Gus Poyet refuses 'kick and rush' tactics despite seventh goalless draw against Fulham
GUS POYET has risked further alienating Sunderland supporters after refusing to go back to the 'kick and rush' of Peter Reid's successful reign in order to appease disgruntled fans.
Kit Symons claimed Poyet's out of sorts side will not fancy a replay at Craven Cottage. The prickly Uruguayan insists they will, but the Fulham manager looked to have a point.
In defending the latest abject home display from his side, Poyet was adamant that he treats every game as his last.
That message did not seem to permeate through to his players, who looked like they would rather be anywhere but the Stadium of Light.
Poyet admitted to a worrying disconnect between his team and supporters, and left himself open to accusations of paranoia after not for the first time accusing entertainment-starved fans of wallowing in former glories and pining for a return to happier times when Kevin Phillips and Niall Quinn terrorised top flight defences.
"You can't live in the past," said the Sunderland head coach, in the wake of a seventh goal-less draw of the season.
Given a choice between the entertainment on offer at the turn of the Millennia and the less than appetising stuff currently on show, it os hard to agree.
Poyet conceded his side are not easy on the eye at present, and he added: "I admit, that was not nice to watch, but if we're all together, then it's easier. When the stadium is not happy, players don't express themselves.
"Kick-and-rush is very easy but that's not something I want to watch, and we're trying to find something better."
Symons remains confident Fulham can finish a job almost completed by a late Hugo Rodallega shot that thumped against a post, when the sides reconvene next week. "We fancy our chances," said the Fulham manager. "I was confident going into the game, and I'll be equally as confident going into the replay."
Sunderland (3-5-2): Mannone; Vergini, O'Shea, Coates; Jones (Buckley 76), Larsson, Bridcutt, Rodwell, van Aanholt; Fletcher (Wickham 67), Defoe. Sent off: Rodwell. Booked: Coates, Buckley.
Fulham (4-3-1-2): Bettinelli 9; Grimmer 7, Hutchinson 8, Bodurov 8, Stafylidis 7; Christensen 7, Tunnicliffe 8, Fofana 7 (Kacaniklic 76, 6); Ruiz 6; Woodrow 6 (Rodallega 76, 7), Dembele 6 (McCormack 62, 6).
REFEREE: A Taylor (Greater Manchester)
http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/554185/Gus-Poyet-Sunderland-Seventh-Draw-FA-Cup-Fulham (http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/554185/Gus-Poyet-Sunderland-Seventh-Draw-FA-Cup-Fulham)
Fulham Aiming To Beat Out AC Milan For Brescia Starlet H'Maidat
English outfit Fulham are closing in on a move for Brescia's young ace Ismail H'Maidat.
The 19-year-old Dutch midfielder, of Moroccan descent, has blossomed into first-choice for the Serie B outfit this season – which has alerted the attention of bigger sides around Europe.
Tuttomercatoweb report that the Championship outfit are prepared to take advantage of Brescia's precarious financial situation to try and land the talented midfielder this month.
AC Milan have also been accredited with interest in H'Maidat, and developments are set to accelerate in the final week of the transfer window.
H'Maidat has made 19 appearances for Brescia across all competitions this season.
http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/01/fulham-aim-to-beat-ac-milan-for-brescia-starlet-hmaidat/? (http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/01/fulham-aim-to-beat-ac-milan-for-brescia-starlet-hmaidat/?)
Sunderland 0-0 Fulham analysis: Variety is the spice of midfield life and Sunderland do not have it
Sunderland's midfielders all play in the same way at the same pace; individually they may be decent players but they are not a good combination
(http://i3.chroniclelive.co.uk/incoming/article8510862.ece/alternates/s615/JS55246712.jpg)
Moussa Dembele of Fulham with Patrick van Aanholt of Sunderland
Having to do without him for nearly half an hour at the Stadium of Light and actually improving as a team just showed how redundant the third man in Sunderland's central midfield is.
Whether they play 4-1-4-1 or 3-5-2, all season long the Black Cats have had a player just wasting space this season.
So it should come as no great surprise that they looked more likely to knock Fulham out of the FA Cup once Jack Rodwell was sent off than when they had all 11 men on the field.
It is nothing to do with the squad, or even really the players. The blame lies at the door of the head coach and Gustavo Poyet must act quickly to tilt the balance of his side in a more positive direction.
If he does not, the boos that rang out at the end of a seventh 0-0 draw of the season will grow louder until they become chants for Poyet's head.
If 90 minutes of stultifying passivity was not provocation enough for them, taking the names of Niall Quinn and Kevin Phillips in vain afterwards was especially rash by the Uruguayan, not to mention trashing the football played by one of the club's few successful post-War teams.
Poyet was hardly speaking from a position of strength after the fare his own players had just served up.
It is not here yet, but if the day comes when supporters force Poyet out, it will be a waste of a good coach. His own tactical stubbornness is stopping him being a better one, however, and eroding the goodwill won en route to Wembley last year.
As a spectacle, Sunderland's struggle to overcome mid-table Championship opponents Fulham was so dull it was dire. As a result, it was far from disastrous. Black Cats fans will be paying attention to tonight's FA Cup fifth-round draw, while those of ten other Premier League clubs will be finding other things to do.
But the pedestrian performance highlighted the wider malaise Sunderland are suffering at the Stadium of Light this season, where they have won only twice.
With a finisher now in tow, the main problems lie in midfield.
It is an area where Sunderland are well stocked in terms of numbers, yet desperately short of variety.
Rodwell, Liam Bridcutt, Lee Cattermole, Sebastian Larsson and Jordi Gomez are all decent players, all safe in possession, all diligent defensively.
Cattermole's extra aggression provides something different off the ball, which is why he has stood out so much this season. Sunderland may apparently be relaxed about the knee problem which kept him out of the FA Cup tie, but the frailty his body is showing should be a concern.
On the ball, they are much of a muchness. In possession terms, all are "continuity" players – midfielders in the mould of Jack Colback and Jordan Henderson, who keep the ball moving without taking much risk. Glamorous they may not be, but they are valuable. Variety, though, is the spice of midfield life and to be at their most effective they need to play in combination with more exciting, more risky players. And Sunderland do have them.
With Bridcutt taking the place of Adam Johnson, not risked because of a calf problem, Saturday's formation was more 3-1-4-2 than the 3-4-1-2 of White Hart Lane. The bland recipe was crying out for some Italian or Argentinian spice.
While Bridcutt, Larsson and Rodwell played at their own sedate pace, Emanuele Giaccherini and Ricky Alvarez remained on the bench. That Sunderland did not use all three substitutes was incredible. Surely Poyet did not think those on the field were doing enough creatively?
The football they played was safety first, second and third, so there was a morale-sapping inevitability about the replay which will take place a week tomorrow at Craven Cottage.
If anyone was going to threaten it, it was Fulham. While Sunderland had the bulk of the second-half chances, the Cottagers had the best, Hugo Rodallega striking the post in the 87th minute.
Rodwell seemed more willing to shoot than anyone, but mainly from distance. With opposing goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli in unconventional form, it was not the worst policy, but Sunderland really need someone to get beyond the strikers. It had more to do with the clock than him, but it was once Rodwell was off the field that the Black Cats actually tried to get into the penalty area.
Camberwell-born Bettinelli's first save flew off the inside of his right foot from Larsson. His third was also with his boots. Inbetween time he leaned forward and scooped a Jermain Defoe volley to safety. Only his last two saves, dropping onto Defoe's shot and tipping Connor Wickham's over, were from the textbook.
Rodwell could have gone after half an hour, fortunate Anthony Taylor took a sympathetic view of the challenge he made on Konstantinos Stafylidis with his studs showing. Another rush of blood, on 66 minutes, would earn him a second yellow card for trying to stop Bettinelli releasing the ball. It came just as Defoe was finally getting into the game.
He dropped deeper to take the ball in the 56th minute and, although the shot which ended his run was wild, it suggested that, having been starved of service, the striker was determined to start helping himself and the result was three of Sunderland's five shots on target.
Without Rodwell, the Black Cats actually had more of the ball and spent more of it in Fulham's half, but only the last of Bettinelli's saves came in that period, while fellow substitute Ross McCormack's lay-off ought to have produced a winner from Rodallega.
Possession is king for Poyet, but he needs a central midfielder with the devilment to make something of it.
http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/sunderland-0-0-fulham-analysis-variety-8513724? (http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/sunderland-0-0-fulham-analysis-variety-8513724?)
Fulham cup replay tickets cheaper in advance
H TICKETS for Sunderland's FA Cup fourth round replay at Fulham – next Tuesday (8pm kick-off) – went on general sale today. Advance prices are £15 (adults) and £5 (under-21s and over-65s).
Advance prices are £15 (adults) and £5 (under-21s and over-65s). Admission prices will rise on matchday to £20 and £10 at Craven Cottage.
http://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/sunderland-afc/fulham-cup-replay-tickets-cheaper-in-advance-1-7070631 (http://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/sunderland-afc/fulham-cup-replay-tickets-cheaper-in-advance-1-7070631)
Sunderland's Rodwell stepped over the line – Poyet
SUNDERLAND have been urging Jack Rodwell to show more aggression, before the £10million summer signing crossed the line against Fulham.
Rodwell had shown encouraging signs in Sunderland's new 3-5-2 system in the defeat at Tottenham nine days ago.
But the the ex-Manchester City midfielder's tough start to life at Sunderland continued in Saturday's stalemate against Fulham after he was sent off for two yellow cards – the second coming for stupidly preventing the goalkeeper clearing the ball after he was fortunate not to receive a straight red for the first booking.
Head coach Gus Poyet was not too scathing of Rodwell though, revealing that he has been looking to see more bite from the 23-year-old.
Poyet said: "He's trying, I cannot blame him. He's being a bit more aggressive and I wanted to see that aggression from him. Maybe he went a little bit too far on Saturday.
"But I would prefer him to be like that than being relaxed in the game and letting the time go past.
"He's trying, so we need to keep working on him."
When asked when he expected to see Rodwell begin to blossom in a Sunderland shirt, Poyet was evasive, although he admitted that the team's struggles have not helped the England international.
Poyet said: "It's impossible to say. I cannot say a time. It's something that needs to come with the way that we should be playing. There are things that the team needs to do better that we are not doing."
Rodwell, suspended for this weekend's crunch relegation clash against Burnley, will be available for the fourth round replay at Craven Cottage a week tomorrow.
And still being in the FA Cup was the crumb of comfort for Poyet from a desperately dull encounter against the Championship side after a weekend which saw a host of upsets.
"I think if you ask Chelsea, Man City, Tottenham and Southampton if they wanted to have a replay, they'd love it," he added.
http://www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/football/sunderland-afc/sunderland-s-rodwell-stepped-over-the-line-poyet-1-7070546 (http://www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/football/sunderland-afc/sunderland-s-rodwell-stepped-over-the-line-poyet-1-7070546)
Fulham midfielder Christensen says: We were best team in Sunderland cup tie
(http://www.sunderlandecho.com/webimage/1.7070624.1422270755!/image/1108142087.jpg_gen/derivatives/articleImgDeriv_628px/1108142087.jpg)
Fulham's Lasse Christensen tracks Sunderland wing-back Patrick Van Aanholt
LASSE Vigen Christensen reckons Fulham were the "best team throughout" in Saturday's FA Cup fourth round clash with Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.
The Championship outfit deserved their replay against the misfiring hosts, and Danish midfielder Christenensen admitted disappointment at letting a great chance to knock out Premier League opposition pass them by.
He insisted: "We showed that we could come out and play with one of the big boys.
"From the kick-off, we were probably the best team throughout.
"They had a couple of little spells where they could have got a goal, but it was that kind of game, second half especially, where both teams had a few good possibilities.
"The feeling in the dressing room is that we should have won it. That's a good feeling to have considering they're a division higher.
"We should have come away from their ground with a result so we're disappointed but also happy that we showed we can perform against a top-flight team.
"We almost nicked it at the end with Hugo (Rodallega).
"He hit it very well.
"It was one of those games with a little bit of extra luck and a little bit of extra quality and we could have won it."
http://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/sunderland-afc/fulham-midfielder-christensen-says-we-were-best-team-in-sunderland-cup-tie-1-7070627 (http://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/sunderland-afc/fulham-midfielder-christensen-says-we-were-best-team-in-sunderland-cup-tie-1-7070627)
Cup run could add sparkle to season
IF only every away defeat was as enjoyable as Fulham. I would select Craven Cottage ahead of any other, if asked for a list of venues I would like to see Reading lose at each week.
Even Kit Symons, the Fulham boss, admitted Reading were good for a point based on the flow of the game. Usually when the opposition manager says your team deserved a draw it means they should have probably won. Based on chances and shots alone Reading deserved three points but a lack of ruthlessness in front of goal cost them dear with Fulham winning 2-1. Their crucial goal was scored three minutes into stoppage time at the end of the game.
So what made the game enjoyable if the result was so disappointing? Being 50 miles down the road in a picturesque and buzzing corner of London makes Fulham more exciting. A short walk away from the ground there is any number of pubs in which to drown your sorrows.
Huddersfield, Bolton and Wigan are 200 miles away and the grounds are situated in bleak out-of-town retail parks just off the motorway. Visitors to the Madejski Stadium could make the same observation. As time goes on there are fewer and fewer grounds with history, character and charm, giving the outing to Craven Cottage novelty value. From a financial and logistical point of view older grounds probably give clubs a headache, but they do offer fans a far better day out.
On Saturday nearly 3,000 Reading fans travelled to Fulham. Many of them loitered about afterwards, taking the opportunity to enjoy a night out in the big smoke. Nobody was exhausted by miles of speed cameras, weary of the nearby droning motorway, wet-footed from sloshing into a puddle in the dark car park or wind-swept after hours of exposure in the bleak terrain.
This weekend it is back to another capital city, but also to the out of town retail parks. Ninian Park is now a dim and distant memory. In its place, half a mile further out-of-town, is the new Cardiff City Stadium. It is surrounded by vast furniture and clothing outlets and adjoins a dual carriageway, so it ticks all the boxes as far as the modern stadia goes. Cardiff versus Reading over recent years has thrown up some entertaining contests, so fingers crossed for more of the same.
The players say it makes no odds to them whether the game is in the cup or the Championship. Reading put in a request for more tickets, having sold 1,500 within a couple of days of them being made available. Based on that, fans still find the FA Cup exciting and worth watching. They are not going for the post-match drinking in local pubs, the proximity to Reading, or the scenery. The history, the rivalry and the magic of the FA Cup lives on.
For footballing historians there is real interest around this game. The two teams met in the FA Cup back in 1927. For both Reading and Cardiff it was their best year in the cup. Cardiff won it, taking the silverware out of England for the only time. They knocked Reading out at the semi-final stage, which was the furthest Reading have ever progressed in the competition. It was an important year for my trade, being the first time a game was broadcast live on the radio.
Reading need to get back to winning ways against a team also kicking around mid-table in the Championship. Earlier in the season they lost 2-1 but unlike at Craven Cottage when it was the same final score, at Cardiff they finished a distant second.
The season needs some excitement, not of the relegation scrap variety, but of the unlikely cup run involving dramatic wins at big Premier League clubs sort. A win at Cardiff on Saturday might just set that up.
Tim Dellor
http://www.henleystandard.co.uk/sport/sport.php?id=1589201 (http://www.henleystandard.co.uk/sport/sport.php?id=1589201)
Under-18s beaten at home by Fulham
Ethan Ross sent off in first-half
ETHAN Ross was sent off for Albion's Under-18s, as they suffered a disappointing 4-0 defeat at home to Fulham on Saturday in the Barclays U18 Premier League.
The Baggies' No.1 was dismissed in the 43rd minute after bringing down Aaron Redford inside the penalty area, before Foday Nabay slotted the resulting penalty past substitute goalkeeper Evan Moran.
The visitors doubled their lead five minutes after the break through a second spot-kick, but this time it was Josh Walker who stepped up, with the forward making no mistake from 12-yards.
Walker then added a third moments later with a neat finish at the near post, and Luca De La Torre then compounded Albion's misery late in the second-half, heading home from 8-yards-out.
Albion: Ross, Fitzwater, Hallahan, Sweeney, Gregory, McCourt, Cater (Moran 43'), Gannon, Roberts, Elbouzedi (Campbell 54'), Miller (Smith 73').
Unused Subs: Edwards, Field.
Read more at http://www.wba.co.uk/news/article/wba-albion-west-brom-under-18s-beaten-at-home-by-fulham-2226741.aspx#Q2zfb68gJ898JtHg.99 (http://www.wba.co.uk/news/article/wba-albion-west-brom-under-18s-beaten-at-home-by-fulham-2226741.aspx#Q2zfb68gJ898JtHg.99)
FULHAM: Arsenal and Liverpool target reportedly set for MK Dons move
A Fulham youngster has been linked with a move to MK Dons in order for the England youth player to gain more first team action.
The player has been gaining attention from a number of Premier League clubs since his rise through the Fulham academy.
His parent club do not believe that he is ready for first team football and that a move to MK Dons would be a good step for the 17 year-old.
Patrick Roberts, has been linked with a move to the Buckinghamshire club and that Karl Robinson could take him on loan for the remainder of the season, reports Vital Fulham.
Read more: http://www.mkweb.co.uk/FULHAM-Arsenal-Liverpool-target-reportedly-set-MK/story-25923763-detail/story.html?#ixzz3PxG0pzol (http://www.mkweb.co.uk/FULHAM-Arsenal-Liverpool-target-reportedly-set-MK/story-25923763-detail/story.html?#ixzz3PxG0pzol)
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Betts Praises Battling Whites(http://www.fulhamfc.com/-/media/Gallery/2014%2015%20matches/Sunderland%20away%20FA%20Cup/10.jpg?w=350&h=250)
Marcus Bettinelli praised Fulham's battling performance in Saturday's 0-0 draw at Sunderland in the FA Cup Fourth Round.
The Whites proved equal to their top-flight opponents at the Stadium of Light, although Bettinelli was called upon to make several fine saves during the game.
Sunderland also had Jack Rodwell sent off in the second half for a second bookable offence. The midfielder caught Kostas Stafylidis on the 30-minute mark and then prevented Bettinelli from throwing the ball out as the Whites looked to counter midway through the second half.
And the goalkeeper echoed the thoughts of Kit Symons and Lasse Vigen Christensen in being slightly disappointed the Whites didn't leave the North-East with a victory. The two sides will instead meet in a Replay at the Cottage on Tuesday 3rd February (7.45pm).
"First half we played really well," Bettinelli told the official website. "Second half we played well too and the overall feeling in the dressing room was a bit of disappointment. With the way we played, the fact they went down to 10 men, we created some good chances... so we're disappointed we didn't come away with a win.
"It's a tough place to come, it's a long way. Were happy with the way we played and the way we passed the ball. We're disappointed we didn't win but we're pleased to still be in the hat for the next round.
"Before the game we never felt we were the underdogs and were up against it. We were fully confident we could go there and do a job - and we did do a job. If you'd offered us a draw before the game we'd have taken it, but after the events of the game we're disappointed we haven't gone home with a win.
"We'll take the Replay to the Cottage and we'll look forward to that, like we do every game. We'll try and complete the job there."
While Fulham took the game to the Black Cats, Bettinelli had to be alert at the other end, making fine saves from Seb Larsson, Jermain Defoe (three times), Patrick van Aanholt and Connor Wickham.
"It was nice to make a couple of saves," he stated modestly. "As a goalie you take 0-0 all day, it means you've done your job. I was happy with my own performance; I'm always positive and confident in myself. It's just a shame we couldn't get a win."
Bettinelli was involved in the game's main talking point just after the hour when Rodwell prevented the keeper from throwing the ball out and was dismissed for earning a second booking.
"Seko Fofana made a run after I caught a corner and I was about to throw it to him as we'd have been two-v-one on the break," explained Bettinelli. "But Rodwell's tried to grab my arm and knocked the ball out of my hand and it was the right decision by the referee to give him a second yellow card."
Shortly after the final whistle on Saturday, the Whites announced the one-month loan signing of Jazz Richards from Swansea City.
It's a move Bettinelli welcomes, adding: "I'm sure he'll give everything he can to try and improve us and it's good to strengthen the ranks.
"There's stiff competition at right-back, though, Jack Grimmer's done really well since he came back from Shrewsbury Town so Jazz willl have to work hard to get in."
http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/january/26/betts-praises-battling-whites? (http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/january/26/betts-praises-battling-whites?)
Christensen urges Fulham: Don't give Sunderland too much respect in replay
FIT-AGAIN midfielder Lasse Vigen Christensen will relish the chance to knock Sunderland out of the FA Cup in next Tuesday's fourth round replay.
Christensen returned from four matches out with a hamstring problem to help the Cottagers secure a second crack at the Premier League Black Cats.
"We need to just come out like we did at their place and not give them too much respect," said the lively 20-year-old.
"We can show them what we can do. We had a young team (on Saturday), but the two boys up front (Moussa Dembele and Cauley Woodrow) worked hard, kept the ball and caused Sunderland problems all day long.
"We changed the starting XI a bit, but it showed we have a strong team. Sunderland will need to be at their best at the Cottage to get a result."
On his return to the side, Christensen says he "felt good" but admitted to feeling tired after the match.
"You lose that little edge when you've been out for a few weeks," the midfielder told fulhamfc.com.
"The medical boys have given me a hard time and kept me fit but sitting on a bike in the gym is never going to be the same as playing actual games.
"I'm not feeling my hamstring, though, and I've got 90 minutes in my legs. I tried to come back too soon and had to go off against Wolves. You learn as a player with those kind of injuries and I'd never really had one before.
"So I had a bit of extra time on the sidelines and did some more prevention work to make sure I was fully fit. I feel strong. I maybe just need a few more games before I'm back at 100 per cent."
http://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/sunderland-afc/christensen-urges-fulham-don-t-give-sunderland-too-much-respect-in-replay-1-7070626 (http://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/sunderland-afc/christensen-urges-fulham-don-t-give-sunderland-too-much-respect-in-replay-1-7070626)
Swansea City's Jazz Richards aiming to prove his worth at Fulham(http://www.southwales-eveningpost.co.uk/images/localworld/ugc-images/276352/Article/images/25923808/9382620-large.jpg)
Swansea City's Jazz Richards.
JAZZ Richards hopes a loan spell at Fulham will allow him to prove how good he can be.
The Swansea City right-back has joined the Cottagers on a month's loan having slipped down the pecking order at the Liberty following the signing of Kyle Naughton.
And Richards, who could make his debut at Blackburn next weekend, has fingers crossed that a stint in the Championship will bring out his best form.
"I think it's an important time for me to come and try to get some games," he said.
"I'm hoping to better myself and I think Fulham's the perfect place to come and do that.
"I just want to prove to people that I can be that player that I believe I can be, and I'm hoping to do that here.
"Before we got promoted I played in the Championship with Swansea, and I've also been out on loan to Crystal Palace when they got promoted, and then Huddersfield the season later, so I know about this division and I'm looking forward to it."
Swansea-born Richards has made ten appearances this season.
He knows Fulham boss Kit Symons having worked with him in the Wales set-up.
Read more: http://www.southwales-eveningpost.co.uk/Swansea-City-s-Jazz-Richards-aiming-prove-worth/story-25923808-detail/story.html?#ixzz3PxHmF42r (http://www.southwales-eveningpost.co.uk/Swansea-City-s-Jazz-Richards-aiming-prove-worth/story-25923808-detail/story.html?#ixzz3PxHmF42r)
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The Craven Corner: McCormack proving he was worth the money as Fulham show their true colours(http://www.london24.com/polopoly_fs/1.3926069.1421915069!/image/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_630/image.jpg)
Fulham's Ross McCormack in action against Nottingham Forest (Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images)
Our Fulham blogger reflects on a positive few weeks at Craven Cottage
It has been a few weeks since my last post on The Craven Corner but finally we have something to cheer about. A tremendous first half display against Nottingham Forest lifted the spirits in the camp last week and Ross McCormack proved why he is one of the most valuable players outside of the Premier League. I can't criticise McCormack in any way, shape or form since he has joined the club. Apparently he cost around £6million upfront and there are add-ons over the next few years, but his work-rate, commitment, assists and goals are worth every penny. Ross is a player you'd want your children to watch week in week out as he blends all the hard work and grit with elegance and control. In my opinion, he would easily become a great captain at the club, should Scott Parker's legs start to fade.
But this season has been a rollercoaster since day one and after the chaos of Felix Magath, I suppose we're finally starting to get our Fulham back. We're building a spine to the club and we're starting to see a regular XI being fielded most weeks. With that comes consistency, something we never had under the mad German. Consistency allows the players to gel together and understand each other's playing style, creating partnerships and teamwork, for example in the partnership of Hugo Rodallega and McCormack. Furthermore, credit where credit is due, Kit Symons has handled Bryan Ruiz with care and brought out the best in the Costa Rican. Every time the playmaker is on the pitch we play better as a side. Knowing that Kit has persuaded Bryan to stay until the end of the season, at least, is great news. His elegance and class creates so much space for Rodallega and McCormack to exploit defences. If miracles do occur, then the board would sign Bryan and Hugo to new deals this month even - if we only keep them for one more season.
Yes, we have younger players coming through and that's great to see, but a lot of them are jumping from Under-18s to senior football, which is a gigantic leap for anyone despite how talented you may be. Most players make their progress up the squads and play u21's an reserve games for a season before getting their debut. This is something I believe Kit has noticed and with many of our youngsters being linked with loan moves, it's clear they need gametime at a lower level to provide them with playing experience and give them the opportunity to bulk up.
There's still time to add to the squad this month, and with the signing of Jazz Richards, I would expect that any other arrivals will be on a loan basis. The reason being is that it's relatively cheap, we can see if the player suits the system and works and provides temporary cover whilst our youth gain experience elsewhere. Richards will provide the quality we've missed at right back until Tim Hoogland is fit again. The former Swansea man has played in the Premier League this season and is a player that Kit has watched on numerous occasions, according to a number of reports. I do expect the club to find a few loan moves for many fringe players and this will see who's in Kit's long-term plans.
While I hate to be negative, we have to view the second half of the season as an experiment. With promotion realistically out of our hands, the second half of the season provides a great opportunity to try new formations and positions for players and give the managerial staff a strong idea on how they will recruit in the summer. In an ideal world, I'd sign Kostas Staflyidis this season without any hesitation. The young Greek has already proved that he is the answer to our problems at left back and being so young, it would be a strong investment should he develop further. Obviously the summer will see many of Felix's recruits sold on or released from the club after stealing a wage from the club for year; Mark Fotheringham, Adil Chihi, Dino Fazlic etc. It's a shame really that these players haven't been included in the games as it's a waste of a year for their own development but it does raise the question; why were they signed in the first place? It's clear that they are not up to the standards that the club requires.
Another possible exit is Chris David, which is a real shame because the young Dutchman has all the qualities to become a key player in our squad but for one reason or another has not featured under Symons. It also seems that many Dutch reports are linking him with a move back home, and if Ruiz does stay for another season there isn't enough room in the squad to accommodate both sadly.
Finally, I can't be the only one who is over the moon to see the return of Alexander Kacaniklic and Ryan Tunnicliffe. Tunnicliffe has returned to the starting XI and whilst he is still settling back into the side, he is already showing signs that he can take over that holding role as Parker gets older. There is no doubting the ability of Tunnicliffe and his tenacity is key asset to the side, allowing the midfield to press and retain a high tempo from the first minute. The return of Kacaniklic did initially make me think that Kit was looking to change the system, but his introduction playing behind the striker looks like a masterstroke. With him and super Lasse Vigen Christensen running at defenders at pace, we look like a more dangerous side when we have the ball.
The second half of the season will be an exciting one despite not having too much to play for. Let's get behind Kit and the squad and show our support.
http://www.london24.com/sport/football/clubs/fulham/the_craven_corner_mccormack_proving_he_was_worth_the_money_as_fulham_show_their_true_colours_1_3930642 (http://www.london24.com/sport/football/clubs/fulham/the_craven_corner_mccormack_proving_he_was_worth_the_money_as_fulham_show_their_true_colours_1_3930642)
Chris Young's analysis: Bigger concerns for Poyet than Sunderland crowd(http://www.sunderlandecho.com/webimage/1.7070609.1422291439!/image/647229668.jpg_gen/derivatives/articleImgDeriv_628px/647229668.jpg)
Steven Fletcher threatens the Fulham goal. Picture by Frank Reid
IT'S A DANGEROUS path for a manager to tread when he makes comments that are perceived as derogatory by supporters.
More than three years on, those "expectations" monologues of Steve Bruce are still a target for derision.
Considering Sunderland have registered a pathetic eight Premier League wins in 24 months of football at the Stadium of Light, the 40,000-odd regulars can be forgiven for the odd grumble.
Neither have Sunderland exactly set a positive tone in their last two home games after first-half displays that have been mind-numbingly flat.
When those foundations are laid, it's no wonder that the sloppy giveaway, the loose ball into touch or yet another pass backwards is not met with the most positive of reactions.
But does Gus Poyet have a point about a disconnection between team and supporters, and a need for greater patience in the stands?
Clearly something is wrong at the Stadium of Light.
It's not a problem of Poyet's making. It has stretched back to when Bruce was in charge.
But it's the second time Poyet has referred to the atmosphere this month, while several players have touched on it during interviews over the course of the season.
When players are short on confidence – and there are evidently a handful currently in Sunderland's ranks – they don't need to be fretting over a mistake, for fear of any subsequent abuse.
In those circumstances, they will inevitably play the safer pass, rather than risk the 50-50 ball.
It's those risky passes which Sunderland are clearly missing to take the predictability out of their laboured, stodgy build-up.
Just look at how many times Jermain Defoe – a player who likes to linger on the last man and gamble on the linesman's flag to a ball in behind – was caught offside. Zero.
But it's a classic Catch-22. How do supporters get excited and enthusiastically back the team, when there's precious little to get excited about?
It took Sunderland until the hour mark In Saturday's FA Cup fourth round tie before they even began to create chances against an under-strength Championship side.
Mental strength is a prerequisite for playing in this part of the world too. You cannot foster an underdog mentality playing in front of crowds this size.
It's why so many recent Sunderland managers have looked towards those players surplus to requirements at Manchester United.
In some ways though, the effect of the crowd on the side is a redundant discussion this week.
There HAS to be a white-hot atmosphere for this Saturday's visit of Burnley; one akin to the raucousness which accompanied the wins over Cardiff and West Brom at the end of last season which secured Sunderland's survival.
This weekend's game is the most-important of the campaign, bar none.
After the rut Sunderland have slumped into since their Tyne-Wear derby triumph, they desperately need just one win – preferably at the Stadium of Light – to re-inject some upwards momentum into their season.
With home games against QPR and West Brom following, Sunderland must begin this crucial period on the front foot.
Inevitably, Burnley boss Sean Dyche will be instructing his players this week to contain Sunderland for the opening 20 minutes and spark frustration in the crowd.
If Poyet's risky, perhaps antagonising, comments achieve anything positive, then it will be to create a universally supportive atmosphere against the Clarets.
However, the head coach has more to worry about than the crowd. In fact, he has much bigger concerns.
If Poyet is looking for reasons behind Sunderland's failure to secure a much-needed confidence boost at home prior to the Burnley clash, then he has to start with his own team selection.
The decision to replace the injured Adam Johnson with Liam Bridcutt just didn't work.
It left Sunderland with a more defensive-minded side than they had fielded at Spurs seven days earlier, with a midfield trio full of graft, but no craft, who were all largely doing the same job.
It emphatically proved that if Sunderland are to stick with this 3-5-2 system, then they need either Johnson, Emanuele Giaccherini or Ricky Alvarez operating in the hole behind the front two.
Poyet had planned to introduce either Giaccherini or Alvarez from the bench before Jack Rodwell's sending-off, but they should have been in from the start.
Without that element of flair, it was no wonder that Defoe and Steven Fletcher were starved of service and had to go looking for the ball.
Wing-backs Billy Jones and Patrick van Aanholt were happy to get forward, yet they were the only outlets.
Seb Larsson and Rodwell had looked far, far better at Spurs when they were deeper and had Johnson in front of them.
Rodwell, in particular, doesn't look anywhere near as proficient playing further forward. A series of wayward long-range efforts during that instantly forgettable first half were testament to that.
But it wasn't just the selection which was wrong.
Sunderland were far too sluggish and sloppy on the ball to worry Fulham.
Too often, players took three or four touches, rather than moving it on first-time, which simply slowed the play up and allowed Fulham to get back in numbers.
It wasn't until just before – and after – Rodwell's mindless second yellow card that Sunderland finally began to up the tempo and the game became stretched.
As a result, Jones and van Aanholt started getting to the by-line and delivering some crosses.
Defoe finally became involved too – three times denied by smart saves from Fulham keeper Marcus Bettinelli.
It's something which has to continue against Burnley.
It's fine adopting a possession-based strategy, but there also has to be the capability of mixing it up and moving the ball quickly.
That's a different thing entirely from the "kick and rush" under Peter Reid which Poyet keeps referencing.
On a day of FA Cup drama – where only one Premier League side triumphed in five meetings with Championship sides – it could have been much worse for Sunderland.
Hugo Rodallega's low drive from 25 yards which crashed back against the outside of the post, with Vito Mannone beaten, at least kept Sunderland in a competition which has suddenly been blown wide open by the elimination of four members of the top flight's current top six.
But Sunderland's failure to secure a place in the fifth round outright was more down to their continued inadequacies at home than any super-human effort from Fulham.
By the time Sunderland head to Craven Cottage a week tomorrow for the replay, they desperately need to have turned over a new leaf at the Stadium of Light.
SUNDERLAND: Mannone, Jones (Bucklkey 75), van Aanholt, O'Shea, Coates, Vergini, Bridcutt, Larsson, Rodwell, Fletcher (Wickham 66), Defoe. Subs not used: Pantilimon, Gomez, Graham, Alvarez, Giaccherini. Booked: Rodwell (30), Coates (55), Buckley (86). Sent off: Rodwell (66)
FULHAM: Bettinelli, Grimmer, Hutchinson, Bodurov, Stafylidis, Tunnicliffe, Fofana (Kacaniklic 75), Christensen, Ruiz, Woodrow (Rodallega 75), Dembele (McCormack 61). Subs not used: Kiraly, Zverotic, Burn, Roberts.
Attendance: 22,961
Referee: Anthony Taylor
http://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/sunderland-afc/chris-young-s-analysis-bigger-concerns-for-poyet-than-sunderland-crowd-1-7070613 (http://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/sunderland-afc/chris-young-s-analysis-bigger-concerns-for-poyet-than-sunderland-crowd-1-7070613)
Sidelined Fulham player told he must bide his time
Burn-ing to play - but Whites defender has to wait
(http://i2.getwestlondon.co.uk/incoming/article7962367.ece/alternates/s615/fulham-v-norwich-11.jpg)
Very high five: Dan Burn celebrates with Ross McCormack
Dan Burn has been told he must bide his time before pulling on a Fulham shirt again.
The central defender was just itching to get on the pitch against Sunderland at the weekend - not least because he hails from just up the road in Blyth.
It's been a spartan time for the 6ft 7ins player since he lost his place, ironically, to another Geordie, Shaun Hutchinson, rated second in our players poll for his showing against the Black Cats.
Burn was a sacrificial lamb in a young side after the 5-0 home caning by Watford on December 5, despite 17 appearances and two goals up till then.
(http://i2.getwestlondon.co.uk/incoming/article8419503.ece/alternates/s615/4546009.jpg)
Reassurance: Symons
However, manager Kit Symons has hauled the 22-year-old to one side to reassure him over his future.
"Dan's a fantastic player, and I had a chat with him about that, because the others are doing well, and someone has to miss out unfortunately," explained Symons.
"That's that at the moment but things change very quickly in football, injuries, loss-of-form, suspension. So like Hutch he needs to keep himself fit and ready. When he gets the opportunity I'm sure he'll be ready to take it."
http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/sidelined-fulham-player-told-must-8518868? (http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/sidelined-fulham-player-told-must-8518868?)
Fulham boss: I fancy us to beat Sunderland in cup replay
FULHAM boss Kit Symons admits that he had mixed feelings after Saturday's FA Cup draw at Sunderland – satisfied by the performance and frustrated by the failure to beat the Black Cats.
The Championship side held their own against Gus Poyet's side, who were down to 10 men for much of the second half following Jack Rodwell's dismissal, and could have secured a last-16 place at the first time of asking had substitute Hugo Rodallega's late effort not cannoned to safety off a Sunderland post.
Now the clubs will meet again at Craven Cottage next Tuesday to settle the tie.
Cottagers manager Symons, who had spoken of his confidence in advance of the match, as reported in Friday's Echo, said: "There's an element of satisfaction to take, but also a bit of frustration really.
"Before the game, I fancied us to win it, 11 v 11 I still fancied us to win it.
"And after the sending off you'll never have a better opportunity to beat a Premier League team away from home, but we'll play at Craven Cottage and I fancy us in that now.
"In the changing room afterwards, we said we've got to pass that ball quicker, make them work and stretch them and then work the opening, and we didn't really do that quite well enough.
"Our quality in the final third has been quite good in recent weeks, but it wasn't quite there today. We had a few opportunities, a few openings but our quality wasn't quite as good as it has been recently, so that was a little bit disappointing.
"But to come to a Premier League side and acquit yourself as we did, I think we should be very proud. So I'm a little bit disappointed but overall I'm very proud of my players – they put a real shift in for the club.
"I was confident before the game and I'm equally, if not more confident now, but also they're top-flight opposition, they've got some excellent players and I think they showed that when they went down to 10 men.
"Some of their boys really stepped up then and upped their game a bit.
"So we won't be complacent and we won't take anything for granted and we'll show them the full respect they deserve in the replay."
http://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/sunderland-afc/fulham-boss-i-fancy-us-to-beat-sunderland-in-cup-replay-1-7070621 (http://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/sunderland-afc/fulham-boss-i-fancy-us-to-beat-sunderland-in-cup-replay-1-7070621)
FA Cup Fourth Round Replay(http://www.fulhamfc.com/-/media/Placeholder/Misc/PA%2021850697.jpg?w=350&h=250)
Fulham's FA Cup Fourth Round Replay against Sunderland will take place at Craven Cottage on Tuesday 3rd February, kick-off 7.45pm.
Tickets for the fixture are priced at £15 for Adults and £5 for Juniors, Young Adults and Over 65's.
Tickets are currently on sale to Season Ticket Holders and Members.
Tickets will go on general sale from 10am on Thursday 29th January 2015.
http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/january/26/fa-cup-fourth-round-replay? (http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/january/26/fa-cup-fourth-round-replay?)
The Poyet error which hurt Sunderland against Fulham
Sunderland went with three defensive-minded midfielders at the weekend.
Sunderland's defensive mentality under Gus Poyet was shown this weekend when the Uruguayan decided to select Liam Bridcutt, Jack Rodwell and Sebastian Larsson to play in central-midfield.
The Black Cats took on Fulham at home in the FA Cup but they did not banish their cautious approach, even against lower league opposition, and that has to be a concern.
Sunderland have struggled for goals this season, but a game against Fulham at the Stadium of Light was surely the perfect opportunity for Poyet to remove the shackles on his side and allow them to win over a disgruntled fan-base.
By selecting three central-midfielders, who are not particularly attacking, the Sunderland boss stifled his side's play, though, and the pressure is beginning to build on him.
Larsson was the most attack-minded of the trio of starting midfielders, but he is not the sort of player to unlock doors with majorly creative play.
Instead, the feel of the team was more workmanlike than flamboyant and it is hardly surprising that a 0-0 draw was all that they could achieve.
With Sunderland scoring just 19 goals in 22 Premier League games this is a persistent problem for the side and one that Poyet must address by simply showing a greater willingness to take risks in his managerial style.
http://hereisthecity.com/en-gb/2015/01/26/the-poyet-error-which-hurt-sunderland-against-fulham/? (http://hereisthecity.com/en-gb/2015/01/26/the-poyet-error-which-hurt-sunderland-against-fulham/?)
Hyndman's U20 World Cup Qualification(http://www.fulhamfc.com/-/media/PlayerActionShots/2014-15/Emerson%20Hyndman/TeamUSA1.jpg?w=350&h=250)
Emerson Hyndman helped his United States team secure qualification for the U20 World Cup with a 2-0 victory over El Salvador at the CONCACAF U-20 Championship play-offs on Saturday.
Hyndman's influence was felt from early on when he led a counter attack to put the ball through to Romain Gall in the 13th minute, but the player then missed the opportunity to put his side in front.
Ben Spencer did open the scoring for the U.S. in the 37th minute, before Paul Arriola made it 2-0 in the second half and Hyndman was substituted on 70 for Lynden Gooch.
The 18-year-old Hyndman had previously played the entirety of the United States U20s' win over Trinidad & Tobago, which left them second in their group to set up the play-off against El Salvador.
It will be the 14th time the United States team have played in an U20 World Cup when it kicks off in New Zealand on 30th May 2015.
http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/january/26/hyndman-qualification-for-u20-world-cup? (http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/january/26/hyndman-qualification-for-u20-world-cup?)
Larsson cites FA Cup survival as the only positive from a frustrating day
SEB LARSSON admits Sunderland underperformed dramatically in Saturday's goalless draw with Fulham, but claims the only saving grace from another disappointing afternoon at the Stadium of Light is that the club's FA Cup run continues.
On a day that saw Chelsea, Manchester City, Southampton and Tottenham all crash out of the competition, Sunderland ensured they would be one of just ten Premier League sides in this evening's fifth-round draw.
They will have to win a replay at Craven Cottage a week tomorrow to progress to the next round, but after playing the final 28 minutes of this weekend's game with ten men following the dismissal of Jack Rodwell, their presence in the hat for tonight's draw is an achievement of sorts.
Not, however, that it felt that way as the Stadium of Light crowd were voicing their disapproval at the end of the 12th home game this season that has failed to result in a victory.
"It's putting it mildly to say that things didn't come off," said Larsson. "It was a poor performance full stop, but the only positive thing is that we are still in the cup.
"You only have to look at the other results to see what can happen, and sometimes football baffles you. We really wanted to go through, but we didn't play well enough to beat Fulham. We will have to play a lot better at their place."
Sunderland's failure to break the deadlock means they have scored just eight goals in their last 13 matches in all competitions, a dreadful record that suggests deep-rooted problems in terms of a lack of creativity and attacking incision.
Gus Poyet's switch to a 3-5-2 formation was an attempt to introduce more attacking options into his side's play, but while the Black Cats were reasonably bright as they lost 2-1 at Tottenham, Saturday's goalless draw was as unadventurous as anything they have produced all season.
While Emanuele Giaccherini and Ricky Alvarez remained on the bench, a midfield trio of Liam Bridcutt, Larsson and Jack Rodwell toiled away to limited effect, even before the latter was dismissed midway through the second half.
"We know we have not won enough games at home, simple as that," said Larsson. "We would love this to be a place where we win more or less all the time, and we are trying our best to make that happen.
"At the moment it is just not happening, but we have to keep plugging away, working hard and keep asking the fans to back us. Hopefully, it will come good.
"This was only the second game where we have played with two boys up top, but something has obviously not worked for us at home in the way we would want.
"At the start of the season we played a lot of the top teams at home, and we just couldn't get enough wins early on. We will plug away, and I am sure we will put it right."
Jermain Defoe's arrival from Toronto FC was an attempt to add some goalscoring threat to the Black Cats ranks, but the former England international continues to search for his first Sunderland goal.
His efforts have hardly been helped by a chronic lack of service from midfield, but Larsson remains confident his new team-mate will prove a success in the second half of the season.
"Hopefully, Jermain coming in, getting match fit and playing will help us," he said. "He was close a couple of times (against Fulham), even though we didn't play anywhere near our best football.
"You can see the ability he's got, and hopefully he can strike a partnership with someone. But there is also a responsibility on us to put the ball in the box and create the chances he needs."
* Sunderland's replay with Fulham takes place at Craven Cottage on Tuesday, February 3 (8pm). Tickets for the game go on general sale at 9am this morning, with advanced purchase tickets priced at £15 for adults and £5 for over-65s and under-21s.
http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/football/sunderland/11748120._/? (http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/football/sunderland/11748120._/?)
Bradford Await Winners(http://www.fulhamfc.com/-/media/Placeholder/Misc/PA%2021850697.jpg?w=350&h=250)
The winners of the FA Cup Fourth Round Replay between Fulham and Sunderland will face Bradford City at Valley Parade in the Fifth Round.
The Bantams secured their place in the next stage following one of the most famous Cup results in history as the Sky Bet League One side came from two goals down to defeat Chelsea 4-2 at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
After their goalless draw at the Stadium of Light at the weekend, Fulham and Sunderland will do battle again in the Replay on Tuesday 3rd February (7.45pm).
Fifth Round matches will be played on the weekend of 14/15th February.
http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/january/26/bradford-await-winners? (http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/january/26/bradford-await-winners?)
Some Sunderland Musingsby LYDIA on JANUARY 26, 2015The FA cup 4th round tie between Fulham and Sunderland gave many fans reasons for optimism. Fulham played a very good game and were disappointed not to win against the Premier League side. The players, many of which have never played against PL opposition, gave a very good account of themselves and will surely relish the prospect of facing them under lights at Craven Cottage next week. Overall the performance was good but I noticed a few things about some individuals and about our style of play.
(http://hammyend.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/grimmer-300x168.jpg)
The first man up for praise is right back Jack Grimmer. Some young players thrive when thrown in at the deep end while others struggle with the spotlight. I'm happy to say that the young Scotsman is definitely the former. In his first couple of games I wasn't sure about him but his display on Saturday was absolutely brilliant. He ran all game and followed his man everywhere. A couple of times when Sunderland threatened a quick counter attack, Grimmer absolutely busted his gut in an attempt to get back and slow down the attack. His commitment impressed me the most but he has certainly taken his chance very well and I'm confident that he will just keep improving.
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I need to be careful when talking about Marcus Bettinelli because the last article I wrote singing his praises was the day before he got sent off and we lost 5-0. However, I feel that his performance on Saturday deserves a mention! Although we kept Sunderland at bay for most of the match, when you have a player like Defoe in your side, you are always going to be a threat. Our young keeper made a number of superb saves to keep us in the tie and his quick thinking to try and get us on the attack after gathering a cross ultimately caused the dismissal of Jack Rodwell. Obviously the aim is not to try and get other players sent off but it was clear that Rodwell was rattled by the youngsters quick decision making and panicked resulting in him illegally trying to prevent Bettinelli from starting an attack. It was positive play and I reckon Symons is making a point of getting the players to take free kicks and goal kicks quickly to catch the other team snoozing. It has been very frustrating in the Championship this season when Fulham have tried to play straight away from a foul and the referee has been having none of it. One thing that I would say about Bettinelli is that I think a couple of times he probably could have caught the ball rather than tipping it over for a corner, but all in all he is turning out to be a fantastic talent.
(http://hammyend.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/TunniPreSeasonPlace-300x300.jpg)
I really like the look of Ryan Tunnicliffe. He is another one who will work back, put in a good tackle and breakup play. He is also quite a safe player. Ruiz kept trying to do these fancy little flicks that weren't always working while Tunnicliffe was keen to find the safe pass. His vision is good so although a pass might be 'safe' he plays it early and can start a decent attack. I think he is the sort of player who will learn a lot under Parker and will be a similar type of player to him when he meets his full potential.
I found our style of play quite frustrating at times. We held the ball for much longer than Sunderland but too often we couldn't find the final ball. Fofana still has a lot of learning to do. At times he looks smashing, while at other times he just holds on to the ball and runs it straight into the defender. I would much rather that he made the pass every time, than tried to go on his own and score one wonder goal a season. If he sorts out his decision making then he could go very far. When he heads back to City he should learn a lot from Yaya Toure as he likes to do the same driving runs that we see so often from Toure. However, the final product hasn't been there yet so he still has a lot to learn.
There was a noticeable change in Fulham when Alex Kacaniklic came on in the 2nd half. It was the first time that a Fulham player really charged at the Sunderland defence with pace and, again, with better decision making in the final third, Fulham could have had a few more chances because of him. It looks like he has really benefited from his time out on loan and I reckon that he is going to be a key player for us in the 2nd half of the season. It's important that we kept hold of him this summer.
The final thing I noticed was that it seems that Kit Symons is getting better at his substitutions. When he first took over that was really the only criticism that people were making, that he was waiting far to long to change the team up. I thought that the subs on Saturday were all good ones and it looks like he is learning more every game. It's exciting to have a manager who really wants to be here for the long haul.
We played better than Sunderland on Saturday and with better decisions in the final 3rd we could have scored a few goals. Now lets not get ahead of ourselves, Sunderland are a struggling PL team, but it is encouraging to see our players really putting in a performance. More of the same will be needed when we face them next week, especially if they have the likes of Adam Johnston back from injury. If we progress we will have an exciting trip to Bradford to face the giant killers. It really could be the year for an exciting cup run for us!
#COYW
http://hammyend.com/index.php/2015/01/some-sunderland-musings/? (http://hammyend.com/index.php/2015/01/some-sunderland-musings/?)
Everton U21 3-3 Fulham U21
Late Kenny goal secures a point for young Blues.
Everton twice came from behind to clinch a point against U21 Premier League middlers Fulham on a cold Monday evening at the Merseyrail Community Stadium.
The young Toffees had a torrid start as goals from Adam Taggart and Freddy-Ange Plumain put them in a hole inside 20 minutes.
But the home side responded thanks to a brilliant David Henen strike, and a Joe Williams header just before half time.
Fulham retook the lead in the second half as Buomesca Tue Na Bangna steered the ball past Mateusz Hewelt, but Everton pulled back level through Jonjoe Kenny.
Manager David Unsworth had named two changes to the side that defeated West Ham United in the last game, as Brendan Galloway and goalscorer Williams came in to replace Tyias Browning and Conor McAleny –both of whom travelled with the senior team to their training camp in Qatar.
The young Blues started off well, creating the first chance of the game as Henen's tricky run ended up with Fulham goalkeeper Magnus Norman pushing the ball out for a corner.
But the tide soon turned and it wasn't long before they found themselves behind. Fulham broke from an Everton corner and the ball found its way to Taggart, who made little mistake in dispatching the opener.
Fulham could easily have had their second just minutes later, as two Hewelt miskicks almost presented Fulham with clear sights at goal, but the Everton defence was alert on both occasions to get rid of the danger.
But the visitors kept knocking at the door and took advantage of some more farcical defending from the home side to double their advantage.
Midfielder Tom Richards received the ball in the centre of the park and took it forward before finding Plumain alone and unmarked on the left who slotted the ball past the goalkeeper for his fourth in three games.
With the momentum solely with Fulham, Everton needed something big to help them find a route back into the match, and they received just that courtesy of a fantastic 30-yard strike from on-loan Belgian Henen, whose effort gave the 'keeper no chance as it whistled into the top corner.
He then almost pulled his side back level, but he just missed Matthew Kennedy's low cross with his outstretched boot as it flashed across the face of goal.
Everton, visibly buoyed by Henen's goal continued to endeavour for the equaliser, and finally got it on the stroke of half time as Joe Williams' looping header from another Kennedy cross found its way into the Fulham goal.
Everton emerged for the second half with Ryan Ledson replacing Conor Grant, and the young midfielder soon found himself at the centre of the action.
With Jonathan Buatu on the ball, Ledson steamed in with a tough challenge which left the Fulham player screaming in pain. The Everton player appeared to win the ball, but Buatu was taken off after receiving medical attention from the team doctors.
Everton continued to push for a winner, but they were unable to turn a succession of corners into a goal as the Fulham defence managed to scramble clear.
The second 45 minutes was mostly dominated by the home side, but they would be undone by more poor defending, as Plumain was allowed to patrol the left wing before finding Mesca, who neatly curled the ball around Hewelt in the Everton goal to give the visitors back the lead.
But not to be outdone, Everton struck back just five minutes after Kenny steered substitute Kieran Dowell's across the line.
There was still time for late heroics but Everton's third substitute of the evening, George Green, saw his shot from the corner of the area whizz just past the post and out for a goal kick.
The draw helps Everton move into fifth keep pace with Tottenham Hotspur at the Barclays U21 Premier League's summit, while Fulham hop above Norwich and Leicester's under-21 teams into seventh.
Everton U21: Hewelt (GK), Jones, Connolly, Junior (Dowell, 80'), Galloway, Jenny, Williams, Grant (Ledson, 46'), Duffus, Henen, Kennedy (Green, 66') Subs: Hunt (GK), Ledson, Dowell, Green, Langton
Fulham U21: Norman, Baba, Evans, Sambou, Buatu (Della Verde, 55'), Passley, Mesca, Richards, Taggart (Edun, 75'), Williams, Plumain Subs: Barnes (GK), Della Verde, Edun, Redford, Humphrys
Man of the Match: David Henen
Referee: S Lucas
http://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2015/1/26/7917791/everton-u21-3-3-fulham-u21 (http://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2015/1/26/7917791/everton-u21-3-3-fulham-u21)
FA Cup draw: Bradford co-chairman issues warning to Sunderland and Fulham
Bradford co-chairman Mark Lawn does not think Sunderland or Fulham will fancy the trip to Valley Parade in the fifth round of the FA Cup.
Monday night's draw pitched Chelsea's unlikely conquerors into a home tie with either Gus Poyet's Premier League Black Cats or Kit Symons' Championship side, who are due to replay next week after a 0-0 draw on Saturday.
"We're at home, I think we can win at home," he told Sky Sports News. "They won't want to come down here and get this lot (the fans) bouncing. I don't think Sunderland or Fulham will want to come to Valley Parade."
City's 4-2 win at Chelsea - having been 2-0 down to the Premier League leaders - is already one of the cup's greatest upsets and another feather in the cap of manager Phil Parkinson.
The former Charlton boss oversaw Bradford's run to the League Cup final in 2013 and earlier this season took the scalp of Leeds in the same competition.
Lawn, though, is confident that his man will stay at the helm despite the interest he is likely to generate.
"He's got 18 months left to run and we don't want him to go anywhere," he added. "I think he's a bit rubbish, so all the other teams, keep your bloody hands off!"
City last faced Sunderland back in December 2003 where they lost 3-0 with a side containing the likes of Wayne Jacobs and Dean Windass. Their last meeting with Fulham came further back in 1994, a 0-0 draw.
Bradford were not the only side to cause a shock at the weekend, with Middlesbrough's 2-0 win at Manchester City equally worth of praise. Aitor Karanka's Championsip high-fliers will now head to holders Arsenal, who beat Brighton on Sunday.
League Two Cambridge, who held Manchester United to a home draw, head to Old Trafford next week with the winners headed for a clash with Sheffield United or Preston.
On Monday night Stoke won 4-1 at Rochdale to lay on a meeting with Blackburn, manager Mark Hughes' former club.
"It will be good to go back," said Hughes. "I have good memories of my time there and there are lots of people I know still there."
Hughes admitted the fear of an upset drove his side on and said: "I mentioned what happened to the players over the weekend before the match. It would have been foolish not to.
"There was a reason why the television cameras were here - people were hoping for an upset, but we didn't want to be a part of that."
Liverpool and Bolton will replay for the right to go to Crystal Palace, while Leicester and Aston Villa meet in a Midlands derby. West Brom face West Ham at home and Derby play host to Reading in an all-Championship affair to round off the draw.
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/fa-league-cups/fa-cup-draw-bradford-cochairman-issues-warning-to-sunderland-and-fulham-10004560.html (http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/fa-league-cups/fa-cup-draw-bradford-cochairman-issues-warning-to-sunderland-and-fulham-10004560.html)
