http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=197583 (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=197583)
Zamora: 'Whatever Will Be, Will Be' With England
Bobby Zamora remains very much in a 'whatever will be, will be' frame of mind as far as his England chances go, although according to Vital England the Fulham striker deserves his chance.
Vital England says: In terms of what Zamora can offer, as he highlighted himself, he offers what Emile Heskey, Peter Crouch and Carlton Cole all offer, the main difference for him being that he really is the man in form at the moment, and form is an ideal thing to have going into the world cup, right?
Yep, he lacks the international experience but there is time for Capello to look at the 29-year-old in training ahead of the world cup, and give him some friendly outings to see what he can do - what, really, have England go to lose by doing this. We have, potentially, a lot more to lose by not...
Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=197583#ixzz0n1txlcvX (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=197583#ixzz0n1txlcvX)
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/preview?id=270089&cc=5739 (http://soccernet.espn.go.com/preview?id=270089&cc=5739)
Zamora struggling ahead of Stoke clash
Fulham striker Bobby Zamora is unlikely to play any part in Wednesday's Barclays Premier League clash with Stoke.
Zamora is struggling with an Achilles injury and faces a race against time to be fit for the Europa League final against Atletico Madrid next week.
Clint Dempsey will continue to deputise in attack for Fulham's last home match of the season.
Bjorn Helge Riise insists Fulham's first team hopefuls are determined to contribute to a spectacular season by securing a top 10 finish.
Craven Cottage is gripped with excitement over the looming Europa League final against Atletico Madrid at the Hamburg Arena next Wednesday.
With his first-choice side set in stone, manager Roy Hodgson will nurse his resources carefully over the two remaining Premier League matches.
Only four of the side that completed the fairytale march to the final by beating Hamburg last week started Sunday's 3-2 victory over West Ham.
Hodgson is likely to give the second string another run out against Stoke and Riise insists they are ready to answer his call once again.
"We live to play football so there was never any question of us not being up for it against West Ham,'' he told the club's official website.
"For those of us that were on the bench against Hamburg it was a chance to show that we can play football.
"That was important to us and we don't want to lose games, especially in the last weeks of the season and especially when we have a final coming up.
"For us the aim is to get that 10th place and if we beat Stoke we will be close to achieving that.''
Fulham sit one point adrift of 10th place Blackburn but have a game in hand on Rovers.
After meeting Stoke at Craven Cottage they end the Premier League campaign at Arsenal, who could yet be pipped to third place by Tottenham.
Riise is hoping to be involved as much as possible as the finishing touches are put to a season that is already the most successful in the club's 131-year history.
"It was nice to play 90 minutes against West Ham and to win,'' said the Norwegian midfielder.
"A lot of the team haven't played much recently so to beat West Ham 3-2 is a very positive result.
"I enjoyed it a lot and hopefully I'll get to play a bit more in the last three games.
"Now it's important to beat Stoke to secure 10th place.''
Stoke captain Abdoulaye Faye remains an injury doubt.
Faye was absent for Saturday's goalless draw with Everton due to a thigh strain and could miss out again at Craven Cottage.
Asmir Begovic will continue to deputise in goal for Thomas Sorensen, who is recovering from a dislocated elbow.
Ryan Shawcross admits Fulham's success on the continent this season has got him dreaming of a push for Europe with Stoke next year.
The London club made it into Europe by claiming seventh spot last season and Shawcross feels it would be "fantastic'' if the Potters could follow their lead in the next campaign.
"Next season, our first aim will be to reach a points tally where we can't be relegated, and then we will push on from there,'' Shawcross told the Sentinel.
"I would love to play in Europe - ask any of the Stoke lads and they would say the same.
"It is the ultimate for a professional. If we could do it, it would be fantastic, although it is difficult and the first aim is to get to that safety mark.
"But Fulham are a good example of how, if you get off to a good start, you can push on.''
Shawcross was named Stoke's young player of the season on Sunday, while midfielder Matthew Etherington picked up three awards for overall player of the year.
Fabio Capello called Shawcross up to the England squad in February and the defender believes Etherington may have also been given the nod had he not sustained an injury in a match against Manchester City which was being watched by the national coach.
"He has been brilliant this season and it has come as no surprise to me that he has won the awards he has done,'' Shawcross said.
"Matty is a top lad and a top player, and I'm glad for him that he has won these awards.
"I honestly believe that had he not picked up an injury against Manchester City then he would have been in with a shout of an England call-up, that's how good he has been this season.
"Hopefully, he can continue to progress next year and then who knows, hopefully Stoke could have a couple of players in the England squad."
http://football.fanhouse.co.uk/2010/05/04/fulham-v-stoke-preview-top-ten-finish-is-target-for-bjorn-helge/ (http://football.fanhouse.co.uk/2010/05/04/fulham-v-stoke-preview-top-ten-finish-is-target-for-bjorn-helge/)
Fulham v Stoke Preview: Top Ten Finish is Target for Bjorn Helge Riise
FULHAM
Roy Hodgson's side find themselves in the enviable position of still having targets to aim for at this late stage of the season.
The looming Europa League final with Atletico Madrid inevitably dominates thoughts, but the prospect of securing a second successive top ten finish provides additional incentive ahead of the final two league games of the season.
Hodgson had every right to be pleased by his side's response to last week's stirring European semi-final victory over Hamburg by beating West Ham on Sunday when a number of fringe players made the most of a rare starting opportunity.
"It was nice to play 90 minutes and nice to win," Bjorn Helge Riise told fulhamfc.com. "There were a lot of players who haven't played a lot recently so to beat West Ham 3-2 is a very positive result. I enjoyed it a lot and hopefully I'll get to play a bit more in the last three games.
"Now it's important to beat Stoke on Wednesday to secure 10th place. We want to be in that top 10 so that when we look at the table on TV we're there in the top half. And to achieve that after the season we've had, and getting to the Europa League Final, would be a very good season."
Fulham's success has raised questions about Hodgson's long term position at the club with the manager linked with a move to Liverpool this summer, but the primary aim for manager and players is not to lose focus ahead of one of the most important weeks in the club's history.
"We don't want to lose games," added Riise. "Especially in the last weeks of the season and especially when we have a Final. Our aim is to get that 10th place and if we beat Stoke on Wednesday I think we will be close to achieving that."
Strategy: Fulham's approach has rarely changed this season whether they have been facing Juventus or one of their more physical Premier League rivals like Stoke. One of Hodgson's successes this season has been to maintain togetherness within a squad to ensure his fringe players have remained anxious to impress when called upon, rather than itching for a move. That desire to catch the manager's eye will only intensify now with Europa League final places up for grabs and the Cottagers should be able to take full advantage against a Stoke side that has appeared less than united in recent weeks.
Injuy update: Bobby Zamora's achilles injury means the striker will again be missing but Zoltan Gera could return to the line-up after being rested against West Ham.
STOKE
Stoke manager Tony Pulis is preparing for a substantial revamp of his squad this summer but one player who appears to be staying is winger Matthew Etherington.
Tony Pulis has revealed Etherington has had talks over a new contract with chief executive Tony Scholes and is set to agree a four-year extension at the Britannia Stadium before the end of the season. The 28-year-old has had another excellent season with the Potters, with his form even leading to a clamour from Pulis for a call-up to the England squad.
That call almost embarrassed Etherington and now appears rather doubtful but he will be somebody who survives a summer cull to take his place for Stoke's third season in the Premier League.
Pulis told Fanhouse: "We've had talks with Matty over the last week and I expect the contract to be agreed before the end of the season.
"He's an important part of our future and somebody we very much want to keep. We want him to stay here for a very long time. He's got two years left on his contract at the moment so there have never been any fears we would lose him. But he has been one of our better players since we signed him and the sooner we can get him signed up the better."
Strategy: Stoke are preparing for two tricky away games this week, starting at Europa Cup Finalists Fulham tonight before ending the campaign at Manchester United.
And striker Ricardo Fuller has admitted Stoke face a real battle to beat last season's points tally of 45 points, with the club currently on 44. He said: "A lot of people say that teams in the middle of the league have nothing to play for, but you try telling that to us and the lads at Fulham.
"We are desperate to go out there and get the win. Our pride was hurt after what happened at Chelsea, but we restored it against Everton. Now we just want to get that win to take us on to 47 points. That would be a great achievement for this football club and put us in a great position to go to Manchester United at the weekend and hopefully put in a good performance."
Injury Update: Thomas Sorensen is still out with a dislocated elbow, so Asmir Begovic will make a second Premier League start.
http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2010/5/4/1457355/my-5-keys-to-victory-for-fulham (http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2010/5/4/1457355/my-5-keys-to-victory-for-fulham)
My 5 Keys to Victory for Fulham Against Stoke City
Fulham play tomorrow against Stoke City at Craven Cottage.The game takes place at 8PM UK Time and 3PM EST. The game will be on Fox Soccer Plus live in the United States. In the first match in January, Stoke City beat Fulham 3 - 2. Fulham are currently 11th in the league with 46 points. Stoke City are currently 13th with 44 points. This should be another interesting game for Fulham. If the club wants to end up in the top 10 by the end of the season they are going to need some points from their final two matches. I expect a tough challenge from Stoke City. Below are "my 5 keys to victory for Fulham against Stoke City."
1. Fulham need to be next to perfect defending set pieces.In the first match-up, Stoke City took advantage of set pieces to score goals. This was a key from the last match against West Ham. I think this key is very important in the match. If Fulham want to win tomorrow they need to defend set pieces very well tomorrow. Matthew Etherington's kicks off of set pieces set up 2 goals in their last matchup for Stoke.
2. Fulham need to score early in this match. If Fulham can score early they could really take control of this match. Just ten days ago Stoke City travelled to Chelsea and lost 7 - 0. That loss probably hurt Stoke City a great deal. An early goal could affect the confidence of Stoke City.
3. Fulham need to contain Matthew Etherington. This player was really integral in the first match - up against Fulham. He was key on set pieces, and also in the midfield on the left side. Fulham need to do a good job of limiting his effectiveness on the match.
4. Clint Dempsey again needs to be involved in scoring opportunities.With Bobby Zamora probably being out again, Dempsey needs to be very involved in this match up to create scoring chances. He was able to score and create other opportunities in the last match up against West Ham. This was a key as well from the last match up.
5. Chris Smalling needs to step up once again and be very solid on defense. If he is playing in the place of Hangeland tomorrow he needs to be consistent. At time he looks very comfortable, and at other times he looks a little shaky. I think he just needs some more experience. Tomorrow would be a great time for him to be consistent and limit his mistakes.
The big question again will be who will Hodgson be starting tomorrow? If he puts out the same lineup as the last match-up that would be fine with me. I just hope Fulham can come out strong and take control of this match early. I do expect this match to be a tough game.
http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=197588 (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=197588)
Fulham - Lock Hodgson Up!
With numerous column inches being generated relating to the possible snatching of (Sir) Roy Hodgson by a `bigger` club, Mark Schwarzer has come up with a novel way of ensuring he`s not lost to Craven Cottage.
Speaking to the media, and giving Roy a glowing tribute, Mark is quoted as saying,
"We`ll have to make sure he doesn`t go anywhere else. We`ll lock him up in a room or something, so he can`t. Given what our gaffer`s achieved in two and a half years he`s always going to be linked with jobs."
"What he`s done is remarkable given our resources in comparison to other teams."
As long as that room has a television linked to the World Cup I`m not sure Roy would object too much!
Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=197588#ixzz0n1vjNcdq (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=197588#ixzz0n1vjNcdq)
http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=197596 (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=197596)
Fulham - The Cookie Crumbles!
Sad to hear today that Chris Coleman lost his job at Coventry City.
Chris was a loyal servant to Fulham Football Club enjoying a good playing career, until a car crash put paid to that, he then managed the club between 2003 and 2007, in difficult circumstances.
But, the fact that Coventry finished 19th in the Championship this season ensured that his job was always going t be at risk for an ambitious club with a smart new stadium to fill.
Speaking about his departure, the Coventry chairman, the ex-Manchester City defender Ray Ranson remarked,
"The board would like to place on record their thanks for his efforts over two and a half years."
Has it really been two and a half years since his Real Sociedad debacle ended?
We`d like to wish Chris good luck in attaining another position in what can be a cruel game!
Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=197596#ixzz0n1vspoJQ (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=197596#ixzz0n1vspoJQ)
http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=197602 (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=197602)
Fulham - Dempsey Milestone Awaits!
After taking the honours in our poll for the man-of-the-match poll against West Ham, Clint Dempsey looks set to reach another milestone tomorrow (Wednesday) evening.
The American who`ll be trying to dent our World Cup hopes in South Africa in a few weeks time, will, if selected, reach 100 league starts for Fulham.
Not a bad achievement we`d suggest.
Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=197602#ixzz0n1wJ0lSg (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=197602#ixzz0n1wJ0lSg)
http://www.givemefootball.com/premier-league/fulham-vs-stoke-city-wed-5-may-2010 (http://www.givemefootball.com/premier-league/fulham-vs-stoke-city-wed-5-may-2010)
Fulham Vs Stoke City, Wed 5 May 2010
Fulham Vs Stoke City: Match Preview
Fulham striker Bobby Zamora is unlikely to play any part in Wednesday's Barclays Premier League clash with Stoke.
Zamora is struggling with an Achilles injury and faces a race against time to be fit for the Europa League final against Atletico Madrid next week.
Clint Dempsey will continue to deputise in attack for Fulham's last home match of the season.
Bjorn Helge Riise insists Fulham's first team hopefuls are determined to contribute to a spectacular season by securing a top 10 finish.
Craven Cottage is gripped with excitement over the looming Europa League final against Atletico Madrid at the Hamburg Arena next Wednesday.
With his first-choice side set in stone, manager Roy Hodgson will nurse his resources carefully over the two remaining Premier League matches.
Only four of the side that completed the fairytale march to the final by beating Hamburg last week started Sunday's 3-2 victory over West Ham.
Hodgson is likely to give the second string another run out against Stoke and Riise insists they are ready to answer his call once again.
"We live to play football so there was never any question of us not being up for it against West Ham," he told the club's official website.
"For those of us that were on the bench against Hamburg it was a chance to show that we can play football.
"That was important to us and we don't want to lose games, especially in the last weeks of the season and especially when we have a final coming up.
"For us the aim is to get that 10th place and if we beat Stoke we will be close to achieving that."
Fulham sit one point adrift of 10th place Blackburn but have a game in hand on Rovers.
After meeting Stoke at Craven Cottage they end the Premier League campaign at Arsenal, who could yet be pipped to third place by Tottenham.
Riise is hoping to be involved as much as possible as the finishing touches are put to a season that is already the most successful in the club's 131-year history.
"It was nice to play 90 minutes against West Ham and to win," said the Norwegian midfielder.
"A lot of the team haven't played much recently so to beat West Ham 3-2 is a very positive result.
"I enjoyed it a lot and hopefully I'll get to play a bit more in the last three games.
"Now it's important to beat Stoke to secure 10th place."
Stoke captain Abdoulaye Faye remains an injury doubt.
Faye was absent for Saturday's goalless draw with Everton due to a thigh strain and could miss out again at Craven Cottage.
Asmir Begovic will continue to deputise in goal for Thomas Sorensen, who is recovering from a dislocated elbow.
Ryan Shawcross admits Fulham's success on the continent this season has got him dreaming of a push for Europe with Stoke next year.
The London club made it into Europe by claiming seventh spot last season and Shawcross feels it would be "fantastic" if the Potters could follow their lead in the next campaign.
"Next season, our first aim will be to reach a points tally where we can't be relegated, and then we will push on from there," Shawcross told the Sentinel.
"I would love to play in Europe - ask any of the Stoke lads and they would say the same.
"It is the ultimate for a professional. If we could do it, it would be fantastic, although it is difficult and the first aim is to get to that safety mark.
"But Fulham are a good example of how, if you get off to a good start, you can push on."
Shawcross was named Stoke's young player of the season on Sunday, while midfielder Matthew Etherington picked up three awards for overall player of the year.
Fabio Capello called Shawcross up to the England squad in February and the defender believes Etherington may have also been given the nod had he not sustained an injury in a match against Manchester City which was being watched by the national coach.
"He has been brilliant this season and it has come as no surprise to me that he has won the awards he has done," Shawcross said.
"Matty is a top lad and a top player, and I'm glad for him that he has won these awards.
"I honestly believe that had he not picked up an injury against Manchester City then he would have been in with a shout of an England call-up, that's how good he has been this season.
"Hopefully, he can continue to progress next year and then who knows, hopefully Stoke could have a couple of players in the England squad."
http://www.stoke.vitalfootball.co.uk/matchprere.asp?a=197632 (http://www.stoke.vitalfootball.co.uk/matchprere.asp?a=197632)
Fulham vs Stoke preview
This penultimate match of the season has been postponed several times since it was originally planned due to the Cottagers' impressive progression to the Europa League final.
Stoke fans will be hoping that the Fulham players will be concentrating on the bigger challenge of Atletico Madrid in Hamburg next week and that we can come away with all three points ahead of the difficult visit to Old Trafford for the final match on Sunday.
Vital Quotes:Fulham Team News:Leading goalscorer, Bobby Zamora is still nursing an achilles injury that saw him miss out in their 3-2 win over their London rivals West Ham.
Player to watch: Zoltan GeraThe former Baggie is Fulham's second highest goalscorer after Zamora and likely to return after being rested at the weekend.
Stoke City Team News:Stoke will have been buoyed by a good bounce-back from the Chelsea debacle in their goalless draw against Everton and Tony Pulis can name the same side that started on Saturday - if he chooses to leave David Kitson and James Beattie behind. Asmir Begovic is set to make his second start with Thomas Sorensen injured.
Player to watch: Ricardo FullerIt was just like the old days on Saturday with Mamady Sidibe and Ricardo Fuller linking up well at the front - we just need a goal or two from Ric to end the season on a high.
Match Facts & Stats
Ref Watch:Peter Walton. His first time in charge of a Stoke match since THAT match against Arsenal and Ramsey's horrific injury.
Read more: http://www.stoke.vitalfootball.co.uk/matchprere.asp?a=197632#ixzz0n1xP4600 (http://www.stoke.vitalfootball.co.uk/matchprere.asp?a=197632#ixzz0n1xP4600)
http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2557/news/2010/05/04/1908623/stoke-city-centre-back-ryan-shawcross-dreams-of-emulating (http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2557/news/2010/05/04/1908623/stoke-city-centre-back-ryan-shawcross-dreams-of-emulating)
Stoke City centre-back Ryan Shawcross dreams of emulating Fulham's European success
Defender hoping Stoke can push for Europa League qualification next campaign
Stoke City defender Ryan Shawcross admits he is envious of Fulham's Europa League success this season and is dreaming of a push for European qualification with the Potters next year.
Craven Cottage is the venue for the clash between Fulham and Stoke on Wednesday night, as Roy Hodgson's Cottagers await the Europa League final after semi-final victory over Hamburg.
Stoke and Fulham have had comparable league form this season, sitting in 13th and 11th respectively.
Fulham snuck into Europe last season after claiming seventh spot and the towering English defender says it would be "fantastic" if his side could work similar wonders next term.
"Next season, our first aim will be to reach a points tally where we can't be relegated, and then we will push on from there," Shawcross told the Sentinel.
"I would love to play in Europe - ask any of the Stoke lads and they would say the same.
"It is the ultimate for a professional. If we could do it, it would be fantastic, although it is difficult and the first aim is to get to that safety mark.
"But Fulham are a good example of how, if you get off to a good start, you can push on."
Shawcross was named Stoke's Young Player of the Season on Sunday, while midfielder Matthew Etherington picked up three awards for overall Player of the Year.
Shawcross believes that his left-sided team-mate would have been a prime candidate for World Cup selection if he hadn't succumbed to injury. Shawcross was called up for an England friendly with Egypt in February.
"He [Matthew Etherington] has been brilliant this season and it has come as no surprise to me that he has won the awards he has done," Shawcross said.
"Matty is a top lad and a top player, and I'm glad for him that he has won these awards.
"I honestly believe that had he not picked up an injury against Manchester City then he would have been in with a shout of an England call-up, that's how good he has been this season.
"Hopefully, he can continue to progress next year and then who knows, hopefully Stoke could have a couple of players in the England squad."
http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2010/05/04/nothing-in-particular/ (http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2010/05/04/nothing-in-particular/)
Nothing in particular
Filed under: General — weltmeisterclaude @ 9:53 pm
but I was reading a Swedish profile on Roy a day or so ago (I've lost the link now), and in it Roy said to his visitor (words along the lines of) "Stoor is struggling to adapt to the passing side of the English game. He is used to the Norwegian league where you get time on the ball. Here you have to know where you are going to play the ball before it arrives. Still, he's ambitious and a good pro, and I'm sure he'll make a good full-back eventually".
Absolutely paraphrasing there (he said something else about Stoor's passes not finding a teammate very often, too), but it does show just how difficult playing in this league is. For all the grief Jon Greening gets, he has again gone through a game without giving the ball away more than a couple of times. I wouldn't say this on a message board, but I remain convinced that there's value in this, and certainly for a backup player (do no harm, etc).
The other thing to remind ourselves is that Kagisho Dikgacoi is still playing in his first season in England. That's he's done so quite well is extremely promising, I believe. You never can tell, but if he ups his game a notch next year he could be a real surprise.
http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2010/5/4/1457994/5-possible-reasons-why-i-think (http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2010/5/4/1457994/5-possible-reasons-why-i-think)
5 Possible Reasons Why I Think Brede Hangeland Rejected Arsenal Last Summer
This morning I read this interesting post on football - talk.co.uk. The post by Fab4 was entitled " Why did Hangeland reject Arsenal?" I would very much recommend everyone reading it. The writer just wanted to know why Brede Hangeland would not want to come to Arsenal. Fab4 mentions in his post that Arsenal offer Champions League Football. He also mentions that Arsenal are one of the biggest clubs in Europe , and that Hangeland would be playing in front of 60,000 fans every other week. These are all very valid reasons why any player would want to play for Arsenal.
Why would Hangeland not want to play for Arsenal? Well, it might not have anything to do with Arsenal. Maybe he just wanted to play for Fulham? I don't know Brede Hangeland and I am not speaking for him. I am just going to give my opinion why I think he did not go to Arsenal last summer. Below are "5 possible reasons why I think Brede Hangeland rejected Arsenal last summer."
1. The relationship between Hangeland and Roy Hodgson could be a reason he rejected Arsenal. Brede Hangeland played for Roy Hodgson when he was at his former club Viking. When Hodgson came to Fulham one of his first signings was Brede Hangeland. Under Hodgson the defense for Fulham has tremendously improved. Brede Hangeland has much to do with this. He has thrived while playing for Fulham and Hodgson. There could be a comfort factor between manager and player?
2. Hangeland was offered a new contract from Fulham back last April. Fulham were being proactive with Hangeland. By making this offer way back in April they could have been showing how important the player was to the club. His initial deal wasn't to expire until after the 2010/2011. Negotiations can take a long time. He didn't end up signing his new deal until November. The interest from Arsenal might have helped the negotiations with Fulham. In my opinion they were showing Hangeland he was in the their long term plans. He is signed until 2013.
3. Playing with his teammates could be a reason he rejected Arsenal. Once you have a comfort level with your teammates it could be one reason you would want to stay at the club. Again, he just might be comfortable in his environment at Craven Cottage.
4. Maybe he really wanted to play in the Europa League? After the hard work of getting 7th place in the league the team qualified for the Europa League. Now, obviously the Champions League competition is better. But, maybe Hangeland just wanted to be rewarded and help Fulham see this journey through in the Europa League.
5. Maybe, Hangeland is just happy at Fulham. This is a simple possible reason. If you are happy in one situation why change?
In concluding, I go back to my second paragraph. Maybe he just wanted to play for Fulham?
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1272502/Fulham-fans-furious-Europa-League-final-ticket-fiasco.html?ITO=1490 (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1272502/Fulham-fans-furious-Europa-League-final-ticket-fiasco.html?ITO=1490)
Fulham fans furious over Europa League final ticket fiasco
Furious Fulham supporters who have missed out on Europa League final tickets have blamed the club's controversial distribution policy.
Roy Hodgson's men became the first Fulham side to reach a European final last Thursday, thanks to their heroic 2-1 win over Hamburg at Craven Cottage.
But thousands of loyal fans may miss the biggest night in the club's history. UEFA allocated the club 12,650 tickets for the clash against Atletico Madrid at the 57,000-capacity Nordbank Arena in Hamburg on May 12 - but all were snapped up in under four hours last Friday.
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2010/05/04/article-0-095D6A6F000005DC-442_468x306.jpg)
Roy's wonders: Zolton Gera's goal fired Fulham into the Europa League final
Fulham allowed each of their 10,000 season-ticket holders four seats for the final on a 'first come, first served' basis - which has angered the thousands of supporters who failed to get hold of any tickets. Sportsmail also understands tickets cost up to £850 on the black market.
The club has moved to appease fans by contacting UEFA about the possibility of increasing their allocation, but UEFA have warned Fulham their attempt to lobby for more tickets is likely to fail.
A UEFA spokesman said: 'Each club has been allocated 12,650 tickets, the remainder have been allocated in a UEFA ballot and gone on sale to the German public. 'I'm not sure there is much scope to increase the allocation.'
Fulham face Stoke tonight in the club's penultimate match before flying out to Hamburg.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1272502/Fulham-fans-furious-Europa-League-final-ticket-fiasco.html?ITO=1490#ixzz0n1zEKQgw (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1272502/Fulham-fans-furious-Europa-League-final-ticket-fiasco.html?ITO=1490#ixzz0n1zEKQgw)
http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/football/Stoke-City-Meet-Fulham-players-likely-line-Stoke/article-2108598-detail/article.html (http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/football/Stoke-City-Meet-Fulham-players-likely-line-Stoke/article-2108598-detail/article.html)
Stoke City: Meet the Fulham players likely to line up against Stoke
PITCH BATTLE: Fulham winger Damien Duff will be out to impress ahead of next's week Europa League final when he lines up against Stoke tonight.
BETWEEN THE STICKS
MARK SCHWARZER
A FANTASTIC free transfer signing from Middlesbrough by Roy Hodgson. The Aussie keeper is in his second season at Fulham and has rivalled Aaron Hughes and Bobby Zamora as their player of the year.
AT THE BACK
STEPHEN KELLY
SPENT the second half of last season on loan at Stoke, but lost out to Andy Wilkinson in the battle for the right-back spot. The Republic of Ireland international joined Fulham on a free transfer from Birmingham at the end of the season.
AARON HUGHES
THE Northern Ireland international is one of the least heralded but most effective players in the Premier League. The 30-year-old former Aston Villa and Newcastle centre-back has been superb for the Cottagers this season, helped by experience and faultless positional sense.
CHRIS SMALLING
THE 20-year-old was playing for non-league Maidstone two years ago, but he was signed by Manchester United in January for £10m. The England U21 defender will join them on a four-year deal in the summer.
NICKY SHOREY
THE former Reading left-back signed on loan from Aston Villa on February 1. The energetic, attack-minded defender earned two England caps in 2007 after starring for Reading in the Premier League.
MIDFIELD
DICKSON ETUHU
THE former Manchester City and Sunderland midfielder will add some physical strength in his role as the holding player in front of the back four.
JONATHAN GREENING
JOINED the Cottagers on a season-long loan from West Brom last summer. The ex-Baggies captain will need a strong display to force his way into the starting line-up for the Europa League final.
KAGISHO DIKGACOI
UTILITY player who can play in central midfield or on either flank. The South Africa international signed from Golden Arrows, in his home country, last year.
DAMIEN DUFF
THE Republic of Ireland international's career has taken off again under Roy Hodgson. The 31-year-old winger became Chelsea's record signing when he joined from Blackburn for £17m in 2003. He joined Fulham from Newcastle for about £2.5m last summer and has become an integral part of the side.
IN ATTACK
CLINT DEMPSEY
THE 27-year-old, pictured left, USA international will be lining up against England in the World Cup. They won't take him lightly having seen him shine at Fulham as a midfielder and up front.
ERIK NEVLAND
THE 33-year-old Norwegian gets the chance up front as Fulham rest Bobby Zamora. Stoke won't underestimate Nevland after he scored the goal that condemned them to a 1-0 defeat at Craven Cottage last April.
ON THE BENCH
PASCAL ZUBERBÜHLER
THE Switzerland international keeper played in the Premier League with West Brom in 2006/07, but hasn't had a sniff with Fulham because of the outstanding form of Schwarzer.
ZOLTAN GERA
ANOTHER former Baggie. The Hungarian attacking midfielder earned a place in Fulham legend by scoring the goal that beat Hamburg to secure a place in the Europa League final.
DAVID ELM
THE striker was picked up from Swedish football by Roy Hodgson last summer and has been described as a Bobby Zamora-type by the manager.
PAUL KONCHESKY
ANDY Wilkinson lookalike who is in his third season with Fulham. The former Charlton and West Ham left-back is likely to be rested tonight with Europe in mind.
JOHN PANTSIL
GHANA international right-back who is a favourite at Fulham. Not so popular in Stoke after his remarkable acting put Ricardo Fuller in danger of a second yellow card at the Brit last season.
STEFANO OKAKA
THE 20-year old Roma striker is an Italy under-21 international who joined Fulham on loan for the rest of the season in January.
DANNY MURPHY
THE former Crewe midfielder pulls the strings in the Fulham midfield – which is why he is likely to be on the bench tonight to be kept fresh for the Europa League final.
http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/133817/Brede-Hangeland-could-be-target-for-AC-Milan/ (http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/133817/Brede-Hangeland-could-be-target-for-AC-Milan/)
BREDE HANGELAND COULD BE TARGET FOR AC MILAN
FULHAM'S giant defender Brede Hangeland is a shock target for AC Milan – if the Italians do not land Manchester United star Nemanja Vidic.
Starsport revealed last month that AC Milan made the acquisition of a world-class centre-back their top priority over the summer – particularly if they lose Thiago Silva, 25, to Chelsea.
Vidic, 28, is the man the Rossoneri want to lead their defensive revamp and they are prepared to splash out £20m on the Serbian hardman.
But San Siro vice-president Adriano Galliani has instructed Milan's global scouts to draw up a shortlist of other targets if the move for Vidic fails.
Hangeland, 28, who signed a new long-term deal last year, has played a huge role in the Craven Cottage side's amazing passage through to the Europa League Final.
And Milan's scouts have been alerted to Hangeland's impressive European form.
Palermo's 21-year-old defender Simon Kjaer – who is a target for Liverpool, Tottenham and Manchester United – is also on the Italian giant's shortlist.
http://www.goal.com/en/news/1775/asian-editorials/2010/05/05/1909151/asian-debate-could-south-koreas-seol-ki-hyeon-have-been-a-bigger- (http://www.goal.com/en/news/1775/asian-editorials/2010/05/05/1909151/asian-debate-could-south-koreas-seol-ki-hyeon-have-been-a-bigger-)
Asian Debate: Could South Korea's Seol Ki-Hyeon Have Been A Bigger Star?
The story is not over but Goal.com Asia takes a look back at The Sniper's exploits...
"It was something I expected," said Seol Ki-hyeon after learning that his name was not among the 30 read out by South Korea coach Huh Jung-moo in Seoul last Friday. Seven of the thirty will never make it to South Africa and will learn their fate later this month. Seol has longer to come to terms with his absence.
If he expected it then most fans in his homeland felt the same. It is still a sad moment for the popular player. At the age of 31, Seol's World Cup career is over but it is one that he can look back on with some pride though maybe he will wonder what might have been.
It is ironic that The Sniper came back to play in South Korea for the first time earlier this year in order to get some regular playing time ahead of the World Cup (though the player claims that this is not the only reason) has yet to make his debut for the Pohang Steelers. A knee injury that didn't seem so serious at first has kept him out of action for four months and now keeps him out of South Africa.
Seol was an Asian pioneer, playing his trade in Europe when the likes of Keisuke Honda and Park Chu-young were still at school. It took guts for the versatile forward, another product of the Gangwon Province football conveyor belt, to move to Belgium and Royal Antwerp at the age of 21 with no professional experience under his belt.
A great first season in the city at the centre of the world's diamond trade persuaded Belgian aristocrats Anderlecht that this was an eastern jewel that would look good in their outfit. He moved to Brussels in 2001, became the first Korean to play in the UEFA Champions League and by the time the 2002 World Cup came along, Seol was a regular.
He cemented his status during the global tournament in East Asia, scoring the vital equalizing goal against Italy in the second round that paved the way for Asia's best World Cup result since 1966. It wasn't the smoothest of strikes on a sticky Daejeon night but it will never be forgotten. By the end of a fantastic run to the semi-final, Seol had, the admittedly ambivalent, accolade of being the Most Tackled Player in the whole competition.
Such challenges spurred him on to seek greater ones of his own and as more and more compatriots joined him out west, Seol was keen on a move to the Premier League. Rumours came and went but in 2004, he moved to Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The Black Country outfit had just been relegated out of the top flight but hopes were high of a swift return under Glenn Hoddle. Seol did enough to show that he had the talent to shine on a big stage though he faded somewhat during his second season.
This has perhaps been a feature of Seol's career and a major factor in the player not being seen in the A-List of European Asians – though his early arrival out west didn't help. The forward's tendency to start seasons well only to lose form as Christmas approached cost him moves to bigger clubs. On the face of it, he had everything necessary to succeed - versatility in attack, an ability to play wide or in the middle and strength in the air.
That was evident at Reading. After the 2006 World Cup, in which Seol created Korea's equaliser against France for Park Ji-sung, the move to the Premier League finally arrived. Just like their new signing, Reading were newly promoted and hungry.
Both started well. Seol shone in a thrilling come-from-behind 3-2 win over Middlesbrough on the opening day. He went from strength to strength. A goal against Sheffield United was quickly followed by a spectacular winner at West Ham and a header against Charlton.
That was as good as it got as injury and loss of form meant that Seol's star was never as high again. He started to become unsettled in Berkshire and in 2007 ended up in London with Fulham. It never quite worked at Craven Cottage and Seol never manage to convince either Lawrie Sanchez or Roy Hodgson that he could cut it in the capital.
Seol did the hard part in the Premier League - he made a name for himself but he never found the consistency to stay in the team, stay among the goals and stay in the headlines.
Now he is back in Korea and out of the World Cup for the first time since 1998. His international career isn't necessarily over but he won't be seen in the red shirt of the Asian Tigers on the global stage again.
He will be fondly remembered for his World Cup and his European exploits and while he still has time to make a significant impact in the K-League and Asia, there is still a sense that Seol Ki-hyeon's career could have been even better.
http://articles.squarefootball.net/squarefootball/2010/05/fulham-v-stoke-city-if-stoke-get-beat-blame-it-on-dave.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Squarefootball+%28Squarefootball%29 (http://articles.squarefootball.net/squarefootball/2010/05/fulham-v-stoke-city-if-stoke-get-beat-blame-it-on-dave.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Squarefootball+%28Squarefootball%29)
Fulham v Stoke City: If Stoke get beat, blame it on Dave!
All is not well at the Britannia Stadium if you read the Press. Tony Pulis has not been happy with the attitude of strikers Tuncay, Beattie or Dave Kitson and the second half of the season has largely been one to forget. This has not been the case for their hosts Fulham who have embarked on an astonishing season which will end with a Europa League Final slot on May 12. However, in the grand scheme of things there is not a lot riding on this game.
Fulham are safe and will have one eye firmly on the final next week while Stoke, who have been safe for ages, will no doubt be planning for next season already. Mind you, Fulham's game against West Ham on Sunday was similar to this scenario and the home side edged a five-goal game. Could the fans see another glut of goals tonight? Maybe, but it's highly unlikely to be from the visitors.
Stoke City have managed just one goal in their past four outings and haven't scored at the Cottage for 14 years. And for those thinking about putting the Potters down for an away win don't – they haven't won there for 19 years. I guess all records are there to be broken but the form Fulham are in right now I don't think it will be now.
Under-fire Stoke striker Dave Kitson has hit back at claims made by Pulis that he is petulant and precious and insists that he is being used as a scapegoat at the club. He told the media: "Cloudy in Stoke? That's Kitson's fault. The traffic's terrible on the way to training? Blame Kitson for that too." You can be sure that if Stoke do get beat tonight the former Reading marksman will be expecting the blame.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/7678261/Fulham-v-Stoke-City-match-preview.html (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/7678261/Fulham-v-Stoke-City-match-preview.html)
Fulham v Stoke City: match preview
Read a full match preview of the Premier League game between Fulham and Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium on Wednesday May 5 2010, kick off 20.00 BST.
(http://i.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph/multimedia/archive/01463/roy-hodgson_1463817c.jpg)
Fulham (4-4-2): Schwarzer; Pantsil, Baird, Smalling, Konchesky; Riise, Greening, Dikgacoi, Davies; Dempsey, Nevland.
Stoke (4-4-2): Begovic; Wilkinson, Huth, Shawcross, Higginbotham; Delap, Whelan, Whitehead, Etherington; Sidibé, Fuller.
Referee: Peter Walton. Matches: 25. R: 4. Y: 63.
Tale of the game
Europa League finalists Fulham have won 36 of their 46 Premier League points at Craven Cottage and they face a Stoke side that has scored just nine away goals all season – the fewest in the division.
Fulham have lost just one of their last five League games and manager Roy Hodgson will shuffle his pack again ahead of the Europa League final against Atlético Madrid in Hamburg a week on Wednesday.
Bobby Zamora will not be risked, with Hodgson giving the striker the maximum time possible to recover from the recurrence of an Achilles injury. Andrew Johnson is out for the season but otherwise Fulham have a clean bill of health.
Stoke, who 3-0 up against Fulham at the Britannia Stadium in January before winning 3-2, have failed to scored in their last two games and in their last trip to the capital they lost 7-0, at Chelsea. Stoke captain Abdoulaye Faye remains an injury doubt.
He was absent for Saturday's goalless draw with Everton due to a thigh strain and could miss out again at Craven Cottage. Asmir Begovic will continue to deputise in goal for Thomas Sorensen, who is recovering from a dislocated elbow.
This season: Stoke 3 Fulham 2.
Last season: Stoke 0 Fulham 0, Fulham 1 Stoke 0.
Stat of the game: Fulham have gone 20 games since they were last involved in a goalless draw.
Betting tip: Time for a goalless draw, at odds of 17-2.
http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/SportsArchive/artikel.php?ID=181375 (http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/SportsArchive/artikel.php?ID=181375)
Birmingham City, Everton, Fulham after Dede Ayew
(http://www.ghanaweb.biz/GHP/img/pics/28091940.jpg)
Three English clubs are among the many European sides seeking to sign Ghanaian midfielder Andre 'Dede' Ayew from French giants Marseille.
According to the source Birmingham City, Everton and Fulham have all approached Marseille to sign the son of legend Abedi Pele.
A football agent with extensive experience in transfers deal between English and French clubs has told Ghanasoccernet exclusively.
The Ghanaian youngster has excelled while on loan at second division side Arles Avignon but his performance during the U20 World Cup and Africa Cup Nations has heightened interest.
Ayew is reported to have snubbed a new offer tabled by Marseille to renew his expiring contract with a permanent offer from Arles unlikely to be accepted by Marseille.
But the agent has said revealed that with many offers on the table for the youngster, he is likely to demand of pound of flesh.
"Birmingham City, Everton and Fulham have all sent their representatives to talk to Marseille about Andre," the French-Cameroonian top agent told Ghanasoccernet under conditions of anonymity.
"I think his performance at the World Youth Championship and also the Africa Cup of Nations have shown that he is matured for the top level.
"But his agents are being difficult because his price could go higher after the World Cup which the English clubs want to avoid. "They have sent scouts to watch him in many matches he has played in including the Youth Cup and the Cup of Nations."
Ayew's contract with Marseille is expected to end next year
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8659373.stm (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8659373.stm)
Fulham v Stoke
TEAM NEWS
Fulham's leading scorer Bobby Zamora is still recovering from the Achilles injury which saw him miss Sunday's win over West Ham.
Manager Roy Hodgson could restore Zoltan Gera to the starting line-up after resting him at the weekend.
Stoke manager Tony Pulis has no fresh injury concerns and may name the same team that held Everton on Saturday.
Goalkeeper Asmir Begovic is set to continue in place of the injured Thomas Sorensen after a positive full debut.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fulham
Injured: A Johnson (knee), Zamora (Achilles)
Stoke
Injured: Abdoulaye Faye (groin), Sorensen (elbow)
MATCH PREVIEW
Fulham manager Roy Hodgson says that his side's final two league matches will play an important part in their preparation for the Europa League Final on 12 May.
It is still a very real objective to finish in the top 10 and I believe it is healthy to retain this target
Fulham manager Roy Hodgson
Sunday's 3-2 win over West Ham has kept the Cottagers in confident mood and their immediate target is to finish in the top half of the table. Victory over Stoke would lift them above Blackburn into tenth place.
Stoke's last visit to West London ten days ago resulted in a 7-0 hammering at Chelsea. Tony Pulis' side restored some pride with a point at home to Everton at the weekend and they, like Fulham, have eyed a top half finish.
However, Stoke end their campaign on Sunday at Old Trafford, where Manchester United will be hoping to retain their title. Pulis, who saw his side finish 12th last season, may have to wait until the next campaign to break into the top ten.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
• Fulham and Stoke have met 66 times. Fulham lead by 27 wins to 24 and there have been 15 draws.
• Stoke's last victory at Craven Cottage came in March 1991, when a Wayne Biggins goal gave them a 1-0 win in the old third division.
• Fulham are unbeaten in their last five home matches in all competitions.
• Fulham's 3-2 win over West Ham on Sunday was the seventh time they've scored at least three goals in a match at Craven Cottage this season.
• Only Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City and Aston Villa have left Craven Cottage with all three points this term.
• Clint Dempsey has made 99 league starts for Fulham.
Stoke
• Stoke are looking for a first win in five games.
• Stoke have scored just nine away goals in the Premier League this season, fewer than any other team.
• Stoke have lost 22 points from winning positions this season. Only Wigan Athletic have lost more.
• Stoke have conceded 99 goals in their Premier League history.
LEADING GOALSCORERS
Fulham
Zamora: 19 goals (8 league); Gera: 10 goals (2 league)
Stoke
Fuller: 8 goals (3 league); Etherington: 6 goals (4 league)
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Peter Walton
Assistant referees: Ron Ganfield & Patrick Keane
Fourth official: Mike Jones
LAST LEAGUE MATCH LINE-UPS
Fulham (W3-2 v West Ham, h): Pantsil, Baird, Smalling, Konchesky, Riise, Greening, Dikgacoi, Davies (Okaka 70), Dempsey (Elm 85), Nevland. Subs not used: Zuberbuhler, Kelly, Shorey, Gera, Etuhu.
Stoke (D0-0 v Everton, h): Begovic, Wilkinson, Huth, Shawcross, Higginbotham, Delap (Pugh 88), Whelan, Whitehead, Etherington (Lawrence 87), Sidibe (Tuncay 88), Fuller. Subs not used: Simonsen, Diao, Collins, Moult.
MOST RECENT MEETING
Stoke 3-2 Fulham (5 January 2010)
Stoke scorers: Tuncay 12, Abdoulaye Faye 34, Sidibe 37
Fulham scorers: Duff 61, Dempsey 85
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/fulham/7678404/Fulhams-second-string-hoping-to-prove-a-final-point-against-Stoke.html (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/fulham/7678404/Fulhams-second-string-hoping-to-prove-a-final-point-against-Stoke.html)
Fulham's second string hoping to prove a final point against Stoke
Bjorn Helge Riise insists Fulham's first team hopefuls are determined to contribute to a spectacular season by securing a top-10 finish in the Premier League
(http://i.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph/multimedia/archive/01629/riise_1629396c.jpg)
On the fringe: Fulham's Bjorn Helge Riise (right) is set for a rare outing against Stoke City Photo: REUTERS
Fulham are gearing up for the Europa League final against Atletico Madrid at the Hamburg Arena next Wednesday and with his first-choice side set in stone, manager Roy Hodgson will nurse his resources carefully over the two remaining Premier League matches.
Only four of the side that completed the fairytale march to the final by beating Hamburg last week started Sunday's 3-2 victory over West Ham.
Hodgson is likely to give the second string another run out in Wednesday night's clash with Stoke City and Riise insists they are ready to answer his call once again.
"We live to play football so there was never any question of us not being up for it against West Ham," said the Norwegian. "For those of us that were on the bench against Hamburg it was a chance to show that we can play football.
"That was important to us and we don't want to lose games, especially in the last weeks of the season and especially when we have a final coming up. For us the aim is to get that 10th place and if we beat Stoke we will be close to achieving that."
Fulham are one point adrift of 10th place Blackburn but have a game in hand on Rovers. After meeting Stoke at Craven Cottage they end their campaign at Arsenal, who could yet be pipped to third place by Tottenham.
Riise is hoping to be involved as much as possible as the finishing touches are put to a season that is already the most successful in the club's 131-year history.
"It was nice to play 90 minutes against West Ham and to win," the Norwegian midfielder said. "A lot of the team haven't played much recently so to beat West Ham 3-2 was a very positive result. I enjoyed it a lot and hopefully I'll get to play a bit more in the last three games.
"Now it's important to beat Stoke to secure 10th place. To finish the season at the Emirates will be magnificent. I've never been there before but people tell me it's a great stadium so I'm looking forward to that.
"We want to be in that top 10 so that when we look at the table on TV we're there in the top half. And to achieve that after the season we've had, and getting to the Europa League final, would be a very good season."
Bobby Zamora is still struggling with an Achilles injury and is unlikely to play any part at Craven Cottage on Wednesday night, while the visitors will field Asmir Begovic in goal in place of the injured Thomas Sorensen.
http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/statisticsandrecords/news/newsid=1204892.html?cid=rssfeed&att= (http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/statisticsandrecords/news/newsid=1204892.html?cid=rssfeed&att=)
Fairy tales and broken hearts
2 players, Zoltan Gera and Bobby Zamora, have been responsible for scoring or setting up 12 of Fulham's 15 goals en route to the UEFA Europa League final. The Cottagers' Hungarian midfielder and English striker have been central figures in the fairy tale success of a club that, as recently as 1996, finished just eight places off the bottom of England's fourth tier. This season, under the expert guidance of Roy Hodgson, Fulham have seen off the likes of Juventus, Wolfsburg, Hamburg and Europa League holders Shakhtar Donetsk to set up a shot at their first-ever major trophy against Atletico Madrid on 12 May. Sadly for Fulham, the match will not be staged at their Craven Cottage fortress, the endearingly old-fashioned stadium in which the Londoners have lost just one of their last 13 domestic and continental fixtures.
http://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/news/local/wandsworthnews/8134939.Lifelong_Fulham_fan_happy_to_splash_out_for_Euro_glory/ (http://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/news/local/wandsworthnews/8134939.Lifelong_Fulham_fan_happy_to_splash_out_for_Euro_glory/)
Lifelong Fulham fan happy to splash out for Euro glory
Lifelong Fulham fan Sarah Morris has run up bills of about £1,100 following her team's European odyssey this season - but she wouldn't have it any other way.
Fulham take on Atletico Madrid in the Europa League final on Wednesday, May 12, but trips to see Roy Hodgson's boys take on Roma, Basel, Juventus, Wolfsburg and Hamburg have already helped make this her most memorable campaign following the Mighty Whites.
The 38-year-old, whose extended brethren was named Fulham's family of the year a few seasons ago, said last week's win was a highlight.
"This is the best season in the 30 years I've been going to see Fulham play, no question," she said.
"The highlight has been Zoltan Gera's winning goal and the final whistle last Thursday night, but beating Juventus 4-1 at home comes pretty close."
Ms Morris had her arrangements for next Wednesday's final sorted within hours of Fulham's momentous semi-final victory over Hamburg, and plans to drive over with her relatives at a further cost of about £200 each.
She has already done her research on getting to the HSH Nordbank Arena by road, as that was on the cards for last month's semi-final, first-leg clash, before the volcanic ash cleared, prompting a last-minute decision to fly.
Throw in some spending money and Ms Morris will probably end up forking out close to £1,500 supporting Fulham in Europe, but that has bought her plenty of fond memories, such as bumping into Hodgson in Basel city centre on the day of the side's crucial final group match in Switzerland in December.
And, when it comes to describing the man who is Sir Alex Ferguson's pick for manager of the season, she cannot hide her admiration.
"He is God," she said. "We had a great night out after the game in Basel, too. That was the best trip as a whole - so far."
A hint that Ms Morris dares to believe there may be even better to come.
http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=197651 (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=197651)
Fulham - Summer Concerns?
The inevitable result of success for a small club is the poaching of players (and the odd manager) by bigger clubs.
Will this fate loom over Fulham's summer?
The potential departure of Rafa Benitez has seen Roy Hodgson's name move front and centre as a possible successor at Liverpool. There is virtually universal admiration for what Roy's achieved at Fulham, and while some seem delighted at the prospect of having Hodgson bring his tactical brilliance to Anfield, others feel that Roy is not the calibre of manager for such a big club.
However, coaching moves sometimes have a domino effect!
Let's say someone like Martin O'Neill was tapped for the Liverpool job. Who would take over at Villa? While one might rightly argue that Liverpool is too big for Roy; no one could seriously suggest that Villa is too big.
All this may be irrelevant as Hodgson seems pre-ordained as the successor to Fabio Capello in charge of England should the Italian leave after the World Cup.
I'd venture that, if tempted at all, the England job is the one Roy is eyeing. For now, the Fulham faithful will have to hold their collective breath and hope the suitors are few and far between.
Regarding the players, the top of the list is certainly Bobby Zamora. After a slow start, which put him at odds with some of the fans, Zamora has been a revelation.
His 19 goals in all competitions has Fulham on the cusp of European glory, brought a credible FA Cup quarter-final appearance and may yet bring another top ten finish in the League.
His hold-up play has been as solid as ever. Zamora has been impressive enough to bring calls for inclusion in the England World Cup squad. His stock has never been higher.
One might argue that Bobby would be foolish to leave such a great situation or that Fulham would be foolish to sell such an important member of the squad, and while I understand those arguments, I don't think they hold water.
It was clear that Zamora felt disrespected by some of the fans early in the season and he let his displeasure be known. Nothing I've seen indicates that Bobby has 'forgiven' the fans and approaching 30-years-of-age he may be looking to cash-in on his great season by moving to a bigger club and a bigger weekly salary.
For Fulham, it's always difficult to avoid cashing-in on a sought after player. Let's not forget, the club was willing to let Zamora go to Hull for £5m. The package deal that brought Zamora and Pantsil to Craven Cottage was reportedly worth £6.3m.
I've read nothing clarifying how that sum was apportioned, but for the sake of argument, let's say Zamora's cost was £4.5m. I think an offer of £9m would be in-line with Zamora's present value, and I think Fulham would jump at the chance to double their money on such a deal.
Brede Hangeland would certainly be next on the list of players that might draw offers. In comparison to last season, Hangeland has been largely unheralded, but has been just as solid in the centre of defence.
Reportedly, Arsenal has shown the most interest in the tall Norwegian. The Gunners highest priority this summer will be solving their goalkeeping issues, but with William Gallas apparently headed for the exit, finding a strong central defender to partner with Thomas Vermaelen will be crucial, as well.
Hangeland seems content in West London and seems to have an allegiance to Hodgson. However, a chance to play for a club like Arsenal would surely be tempting.
As Manchester United were willing to pay £8m for Chris Smalling, one would think that a player of Hangeland's caliber would fetch somewhere between £10 - 15m.
Considering Fulham only paid £2.5m, offers in that range will be hard to turn away. All this is speculation, of course. Nothing could happen. Roy may sign another rolling one-year contract. Hangeland (or Fulham) might not be tempted by a big money offer. And, maybe there is no interest in Zamora, after all. We will have to wait and see.
http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=197655 (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=197655)
Fulham - Hangeland Linked to Serie A Move!
With the rumour mill implying that the most likely bid for the services of Brede Hangeland is to come from Arsenal, one tabloid has another destination in its sports pages.
The Daily Star is running an article that suggests our Norwegian centre-back could well be playing his football in the San Siro with AC Milan.
The Italian giants are, if the reports are correct, targeting the Manchester United defender, Nemnaja Vidic, but if that transfer fails to materialise have Brede on a shortlist to stiffen up their backline.
Second best to Vidic, I`d tell them to stuff it Brede!
http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=197653 (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=197653)
Fulham - Hamburg Countdown (May 5th)
As we continue our Europa League Final countdown, it gives us an opportunity to hear what our leading goals scorer, this season, has to say about his injury and the fine Europa League run.
Bobby Zamora`s scoring exploits, in the competition, have made Europe perfectly aware of his attributes, but an Achilles injury threatens his participation in the fixture.
In the second leg of the semi-final against Hamburg it was clear, from about the twenty minute mark that all was not well with Bobby with the forward eventually succumbing to the problem around the hour mark.
Roy Hodgson has already expressed his doubts about Bobby being fit for the final implying that the medical staff will have to work around the clock on him. But Bobby is more optimistic,
"It`s so sore and I`ve not been training at the same intensity, but I just hope the swelling will ease off before the final."
"I`ve known about the condition for a while and it has been really sore, but there`s time to improve before the final."
Clearly, a fit Bobby Zamora will be a huge advantage for a Fulham side that have revelled in the role of under-dog this season. Talking about Europe Bobby has enthused about the Thursday night speciality,
"Playing in Europe has been a big stage for the club."
"It singles us out, it`s the only football that`s on TV on a Thursday night. It`s great for our club to go out there and put in performances like we have."
"To beat the likes of Shakhtar Donetsk, Wolfsburg and Hamburg as well as Manchester United and Liverpool in the league is something special."
"In the last two years the manager has built a new team and last year was a learning curve, taking time for players to gel. This year we have been more the finished article.
Could that finished article see our hopes culminate in lifting our first trophy and a European one at that?
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/10/05/05/SOCCER_Fulham_Nevland.html&TEAMHD=soccer (http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/10/05/05/SOCCER_Fulham_Nevland.html&TEAMHD=soccer)
NEVLAND EXPECTING TOUGH CLASH
(http://images.sportinglife.com/10/04/330/Everton-v-Fulham-Erik-Nevland-celeb_2446077.jpg)
Fulham striker Erik Nevland expects Stoke to offer stiff resistance in tonight's race to finish inside the top 10.
Having qualified for next week's Europa League final against Atletico Madrid, the Cottagers are determined to also finish in the top half of the Barclays Premier League table.
Both Fulham and Stoke could propel themselves out of the bottom 10 if they win their two remaining matches.
And while Fulham may rest their big guns once again as manager Roy Hodgson nurses his resources ahead of the final at the Hamburg Arena, the second string are eager to do their bit.
"It's in our hands now and that's the way we want it," said Nevland.
"If we beat Stoke we have a good chance of securing our place in the top 10, so that's our aim for the rest of the season.
"Stoke will come here and do their best - they are always a difficult team to play against.
"They will do everything to get in the top 10 just as we will, so it will be an interesting game."
Roy Hodgson made seven changes for Sunday's 3-2 victory over West Ham and must now strike the right balance between resting his first choice line-up while ensuring they remain sharp.
"It was nice to get a win against West Ham and to get a positive result," said Nevland.
"After beating Hamburg nothing was really expected and you don't know how you will react after a night like that.
"But we reacted in the right way, played well and got the three points, which was important."
Bobby Zamora continues his battle with an Achilles injury and is unlikely to play any part against Stoke.
Fulham conclude their Premier League season at Arsenal on Sunday.
http://www.whydelilah.co.uk/news/05_May_2010/Talking+tactics+v+Fulham.html (http://www.whydelilah.co.uk/news/05_May_2010/Talking+tactics+v+Fulham.html)
Talking tactics v Fulham
AT THE BACK
A DEFEAT for Fulham would end their chances of finishing ninth, but there's no point ignoring the fact that this game and Sunday's match at Arsenal is overshadowed by their Europa League final against Atletico Madrid a week today.
Roy Hodgson is expected to rest half his first-choice team tonight and leave out the other half at The Emirates.
Bobby Zamora is unlikely to be risked as he is nursing an Achilles problem.
Instead, expect USA star Clint Dempsey to partner Eric Nevland up front.
Stoke will name an unchanged back four of Andy Wilkinson, Robert Huth, Ryan Shawcross and Danny Higginbotham.
They were practically faultless against Everton on Saturday, as was goalkeeper Asmir Begovic.
MIDFIELD BATTLE
PLAYMAKER Danny Murphy is likely to be rested, as are Simon Davies and Zoltan Gera, the pair who scored Fulham's goals in their Europa League semi-final victory over Hamburg.
Expect Fulham to line up with Dickson Etuhu as their holding midfielder behind three more attacking players.
Jonathan Greening plays in the centre of the three with Kagisho Dikgacoi on the right and Damien Duff on the left.
Stoke are set to name an unchanged midfield, which means Rory Delap on the right, Glenn Whelan and Dean Whitehead in the centre and Matthew Etherington on the left.
CUTTING EDGE
MAMA Sidibe's impressive return from injury at home to Everton on Saturday should guarantee him a place in the starting XI. Ricardo Fuller is his most likely partner in favour of Tuncay.
The exception to Fulham's rotation policy is goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer who always plays and has been superb this season.
Don't be surprised if Fulham leave out full-backs Paul Konchesky and John Pantsil tonight.
That opens the door for former Stoke loanee Stephen Kelly to play at right-back and on-loan Aston Villa defender Nicky Shorey to play on the left. Chris Smalling is expected to partner Aaron Hughes in central defence to give Brede Hangeland more time to recover from damaged ribs
http://www.whydelilah.co.uk/news/05_May_2010/Fuller+going+for+goals+at+Fulham.html (http://www.whydelilah.co.uk/news/05_May_2010/Fuller+going+for+goals+at+Fulham.html)
Fuller going for goals at Fulham
RICARDO Fuller heads to Fulham tonight gunning for three goals in Stoke's last two games of the season.
Fuller, fresh from claiming Stoke's goal-of-the-season award for a third year running, wants to match last season's 11-goal tally after owning up to missing a few chances over the past nine months.
"I'm not really pleased because I've had more chances to score and should have done better," says the popular Jamaican, who is his own severest critic.
"I've managed to get eight, but now I've got two more games to equal my best. That said, the most important thing is the football club and where we finish in the league."
Fuller heads to London tonight with fond memories of the capital – notwithstanding that 7-0 beating at Chelsea 10 days ago – after his goal-of-the-season at West Ham to match the wonderful individual efforts against Aston Villa in 2008/09 and Wolves in 2007/08 to win those two previous goal-of-the-season awards.
And he reveals that illness and injury almost combined to prevent him getting on the pitch that victorious day at West Ham on March 27.
"I had the flu," he recalls, "and a few niggles with my back, my knees, my ankles and stuff because the training pitches have been hard.
"The gaffer convinced me to go on the bench and said he would give me 20 minutes. Then I came on, scored the goal and it was tremendous.
"It's nice getting goals playing away because it's harder than when you have the home supporters behind you."
So what does he remember of the goal in which he took out four defenders before wrong-footing England goalkeeper Robert Green for Stoke's second-half winner at Upton Park?
"I was just trying to nick it off the guy behind me," he remembers.
"Then I turned and saw two of them in front of me, but there was a gap between them and so I used my turn of pace to get between them.
"I managed to elude them and then saw Matthew Upson coming and did the same to him.
"I just had the keeper to beat now and saw him thinking I was going to go left, so I put it to the right. Simple."
So where does that goal rank in his all-time collection?
"I've had goal-of-the-season at Hearts, Preston and Southampton, and three years running here, but it's among the best I've scored," he admits.
Tonight's game at Fulham is Stoke's penultimate fixture before Sunday's visit to Manchester United and, having secured Premier League safety with half-a-dozen games remaining, Fuller is honest enough to admit that motivation inevitably becomes an issue. "It is quite difficult," he says. "When you've stayed up, you normally take your foot off the gas and you are trying not to get injured.
"But we do have pride to play for and that's the biggest thing in football. If you don't have pride, you don't have anything."
Stoke will trot out at Craven Cottage knowing the west London venue has provided a graveyard for the likes of Roma, Juventus, Shakhtar Donetsk, Wolfsburg and now Hamburg during Fulham's captivating journey towards the Europa League final in a fortnight.
"Fulham are a tough team and they play well on their own ground," Fuller acknowledges. "They will be on a high because of reaching a European cup final, but every game in the Premier League is difficult because it is one of the best leagues in the world."
Fuller will be hot-footing it home to Jamaica soon after the curtain closes on Stoke's season on Sunday, but not before donning his apron and rubber gloves to give his house here the quick once over.
"Normally I spend a week getting the house cleaned up," he laughs. "I've got to get the cooker clean – and the carpets. It will take me a week to do all that.
"Then I'll go home and spend most of my time with my friends, the people I've known since junior school and high school.
"Then I'll spend a week somewhere in the Caribbean and have a week in America as well. You get away from football, but football is always on my mind.
"This summer is important for me because I can give my legs time to recover while I'm watching the World Cup.
"I'll have to rest properly because I didn't rest last summer and maybe that's why I didn't get off to a good start this season.
"I need the rest now so I can get out of the blocks like a gun."
And his World Cup allegiances this summer? "If Jamaica aren't in the World Cup, then I usually say I want Argentina or England to win," Fuller says.
"Diego Maradona was my idol in football. A lot of Jamaicans support Argentina because they like to see the skilful players and Maradona got everybody going in Jamaica."
He also got us going a bit here in England once upon a time Ricardo, to which he wisely and hastily adds: "Obviously I support England as well. Because I play here and it's better for the league and better for the country if they win it."
http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/football/Riise-keen-make-mark-Cottagers-eye-half/article-2108604-detail/article.html (http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/football/Riise-keen-make-mark-Cottagers-eye-half/article-2108604-detail/article.html)
Riise keen to make mark as Cottagers eye top half
BJORN Helge Riise insists Fulham's first-team hopefuls are determined to contribute to a spectacular season by securing a top-10 finish in the Barclays Premier League.
Craven Cottage is gripped with excitement over the looming Europa League final against Atletico Madrid at the Hamburg Arena next Wednesday.
With his first-choice side set in stone, manager Roy Hodgson will nurse his resources carefully over the two remaining Premiership matches.
Only four of the side that completed the fairytale march to the final by beating Hamburg last week started Sunday's 3-2 victory over West Ham.
Hodgson is likely to give the second string another run out in tonight's clash with Stoke, and Riise insists they are ready to answer his call.
"We live to play football so there was never any question of us not being up for it against West Ham," he said.
"For those of us that were on the bench against Hamburg it was a chance to show that we can play football.
"That was important to us and we don't want to lose games, especially in the last weeks of the season and especially when we have a final coming up.
"For us, the aim is to get that 10th place and if we beat Stoke we will be close to achieving that."
Fulham sit one point adrift of 10th-place Blackburn, but have a game in hand on Rovers.
After meeting Stoke at Craven Cottage they end their Premier League campaign at Arsenal, who could yet be pipped to third place by Tottenham.
Riise is hoping to be involved as much as possible as the finishing touches are put to a season that is already the most successful in the club's 131-year history.
"It was nice to play 90 minutes against West Ham and to win," said the Norwegian midfielder.
"A lot of the team haven't played much recently so to beat West Ham 3-2 is a very positive result.
"I enjoyed it a lot and hopefully I'll get to play a bit more in the last three games.
"Now it's important to beat Stoke to secure 10th place.
"We want to be in that top 10 so that when we look at the table on TV we're there in the top half."
http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/133817/Fulham-Brede-Hangeland-could-be-target-for-AC-Milan/ (http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/133817/Fulham-Brede-Hangeland-could-be-target-for-AC-Milan/)
FULHAM: BREDE HANGELAND COULD BE TARGET FOR AC MILAN
FULHAM'S giant defender Brede Hangeland is a shock target for AC Milan – if the Italians do not land Manchester United star Nemanja Vidic.
Starsport revealed last month that AC Milan made the acquisition of a world-class centre-back their top priority over the summer – particularly if they lose Thiago Silva, 25, to Chelsea.
Vidic, 28, is the man the Rossoneri want to lead their defensive revamp and they are prepared to splash out £20m on the Serbian hardman.
But San Siro vice-president Adriano Galliani has instructed Milan's global scouts to draw up a shortlist of other targets if the move for Vidic fails.
Hangeland, 28, who signed a new long-term deal last year, has played a huge role in the Craven Cottage side's amazing passage through to the Europa League Final.
And Milan's scouts have been alerted to Hangeland's impressive European form.
Palermo's 21-year-old defender Simon Kjaer – who is a target for Liverpool, Tottenham and Manchester United – is also on the Italian giant's shortlist.
http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/May/StokeProgramme.aspx (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/May/StokeProgramme.aspx)
Stoke Programme
Wednesday 5th May 2010
(http://www.fulhamfc.com/Images/MainNews/NewsPages/General/StokeCover.jpg)
With our UEFA Europa League final on the horizon, Roy's boys run out at Craven Cottage for one last time on Wednesday evening as an unprecedented and unforgettable 2009-10 season draws to a close.
Stoke City visit SW6 for Fulham's penultimate game, with both sides looking to do all they can to secure a valuable top 10 league finish with just two points separating them.
The Whites will also be determined to make up for City's 3-2 victory at the Britannia Stadium in January, and confirm what has been another campaign of remarkable progression and achievement at FFC.
Fans heading to the Cottage for this exciting clash will also have the chance to get their hands on our award winning matchday programme, which once again contains 84 pages packed full of information, in-depth discussion, exclusive interviews and detailed coverage on your favourite club be you a Fulham regular or visiting Potter.
The essential matchday read, sleek in design and full of innovative features, includes:
• A message from Chairman Mohamed Al Fayed
• Exclusive insight from Manager Roy Hodgson.
• Danny Murphy's views as Club captain.
• 2009-10 Season in images.
• Erik Nevland's farewell interview in which the 32-year-old talks goals, great escapes and the UEFA Europa League final.
• A peek inside the opposition's camp with Stoke goalkeeper Asmir Begovic.
• Expert Analysis from former Stoke goal machine Mark Stein.
• A look back in pictures at some of the past meetings between the two clubs.
• Match action from our monumental UEFA Europa League semi-final second leg defeat of Hamburg and Sunday's Premier League victory over West Ham.
• Development Squad manager Billy McKinlay reflects on another successful Fulham season in the Barclays Premier Reserve League South.
• Academy Director Huw Jennings discusses the past 12 months within the Fulham Academy and looks towards an encouraging future.
• Unprecedented fan interaction and tonnes of fun for younger fans too.
• Plus, so much more besides!
The brilliant matchday publication will be on sale in and around the ground from two-hours before kick-off.
If you miss your copy outside then look out for sellers on the Putney and Hammersmith Terrace, or at half-time from the programme room situated inside the Johnny Haynes Stand by Block E (opposite Turnstile 24).
http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/May/LuckyProgrammeNumbers.aspx (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/May/LuckyProgrammeNumbers.aspx)
Lucky Programme Numbers Wednesday 5th May 2010 We are pleased to announce the lucky programme numbers from the past two home games were as follows:
V Hamburger SV semi-final programme: 02160
V West Ham: 04267
If you were the lucky buyer of either of these numbered editions then please email
[email protected]| with a scan or photograph of the inside back cover as proof of your success.
For your chance to take part in the last Lucky Programme Number draw of the season, and win a signed home shirt, be sure to pick up your matchday programme tonight as Fulham host Stoke City.
http://www.fulhamfc.com/Tickets/Games/FulhamvStoke.aspx (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Tickets/Games/FulhamvStoke.aspx)
Fulham v Stoke City
Don't miss the season finale at Craven Cottage when Stoke City visit SW6 on Wednesday 5th May (Kick-Off 8pm). Come down to the Cottage and show your appreciation to Roy and the boys in our last home game before the UEFA Europa League Final!
On-sale dates
Season Ticket Holders On sale
Fulham Club Members On sale
General Sale On sale
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Tickets/Games/FulhamvStoke.aspx#ixzz0n3K9g0uz (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Tickets/Games/FulhamvStoke.aspx#ixzz0n3K9g0uz)
http://www.sport.co.uk/news/Football/37812/Lawrenson_Dalglish_or_Hodgson_should_replace_Benitez_after_disastrous_season.aspx (http://www.sport.co.uk/news/Football/37812/Lawrenson_Dalglish_or_Hodgson_should_replace_Benitez_after_disastrous_season.aspx)
Lawrenson: Dalglish or Hodgson should replace Benitez after disastrous season
Liverpool FC legend Mark Lawrenson believes the club should replace Rafa Benitez with Anfield hero Kenny Dalglish or Fulham FC boss Roy Hodgson because this season has been "a disaster".
Lawrenson suggests Benitez's six year tenure at Liverpool FC has been a failure and intimates the Spaniard's reign has amounted to very little. He believes the club is not in a better situation then when Benitez first took the job, and therefore he must be adjudged a failure and replaced either with Dalglish or manager of the year favourite, Fulham FC's Roy Hodgson.
The Match of the Day pundit is fearful both Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard will leave the club this summer because they have a readymade excuse to do so. Liverpool FC failure to secure Champions League football enables the aforementioned pair to look elsewhere and Lawrenson hints he would not begrudge either of them the chance to do so. The Anfield hero believes the time is right to find a new boss to replace Benitez and he endorses the claims of Dalglish and Roy Hodgson, whose work at Craven Cottage this season could yield the Europa League Cup.
The Liverpool FC hero told mirrofootball.co.uk: "Liverpool's season has been a disaster and I fear the consequences will mean years outside the elite of the ¬European and English games."
"They are now just an ordinary team with a few extra-special players."
"And without ¬Champions League football to offer their biggest stars – Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard – or the prospect of investment to revive the challenge next season, vultures will soon be picking over the carcass of a ¬desperately poor campaign."
"They are not going to finish fourth. Look ahead to this time next year and there is no ¬guarantee Liverpool will be in the top four then either."
"The other worst thing for Anfield fans to stomach will be if Manchester City finish fourth. City are building a team and paying the wages."
"If City get fourth they could win the league within a couple of years. Man U and Chelsea will always be up there, and Arsenal are on the up too."
"So how do Liverpool get back into it? That is why they are at such a crossroads."
"With no Champions League football what does Gerrard do? What does Torres do? They now have an excuse to leave."
"They can afford it. If that happens you just think: "Oh my God." It is inevitable City will try to buy the both of them."
"Stevie G does not need an excuse. He has been Mr ¬Liverpool for years and has been fantastic. In recent games you look at him and he is looking around shaking his head thinking: 'What are we doing?'"
"Torres? People say he is loyal, but I have heard City will go seriously for both of them. So what happens next?"
Lawrenson believes Liverpool should try to sever ties with Benitez, and look to bring in Roy Hodgson or Kenny Dalglish.
He continued: "Rafa Benitez will go. He has his exit strategy ready. If Juventus want him Benitez should cut a deal with ¬Liverpool."
"Can a deal be done that says "Rafa, thanks but no thanks" and then the club can move forward?"
"They have to say it is not working. I have quite liked Benitez, but that is now six years and you have to ask whether they are any better off now than when he took over. No. Nowhere near."
"What about new owners? We could have them in six months. But six months eats into next season and it misses the August transfer window."
"Liverpool are fortunate Kenny Dalglish is around. He could take the reins for a few months and into next season."
"The irony is that Roy Hodgson would be the perfect fit for Liverpool. He would make the team difficult to beat but he also understands the other end of the operation that wins you games. With Benitez the glass was half-empty but with Hodgson it is half-full."
The former Anfield stalwart questions Benitez's ability in the transfer market, and queries the vast outlay on players like Glen Johnson. Lawrenson suggests the £18 million the Anfield club paid Portsmouth would have been better served on a striker.
He added: "This season has been ¬disastrous. There have been so many poor decisions relating to the team."
"Take one: Glenn Johnson, good full-back, but £17-18million? You could have kept Alvaro Arbeloa, say to him "you are not going to Madrid, you are staying", and go off and use the money to buy another striker."
"If Torres is injured David Ngog should not be starting and leading the line in a one-up-front situation. That has been the most fundamental and basic mistake Benitez has made all season."
"Dirk Kuyt is an honest hardworking player but he doesn't run past anyone and Ngog is inexperienced."
"People on Merseyside ask: do you throw more money at it? No. Benitez has wasted an awful lot. He has signed some poor players in the £10m-£11m category."
"So I think Benitez will go. Who comes in? Who would be ¬available with what little money there is to spend? With the Americans wanting out, how do you attract a new manager?"
"How would you go to Fulham and get Hodgson on those terms? That is where King Kenny comes in."
"He would be a ¬galvanising figure who has been there and done it. I would be surprised if he said no."
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-sport/football/article-23830669-mark-schwarzer-backs-bobby-zamora-for-europa-final.do (http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-sport/football/article-23830669-mark-schwarzer-backs-bobby-zamora-for-europa-final.do)
Mark Schwarzer backs Bobby Zamora for Europa final
Fulham will keep top-scorer Bobby Zamora wrapped in cotton wool tonight when they take on Stoke at Craven Cottage with a place in the top half of the Premier League at stake.
But goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer gave Fulham fans hope that their talisman will defy an persistent Achilles tendon injury and start next week's Europa League Final against Atletico Madrid.
Schwarzer, who played for Middlesbrough in the 2006 UEFA Cup Final, where Steve McClaren's side were beaten 4-0 by Sevilla, said: "Bobby will be out there on one leg if he has to be.
"You're talking about a European cup final. It's a big occasion — I've been fortunate to be there once before — and you'll do everything you possibly can to get there."
In the absence of Zamora it will be down to Clint Dempsey, one of the scorer's in Sunday's 3-2 win over West Ham, to lead the line again as Fulham seek to extend their unbeaten home run in all competitions to six against a Stoke team who were thrashed 7-0 at Chelsea on their last visit to London 10 days ago.
Winger Bjorn Helge Riise, impressive while making only his fourth Premier League start against West Ham, said: "We don't want to lose games, especially when we have a final coming up.
"The aim is to get 10th place and if we beat Stoke we will be close to achieving that."
http://www.goal.com/en/news/89/africa/2010/05/05/1909709/senegals-diomansy-kamara-wishes-fulham-team-mates-success-in (http://www.goal.com/en/news/89/africa/2010/05/05/1909709/senegals-diomansy-kamara-wishes-fulham-team-mates-success-in)
Senegal's Diomansy Kamara Wishes Fulham Team-Mates Success In Europa League Final
Kamara is currently on loan at Celtic.
Senegal and Celtic striker Diomansy Kamara says he'll be in Hamburg to support his Fulham team-mates when they take on Atletico Madrid in the Europa League final on May 12.
But Kamara insists he has no regrets about trading a European final place for a barren spell at Celtic, where he is currently on loan.
He told the Sunday Mail: "I watched Fulham beat Hamburg on Thursday.
"It was unbelievable and they deserved to go to the final. I'm delighted for my old team-mates. They beat reigning champions Shakhtar Donetsk as well as Juventus, Wolfsburg and Hamburg. Now they can go and overcome the Spanish team.
"I am pleased because they have a good squad, a great team spirit and a top coach. But I don't feel any frustration that I'm not part of it. Maybe if I was there we wouldn't have made it all the way! I played three games earlier in the tournament and scored twice.
"I will go to Hamburg for the final but I don't consider myself a Fulham player. When I left in the transfer window I forgot about Fulham and have done my best for Celtic. Of course I still watch out for their results because I spent three years there and have a lot of friends at the club. But I don't feel I am a Fulham player.
"I will go back at the end of the season and see what happens. I have one year left on my contract but if I can stay here then I would be happy."
http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/newsid=1483448.html?rss=1483448+Fulham+players+hail+the+Hodgson+factor (http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/newsid=1483448.html?rss=1483448+Fulham+players+hail+the+Hodgson+factor)
Fulham players hail the Hodgson factor
Published: Wednesday 5 May 2010, 14.39CET
Whether an "honest man" or wily "old fox", there is universal respect at Fulham FC for Roy Hodgson – the man behind their transformation from Premier League strugglers to European finalists.
(http://www.uefa.com/MultimediaFiles/Photo/competitions/General/01/48/34/54/1483454_w2.jpg)
Fulham FC's transformation from Premier League strugglers to European finalists has taken less than two years, and few have any doubts about who is responsible. Roy Hodgson, whether he is an "honest man" or wily "old fox", has ushered in a golden age at Fulham FC.
Sir Alex Ferguson joined a growing band of avowed Hodgson admirers when he last week claimed the 62-year-old was the only man in the running for the manager of the year award. "It is a miracle," the Manchester United FC chief said of Fulham's run to next week's UEFA Europa League final. "It is one of the best British performances of all time." And Sir Alex knows a thing or two about success on the continental stage.
As does Hodgson, who has accrued as much experience as he has air miles in the 34 years since the former English non-league player took his first role as coach at Sweden's Halmstads BK. After spells with FC Internazionale Milano and the Finnish and Swiss national teams, to name a few, he accepted a return to London (he was born in nearby Croydon) at the end of 2007. Fulham were struggling, and would come 14 minutes from relegation before clawing their way back – a Lazarus act re-enacted a few more times during this UEFA Europa League campaign.
The west London side have seen off UEFA Cup holders FC Shakhtar Donetsk, mustered a four-goal swing against Juventus and came from behind to beat 1983 European champions Hamburger SV in last week's semi-final decider. UEFA.com asks three of his players about the man with the Midas touch.
Danny Murphy, captain and midfielder
His contribution to the club in such a short space of time has been nothing short of amazing. He really has transformed the club, and the reason for that is because he's a knowledgeable man with his football. He treats people with respect and maturity and while they sound like obvious things for a manager, they're not I can assure you. He's an honest man. He's always there to talk to you and whether it be positive or negative, he will tell you how he's feeling, which is healthy I think – honesty is not always something that managers are good at.
In terms of his coaching he is a perfectionist. He works really hard on the training pitch with his other staff, to make sure the team plays the way he wants the team to play. We know our jobs; there's no question mark over what he wants from us, and I think you see the way we play, we are organised. He gets the lads playing, in terms of their commitment, hunger and work ethic.
Mark Schwarzer, goalkeeper
He's an old fox, isn't he? He's got a lot of experience from around the world, particularly European football, and I think that shows. Our style of football works really well for us in Europe, playing against European opposition, because of the way we want to play football, the way we close down our opposition, retain possession – we want to play the game in an effective way. Maybe not always the most entertaining way, but an effective way. The manager is obviously 100% behind that, and that's why we play like we do. He instils a great deal of confidence and he uses his experience to help the players along the way as well.
Aaron Hughes, defender
He has been around, all over the world; whether it's a national team or at a club level, he has seen a lot of different styles. He knows how different teams play and their styles, and has given us a platform to work off. He knows what he wants and how to get his players to do it. He likes us to play football in the right way, passing it around. At the same time, playing in the Premier League every week, you have to adapt sometimes, you have to be a bit more physical. When we defend, we defend well as a unit; everyone chips in and helps. When we attack we create problems for other teams – that has been big part of our success.
http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/May/FinalRetailRange.aspx (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/May/FinalRetailRange.aspx)
Final Retail Range
The Final Range
Fulham have the biggest match in their history to look forward to and fans can now commemorate this historic event with several items marking the Club's first ever European Final which takes place on 12th May in Hamburg.
A commemorative version of the Third Kit is now available for pre-order with a specially stitched inscription celebrating the Team's place in the UEFA Europa League Final. Buy Today|.
Other items in our exclusive Final range include the one and only Official Europa League Final scarf| commemorating this historic fixture. Pick one up at the either retail store at the match tonight and have it ready for the 12th May.
Also available are the UEFA Europa League Final t-shirt, pennant and fans can even pre-order the programme from the Final. Pick yours up today!|
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/May/FinalRetailRange.aspx#ixzz0n3Wku0l5 (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/May/FinalRetailRange.aspx#ixzz0n3Wku0l5)
http://www.skysports.com/football/match_preview/0,19764,11065_3269420,00.html (http://www.skysports.com/football/match_preview/0,19764,11065_3269420,00.html)
Fulham v Stoke preview
Battle for tenth at Craven Cottage
Fulham and Stoke clash on Wednesday as the battle for 10th place takes centre stage at Craven Cottage.
Four teams - Fulham, Stoke, Blackburn and Sunderland - can all finish in 10th and claim a top-half finish at the end of the season.
Fulham know victory for them would make it a two-horse as they would move five points ahead of Stoke and Sunderland with one game left.
But should it be a draw or Stoke win, then it will all go down to the last day of the season.
Fulham will no doubt have one eye on the Europa League final later this month and manager Roy Hodgson could rotate his side.
One player who will not be involved is Bobby Zamora, as he continues to battle his Achilles problem.
Hodgson could field the likes of Nicky Shorey and Stefano Okaka, who are ineligible to play in Europe.
Stoke captain Abdoulaye Faye remains an injury doubt for the game as he has a thigh strain.
Asmir Begovic will continue to deputise in goal for Thomas Sorensen, who is recovering from a dislocated elbow.
Striker Dave Kitson was left out of the squad for Saturday's goalless draw with Everton after he reacted to being substituted in the 7-0 defeat at Chelsea by walking down the tunnel and he looks unlikely to be involved.
Possible starting XIs
Fulham: Schwarzer, Pantsil, Hughes, Hangeland, Konchesky, Murphy, Davies, Etuhu, Duff, Gera, Dempsey
Stoke: Begovic, Huth, Shawcross, Collins, Higginbotham, Delap, Whelan, Whitehead, Etherington, Fuller, Sidibe.
One to watch: Ricardo Fuller
Skysports.com prediction: 1-2
http://www.oddspreview.com/category/Football/Fulham-v-Stoke-City-team-news-201005050050/ (http://www.oddspreview.com/category/Football/Fulham-v-Stoke-City-team-news-201005050050/)
Fulham v Stoke City team news
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Fulham are favourites to take all three points tonight when they play host to Stoke City in their final home game of the season
Roy Hodgson is still without top scorer Bobby Zamora (Achilles) while fellow striker Andrew Johnson (knee) remains sidelined.
But Hodgson could hand a start to Zoltan Gera after he was rested at the weekend.
Stoke travel to London without any fresh injury concerns and could field the same starting line-up that drew with Everton on Saturday.
Asmir Begovic is set to continue in goal with Thomas Sorensen (elbow) ruled out.
Fulham v Stoke City - best betting odds
Fulham - 11/10 bet365
Draw - 12/5 Ladbrokes
Stoke - 14/5 bwin
