West Ham eyeing Fulham star Dickson Ethuh and St Etienne striker Gonzalo Bergessio
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 9:35 PM on 14th June 2010
West Ham boss Avram Grant is monitoring contract talks between Fulham and Dickson Etuhu and has expressed an interest in St Etienne striker Gonzalo Bergessio.
Etuhu, 28, who is with Nigeria at the World Cup finals, has one year left and is hoping for a long term deal.
Argentinian Bergessio, meanwhile, is also interesting Bolton.
The 25-year-old, nicknamed The Bull, is valued at around £4million.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1286577/West-Ham-eyeing-Fulham-star-Dickson-Ethuh-St-Etienne-striker-Gonzalo-Bergessio.html?ITO=1490#ixzz0qrinpecc (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1286577/West-Ham-eyeing-Fulham-star-Dickson-Ethuh-St-Etienne-striker-Gonzalo-Bergessio.html?ITO=1490#ixzz0qrinpecc)
Just how do you spell the surname of Ghana's No 4? He's known as John Pantsil in England thanks to an error in documents for his 2006 transfer from Hapoel Tel Aviv to West Ham United. But the 28-year-old's surname is 'Paintsil' on his passport. So what did the now Fulham defender have on his shirt in Ghana's opener against Serbia yesterday? Panstil. Can somebody please get this right once and for all.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/worldcup2010/article-1286360/Ian-Ladymans-World-Cup-diary-Blow-Evra-just-bad.html#ixzz0qrjjWWrE (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/worldcup2010/article-1286360/Ian-Ladymans-World-Cup-diary-Blow-Evra-just-bad.html#ixzz0qrjjWWrE)
http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2932/spl/2010/06/14/1975903/celtic-preparing-offer-for-fulham-striker-bobby-zamora?
Celtic preparing offer for Fulham striker Bobby Zamora - report
14 Jun 2010 15:39:00
Celtic are lining up a move for Fulham striker Bobby Zamora, according to the People.
The 29-year-old was in terrific form for the Cottagers last season and has attracted interest from a number of clubs in recent weeks.
Celtic are the latest club to join the race to sign Zamora, with new Hoops boss Neil Lennon keen to make the former West Ham United man his first signing at Parkhead.
However, Fulham are believed to want to keep Zamora, who is valued at £7 million by the Cottagers, while Roy Hodgson remains as manager.
Lennon is reportedly keen on signing a number of English-based players in the summer, with Arsenal's Sol Campbell and former Celtic loanee Craig Bellamy reportedly interesting the Scottish club.
Should Celtic sign Zamora, Fulham are said to be interested in taking Standard Liege's Dieumerci Mbokani to Craven Cottage as a replacement.
Zamora had his best season last year, helping Fulham to the Europa League final, scoring 19 goals in all competitions in the process.
http://pmnewsnigeria.com/2010/06/14/show-of-shame-at-eagles%E2%80%99-camp-kanu-etuhu-escape-head-blows-as-officials-clash/
Show Of Shame At Eagles' Camp: Kanu, Etuhu Escape Head Blows, As Officials Clash
Author: pmnews Date: Jun 14th, 2010.
The Federal Government of Nigeria better act fast otherwise the infighting between some officials of the national team may scuttle the progress of the Super Eagles at the ongoing World Cup in South Africa.
P.M.Sports watched in awe, how two prominent officials, ASP Gideon Akinsola, the Camp Commandant and Eagles' Coordinator, Emmanuel Attah exchanged hot words right in front of the players this afternoon.
The show of shame, which lasted for about ten minutes around 1.30 p.m at the entrance of Eagles' Waterfront Hotel camp in Richards Bay, was almost getting into physical blows when Skipper Nwankwo Kanu and Dickson waded into the fracas.
Kanu, who did not feature in Eagles' opening match in Johannesburg on Saturday, almost received head blows as the feuding Akinsola and Attah tried to hit each other in the face.
''Hey brothers, stop this now, what's up now? This is not good for us at this crucial time. Please Etuhu hold Akinsola'', Kanu said as he separated the officials. As Kanu was pushing Attah away from the scene, Etuhu, who plays for English Premier League Club, Fulham urged Akinsola to go to his duty post. Both players, who were on their ways out to the Mall, spent extra minutes to stop the ranting officials, who threatened to continue with the personality clash later.
P.M.Sports investigations revealed that Akinsola and Attah have personality clash and have been fighting over who should be in charge of the squad' daily routine.
Bola Omilabu, The Nation Newspapers Sports Photographer, who witnessed the clash expressed disappointment over the unending crisis between Akinsola and Attah, saying: ''This is too bad for our nation. The officials would have gone into the Hotel to settle the issue quietly instead of disgracing themselves in the presence of the players''.
The FIFA officials and South African security personnel attached to the Eagles also expressed shock at the open crisis.
It would be recalled that Akinsola and Attah had a similar quarrel during the African Cup Of Nations in Angola in January this year.
The officials of Nigeria Football Federation, NFF are yet to react to the crisis, but Kanu promised to take the case to the body before their next training tomorrow.
Meanwhile, Kanu and his teammates spent today, their rest day to visit Shoprite and The Mall in Richards Bay, to do some shopping as the coach wants the squad to get down to serious business from tomorrow ahead of Thursday's second Group B match against Greece.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2010/jun/14/fabio-capello-world-cup-2010
'But what England would give for a screening player performing as Kagisho Dikgacoi of Fulham and South Africa did in the second half of the opening match of the tournament, making shrewd interceptions and timely tackles before releasing the glorious pass that sent Siphiwe Tshabalala in for the goal that set the 2010 World Cup on its way
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/jun/14/yossi-benayoun-chelsea-contract-liverpool
Liverpool are assessing their options to replace Benítez and have not made an official approach to Fulham for Roy Hodgson, who is due to depart to South Africa to commentate at the World Cup. Hodgson emerged as the early favourite for the Liverpool job after the departure of Benítez almost two weeks ago but remains in the dark over the Anfield club's intent. Reports at the weekend claimed the 62-year-old wanted confirmation of Liverpool's interest before leaving for South Africa and would not be used as a fallback option should Anfield officials fail to secure an alternative target.
Kenny Dalglish remains interested in the job despite Liverpool's preference for a manager with more recent experience of Europe and the Premier League. Hodgson does fulfil that criteria, and has support inside the Anfield boardroom, although Liverpool insist that, with players not due back for pre-season training until July, they are under no pressure to rush their search.
http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2010/06/14/1976231/birmingham-city-vice-chairman-peter-pannu-spending-spree
Birmingham are still yet to agree a fee with Wigan Athletic over a move for Charles N'Zogbia, while the Blues have also been linked with moves for strikers Bobby Zamora of Fulham and Palermo's Fabrizio Miccoli.
http://www.fansfc.com/story/21794.html
Palermo goalkeeper not an option for Arsenal
02:00 PM 14 June, 2010
Palermo insist Salvatore Sirigu is not for sale, amidst reports linking him with Arsenal Football Club.
Arsene Wenger is in the market for a new goalkeeper this summer after finally losing patience with both Manuel Almunia and Lukas Fabianski.
Fulham's Mark Schwarzer is said to be his top target, but he has also been linked with a move for Sirigu, who impressed after making 32 Serie A outings last season.
However, Palermo insist the 23-year-old is not for sale, and they will be relying on him when they look to gatecrash the top-four during the 2010-2011 season.
"The only goalkeeper on the market is Rubinho, seeing as his place in the squad has been taken by Sirigu, who is not for sale," said President Maurizio Zamparini.
http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2010/06/14/1975963/fulham-insist-liverpool-have-yet-to-make-an-official?
Fulham insist Liverpool have yet to make an official approach for Roy Hodgson
Anfield club expected to step up bid before manager heads out to South Africa
14 Jun 2010 18:14:00
By Wayne Veysey | Chief Correspondent
Liverpool have not yet made a formal approach for Fulham manager Roy Hodgson, the London club confirmed today.
As speculation increases that the Merseysiders will open talks with Hodgson before he heads off to the World Cup on Wednesday to act as a pundit for the BBC, Fulham said there has not yet been any contact from Anfield.
"We have had no official approach from Liverpool about Roy Hodgson," a club spokesperson told Goal.com UK.
Although Cottagers owner Mohamed Al Fayed has been quoted as saying he is confident of holding on to the manager, it is expected that Liverpool will step up their search for Rafael Benitez's successor by contacting the 62-year-old before he heads out to South Africa.
But Fayed, who appointed Hodgson in December 2007, believes Hodgson has no reason to leave Craven Cottage.
"I don't think he'll leave me," Fayed said. "I'm sure he'll have lots of approaches from other clubs, but I give him anything he wants to reach results and we have a very good relationship."
Hodgson, who guided Fulham to the Europa League final this season and has previous experience across Europe, including two spells with Inter Milan, has a 12-month rolling contract, negotiated last summer.
However, it contains a clause which allows him to leave a top club for a compensation figure of around £2.5 million.
Despite the expectation that Liverpool's directors will give the green light to approach Fulham, there is a growing clamour among Anfield supporters for club legend Kenny Dalglish to take over for a second spell at the club.
Dalglish, the current club ambassador given the task of helping managing director Christian Purslow to find Benitez's successor, has told friends that he would like the job, although he is not willing to compromise the board in any way by making his interest in the position public.
http://hammyend.com/?p=7260
The best in the world
by Tor on June 14, 2010
Apparently. Bit dull, isn't it? I hope this is just because the teams are using the first of the group games to find their collective feet. Always helpful for football. If it hasn't picked up by the last of the group games Sepp's getting a strongly-worded letter.
Our boys are doing alright though, aren't they? Kagisho Digkacoi (pronounced Dee-gash-wee according to the offal last week) did a pretty good job in the opening game as Lydia has already pointed out. I didn't catch all of it but I did see him with a decent chance and a some good moves. In fact the player ratings on the Guardian's website have him down as a 6.2, and I think they're based on the general public and not the pundits or meeeeeja types. So that's nice.
Dickson Etuhu was next up and again did a reasonable job against tough opposition. Any team that contains Messi and Tevez at the front is probably enough to strike terror into the heart of any opposition, but Dickson and his compadres fought for 84 or so minutes to contain them and prevent the eventual defeat being a humiliating one.
Then it was THAT game. You know the one. I was holed up in a pub in central London with a fellow Fulham fan, a few England supporters and a group of Americans who – I kid you not – stood up and sang along to the Star Spangled Banner. For those who were watching via ITV HD, Gerrard scored while you were deciding which Hyundai to buy. From what I remember the game was a bit scrappy with a lot of needless fouls and a shedload of yellow cards. But that boy Clint Dempsey scored. Fortuitously perhaps but it's still a goal. And when you've staked one whole English pound on Dempsey getting the tournament's Golden Boot as I have, everything counts. (NB I got 200/1 before the tournament started, the odds have now shortened to 80/1 – go Clint!)
Next up, the ever-smiling John Paintsil who had even more reason to smile after his Black Stars of Ghana defeated Serbia, considered by some to be the dark horse this year, a tad unexpectedly even after they were reduced to 10 men. Cue a JP lap of honour. Where does he get his energy?
Sunday evening will probably be an evening to forget for a few people, not least Mark Schwarzer but actually I think he was really rather unfortunate. The BBC measured the speed of the shot for the first goal and I defy anyone to keep out a ball hurtling towards them at 80-odd miles per hour with one hand. The second was dodgy timing. The third and fourth arguably shouldn't have happened because in my opinion Cahill shouldn't have been sent off, and that wrong decision changed the game. Thing is, how good were Germany? Losing to a team playing that skillfully really shouldn't be considered shameful. Tellingly, in the fabled Guardian ratings Schwarzer was still rated higher than any of his Socceroo teammates.
So the only player still to play is our newbie Philippe Senderos of Switzerland, who face Spain on Wednesday. I'll be watching avidly, and not just because I've got Spain in the office sweepstake. I wonder if he'll feel the weight of the eyes of thousands of expectant Whites fans on him. I was quite surprised by the timing of the announcement that he would be joining us next season as I thought it would all go quiet during the World Cup. I hope it won't distract him as a confident player is a good player, and there's now't more confidence boosting than a great run in the world's biggest football competition.
One last thing, if the tedious, defensive football soundtracked by the horde of angry hornets on the telly is getting you down, have a look at this – Dempsey's goal recreated in technicoloured Lego glory.
http://www.fulham-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/bougherra_eyes_premierhip_move_532237/index.shtml
Bougherra Eyes Premierhip Move
By Kevin Markey Sunday, 13th June 2010
Rangers defender Madjid Bougherra hopes to put himself in the Premiership shop window against England.
The Algeria international has been linked with Fulham and Arsenal since the end of last season.
And although Algeria's opening match is against Slovenia in Polokwane today, Bougherra admits it is the clash with England a week today in Cape Town which is his biggest challenge.
"It can help me," said Bougherra of his career in the UK which also involved stints at Charlton and Sheffield Wednesday. "I play in a big team, I played Champions League so I've learned a mentality change, I want to win every game. It's British football
http://hammyend.com/?p=7257
Excuses, excuses...
by gatesy on June 14, 2010
I love rubbish excuses. You know the kind, when somebody is really clutching at straws to explain something and they come up with something truly pathetic. Some of my favourites include an acquaintance of mine who couldn't make it down the pub consecutive weeks due to his front door being broken, his TV was broken, and another when he was locked in his porch (I like to imagine this being like some kind of human zoo scenario with a crowd of his neighbours gorping in at him until his mum came round to rescue him).
But even International players appear to be jumping on the rubbish excuse band wagon. One of my favourites was SAF explaining that we only beat them the other year beacuse our dressing rooms aren't massive, but it appears the England squad are at it. According to Capello's twitter feed (he posts in an Italian acent, I have no reason to disbelieve its really him) that Robert Green blamed his muff up on the possible appearance of a mole underneath the penalty area, and then this morning, according to the Daily Mail, Emile Heskey blamed his miss on the fact the balls a bit lighter than the ones he's used to.
Now I'm hoping that this is a trend which will continue for the rest of Englands participation in the cup. I'm particularly interested to hear when Rooney blames him going absent for large portions of games on the fact that Wright Phillips put him off by cheating in Eye spy on the coach or when one of the keepers blames his muff ups on playing too much Super Nintendo games... oh hang on a minute...
http://www.fulham-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/fulham_pursue_fabio_532217/index.shtml
Fulham Pursue Fabio
By Kevin Markey Monday, 14th June 2010
Fulham are maintaining their pursuit of Liverpool fullback Fabio Aurelio.
The Brazilian comes off contract at Liverpool this month and is a confirmed target for Palmeiras. Fulham are also keen and expected to accelerate negotiations now with manager Roy Hodgson back at his desk following a short summer break.
http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2932/spl/2010/06/14/1975903/celtic-preparing-offer-for-fulham-striker-bobby-zamora?
Celtic preparing offer for Fulham striker Bobby Zamora - report
14 Jun 2010 15:39:00
Celtic are lining up a move for Fulham striker Bobby Zamora, according to the People.
The 29-year-old was in terrific form for the Cottagers last season and has attracted interest from a number of clubs in recent weeks.
Celtic are the latest club to join the race to sign Zamora, with new Hoops boss Neil Lennon keen to make the former West Ham United man his first signing at Parkhead.
However, Fulham are believed to want to keep Zamora, who is valued at £7 million by the Cottagers, while Roy Hodgson remains as manager.
Lennon is reportedly keen on signing a number of English-based players in the summer, with Arsenal's Sol Campbell and former Celtic loanee Craig Bellamy reportedly interesting the Scottish club.
Should Celtic sign Zamora, Fulham are said to be interested in taking Standard Liege's Dieumerci Mbokani to Craven Cottage as a replacement.
Zamora had his best season last year, helping Fulham to the Europa League final, scoring 19 goals
http://hammyend.com/?p=7266 (http://hammyend.com/?p=7266)
Tabloid transfer twaddle
Journalists love the close season. It gives them carte blanche to sit in their offices dreaming up silly stories in the name of transfer speculation.
Here's one I particularly enjoyed from the Daily Mail website:
West Ham boss Avram Grant is monitoring contract talks between Fulham and Dickson Etuhu and has expressed an interest in St Etienne striker Gonzalo Bergessio.
Etuhu, 28, who is with Nigeria at the World Cup finals, has one year left and is hoping for a long term deal.
I'd love to know precisely how the reporter knows Avram's 'monitoring contract talks' between Fulham and Dickson. Has he tapped up Dickson's phone? Furthermore, with the player at the World Cup and the chief executive also out of the country I'd be amazed if talks were in progress at the moment. Etuhu, a regular in Roy's first-choice side when he hasn't been injured, is almost a certainty to be offered a considerable contract extension and is happy at Fulham. That should be the end of the matter.
http://www.tribalfootball.com/mixu-backing-fulham-target-bamba-make-big-move-hibs-908271 (http://www.tribalfootball.com/mixu-backing-fulham-target-bamba-make-big-move-hibs-908271)
Mixu backing Fulham target Bamba to make big move from Hibs
Former Hibs boss Mixu Paatelainen can see Sol Bamba earning a big move away from a successful World Cup.
The Ivory Coast defender is interesting Fulham and has spoken of an approach from Arsenal.
Former Bolton Wanderers striker Paatelainen told the Scottish Sun: "He still has plenty of development ahead of him, but that will happen quickly enough because of the quality of players around him.
"Sol is very level-headed, but that doesn't mean he's not very ambitious. He wants to go as far as he can in football.
"A good World Cup will help him do that and when the time is right he will move on to a higher level. It won't just be down to him, he will need to sit down with his advisors and talk to his club, who will decide what is right for them as well.
"But I am sure he will relish the challenge of playing at the World Cup
http://www.fulham-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/2m_bonus_for_roy_to_stay_532235/index.shtml (http://www.fulham-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/2m_bonus_for_roy_to_stay_532235/index.shtml)
£2m Bonus For Roy To Stay
Fulham are expected to offer manager Roy Hodgson a £2m bonus so he remains in charge at Craven Cottage.
Hodgson is being targeted by Liverpool as they seek a replacement for the departed Rafael Benitez but the Cottagers are desperate to retain the man that led them to the Europa League final last season.
Fulham owner, Mohamed Al Fayed recently made £1.5b after selling department store Harrods so he is cashed up and ready to use his funds to further the London club, beginning with the retention of their boss.
http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Transfer-news-Birmingham-plot-5million-swoop-for-Italian-ace-Fabrizio-Miccoli-article466959.html (http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Transfer-news-Birmingham-plot-5million-swoop-for-Italian-ace-Fabrizio-Miccoli-article466959.html)
Birmingham are still in the running to sign Fulham defender Paul Konchesky, 29, for around £2m.
And they haven't given up on Wigan's 23-year-old winger Charles N'Zogbia.
Brum up Kon bid to £2m
Published: Today
ALEX McLEISH will this week up his bid for Fulham's Paul Konchesky to £2million.
Birmingham boss McLeish had a £1.5m offer for the 29-year-old left-back turned down a fortnight ago.
Middlesbrough will be interested in Brum's DAVID MURPHY if the former Hibernian full-back becomes surplus to requirements.
Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/3014153/Birmingham-up-Konchesky-bid-to-2m.html#ixzz0que9Tl4g (http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/3014153/Birmingham-up-Konchesky-bid-to-2m.html#ixzz0que9Tl4g)
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/article7150153.ece (http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/article7150153.ece)
Should Benayoun complete his move to West London, he could be the first of a number of players to leave Liverpool in what is likely to be a summer of upheaval in the wake of Benítez's exit.
Javier Mascherano is keen to follow the Spaniard to Inter Milan and is learning Italian while on World Cup duty with Argentina. Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres have refused to discuss their futures until after the tournament and are waiting to see if Liverpool can match their ambitions before deciding whether to stay or go.
A number of other players are up for sale, with Liverpool open to offers for Ryan Babel, Albert Riera and Philipp Degen, among others, while Diego Cavalieri, the club's second-choice goalkeeper, is seeking a transfer to secure regular first-team football, having been understudy to Pepe Reina for two years.
It is against this backdrop that Liverpool continue their search for a new manager. Club officials are adamant that they will not be rushed into a replacement for Benítez despite speculation suggesting that Roy Hodgson, the Fulham manager who is widely believed to be their No 1 target, was hoping to be offered the job before travelling to South Africa this week.
Hodgson will be aware that popular support for Kenny Dalglish, his long-time friend, to become Benítez's successor is growing on Merseyside, with the Liverpool legend having made it clear that he would like to be considered for the position.
While Hodgson has not made a decision to leave Fulham, it is understood that he would like to hear what Liverpool have to say.
Liverpool, though, are comfortable with the way that their recruitment process is going, the desire to ensure that they attract the best possible manager available overriding any yearning to make a hasty appointment that they could come to regret.
That leaves Hodgson, who is working as a BBC pundit at the World Cup, in limbo to a degree, unsure whether he will be the subject of the formal approach that had seemed to be inevitable only a week ago.
http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/football/Forest-hope-persuade-Shorey-drop-Championship/article-2299943-detail/article.html (http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/football/Forest-hope-persuade-Shorey-drop-Championship/article-2299943-detail/article.html)
Forest hope to persuade Shorey to drop into Championship
NOTTINGHAM Forest hope the ambition of the club can see them fight off the advances of Premier League outfits to land Nicky Shorey this summer.
The Aston Villa left-back enjoyed a superb loan spell at the City Ground between November and January, making nine appearances.
Forest won seven and drew twice but after they failed to extend his loan, he went to Fulham until the end of the campaign.
He made 12 appearances in the league and FA Cup but missed out on their run to the Europa League final because he was cup tied, having played for Villa earlier in the competition.
Now Reds manager Billy Davies is desperate to lure him back to the banks of the Trent after seeing how much his side missed the former England international after his departure.
Shorey has just one year left on his deal at Villa Park and is down the pecking order under Martin O'Neill.
And with Paul Konchesky the first choice at Craven Cottage, a return to west London looks unlikely.
Davies has Shorey at the top of his wish list and hopes a chance to play regular football and help in a push for automatic promotion will tempt Shorey to drop down into the Championship.
The defender's hefty wages proved a stumbling block in extending his loan last January.
But it was evident how much Shorey was missed as Forest faltered in the latter stages of the season and in the play-offs.
Julian Bennett is the only recognised left back at the City Ground, and he has not played for 18 months through injury, making it an area Davies wants sorting quickly.
The biggest problem for Forest is Shorey's desire to play at the highest level.
But Davies hopes to persuade him he could make an instant return to the top flight with the Reds.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/jun/15/world-cup-2010-paper-view (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/jun/15/world-cup-2010-paper-view)
More woes for Liverpool: not only is slightly over-rated Fulham boss Roy Hodgson going to become the third manager in a row to serve up stultifying fitba at Anfield – come back, Roy Evans, all is forgiven – they're also about to lose their most creative midfielder, Yossi Benayoun, in a £5.5m deal to Chelsea.
http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/news/329153,hosts-hoping-celebrate-nation.html (http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/news/329153,hosts-hoping-celebrate-nation.html)
PREVIEW: Hosts hoping to celebrate with the nation
Posted : Tue, 15 Jun 2010 07:33:13 GMT
By : Peter Auf der Heyde
Pretoria - Kagisho Dikgacoi still has a score to settle with Diego Forlan and is hoping that Wednesday will be pay-back day.
The last time the two met was in May in Hamburg, when Dikgacoi's Premier League club Fulham faced Atletico Madrid in the final of the Europa League.
Although Dikgacoi spent the game on the bench, Forlan's two goals in Atletico's 2-1 victory spoilt what would otherwise have been an ideal start to his career in Europe.
On Wednesday, Dikgacoi will again face Forlan as Bafana Bafana take on Uruguay in a World Cup Group A match at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria.
"We all know that Forlan is a very good striker who will score if he is given the chance, but we do not have to concentrate too much on him, there are also many other good players in the side," the midfielder said.
Ahead of the second round of matches the group is evenly poised, with all four teams having one point after drawing their opening fixtures.
For both Uruguay and South Africa the point secured was not necessarily something they would have expected ahead of the tournament as their opponents - France and Mexico respectively - were considered slight favourites.
Against Mexico South Africa began slowly and were clearly outplayed in the first half, but then were much stronger in the second and took the lead through Siphiwe Tshabalala.
Although veteran Rafael Marquez equalized for the Mexicans late in the game, South Africa go into Wednesday's game full of confidence.
Midfielder Steven Pienaar, who plays his club football for Everton, said that the side will build on the second-half performance.
"The way we played in the second half against Mexico has given us a huge boost," he said.
South African coach Carlos Alberto Parreira is expected to start with the same team that began the second half against Mexico, with Tsepo Masilela taking the place of Lucas Thwala who had some problems against the Mexicans in the first half.
Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez will be without Ajax Amsterdam midfielder Nicolas Lodeiro, who was sent off in their opening match against France.
Tabarez still fancies his side's chances. "All the teams are on the same footing now. The group is evenly balanced and the next games will be crucial," he said.
Wednesday's match will be played on the same day on which, 34 years ago, students in Soweto took to the streets in protest against the use of Afrikaans in schools. The police reacted with brutality and shot at the protesting students.
The demonstrations, which soon spread to other parts of the country and left hundreds dead, unleashed a tidal wave of protest against the Apartheid regime, which the National Party government never quite managed to quell and ultimately led to the release of political prisoners and the unbanning of black political organisations.
June 16 is now a public holiday in South Africa and called Youth Day. South African football officials have said they will play the game against Uruguay in honour of those who died in the struggle against Apartheid.
Although none of the players were born at that time, it is still something they are very aware of.
"It is a big day in South African history, and we as players want to beat Uruguay and take a step closer to reaching the knockout phase and thereby making it a double celebration for our nation," Pienaar said.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/article7150157.ece (http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/article7150157.ece)
Decent bets
Steven Mouyokolo has been offered a new four-year contract by Hull City to ward off interest in the central defender from Fulham, among others. Mouyokolo joined Hull from Boulogne last summer
http://www.teamtalk.com/fulham/6207205/Volz-joins-Bundesliga-new-boys? (http://www.teamtalk.com/fulham/6207205/Volz-joins-Bundesliga-new-boys?)
Volz joins Bundesliga new boys
St Pauli have completed the signing of defender Moritz Volz, who returns to Germany after an 11-year absence.
Volz, who started his career as a 16-year-old with Arsenal, has joined the Bundesliga newcomers after passing a medical on Monday and signing a two-year contract.
He was a free agent after being released by Fulham a year ago.
"I am certain that this club suits me and I suit this club," said the 27-year-old on the club's website.
"I am looking forward to the tasks ahead, the new league and the challenge we face as a team."
Volz is the second prominent name to arrive at St Pauli following their promotion to the Bundesliga.
He joins former Germany international Gerald Asamoah, who has signed from Schalke.
http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/June/SchwarzerAustraliaRecovery.aspx? (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/June/SchwarzerAustraliaRecovery.aspx?)
Schwarzer's Rallying Call
(http://www.fulhamfc.com/Images/MainNews/NewsPages/Players/Schwarzer/AusWorldCup1News.jpg)
Following Australia's heavy defeat to an impressive Germany side in their opening World Cup match, Mark Schwarzer has called on the senior members of the Socceroos squad to provide a calming influence as they look to recover from their 4-0 defeat.
"We have got to forget about the Germany game, as difficult as it is," Schwarzer said.
"We have got to re-group and pick ourselves up and make sure everyone, but especially the senior guys, get together and rallies and make sure we put everything into the next two games.
"Obviously it's a bitter start for us but everyone expected this to happen (the team losing to Germany in the first game) so I suppose we are not in any worse position than people expected us to be.
"It was always going to be tough playing Germany first game, everyone said we were up against it and everyone wrote us off and I suppose that was justifiable given the result was 4-0.
"But we still believe we are good enough to get through and we still believe we can pick ourselves up.
"There is a lot of work to be done but we have enough ability to change things around and we have got two more games to go and for us they are like two Cup finals and we know now we have to win both."
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/June/SchwarzerAustraliaRecovery.aspx?#ixzz0quqcjQhF (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/June/SchwarzerAustraliaRecovery.aspx?#ixzz0quqcjQhF)
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/worldcup2010/article-1286714/WORLD-CUP-2010-Devastated-Mark-Schwarzer-Australia-Germany-look-better-really-are.html? (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/worldcup2010/article-1286714/WORLD-CUP-2010-Devastated-Mark-Schwarzer-Australia-Germany-look-better-really-are.html?)
Devastated Mark Schwarzer: Australia made Germany look better than they really are
Australia's Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer admitted blame, and conceded he is 'devastated', after his team's 4-0 loss to Germany in their World Cup opener.
Arsenal target Schwarzer is in the spotlight after being shortlised by Gunners manager Arsene Wenger for a summer switch to north London.
But his opening World Cup display did his chances of playing Champions League football with Arsenal next season no good.
Discussing the Germans' second goal, Schwarzer admitted: 'I came out for the ball and I should get it. It is my ball. I have got to take responsibility for that one.
'The match was devastating. It was not what we planned and not what we expected. The end result was very difficult to take.
'One-nil was bad. Two-nil was my mistake. Then there was the sending off and then 3-0. 4-0 kills the game off.'
The 37-year-old keeper, who has one year left on his contract at Craven Cottage, could not explain why Australia were so convincingly beaten.
Schwarzer, who played his club football in Germany with Dynamo Dresden and Kaiserslautern before moving to England, added: 'Where did it go wrong? Good question.
'Germany are a good side but I think we made them look a bit better than what they really are. But they took their chances, albeit a lot of chances, and they deserved to win the game.
'It was always going to be tough playing Germany in the first game. All the experts said we were up against it. They wrote us off and I suppose that is justifiable now with a result of 4-0. But we believe that we are still good enough to get through. We still believe we can pick ourselves up.'
The former Middlesbrough and Bradford keeper is a senior figure in the Socceroos camp, having won 76 caps since first breaking through in the early Nineties. He admits that a big responsibility is on his shoulders now ahead of 'two Cup finals' for the Aussies as they target a potential second round meeting with England and a chance to repeat their famous win over the same opponents in 2003 at Upton Park.
'Everyone, especially the senior guys, have to make sure everyone rallies and puts it into the next game. You have to use your experience to rally everyone. We have enough confidence and ability in the dressing room. Now, for us, it is two cup finals against Ghana and Serbia.'
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/worldcup2010/article-1286714/WORLD-CUP-2010-Devastated-Mark-Schwarzer-Australia-Germany-look-better-really-are.html?#ixzz0qvXaPl7I (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/worldcup2010/article-1286714/WORLD-CUP-2010-Devastated-Mark-Schwarzer-Australia-Germany-look-better-really-are.html?#ixzz0qvXaPl7I)
http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2010/6/15/1518740/fulham-and-arsenal-should-just-say? (http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2010/6/15/1518740/fulham-and-arsenal-should-just-say?)
Fulham And Arsenal Should Just Say "No"- Opinion
Two teams in the English Premier League have had major stories in the media since the season ended. In the case of Fulham it is interest from other teams in manager Roy Hodgson. For Arsenal it is the speculation regarding Cesc Fabregas. In both cases I don't blame the media for making these situations stories. They are doing their job.
What I want to focus on our the management of both teams. Fulham have an opportunity to improve themselves and continue to build on what they have established last year. Arsenal have a really good chance to win the English Premier League next season. Fulham's manager is under contract. Arsenal's star player Cesc Fabregas is also under contract. My suggestion to both clubs is to just say "no".
Roy Hodgson is currently under contract with Fulham. He has a rolling one year contract. There has been a tremendous amount of media speculation regarding Liverpool having interest in Hodgson. If Liverpool do in fact come knocking I think Fulham just need to say "no".
Why should they let him go? He is under contract. From what I am reading there could be compensation to Fulham from another club like Liverpool if he leaves to become there manager. I don't care. As long as he is under contract he should be the Fulham manager.
Fulham have come so far in such a short period of time. Roy Hodgson has so much to do with it. He has built this club to a point that they got to a Final of a European Competition. Don't you want to see if he can build upon what he has already established?
Listen, I wouldn't blame Hodgson if he had interest in Liverpool. That club is still one of the top clubs in all of Europe. However, the uncertainty of their ownership situation would make me think hard about taking the job. Hodgson might want to take the job. Again, Fulham don't have to let him go. They need to stay strong and just say "no".
In fact, I believe that Fulham should just say "no" when it comes to transfer offers for their key players. Why should Fulham sell a player like Bobby Zamora? Again he is under contract. I don't care if a club offered £20 million for Zamora. I don't think you should do it.
When you have a proven commodity why should you sell it? The money is great but there is that unknown of what you are going to do with it. I have heard the reasoning before that you can buy 3 or 4 players with the money you can get from a high profile transfer target like Zamora. In my opinion it never works. I don't think you replace a key player with a couple of players with potential. You just shouldn't do it.
If Fulham want to have a chance to continue what they have started they need to say "no". Manager Roy Hodgson and players like Bobby Zamora should be a part of the future and not the past. If I could talk to the Fulham management I would tell them not to buckle to the pressure and keep the team in place.
In the case of Arsenal, Arsene Wenger needs to continue to say "no" from Barcelona regarding Cesc Fabregas. Why should they sell him? I don't care if they are offered £70 million. They should resist the offer.
Fabregas might want to go home to Spain. My answer to that is "tough luck Cesc" you are under contract. I think Arsenal have a chance to win the EPL and possibly take the Champions League. They are a player or two away from taking the team to that level. Why would you take a giant step backwards by selling one of your best players?
How did Manchester United benefit last season by selling Christiano Ronaldo? I think they got £70 million for him. Did they win the league or the Champions League? In the long run it could benefit Manchester United, but they took a step back last season.
Arsenal don't need to take a step back. They should be taking a step forward. It is time for Wenger to take his club to the top. You just don't do that by letting Cesc Fabregas go.
In concluding, both clubs have a chance to take their teams forward this upcoming season. It is time that teams' stand up to clubs like Barcelona and Liverpool. In both situations I am hoping they do not give in to the pressure. Fulham and Arsenal should just say "no".
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_6207444,00.html? (http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_6207444,00.html?)
Dawson asks to leave Dale
Highly-rated defender attracting interest from further up the ladder
Skysports.com understands Rochdale defender Craig Dawson has handed in a transfer request after attracting interest from a higher level.
Dawson has established himself as one of the brightest prospects outside of the Premier League after impressing for Rochdale last season.
The young centre-half was a key figure in the club's promotion to League One and is on a long-term contract at Spotland.
Several clubs have been keeping tabs on the 20-year-old and Middlesbrough have already seen a £400,000 offer rejected.
Fulham and Swansea City are also showing an interest in Dawson, who was named the League Two Player of the Year last term.
It is understood that, following the recent approach from Boro, Dawson has now submitted a request to leave Keith Hill's side.
http://www.fulham-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/big_money_needed_for_mbokani_532322/index.shtml (http://www.fulham-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/big_money_needed_for_mbokani_532322/index.shtml)
Big Money Needed For Mbokani
Fulham will have to pay big to get Standard Liege striker Dieumerci Mbokani.
Standard officials were in London last week to meet with Fulham about Mbokani's transfer. And the Daily Star Sunday says Fulham were advised they could sign the prolific forward for £8.2m.
Mbokani has expressed hopes of moving to Craven Cottage, though Standard have also had enquiries from Everton and West Ham United.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1286768/THE-INSIDER-Birmingham-finally-set-sign-Paul-Konchesky-Stoke-weigh-Emile-Heskey-James-Vaughan-options-leave-Everton.html?ITO=1490 (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1286768/THE-INSIDER-Birmingham-finally-set-sign-Paul-Konchesky-Stoke-weigh-Emile-Heskey-James-Vaughan-options-leave-Everton.html?ITO=1490)
THE INSIDER: Birmingham finally set to sign Paul Konchesky, Stoke weigh up Emile Heskey and James Vaughan has options to leave Everton
Paul Konchesky
Fulham to Birmingham - The Insider says: 4/5
The 29-year-old left-back has been set for a switch to Birmingham since the end of the season and the deal should be concluded over the next few days.
Manager Alex McLeish is scouting at the World Cup but hopes club executives can close a deal at around £2million.
Konchesky is moving after failing to get the contract he desired at Fulham and McLeish hopes he can have a similar impact to Stephen Carr on the other flank who has been outstanding over the past 18 months.
Fulham are weighing up various options. Free agent Fabio Aurelio is one while Aston Villa's Nicky Shorey is another but Nottingham Forest have discussed a £2.5m bid for him also.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1286768/THE-INSIDER-Birmingham-finally-set-sign-Paul-Konchesky-Stoke-weigh-Emile-Heskey-James-Vaughan-options-leave-Everton.html?ITO=1490#ixzz0qvcdUnvh (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1286768/THE-INSIDER-Birmingham-finally-set-sign-Paul-Konchesky-Stoke-weigh-Emile-Heskey-James-Vaughan-options-leave-Everton.html?ITO=1490#ixzz0qvcdUnvh)
http://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/p6_1_3317_nigeria-camp-focus-altitude-sickness-costs-nigeria.html? (http://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/p6_1_3317_nigeria-camp-focus-altitude-sickness-costs-nigeria.html?)
Nigeria Camp Focus - Altitude Sickness Costs Nigeria
Dickson Etuhu spoke out in the Nigeria Camp by criticising the country's inadequate preparation before their 1-0 defeat to Argentina. Despite the fact that the match was played in Johannesburg, the team had trained in Durban until the Friday before the game, whereupon they travelled to Johannesburg. Etuhu argued that this gave the squad insufficient time to acclimatise to the altitude in which they would be playing.
The result was that the team spent the game chasing possession , having only 35 percent of possession in comparison to the 65 percent enjoyed by Argentina. Not having time to acclimatise exacerbated these problems, Etuhu said, because: "You take five or six steps, you feel like you've just done a whole lap." Training in Durban was hardly the preparation needed to face such stars as Lionel Messi, Carlos Tevez and Juan Sebastian Veron. Tactical preparations as well as physical preparations had therefore been hindered. Instead of being fit enough to challenge Argentina man for man, Etuhu felt that Nigeria's inadequate preparation meant that they had to mark space rather than the man. Messi, Tevez et al. were able to terrorise the Nigerian defence as they were not put under sufficient pressure in possession. Little wonder that Nigeria were out gunned by 20 shots to 7, signifying the ease with which the Argentine attack was able to exploit the gaps left as the Nigeria struggled to acclimatise.
In spite of this, Etuhu did have words of praise for his Coach Lars Lagerback: "For the first time in a long time you could see that we had some sort of coaching." Lagerback, he insinuated, had made the best of a bad deal, organising his team in spite of the poor conditions with which to prepare his team in. However, Lagerback himself remained disappointed by the nature of their defeat. In particular, the cause of Gabriel Heinze's winning goal irked him. "We were sleeping on one of the corners and that was enough," he said of the free run Heinze was given on the edge of the area to head uncontested into the top corner. The statistics tell their own story. Argentina's 20 shots yielding the solitary goal speaks less of Lagerback's tactical nous than it does of Vincent Enyeama's heroics in the Nigerian goal. Time and again he thwarted Lionel Messi , two saves from curling Messi shots in the first half drawing particular praise. His performance (he was named the official man of the match) was enough to draw superlatives from the man he most frequently frustrated. "The goalkeeper was phenomenal," said Messi, explaining why his Argentine team could not find the second goal which would have calmed their nerves.
Whilst Etuhu is critical of Nigeria's preparation, Enyeama's acrobatics in goal is not the only reason for optimism in the Nigerian ranks. For the first time in a long time, Etuhu believes that there is an organisation to Nigeria – a game plan and a sense of cohesion. As the game stretched, there were chances on the counter attack for Kalu Uche and Obafemi Martins. There is a belief in the squad that similar opportunities will open up for them against the SouthKorea and Greece, if they play in the same way and eradicate the type of mistake which led to the goal. Haruna Lukman too has been supportive of the influence of Lagerback during the tournament. "We gave a good account of ourselves and will now focus on our next game against Greece," he said. For a team which has seemed at times notoriously disorganised at international tournaments, often to the detriment of the depth of natural talent contained within the squad, these are positive vibes indeed.
Indeed, for the rest of the squad it is now a case of looking forwards to the Greece game, rather than lingering on the problems of acclimatisation brought up by Etuhu. The reality is that Nigeria has lost a match they were expected to lose. There are two games remaining against weaker teams to put that right. These are the matches where Lagerback, initially installed as manager on a five month contract, will define his and Nigeria's future. Two victories and a place in the last sixteen may persuade the Nigerian F.A. to hand him an extended contract. With his Coaching and organisation lauded by the squad, the feeling that he can do just that is optimistic.
http://www.fulham-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/fulham_join_evaldo_race_532326/index.shtml
Fulham Join Evaldo Race
By Kevin Markey Tuesday, 15th June 2010
Fulham and Aston Villa are keeping tabs on Sporting Braga's Brazilian left-back Evaldo.
Evaldo, 28, has been earning rave reviews in Portugal and has been attracting interest from several top clubs in Europe.
His agent Renato Moura said: "I have been in England and several clubs have enquired about Evaldo."
Reports in Portugal suggest the Premier League pair are leading the race to clinch his signature
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_6207444,00.html (http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_6207444,00.html)
Dawson asks to leave Dale
Highly-rated defender attracting interest from further up the ladder
By Graeme Bailey Last updated: 15th June 2010
..Skysports.com understands Rochdale defender Craig Dawson has handed in a transfer request after attracting interest from a higher level.
Dawson has established himself as one of the brightest prospects outside of the Premier League after impressing for Rochdale last season.
The young centre-half was a key figure in the club's promotion to League One and is on a long-term contract at Spotland.
Several clubs have been keeping tabs on the 20-year-old and Middlesbrough have already seen a £400,000 offer rejected.
Fulham and Swansea City are also showing an interest in Dawson, who was named the League Two Player of the Year last term.
It is understood that, following the recent approach from Boro, Dawson has now submitted a request to leave Keith Hill's side.
http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=201790 (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=201790)
Fulham - Using Our Name in Vain!
Having secured the services of Philippe Senderos last week, we`re incline do to dismiss another rumour doing the rounds today.
It relates to our apparent interest in the Hull City centre back Steven Mouyokolo, with one leading news agency suggesting that Hull have given him a new four year deal to keep him out of our clutches.
With Aaron Hughes, Brede Hangeland and the newly recruited Senderos on the books already and with Chris Baird more than capable of filling in at centre back should the need arise, we reckon somebody has been using our name in vain here, don`t you?
Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=201790#ixzz0qwP1BALU (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=201790#ixzz0qwP1BALU)
http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=201789 (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=201789)
Fulham - How Do They Manage It?
truth sayer ffc has an interesting observation he`d like us to ponder over!
Take it away truth sayer ffc
On the subject of club managers and even international managers without naming any names, can anyone explain why we have the same old ones with the same poor old track records?
They get the boot then get a bumper pay-off then some other club gives them another bumper pay deal!
Anyone spring to mind?
Maybe they should get jobs as MP`s as only one or two know their craft!
Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=201789#ixzz0qwPLrGVt (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=201789#ixzz0qwPLrGVt)
http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=201792 (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=201792)
Fulham - How You Rated the Senderos Signing!
Roy Hodgson sanctioned the first summer signing last week so, during quiet times, we thought it would make an ideal poll question.
Philippe Senderos, a Swiss international, was signed from Arsenal to bolster our defence, but we, here at Vital Fulham, wanted to know if you thought the signing was good news, bad news or whether you`d reserve judgment.
It appears that the vast majority of you back (Sir) Roy`s judgment with 71% of you opting for the first option of good news. Only 16% didn`t rate the signing whilst the remainder, 13% opted to reserve judgment.
Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=201792#ixzz0qwPrTxPl (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=201792#ixzz0qwPrTxPl)
