http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_6250282,00.html? (http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_6250282,00.html?)
Curbs unsure of return
Former Addicks boss unsure when he will return to the game
Former Charlton and West Ham boss Alan Curbishley feels that he is unlikely to make a return to Premier League management with Fulham.
The 52-year-old had been touted as a possible successor to replace Roy Hodgson at Craven Cottage after he joined Liverpool, but reports suggest that Sven Goran Eriksson and Mark Hughes are now the most likely candidates for the vacancy.
East London-born Curbishley was last in management with West Ham over two years ago but left the Upton Park club after falling out with the former Icelandic owners over the sale of Anton Ferdinand and George McCartney to Sunderland against his wishes.
Curbishley is best known for his 15-year stint at Charlton where he masterminded the revival of the club's fortunes with two promotions and taking the Addicks to the heady heights of the Premier League, managing 729 games in all.
The former Birmingham and Brighton midfielder admits that he is now unsure when he will return to the game.
"I was told I was on the (Fulham) shortlist but that there were a couple of people ahead of me, so I knew that was going nowhere," Curbishley said in the London Evening Standard.
"I have got to wait and see if the phone rings.
"If you look at my career, my average position in the Premier League is 10th, so that is where I need to be looking.
"No offence to anyone else, but the Premier League is where everyone wants to be.
"I will maybe have to reposition myself. Who knows? Start over again, if I have to.
"It (West Ham) has damaged me a bit, because I have been out for a while, and it is hard to come back if you are away for too long."
http://www.fulham-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/clint_going_italian_535787/index.shtml (http://www.fulham-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/clint_going_italian_535787/index.shtml)
Clint Going Italian?
The USA international is being tracked by AC Milan and Napoli after a stand-out season in England and Europe last season for Fulham.
Sky Italia says Dempsey is already taking Italian language lessons in preparation for a move to Serie A.
New Milan coach Max Allegri has also told confidants of his admiration for Dempsey.
http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/July/PitchMatters.aspx? (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/July/PitchMatters.aspx?)
Pitch Matters
When the Team walk out for their first home game of the 2010/11 season against Manchester United on the 22 August, and prior to that, the friendly against Werder Bremen, the players will be competing on one of the most technologically advanced pitches in the Premier League.
This summer the Club undertook a Cottage pitch project that resulted in the installation of an under soil heating system and a pioneering Fibrelastic surface. Fulham is the only London Club to offer such leading edge pitch technology.
The new surface and under soil heating system will deliver added benefits to the Club and its players, not least in providing a safe playing surface during the winter months when freezing temperatures can often contribute to precarious playing conditions and, previously, postponed fixtures. Whilst the pitch work was being carried out, the Club also installed additional toilet facilities and baby changing in the Putney End.
The addition of these facilities, and the significant investment in the pitch, are all part of the Club's long-term commitment to enhancing the supporter experience whenever possible.
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/July/PitchMatters.aspx?#ixzz0t4RpSYCd (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/July/PitchMatters.aspx?#ixzz0t4RpSYCd)
http://www.sportingpreview.com/premnews/09100326.php? (http://www.sportingpreview.com/premnews/09100326.php?)
GLEN HODDLE TO BE NEXT FULHAM MANAGER?
Sky Bet have cut Glenn Hoddle's odds to be the next Fulham manager to 16/1 (from 33/1) following some solid support throughout today.
It's believed that Fulham are looking for somebody with the same coaching qualities as Hodgson and the 52-year-old, who has been out of management since stepping down as Wolverhampton Wanderers boss in July 2006, could be seen as the ideal replacement due to his strong coaching reputation.
Lee Clark, who guided Huddersfield Town into the play-offs last season remains the 6/4 favourite to take over from Hodgson while Sven Goran Eriksson is 5/2 along with Alan Curbishley.
Sky Bet's Tim Reynolds said: "With a number of high profile names available and out of work it would be a real surprise if Fulham name Hoddle as their new manager. Mark Hughes and Alan Curbishley remain our biggest losers but it remains to be seen who will be appointed."
Next Permanent Fulham Manager
Clark L 6/4
Eriksson, S. 5/2
Curbishley A 5/2
Hughes, M. 7/2
Bilic, S. 16/1
Hoddle, G. 16/1
Jol, M. 16/1
Mowbray, T. 16/1
Queiroz, C. 16/1
Keegan, K. 16/1
O Driscoll S 16/1
Kelly, M. 20/1
Pearce, S. 20/1
Jones, D. 20/1
McKinlay, B. 25/1
Lewington, R. 25/1
Jewell, P. 25/1
Peschisolido, P. 25/1
Adams, M. 33/1
Le Guen, P. 33/1
Wilkins, R. 40/1
Southgate, G. 40/1
Houllier, G. 50/1
Tigana, J. 50/1
http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/July/ZollyGoodToBeBack.aspx? (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/July/ZollyGoodToBeBack.aspx?)
Back In Business(http://www.fulhamfc.com/Images/MainNews/NewsPages/Players/gera/Juveceleb.jpg)
Following a 63 game season, no one could begrudge Fulham's players for putting their feet up for several weeks, but after a well earned summer break, Zoltan Gera is clearly glad to be back at Motspur Park preparing for the new season.
"It was a long, long break so I'm fully recovered from last season and I'm looking forward to the new season.
"I was ready last week to start training again – it was a long break and a nice summer but we needed that because it was a very long season!
"It was a successful season last year but the Final was very painful. It was a great feeling to play in the Final – yes we lost, but I have good memories from the competition.
"Unfortunately we won't be playing in the Europa League this season but we need to play well and enjoy another good season in the Premier League."
Gera was keen to wish former Manager Roy Hodgson well following his switch to Liverpool whilst stating his claim that Fulham should be targeting a top ten finish this coming season.
"Hopefully he'll [Roy Hodgson] be just as successful at Liverpool as he was at Fulham. Obviously I wish him all the best for the future as I had two great years with him here at Fulham.
"Hopefully we'll get the new Manager in soon and achieve the same level of success over the next few seasons.
"The expectations for next season are high – we had a great season last year and if we could finish back in the top ten this season that would be perfect for us."
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/July/ZollyGoodToBeBack.aspx?#ixzz0t4SWBziw (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/July/ZollyGoodToBeBack.aspx?#ixzz0t4SWBziw)
http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=204035 (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=204035)
Fulham - Portuguese Target in Sights!
We may be manager-less, until the end of the week, but rumours suggest we`re still active in the transfer market.
Rumours are circulating that we`re doing business with the troubled, financially, Spanish club Valencia for their exciting Portuguese wing-back, Miguel.
It`s rumoured that Miguel, now thirty years old, is available for a fee of £1.66 million.
It`s also rumoured that we face stiff opposition from clubs in Russia and the Ukraine but that Miguel fancies life in the Premier League as he believes it suits his style.
We`ll keep you posted of any developments.
Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=204035#ixzz0t4SiLqPy (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=204035#ixzz0t4SiLqPy)
http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=204036 (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=204036)
Fulham - Managerial Situation Latest!
Could Alan Curbishley be out of the running for the vacant Fulham job?
It would appear so as the Evening Standard tonight carries a couple of interesting quotes from the former Charlton and West Ham manager.
Much has been said of a supposed short list for the job and Curbishley, speaking to the reference paper, is quoted as having said,
'I was told I was on the shortlist but that there were a couple of people ahead of me, so I knew that was going nowhere.'
So is Sven Goran Eriksson the man in the frame and if so, who is the other?
Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=204036#ixzz0t4SyATFi (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=204036#ixzz0t4SyATFi)
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/fulham/7877919/Sven-Goran-Eriksson-and-Slaven-Bilic-head-queue-for-Fulham-managers-job.html? (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/fulham/7877919/Sven-Goran-Eriksson-and-Slaven-Bilic-head-queue-for-Fulham-managers-job.html?)
Sven-Goran Eriksson and Slaven Bilic head queue for Fulham manager's job
Fulham will name the successor to Roy Hodgson at the end of next week. The club's players may not know the identity of their new manager until shortly before they fly to Sweden for a training camp on July 19.
It has emerged that while Sven-Goran Eriksson remains the most likely man to replace Hodgson, however a new contender has emerged: Slaven Bilic, the former West Ham and Everton player.
Bilic ruled himself out of the running in December 2007 shortly before Hodgson was appointed but Mohamed Fayed, the club's owner and chairman, is known to be an admirer of the Croatia coach.
Glenn Hoddle, Mark Hughes, Tony Mowbray, Alan Curbishley and Gianfranco Zola are believed to be out of the running but with the World Cup reaching a conclusion, several high-profile managers will be available. These include Paul Le Guen, previously with Cameroon, and another Frenchman, Raymond Domenech.
Former Tottenham striker and Germany coach, Jurgen Klinsmann is also believed to be in the running, however United States coach Bob Bradley is not being considered.
Following the success of Hodgson in taking Fulham into seventh place in the Premier League and then delivering them to the Europa League final, Fayed is keen to appoint a big name to announce the club's intentions.
Ray Lewington, the caretaker since the departure of Hodgson to Liverpool, will take charge in the friendly against Brentford, at Griffin Park next Wednesday. The new man could be announced by the time Fulham go to Bournemouth a week on Saturday but may just watch from the stands before flying out with his new squad to Sweden.
Eriksson remains the favourite as he is well known by Alistair Mackintosh, the Fulham chief executive, from their time together at Manchester City.
http://www.newcastleunited-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/clarky_not_what_fulham_want_535909/index.shtml (http://www.newcastleunited-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/clarky_not_what_fulham_want_535909/index.shtml)
Clarky Not What Fulham Want
Fulham will name the successor to Roy Hodgson at the end of next week ... but former Toon favourite Lee Clark has dropped down the list.
Although the Huddersfield Town boss was linked with the job last week, it seems the London club have bigger fish to fry.
The new manager will be named shortly before the players fly to Sweden for a training camp on July 19.
It has emerged that while Sven-Goran Eriksson remains the most likely man to replace Hodgson, however a new contender has emerged: Slaven Bilic, the former West Ham and Everton player.
Glenn Hoddle, Mark Hughes, Tony Mowbray, Alan Curbishley and Gianfranco Zola are believed to be out of the running.
Ray Lewington, the caretaker since the departure of Hodgson to Liverpool, will take charge in the friendly against Brentford, at Griffin Park next Wednesday
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1292894/Coming-going-Goalkeeper-David-James-set-Portsmouth-talks-fresh-contract.html? (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1292894/Coming-going-Goalkeeper-David-James-set-Portsmouth-talks-fresh-contract.html?)
Goalkeeper David James set for Portsmouth talks as Tal Ben Haim interests Panathinaikos
David James will hold talks with Portsmouth today about extending his contract with the Championship club.
The England goalkeeper is 40 next month and has been asked to take a pay cut on his £40,000-a-week wages to stay at Fratton Park.
He is keen to carry on playing and, despite interest from Fulham, Tottenham, West Ham and West Brom, has yet to receive a firm offer.
James's agent Colin Gordon said: 'It is not inevitable that David is going to leave Portsmouth.'
Panathinaikos are interested in Portsmouth defender Tal Ben Haim.
The Israel international has returned for training at Fratton Park after a move to West Ham collapsed over wage demands and agent fees.
The 28-year-old can leave on a free transfer as he had a clause in his contract which kicked in once Portsmouth were relegated.
However, he can choose to stay on the south coast if he is unable to find a new club.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1292894/Coming-going-Goalkeeper-David-James-set-Portsmouth-talks-fresh-contract.html?#ixzz0t4UKJp8R (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1292894/Coming-going-Goalkeeper-David-James-set-Portsmouth-talks-fresh-contract.html?#ixzz0t4UKJp8R)
http://www.tribalfootball.com/fulham (http://www.tribalfootball.com/fulham)'s-dempsey-linked-ac-milan-958741?
Fulham's Dempsey linked with AC Milan
Fulham midfielder Clint Dempsey is being linked with a move to Italian giant AC Milan.
Yahoo!Sports suggests that the 27-year old USA international is attracting plenty of interest from the Serie A outfit and the report also said that Fulham officials were aware of the curiosity shown by the Rossoneri.
"We're aware that if a club like Milan comes in, it's hard for a player to say no," a source lost to Fulham said.
Dempsey was impressive for the USA at the World Cup, following on from his stellar form in the English Premier League and Europe League with the Cottagers last term.
Brede staying?
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/8798237.stm (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/8798237.stm)
Arsenal sign Lorient defender Laurent Koscielny
Arsenal have bolstered their defence by signing centre-back Laurent Koscielny from Lorient for an undisclosed fee.
The 24-year-old Frenchman, who has signed a long-term contract, is also eligible to play for Poland.
"We identified him as a very strong centre-half, who has made big progress very quickly," said boss Arsene Wenger.
Koscielny improves Wenger's defensive options as Sol Campbell is mulling over a new one-year deal and William Gallas and Mikael Silvestre likely to leave.
Having sold Philippe Senderos to Fulham and with Gallas and Silvestre believed to have played their last games for the club after their contracts expired, Koscielny will provide Wenger with more defensive depth.
The central defender's move to the Emirates completes a remarkable rise for a footballer who was playing for Ligue 2 side Tours last year.
"Koscielny is a central defender with great ability who performed extremely well last season for Lorient," added Wenger.
"He has shown he is mentally strong, he's a fighter and a very strong competitor. Koscielny is a great addition to our squad."
Koscielny is Arsenal's second acquisition this summer, with Morocco striker Marouane Chamakh having joined from Bordeaux before the World Cup.
"In Arsene Wenger, Arsenal have one of the best managers in the world and I can't wait to work with him and do my best for the Arsenal supporters," said Koscielny, who will wear the number six shirt next season.
"It's true that it's a great league, physical. I'll have to adapt and give everything in training to get to the level for the Premier League.
"I have a certain apprehension. It's the start of a new adventure. I will give my maximum to play in the team."
Media reports said the deal was worth £10m.
http://www.sport.co.uk/news/Football/40432/Wenger_Almunia_gets_nervous_on_big_matches_thereby_making_silly_mistakes.aspx (http://www.sport.co.uk/news/Football/40432/Wenger_Almunia_gets_nervous_on_big_matches_thereby_making_silly_mistakes.aspx)
Wenger: Almunia 'gets nervous on big matches, thereby making silly mistakes.'
Author: Andrew Allen
Posted on:08 July 2010 - 09:47
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed that the club will make an announcement on the goalkeeping situation at the Emirates after the World Cup. The Gunners have been linked with a host of top names in recent months with the likes of Fulham's Mark Schwarzer, Lyon's Hugo Lloris, Monaco's Stephane Ruffier and Nigerian stopper Vincent Enyeama all tipped to move to north London.
Last season both Manuel Almunia and Lukasz Fabianski made high-profile mistakes during important matches which cost Arsenal dearly in the final weeks of the Premier League season. Reflecting on the form of his number one, while hinting that change could be on the way, Wenger told Kenyan newspaper The Standard:
"Manuel Almunia Rivero is a talented goalkeeper. In training, he is superb, the only problem is that he gets nervous on big matches, thereby making silly mistakes.
"After the World Cup, we will be making an announcement on goalkeeping."
Arsenal yesterday confirmed the arrival of French-Polish defender Laurent Koscielny from Ligue 1 side Lorient. The centre-back looks set to take one of the positions made vacant by Philippe Senderos and William Gallas while further recruits could be made if Sol Campbell and Mikael Silvestre reject new deals.
http://www.teamtalk.com/fulham/6251508/DJ-agent-Pompey-exit-not-inevitable (http://www.teamtalk.com/fulham/6251508/DJ-agent-Pompey-exit-not-inevitable)
DJ agent: Pompey exit not inevitable
Thursday 8th July 2010 9:47
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James: Could stay at Pompey
.
.David James' agent says the England goalkeeper, a summer target for Fulham, West Brom and West Ham, could still stay at Portsmouth.
The 39-year-old was expected to leave Fratton Park this summer following Pompey's relegation last season.
James' contract is at an end and he has previously admitted that he would like to keep plying his trade in the top flight, with the Cottagers, Baggies and Hammers all reportedly interested.
However, there has been no news of any official offers and it is now believed that he will hold talks with Portsmouth about an extension.
James may be asked to take a pay cut but his representative, Colin Gordon, has indicated that he could decide to remain with the South Coast club.
"It is not inevitable that David is going to leave Portsmouth," Gordon said in the Daily Mail.
Swedish Friendly Matches
Thursday 8th July 2010
Fulham FC News
The Club can confirm that Fulham will play two competitive matches whilst preparing for the 2010/11 Barclays Premier League season in Sweden.
The Team will be staying in Varberg, Sweden, from the 19th to the 28th July and during their stay will play Halmstad and Malmo FF.
Fulham will play Halmstad on Thursday 22nd July (KO 8pm local time) at the Örjans Vall Stadium, Halmstad, before challenging Malmo FF on Tuesday 27th July (KO 7pm local time) at the Swedbank Stadion, Malmö.
Ticket information for both pre-season friendly matches will be published on fulhamfc.com in due course.
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Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/July/SwedishFriendlyMatches.aspx#ixzz0t56liKtB (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/July/SwedishFriendlyMatches.aspx#ixzz0t56liKtB)
http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/July/HughesNewSeason.aspx? (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/July/HughesNewSeason.aspx?)
Top Ten Target(http://www.fulhamfc.com/Images/MainNews/NewsPages/Players/Hughes/General3.jpg)
Fulham's third day of pre-season training commenced on Thursday morning with preparations underway for next week's friendly fixtures against Brentford and Bournemouth.
After a welcome summer break following last season's extended campaign, the players are now planning for another successful Barclays Premier League season, as Aaron Hughes explained to fulhamfc.com.
"We're just being eased back into it," said Hughes of this week's fitness programme. "Obviously we've had a reasonable break but it's now about getting us ready for the games we've got next week.
"Now we're back it doesn't seem like we've been away but when we were away, through the break, I wanted to get back into it.
"The first few days are always a strange feeling. I did a little bit over the summer but after a long hard season I pretty much took it easy.
"I've got two young girls so keeping up with them round the pool on holiday kept me busy enough without exercise!
"A successful season for us again would be to finish in the top ten. To do that would be a great achievement and I think that's the case every year. Now we've got to make sure we're fit and ready to go once the new Manager comes in.
"Last season was an exceptional season. I wouldn't call it a one-off as I'd like to think it could happen again, but it doesn't come along very often. It'll stand out in the memories of a lot of people for a long time.
"We've got to look to do what we did the season before and be in that mid-table region for a good, solid finish. If we can get anything higher than the top ten then that would be fantastic."
Before Thursday's training session commenced Hughes was keen wish former Fulham Manager Roy Hodgson all the best as he embarks on a new challenge with Liverpool FC.
"Not too many of us have had the chance to speak to him [Hodgson] since he moved to Liverpool but obviously everyone here wishes him the best. I'm sure he'll do a fantastic job up there."
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/July/HughesNewSeason.aspx?#ixzz0t5g3SEMh (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/July/HughesNewSeason.aspx?#ixzz0t5g3SEMh)
http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=204102 (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=204102)
Fulham - And The Wait Goes On!
The Daily Telegraph carries some interesting theories today with regards to our new manager.
The paper suggests that Sven Goran Eriksson, as we feared, is the clear favourite but that a whole host of names are under consideration. These include names that, as you might say, are newbies.
In the hat, along with Sven, the paper has put Slaven Bilic, Jurgen Klinsmann, Paul Le Guen and Raymond Domenech.
A right mixed bag there with a couple of names that bring you out in a cold sweat.
The paper also claims that there are certain names that are not in the frame anymore and lists, Mark Hughes, Glenn Hoddle, Bob Bradley, Alan Curbishley, Gianfranco Zola and Tony Mowbray as being in this category.
All I know is that the waiting is killing me!
Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=204102#ixzz0t5gPN7k1 (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=204102#ixzz0t5gPN7k1)
http://www.teamtalk.com/fulham/6251745/Cuvelier-agrees-Stoke-switch? (http://www.teamtalk.com/fulham/6251745/Cuvelier-agrees-Stoke-switch?)
Cuvelier agrees Stoke switch
Portsmouth youngster Florent Cuvelier has agreed to join Stoke on a two-year deal, according to the player's advisor.
The Potters are believed to have beaten off competition from Premier League rivals Manchester City, Fulham and Tottenham to land the 17-year-old.
Cuvelier's advisor Alex Levak told skysports.com: "Florent is delighted to have finalised a deal with Stoke.
"He was very impressed by Stoke from the off, their professionalism and enthusiasm, and it did not take long to agree.
"Florent is now looking forward to being back with a Premier League club and pushing into the first-team squad over the next season."
http://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/sport/football/8261490.Bees_squad_ready_for_Cottagers/? (http://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/sport/football/8261490.Bees_squad_ready_for_Cottagers/?)
Bees squad ready for Cottagers
Brentford boss Andy Scott says at least six of his seven summer signings will get a run out in Kevin O'Connor's Testimonial clash with Fulham next week.
The Griffin Park has said every one of his squad will get a chance to impress against the Cottagers on Wednesday, with the possible exception of goalkeeping player-coach Simon Royce.
New boys Craig Woodman, David McCracken, Kirk Hudson, Nicky Forster, Mickey Spillane and Richard Lee will all be involved in the clash celebrating O'Connor's unbroken 11 season stint at the club.
Europa League finalists Fulham could arrive at their traditional derby rivals with a new manager in position following Roy Hodgson's departure for Liverpool last week.
But Scott insists there is no room sentiment when it comes to giving his squad the chance to match up against a top-ten Premier League side - it is all about the coming campaign.
"The way we have structured pre-season means that people will probably have a chance in every game," he said.
"It won't be a case of giving preference to players from last year, everyone who is in the squad will be given a run out against Fulham.
"So it will be a good chance for fans to look at how the team is shaping up.
"It should be a good game and hopefully there will be a good turn out for Kevin."
And the Bees boss reckons his men a raring to go.
"The signs have been good so far. No-one is carrying any injuries," he added.
"Some of the players have come back and recorded better fitness levels compared to this time last year, so we are in a good position already."
http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2010/07/08/mark-hughes-misses-out-on-fulham-job-82029-26812476/? (http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2010/07/08/mark-hughes-misses-out-on-fulham-job-82029-26812476/?)
Mark Hughes misses out on Fulham job
MARK Hughes has been ruled out of the running to become the new Fulham boss.
Bookies once had Sparky as one of the favourites to succeed Roy Hodgson at Craven Cottage, but the former Manchester City manager has not made it on to the club's three-man shortlist.
Cardiff chief Dave Jones and former Whites playing legend Lee Clark, who is the 6/4 favourite on one set of odds, also miss out, along with a string of big names that was 20-strong and rising at the last count.
http://www.tribalfootball.com/eriksson-ahead-bilic-fulham-name-new-manager-next-week-960081? (http://www.tribalfootball.com/eriksson-ahead-bilic-fulham-name-new-manager-next-week-960081?)
Eriksson ahead of Bilic as Fulham to name new manager next week
Fulham expect to name their new manager at the end of next week.
The Telegraph says the club's players may not know the identity of their new manager until shortly before they fly to Sweden for a training camp on July 19.
It has emerged that while Sven-Goran Eriksson remains the most likely man to replace Hodgson, however a new contender has emerged: Slaven Bilic, the former West Ham and Everton player.
Bilic ruled himself out of the running in December 2007 shortly before Hodgson was appointed but Mohamed Fayed, the club's owner and chairman, is known to be an admirer of the Croatia coach.
Eriksson remains the favourite as he is well known by Alistair Mackintosh, the Fulham chief executive, from their time together at Manchester City.
http://www.eatsleepsport.com/fulham/keeper-move-on-hold-1076262.html (http://www.eatsleepsport.com/fulham/keeper-move-on-hold-1076262.html)
Keeper move on hold
Fulham continue to be linked with David James but the player's agent says the goalkeeper could still stay at Portsmouth.
The England international was expected to quit the cash-strapped club after they were relegated to the Championship and the Cottagers have expressed an interest in him.
James is out of contract at Fratton Park but despite reported interest from Fulham, West Ham and West Brom, he has yet to receive an offer and could instead open talks with Pompey over a new deal.
"It is not inevitable that David is going to leave Portsmouth," his agent Colin Gordon revealed.
The Cottagers are waiting for a new manager to be appointed before any decisions on transfers are made but there is every chance James will have got his future sorted by then.
Stoke sign Belgium youth international midfielder
Published 13:01 08/07/10
By MirrorFootball
Stoke have completed the signing of Belgium youth international Florent Cuvelier from Portsmouth on a two-year contract.
The Potters have beaten off competition from Barclays Premier League rivals Fulham, Tottenham and Manchester City to sign the 17-year-old midfielder.
Stoke boss Tony Pulis said: "Florent is definitely one for the future and we are delighted that he has chosen to move here.
"It's a measure of the club's progress and the emphasis we are placing on the development of the youth set-up that we have managed to attract such an outstanding talent to this club when he attracted so much interest."
Read more: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Transfer-news-Stoke-beat-Fulham-Tottenham-and-Manchester-City-to-sign-Belgium-youth-international-midfielder-Florent-Cuvelier-from-Portsmouth-article520237.html#ixzz0t6Txh4El (http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Transfer-news-Stoke-beat-Fulham-Tottenham-and-Manchester-City-to-sign-Belgium-youth-international-midfielder-Florent-Cuvelier-from-Portsmouth-article520237.html#ixzz0t6Txh4El)
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http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2010/07/08/mark-hughes-misses-out-on-fulham-job-82029-26812476/
Mark Hughes misses out on Fulham job
Jul 8 2010 By Jacob Murtagh
MARK Hughes has been ruled out of the running to become the new Fulham boss.
Bookies once had Sparky as one of the favourites to succeed Roy Hodgson at Craven Cottage, but the former Manchester City manager has not made it on to the club's three-man shortlist.
Cardiff chief Dave Jones and former Whites playing legend Lee Clark, who is the 6/4 favourite on one set of odds, also miss out, along with a string of big names that was 20-strong and rising at the last count.
http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2010/07/08/sven-goran-eriksson-closes-in-on-fulham-job-82029-26813670/
Sven-Goran Eriksson closes in on Fulham job
Jul 8 2010 By Paul Warburton
SVEN-GORAN Eriksson has moved into pole position in the race to become Fulham's new manager.
Chronicle sport has learned the former England boss has gone down well with chairman Mohamed Al Fayed as a replacement for Roy Hodgson – and could be installed in time to see his new side play Brentford at Griffin Park in the first pre-season friendly on Wednesday night.
However, Fulham's board are still pondering a shortlist that's down to three this morning – one of whom is Alan Curbishley, even though he strangely distanced himself from the job in comments made on Wednesday.
On top of which, the former Charlton and West Ham manager does not have the same relationship with Fulham chief executive Alistair Mackintosh as Eriksson does.
Both were together at a revived Manchester City until first the Swede followed by Mackintosh, departed at the whim of then City owner Thaksin Shinawatra in the summer of 2008.
Fulham have already ruled out former Manchester City boss, Mark Hughes, Dave Jones at Cardiff, and former Whites playing legend Lee Clark, who is the 6/4 favourite on one set of odds, along with a string of big names that was 20-strong and rising at the last count.
But Eriksson comes with an international CV most of the rest can only dream of – and a list of contacts like Hodgson's that brought bargains such as defender Brede Hangeland to Craven Cottage.
By pure coincidence, Fulham go on pre-season tour to Sweden following the game at Bournemouth on July 17 – and the Whites are particularly keen to have someone in place by then.
An insider said: "It's getting pretty close to the end of the selection process."
