Fulham make fresh move for Roma striker Stefano Okaka
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 12:30 AM on 29th January 2010
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Fulham have revived a move for Roma striker Stefano Okaka.
The 20-year-old Italian, who has played for the country's Under 19 and Under 20 sides, looked set to switch on loan earlier this month, only for the move to break down.
Okaka was due to hold talks in London on Thursday night.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1246908/Fulham-make-fresh-Roma-striker-Stefano-Okaka.html?ITO=1490#ixzz0dyt4v44n
Chris Smalling's giant leap: A call from Sir Alex Ferguson and the journey from Maidstone United to Manchester United - via Fulham - is complete
By Laura Williamson
Last updated at 1:38 AM on 29th January 2010
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When Theresa Smalling picked up the phone at home in Chatham, Kent on Monday afternoon there was a familiar Scottish burr at the end of the line.
Sir Alex Ferguson was calling to assure the mother of Manchester United's latest transfer target that her son, Chris, would be well looked after in the North West.
'I was so shocked,' said Theresa, 53. 'It was the voice. It was like I was on TV.
'He was just saying how impressed he was with Chris, how he'll be well looked after and telling me about everything they've got up there.
'I couldn't believe it when Chris said about Manchester United, although I wish it was the Arsenal. I'm an Arsenal fan and Chris was when he was little. But I'm so proud.'
Sir Alex's direct approach may seem an old-fashioned anomaly in the modern game, but Chris Smalling's lightning rise from non-League football to the Premier League champions in less than two years appeals to the traditionalist in us all.
In the bar of the Cobdown Sports and Social club in Ditton, Kent, where Smalling played for Maidstone United reserves in front of a single ramshackle stand with peeling green paint, Bill Williams, Tony Cornwell and Alan Walker laugh as they try to express their pride using a series of well-worn clichés.
'Rags to riches, Over the moon, A schoolboy's dream. What else can we throw in there?' says Walker, 50, Maidstone's first-team manager and a former player with Lincoln City, Millwall and Gillingham, as Smalling's face flashes up on Sky Sports News.
'To have two of the biggest clubs in the world (Arsenal and United) fighting for his signature, well, you couldn't ask for any more, really,' says Cornwell, 49, the reserve-team boss.
'When you've been in football for a long time, sometimes you see a little gem,' adds Williams, 67, general manager and a former QPR, Portsmouth and West Bromwich Albion player. 'The first one I ever had was Bruce Grobbelaar when he was 17 or 18. You know that they are special players. And Chris was one of them.'
It is easy to understand their excitement. Smalling's rise, as Walker puts it, has been nothing short of meteoric.
The player, now 20, was born in Greenwich but the family moved to a semi-detached home in Chatham when he was five. Smalling attended Ridge Meadow Primary School, just up the road, and played for Walderslade Boys and then Lordswood as a youngster.
A basket of daffodils and bluebells, a bottle of bubbly and a congratulations card from one of Smalling's old teachers were delivered to his mum this week.
The staff at his secondary school, Chatham Grammar School for Boys, which younger brother Jason, 17, still attends, were equally pleased for their former pupil.
Head of PE Andy Anderson said: 'Chris was a very good rugby player, talented at basketball, judo — we took him paintballing once and he was even good at that! We always said he could have been at least county standard at everything he tried.
'He was quiet, unassuming, well-liked. He was always immaculately turned out and well spoken.
'Sport dominated everything Chris did but he managed to hold down a job as well – he was a waiter in a hotel.'
Smalling studied travel and tourism, media studies and business studies to A-level, as well as economics at AS-level, and achieved good grades in all his subjects.
After showing promise in the local Medway leagues, Smalling joined Millwall when he was 12 but travelling to London proved too much by the time the player reached 14.
Ms Smalling, a single mum, didn't have a car and, although Millwall offered to help with the costs, she didn't want her teenage son travelling on his own.
'We just couldn't get up there,' she said. 'He would have been perfectly capable of going on his own, but I wouldn't let him. I had to take him out. He didn't play football for
nearly a year.
'I was more upset than Chris, I think. He just carried on and worked his way up, playing for school and then Kent. He really put himself out there.'
At 16, Smalling joined local non- League club Maidstone United, quickly progressed through the ranks from the Under 18s to the reserves and then the first team, who play in the Ryman League.
Cornwell said: 'He had time, he was an elegant player, he played out from the centre of defence, he liked to pass the ball, he could read the game superbly well.
'His physical attributes are great (Smalling is now 6ft 4in) and he's quick.'
'And he had a wonderful Afro, didn't he?' interrupts Williams. 'We used to call him Shaft, from the TV programme in the 1970s.'
'But we were playing games in the Ryman Premier and he was man of the match every week,' said Walker.
'He was absolutely outstanding. He could play anywhere across the back four and even played in midfield at Under 18 level. But central defence is his best position. He reminds me of Rio Ferdinand, the way he plays, much more than Nemanja Vidic.'
At 17, Smalling was called up for England Schoolboys, which brought him on to the radar of scouts from Middlesbrough, Charlton, Reading, Fulham, Chelsea and
Arsenal.
Mother and son liked what they saw when they visited the North East and Smalling nearly signed for Middlesbrough, but the promise of a three-year deal much closer to home at Roy Hodgson's Fulham proved more attractive.
The Cottagers' senior scout, Barry Dunn, now head of recruitment at Millwall, had got his man — or rather, boy.
Yet Smalling's desire to play for his country at amateur level — and Maidstone's reluctance to stop him — meant he never signed a contract with the non-League club.
When Fulham came calling in the summer of 2008, the Premier League club therefore had no legal obligation to pay Maidstone a penny.
Williams said: 'Because of the relationship between the two clubs (Hodgson is a former Maidstone player), Fulham gave us what they call a training compensation agreement, which is registered with the FA.
'At the time it was a great deal and we appreciated it. However, in the general scheme of things, it isn't so good. In your wildest dreams, nobody thought somebody would pay that amount of money (£10m) at this stage in Chris's career.
'It would have been nice if we had had a 10 per cent sell-on, which we asked for, because we've been striving for 15 years to build a stadium in the town and that money would've done it. I think they call it Sod's law, don't they?'
Smalling still sometimes picks Jason up from school in the Range Rover he bought when he signed for Fulham — his mum now uses the blue Renault Clio he drove as a 17-year-old — and spends weekends in Chatham with his old mates whenever he can.
This, of course, will all change when the England Under 21 defender joins Manchester United at the end of the season.
His mum, whom he still visits regularly, says she will miss him, but she isn't averse to the idea of a move up north.
'I've been in this house about 14 years. I wouldn't mind moving, though!' she said.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1246885/Chris-Smallings-giant-leap-A-Sir-Alex-Ferguson-journey-Maidstone-United-Manchester-United--Fulham--complete.html#ixzz0dytehp3l
Believe me, it takes time to make the jump in classBy Andy Townsend
Last updated at 1:39 AM on 29th January 2010
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So what's it like to jump from non-League to the big time? Sportsmail's Andy Townsend, the former Republic of Ireland midfielder and Chelsea captain, gives an insight into what it takes to move rapidly up the football pyramid.
I was a part-time computer operator. Very part-time. In between playing snooker and throwing the odd sickie, I don't remember doing too much work in the council offices supplementing my income while playing for Welling and dreaming about a football career.
A big-money move to Weymouth followed. Well, £13,500 seemed like a lot to me (no, there isn't a '0' missing). Charlton and Millwall had taken a look when I was at Welling and a two-week trial with Sheffield Wednesday came to nothing.
So I was a non-League player aged 21 desperate for a chance, when a deep Geordie voice came on the phone one day, claiming to be Lawrie McMenemy. I thought it was a joke.
Southampton were in the top six of the old First Division and chasing Europe. I was at Weymouth scoring a dozen goals in the first half of the season. The Saints had a team including Peter Shilton, Mick Mills, Joe Jordan and Ivan Golac. Big Lawrie liked characters and personalities in his teams...
So he paid £35,000 and soon I was sharing a dressing room with internationals, a mix of outstanding and established players, like Shilton, and up-and-coming talents like Steve Moran and Mark Wright.
Lawrie said he didn't expect anything from me that season and I was sent to play for the reserves. I was pretty average. I couldn't find my form, but then Mark Dennis was injured and Lawrie picked me for the first team — to play at left back.
I ended up playing a handful of games and we qualified for Europe, but the difference in the speed of the game was one thing. Coming to terms with being a professional was another.
Chris Smalling made the jump from Maidstone to Fulham and now the transition to Manchester United will require a similar change in surroundings.
He will find himself with more money — and more time —than before. It will take possibly as long as 12 months for him to settle properly.
But while Stuart Pearce, Ian Wright and Vinnie Jones came through from the non-League scene, these sort of tales are now few and far between.
This is a feel-good story and we should wish him well. Dreams can still come true.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1246897/ANDY-TOWNSEND-Believe-takes-time-make-jump-class.html#ixzz0dyuLFvP7
Manchester United complete deal for Chris Smalling to join in the summer from Fulham
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 7:36 PM on 28th January 2010
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Manchester United have confirmed the capture of Fulham defender Chris Smalling.
The 20-year-old completed his medical with the Old Trafford outfit and will link up with the Red Devils from July 2010 on a four-year contract.
It completes a meteoric rise for the England Under-21 star, who only two years ago was playing non-league football with Maidstone.
It is likely to represent United's only significant business of the transfer window.
But after beating off competition for a player who has still made fewer than a dozen appearances for the Cottagers, Sir Alex Ferguson feels it represents a smart bit of business.
"Chris is an extremely talented young defender, who we have been monitoring for some months," said Ferguson.
"He is very quick and reads the game well. He will be a great asset to the club, playing alongside some of the best defenders around and we are delighted to have secured his signature."
The way the deal has been done will only fuel the belief that Nemanja Vidic will be leaving in the summer.
Ferguson is almost certain to refute such claims, although, with Johnny Evans already established as back-up to Vidic and Rio Ferdinand, something will have to give if Smalling is to make any meaningful contribution during his debut season.
That will not worry the Greenwich-born player though, who is eagerly looking forward to the challenge.
"Joining Manchester United is an unbelievable opportunity for me," he said.
"My time at Fulham has been great and I have learned a lot about the game from Roy Hodgson and the coaching staff.
"But the chance of coming to the biggest club in the world is something I just couldn't turn down.
"I am excited about working with Sir Alex and the fantastic players in his squad."
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1246840/Manchester-United-complete-deal-Chris-Smalling-join-summer-Fulham.html#ixzz0dyutJpnT
Robert Lewandowski
Lech Poznan to Fulham - The Insider says: 2/5
Home boy: Lewandski had been expected to stay in Poland although his stance has changed
Fulham and Portsmouth have both thought about Lewandowski but were given the impression he was staying in Poland until the summer and if they wanted him now he would cost £7million.
However, Poznan's stance and attitude has changed and they are believed to be willing to negotiate and that could open the door for the Poland striker to come to the Premier League over the weekend - possibly even on a loan deal.
He is still only 21-years-old and had wanted to continue developing in the Polish league but is wary he may miss his chance to move to England if he does not look at something now.
Fulham are struggling to land a striker. They maintain interest in Roma's Stefano Okaka, but have been rebuffed by Basle's Marco Streller and are unsure about Egypt's Mohamed Nagy.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1246767/Hammer-time-Bentley-Fulham-Poles-Slory-set-Albion-Sunderland-want-Babel.html#ixzz0dyvOwFju
Fulham v Aston Villa: match preview
Read a full match preview of the Premier League game between Fulham and Aston Villa at Craven Cottage on Saturday Jan 30 2010, kick-off 15.00 GMT.
By John Ley
Published: 6:00AM GMT 29 Jan 2010
Saturday, January 30
Fulham v Aston Villa
Craven Cottage
Kick-off: 15.00 GMT
TV: Highlights, BBC1 MotD.
Fulham have lost their last four games, their worst run since March 2006, but they have suffered with injuries. At least Bobby Zamora returned earlier than planned after breaking his collarbone, in the Tuesday night defeat at Spurs. And Diomansy Kamara also featured, as a late substitute, in the 2-0 reverse.
They are still without Andrew Johnson, Paul Konchesky and Clint Dempsey but Chris Smalling, available after returning from Manchester United on loan, could continue in defence. On Wednesday, Villa held Arsenal to a goalless draw at Villa Park, their fourth League game without a win or a goal. They were without Stephen Warnock with a shin injury and he undergoes a test.
Fulham (4-4-2): Schwarzer; Hughes, Smalling, Hangeland, Baird; Davies, Murphy, Greening, Duff; Nevland, Zamora.
Aston Villa (4-4-2): Friedel; Cuéllar, Collins, Dunne, Warnock; A Young, Milner, Petrov, Downing; Agbonlahor, Heskey.
Referee: Lee Mason. Matches: 14. R4 Y39.
Last season: Villa 0 Fulham 0, Fulham 3 Villa 1.
Stat of the game: If Fulham lose again it would represent Fulham's their worst sequence since March 2002 Â when they lost six.
Betting tip: Fulham will struggle to win while Villa can't score – so try 0-0 at a healthy 15-2.
http://hammyend.com/?p=5017
Ghana knock Nigeria out
by Dan on January 28, 2010
Ghana reached the final of the African Cup of Nations with a 1-0 win over Egypt in Luanda this afternoon. A near post header from Asamoah Gyan was enough to secure victory. Mixed emotions for our own John Pantsil, who as a proud Ghanaian must be delighted that his compatriots have reached the final, but gutted that injury prevented him from being part of the ride.
From a Fulham perspective, it was interesting to see Dickson Etuhu dropped to the bench for this one, replaced by Ayila Yussuf. He had a rather disappointing 60 minutes in the quarter final against Zambia, which was eventually settled on penalties, and doesn't enjoy the greatest relationship with coach Shuaibu Amodu. The Super Eagles have one more match, the third/fourth place play-off on Saturday before Etuhu will head back to London.
It is another triumph for Ghana's Serbian coach Milovan Rajevac, who has worked wonders to get the Black Stars into the final given the injury crisis he has had to contend with at the tournament. Ghana will play the winners of the second semi-final, between old rivals Egypt and Algeria, which kicks off at 7.30pm. You can watch it on BBC Three, the BBC Sport website or British Eurosport – or listen to live commentary from the BBC World Service.
Smalling Agrees Deal
Thursday 28th January 2010
Chris Smalling has agreed terms and passed a medical examination to join Manchester United in July 2010 on a four-year contract for an undisclosed fee.
An England Under-21 international, Smalling has made 10 first-team appearances for Fulham.
Sir Alex Ferguson said: "Chris is an extremely talented young defender, who we have been monitoring for some months. He's very quick and reads the game well. He will be a great asset to the club, playing alongside some of the best defenders around and we're delighted to have secured his signature."
Chris Smalling said:
"My time at Fulham has been great and I have learned a lot about the game from Roy Hodgson and the coaching staff.
"But the chance of coming to the biggest club in the world is something I just couldn't turn down. I'm excited about working with Sir Alex and the fantastic players in the squad.
"I've played a few times in the Europa League this year, but the thought of making the step up to the Champions League next year is great. I can't wait."
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/January/SmallingAgreesDeal.aspx?#ixzz0dyxKAtkN
Cottage Return
Thursday 28th January 2010
Fulham FC News
Fulham return to the Cottage on Saturday for their first Barclays Premier League home match of 2010 when they take on Aston Villa.
Roy Hodgson's side have endured a tough league schedule this past month and the players are hoping to get back to winning ways at the Cottage this weekend, as Erik Nevland explains.
"We've had a bad run so we need to put that right on Saturday," said the Norwegian striker. "We've been playing against very good teams recently and we haven't been playing too badly.
"They're all big games in the Premier League and matches are decided by very small margins. It's always good to play at home and Saturday is going to be an important game and we have to put it right.
"February is certainly going to be a busy month but that just means we're involved in a lot of games and competitions which is a very good thing."
Nevland scored the opening goal in last weekend's 4th Round FA Cup win over Accrington Stanley and the striker is hoping to play his part against Villa on Saturday.
"There have been ups and downs for me personally this season but all in all I've been quite satisfied. Obviously I always hope I'll be in the starting line up, and come Saturday we'll see, but I hope I can be involved in the game in some way."
Nevland certainly knows the danger of another Norwegian striker who may be lining up against Fulham on Saturday and featuring in a side that he certainly will not be underestimating.
"John Carew is a big strong man and a very good player. If he's fit he will certainly be a handful for our defence so it's going to be a tough game. They have a lot of good players and are potentially a top four side so we're in for a tough game on Saturday."
It will be a welcome return to the Cottage for Roy Hodgson's men on Saturday after more than a month without a league fixture at home and Nevland is hoping both fans and players alike will be celebrating three points on Saturday evening.
"Our fans are always good and if they can keep that going we'll do our best to keep our good home record up with a win on Saturday and that'll be good for everybody."
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/January/NevlandsVillaPreview.aspx#ixzz0dyxbwxbQ
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/article7007249.ece
January 29, 2010
Chris Smalling is ruled out of Fulham's clash with Manchester United
Oliver Kay Football Correspondent
Chris Smalling, the Fulham defender, will not be permitted to play against Manchester United after the Premier League's board ruled last night that doing so would put all parties in a difficult position before his £12 million summer move to Old Trafford.
Smalling completed the latest stage of his remarkable journey from non-League football yesterday by signing a four-year contract with United, but the deal does not come into effect until July. It is rare for a player to sign a pre-contract agreement to move between Premier League clubs and, with Fulham due to take on United at Old Trafford on March 10, there was speculation over whether Smalling would be able to take part.
There is no clause in the two clubs' agreement to prevent Smalling, 20, playing against United and, in accordance with the rules introduced by the Premier League in 2007 to create more transparency, there is no gentlemen's agreement either. However, the Premier League moved to prevent any suspicion over the deal.
What is certain is that it represents a remarkable coup for Fulham, who signed Smalling from Maidstone United for a nominal fee just 18 months ago, and for the player, who has started just two Premier League matches for Roy Hodgson's team. United raised their offer to £12 million, with most of that sum guaranteed, after learning of a bid from Arsenal.
With Nemanja Vidic expected to move to Spain in the summer, Sir Alex Ferguson was delighted at completing the deal. "Chris is an extremely talented young defender," Ferguson said.
• England will face Mexico at Wembley in their penultimate friendly before heading to the World Cup in South Africa.
Although the FA is yet to confirm the May 24 contest, Mexican officials have included it in a six-match tour, alongside matches against Holland and Italy, the world champions. Mexico were Fabio Capello's preferred opponents for a warm-up before England's opening group C game against the United States in Rustenburg on June 12.
http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/article7006689.ece
In the studio café, though, it perhaps shouldn't go unremarked that the Maccabees' stubborn modesty continues to manifest itself at every opportunity. On the television in the far corner an MTV airing of the group's new single prompts minimal reaction. Only when someone points the remote control at the sports channel does a silent reverence descend on the table ... well, one person in particular.
In the wake of the fourth-round FA Cup match between Accrington Stanley and White's beloved Fulham, Roy Hodgson — manager of the London side — is pondering the performance of the League Two opponents who played far better than their 3-1 defeat suggested. "We struggled to get going," says Hodgson, a picture of avuncular equanimity. "But what a magnificent show they [Accrington] put up."
There are, according to Felix White, parallels to be drawn between Hodgson's stewardship of Fulham and the current fortunes of his own band. "Do you know why this team is so great? It's not about the individual players. It's about a sense of collective identity. That makes them more formidable than anyone gives them credit for."
At long last, a boast — albeit one of modest proportions.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/article7007184.ece
Newcastle United offered £1.5 million up front for Victor Moses, the Crystal Palace forward, last night, matching the bid made by West Bromwich Albion.
Palace, who are in administration, are hoping to raise more for the 19-year-old, who has attracted interest from Nottingham Forest, Fulham and Manchester City. West Ham United have offered an initial £500,000 rising to about £2 million, but the deal is less attractive to Palace because they require significant funds this month.
http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Fulham-boss-Roy-Hodgson-was-labelled-a-disgrace-by-angry-Accrington-No-2-Jimmy-Bell-last-night-article304427.html
Roy Hodgson slammed for his Accy snub
Published 23:00 28/01/10
By MirrorFootball
Fulham boss Roy Hodgson was labelled a disgrace by angry Accrington No.2 Jimmy Bell last night.
Hodgson saw his side beat Stanley 3-1 in the FA Cup at the weekend but his decision to snub the club's changing rooms and his actions on the touchline have left Bell fuming.
The Cottagers chief ordered his players to get changed at their Dunkenhalgh House Hotel retreat ahead of the game.
And then he wound up Bell and Stanley boss John Coleman in the dugouts by moaning at the League Two side's aggressive play.
Bell moaned: "I didn't enjoy the day one bit to be honest. It was the fourth round of the FA Cup but the whole day left a real sour taste in my mouth.
"Fulham's decision to snub our dressing room was disgraceful.
"I also thought the conduct of Fulham and Roy Hodgson was very poor. He was disgraceful towards myself and our manager John Coleman during the game.
"It was also disgraceful that they didn't get changed at the Crown Ground.
"Our changing rooms are not the best in the world but they are certainly not the worse either.
"But they decided to get changed at the Dunkenhalgh House Hotel instead."
Hodgson admitted in his post-match interview that he was upset at the way Accrington tried to get stuck into his Premier League stars.
Darran Kempson was sent off before the interval for two yellow card challenges as goals from Erik Nevland, Damien Duff and Zoltan Gera won the game for Fulham.
He said: "They did go out and set about their task in a very aggressive manner so it wasn't a surprise to see a few yellow cards. I suppose it was fortunate for us that they went to the same player."
http://www.tribalfootball.com/nevland-admits-fulham-need-three-points-607411
Nevland admits Fulham need three points
29.01.10 | tribalfootball.com
Fulham face Aston Villa tomorrow in their first home game for 2010.
The Cottagers have endured a tough league schedule this past month and the players are hoping to get back to winning ways at the Cottage this weekend, as Erik Nevland explains.
"We've had a bad run so we need to put that right on Saturday," the Norwegian striker told fulhamfc.com. "We've been playing against very good teams recently and we haven't been playing too badly.
"They're all big games in the Premier League and matches are decided by very small margins. It's always good to play at home and Saturday is going to be an important game and we have to put it right.
"February is certainly going to be a busy month but that just means we're involved in a lot of games and competitions which is a very good thing."
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/astonvilla/7093692/Fulham-v-Aston-Villa-match-preview.html
Fulham v Aston Villa: match preview
Read a full match preview of the Premier League game between Fulham and Aston Villa at Craven Cottage on Saturday Jan 30 2010, kick-off 15.00 GMT.
(http://i.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph/multimedia/archive/01463/roy-hodgson_1463817c.jpg)
Tale of the game
Fulham have lost their last four games, their worst run since March 2006, but they have suffered with injuries. At least Bobby Zamora returned earlier than planned after breaking his collarbone, in the Tuesday night defeat at Spurs. And Diomansy Kamara also featured, as a late substitute, in the 2-0 reverse.
They are still without Andrew Johnson, Paul Konchesky and Clint Dempsey but Chris Smalling, available after returning from Manchester United on loan, could continue in defence. On Wednesday, Villa held Arsenal to a goalless draw at Villa Park, their fourth League game without a win or a goal. They were without Stephen Warnock with a shin injury and he undergoes a test.
Fulham (4-4-2): Schwarzer; Hughes, Smalling, Hangeland, Baird; Davies, Murphy, Greening, Duff; Nevland, Zamora.
Aston Villa (4-4-2): Friedel; Cuéllar, Collins, Dunne, Warnock; A Young, Milner, Petrov, Downing; Agbonlahor, Heskey.
Referee: Lee Mason. Matches: 14. R4 Y39.
Last season: Villa 0 Fulham 0, Fulham 3 Villa 1.
Stat of the game: If Fulham lose again it would represent Fulham's their worst sequence since March 2002 Â when they lost six.
Betting tip: Fulham will struggle to win while Villa can't score – so try 0-0 at a healthy 15-2.
http://www.ealinggazette.co.uk/sport/football-ealing/fulham-fc-ealing/2010/01/29/smalling-will-shine-at-old-trafford-says-fulham-team-mate-64767-25707874/
Smalling will shine at Old Trafford, says Fulham team-mate
Jan 29 2010 By Yann Tear
(http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/ealinggazette/nov2009/7/8/chris-smalling-image-2-739042195.jpg)
Chris Smalling Image 2
FULHAM were right not to stand in the way of defender Chris Smalling's dream move to Manchester United.
That's according to Brede Hangeland, who has backed the young defender to be a huge hit at Old Trafford.
A few years ago, former manager Chris Coleman famously resisted allowing striker Louis Saha to join Premiership giants United until pressure from the player himself became too much.
This time there was no question of Fulham trying to persuade their young defender he would be better off completing his footballing education at Craven Cottage.
And experienced centre half Hangeland believes that is the right decision. The Norwegian international said: "It is obviously a little bit disappointing for Fulham fans, who have not had a chance to see much of him yet.
"But, at the end of the day, it's business, and we'll have to trust our directors to make the right decision for the club.
"I think he's really talented, and the fact he's only 20 is part of the story why they want him.
"It's rare that you see a big centre back like that with good pace like him. He's developed really well since he's been at Fulham and he could be a top class player.
"I'm sure that at a big club the chances are even better for him to develop into that player.
"You never know what the chances are of playing regularly are, but it's understandable if he were to accept an offer from a club like Manchester United."
Hangeland has been linked to a move to one of the top four clubs himself, but insists Smalling's summer move does not make him envious.
He said: "It doesn't make me think 'it could have been me'.
"I've always said I'm really happy at Fulham and I'm an old man compared to Chris Smalling, so it's not quite the same for me.
"If it goes through, it's fantastic for him and I think he's deserved it.
"He's worked really hard in training and all credit to him.
"I haven't spoken to him a lot, but I hope he knows I'm there to speak to him if he wants to.
"What I would say to him is that he would have to do there what you have to do at any club - and that is keep your head down and work hard, as he has done in the time he has been at Fulham.
"There's no reason to change that philosophy."
http://www.tribalfootball.com/fc-basel-striker-marco-streller-i-rejected-fulham-607581
FC Basel striker Marco Streller: I rejected Fulham
29.01.10 | tribalfootball.com
FC Basel striker Marco Streller has turned down a move to Fulham.
The Daily Mail says the Switzerland international was on Roy Hodgson's radar following injuries to Bobby Zamora and Clint Dempsey and the Cottagers boss was lining up a £6million offer.
He said: "I myself have decided very quickly not to switch to Fulham. And FC Basel has also expressed very quickly that they do not want me to go. We have a great team, a coach who can play attacking football."
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/8485731.stm
Fulham - Aston Villa
(http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/47201000/gif/_47201960_ful_villa2_0506.gif)
Fulham have struggled on the road all season, winning only one game, but they have obviously been solid at home.
But they have just hit a bit of a rocky patch, and Villa got a good point at home against Arsenal in midweek, so I'm going for a rare home defeat for Fulham.
Verdict: 1-2
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_5892990,00.html
Cottagers miss out on Geddo
Al-Ittihad reject Fulham's bid for Egypt ace
Last updated: 29th January 2010
Skysports.com understands Fulham's bid for Al-Ittihad's Egypt international striker Mohamed Nagy has been rejected.
The Cottagers moved for the 25-year-old earlier this week, however, their offer has failed to tempt the Egyptian side into parting company with their star marksman.
Al-Ittihad are believed to have higher offers on the table from Egypt's big names and could now allow him to leave at the end of the current season.
Nagy, nicknamed Geddo, enhanced his growing reputation with his fourth goal in the African Cup of Nations on Thursday in Egypt's 4-0 rout over eight-man Algeria.
It remains to be seen whether Fulham will up their offer, although they have now decided to resurrect their move for Roma striker Stefano Okaka as manager Roy Hodgson looks for reinforcements.
http://www.ealinggazette.co.uk/sport/football-ealing/fulham-fc-ealing/2010/01/29/win-fulham-v-burnley-tickets-82029-25712023/Win Fulham v Burnley tickets!Jan 29 2010
WE HAVE teamed up with Fulham FC to offer readers the chance to win one of two pairs of tickets for the Whites' clash against Burnley on Tuesday, February 9.
To be in with a chance of winning, simply answer the following question:
Who is Burnley's boss?
Email
[email protected] with your answer by 11am on Friday, February 6.
Please include your name and a daytime contact number.
If you don't win this time, tickets are still available, priced £25 for adults and from just £5 for juniors subject to availability, at www.fulhamfc.com or by calling 0870 442 1234.
Normal Trinity Mirror Southern competition rules apply.
Please state if you don't want your details passed on to the club's marketing department.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=732875&sec=england&root=england&cc=5739
ESPN Soccernet Preview: Fulham v Aston Villa
By Robin Hackett
January 29, 2010
• Live on ESPN2 at 10.00 ET
A 3-0 victory over Manchester United at Craven Cottage on December 19 last year offered further evidence of the remarkable job Roy Hodgson has done since arriving at Craven Cottage almost exactly two years earlier. Inheriting a squad that looked doomed to relegation, he has since assembled and motivated a group of players that can compete with the very best.
Yet that 3-0 win signalled a downturn that has seen Fulham take just one point from the five league games that have followed. After a respectable draw at home to Tottenham, they were narrowly beaten at neighbours Chelsea before losing away to Stoke, Blackburn and Spurs. Fulham have long been renowned as a team that struggles on the road, but a run of four straight defeats still represents a concerning statistic.
Aston Villa, three places and ten points ahead in seventh, have also seen their Premier League fortunes fade since December 19. That day, they beat Stoke 1-0, completing a run of four straight victories in the league that included a 1-0 win at Old Trafford. They have not won in the league since though, losing to Arsenal and Liverpool before drawing with West Ham and Arsenal (again), although they have won four out of four games in their domestic cup games and booked their place in the Carling Cup final.
Saturday marks an important day for two clubs that have grown accustomed to progress and even overachievement.
Fulham player in focus: Bjorn Helge Riise. John Arne's younger brother has yet to make his mark in the Premier League, but his appearances in the Europa League - including two assists for Bobby Zamora in the 3-2 win over Basle in mid-December - suggest the 26-year-old midfielder can succeed at Craven Cottage. He is a creative player with a fierce shot and, alongside Danny Murphy and Damien Duff, could cause problems on Saturday. He is under pressure to deliver, with Simon Davies awaiting his chance.
Aston Villa player in focus: Ashley Young. The winger is enjoying his time on the right flank and Gael Clichy suffered a miserable night on Wednesday when Arsenal visited Villa Park. With Fulham left-back Paul Konchesky struggling to prove his fitness and Toni Kallio and Chris Baird the alternatives for the position, Young could do plenty to exploit the lack of pace.
Key battle: Brede Hangeland v Emile Heskey. For so long the cornerstone of Fulham's successes, Hangeland has been off-colour in recent weeks and it is vital that he returns to form here. The defender is responsible for countering the aerial threat and, with Heskey providing the stature and knockdowns for Gabriel Agbonlahor, he will need to return to his usual commanding self on Saturday.
Tactics: Fulham could well employ Zoltan Gera as the second striker behind Bobby Zamora. That would suit Zamora, whose success earlier in the season came as he was played in a more advanced position, but he is still trying to shrug off his fitness worries. On the wings, Roy Hodgson is likely to play left-footer Duff on the right and right-footer Riise on the left with Murphy pulling the strings in the centre alongside a more defensive midfielder. Aston Villa, meanwhile, were accused of playing a "very efficient English game with long balls and very physical" by Arsene Wenger this week. Martin O'Neill strongly rejected those suggestions but, while there is more subtlety to their play than suggested, they are unafraid of going direct and relying on the pace and strength of their forwards. They have also proved adept as a counter-attacking side and could look to soak up Fulham's possession at Craven Cottage.
Quotes: Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill on the task ahead: "We've had a tough run of games and have another tough run of games ahead of us now. We're sticking at it and our players have done the football club proud in last couple of weeks. We're going to hang in there in the league."
Fulham striker Erik Nevland on the importance of victory at Craven Cottage this weekend: "We've had a bad run so we need to put that right on Saturday. We've been playing against very good teams recently and we haven't been playing too badly. It's always good to play at home and Saturday is going to be an important game and we have to put it right."
In the news: Martin O'Neill reacted furiously to Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger's suggestion that Aston Villa are a long-ball side. He said: "He has made a few ridiculous statements in his time here and that is as good as any. That's only an annoyance really at the end of it all. Anybody who saw the game wouldn't take that viewpoint. Ashley Young didn't have the time to play any long balls when he was taking that left-back to the cleaners. He didn't have time to do that. It's an appalling insult." Meanwhile, Fulham defender Chris Smalling is to join Manchester United at the end of the season for an undisclosed fee.
Fulham team news: Andy Johnson is set to miss out due to a knee injury, while left-back Paul Konchesky is battling to be fit after an ankle problem, so Toni Kallio or Chris Baird could take his place. Clint Dempsey and John Paintsil remain long-term absentees.
Aston Villa team news: Nigel Reo-Coker has been ruled out for at least three months, while Stephen Warnock has a shin problem. Nicky Shorey has returned from a loan spell at Nottingham Forest to provide additional defensive cover, but Luke Young is likely to continue at left-back. Striker John Carew was unavailable to face Arsenal with a knee problem and it remains unclear as to his hopes of playing on Saturday.
Probable Fulham line-up (4-4-2): Schwarzer, Kelly, Hangeland, Hughes, Kallio, Duff, Baird, Murphy, Riise, Gera, Zamora.
Probable Aston Villa line-up (4-4-2): Friedel, Cuellar, Collins, Dunne, Luke Young, Ashley Young, Milner, Petrov, Downing, Heskey, Agbonlahor.
Soccernet prediction: Fulham are on a woeful run of form, but they are a much tougher proposition on their home ground. However, given their potential weaknesses in defence - both in terms of form and fitness - Aston Villa should have enough to edge victory.
http://www.sport.co.uk/news/Football/33292/Wenger_We_were_close_to_getting_Smalling.aspx
Wenger: We were close to getting Smalling
Author: Andrew Allen
Posted on:29 January 2010 - 10:38
Comments: 1 Go...
The French coach revealed last week that he had made a bid for the England under-21 international before both Manchester United and Fulham announced on their official websites that a fee and personal terms had been agreed.
Despite confusion amidst suggestions that Arsenal could scupper Sir Alex Ferguson's move, Smalling did eventually complete his switch north, although he will psend the rest of the season at Craven Cottage.
Speaking about Smalling and his attempts to buy the Maidstone FC protégé, Wenger told the press:
"I believe Manchester United got Smalling.
"I'm sorry . We were close to getting him as well
"I wish the player well, it is important that he is happy and I hope he makes a great career."
The Gunners have been linked with a host of names during the January transfer window but Arsene Wenger has so far only signed former player Sol Campbell on a free transfer.
Asked whether he was still looking at new players, the wily French tactician stated:
"It's not impossible but at the moment it is unlikely."
http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/blogs/football-banter/Chris-Smalling-to-win-10-titles-with-Manchester-United-What-would-happen-if-the-Old-Trafford-new-boy-really-does-have-a-Roy-of-the-Rovers-career-article303949.html
What if... Chris Smalling really does have a Roy of the Rovers career...?
By Ian Cruise in Football Banter
Published 10:05 29/01/10
Recommend
Chris Smalling's extraordinary rise from non-league nobody to £12million superstar in the making has been called a 'fairytale rise' and a real 'Roy of the Rovers story'. Well, it has now!
But if that truly is the case, what can the Man United new boy expect as he follows in the golden footsteps of Roy Race in the coming years...?
2010: Makes his debut for Man United.
2014: Wins his first Premier League title - the first of ten.
2015: Smalling captains United to FA Cup glory.
2018: Somewhat later than expected, Smalling makes his England debut against Chile. On the same day(!), United will face a tricky test against fellow title contenders, Chelsea. Smalling will struggle to concentrate on his international bow but, when told United have won back at home, he finds his form and helps the Three Lions to a 3-1 win.
2020: The European Cup returns to Old Trafford. Skipper Smalling will win three in total.
2026: Smalling is selected for his first World Cup finals.
2028: Smalling helps United to win the League and Cup double, the only time they will achieve that feat in his career.
2031: At he age of 41, Smalling is named as player-manager of Manchester United.
2033: Smalling is named caretaker player-manager of England. But, after leading the side to a 5-1 win over Holland, he turns down the full-time job preferring to concentrate on his job at Old Trafford. Well, at 43, he has got a lot on his plate...
2034: His form suffers when he is linked with a big money move to the Middle East, and Fergie is even brought back to take temporary control of team affairs. But once the rumours are quashed, Smalling is soon re-instated.
2037: Smalling barely survives an attempt on his life when he is shot by a jealous actor who was due to portray him in a TV series about the club. Fortunately, he comes out of his coma as radio commentary of Man United's 14-0 win is played to him as he lies in his hospital bed.
2039: Smalling sensationally quits Old Trafford to take control at local rivals Manchester City.
2039: Just six months later, however, he returns to his spiritual home.
2042: Smalling shakes up the United team by signing TV pundits Alan Hansen and Mark Lawrenson, plus two members of the pop group, , JLS.
2042: Even though he's now 52, Smalling is selected for the World Cup finals. But he misses the tournament when Man United are kidnapped as part of a military coup during a post-season tour to the Middle East.
2044: Smalling scores both goals in England's 2-0 win over Turkey at the European Championship (not bad for a 54-year-old centre-half!). But in the act of scoring the second, he injures his knee and there are fears he will never play again. Luckily, he recovers and undertakes, on behalf of the Prime Minister, a European tour of goodwill taking in France, Germany and Holland.
2048: Smalling sets a new club record by scoring his 436th goal in the famous red shirt.
2049: Smalling is forced to call an untimely end to his playing career - at the tender age of just 59 - when he loses his left foot in a helicopter crash.
2050: Moves to Italy to take charge of AC Milan. But the family dynasty lives on at United with his son, Rocky, starring for the Red Devils.
2052: Smalling returns to Old Trafford for another stint as manager. He re-signs Rocky from local rivals, Man City.
2056: Smalling leads United to their first Premier League title for eight years with a victory on the last day of the season.
2057: Smalling buys Manchester United from the club's unpopular family owners.
Well... they do say that truth is stranger than fiction!
http://articles.squarefootball.net/squarefootball/2010/01/fulham-vs-aston-villa-.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Squarefootball+%28Squarefootball%29
Fulham vs Aston Villa: Cottagers look to stop slide into danger
Posted by Antony Melvin at 09:00 AM in Aston Villa, Fulham, Predictions, Premier League | Permalink
Tenth plays seventh in a game that sounds a bit mid-table - but, in terms of points, Fulham are closer to the relegation zone than they are to Aston Villa.
Fulham need to pull out of their downturn of form or they could start to fall down the division quite quickly as Sunderland have - the Black Cats are only four points worse off than the Cottagers. Fulham haven't won in the league since beating Manchester United and have lost the last four league games. To pep things up Roy Hodgson will make a late transfer move after selling the promising Chris Smalling, who, incidentally, started the losing run by conceding a decisive own-goal against Chelsea in December.
Villa start this game four points behind Tottenham who are in that coveted fourth place - but with a game in hand. So despite a series of lacklustre recent results Villa are still very much in with a shout. Are Villa becoming a cup team? The last two cup outings saw 3-2 and 6-4 wins, yet Villa haven't scored a single goal in the last three league games all of which were at home. Villa always look more comfortable as a counter-attacking side and an away game against a Fulham side that always attack at home may well be a good fixture for the Villans.
Fulham vs Aston Villa; Kick Off 3:00pm 30 Jan 2010
Prediction Panel
Our panel contains both Squarefootball writers and readers, the writers are marked: (sqf).
Dave Blackburn : TBC
Chris Cox : TBC
Graham Enwright : 1 - 1
Sue Gardener : 1 - 2
Chris Goodwin : 2 - 1
Paul Grech (sqf) : TBC
Colin Illingworth (sqf) : 1 - 1
Hugh Larkin (sqf) : TBC
Peter Lee : 1 - 1
Don McMahon : 1 - 2
Antony Melvin (sqf) : 1 - 2
Paul O'Meara (sqf) : TBC
Dave Nash : 0 - 1
Stephen Orford (sqf) : TBC
Tony Ratton : 1 - 1
Peter Rendle : 2 - 2
Dan Taylor : TBC
Andy Wakeman : 1 - 1
Isaac Williams : TBC
Mark Williams : TBC
Panel Verdict
The panel is split, the consensus going for a 1-1 draw.
Home: 1; Draw: 6; Away: 4; TBC: 9.
http://www.camdennewjournal.com/sports/2010/jan/eyewitness-dan-carriers-view-tottenham-hotspur-2-fulham-0
Fulham are no slouches: Hodgson has the demeanour of one of those men who re-enact the Battle of Waterloo using lead soldiers, and he arranges his teams in a similar manner. Danny Murphy sits deep and plays his side-rule passes, while his fellow central midfielder, the leggy Kagisho Dikgacoi, does his scurrying for him. Neither full back goes further than the half way line, and it meant Bentley was often crowded out. Yet it is up to him to show he is worthy of a starting place, and in reality, as tonight showed, when Lennon is fit, he is playing.
http://sport.iafrica.com/news/2193285.htm
Ghana book their place
Article By: Fri, 29 Jan 2010 07:56
Ghana are into the Africa Cup of Nations final for the first time in 18 years after a 1-0 defeat of Nigeria at the 11 November stadium on Thursday.
In form striker Asamoah Gyan got the priceless first half goal to claim the honours as Ghana moved to within one win of a fifth continental crown.
The Black Stars' opponents in Sunday's 2010 climax will emerge from Thursday's second semifinal in Benguela between holders Egypt and Algeria.
"It's unbelievable," said Gyan. "We are a young team and not many people gave us a chance of making the final."
Ghana coach Milovan Rajevic added: "I told my boys we were not going to play beautiful football today, we were going to play for a result.
"Nigeria had a few good chances but my team are very young and sometimes due to inexperience it led them (Nigeria) to create chances."
Under-fire Nigeria coach Shaibu Amodu was asked at the post-match press conference if he was going to stand down.
He replied: "My contract is until August. If I'm still in charge up to the World Cup I will look at our deficiencies in this competition and look at areas of reinforcement.
"I said before we came here we don't have the best team but I'm confident we are developing from match to match.
"I don't think we lost to a better side, we lost to a youthful and enterprising side."
Ghana made one change from the side that knocked out hosts Angola in the quarterfinals, with Haminu Draman making way for the fit again midfielder Anthony Annan taking to the field for the first time in Angola.
Nigeria were without defender Onyekachi Apam, sent off in the last eight penalty shoot-out defeat of Zambia, with Obinna Nwaneri called up in his place.
Amodu made two further alterations, Obafemi Martins coming in for Everton striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni, and Ayila Yussuf in for Fulham midfielder Dickson Etuhu.
A Manchester derby resembles a childrens' tea party compared to the rivalry between these west African footballing giants, with Ghana holding the recent bragging rights following their 2-1 quarter-final win over their larger neighbours at the 2008 Nations Cup on home soil.
Nigeria were looking a good deal more energised than they had done in the quarter-finals with Martins menacing the Ghana back line repeatedly in the first quarter of an hour.
But it was Ghana who took the lead in the 21st minute against the run of play when Kwadwo Asamoah fired in a corner from the left for Gyan to outjump his marker, Nwaneri, and head past Vincent Enyeama.
That was the in-form Rennes' striker's third goal of the competition, putting him joint top of the scoring charts.
Ghana, with their sprinkling of youngsters and smattering of experienced stars, almost doubled their lead shortly after only for Gyan's dipping shot to go over Enyeama's crossbar.
Nigeria's front men Odemwingie of Lokomotiv Moscow and Martins were combining well and their double act would have produced an equaliser if it hadn't been for Ghana captain and skipper Richard Kingson's athletic save on 26 minutes.
Rajevic was forced into an unscheduled substitution on the half hour when Draman was introduced into the fray in place of injured Opuku Agyemang.
Seconds after the break Kingson was at full stretch to keep out a shot inadvertly sent in his direction at an alarming rate of knots by defender Lee Addy.
On 63 minutes Rajevic switched Hans Adu Sarpei for Zamalek Ibrahim Ayew.
Nigeria then strung together a slick three-cornered move involving Sani Kaita, Chelsea's John Obi Mikel and Martins but Wigan stopper Kingson was having a great game, and kept Ghana in front by chesting Martin's close range shot out of danger.
Amodu then took off Odemwingie, who handed the captain's armband to Yakubu Ayegbeni.
The Everton forward was barely on the pitch when he was set up in front of goal by Elderson Echiejile, but his shot cannoned wide.
Ghana would need all their tenacity and luck to hold on in the dying minutes but they did it to leave the Nigerians' title hopes in tatters.
http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/some-other-expensive-flops-2038419.html
STEVE MARLET
At £11.5m in 2001, the modestly talented Marlet is a poster boy for the Premier League's worst excesses. The aberration in judgment by then-Fulham boss Jean Tigana surely contributed to his sacking later that season, while he was the most expensive of bench-warmers in the autumn of his Cottagers' career.
http://fansonline.net/blackpool/mb/view.php?id=299741
This article makes me burst with pride.
Think back 5 years, pre-Grayson.
And look at how we're viewed nowadays...
'DEFEND!' says Coventry Boss Coleman
Coventry City manager Chris Coleman has said this week that his team won't be playing attacking football on Saturday.
The Sky Blues were beaten handsomly 3-0 at Bloomfield Road back in August after they went and expressed themselves.
But the former Fulham gaffer is wary of the threat Ian Holloway's Blackpool bring.
'If we go into Saturday's game thinking we can go out to attack and play nice and open we will lose, so we are not going to do that, I promise you that now," he remarked.
'We will be going into it with the same mind-set (as Tuesday night away at Swansea) and if we need to score from a set play I don't care because three points on Saturday will see us sitting nice and pretty.
'We will be on 35 points with still plenty of games left and it will be a good scalp for us to beat Blackpool because we went up there earlier in the season and played open and lost 3-0, so we have got one or two points to prove on Saturday.'
http://fansonline.net/middlesbrough/mb/view.php?id=1686451
Boro signed smalling!!!
Typical boro!
The below exert taken directly from skysports.com. link: http://www.skysports.com/football/transfers/scout/
"during his time playing for England schoolboys that he really began to attract interest from scouts and Middlesbrough's famed youth academy spotted his potential and he agreed a deal to move to the Riverside and signed a two-year deal.
But soon after Smalling decided he wanted to stay in the South and Boro agreed to cancel their contract with him and he signed for Fulham instead."
http://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/default.aspx?Tab=1&Page=6&Article=1242
Club Focus - Fulham - The price of potential
By Matt Domm
Most people will tell you potential doesn't have a price, but it does if you're Manchester United. The Red Devils have paid £12m to find out whether Fulham have let go of a future England international in Chris Smalling.
The deal has to go down as a gamble on United's part, and a very good piece of business for the west Londoners. Picked up from Maidstone United for a voluntary donation of just £10 000, Smalling has made just a handful of appearances for the Whites - impressing on most occasions, but also scoring an unfortunate own goal and conceding a poor Europa League penalty. He replaced Brede Hangeland ably when the Norwegian was injured and does seem to have a head far more mature than his 20 years, but do these reasons justify such a hefty transfer to the current Premier League champions? Probably not, but United - despite all the talk surrounding their finances - can afford to take that chance. Fulham, on the other hand, cannot afford to turn such an offer down. After all, his early promise could merely be a honeymoon period for a player who was all set for university before Fulham came calling - only time will tell whether the hangover is to come. This writer does believe Smalling is the real deal, but the immediate deal was cash on the table, which chief executive Alistair Mackintosh would have been a fool to decline. The money can now, hopefully, be used to bring a few players in to strengthen the squad, money which would not have been seen if Smalling stayed and saw his potential fade like so many other prospects at the club.
The Under-21 international is staying until the end of the season, and is needed as first-choice back up to Hangeland and Aaron Hughes. The deal went through on Wednesday, but the certainty of his big move failed to fully motivate the youngster against Tottenham the night before - he was part of the Fulham side which was routinely beaten at White Hart Lane. And of more concern than losing a hot prospect is the club's plummet in form since Christmas which has seen four league defeats from four. Although neither side created many chances, Spurs were far better and got at their London rivals by closing them down quickly all over the pitch - a tactic employed by the Whites' opposition in three of the last four Premier League games (all somewhat comprehensive defeats). While John Pantsil and Paul Konchesky bomb forward at every opportunity to provide much-needed width, there were no recognised full-backs in Roy Hodgson's White Hart Lane line-up. Thus, with the pressing of Danny Murphy forcing Damien Duff inside to help, combined with Hughes and Chris Baird - it was a defensive system which meant there was little penetration from the visitors in the final third.
Coinciding with this worrying lack of threat going forward is the form of goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer, who has had two very poor outings in a week. The goal Accrington Stanley scored at the weekend was due to the Australian parrying a ball back into play that was going yards wide of the post - usually a rare error from the ever-present No 1. The mistakes slipping into the defence over recent fixtures have seemingly spread to Schwarzer who, usually so commanding in the air, wildly missed a punch from a looping cross before Bjorn Helge Riise failed to usher it behind, resulting in the opening goal. While Riise should have hacked it clear, his goalkeeper should have dealt comfortably with the situation initially. The two combined again for Tottenham's second. Fair enough, it was a wicked deflection off Riise's head, but this writer cannot help but feel Schwarzer should have been standing at the other side of the goal - being behind the wall somewhat nullifies the point of having one in the first place. Schwarzer's recent performances are uncharacteristic, however, and the Australian stopper remains one of the top goalkeepers in the league. All he needs - like the rest of his teammates - is some confidence. A return to Craven Cottage will do wonders in that respect.
Aston Villa have been short of league form themselves and have failed to score in their last three. If the visit of a misfiring Villa strike force to a ground where they consistently underperform doesn't represent an opportunity for a Fulham clean sheet, then nothing does. While logic suggests a 0-0 draw, nothing with this club is that simple. There will be goals.
http://hammyend.com/?p=5023
Up next: Aston Villa (h)
by Dan on January 29, 2010
Despite four straight defeats, Fulham are still in the top half of the table, progressing nicely in the FA Cup and in Europe and have a run of home fixtures to offset our awful away form. But no amount of 'blue sky thinking' will prevent their being a tangible air of tension around tomorrow's game with Aston Villa as injuries and sudden lack of confidence threaten to turn a promising season into an anxious one.
Roy Hodgson's side haven't picked up a point in 2010 and you'd have to go back to just after Christmas and their narrow defeat at Chelsea for their last strong showing. Fulham's cause hasn't been helped by injuries to key players – they could be without John Pantsil, Paul Konchesky, Clint Dempsey and Andy Johnson again tomorrow – but their also seems to a fragility in place of the resolute defence that supported the surge to a European place last year.
Four successive away defeats are not unusual for Fulham, but the manner of their capitulation at Blackburn and Spurs was disappointing. Nor is it as simple as just returning to Craven Cottage, where the Whites home record remains impressive. The bear facts tell you that Villa have failed to score in their last four league games, but when you consider that they've played Arsenal (twice) and Liverpool in that sequence, it doesn't look so bad. Martin O'Neill's side were particularly impressive against the Gunners in midweek and will desperate to make up ground on the sides above them on Saturday.
O'Neill's dealings in the transfer market have been pretty savvy and the manager himself should take plenty of credit for Villa's resurgence under Randy Lerner, the quiet American owner who could give the Glazers invaluable lessons about being accepted at a Premier League. Eyebrows were raised when O'Neill moved to Villa Park from Blackburn, largely because of his age, but as we have seen with Mark Schwarzer here at Fulham, age is no barrier, especially in a goalkeeper's case. Friedel is a strange one: he's undoubtedly one of the best keepers in the Premier League, but never really exuded assurance at Liverpool.
O'Neill's reworked the Villa defence too. Yes, he might have paid more than £3m for Zat Knight, but having shipped the former Fulham defender out to Bolton, he's even managed to cover the loss of Martin Larsson. Richard Dunne is surely the signing of the season, but with James Collins pressing Carlos Cuellar for a spot alongside the Irish international and Curtis Davies still progressing nicely, the central defence looks very well staffed.
The manager's policy of being young, English talent has been commended frequently, particularly as it often means paying over-the-odds for players who haven't quite proved themselves. It needed a big fee to persuade Watford to part with Ashley Young, but the speedy winger is nigh on unstoppable on his day. James Milner was inecxplicably ignored by a succession of Newcastle managers and has flourished under O'Neill's management, showing his talent and versatility in equal measure. Stewart Downing, brought in from Middlesbrough, has yet to overcome a serious injury to return to the line-up but he's now going about justifying the faith shown in him. Having Stilyian Petrov, once derided as not being good enough for the Premier League, anchoring the midfield means such adventure isn't as dangerous as it might have been.
John Carew, he of the failed Fulham medical, might be missing tomorrow but Villa do have striking riches. Gabby Agbonlahor always looks lively up front and Emile Heskey will have his club place to play for, not to mention his spot as Fabio Capello's number one target man. Nathan Delfouneso has demonstrated his potential in a few league and European outings and could make an impact from the bench. Former Villa defender Aaron Hughes will have his work cut out for him, whether Hodgson reprises Tuesday's experiment and plays him at right back, or opts to play him in his natural role at centre back.
Hodgson's selection will be interesting. Chris Baird did a decent job at left back at White Hart Lane, but we missed his presence in midfield alongside an off-colour Danny Murphy. While the options box might be thin, I'd be tempted to go back to the full backs who started the game against Accrington. At least they'll be better able to contain the threat coming down Villa's flanks and prepared to go forward. Simon Davies should replace Bjorn-Helge Riise, who froze at Tottenham in midweek. In the absence of Andy Johnson, Hodgson may continue with Zoltan Gera just behind Bobby Zamora, who will have had a few more days of training behind him. The likes of Diomansy Kamara and Erik Nevland could provide attacking options from the bench.
MY FULHAM XI (4-4-1-1): Schwarzer; Kelly, Kallio, Hughes, Hangeland; Baird, Murphy, S. Davies, Duff; Gera; Zamora. Subs: Zuberbuhler, Smalling, Dikgacoi, Greening, Riise, Nevland, Kamara.
http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/January/VillaTicketsSoldOut.aspx
Villa Game sold out
(and offal crashes on me)
United Fixture
Friday 29th January 2010
Fulham FC News
The Club can confirm that Fulham's Barclays Premier League fixture against Manchester United at Old Trafford will now be played on Sunday 14 March 2010.
The game will kick-off at 1.30pm and will still be shown live on Sky Sports.
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/January/UnitedFixture.aspx#ixzz0e0MWUX2H
http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/cottagers-hitman-out-defender-doubtful-1014416.html
Cottagers hitman out - defender doubtful
Fulham, 12:34, January 29, 2010
Fulham are set to be without Andrew Johnson for Saturday's visit of Aston Villa due to a knee injury, while Paul Konchesky is doubtful.
Cottagers boss Roy Hodgson appears resigned to being without strike ace Johnson for the Craven Cottage showdown and looks set to play Zoltan Gera as the second striker behind Bobby Zamora.
Full-back Konchesky has a chance of playing, but Toni Kallio and Chris Baird are waiting in the wings to take his place if he fails to shake off an ankle injury in time.
Clint Dempsey and John Paintsil remain long-term absentees and will miss out again as Fulham look to bounce back from the 2-0 defeat at Tottenham on Tuesday.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/article7007806.ece
6. CHRIS SMALLING (up)
Sports Watch loves a transfer from leftfield.
Mark Hateley to AC Milan, Juninho to Middlesbrough, Carlton Palmer to anyone. Now the Fulham rookie has signed for Manchester United despite never being on the winning side in a Premier League match. We bow to no one in respect for Roy Hodgson's knowledge and hope Maidstone United really is the future.
http://www.kentnews.co.uk/kent-news/Smalling-speaks-of-dream-United-move-newsinkent32300.aspx?news=sport
Smalling speaks of dream United move
Former Maidstone United defender Chris Smalling has described his dream transfer to Manchester United as an "unbelievable opportunity".
The 20-year-old defender has made a meteoric rise from non-league football with Maidstone United to Premier League champions Manchester United in less than two years, after completing his transfer this week.
Smalling told his new club's website: "My time at Fulham has been great and I have learned a lot about the game from Roy Hodgson and the coaching staff. But the chance of coming to the biggest club in the world is something I just couldn't turn down. I'm excited about working with Sir Alex and the fantastic players in the squad.
"I've played a few times in the Europa League this year, but the thought of making the step up to the Champions League next year is great. I can't wait."
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson revealed he had been monitoring the defender's progress for some time before he tabled a bid to Fulham believed to be around £8 million.
He told the club website: "Chris is an extremely talented young defender. He's very quick and reads the game well. He will be a great asset to the club, playing alongside some of the best defenders around and we're delighted to have secured his signature."
Smalling, a former Chatham Grammar Schoolboy joined Fulham in May 2008 after coming through the youth ranks at Ryman Premier League Maidstone United. While at Maidstone he made 12 first team appearances before he was spotted by Fulham playing for England Schoolboys.
The defender made rapid progress at Fulham, initially captained the reserves, before he broke into the first team. He has made four Premier League appearances, including his first start in a 2-1 defeat against Chelsea last month. He has also been one of Hodgson's first choice defenders in Fulham's Europa League campaign.
The move to Premier League giants Mancheter United this week has confirmed Smalling is one of the hottest prospects in the English game and he is looking forward to impressing at Old Trafford. He will stay at Fulham for the remainder of the season, before joining up with United in the summer.
5th Round Awaits
Friday 29th January 2010
Fulham FC News
Fulham's FA Youth Cup adventure continues on Tuesday night when the Whites take on Ipswich Town at Portman Road in the 5th Round.
Fulham completed a league double over their Cup opponents last weekend with a resounding 6-1 victory, but Academy Manager Gary Brazil is certainly not be underestimating Ipswich, who knocked Arsenal out the 4th Round in convincing fashion.
"It's the same opposition but the teams will be very different on Tuesday night," Brazil explained. "There were changes from the Ipswich team that beat Arsenal and we weren't going to put our Youth Cup Team out against them last weekend.
"I have to say it was a very pleasing performance on Saturday and the result was a positive one. We scored some very good goals and overall the team play was very strong.
"It won't be an indicator for next Tuesday but it does you no harm to go out and score goals and we've beaten Ipswich home and away now. It will be down to who handles the night the best on Tuesday."
Brazil revealed his Team's preparation for FA Youth Cup matches replicates that of the First Team and the support of the Club is certainly paying dividends on the pitch in this season's Cup competition.
"The preparation has already started for next week," said Brazil. "We have a game against Portsmouth on Saturday which is a good way of preparing for what will be a tough game on Tuesday. We've been well supported by the Club having had the opportunity to take the boys away prior to both the previous rounds.
"We treat them as though they're the First Team in terms of their preparation. The principle is the same; staying away the night before, preparing and training. A lot of the people involved in our Academy have experience of First Team football and the players have responded to that.
"We've prepared really well for the last two rounds in our professional preparation and the way we've looked after the boys and in fairness to the players they've responded with committed performances.
"The real good preparation for Bolton was to go away for five days to the indoor tournament in Germany and put the boys in pressure situations when they have to win to go through to the next round.
"We went out to Austria Vienna on penalties in that competition but going through that process, you can't replicate that feeling when penalties are happening, you've got to score and the boys did very well in Germany but went out in sudden death. At the Reebok every player kept their cool and Marcus Bettinelli kept his cool in goal."
Brazil was certainly impressed with Ipswich's 4th Round victory over Arsenal and is hoping his Team can secure a place in the Quarter Final's for a clash with Aston Villa or Millwall at the Cottage.
"We've got hard work to do at Portman Road but the reward for Ipswich or ourselves will be a home fixture against Aston Villa or Millwall. They play on Friday night and I'll be going up to watch that game. It's an opportunity to go even further.
"Kris Kywomia [Ipswicxh Academy Manager] will have his side well organised. They were excellent against in the previous round and deserved to beat Arsenal. It's a tough, tough fixture but we've got nothing to fear."
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/January/YouthCupPreview.aspx#ixzz0e0S90F3Z
Own The DVD
Friday 29th January 2010
Fulham FC News
Fulham 3-0 Man United DVD: In Stores NOW!
Roy Hodgson and his players made it a Christmas to remember for Fulham's loyal supporters.
Following a memorable 3-2 win over Basel in Switzerland that saw the Club qualify for the later stages of the UEFA Europa League, the Whites delivered a pre-Christmas cracker at the Cottage with a stunning 3-0 victory over the Barclays Premier League champions, Manchester United.
Now you can own this bit of history by purchasing| the official Fulham 3 - 0 Manchester United DVD today.
Hodgson's side dominated the contest from the off and when Danny Murphy put Fulham ahead the Whites were on their way to another historic win at the Cottage.
Second-half goals from Bobby Zamora and Damien Duff wrapped up another famous victory for Hodgson's men who once again proved their mettle against one of the great forces of world football. It was quite simply a proud day for every Fulham fan across the globe.
This DVD is available online| or in stores now. Pick yours up tomorrow when Fulham take on Villa at the Cottage.
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2009/December/ManUtdDVD.aspx#ixzz0e0SLErt7
http://www.sport.co.uk/news/Football/33304/Capital_trip_for_ambitious_Villa.aspx
Capital trip for ambitious Villa
Author: Ben Moss
Posted on:29 January 2010 - 11:40 AM
Aston Villa make the trip to capital on Saturday to face Roy Hodgson's Fulham at Craven Cottage.
The visitors will be looking for a much-needed three points if they are to continue their top-four charge, but after picking up a draw at Villa Park against Arsenal on Wednesday evening, Martin O'Neill's men could be confident.
Villa are four points adrift of Tottenham Hotspur, who occupy the fourth and final Champions League place, although they do have a game in hand over their London rivals.
Fulham will not be an easy conquest for the Midlands outfit, especially with a fine home record that has steered them into top-half contention.
They have not lost at Craven Cottage since the 1-0 defeat to Arsenal on September 26 and 11 games has passed since this setback.
Fulham will proudly look back knowing they have put Liverpool and champions Manchester United handsomely to the sword in this sequence.
Despite this, Fulham's last four Premier League fixtures have all been away from home, and they have lost each one to Chelsea, Stoke City, Blackburn Rovers and Spurs and it is a mini-slump that Hodgson will want to arrest.
Fulham's progress has been hindered with the loss of several key first-team players in recent times.
American star Clint Dempsey, Andrew Johnson and John Paintsil (all knee) will be missing with Paul Konchesky (ankle) struggling to shake off his problem.
Villa currently have few injury concerns which must delight O'Neill at this crucial stage of the season, although midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker has been ruled out for three months with an ankle problem.
The Villans have secured their place in the final of the Carling Cup after semi-final wins against Blackburn and it was the same side they knocked out of the FA Cup.
A further FA Cup win against Brighton & Hove Albion has put them into the fifth round and after picking up draws with West Ham United and Arsenal, a win at the Cottage would certainly increase team morale as they look to remain unbeaten.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8481175.stm
Fulham v Aston Villa
Live text and stats
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Saturday, 30 January 2010
Premier League
Home Team Score Away Team Time
Fulham v Aston Villa 15:00
FULHAMASTON VILLAPossession
Fulham 50% Aston Villa 50% Attempts on target
Fulham 0 Aston Villa 0 Attempts off target
Fulham 0 Aston Villa 0 Corners
Fulham 0 Aston Villa 0 Fouls
Fulham 0 Aston Villa 0 Barclays Premier League
Venue: Craven Cottage Date: Saturday, 30 January 2010 Kick-off: 1500 GMT
Coverage: BBC Sport website, BBC Radio 5 Live, local radio, Final Score & highlights on Match of the Day
TEAM NEWS
Fulham striker Andrew Johnson remains sidelined, along with defender Paul Konchesky and midfielder Clint Dempsey.
Chris Smalling should continue in defence despite agreeing to join champions Manchester United at the end of the season.
Aston Villa are likely to again be without Stephen Warnock, who is suffering with a shin injury.
Nigel Reo-Coker could be sidelined for up to three months with an ankle injury picked up in training.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fulham
Injured/unavailable: Dempsey, Johnson & Pantsil (all knee), Konchesky (ankle), Etuhu (Africa Cup of Nations)
Aston Villa
Doubtful: Carew (knee), Warnock (shin)
Injured: Albrighton & Reo-Coker (both ankle), Bouma (toe), Harewood (foot)
MATCH PREVIEW
Aston Villa enter a critical stage of the season that will "make or break" their Champions League challenge, according to manager Martin O'Neill.
I think the target for the team is to finish higher than we did last year... Hopefully that could potentially mean a Champions League spot
Aston Villa defender Richard Dunne
Villa are four points off fourth spot and round off the month with Saturday's trip to Craven Cottage before facing Tottenham and Manchester United at the start of February.
Despite reaching their first Wembley final for a decade, Villa's league form has suffered an alarming dip. Wednesday's goalless draw with Arsenal was a return to form of sorts, but it was Villa's fourth game without a win in a spell during which they have only collected two points. Significantly they have failed to score in any of those four matches.
Fulham have suffered their own dramatic decline. They have now lost four league games in a row and gone five without a win since December's 3-0 defeat of Manchester United.
Roy Hodgson's side are, however, unbeaten at Craven Cottage since September and have not lost at home to Villa since February 2004.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
• This is the 56th meeting between these sides. Fulham have won 18, Villa 19 with 18 draws.
• Only one of the 17 Premier League meetings between the two sides has ended as an away win.
• Fulham are unbeaten at Craven Cottage since the 1-0 defeat to Arsenal on 26 September, a run of 11 games.
• If selected, Danny Murphy will be making his 100th appearance for Fulham.
• The Cottagers have won 100 Premier League matches. Roy Hodgson has also overseen 100 games at the club.
Aston Villa
• Villa have only taken two points from their last four league matches, and not scored a single goal in that time. Failure to score at Craven Cottage would equal their top-flight record, last set between February and March 1992.
• Villa have won just four of their last 16 Premier League matches on the road.
• Curtis Davies has made 199 career appearances.
LEADING GOALSCORERS
Fulham
Zamora: 11 goals (6 league); Dempsey: 7 goals (6 league)
Aston Villa
Agbonlahor: 10 goals (8 league); Milner: 8 goals (4 league)
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Lee Mason
Assistant referees: Simon Long & Ceri Richards
Fourth official: Andy D'Urso
LAST LEAGUE MATCH LINE-UPS
Fulham (L0-2 v Tottenham, a): Schwarzer; Hughes, Hangeland, Smalling, Baird, Riise (Davies 64), Dikgacoi, Murphy, Gera (Kamara 72), Duff, Zamora (Elm 79). Subs not used: Zuberbuhler, Nevland, Greening, Kallio.
Aston Villa (D0-0 v Arsenal, h): Friedel; Cuellar, Collins, Dunne, L Young, A Young, Milner, Petrov, Downing, Agbonlahor, Heskey (Delph 78). Subs not used: Guzan, Shorey, Beye, Davies, Sidwell, Delfouneso.
MOST RECENT MEETING
Aston Villa 2-0 Fulham (30 August 2009)
Aston Villa scorers: Pantsil 3 (o.g.), Agbonlahor 59
http://thelinc.co.uk/2010/01/lincoln-city-v-dagenham-match-preview/
Meanwhile on-loan pairing Matt Saunders and Michael Uwezu have returned to parent club Fulham after suffering thigh and Achilles injuries in training.
