, who is suspended.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1269624/Fulham-sweat-Bobby-Zamora-Roy-Hodgson-reveals-star-brink-missing-Europa-League-semi-final-Hamburg.html#ixzz0mTbLkzIh (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1269624/Fulham-sweat-Bobby-Zamora-Roy-Hodgson-reveals-star-brink-missing-Europa-League-semi-final-Hamburg.html#ixzz0mTbLkzIh)

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/dempsey-fulham-have-europa-final-their-sights

Dempsey, Fulham have Europa final in their sights


In upheaval, Hamburg come to fortress Craven Cottage

Simon Borg

MLSsoccer.com April 28, 2010 11:27pm


U.S. star Clint Dempsey will have the chance to make history on Thursday night in London when Fulham host Hamburg in a Europa League semifinal second leg (tape-delayed broadcast at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, GolTV).

Not only does he have a chance to lead Fulham to their first-ever European final. He could also become the second American ever to start a semifinal match in a European competition after DaMarcus Beasley achieved the feat back in 2005.

Dempsey came on as a substitute in the first leg semifinal against Hamburg in Germany last week, entering the match for the final 38 minutes of a scoreless tie. Following 17 hours of travel by rail and road, due to the impact on air travel caused by the volcanic ash in Iceland, Fulham held Hamburg at bay in large part due to the saves of Australian goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer.

The first-leg result leaves Fulham in good position to advance, particularly given their strong home form this year. Roy Hodgson's side is 7-1 at Craven Cottage in Europa League play.

At the same time, Hamburg are coming apart at the seams. They have won just four Bundesliga games since the winter break, and after an embarrassing 5-1 league loss at Hoffenheim, head coach Bruno Labbadia was fired on Monday. His assistant Dutchman Ricardo Moniz will take the helm through the end of the season.

"When you reach a game of this level, with the experience and quality of the Hamburg players, they will be capable of producing a very good performance, whomever the manager may be," Fulham manager Roy Hodgson told Sky Sports. "They have played many, many games together and the assistant has stepped in. So there will not be any vast change of philosophy. I am expecting the same type of Hamburg we faced a week ago."

Hamburg, who have not won a continental trophy since 1983, are under tremendous pressure given the fact that their stadium is hosting the Europa League final on May 12.

Thursday night will mark what is arguably the most important match in Fulham club history. Hodgson created controversy on Sunday by resting several players for the side's league game, a 2-1 loss to Everton. Hwoever, the Cottagers actually took the lead and only lost on a last-minute PK from the Toffees. Some believe the club may have been in violation of the EPL rules, which require a full-strength side for all league matches. The Premier League on Wednesday said Fulham will not be sanctioned.

Fulham right back Chris Baird will be suspended for the match while the club's star striker Bobby Zamora will be a game time decision with an Achilles problem. Meanwhile, Hamburg will be without suspended striker Piotr Trochowski, who kept Schwarzer busy in the first leg.

Hamburg did, however, receive a dose of good news with Ruud van Nistelrooy (hip) and Zé Roberto (calf) returning to full training on Tuesday.

Should Fulham advance, they could face a fellow English club in the final. Also on Thursday, Liverpool look to overcome a 1-0 first leg loss to Spanish side Atlético Madrid (3 p.m. ET on Thursday, GolTV).

http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/132941/Danny-Murphy-Fulham-will-seal-the-greatest-achievement-in-the-club-s-history/


DANNY MURPHY: FULHAM WILL SEAL THE GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT IN THE CLUB'S HISTORY

29th April 2010

By Danny Fullbrook

DANNY MURPHY insists that Fulham will do an Italian job on Hamburg to seal the greatest achievement in the club's history.

The Premier League side are now, incredibly, favourites to reach the Europa League final on May 12 in Hamburg after battling their way to a fine 0-0 draw a week ago. 

But Murphy insists Fulham's brilliant form in Europe this season is down to manager Roy Hodgson's Italian experience with Inter Milan. 

Hodgson took Inter to the 1997 UEFA Cup final, which they lost to Germany's Schalke 04 on penalties. 

But according to Murphy it is the manager's experience in Serie A which has given Fulham the edge this season over more illustrious opponents like Juventus, Shakhtar Donetsk and Wolfsburg to reach this historic moment. 

The 33-year-old said: "The way we play seems to suit a more European style. "We play a patient and resilient sort of football, which in a way has come from Roy's Italian roots. It is an Italian style. 

"We don't mind keeping possession and trying to break the other teams down, but even when the team has to change the other players have come in and done well. 

"There are no stars. Perhaps Bobby Zamora has become the star this season because of the goals he has scored, but if you ask people about Fulham they will say we will play as a team." 

With Zamora such a massive doubt Fulham will need to draw on that team ethic again for this game. 

But considering Fulham would have been relegated two seasons ago if Murphy had not scored the winner on the fi nal day against Portsmouth, the skipper feels reaching this final will have seen his side come full circle. 

Murphy added: "If you look at the betting shop at the start of the Europa League, we would have been nowhere near. 

"We thought if we could get to the group stages, we would have done well. "That's because we are realists and we had to mix the Europa League with the Premier League. 

"As we progressed it became evident we had a good chance of doing well. 

"Each time we drew big teams people thought we were the underdog and everyone thought it would be the end of the road, but we kept jumping over the hurdles. 

"But if we can do that one more time and get to the fi nal, it will be brilliant because not so many years ago this club was in the lower leagues. 

"It was only two years ago we needed to win on the last day of the season to stay up, so it has been a fairy-tale in many ways and the manager deserves credit for that. 

"The day at Portsmouth was pivotal because what followed could only be possible because of that result, but there was also a disappointment that we had done badly and got in that position. 

"But that was under a different manager. Roy brought a freshness in and to get to this level shows we have come full circle." 

Murphy, of course, won a stunning treble with Liverpool in 2001 which included the UEFA Cup, when they won with a golden goal in a 5-4 thriller against Alaves in Dortmund, and the FA Cup and League Cup. 

But getting to the final with Fulham, and maybe winning it, would easily surpass that for the Murphy. 

He added: "It's difficult to compare because when Gerard Houllier took over at Liverpool it was going the wrong way and in a short space of time he turned it around. 

"For Roy it was difficult to get the players in, but the ones he did have done well. 

"You think of Mark Schwarzer, who has done amazingly well and one of the best two goalkeepers in the  Premier League this season. 

"This would be some achievement to reach this final. "You assume at Liverpool each year you would be in a final and as you get older you realise that's not the case. 

"I've tried to enjoy this experience because I don't know if it is the last time I would be playing in Europe. 

"A lot of the players have enjoyed it because there has not been a lot of pressure. "As I've got older I know these are the moments to savour and we will do that if we reach the final." 

http://www.tribalfootball.com/adu-and-johnson-combine-help-aris-thessaloniki-defeat-olympiakos-802901

Adu and Johnson combine to help Aris Thessaloniki defeat Olympiakos

29.04.10 | Andrew Slevison


USA internationals Freddy Adu and Eddie Johnson have combined to help Greek club Aris Thessaloniki defeat Olympiakos in league play-offs for next season's Euro competitions.

Johnson scored both goals in the 2-0 win, the first match of the six-round play-offs, which will see the winner book a place in the third qualifying round of the Champions League. The other three will play in the Europa League.

Johnson, on loan from Fulham, struck in the 39th minute with a header from an Adu cross – who is on loan from Benfica.

Johnson grabbed his second when he pounced on a defensive error seconds before the final whistle.

http://www.caughtoffside.com/2010/04/29/tottenham-set-to-make-surprise-move-for-10m-rated-premier-league-centre-back-brede-hangeland/


Tottenham Set to Make Surprise Move for £10m Rated Premier League Centre Back Brede Hangeland


by Mr Neutral on April 29th, 2010

5 comments


Harry Redknapp is hoping to beat local rivals Arsenal to the signing of Fulham's impressive central defender Brede Hangeland. The Tottenham boss is hoping that the promise of Champions League football, if secured, will tempt the Craven Cottage powerhouse to make the short move from west to north London.

The giant Norwegian centre back only recently signed an extension to his contract and has had a great season and has been pivotal to Roy Hodgson's amazing success this term, culminating a potential place in the Europa League final.

The Spurs manager is looking for options to beef up a back line that is looking increasingly injury prone. Jonathan Woodgate, Ledley King and Michael Dawson have managed a total of just 41 Premier League starts between them and the addition of Sebastian Bassong last summer has proven a masterstroke but Harry is still looking for a solid pairing for his White Hart Lane side.

Hangeland has been linked with moves to Arsenal and Manchester City but put pen to paper on a new deal last November but that will not stop Redknapp from trying his luck with a bid rumoured to be in the region of £10m.

http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2010/04/29/we-can-cope-without-bobby-zamora-vows-fulham-boss-roy-hodgson-82029-26339635/

We can cope without Bobby Zamora, vows Fulham boss Roy Hodgson


Apr 29 2010


By Jacob Murtagh


ROY Hodgson insists Fulham can cope without star striiker Bobby Zamora.

The 19-goal hitman is a major doubt for tonight's Europa League semi-final second-leg with Hamburg after failing to shake off an Achilles injury.

The Whites boss will give Zamora until lunchtime before making a decision on his fitness ahead of the Craven Cottage clash, with Clint Dempsey, Erik Nevland and David Elm waiting in the wings if he misses out.

But Hodgson is sure Fulham can still get through without the former West Ham frontman.

He said: "We'll be happy if he can play, but if he doesn't we'll accept it.

"It's part of football, but we have other players in the team who can keep our play going, just like we proved at Everton on Sunday when we had nine players missing.

"No one has mentioned Andy Johnson, who was meant to be our key centre-forward, and yet we've had to play without him for most of the season."

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/fulham/7646596/Fulham-v-Hamburg-match-preview.html

Fulham v Hamburg: match preview

Read a full match preview of the Europa League semi-final second leg between Fulham and Hamburg at Craven Cottage on Thursday April 29, 2010, kick-off 20.05 BST.

By John Ley

Published: 6:00AM BST 29 Apr 2010


Fulham v Hamburg
Craven Cottage
Kick-off: 20.05 BST
TV: Live ITV 4

Roy Hodgson v Ricardo Moniz: Both men have been schooled in the fine art; Hodgson's Italian experience has no doubt had an influence in Fulham's Europa League experience. But Moniz, formerly the skills trainer at Tottenham, is a protégé of the legendary Wiel Coerver and he may well have a trick up his sleeve.

Key battle

Ruud Van Nistelrooy v Mark Schwarzer: The former Manchester United striker got little service in the first leg, but his record of 10 goals in 10 games against Fulham should not be ignored. Schwarzer made some important saves in Germany and, with so much at stake, he could be the difference again.

Talking tactics

The fitness of Bobby Zamora will be key. If ruled out, Hodgson must decide whether to bring in Clint Dempsey, normally a wide man, or gamble with the inexperienced David Elm. Hamburg will miss Piotr Trochowski, who was their best player last week but is suspended.

Probable teams

Fulham (4-4-1-1): Schwarzer; Pantsil, Hughes, Hangeland, Konchesky; Duff, Etuhu, Murphy, Davies; Gera; Zamora/ Dempsey.
Hamburg (4-4-2): Rost; Demel, Mathijsen, Boateng, Agogo; Tesche, Ze Roberto, Jarolim, Pitroipa; Petric, Van Nistelrooy.
Referee: C Cakir (Turkey).

Life at Fulham just great for Hughes and Hodgson

Thursday, 29 April 2010


Fulham Football Club in a European final. Who would ever have thought it?

Not many when almost exactly two years ago they trailed Manchester City 2-0 at half-time and were heading towards relegation to the Championship.

Amazingly the Cottagers turned that one around and a victory over Portsmouth on the final day of the 2007-08 campaign kept them in the Premier League.

Since then it's been up all the way. Their highest ever league finish last season secured Europa League qualification and a win or score draw at home to German side Hamburg tonight will see them possibly face Liverpool in an all-English final.

Defeating last season's UEFA Cup winners Shakhtar Donetsk was a big enough result for Fulham, but then they went and pulled off an amazing comeback to knock out Italian giants Juventus.

You could say they are destined to make the final, a clash with Liverpool would be intriguing, but it wouldn't be entirely English, with Fulham having a strong Northern Ireland influence in their team.

Aaron Hughes and Chris Baird both joined the club when Lawrie Sanchez left his job as Northern Ireland boss, with David Healy and Steve Davis making up a quartet of Ulstermen by the Thames.

Only Hughes and Baird remain after Davis and Healy were sold on by Roy Hodgson (pictured) when he succeeded Sanchez who lasted just six months in the post.

Hodgson never had much of a playing career. And it was abroad where he made his name as a manager, starting off in Sweden before spells in Switzerland, Italy, Denmark and Norway, as well as managing the Swiss national team plus being in charge of the United Arab Emirates and Finland.

He did have an 18-month spell at Blackburn Rovers, but never really gained recognition in his native country until becoming Fulham boss in January 2008 — and now he's being tipped as the next England manager!

It's not hard to see why and guiding unfashionable Fulham to European glory would be his finest moment — and would see him go one better than when Inter Milan lost the 1997 UEFA Cup final to Schalke.

"I think I speak for a lot of the players here when I say the signs were there from when Roy came," said Cookstown native Hughes. "Straight away we became a lot more organised, more compact and slowly but surely we were began to make more and more progress.

"I was worried when he came in, after I'd been signed by Lawrie. It's natural that a new manager would want to make changes and a lot of the players that I came in with have now moved on.

"You just don't know what a new manager's plans are and he will always want to bring in his own players. It was a concern, but all I could do was what Roy asked and show I could fit into his plans. I'm 30 now and I've been in the game a while, but he's still teaching me new things and I feel like I'm constantly learning.

"In the couple of years that I have worked with him, I have improved more than any other two-year period in my whole career."

Baird is ruled out of tonight's game after picking up a second yellow card of the tournament in last week's scoreless first-leg.

It will be the first European game this season that he's missed — the positive is that if Fulham reached the final he is guaranteed to be available.

It's a great turnaround for Baird, who had never really found favour with Hodgson and last season he looked to be on his way out of the club.

"Up until a few months ago I wasn't even getting in some of the squads, never mind the team, which was hard to take," admitted the Rasharkin-man.

"At one point I was thinking the time had come to move on.

"I was patient and I have been working hard and I think Roy has made a lot of us better players because he has got all that experience.

"Lawrie was a very quiet man. He would just deal with things with his staff and not come to players and speak to them one-to-one, as much as Roy Hodgson does. Roy would do it every day. He comes out, he shakes your hand, says good morning and all the little things like that.

"It makes a big difference. If you have any problems as well you can speak to him and if you are not doing well he will speak to you."

Read more: http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/premiership/life-at-fulham-just-great-for-hughes-and-hodgson-14784982.html#ixzz0mTj82uiS (http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/premiership/life-at-fulham-just-great-for-hughes-and-hodgson-14784982.html#ixzz0mTj82uiS)

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/fulham/7646603/Fulham-v-Hamburg-Losing-Bobby-Zamora-is-like-Man-Utd-losing-Wayne-Rooney.html

Fulham v Hamburg: 'Losing Bobby Zamora is like Man Utd losing Wayne Rooney'

Roy Hodgson admitted on Wednesday night that the possibility of losing Bobby Zamora for the biggest game in Fulham's history could be as devastating as Manchester United losing Wayne Rooney.

By John Ley


Published: 7:30AM BST 29 Apr 2010

Hodgson, in consultation with the striker and Fulham's medical staff, will make a noon decision on Thursday on whether Zamora is fit enough to play after suffering a recurrence of an Achilles problem in the goalless first leg of the semi-final in Hamburg last week.

He took part in light training on Wednesday and may need an operation. Hodgson said: "When Wayne Rooney doesn't play for Manchester United then all the headlines are, 'United are missing Rooney', and they've got riches galore if you compare to us.

"When Steven Gerrard doesn't play for Liverpool and Didier Drogba doesn't play for Chelsea, or when Robin van Persie is out for a long time at the Arsenal all the headlines are about these people.

"Bobby is handling it well. There's no doubt he is disappointed because I think when he limped off in Hamburg there wasn't any thoughts in his mind that, 'I won't be fit for the return leg'."

Zamora, one booking away from a European suspension, has scored eight goals in Europe. Hodgson added: "He wants to play to help his team-mates do well but I want to make sure he will get through the game and is as fit as one can expect and then I will make a decision. Bobby has made a fantastic contribution and will be devastated not to play and help the side reach the final."

Hodgson is without Chris Baird through suspension, but admitted he had a stroke of luck in having John Pantsil as a ready-made replacement after leaving him out of Fulham's original Europa League squad.

"I made the mistake of him being taken off the list," Hodgson added, "but then I found myself with an extra player. It is an amazing result."

Hamburg, though, are in turmoil; they lost 5-1 to Hoffenheim at the weekend and on Monday sacked manager Bruno Labbadia, so coach Ricardo Moniz is in charge. Moniz is well known to Fulham captain Danny Murphy, who worked with the Dutchman at Spurs.

"He was a skills coach who worked mostly on wingers and creative midfielders and he was a good coach," Murphy said. "As for a tactician, I'm sure he will be attack minded, because that is the type of guys he is. I just hope he has a bizarre tactical plan that goes horribly wrong, but I'm sure he will be fired up and they will play for him."

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/apr/29/fulham-europa-league-hamburg

Roy Hodgson's heroes well suited to Italian style, says Danny Murphy


Fulham's manager has brought a freshness to the club in a season they will never forget


Jamie Jackson The Guardian, Thursday 29 April 2010


The Fulham manager Roy Hodgson has given his side a greater sense of self-belief this season as a remarkable set of results has shown. Photograph: Sean Dempsey/PA

Fulham's progress across the continent to reach tonight's decisive home leg against Hamburg in the Europa League semi-final, the most important match in the club's 131-year history, has derived from Roy Hodgson's "Italian-style" football, according to the London club's captain, Danny Murphy.

The first leg in Germany ended goalless as once again Hodgson's men displayed their continental know-how. "The way we play seems to suit a more European style," Murphy said. Hodgson was in charge of Internazionale between 1995 and 1997, and briefly two years later, and Murphy said: "We play a patient game – in a way it has come from Roy's Italian roots, it is an Italian style.

"We don't mind keeping possession and trying to break teams down. There are no stars. Perhaps Bobby [Zamora] has become the star this season because of his goals. But if you ask people about Fulham they will say we will play as a team."

Tonight's game will be the 16th outing in the competition for the side moulded by Hodgson, which lines up 4-4-1-1 and is astute at scoring a vital European away goal. In seven away legs Fulham have scored 10 goals, only failing to do so against Hamburg in Germany last week.

Asked about Murphy's "Italian-style" comment, Hodgson was coy. He said: "You do the job for the best of the team and it's difficult for me being on the inside to analyse if I'd had an influence on the team."

But he did concede that "we've been hard to beat home and away", and Fulham are undefeated at Craven Cottage in the Europa League, only failing to defeat Roma due to a dubiously late equaliser.

Fulham's belief has grown in a season they will not forget. Murphy said: "If you had looked at the betting at the start of the Europa League we would have been nowhere near. If I'm being honest even here at the club we thought that if we could get to the group stages we would have done well. That's because we are realists and we had to mix the Europa League with the Premier League.

"As we progressed it became more evident we had a good chance of doing well. Each time we drew big teams people thought we were the underdog and everyone thought it would be the end of the road but we kept jumping over the hurdles. If we can do that one more time and get to the final it will be brilliant, because not so many years ago this club were in the lower leagues."

Two years ago, Fulham nearly dropped out of the Premier League. After becoming manager in December 2007 Hodgson and his team travelled to Portsmouth on the season's final day knowing a win was required to preserve their top-flight status. A 78th-minute strike from Murphy did the trick. But it had been close.

"The day at Portsmouth was pivotal because what has followed was only possible because of that result," he recalled. "Roy brought a freshness in, and to get to this level shows we have come full circle. It was only two years ago we needed to win on the last day of the season to stay up, so it has been a fairytale in many ways and the manager deserves credit for that. We have become victims of our success – when we're not playing so well, you can hear the fans. [Yet] just a few years ago we were desperate for a win at the Cottage."

Hamburg arrived in west London with a new coach, Ricardo Moniz, after the club sacked Bruno Labbadia earlier this week. While Hodgson states that whether this decision will backfire "will only be proved after the game", Murphy is clear about Moniz's abilities, having worked with him at his former club Spurs. "He was a skills coach who worked mostly on wingers and creative midfielders and he was a good coach and the lads liked him a lot," he said. "As for a tactician, I'm sure he'll be attack-minded, because that is the type of guy he is. I just hope he has a bizarre tactical plan that goes horribly wrong."

Moniz himself had praise for Murphy. "I always worked with the subs – Danny Murphy was disappointed that he didn't play – so we had a lot of contact. He was 31 then and he thought that was the end of his career but I said: 'No, you keep working and you'll get your reward.' He was a little bit cynical but I'm very happy for him because as a coach you only work for players."

Tonight we find out if Fulham's season is about to get even better.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2010/apr/29/bobby-zamora-fulham-hamburg


Fulham take tonic from Bobby Zamora's transformation into talisman


The Cottagers are crossing their fingers that their reborn centre-forward will be fit for tonight's Europa League semi-final
   
Bobby Zamora celebrates scoring for Fulham against Burnley with the gesture aimed at the fans who criticised him last year. Photograph: Rebecca Naden/PA Wire/Press Association Images

Bobby Zamora discovers at about noon today whether his sore achilles will allow him to face Hamburg in the second leg of the Europa League semi-final at Craven Cottage, after the opening game in Germany ended goalless. For Zamora, the best player of Fulham's superb season, it would be a dreadful disappointment to miss what would be the most glittering occasion of his career so far.

"Bobby has made a fantastic contribution and will be devastated not to play and help the side reach the final," Roy Hodgson, the Fulham manager, says. "The decision will be made between myself and the medical team and Bobby Zamora. He wants to play to help his team-mates do well, but I want to make sure he will get through the game."

If Zamora is passed fit he will run out at a packed Cottage under the bright lights of big-time European club football conscious that another decisive performance could propel Fulham into the next month's final, and his own star into Capello's England constellation for the summer's World Cup. The Italian will be there tonight watching him.

In scoring 19 goals this season, eight in European competition, Zamora has made himself Fulham's stellar performer, and the player Hodgson and his team-mates most want to see lacing up his boots. "Even though we are a team unit, without Bobby we would not be in the semi-final," says Danny Murphy, the Fulham captain who won this competition in 2001 with Liverpool, when it was the Uefa Cup. "Bobby has become the star this season because of the goals he has scored – our player of the year for sure."

It has been some transformation for Zamora, 29, who has swapped the jeers of his own club's fans for Ruud van Nistelrooy's endorsement that he now deserves a late charge at making it as an international footballer. When Zamora joined Fulham in July 2008 from West Ham he was asked whether playing for England was still an ambition. "Why not?" was his simple answer.

Ambition is admirable and a prerequisite of any premium-class footballer, but at that juncture Zamora's CV made the prospect appear distinctly unlikely. Behind him was an uneven four years at Upton Park (30 goals in 130 league appearances) and a disappointing six months at Spurs (no goals, six starts), while he was about to endure a first season in west London that yielded only four goals and criticism from his own crowd.

Andy Johnson had been bought for a club record £10.5m by Hodgson a month after acquiring Zamora, and the manager says now that he viewed the former Everton man as his No1 striker. "Andy Johnson was our most expensive signing and who we thought was going to be our centre-forward," he says.

Johnson, though, has been injured for most of the year and Zamora has thrived, now he is no longer playing off the former Crystal Palace forward as he had in their debut season together. Zoltan Gera is in the withdrawn role now, Zamora leading the line.

"If you get a couple of goals the confidence starts flowing, and [also] his role has changed a little bit," Murphy says. "Last season he was a bit deeper with Andy Johnson higher up the pitch. But this season he has been a bit higher up and come into play. The amount of games means he has been out there to get the goals. It's mainly the confidence, and he can play higher up to be more of a threat."

Had the jeers of the home crowd been an inspiration? "He's always played with the same work ethic," Murphy says. "I think his disappointment and controversial goal celebrations have been a little bit about the fact that when he came to the club a minority of supporters were quick to jump on him. It also shows he has held it inside for some time – but he is proving his worth this season and more."

Zamora has become Fulham's totem, a striker improved by the wisdom of a 15-game European campaign that has included goals against Juventus, Roma, Shakhtar Donetsk (the holders), and Wolfsburg (the German champions). According to those who knew him as a boy playing for the famous Senrab boys club in east London as a 10-year-old, Zamora has always been a fighter.

"If he didn't score he was one of those players that would lay on the floor, hit the floor, and cry his eyes out then get back up and start again," says Tony Purse, the father of Darren Purse, a Sheffield Wednesday central defender who also played for Senrab. "He always wanted to be a winner, always wanted to do well."

Zamora thrived in a glittering Senrab team that was unbeaten for more than three years and produced three future England internationals, John Terry, Ledley King and his team-mate Paul Konchesky. Zamora, like Fulham, hopes he can play tonight to make a final push to join them.

Click on the link and there is also a radio interview with MAF to listen to -


http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/f/fulham/8650669.stm


Fulham owner Al Fayed says Hodgson will remain as boss


By Dan Roan


BBC sports correspondent 



Mohammed Al Fayed is confident Roy Hodgson will remain as Fulham manager despite suggestions he could become a target for England or rival clubs.

"I don't think he'll leave me," said Cottagers owner Al Fayed.

"I'm sure he'll have lots of approaches from other clubs but I give him anything he wants to reach results and we have a good relationship."

Current England boss Fabio Capello is contracted until 2012 but there is talk he could quit if he wins the World Cup.

Liverpool could also be searching for a new coach in the summer if Rafael Benitez leaves or is sacked.

As for Hodgson, his stock has risen hugely this season after guiding Fulham to the brink of the Europa League final.

The Londoners face Hamburg in the second leg of their semi-final on Thursday, having drawn the first game 0-0 in Germany.

"I think it's a great achievement for a manager who I respect immensely," Al Fayed told BBC Sport. "He's a maestro, the way he trains the players and makes them want to win.

It's not easy, it costs lots of money, but it's a pleasure to see a club come up from the third division to reach this level

Mohammed Al-Fayed
"To build the team who have the will to win is a tremendous achievement and I'm very happy, I'm very grateful and I respect him immensely."

Hodgson, 62, became boss of Fulham at the end of 2007.

The former Switzerland and Finland manager kept the Cottagers up that season before steering them to a stunning seventh place in the Premier League in his first full campaign in charge.

They currently lie 12th after another solid season, a far cry from 1997, when Al-Fayed bought the club as they languished in the old second division.

"I have great satisfaction," said Al Fayed. "It's not easy, it costs lots of money, but it's a pleasure to see a club come up from the third division to reach this level. I'm very satisfied."

With 19 goals this season, Fulham striker Bobby Zamora is in contention for England's World Cup squad, and Al-Fayed believes he should go to South Africa.

"Of course, definitely," said Al Fayed. "Capello would be very wise (to take him)."

Al Fayed was the first foreigner to buy a Premier League club, and the Egyptian-born businessman said he was saddened by the plight of Portsmouth, who recently became the first top-flight club to enter administration.

"I feel sorry for Portsmouth and I hope it is an example to others," said Al Fayed, adding: "I don't think the Premier League and the FA are doing enough to help clubs. I always voice my complaints in meetings."

Since his takeover of Fulham in 1997, the Cottagers have accumulated debts of £167.7m, most of it owed to their benefactor.

"Ambition and common sense have to go together," he added. "It's a problem for any foreign owner to not appreciate that they own a British football club."

When asked if a salary cap would help football finances, he said: "I don't think it's the right thing to do. Players are like movie stars, if you score you deserve. You can't put a limit on that."

A Night To Saviour

Thursday 29th April 2010


Fulham FC News

(http://www.fulhamfc.com/Images/MainNews/NewsPages/Players/murphy/MurphyCrest.jpg)

Danny Murphy will lead Fulham out for arguably the biggest match in the Club's history against Hamburg this evening and Roy Hodgson's Captain is desperately hoping the Whites can clear one last hurdle tonight and reach the Final of the UEFA Europa League in Germany on May 12th.

"If you looked in a betting shop at the start of the Europa League we'd be nowhere near [the favourites] and if I'm honest maybe people in the Club thought if we get to the group stages we'd have done well.

"That's because we're realists and mixing the Europa League with the Premier League was always going to be difficult for a club like ourselves. As we progressed it became more evident that we had a great chance of doing well. I think a lot of the players gained confidence from the results as we went along.

"Each time we drew a team with a huge reputation we were underdogs. Most of the press and people in football thought that would be the end of the road every time we came up against a hurdle - and we kept jumping them.

"Hopefully we can do that one more time because to get to a Final would be a wonderful achievement and a great reward for the supporters, players and staff at the Club."

Murphy is no stranger to a glorious European cup run, having lifted the UEFA Cup and European Super Cup with Liverpool in 2001, but the former England international evidently cherishes this season's adventure as much as anything he has experienced in previous years.

"At Liverpool you assume each year there is going to be another final. As you get older you realise that is not the case and you do have to enjoy these trips. Every time we've gone away, whether it's been Shakhtar, Wolfsburg or Hamburg, I've tried to enjoy the experience, not knowing if it's going to be the last adventure in Europe.

"As I've got older I've realised these occasions are to be savoured and they will create memories that will live with me. The chances of me being on an adventure in Europe like this again are slim. You appreciate it a bit more.

"I think a lot of the lads have done the same. They've soaked it up, enjoyed it, and played with a freedom and spirit in this competition because the pressure hasn't been on us."

Following Bruno Labbadia's sacking as Hamburg coach ahead of this evening's European encounter, Murphy was able to give an insight into the newly-appointed Ricardo Moniz, who Murphy spoke highly of from their time together at Tottenham Hotspur.

"He [Ricardo Moniz] never managed when I was at Tottenham as he was a skills coach. He worked mostly on the wingers, front men and creative midfielders on techniques and drills.

"He was a good coach and someone I worked quite a lot with at Tottenham. The lads liked him a lot and I would be very surprised if the players at Hamburg don't have a good relationship with Ricardo because that's the type of guy he is.

"As for a tactician and what he might be thinking I wouldn't have a clue. I'd be amazed if he wasn't anything other than attack minded because that's the way he is. I'm not sure he can do too much tactically in the short space of time he's had.

"I didn't even realise he was there last week [in Hamburg] and it was a shock when I saw him. He had a bit of a different haircut and we smiled and had a catch-up. As I said, I got on really well with him at Tottenham. He was a good guy and I've always spoken highly of him.

"I just hope he has some bizarre tactical plan for them on Thursday and it goes horribly wrong! I'm sure he'll have them fired up because he's a nice guy and I'm sure they'll play for him."

This evening, if Murphy and company can defeat Hamburg at the Cottage, a new chapter will be written in the Club's history books, and Murphy credited the Club's Chairman, Manager and his fellow players for what has been achieved in recent years.

"Not so many years ago this Club was in the lower leagues and the Chairman came along, and if you think how much the Club has progressed, even since that famous day at Fratton Park, it's been a fairytale and wonderful transition. The Manager deserves great credit for that too.

"To get to this level now it has gone full circle. The players deserve credit as well because I think this year the squad players have made a big impression. There's been some players that have come to the fore this season. People like Chris Baird have been terrific and he's done really well.

"Since Roy came in his philosophy has been so refreshing. He's made the Club a place where players want to come and made some astute signings. The players he has brought in have done tremendously well.

"You think about someone like Mark Schwarzer for example, who has been absolutely amazing for us. He has been an absolute rock. For me he's been one of the best keepers in the Premier League over the past two years."

Fulham have negotiated their way to the Semi Final like a seasoned European outfit this season and Murphy believes since the Club's miraculous 'Great Escape' two years ago, Roy Hodgson's side have produced a style of play that has proved highly successful both at home and abroad.

"What happened at Fratton Park against Portsmouth was pivotal because what followed was only possible because of that result. It was a special moment but a disappointing moment because it meant we'd done badly to get ourselves in that position.

"Also the way we play does seem to suit a European style. We play a more patient game and you could say from his [Roy Hodgson] Italian roots we have a more Italian style. We don't mind giving up possession against the so-called better teams and trying to break.

"We're very well organised and we know our jobs. Even if the Team has to change the players coming in know their roles and jobs within the Team and we've come a long way with that."


Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/April/MurphyHamburgReturn.aspx#ixzz0mTmbWII9 (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/April/MurphyHamburgReturn.aspx#ixzz0mTmbWII9)

Heads Up


Thursday 29th April 2010


Fulham FC News


Roadworks on the A3 heading into London (eastbound direction) between Robin Hood and Shannon Corner are currently causing severe delays for commuters travelling into London.

Supporters making their way to the Cottage by car for tonight's Europa League Semi Final are advised to allow plenty of time to travel into West London and check travel routes before departing for SW6.


Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/April/EuropaTrafficDelays.aspx#ixzz0mTngTu8z (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/April/EuropaTrafficDelays.aspx#ixzz0mTngTu8z)

http://football.fanhouse.co.uk/2010/04/28/fulham-v-hamburg-preview-roy-hodgsons-team-on-brink-of-greatne/

Fulham v Hamburg Preview: Roy Hodgson's Sweating on Zamora Fitness

28/4/2010 9:20 AM GMT By Ian Winrow


EUROPA LEAGUE: CRAVEN COTTAGE, THURSDAY APRIL 29, 2010. KICK-OFF: 2005 BST


FULHAM:
Fulham face a nervous 24 hours ahead of their Europa League semi-final second leg with Hamburg after the club's manager Roy Hodgson confirmed he is concerned about Bobby Zamora's fitness.

The Fulham striker has been instrumental in helping Fulham reach the latter stages of the competition but has picked up an Achilles injury that will be monitored. Hodgson told a news conference: "Bobby is much improved, and has done some work today with the physios, but we chose for him not to take part in the light training session.

"We just have to wait until tomorrow to have a 100% decision on whether or not he can play. Obviously we are concerned about the situation, because if he was fully fit, he would have been training for the last couple of days.

"He will have treatment again tomorrow, then go in front of our medical people, and I think by lunchtime I should know whether or not he has a chance of playing.

"It will be about their assessment, Bobby's own assessment, how he feels, how he thinks it will go - because knowing him as well as I do, he will not want to let the team down.

"He wants to play, but he wants to play as a fit player rather than play and in any way hamper our chances of doing well."

The finishing line is now in sight for Fulham's weary players as they look for a last surge of energy to get them over the line and into the Europa League Final.

Hodgson has done a sterling job to get the Cottagers this far, especially considering the quality of the opposition they have faced along the way. The likes of Roma, Shakhtar Donetsk and Juventus have fallen by the sword, and now Hamburg could be next in line.

After an important 0-0 draw in Germany last week, especially with Fulham's players forced to make the long trip by road due to the cancellation of flights following the volcanic eruption in Iceland, defender Paul Konchesky is ready to capitalise on the club's home advantage in the second-leg.

"We've had a week to prepare for Thursday's match and we're over last week's trip to get to Hamburg," he told the club's official website. "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."

Strategy: Fulham's main strength in Europe this season can be pinpointed to two areas. Firstly, they have an excellent goalkeeper in Mark Schwarzer, who was unlucky not to be selected in the Professional Footballers' Association Team of the Year. Then there is the partnership of Zamora and Zoltan Gera. Zamora has received the plaudits, and rightly so, for his goalscoring this season. However, Gera also deserves some of the praise. The attacker benefits from the extra space and time on the ball that playing against continental teams allows him. The statistics show that between them, Zamora and Gera have been involved in all but two of Fulham's 15 Europa League goals since the start of December. Hodgson will no doubt be looking to extend that record on Thursday evening.

Injury Update: Zamora is a doubt with his Achilles but Clint Dempsey has recovered from a thigh strain. Chris Baird is suspended and likely to be replaced by John Pantsil. Andy Johnson is the only long-term injury concern with his knee problem.

HAMBURG:
The German side have made a huge change ahead of this fixture by sacking manager Bruno Labbadia. The 44-year-old was dismissed for the club's poor league form this season -- his last match in charge was a 5-1 defeat by Hoffenheim. Labbadia will be replaced by Ricardo Moniz, a former coach at Tottenham.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/8649420.stm

Fulham    v    Hamburg (agg 0 - 0)

Thursday, 29 April 2010

Europa League

Home Team Score Away Team Time
Fulham v  Hamburg 20:05
(agg 0-0)
   


Venue: Craven Cottage Date: Thursday 29 April Kick-off: 2005 BST
Coverage: Live on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra and online, with text commentary on BBC Sport website and mobiles. Also live on ITV4

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fulham striker Bobby Zamora is rated as a "major doubt" for Thursday's Europa League semi-final second leg against Hamburg because of an Achilles injury.

The 29-year-old will undergo a late fitness test on the problem, sustained in the first leg goalless draw.

But boss Roy Hodgson is preparing for the worst after Zamora, who missed the weekend Premier League defeat at Everton, sat out training on Wednesday.

Clint Dempsey, himself just back from injury, could deputise.

The American forward replaced Zamora in the first-leg draw in Germany, though he resorted to midfield at Goodison Park on Sunday behind Erik Nevland and Stefano Okaka who were paired in attack.

"Bobby is having treatment and I'm hoping he'll be ready for Thursday, but I'm not confident," Hodgson told the club's website.

The better news for Hodgson is that his decision to rest a number of first-teamers against Everton should ensure his side is fresh for the visit of Hamburg.

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.

Chris Baird, however, is suspended, so John Pantsil is set to come into the side after a knee problem, while Okaka and Nicky Shorey are ineligible.

Fulham are on the brink of reaching their first European final, and face a Hamburg side that fired coach Bruno Labbadia on Monday after a 5-1 Bundesliga loss at Hoffenheim the day before.

That defeat came on the back of a run that had seen Hamburg secure just four wins in 14 matches and, as a result, assistant coach Ricardo Moniz has been put in temporary charge.

Moniz himself has injury worries of his own with striker Tunay Torun ruled out of the match with a ligament injury.

However, Hodgson is steeling his team for a tough task, saying: "When you reach a game of this level, with the experience and quality of the Hamburg players, they will be capable of producing a very good performance, whomever the manager may be.

"They have played many, many games together, the assistant has stepped in, so there will not be any vast change of philosophy.

"I am expecting the same type of Hamburg we faced a week ago."

And the 62-year-old has described his team's run in the competition and as "an outstanding achievement".

The Cottagers' European adventure has taken them from a third qualifying-round tie against FK Vetra of Lithuania, through the group stages against Roma to superb performances against favourites Shakhtar Donetsk and Italian giants Juventus.

Hodgson has also managed to keep Fulham on track in the Premier League, currently safe in 12th place, and the manager admitted: "For a club like ours, in terms of squad size, there was concern we would not be able to compete on both fronts.

"I am really delighted we have been able to prove people wrong and in the bargain have beaten some very good teams along the way to this semi-final.

"It is an outstanding achievement, and I take a lot of pride in that.

"But we are all determined not to fail at this stage and to take the ultimate step to the final, rather than go out as gallant losers."



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fulham (from): Schwarzer, Konchesky, Hangeland, Pantsil, Hughes, Etuhu, Duff, Murphy, Gera, Davies, Zamora, Dempsey, Zuberbuhler, Nevland, Greening, Dikgacoi, Smalling, Kelly, Elm.

http://www.football.virginmedia.com/page/Football/Championship/Headlines/0,,12555~2037661,00.html


Stockdale back at Craven Cottage


28 Apr 2010


Plymouth head coach Paul Mariner has confirmed that Fulham goalkeeper David Stockdale has returned to the Premier League club at the end of his successful loan spell with the Pilgrims.

The 24-year-old's loan, which started in January, came to a conclusion following Saturday's 3-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest. Stockdale made 21 appearances for the Pilgrims. Romain Larrieu is set to return in goal for Sunday's home game against relegated basement side Peterborough.

Mariner confirmed: "David has gone back. We didn't play Romain in the reserves game at Reading on Monday. We didn't want to risk him, because we need him for Sunday."

http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2010/4/28/1448683/my-5-keys-to-victory-for-fulham-in


My 5 Keys to Victory for Fulham in the Europa League Against Hamburg - Match Preview of the second leg

by Russ Goldman on Apr 28, 2010 4:14 PM BST  0 comments



Fulham play tomorrow against Hamburg at Craven Cottage.  This is the second leg of the semifinals in the Europa League. The game takes place at 8:05PM UK Time and 3:05PM EST. The game will be shown on DirecTv live and on taped delay on GolTV at 8PM EST In the United States. You can also go online to UEFA.com to get an online pay option for a live stream of the match. 

This match is the biggest game in Fulham history in my opinion. The Cottagers are one game away from a final in a  European Competition. Who would have ever predicted this scenario back in July when Fulham began their European adventure?

In the first leg the score line was 0 - 0. Fulham did not get the away goal I had hoped. They need to win at Craven Cottage to advance. There are some factors now involved in the second leg.  Fulham will not have Chris Baird available for this match, because of the yellow card he picked up in the first leg. Hamburg will also be without Piotr Trochowski for the same reason. Hamburg also sacked their manager Bruno Labbadia after Hoffenheim beat his club 5 - 1. I will be curious to see how these factors effect the match.  Below are"my 5 keys to victory for Fulham in the Europa League against Hamburg."

1. Fulham need to get Bobby Zamora involved right away.   I think it is very important to be aggressive in this match.  When Bobby Zamora is involved in the match it just sets up goal opportunities for the club. He was instrumental in scoring an early goal in Wolfsburg. Fulham were able to really control the rest of that match. I think it is important If Bobby can create a goal himself or for another teammate early in this match.

2. Fuham need to contain both strikers for Hamburg.  Ruud van Nistelrooy had some scoring chances against Fulham. He has scored 9 goals in 11 matches against Fulham. He is by far not the only threat. Mladen Petric came in late in the match and was very active against Fulham. He had some scoring chances of his own. It is imperative that Fulham's back four put the clamps on these two players. 

3.  Danny Murphy needs to control the midfield.  This was a key of mine in the first leg. Fulham really can get control of this match if Danny Murphy can get some great passes up to the strikers tomorrow. He also has the ability to control the pace of the match, if Fulham can control more possession tomorrow. 

4. Mark Schwarzer needs to be almost perfect tomorrow.  Mark Schwarzer was huge in the first leg. In my opinion, he is a good part of the reason the game ended 0 - 0. If he can come up with a clean sheet I think Fulham have a great chance of advancing. I don't think Fulham can afford to give up more than one goal. That is why I stated Schwarzer needs to be almost perfect.

5. The Fulham fans can be a huge factor tomorrow.  Fulham are extremely hard to beat at home. At Craven Cottage the fans are very close to the action on the pitch. It can really help galvanize the club with positive emotion tomorrow. I think the club can really feed off of this encouragement. The fans can also make it difficult for Hamburg with their excitement and noise in this match. I think Craven Cottage could be electric tomorrow. I do think the fans can make a difference. 

The opportunity tomorrow is incredible for Fulham. They have a chance at history. These opportunities don't come along all the time. No matter what happens tomorrow, Fulham have shown the soccer world that they can play well in European competitions.

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_6121567,00.html

Stoor planning Fulham exit


Swede keen to secure first-team football elsewhere


By Kent Hedlundh   Last updated: 28th April 2010   


Fulham full-back Fredrik Stoor has confirmed his desire to secure first-team football away from Craven Cottage next season.

The Swedish defender has failed to break into Roy Hodgson's side this term and spent time on loan with Derby County in order to boost match sharpness.

Panionios have been linked with a move for the 26-year-old and he has welcomed the interest from the Greek club.

Stoor is keen to join a club who believes in his ability and admits it is too soon to return to Scandinavia just yet.

Interest

"I know that some Greek clubs are interested," he told Sportbladet.

"I have talked to Roy Hodgson and my agent will continue the talks with other clubs.

"My ambition is to play outside Scandinavia for a club which has confidence in me."

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_6121558,00.html

No Euro fear factor for Murphy


Skipper believes final would be 'one of the greatest achievements'


Last updated: 28th April 2010   

Fulham captain Danny Murphy does not think that he and his team-mates have anything to fear ahead of their Europa League semi-final second leg against Hamburg.

The Cottagers have enjoyed a memorable campaign on the continent and have eliminated holders Shakhtar Donetsk, Italian giants Juventus and last season's German champions Wolfsburg.

Fulham hold a slender advantage ahead of Thursday's return meeting with Hamburg at Craven Cottage after a 0-0 draw in Germany last week and Murphy, a Uefa Cup winner with Liverpool, is in a confident mood.

"Sometimes it is easier to judge the achievements of a club after the event, so maybe when the season is over we will look back and see how well we have done, but the players are becoming a lot more aware that this is a special adventure," the 33-year-old said.

"Of course what would make it even more special would be getting to the final, which we know is going to be difficult.

"But to overcome the challenges we have faced in terms of the quality of the teams we have faced, injuries, suspensions, it is hard to put into words what we have achieved.

Expectation

"Certainly it has been a wonderful effort so far and it is not over.

"We are playing at Craven Cottage where we have beaten some of the best teams in Europe, so we have got nothing to fear."

Murphy added: "It has been especially pleasing because the squad has been utilised well and everyone has had a taste of it.

"We have been to some fantastic places, starting in July in Vetra on a kind of non-league ground, to places like Shakhtar and Hamburg."

Murphy accepts what Fulham have achieved this season is different to the expectations faced by his former club Liverpool, who are also bidding to reach the Europa League final ahead of their semi-final second leg against Atletico Madrid.

"With Liverpool, the expectation is always there, which we have seen for many years and even this year," said Murphy.

"We are talking about reaching a final which would be one of the greatest achievements of our history, whereas at Liverpool they are talking about reaching the same final as a consolation. That puts it into perspective a little bit."

http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/matches/season=2010/round=2000041/match=2000963/prematch/focus/index.html?rss=1475147+Murphy+gives+Moniz+glowing+reference

Murphy gives Moniz glowing reference

Published: Wednesday 28 April 2010, 18.05CET


Ricardo Moniz was only appointed as Hamburger SV caretaker coach on Monday but Fulham FC's Danny Murphy has been able to provide the inside track ahead of Thursday's second leg.

While Ricardo Moniz may have been an unfamiliar name to many until a few days ago, Danny Murphy is well aware of the Hamburger SV caretaker coach's capabilities as he prepares to lead out Fulham FC for the conclusion of the UEFA Europa League semi-final.

Previously a skills coach at HSV alongside Martin Jol and then Bruno Labbadia, Moniz was thrust into the limelight on Monday when he was named as the latter's temporary successor. Murphy worked with the Dutchman prior to joining Fulham in August 2007 from Tottenham Hotspur FC – where Moniz once again assisted Jol, then the London club's manager – and gave the 45-year-old a glowing character reference.

"He was a good coach and someone I worked a lot with at Tottenham; the lads liked him a lot," said the Fulham captain. "It's different being a manager even if it's only for a short space of time but I'd be surprised if the players don't have a good relationship with him because that's the type of guy he is. I wouldn't have a clue what he might be thinking but I'd be amazed if he's anything other than attack-minded because that's the way he is."

With the tie delicately poised at 0-0, the Cottagers are tantalisingly close to their first European final, an achievement which Murphy admits was far from their minds at the beginning of the season. "If you looked in a betting shop at the beginning of the Europa League campaign we'd have been nowhere near," added the midfielder.

"If I'm honest, I think people within the club thought 'If we can get through the group stage we've done well'. That's because we're realists; mixing the Europa League with the Premier League was always going to be difficult. As we progressed it became more evident that we had a great chance of doing well."

Should the west London club reach next month's showpiece in Hamburg, Murphy will have the chance to add to the UEFA Cup winners' medal he received in 2001, when Liverpool FC defeated Deportivo Alavés 5-4 after extra time. Now 33, Fulham's run to the last four has come just in time for Murphy.

"You're appreciative of it more, for sure," he said. "At Liverpool you assume each year there's going to be a final but as you get older you realise that's not the case. You have to enjoy these trips and each time we've gone away I've tried to enjoy the experience, not knowing if it was going to be my last adventure in Europe."

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/preview?id=290755&cc=5739

Zamora doubtful for Fulham

Competition Stats 
   Fulham  Hamburg SV 
Goals  Bobby Zamora 3  Marcus Berg 4 
Reds  Danny Murphy 1  Guy Demel 1 
Yellows  Jonathan Greening 5  David Jarolim 3 
·   Club Squads : Fulham | Hamburg SV 


Last Five Matches in Competition 
Fulham  Hamburg SV 
A: Hamburg SV 0-0  H: Fulham 0-0 
A: VfL Wolfsburg 0-1  A: Standard Liege 1-3 
H: VfL Wolfsburg 2-1  H: Standard Liege 2-1 
H: Juventus 4-1  A: Anderlecht 4-3 
A: Juventus 3-1  H: Anderlecht 3-1 
· Club Results: Fulham | Hamburg SV 

Next Five Matches in Competition 
Fulham  Hamburg SV 
29/4  H: Hamburg SV  29/4  A: Fulham 
· Club Fixtures: Fulham | Hamburg SV 
Updated: April 28, 2010, 7:23 PM UK

Fulham will give striker Bobby Zamora a late fitness test on his Achilles problem ahead of the Europa League semi-final second leg against Hamburg at Craven Cottage.
The 29-year-old sustained the injury in last week's first leg in Germany, which ended goalless.

Right-back Chris Baird is suspended, so John Pantsil, fit again following a knee problem, is set to come into the side.

Manager Roy Hodgson reported no fresh injury problems, having rested some nine players for the Barclays Premier League trip to Everton.

Stefano Okaka and Nicky Shorey are both ineligible.

Hamburg's preparations have been disrupted by the decision to axe manager Bruno Labbadia after less than 10 months at the helm with his side languishing in seventh in the Bundesliga table.

Ricardo Moniz, who had a spell working at Tottenham as part of Martin Jol's coaching team, has stepped in to take charge until the end of the season.

With the Germans having set their sights on a place in the Europa League final at their home ground next month, and with the likes of former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy in the team, Hodgson does not expect the change in head coach will have a major impact.

"When you reach a game of this level, with the experience and quality of the Hamburg players, they will be capable of producing a very good performance, whomever the manager may be,'' said the Fulham boss.

"They have played many, many games together, the assistant has stepped in, so there will not be any vast change of philosophy.

"I am expecting the same type of Hamburg we faced a week ago.''

Fulham's European adventure has taken them from a third qualifying-round tie back in July against FK Vetra of Lithuania, through the group stages against Roma to superb performances which knocked out favourites Shakhtar Donetsk and then Italian giants Juventus.

Hodgson has also managed to keep Fulham on track in the Premier League, currently safe in 12th place - a remarkable achievement given the relative resources of the Craven Cottage club.

"Maintaining our momentum in the Premier League was our main concern about playing in this competition, now we are up to something like 58 games already,'' he said.

"For a club like ours, in terms of squad size, there was concern we would not be able to compete on both fronts.

"I am really delighted we have been able to prove people wrong and in the bargain have beaten some very good teams along the way to this semi-final.''

Hodgson added: "It is an outstanding achievement, and I take a lot of pride in that.

"But we are all determined not to fail at this stage and to take the ultimate step to the final, rather than go out as gallant losers.''

Moniz is hoping for a welcome return to Craven Cottage, having been in the dugout when Spurs recorded a 4-0 FA Cup win during February 2007.

`I spoke about it when we drove here, I lived in another part of London, but it is familiar,'' said the Dutchman.

"We played here a few times and the last game we played here was a positive result for Spurs, so it's a nice feeling for me.''

Having spent most of his career working as a specialist skills coach, tomorrow night will represent a first match in sole managerial control for the former Holland international, with the tie delicately poised following a goalless first leg in Germany.

"There is no fear,'' Moniz said. "I am only happy and just look where I can help - I have to be objective, I have to be neutral.

"It is a great experience for me, I can't deny that.

"The players know me and I'm looking forward to it.''

Moniz added: "The coach was sacked, it was a tragedy, but you can only be who you are.

"It was dramatic, but the next day you have to prepare yourself for a situation that will be unique for us.

"My only task is to give each player the confidence and be their strength."

http://www.sport.co.uk/news/Football/37555/EPL_clubs_confirmed_in_battle_for_colossal_striker.aspx


EPL clubs confirmed in battle for colossal striker

Author:  Nigel Brown


Posted on:29 April 2010 - 09:44

Blackburn Rovers, Stoke City, Sunderland and Fulham are set for a four-way battle for the signature of giant Valencia striker Nikola Zigic according to reports in the player's homeland and in the Spanish media. Everton manager David Moyes is also reportedly interested in the striker and even tracked the player during the January transfer window.

The massive 6ft 8in forward is a Serbia international and has been linked with a move to the Premier League for a number of years. The Potters, Black Cats, and the Riversiders all enquiried about the availability of the big hit man last summer, but Valencia were unwilling to allow the Serbian international to leave the club.

Fulham manager Roy Hodgson has also entered the race as he looks to prioritise signing a new forward this summer to provide competition for Bobby Zamora and injury prone Andy Johnson. Everton manager David Moyes is also a confirmed admirer of Zigic, after monitoring the player in January, however it is unknown whether Moyes will make a concrete offer for the player.

Zigic, has already expressed his delight at the Premier League interest, and has rejected a move to Turkish giants Galatasaray. He 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."

Zigic signed for Valencia in 2007 but failed to maker an impact and was loaned out Racing Santander in 2009 where the player netted 13 times. The Serbian international has 42 caps for his country.

http://www.skysports.com/football/match_preview/0,19764,11065_3268731,00.html

Fulham v Hamburg preview


Cottagers face German opposition for a place in Euro final


Last updated: 29th April 2010   

Fulham stand on the brink of glory as they prepare for their Europa League semi-final second leg with Hamburg.

The Cottagers will fancy that they are now favourites to reach the final following a goalless draw in the first meeting but know there is little margin for error.

An away goal for the visitors would leave them with a mountain to climb, but then Roy Hodgson's side have enjoyed a fairytale existence in continental competition this season.

Their record on home soil in the Europa League this year has been formidable and they will be hoping the compact surrounds of Craven Cottage play into their hands once again.

Reaching the final would be a remarkable achievement for a club who sent the likes of Shakhtar Donetsk, Juventus and Werder Bremen packing this season.

Hamburg, though, should not be underestimated, even if they do appear to be a club in turmoil.

A shocking 5-1 defeat to Hoffenheim on Sunday saw manager Bruno Labbadia relieved of his duties, with just three wins taken from their last 14 domestic fixtures.

They are now sweating on their chances of securing European qualification for next season, having slipped to seventh in the Bundesliga standings.

Hamburg, though, have the added motivation of knowing that this season's Europa League final will be staged at their Nordbank Arena home and they will be desperate to figure in the end of season showpiece on 12th May.

Zamora doubt


Fulham could be without talismanic striker Bobby Zamora for the crunch clash as the 29-year-old is nursing an Achilles problem.

Hodgson is desperate to have the 19-goal frontman in his side but insists he will not gamble on the fitness of the England hopeful.

Zamora has not trained with the rest of the squad since hobbling off against Everton at the weekend, a game in which Fulham made nine changes to their starting XI in an effort to rest their battle-weary troops.

The only other concern for the Cottagers is the absence of Chris Baird through suspension, but the fit again John Pantsil will slot in seamlessly at right-back.


Aogo struggling


Hamburg caretaker coach Ricardo Moniz also has to contend with a defensive dilemma on Thursday.

The versatile Dennis Aogo has been unable to travel to England after picking up a virus; although the Germans do have a plane on standby should the 23-year-old recover in time.

Piotr Trochowski will also be missing, with the experienced midfielder due to serve a ban.

Turkish forward Tuncay Torun is another to sit out the trip to Craven Cottage as he damaged his knee during training last week.

Semi Final Programme Offer

Thursday 29th April 2010


Fulham FC News


To mark the biggest game ever to be staged at Craven Cottage, we're offering a very special deal on UEFA Europa League matchday programmes.

The first 100 customers to buy the celebratory A4 semi-hardback semi-final programme from sellers outside the stadium will be offered the opportunity to purchase the collector's editions from either of the memorable victories over Juventus or Wolfsburg for just an extra £1.50.

That's two of the most significant mementos from our Europa League adventure for a total of just £5.

So be sure to arrive early so as not to miss out on this fantastic opportunity.


Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/April/SemiFinalProgrammeOffer.aspx#ixzz0mTwdvKTi (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/April/SemiFinalProgrammeOffer.aspx#ixzz0mTwdvKTi)

http://www.espn.co.uk/football/sport/story/20003.html?CMP=OTC-RSS

Fulham v Hamburg

Fulham's journey to the last four has been fairytale stuff. Defending champions Shakhtar Donetsk were dethroned, Italian giants Juventus stripped bare, while German champions Wolfsburg were beaten home and away.

Key to those triumphs was 19-goal Bobby Zamora, who scored four times over those three ties, yet he stands a very real chance of missing one of the biggest games in Fulham's history. Zamora will not have trained with the rest of Roy Hodgson's squad by the time they arrive at Craven Cottage, and a serious Achilles problem threatens to rob the Londoners of their focal point.

"Bobby is much improved and has done some work with the physios, but we chose for him not to take part in the light training session we had," said Hodgson. "We just have to wait until we have a 100% decision on whether or not he can play.

"Obviously we are concerned about the situation, because if he was fully fit, he would have been training for the last couple of days. He will have treatment again tomorrow, then go in front of our medical people, and I think by lunchtime I should know whether or not he has a chance of playing.

"It will be about their assessment, Bobby's own assessment, how he feels, how he thinks it will go - because knowing him as well as I do, he will not want to let the team down. He wants to play, but he wants to play as a fit player rather than play and in any way hamper our chances of doing well."

Fulham will definitely be without the suspended Chris Baird, who has been inspirational at times during this campaign, while Roma loanee Stefano Okaka is not eligible should Hodgson need a replacement for Zamora. Nicky Shorey is also unavailable.

Hamburg arrive in disarray off the back of two consecutive defeats in the Bundesliga, which brought about the removal of coach Bruno Labbadia. Former Tottenham coach Ricardo Moniz steps in as replacement, and he will hope to have the galvanising effect that a new manager often brings as the Germans attempt to book a Europa League final at their home ground.

Fulham scored at least twice at home to Shakhtar, Juventus and Wolfsburg. With Clint Dempsey likely to be employed in a more advanced role should Zamora miss out, back the American to score first in a 2-0 victory at 38/1 with Stan James.

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_6122677,00.html

Hodgson - Zamora so important


Cottagers hoping star striker will be fit for crunch Euro clash


By Chris Burton   


Last updated: 29th April 2010   

Roy Hodgson feels Bobby Zamora is as important to Fulham as Wayne Rooney is to Manchester United.

The Cottagers have often looked to their talismanic frontman to lead by example this season, and he has not disappointed.

A 19-goal return has helped to fire Zamora into England reckoning and made him the heartbeat of Hodgson's attacking unit.

He could, however, be forced to sit out Fulham's biggest game of the season so far - Thursday's Europa League semi-final second leg against Hamburg.

Hodgson insists he will not gamble on Zamora's fitness, as he nurses an Achilles problem, but admits the 29-year-old will be a big miss should he fail to shake off the knock in time to feature at Craven Cottage.

"When Wayne Rooney doesn't play for Manchester United, when Steven Gerrard doesn't play for Liverpool, Didier Drogba doesn't play for Chelsea, or when Robin van Persie is out for a long time at the Arsenal, all the headlines are about these people - and those clubs have got riches galore if you compare to us," Hodgson said.

"I can't say that it doesn't matter, that players of Zamora's quality and his importance to the team this year, don't matter, because that would be under-valuing the contributions he has made, which have been a fantastic contribution.

Influence
"If this does not work out, he certainly will be absolutely devastated, to have been a major influence in us getting so far, and then not be able to take part in the final stage."

Hodgson added: "We will be happy if Bobby can play, but if he can't we will accept that as part and parcel of football, injuries occur.

"We know we have other players in the team who can keep our play going as we saw at Everton on Sunday."

Hodgson has revealed that Zamora may eventually require surgery in an effort to rid himself of the niggling problem, with Fulham keen to have the issue resolved before the 2010/11 campaign gets underway.

"I would think if it does not clear up in the coming days, then the chances are we would choose to have a minor operation to clear up the area, around the tendon, which would help him next season," said the Fulham boss.

"It will clear up anyway, when you are not out running every day, things do get better - but unless you get to the root of the problem, there is always the risk that, when you start again, sooner or later, the problem is going to make itself known."

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/european_football/article7110571.ece

Roy Hodgson waiting on fitness of Bobby Zamora

Tom Dart

(http://www.timesonline.co.uk/multimedia/archive/00712/Fulham_585_712302a.jpg)


Fulham would not be on the brink of the Europa League final without Bobby Zamora's goals, but they may have to enter their most prestigious match since the 1975 FA Cup Final without him.

At midday today, some eight hours before kick-off, Fulham will decide whether the striker is fit to face Hamburg. If not, they can only hope that his Achilles tendon does not prove the team's Achilles' heel.

While collective endeavour is the cornerstone of Fulham's progress, Zamora's impact has been essential. Eight of his 19 goals this season have come in the Europa League. His contribution cannot be measured in goals alone. Zamora has added inspiration to the team's perspiration and strutted with a self-belief that has helped his team-mates to segue smoothly from outsiders to contenders. Now he could resemble a pacemaker who drops out on the penultimate lap.

"I can't say that it doesn't matter, that players of Zamora's quality and his importance to the team this year don't matter and that we've got plenty of others who can go in and it won't affect us," Roy Hodgson, the Fulham manager, said. "He certainly will be, if this doesn't work out, absolutely devastated. To have got so far and been a major influence in us getting so far, then not be able to take part."

Zamora has a thickened Achilles tendon that makes movement painful. The 29-year-old toiled in last week's semi-final, first leg in Hamburg — a goalless draw — and, in the second half, was replaced by Clint Dempsey, who may fill in for him again this evening. The injury has not healed as well as expected and Zamora did not train yesterday.

"The injury is obviously more serious than we anticipated," Hodgson said. "I would think if it does not clear up in the coming days, the chances are we would choose to have a minor operation to clear up the area, around the tendon, which would help him next season."

Hodgson suggested that Zamora might delay any procedure if there is the slimmest hope of cracking England's World Cup squad, although Fabio Capello, the manager, surely believes that the plane to South Africa will already be loaded with enough health risks.

Fulham's opponents are inscrutable. Incentivised because the final in May 12 will be held at their own HSH Nordbank Arena, Hamburg are in disorder. They lost 5-1 to Hoffenheim in the German league on Sunday and sacked their coach, Bruno Labbadia, the morning after. Good news for Fulham, then. Unless it isn't.

"They could have Mickey Mouse in charge and still be desperate to get to a European final at their own stadium," Danny Murphy, the Fulham captain, said.

Rather than plunder Disneyland, Hamburg went to Labbadia's coaching staff and appointed Ricardo Moniz as his interim replacement. Murphy, 33, knows Moniz from their time with Tottenham Hotspur, for whom the Dutchman was the skills coach.

"He worked mostly on wingers and creative midfielders, and he was a good coach, the lads liked him a lot," Murphy said. "It's going to be one of two things — people are going to be disenchanted or play with freedom if the other manager was not everybody's cup of tea. So I don't think it will be any benefit. I just hope he has a bizarre tactical plan that goes horribly wrong."

Moniz did his best to sound upbeat yesterday, as he did in 2006-07 when Murphy was out of the Tottenham line-up. "I always trained the substitutes," the 45-year-old said. "He was very disappointed that he didn't play, so we had a lot of contact. He thought that was the end of his career, but I said, 'No, no — you keep working and you'll get your reward.' I'm obviously very happy for him."

An all-English final would add flavour for Murphy, because he won the Uefa Cup with Liverpool in 2001.

"It is a different adventure," he said, cynicism long since supplanted by optimism. "Winning trophies at Liverpool were some of the best memories of my life. But to do it with Fulham — not that we have won a trophy yet — to get to this level is more satisfying because nobody gave us a chance to do that."

http://www.bettingpress.com/category/Football/Totesport-money-back-promise-if-Fulham-beat-Hamburg-2-1-201004290030/

Totesport money back promise if Fulham beat Hamburg 2-1


Betting Press Staff - 29 Apr 2010


Can Fulham FC upset all the odds by reaching the final of the Europa League?

Tonight is unarguably the biggest night in the history of Fulham Football Club and they are just 90 minutes (possibly 120) from reaching the final of the Europa League against either Liverpool FC or Atletico Madrid.

If Roy Hodgson can guide Fulham to the final of the Europa League at the expense of Hamburg it will surely go down as the biggest achievement of his illustrious career.

For this match Totesport are promising to refund all losing correct score bets if Fulham defeat the Germans 2-1 on the night.

http://www.bettingpress.com/category/Football/Fulham-v-Hamburger-SV-tips-201004290028/

Fulham v Hamburger SV tips

Betting Press Staff - 29 Apr 2010


After being serial under-dogs throughout this year's Europa League, Fulham are now on the verge of making the final, all they need is a 90 minute victory over manager-less Hamburg and they have pulled off a minor miracle.

Even with a volcanic ash cloud hanging over Europe in Fulham's preparation for the first leg, they managed a very impressive 0-0 draw - mainly thanks to some impressive work between the sticks from Mark Schwarzer.

Hamburg are currently 7th in the German Bundesliga and after they followed up the goalless first leg with a 5-1 defeat away to Hoffenheim, their manager Bruno Labbadia was sacked. Ricardo Moniz, a member of the coaching staff will take control for this leg.

If you take the turmoil in the Hamburg camp, despite their undoubted talent, and add it to Fulham's solid home record I think Fulham are a great bet to advance to the final.

Fulham are 23/20 to win the match, but you can also cover your back by taking the Evens on Fulham to qualify for the final by any means.

Hamburg are 12/5 to win in 90 minutes and 8/11 to qualify, considering the only way it can go to extra time is another stalemate, if you fancy Hamburg I would just stick to the 90 minute price.

Form and fitness will play a big part in this match, another thing that makes me lean towards Fulham. Both teams lost their matches between the first and second legs but the manner in which Hamburg lost 5-1 then losing their manager will put them in the wrong frame of mind coming in to this match.

Fulham rested eight players from the first leg and still put in a decent performance, only losing 2-1 due to an injury-time penalty.

That match was their first loss in seven and their comfortable mid-table position has enabled them to fully focus their efforts on conquering Europe.

Hamburg have struggled to get a player who consistently bags the goals all season. No player has managed more than six goals in the league. Ruud Van Nistelrooy has hardly set the world alight, bagging three goals in his nine league appearances.

The big worry for Fulham in terms of team news is the worry that top-scorer Bobby Zamora may not be fit. He hobbled off in the first leg with an Achilles injury and remains a doubt for the match.

Without him, goals are sparse in the squad in the league but in Europe - Zoltan Gera has bagged an impressive five goals already in the competition. Gera looks a good price to open the scoring at 15/2 or 9/4 any time.

Ruud Van Nistelrooy is the favourite to open the scoring for the visitors, 9/2 is the price for him to do so. For a better price I recommend Mladen Petric, the Croatian has five goals in Hamburg's last six Europa League matches and 15/2 to open the scoring or 9/4 anytime certainly looks a good bet.

I reckon Fulham could easily qualify for the final, they have lost just one in their last eleven at Craven Cottage and although it's a bit tougher without Zamora, they still have the quality to overcome a demoralised Hamburg side.

I reckon it will be tight though, the 2-1 scoreline is where my money will be going and at 15/2 it would be a nice payday too.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/apr/29/hamburg-ricardo-moniz-fulham-europa-league


Hamburg's Ricardo Moniz calm ahead of managerial debut against Fulham

• Former Spurs coach looking forward to Europa League tie


• 'It is a great experience for me, I can't deny that'


guardian.co.uk, Thursday 29 April 2010 12.11 BST


Ricardo Moniz maintains he has nothing to fear as the former Tottenham skills coach prepares for his first match in charge of Hamburg as they look to beat Fulham and reach the Europa League final.

The 45-year-old Dutchman – who had a spell in England with Tottenham as part of Martin Jol's backroom staff – has been placed in charge of the Germans until the end of the season following the sacking of Bruno Labbadia.

Having spent most of his career working as a specialist skills coach, tonight will represent a first match in sole managerial control for the former Holland international.

"There is no fear," said Moniz, a popular figure with the playing staff at the Nordbank Arena. "I am only happy and just look where I can help – I have to be objective, I have to be neutral.

"It is a great experience for me, I can't deny that. The players know me and I'm looking forward to it."

"The coach was sacked, it was a tragedy, but you can only be who you are. It was dramatic, but the next day you have to prepare yourself for a situation that will be unique for us. My only task is to give each player the confidence and be their strength."

Moniz worked with the current Fulham captain, Danny Murphy, when the midfielder was at Spurs, and struggling to hold down a regular place in the first team. The Dutchman revealed he did his best to convince the ex-England midfielder there was still plenty ahead of him.

"I always trained the substitutes – Edgar Davids was there at that time, Danny Murphy and Hossam Ghaly," Moniz said. "Danny was very disappointed that he didn't play, so we had a lot of contact. He thought that was the end of his career, but I said: 'No, no – you keep working and you will get your reward'.

"Danny was a little bit cynical about it – but I am obviously very happy for him because, as a coach, you only work for players."

Moniz is hoping for a welcome return to Craven Cottage, having been in the dugout when Spurs recorded a 4-0 FA Cup win during February 2007.

"I spoke about it when we drove here, I lived in another part of London, but it is familiar," said the Dutchman. "We played here a few times and the last game we played here was a positive result for Spurs, so it's a nice feeling for me."

http://hammyend.com/?p=7053

Up next: Hamburg (h)


by Dan on April 29, 2010

Plenty of unanswered questions abound ahead of tonight's semi-final second leg against Hamburg. Fulham's biggest night in the Europa League this season (though we've been saying that with each passing round) is almost here and yet there's a sense of uncertainty and, dare I say it, a bit of foreboding too.

The Whites have always been a nearly side. Never have we progressed this far in European competition and, as Mohamed Al-Fayed has said already today, much of the credit for that must go to Roy Hodgson, who seems to specialise in achieving more than seems possible. But Fulham are also something of a nearly side. Even the trip to Wembley in 1975 was tinged with a bit of sadness as an excellent start gave way to disappointing failure. Our last semi-final, that ridiculous Sunday evening jaunt to Birmingham to face Chelsea in the FA Cup, definitely had a sense of anti-climax about it.

The tie remains delicately balanced after the goalless draw in Hambrug a week ago. That was an exceptional performance and a fine result, but the quirks of the away goals system mean that a single Hamburg goal tonight – always a possibility with the likes of van Nistelrooy, Petric, Berg and Guerrero in the side – would tilt the tie very definitely in the Germans' favour. The big question is how the sacking of Bruno Labbadia, after a 5-1 defeat by Hoffenheim at the weekend, will impact upon Hamburg. The new manager (or in this case, promoted assistant) effect might just spur the Hamburg players on to produce a big performance.

Fulham know precisely what is needed tonight. They'll need to remain just as disciplined as they were in Germany, but be a little more adventurous with the ball. That shouldn't prove too difficult as Hodgson's sides, whilst difficult to beat anywhere, are often more progressive at the Cottage. The key, of course, remains the balance between defensive solidity and carrying a threat up front, something which might prove tougher than normal should Bobby Zamora fail a fitness test on his troublesome Achilles.

If you'd have asked a Hammersmith End critic last season just how important Zamora was to the success of the Fulham side, they might have laughed and told you that he was useless. Goals have gone in this year for the rejuvanted forward, but it remains as much as his insatiable work rate and ability to bring others into play that troubles defenders as much as his goalscoring. Should Bobby not make it, there may be a chance for Erik Nevland to deliver a memorable send off just a couple of weeks before he prepares to finish his playing career back at Viking. The Norwegian's scored some valuable goals in his time at the Cottage.

Midfield will once again be a key area. The way in which Dickson Etuhu and Danny Murphy have combined in the centre of the park has seen off some illiustrous foes already in this competition. The Nigerian was immense against Juventus here and Murphy's clever passing was one of the reasons why Hodgson's side looked so comfortable against Wolfsburg in the quarter final. The Fulham captain might not have hit the incredible heights of last season but he remains the heartbeat of this side. If he can use his experience of big European nights to set the right tempo and get the likes of Damien Duff and Clint Dempsey on the ball, then Fulham have a chance of ruining Hamburg's hopes of a happy homecoming for the final in May.

MY FULHAM XI (4-4-1-1): Schwarzer; Pantsil, Konchesky, Hughes, Hangeland; Etuhu, Murphy, Duff, Dempsey; Gera; Zamora. Subs: Zuberbuhler, Kelly, Smalling, Davies, Riise, Nevland, Elm.

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11708_6122889,00.html

Laws grounded on Euro chance


Clarets boss cheering Fulham on in Europe



Last updated: 29th April 2010   

Burnley boss Brian Laws believes qualifying for Europe would be a big boost to the club following their relegation from the Premier League.

The Clarets' 4-0 home defeat to Liverpool last weekend means they will suffer an immediate return to Championship football.

However, they are in line for a shock place in next season's Europa League if Fulham go on and win this year's tournament.

With Arsenal, Tottenham, Manchester United and Chelsea all set to qualify for Europa via their league placing, only Fulham are ahead of Burnley in the Fair Play League.

Should the Cottagers win this year's Europa League then they would qualify as holders, meaning Burnley would be in pole position in the Fair Play League.

Fillip
Laws believes it would be a massive fillip for the club to play in Europe next season, although he is not counting his chickens just yet until Fulham get past Hamburg at the semi-final stage.

"It would obviously be nice if that actually happened, however, there's a lot of questions to be answered first and that's how Fulham do," he said.

"We'll be cheering them on hoping that they win the competition and that gives us a chance to come through the back door.

"If that happens it would be fantastic for the town. It'll give us a big lift after coming out of the Premier League."

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/fulham/7651918/Fulham-v-Hamburg-Bobby-Zamora-fitness-verdict-is-closely-guarded-secret.html

Fulham v Hamburg: Bobby Zamora fitness verdict is closely guarded secret

Fulham will keep Hamburg guessing over the fitness of Bobby Zamora ahead of tonight's Europa League semi-final, second leg at Craven Cottage.

By John Ley


Published: 11:47AM BST 29 Apr 2010


A decision on whether Zamora is fit to face the Germans was due to be made at noon, but it will not be made public, leaving Hamburg to play a guessing game.

Zamora's presence would be crucial to the club's hopes of reaching their first major final since 1975, and hope remains that for such an important game, the striker will be able to play.

But Roy Hodgson, the Fulham manager, also insisted that he would not take a chance on Zamora's Achilles heel if it threatened his future fitness.

Hodgson admitted Zamora, who has scored eight of his 19 goals in Europe this season, could need a minor operation, which could put in doubt his availability for England at the World Cup finals.

But even if Zamora is not fit, Hodgson believes he has the men capable of beating Hamburg. Just one goal would take Fulham back to Hamburg for the final, against Liverpool or Atletico Madrid, following last week's impressive 0-0 draw.

"We will be happy if he can play but if he can't we will accept that as part and parcel of football, injuries occur," said Hodgson, who was without Zamora for the 2-1 defeat at Everton last weekend.

"We know we have other players in the team who can keep our play going as we saw on Sunday.

"There are a lot of options. There is Clint Dempsey and Erik Nevland, and David Elm is now fit again. I will make the decision when I have got to make it but I know those players are there for me."

http://www.football365.co.za/story/0,22162,14289_6122923,00.html


Dikgacoi is still living the dream


Football365.co.za sits down with Kagiso Dikgacoi, who hasn't looked back since joining Fulham from Golden Arrows - a switch he described as his dream move.


We speak to the midfielder about life in London and the first World Cup on African soil, which is edging closer...


It took about a year and a half for you to complete the transfer from Golden Arrows to Fulham, was it worth the wait?


Absolutely, because it meant that things were done in a more patient way and therefore I had time to fulfil all the conditions they set for me, including gaining greater fitness levels and getting to play more international games in order to qualify for the work permit.


You went straight from the PSL into the Premier league, a feat which has never been done before, how did your transfer come about?


Well, I must say that I am very proud about this achievement because like you say, it does not happen that one makes such a direct switch. Usually players go through other European leagues or to the lower leagues before they are able to make the transfer into the Premier League. Basically everything happened out of the blue and very fast because my management informed me in 2008 that I had to prepare for a trip to the UK in two days time to train with Fulham. I think the club may have taken interest in me at the time because I was playing good football for Golden Arrows and leading the team as captain at the time. Then came the delays but ultimately my management managed to seal the deal after the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup.


How similar or different are the training methods you were accustomed to as opposed to the ones at Fulham?


Basically the Fulham trainers consider strength very important, we work a lot more in the gym on the upper body because the game over here is a lot more physical. Also, what I have learnt from the other players is that when one has some spare moments after training then it would be best to spend them doing extra work and not rush home. I benefit a lot from that because I can focus better, whereas before we would just simply pack our bags and go straight home after training. It is not hard to see the benefits of extra training, players like David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo practice their free kicks almost every day after training, and that's partly why they are so good at taking them.


There's been an influx of African players in the European leagues in the last decade following in the footsteps players such as Liberia's George Weah. Do you think this phenomenon has led to the weakening of the standard of play in local leagues on the continent?


No I don't think so, in fact this may be on the contrary because these players are able to test themselves against the best and are able to plough that experience back into the home countries in different ways. Some players such as (Shaun) Bartlett have chosen to play their retirement days off in the PSL, making some valuable contribution because the young players feel honoured to play with them. Look at Matthew Pattison, I mean he is playing his heart out for Mamelodi Sundowns and his experience with Norwich City is there for all to see - which hopefully the younger players at his team are learning from. Also the players in the leagues will want to play well in order to gain that coveted move to the European leagues. I am sure that many youngsters in Kenya will one day want to be like McDonald Mariga, who has signed for Inter Milan - so they will try their best to impress at local club level, which will increase the standard of play.


Turning to the 2010 FIFA World Cup, some commentators have already declared that the event will be the defining moment for Argentina's Lionel Messi and have dubbed it 'Messi's World Cup'. What's your take on that?


Look he is undeniably the best player in the world at the moment, and will do well in the competition. I would not however go as far as saying he will be the only player to watch because that will be a big mistake. If you watched the second leg Champions League match between Arsenal and Barcelona you'd realised that Arsenal put all the focus on him, and therefore opened up gaps for his team-mates to enjoy more ball possession, they were emotional with their marking instead of being sensible. Experience shows that if players do this they become less rational, and are therefore likely to pick up yellow and red cards, so this is what can weaken them in the World Cup matches against Argentina.


How do you think your absence from the camps in Brazil and Germany would affect the preparations for Bafana Bafana?


Things have gone okay so far, I am constantly in touch with the guys in the camps and they are saying that all is well. I think I will fit in quite swiftly in the team because I know the set up and have been involved for a while including in the Confederations Cup. I am gaining a lot of invaluable experience at club level and I think we can build on the experience of the Confederations Cup. My dream is for the team to do well, like all South Africans wish - it is not going to be easy but it is possible.

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2557/news/2010/04/29/1900446/hamburg-defender-joris-mathijsen-determined-to-beat-fulham

Hamburg defender Joris Mathijsen determined to beat Fulham and reach Europa League final


HSV defender vows to 'do everything' to stop Cottagers...


By Stefan Coerts


29 Apr 2010 13:11:00

It has been a hectic few days for Bundesliga side Hamburger SV, with the departure of head coach Bruno Labbadia earlier this week, but the Rothosen have to shift their focus back onto the pitch this evening, as they get set to lock horns with Fulham in the second leg of their Europa League semi-final.

"Last season we were also in the semi-finals, but this season we have the added motivation of the final being at our own stadium so we're going to give it our absolute all," said defender Joris Mathijsen to UEFA's official website.

"Monday was not good due to the change of coach, but yesterday we trained well and life goes on. How many times in your career do you play in a European semi-final? We will do everything we can to win.

"Fulham played very defensively last week but they travelled for a long time and that's perhaps a reason.

"They're at home this time, so they have to come out and do more, but it [defending] might still be their tactic because they have a great defence. The pitch is not that big and, of course, that's an advantage for Fulham."

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2557/news/2010/04/29/1900397/fulham-have-come-a-full-circle-under-roy-hodgsons-guidance-danny- (http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2557/news/2010/04/29/1900397/fulham-have-come-a-full-circle-under-roy-hodgsons-guidance-danny-)

Fulham have come a 'full circle' under Roy Hodgson's guidance - Danny Murphy


Midfielder delighted with European campaign so far


By Adithya Ananth


29 Apr 2010 12:58:00


Fulham captain Danny Murphy believes that his side have come a "full circle" under the management of Roy Hodgson, as they are now just 90 minutes away from reaching the first European final in the club's history.

Hodgson's men play host to Hamburg in the second leg of their Europa League semi-final, having carved out a goalless draw away from home last week.

The Cottagers have also vanquished last season's UEFA Cup winners Shakhtar Donetsk, as well as Serie A giants Juventus and Bundesliga title holders Wolfsburg en route to their semi-final showdown with Hamburg.

"Roy brought a freshness in and to get to this level shows we have come full circle," Murphy told the press. "We have become victims of our success, because when we are not playing so well, you can hear the fans and then just a few years ago we were desperate for a win at the Cottage and now they are amazed if we lose a game there.

"The players deserve some credit, the squad players have made a big impression come to the fore."

The former Liverpool midfielder believes that the gaffer has channelled his vast experience to turn Fulham into a tactically astute side, and drew a parallel with the boss' days in Serie A.

"The way we play seems to suit a more European style," said Murphy. "We play a patient way, in a way it has come from Roy's Italian roots, it is an Italian style.

"We don't mind keeping possession and trying to break the other teams down, but even when the team has to change the other players have come in and done well."

Many teams rally around a big name player on the pitch, but the 33-year-old believes that his side play more as a team, instead of employing a player-centred game.

"There are no stars, perhaps Bobby [Zamora] has become the star this season because of the goals he has scored, but if you ask people about Fulham they will say we will play as a team," he said.

As the skipper is in the evening of his career, he insists that the hugely successful European campaign has been a profoundly rewarding experience.

"I have tried to enjoy this experience because I do not know if it is the last time I would be playing in Europe," he added. "I think that is the case for a lot of the players who have enjoyed it because there has not been a lot of pressure on us and as I have got older I know these things are the moments to savour."

Murphy could be up against his former club Liverpool, if they should beat Atletico Madrid and qualify for the final of the competition.

Day of Destiny (Video)

Thursday 29th April 2010

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/April/DayofDestiny.aspx

http://www.bettingpro.com/category/Football/Fulham-v-Hamburg-preview-and-betting-tips-2010042900109/ (http://www.bettingpro.com/category/Football/Fulham-v-Hamburg-preview-and-betting-tips-2010042900109/)

Fulham v Hamburg preview and betting tips


Bettingpro Staff - 29 Apr 2010


Cottagers can pull off ultimate shock by making Europa League final

Fulham have enjoyed a fairytale first season in Europe, and they can fulfil their supporters fantasies by beating Hamburg this evening (6/5, SkyBet) and qualify for the final of the competition.

A goal-less draw in the first-leg wasn't ideal for the Cottagers, who would have preferred an away goal, as now a score draw will see Hamburg progress, but Roy Hodgson's side are excellent on home turf, and will go into the game confident of beating the German side.

Fulham's talisman, Bobby Zamora (6/1, Boylesports), is set to return to the straing line-up this evening, and he will be focus of all of the home side's attacks. Clint Dempsey (7/1, Ladbrokes) and Zolta Gera (8/1, SkyBet) are excellent foils for the England hopeful, and with Damien Duff (12/1, Ladbrokes) supporting from midfield, there are goals in the Fulham side.

Hamburg (13/5, VictorChandler) are good scorers, and have scored two or more in all three of their away knock-out matches in this season's Europa League. The German side should score at least once tonight, and SkyBet look like they are giving away money by offering 5/6 that both teams score this evening.

It is similarly bizarre to see Bet365 offer odds against (23/20) that there are over 2.5 goals in tonight's match, as all three of Fulham's home matches in the knock-out stages, and all three of Hamburg's away fixtures have gone over that mark.

Recommendations

Both Teams to Score – Yes (5/6, SkyBet)
Over/Under 2.5 Goals – Over (23/20, Bet365)

We're Murph our weight in gold

By ANDREW DILLON

Published: Today


DANNY MURPHY says winning the Europa League with Fulham would mean more than any trophy he bagged at Liverpool.

The Londoners are potentially 90 minutes from their first European final at the end of a 'special adventure' which started last July in Lithuania.

Skipper and midfield general Murphy won the UEFA Cup, two League Cups and the FA Cup in seven years with the Kop outfit.

But it is this season's odyssey with one of the Premier League's smallest outfits that will hold a special place in Murphy's heart.

The Cottagers have got past Juventus, Shakhtar Donetsk and Roma and now face Hamburg in the semi-final second leg after a goalless draw in Germany.

The winners will play Atletico Madrid - or Murphy's old club Liverpool.

Murphy, 33, said: "The players are becoming a lot more aware that this is a special adventure. With Liverpool, the expectation is always there.

"We are talking about reaching a final which would be one of the greatest achievements of our history, whereas at Liverpool they are talking about reaching the same final as a consolation.

"That puts it into perspective a little bit.

"Winning trophies at Liverpool were some of the best memories of my life.

"But to do it with Fulham - not that we have won a trophy yet - to get to this level is more satisfying because nobody gave us a chance to do that.

"Sometimes being an underdog is more satisfying.

"Getting to the final would be a great reward for everyone involved, including the supporters. Fingers crossed that will happen.

"You appreciate things more at a club like Fulham. You just assume at Liverpool each year would be a final and as you get older you realise that's not the case.

"As I've got older I know these things are the moments to savour.

"We were dismissed at the start of the tournament for many reasons. To overcome the challenges we have faced in terms of the quality of the teams we have faced, injuries, suspensions - it is hard to put into words what we have achieved."

Murphy added: "The other thing people sometimes forget is we have maintained a healthy Premier League campaign at the same time.

"Playing the weekend after has sometimes been a real effort.To play every three or four days continually is very difficult.

"Gerard Houllier stressed weekends after Europe as the important ones.

"Roy Hodgson has been on our case about this, the importance of digging in when you are a bit tired. In a few home games - Birmingham, Wigan, Everton - we have come from goals behind after Europe and that says a lot about the spirit.

"Certainly it has been a wonderful effort so far and it is not over."

Hamburg sacked their manager Bruno Labbadia in between the first and second legs after a 5-1 League defeat at Hoffenheim.

His assistant Ricardo Moniz has taken over temporarily.

Murphy worked with Dutchman Moniz when he was a skills coach at Spurs four years ago. He said: "He was a good coach and the lads liked him a lot.

"I'm sure he will be attack-minded, because that is the type of guy he is, and they will play for him.

"I just hope he has a bizarre tactical plan that goes horribly wrong."



Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/2951807/Danny-Murphy-eyes-Europa-League-glory-with-Fulham.html#ixzz0mUelXrUD (http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/2951807/Danny-Murphy-eyes-Europa-League-glory-with-Fulham.html#ixzz0mUelXrUD)

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/danny-murphy/article/5146/ (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/danny-murphy/article/5146/)


Hamburg turmoil not an issue


Thu Apr 29 09:40AM

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


The fact that Hamburg have sacked their manager is not overly important to the way we prepare for tonight's Europa League semi-final.

From their perspective, the club feel they should be higher up the league and the decision can work one of two ways. It can either have an adverse effect on the squad, who may now feel unsettled and their preparation disrupted, or a galvanizing effect in which the squad will come together and become a tighter unit.  

A change of manager usually has a positive short-term effect on the team, and we know that we will face a strong line-up. Ultimately, it all comes down to the players on the pitch to do the business, and we know it is up to us to take the game to them.

They have proven their undoubted quality in a number of games so far in the competition. It will be an exciting fixture and, as always, we feel very confident at home at Craven Cottage.

Given we are at home in this leg, we will look to play with more adventure and attacking prowess as we need to score. Naturally, it was important for us to go to Hamburg and make sure that we had plenty to play for in the return leg. We are now in an excellent position to progress to the final, and we will continue to play the good football that has got us to this stage of the competition.

The Cottage has been a bit of a fortress for us this season especially in the Europa League, as we have picked up some crucial wins here. We will really look to utilise our home advantage and give the fans something to sing about.

The support of the fans has been fantastic this season. Every Premier League game and Europa League fixture, the stadium is full to capacity and the vocality is something that really does spur the lads on. I remember being in the stand in the Europa League tie against Juventus, and I was really able to appreciate how good the Fulham fans are.

Their contribution has been extremely valuable to the good season we have enjoyed, and I am sure the level of support will be apparent at tonight's fixture. They have become our 12th man throughout the course of the season, and their support certainly doesn't go unnoticed.

http://www.cardiff.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=196885


Is Etuhu The New Eddie Johnson For Cardiff ?


Cardiff City attacker Kelvin Etuhu has made far from the impression he would have hoped for after a disappointing loan season with the Bluebirds where injury, and form of other players have kept him as a fringe player and limited his contribution to the club.

Both Etuhu and Johnson were exciting prospects, welcomed by the fans and came from established Premiership clubs. Both are tall, yet by no means dominant in the air and neither will have been satisfied by their season in South Wales. Last season's chants of Eddie, Eddie have been replaced by Etuuuuuhuuuu but to similar effect.

Etuhu is yet to score and goes from looking a dangerous and exciting prospect to a frustrating and disappointing entity in a second. His blistering pace and powerful runs are often followed by poor control, a wayward pass or a miscued cross ballooned over the bar.

Just like last season, you sense the entire crowd is willing him to succeed and score but it just isnt happening. He has offered more since operating in his preferred wide midfield role but remains the most likely alternative if (God forbid) Jay Bothroyd was injured.

Etuhu will start against Derby County on Sunday, and will look to impress. However, barring an absolute miracle it will be Whittingham and Burke who are first choices for the wide positions and Etuhu will look-on from the now familiar position on the bench.

Read more: http://www.cardiff.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=196885#ixzz0mUmdx7qC (http://www.cardiff.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=196885#ixzz0mUmdx7qC)

http://www.football.co.uk/fulham/preview__fulham_v_west_ham_309568.shtml


Preview: Fulham v West Ham


29 Apr 2010 - 13:43:15


Preview: Fulham v West HamFulham and West Ham United meet in a all-London affair on Sunday afternoon at Craven Cottage and the Hammers faithful will be celebrating win, lose or draw against their city rivals.

After a turbulent Premier League campaign, Gianfranco Zola's side secured their top-flight status for another campaign after they beat Wigan Athletic 3-2 last Saturday.

Coupled with Burnley's 4-0 loss at home to Liverpool, the Hammers are now mathematically safe with two games to go.

Fulham manager Roy Hodgson can be forgiven for turning his attention to their unlikely European adventure recently while taking his eye off their domestic commitments.

They have collected just five points from their previous five outings but they sit comfortably in mid-table.

West Ham have won two, drawn one and lost one of their last four outings and it is this mini-revival that ultimately staved off the threat of relegation.

Following six successive defeats from the end of February and the whole of March, their turn of the tables arrived at the desired moment.

The visitors will be missing knee victims Jack Collison and Zavon Hines and they will not figure until next season.

James Tomkins (ankle), Kieron Dyer (hamstring) and Herita Ilunga (calf) are also missing for the Upton Park side.

Fulham could rest chief striker Bobby Zamora as he continues to struggle with an Achilles problem.

Fellow frontman Andrew Johnson (knee) is a long-term absentee while USA international midfielder Clint Dempsey is a big doubt with thigh problem.

Earlier this season, a last-ditch leveller from Junior Stanislas secured the Hammers a valuable point against Fulham in October.

Carlton Cole opened the scoring with a fine header on 16 minutes before Kagisho Dikgacoi was dismissed before the interval, but the Cottagers turned the game on its head at the start of the second half.

A penalty from Danny Murphy and a Zoltan Gera effort shocked the home faithful as ten-man Fulham went into the lead.

But Stanislas strike two minutes into added-time tied up proceedings.

There is a video interview with Mark on this link as well -


http://fourfourtwo.com/news/restofeurope/53098/default.aspx


Schwarzer reveals penalty technique


442 Staff - 15 minutes ago

Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer has been explaining his technique for facing penalties - on the day the Cottagers could face a shootout to reach a European final.

Roy Hodgson's men face Hamburg in the home leg of their Europa League semi-final on Thursday – and after drawing 0-0 in Germany, Schwarzer's spot-kick savvy could be crucial.

If it comes down to a shootout, don't expect Schwarzer to panic. Like most goalkeepers, the Australian loves to heap the pressure on the attacker.

He doesn't even agree that goalkeepers should research the penalty styles of players they might face.

"You can't possibly know every single player, the way they take the penalties," he says in an interview with John 'Fenners' Fendley on behalf of Mitre.

"So I stay on my feet as long as possible. Let them make the first move, let them have all the pressure on them."

Asked to nominate the best penalty taker at Fulham, the Australian had no hesitation. "Danny Murphy: I think he's only missed one in his career."

As for the finest penalty taker he's faced in his long career, the vastly experienced custodian comes up with an answer which might not delight his old fans at Middlesbrough.

"Probably Alan Shearer, he was brilliant," he says. "As much as it hurts me to say that being that, you know, he's a Geordie and all that..."