http://www.cradlebay.co.uk/index.php/2010/08/08/football-transfer-news-and-rumours-sunday-8-august/ (http://www.cradlebay.co.uk/index.php/2010/08/08/football-transfer-news-and-rumours-sunday-8-august/)
Ferguson Runs Rule Over Ozil
Sir Alex Ferguson was at Fulham yesterday to watch German World Cup star Mesut Ozil who was appearing for Fulham's opponents yesterday, Werder Bremen. The 21-year-old has been linked with a move to Manchester United but despite Ferguson saying on Friday that he wouldn't be buying any more players during this transfer window he still ran the rule over Ozil in Werder's 5-1 defeat by Fulham. Werder are believed to have cut their asking price for Ozil to £15 million, but that's a fee Ferguson still won't pay. Ozil came on as a first-half substitute for Werder but he failed to make an impact as they were swept aside by Fulham for whom Zoltan Gera scored an 11-minute hat-trick. Werder play Italian side Sampdoria in a Champions League play-off later this month and elimination could result in the German club cashing in on their star player rather than risk losing him for nothing on a Bosman next summer.
http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?click_id=19&art_id=nw20100808112458857C792422&set_id= (http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?click_id=19&art_id=nw20100808112458857C792422&set_id=)
Dikgacoi ruled out of Ghana clash
New Bafana Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane suffered his first setback ahead of preparing his side for the friendly international against Ghana at Soccer City on Wednesday night when World Cup midfielder Kagisho Dikgacoi withdrew due to injury.
Dikgacoi who plays in the English Premiership for Fulham suffered a thigh strain to his right leg and has been replaced by Orlando Pirates young star Andile Jali for the clash against the West African side that reached the quarterfinals of the World Cup played in South Africa last month.
Dikgacoi did not enjoy a good World Cup tournament and in Jali, Mosimane has selected one of the genuine budding stars of South African soccer.
http://trainharder.co.uk/much-changed-england-squad/1824 (http://trainharder.co.uk/much-changed-england-squad/1824)
Much Changed England Squad!
As expected England manager Fabio Capello has picked a much changed squad for England's friendly with Hungary on Wednesday. After the failings in this summers World Cup in South Africa Capello promised there would be changes and he has not gone back on his word. Senior players such as John Terry, Ashley Cole, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Wayne Rooney retain their place despite the changes. If skipper Rio Ferdinand had have been fit it is expected that he would have been included however, the Manchester United midfielder is still recovering form the knee injury which he sustained during England's preparation for the World Cup.
There are a total of 13 players that were not included in the final 23-man squad for South Africa in the squad for Wednesday's game. Three of whom have never received an England cap, with Fulham striker Bobby Zamora as well as the Arsenal duo of Kieran Gibbs and Jack Wilshere coming in. There is also space for Carlton Cole, Ashley Young, Gary Cahill, Phil Jagielka and Wes Brown all of whom missed out on even the provisional World Cup squad. Theo Walcott, Darren Bent and Adam Johnson who were cut from the Provisional squad when Capello chose his final 23 are also included. Out go Mathew Upson, Ledley King, Jamie Carragher and Stephen Warnock, Joe Cole, Aaron Lennon, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Peter Crouch, Jermain Defoe and the retired Emile Heskey. In the Goalkeeper department David James and Robert Green are also omitted whilst new Birmingham City signing Ben Foster comes in along with Paul Robinson. However the Blackburn goalkeeper almost immediately pulled out and announced his retirement from International Football. Leaving Capello with a decision to make: Does he recall Green or James or does he look else where? Peterborough's Joe Lewis and West Brom's Scott Carson being potential candidates.
It also remains to be seen if Capello will switch from his rigid 4-4-2 system, which is clearly outdated in modern football, which was never more evident than in South Africa. The manager's squad sends initially sends out mixed messages on the issue. Five of the eight midfielders included in the squad can be employed in wide attacking roles, although there are four central strikers in the squad. There is also a seemingly sparse amount of deep-lying midfielders, which are needed to employ the 4-2-3-1 formation of choice amongst many of the successful teams in South Africa. With Scott Parker and Tom Huddlestone who were both included in the provisional World Cup squad both missing out. Gabriel Agbonlahor may also feel slightly unlucky not to get a chance after also failing to get an opportunity in South Africa.
So will Wednesday be the start of a revolution amongst the England side or just the start of another false dawn?
http://www.betting-directory.com/football/08082010/john-terry-defies-the-odds-and-fabio-capellos-axe-to-keep-england-squad-place.php (http://www.betting-directory.com/football/08082010/john-terry-defies-the-odds-and-fabio-capellos-axe-to-keep-england-squad-place.php)
John Terry defies the odds and Fabio Capello's axe to keep England squad place
Fabio Capello can't have enjoyed his summer holidays much since his England team's demise at the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa. A display bereft of cohesion, confidence or charachter left the English football fans disgusted in South Africa and many thought that the FA would call time on Capello's time as England manager. However, the Italian was given the vote of confidence and has spent the summer months thinking up a new look squad to play in this week's controversial friendly with Hungary at Wembley on Wednesday, a match that England are 1/3 favourites to win with Bet365.
Capello has selected his first 23 man squad since the World Cup on Saturday, to a shrug of the shoulders more than a raise of an eyebrow. Of the 23, just ten of the players involved in South Africa keep their place in the squad. John Terry and Frank Lampard shouldered much of the criticism after the team's dismal World Cup display but both players keep their places, as does captain Steven Gerrard and centre-forward Wayne Rooney and midfielder Gareth Barry.
Of the new players to be picked for the first time in Capello's squad, Arsenal youngsters Kieran Gibbs and Jack Wilshere will make their debuts whilst Fulham's Bobby Zamora also takes his chance. Carlton Cole and Darren Bent get another stab in an England shirt whilst Ashley Young, Gary Cahill and Theo Walcott also get another chance to impress the England Manager.
Blackburn goalkeeper Paul Robinson was named in Capello's 23-man squad but no sooner was the squad announced than the former England number one pulled out of the squad and retired from International football. One man that will be happy with the squad, other than John Terry that is will be Spurs manager Harry Redknapp. The Tottenham boss had been scathing over the scheduling of this week's England friendly just three days before the season opener against Man City, but neither Ledley King, Aaron Lennon, Peter Crouch or Jermain Defoe were picked for the squad.
http://www.teamtalk.co.za/papertalk/6300707 (http://www.teamtalk.co.za/papertalk/6300707)
Only 1 Fulham point but who doesn't like Paper Talk :dft009:
Paper Talk: Reds winning race for SWP
Liverpool are winning their battle with Arsenal to sign Shaun Wright-Phillips, while Newcastle want to sign Chelsea defender Michael Mancienne.
Inter Milan boss Rafa Benitez is confident he will sign Javier Mascherano from Liverpool for £20m next week.
Fabio Capello insists he was right to axe Arsenal winger Theo Walcott from his World Cup squad.
Newcastle are looking to sign Chelsea defender Michael Mancienne who is rated at £6m.
Liverpool are winning their battle with Arsenal to sign wideman Shaun Wright-Phillips from Manchester City.
Brazil star Robinho will be left out of Manchester City's Premier League squad if they fail to find a buyer for him.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admits he is thinking about extending his contract with the club and if he does he will almost certainly end his managerial career with the Gunners.
Former Liverpool stars Kenny Dalglish and Alan Hansen could be given roles on the Anfield board.
Aston Villa will swoop for Celtic winger Aiden McGeady - once James Milner completes his move to Manchester City.
Liverpool are in talks to re-sign 6ft 7in striker Peter Crouch from Spurs.
Manchester City left-back Wayne Bridge could miss the start of the Premier League season with a broken toe.
Ashley Young will leave Aston Villa for Spurs - if they can offer him a pay rise on his current £65,000 a week.
Turkish club Besiktas want to sign Aston Villa striker John Carew for £4m.
New Fulham boss Mark Hughes could make a loan swoop on former club Manchester City for Ecuador striker Felipe Caicedo.
Italian club Parma are set to make a move for West Ham striker Alessandro Diamanti.
Nedum Onuoha will follow Stephen Ireland out of the door at Eastlands with big-spending boss Roberto Mancini only able to pick a 25-man Premier League squad.
Blackpool have bid £500,000 for Manchester United defender Craig Cathcart and are also set to make a move for Stoke striker James Beattie.
Spurs and Fulham are both tracking former Arsenal midfielder Alexander Hleb who is out of favour at Barcelona.
Turkish side Galatasaray are set to make a £3m bid for Arsenal midfielder Tomas Rosicky.
Rangers have turned down the chance to sign Icelandic striker Eidur Gudjohnsen on a year-long loan deal from Monaco because they could not meet his £40,000 a week wages.
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/08082010/58/transfers-transfers-ferguson-watches-ozil.html (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/08082010/58/transfers-transfers-ferguson-watches-ozil.html)
Transfers - Transfers: Ferguson watches Ozil
Manchester United may yet bring in a big-name star this summer, with Alex Ferguson taking time out to watch Werder Bremen's Mesut Ozil in action.
The United boss should have been training with his side ahead of Sunday's Community Shield against Chelsea, but instead headed to Craven Cottage to check out Germany's World Cup star for himself.
The 21-year-old shone at the tournament in South Africa, sparking interest in his recruitment from the likes of Arsenal and Barcelona.
Werder are desperate to hang on to the midfielder, but his extravagant wage demands may open the door to a move elsewhere.
United have brought in Javier Hernandez and Chris Smalling this summer, but otherwise Ferguson had said he is happy with his current squad and is unwilling to pay over the odds for players in an inflated transfer market.
Fans are thought to be unhappy with that policy, given that United were second best to Chelsea last season, but Ferguson may be tempted to reconsider and assemble a £20m bid for Ozil. (News Of The World)
In other tittle-tattle, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is apparently keen to add to his collection of slight, pacy wingers by signing Shaun Wright-Phillips from Manchester City - but Liverpool may be ahead in the race to seal a deal. (Sunday Mirror)
Meanwhile new Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson thinks the answer to his striker shortage at Anfield is to bring back Tottenham's former Red Peter Crouch and will test Harry Redknapp's resolve to keep him with a £10m bid. (Mail on Sunday)
Not only are Manchester City desperate to offload Robinho, but if they cannot make a sale the Brazilian may not be named in Roberto Mancini's squad of 25 players. (Sunday Mirror)
With the sale of James Milner to City inching ever closer Martin O'Neill is earmarking some of the transfer fee to fund the signing of Celtic star Aiden McGeady. (Sunday Express)
Villa's Ashley Young could be tempted to swap Villa Park for White Hart Lane if Tottenham are prepared to up his £65,000-a-week wages. (News of the World)
Birmingham manager Alex McLeish is keen to sign Moussa Dembele from AZ Alkmaar, but will face competition for the Belgian striker from West Bromwich Albion. (Mail on Sunday)
Blackpool are keen to raid Manchester United's youth team to sign Northern Ireland U21 defender Craig Cathcart for £500,000. (Daily Star Sunday)
And Ian Holloway is eyeing up James Beattie for a knockdown price of £1.5m to enhance his strike force. (Daily Star Sunday)
Fulham boss Mark Hughes is keeping tabs on the future of former Gunner Alexander Hleb - but Spurs are also watching the Barcelona midfielder. (Daily Star Sunday)
Yesterday it was Loic Remy, but today Tony Pulis's striker of choice is West Ham's Carlton Cole, and the Stoke boss is prepared to commit his entire £10m budget to bringing him to the Britannia Stadium. (Mail on Sunday)
And finally, Chris Hughton wants to bolster his Newcastle midfield with Marseille's Hatem Ben Arfa, and they may be able to secure a year-long loan if they raise their offer to 800,000 euros. (Sunday Mirror)
http://www.timeslive.co.za/sport/article591815.ece/Season-opener-shootout-at-Wembley-the-best-bet (http://www.timeslive.co.za/sport/article591815.ece/Season-opener-shootout-at-Wembley-the-best-bet)
Season-opener shootout at Wembley the best bet
A draw must be a real possibility in today's Community Shield clash between Chelsea and Manchester United at Wembley stadium.
The last three editions of the traditional season-opening match have ended with the scores level, all three have featured United (18-10) and in two of them Chelsea (14-10) have been their opponents.
Though the three previous years produced narrow results before the penalty shootout, a draw (22-10) might again be the best bet.
Typically, both sides see avoiding a defeat that would cede the psychological advantage for the long season ahead as more important than going for the win. And nobody wants to get injured here!
Most of the pundits seem to believe Chelsea are nailed-on for another Premier League title this season, in which case they are deserved favourites for this match.
But I'm not convinced. Their squad is ageing and might just be found out this time around.
The season proper begins on Saturday at White Hart Lane in London, where Tottenham Hotspur entertain the side they pipped to this season's Champions League, big-spending Manchester City.
Spurs (15-10) were rather attractive 1-0 winners over Portuguese champions Benfica in a Eusebio Cup friendly this week, while City (17-10) have seemed to be struggling to gel their new, highly paid stars into a unit.
The London side won both matches against City last season, they are a far more settled - and also useful - combination and I expect them to continue on that route over the 5-1 third favourites to lift the title. A draw is 22-10.
Also on Saturday, one would be tempted to take the 8-10 available on Wigan at home against Premier League new boys Blackpool (33-10).
The visitors played like a side with nothing to lose when they sneaked into the playoffs last season and walked away with the big prize. But Wigan, rather unpredictable last term, will want three points to get their season off to a good start.
The claret-and-blue derby between Aston Villa (15-20) and West Ham (7-2) should similarly go the home side's way. Martin O'Neill's Villains were hard to beat last season, especially at home, and could have too much clout for the Hammers.
Even at this early stage the Bolton-Fulham clash could be seen as a bread-and-butter match.
Gary Megson's hard-tackling Bolton (12-10) will be hoping Fulham (22-10), under new manager Mark Hughes, will be as travel shy as they were for Roy Hodgson before he went to Liverpool.
If that is not the case, the Cottagers could be a handful at rather attractive odds.
The Spurs, Wigan, Villa and Fulham quadruple must certainly be worth at least a small punt at 24-1. Without Fulham it's still a nice 7-1. Climb in.
http://www.tribalfootball.com/fulham-players-impressed-hughes-preseason-training-methods-1029421 (http://www.tribalfootball.com/fulham-players-impressed-hughes-preseason-training-methods-1029421)
Fulham players impressed by Hughes preseason training methods
08.08.10 | tribalfootball.com
READ MORE NEWS ON: Mark Hughes, Fulham
Fulham defender Aaron Hughes admits Mark Hughes' training methods have been an eye opener for the players.
The squad seem very impressed by their new Manager ever since he took over, with a number of them commenting on positive training methods and tactical adjustments.
"I think his approach has been good ever since he arrived," Hughes told fulhamfc.com. "Obviously we've been doing well these last couple of years so we don't want to change everything, but there are little things that he thinks can introduce to improve the side, a couple of which we tried today, and it seemed to work well.
"So I've been impressed all week with how training has been and what he's been trying to do, so hopefully we can keep moving forward."
http://www.tribalfootball.com/hughes-admits-fulham-confidence-lifted-after-werder-bremen-thrashing-1029411 (http://www.tribalfootball.com/hughes-admits-fulham-confidence-lifted-after-werder-bremen-thrashing-1029411)
Hughes admits Fulham confidence lifted after Werder Bremen thrashing
Fulham players can draw great confidence from their 5-1 friendly defeat of Werder Bremen, says defender Aaron Hughes.
The scoreline was dominated by a hat-trick from Zoltan Gera.
"It's something to build upon and use to go forward," Hughes told fulhamfc.com. "But today and next Saturday are two very different games, which I'm sure everybody understands. Today it was nice to try a few things that we've been working on this week in training and use it as a boost to morale. Obviously, we're still reaching full fitness, but all in all, a result like this against a team like Werder Bremen is very good to take into next week."
http://www.tribalfootball.com/fulham-boss-hughes-pleased-thumping-werder-bremen-1029401 (http://www.tribalfootball.com/fulham-boss-hughes-pleased-thumping-werder-bremen-1029401)
Fulham boss Hughes pleased with thumping of Werder Bremen
New Fulham boss Mark Hughes was delighted with their 5-1 friendly win over Werder Bremen.
The scoreline was dominated by a hat-trick from Zoltan Gera.
"I thought we were excellent in the second-half," Hughes told fulhamfc.com. "In the first-half we possibly showed them a little too much respect in terms of allowing them too much space in which to operate.
"They're a good side and have talented players, so if you allow talented players time and space, at times they will create things.
"Zoltan had an immediate impact when he came on the pitch with some excellent finishes – in the end we were very comfortable winners.
"It was a good performance in the second-half and fitness wise, we looked very strong. Lots of guys have come back in good shape and have built on the fitness levels they had last year."
http://guardian.co.tt/sports/football/2010/08/08/capello-calls-zamora (http://guardian.co.tt/sports/football/2010/08/08/capello-calls-zamora)
Capello calls up Zamora
NIGEL SIMON
Bobby Zamora in action for Fulham in the England league.
Former Soca Warriors target, Bobby Zamora of Fulham was one of three uncapped players called up by England boss Fabio Capello in his 23-man squad to face Hungary on Wednesday. Zamora, whose father hails from Carenage was called up to the T&T squad for Concacaf World Cup qualifiers last year along with Jlloyd Samuel. However, while the San Fernando-born Samuel now attached to Bolton Wanderers eventually made his T&T debut, Zamora was forced out due to injury. Since then he has not been called up by T&T and the 29-year-old was then named in Capello's provisional World Cup squad, only for injury to rule out that option. However, with Emile Heskey now retired and neither Peter Crouch nor Jermaine Defoe considered, Zamora was an obvious choice this time around, a chance it seemed he has been waiting for a long while.
West Ham striker Carlton Cole has been around the squad before, as has Darren Bent, although Gabriel Agbonlahor will probably consider himself unlucky. The two other uncapped players in the squad are Arsenal duo, Jack Wilshere and Kieran Gibbs. Goalkeepers Paul Robinson and Ben Foster replace David James and Robert Green as only ten of the 23-man World Cup squad return for the friendly. Theo Walcott and Adam Johnson are both recalled but Joe Cole misses out. Strikers Jermain Defoe and Peter Crouch are dropped as Carlton Cole and Darren Bent come in for the match at Wembley. Manchester United's Wes Brown, Phil Jagielka of Everton and Bolton's Gary Cahill bolster the defensive ranks as Capello looks to freshen up the national set-up following a disastrous World Cup campaign which saw England crash out in the last 16. Arsenal have much to cheer from the new-look squad with Wilshere, Gibbs and Walcott all included. Wilshere, who was born on New Year's Day 1992, will become the 10th youngest England international of all time if he plays some part against Hungary.
http://www.espnstar.com/football/premier-league/news/detail/item480188/Fergie-likens-Smalling-to-Ferdinand/ (http://www.espnstar.com/football/premier-league/news/detail/item480188/Fergie-likens-Smalling-to-Ferdinand/)
Fergie likens Smalling to Ferdinand
Sir Alex Ferguson has talked up his newest defensive signing, Chris Smalling, by comparing him to Rio Ferdinand.
Smalling arrived at Old Trafford from Fulham for a transfer fee of £10 million and is likely to play against Chelsea in the Community Shield on Sunday.
With Ferdinand's fitness becoming a greater worry with every passing season, the time seems to be ripe for a young defender to step up and make a name of himself in the centre of United's defence.
Fergie is confident Smalling is that man. In comments reported by The Mirror, he said:"Chris is a very good passer of the ball, is quick, tall and has great potential.
"He needs to develop his upper body physique, but that will come.
"He's like a young Rio and I am sure he will do really well for us."
Smalling himself sounded slightly intimidated by the comparison, admitting he would be nursing butterflies in his stomach prior to his Premier League debut.
"It's possible I could get a chance at the start of the season. The manager has said, 'Just be ready' - he's told me I'm going to be the part of the first team," he said.
"But Rio's are big boots to fill. He is one of the best defenders in the world.
"I like to bring in the sort of attributes he's got.
"Every young defender should look at him and learn.
"But I'll be nervous when I make my Premier League debut for United.
"It's a big jump from where I came from.
"I've already had my friendly debut during the pre-season tour, but when it gets to the start of the season there will be definitely be a few butterflies."
United open their season against newly-promoted Newcastle on August 16.
http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/148179/Zoltan-Gera-s-Fulham-hat-trick-sends-Werder-Bremen-packing/ (http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/148179/Zoltan-Gera-s-Fulham-hat-trick-sends-Werder-Bremen-packing/)
ZOLTAN GERA'S FULHAM HAT-TRICK SENDS WERDER BREMEN PACKING
FULHAM 5- WERDER BREMEN 1
ZOLTAN GERA scored a scintillating 15-minute hat-trick to inspire a Fulham goal feast and give new boss Mark Hughes a massive pre-season boost.
The Hungarian showed his appetite for the new season in devastating style after coming on as a second-half substitute.
Before his arrival, Bobby Zamora had netted in the 53rd minute to cancel out former Chelsea striker Claudio Pizarro's first-half effort for the Germans.
http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/191901/David-James-s-Bristol-debut-a-diasaster (http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/191901/David-James-s-Bristol-debut-a-diasaster)
DAVID JAMES'S BRISTOL DEBUT A DIASASTER
"The 40-year-old ignored interest from Fulham, Newcastle and Celtic to move to City and closer to his Devon home."
http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/sport/football/899775/FULHAM-20102011-SEASON-PREVIEW.html (http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/sport/football/899775/FULHAM-20102011-SEASON-PREVIEW.html)
FULHAM 2010/2011 SEASON PREVIEW
Hughes will make a Mark
WELCOME, Mr Hughes, to the Impossible Job Mark III.
Do not let bemused England boss Fabio Capello let you think that achieving with England is the only thankless task in management.
There are many more.
Mark Hughes himself will testify to that, having spent seven months licking his wounds after being jettisoned from Manchester City.
But how on earth does Fulham's new coach match Roy Hodgson's achievements with the unfashionable west Londoners?
You don't need a Capello Index to know that the performance of the Fulham players during their run to the Europa League Final was off the charts.
And let's not forget an FA Cup run that saw them only lose out on a semi-final place after a tough replay at White Hart Lane.
Reaching 12th in the league may have been five places down on the previous year but no one would begrudge Hodgson that slip.
That is where Hughes must begin. The Cottagers need a solid Cup run and to be pushing hard for Europa League qualification to prevent being viewed as a team that has gone backwards.
Thus far, squad player Chris Smalling is the only noticeable departure, while Philippe Senderos has signed up and Jonathan Greening has made his loan from West Brom permanent.
But losing wantaway keeper Mark Schwarzer to Arsenal could put a real dent in their ambitions. Over-reliance on Bobby Zamora is glaringly obvious so the forward area will be the next pressing concern.
Fortunately, Fulham probably do have the best man at the helm for such a task.
Hughes' relationship with marginalised ex-Ciy players boosted by a wedge of cash from the chairman should remedy the situation, with Craig Bellamy and creative midfielder Stephen Ireland obvious choices to strengthen the squad.
Time is short but Hughes could be a real blessing at the Cottage.
For Mohamed Al Fayed, the appointment of the former Manchester United striker was a no-brainer after failing to prise Martin Jol from Ajax.
The charismatic Fulham supremo escaped the potential banana skin of recruiting and then swiftly talking up someone who would have appeared third-rate and maybe even third choice in the board's plans should some of the others touted for the role been appointed.
Former Tottenham boss Jol simply flirted with Fulham to strengthen his position in Amsterdam, not to mention his pay-packet, at Ajax.
And don't be surprised to see the Dutchman linked with a higher-profile Premier League job in the not too distant future - which, of course, was always his intention.
Instead, you would be hard-pressed to find a member of the Craven Cottage faithful who would argue against Hughes being the best candidate available.
He was also recruited for a snip, as the £2million Liverpool coughed up in compensation for Hodgson will already cover half of Hughes' two-year deal.
And if Al-Fayed is to be believed, "Mark is much better" than Hodgson.
Probably best to reserve judgment on that one for now.
IN: Jonathan Greening (West Brom, undisc), Philippe Senderos (Arsenal, free).
OUT: Andranik (released), Erik Nevland (Viking Stavanger, free), Chris Smalling (Man Utd, £12m).
http://www.socceramerica.com/article/39226/eddie-johson-scores-dempsey-assists.html (http://www.socceramerica.com/article/39226/eddie-johson-scores-dempsey-assists.html)
Eddie Johson scores, Dempsey assists
[AMERICANS ABROAD] Fuham's Americans impressed in the Cottagers' first game under Coach Mark Hughes. Sub Eddie Johnson scored and Clint Dempsey got an assist in a 5-1 friendly win over Werder Bremen.
Dempsey sent the through ball that Bobby Zamora latched on to and finished for Fulham's first goal -- equalizing a strike by Werder Bremen's Claudio Pizarro.
After Zoltan Gera hit a hat trick, Johnson, who came off the bench, scored from close range.
Johnson is trying to work his way into a squad that has loaned him out since he arrived in January of 2008 from the Kansas City Wizards. He' went scoreless in four league appearances for Fulham last season before being loaned to Greece's Aris in January.
Dempsey scored seven EPL goals in 29 appearances last season.
http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/38606933/ns/sports-soccer/ (http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/38606933/ns/sports-soccer/)
Bocanegra makes debut for Saint-Etienne
PARIS - U.S. captain Carlos Bocanegra made his debut for Saint-Etienne in Saturday's 3-1 loss at Paris Saint-Germain in the opener of the French Ligue 1 season.
Acquired from Rennes last month, Bocanegra started at left back and played the entire game. Mevlut Erding, Stephane Sessegnon and Nene scored for PSG, while Dimitri Payet tied it at 1 for Saint-Etienne.
PSG fans from the kop of Boulogne threw flares outside the Parc des Princes before the game to protest a decision that prevents them regrouping in their Boulogne stand. Police forces quickly arrived at the scene and dispersed the supporters.
Story continues below ↓
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Marseille made a disappointing start in the defense of its French league title with a 2-1 home loss to newly promoted Caen, which got a go-ahead goal from Youssef El Arabi on a header in the 87th minute.
American forward Charlie Davies, who returned in preseason matches following injuries sustained in an October car crash, didn't dress for Sochaux as it defeated visiting Arles-Avignon 2-1.
Lyon forward Bafetimbi Gomis collapsed early in the game but quickly regained consciousness and was able to keep playing in a 0-0 draw against visiting Monaco. Gomis already had a blackout while training with the France team two years ago.
___
AUGSBURG, Germany (AP) — World Cup stars Thomas Mueller and Miroslav Klose scored in the second half to lead Bayern Munich past Schalke 2-0 in the German Super Cup.
Mueller, top scorer at the World Cup and its best young player, scored in the 75th minute with a shot into an empty net off a short pass from Klose. Klose took a through ball that beat an offside trap, then rounded goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.
Klose, who had four goals at the World Cup, had an easy tap-in from close range in the 82nd off a pass from Ivica Olic.
Bayern's World Cup stars started training only on Monday after a vacation following the World Cup.
Schalke's new striker Raul Gonzalez, signed from Real Madrid, missed narrowly with a header early. Klose also struck a post in the second half.
The Super Cup was revived after a 14-year break and pits the Bundesliga champion against the German Cup winner. Bayern won both titles last season and championship runner-up Schalke was picked as the challenger.
___
LONDON (AP) — American forward Eddie Johnson scored in the 86th minute, Fulham's final goal in a 5-1 exhibition win over Germany's Werder Bremen.
U.S. national team star Clint Dempsey started at forward for the Cottagers, and Johnson entered as a sub.
Johnson scored from 10 yards off a pass from Zoltan Gera. Bobby Zamora scored in the 53rd minute, and Gera added goals in the 65th, 71st and 76th for Fulham, preparing for its Premier League opener at Bolton on Aug. 14.
The League Championship season opened as Portsmouth lost 2-0 to Coventry.
Forced into financial administration as it was relegated from the Premier League last season, Portsmouth didn't even have a full complement of substitutes after shedding players with big salaries.
Portsmouth's former goalkeeper David James, who played in three England matches at the World Cup, conceded three goals on his Bristol City debut in a 3-0 loss to Millwall.
The teams relegated with Portsmouth fared better, with Burnley beating Nottingham Forest 1-0 and Hull defeating Swansea 2-0.
England coach Fabio Capello selected three players with no international experience for Wednesday's exhibition against Hungary at Wembley: Zamora and youngsters Jack Wilshere and Kieran Gibbs
England's first match since exiting the World Cup in the second round with a 4-1 loss to Germany is the only chance Capello has to experiment with his lineup before qualifying begins next month for the 2012 European Championship.
Sutton eyes new centre-back
Lincoln City manager Chris Sutton has said he is going to delve into the transfer market after admitting Adam Watts' injury situation 'doesn't look overly good' following the former Fulham defender's withdrawal after an hour in the Imps' 2-1 defeat at Rotherham.
The 22-year-old was playing his first competitive game since February after finally making a return to fitness following a broken leg. But he was replaced by Ian Pearce after taking a knock, to which said Sutton said: 'It doesn't look overly good for Adam. He's got a bad knock on his ankle as well so he probably won't play on Tuesday.'
City are woefully short of cover at the back, with Sutton only able to call upon the veteran duo of Pearce and Jamie Clapham, as well as youngster Kern Miller as out-and-out back-up defenders at the club. Asked if he was going to bring in a new centre-back, Sutton replied: 'Yes.'
The City boss also had harsh words for his back line after they switched off at two vital points in the match, after just eight minutes when Adam Le Fondre scored and again in the final throes when Ryan Cresswell headed home the winner.
'I thought we looked nervous first half for whatever reason, but there wasn't a lot in it,' said Sutton. 'The first goal was very poor to concede from our point of view - people make mistakes and they're honest mistakes, but we can't keep making them.
'I thought we could have done better with both goals to be brutally honest. I wouldn't say Joe Anyon was overly worked, but still conceded two. All in all it is disappointing because I don't think we deserved that. There were a lot of plusses, but ultimately it is about results.
'We need to cut out the bad habits that cost us last season. There was nothing in the game and it was one we should have won.'
Sutton continued: 'I don't think they really caused us too many problems. I didn't change anything at half-time, but in terms of how we played in the second half we seemed to up it, got level and in all honesty we looked like we might go on to win the game.
Sutton also admitted he may have a look at the formation and style of play, insisting: 'My job is to assess what personnel we've got and to play a style which suits us. There are plusses and negatives in all formations, but often it's about the personnel. We'll see where we go from here. We've got a few injuries so we'll have to again on Tuesday.'
Over 500 City fans made the trek to the Don Valley Stadium for whom Sutton had words of praise, concluding: 'Brilliant support from the fans, I think the players really appreciated it. I know they are along way away from the pitch, but they travelled in big numbers and we really appreciated it.'
Read more: http://www.lincoln.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=207986#ixzz0w0arxuWr (http://www.lincoln.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=207986#ixzz0w0arxuWr)
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2010/aug/08/premier-league-eclipse-world-cup (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2010/aug/08/premier-league-eclipse-world-cup)
Bright lights of Premier League will eclipse World Cup memories
Ten years ago, when United won for the third season running, we feared nothing would ever change. They will this season
They say World Cups better or worse are swiftly forgotten once the tribalism of the domestic season returns, and the Premier League had better hope it turns out to be true. The temptation at the moment is to greet every golden touch from Frank Lampard with a chortle at his iPod meltdown, or to asterisk anything Wayne Rooney manages with a footnote to the effect that he never performed like that in South Africa.
While it is going to seem odd for a while to reach for the praise quill after spending a whole summer using a censorious black felt tip – it is important to remember not everyone in the Premier League is a World Cup flop. They can't be. Most of them are not even English.
As France and the Ivory Coast also had miserable summers that probably leaves Chelsea and Manchester United with most reputations to rebuild, offering Spain-flavoured Arsenal and Liverpool the chance to make the early running. You don't get teams outside the usual top four even bothering to make the early running any more. With the honourable exception of Hull two seasons ago the prevailing attitude among lower table teams seem to be to go into survival mode from the start and hope three of your neighbours fare worse over the course of the season. The bottom of the top half of the table is just as respectful. Even Manchester City, with all their money, would be happy with fourth place at the end of the season. So would Liverpool and Spurs, while for Everton, Aston Villa, Birmingham or Fulham such an achievement would represent success beyond expectation.
At least there were new champions and a long-awaited new name in the top four last season. Ten years ago, when United had pipped Arsenal to the title for the third season running, there were fears that nothing would ever change. Chelsea's money helped alter that perception, and maybe Manchester City's will over a period of time, not to mention any fresh investment in Liverpool.
Chelsea finished sixth in 2000-01, after replacing Gianluca Vialli with Claudio Ranieri early in the season. Manchester City were relegated with Coventry and Bradford, allowing Bolton, Blackburn and Fulham to take their place and stick around until the present. Initial worries that the Premier League would become the exclusive preserve of the best supported teams in the country from the bigger towns and cities proved unfounded. Even Wigan are now preparing for a sixth season in the top flight, which makes you wonder how anyone can take all the guff about this being the world's most watchable/competitive/exciting league seriously. In light of the fact that the bottom half of the Premier League seems to have become the domain of smallish clubs with canny managers and nimble accountants, it seems unsafe even to predict a short future for Blackpool, though that is exactly what I intend to do.
Fear not, Blackpudlians! Even though I got all the relegation places right last season and correctly forecast that a top-four club would lose its place, my Nostradamus impression was somewhat spoiled by identifying the club as Chelsea. Oh well. Here, for the benefit of those who like to cut snippings from the paper and send them to me with sarcastic comments during the summer holidays, are this season's near certainties.
Chelsea to be champions again. United and Liverpool to be compromised by losing players to injury again. Manchester City to change managers again after an uncertain start. The longest running rivalry in the Premier League, that between Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsène Wenger, to flourish for one last season before one of them bows out. Spurs to hold their own in the Champions League but see their domestic form suffer. Stoke to struggle, Fulham to fly. Joe Cole player of the year. West Brom and Newcastle to stay up. West Ham and Blackpool to go down. With Wigan. Happy new season.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/westham/7932713/Mark-Hughes-and-Avram-Grant-embrace-welcome-change-in-fortune.html (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/westham/7932713/Mark-Hughes-and-Avram-Grant-embrace-welcome-change-in-fortune.html)
Mark Hughes and Avram Grant embrace welcome change in fortune
The expected arrival of a glut of new names to the Premier League has yet to materialise, while there are only three new managers - and all are familiar faces.
By John Ley
Yet, for Mark Hughes - stepping into Roy Hodgson's shoes - and Avram Grant, installed at Fulham and West Ham respectively, the challenges are as demanding as any they have faced.
On Saturday both men put the finishing touches to preparations, Fulham beating Werder Bremen 5-1, thanks to an 11-minute second-half hat-trick from substitute Zoltan Gera, and West Ham beating Deportivo La Coruna in a penalty shoot-out after a 0-0 draw.
The score flattered Fulham - Werder were in control before they made three interval changes. But what an impressive start it was for Hughes, who is still smarting from the manner of his dismissal by Manchester City.
Originally pessimistic about a return to the capital, Hughes was impressed enough, after meetings with chairman and owner Mohamed Fayed and chief executive Alistair Mackintosh, that the club's objectives matched his own.
It was easier to lure Grant to Upton Park. A man with an international background, and one who delivered Chelsea to within a penalty kick of the Champions League, he had worked with both hands tied behind his back at Portsmouth. Relegation last season could not be avoided, but at least he left the fans with the memories of an FA Cup final.
Twenty minutes before kick-off, Fayed set off on his customary half-lap from the Cottage to the directors' box, taking with him his new manager.
The response, albeit from just a sprinkling of fans, was enthusiastic and welcoming, with Hughes waving in a dignified manner before returning to the dressing room.
In his programme notes, Hughes reiterated his game-plan for the coming season: "Today is my first opportunity to shape the team the way I want," he said, before adding "and for them also to show me what they can do."
Werder, fielding 10 full internationals - England tormentor Mezut Ozil started on the bench - were ahead by the 11th minute through one-time Chelsea flop Hugo Almeida, who later struck a post. Ozil came on before half-time, for the injured Tim Borowski.
Werder looked better prepared and fitter but Bobby Zamora stole a 53rd minute equaliser - prompting chants of "Bobby for England". Hughes had warned Zamora not to be a "one-season wonder" and the striker did not disappoint.
Werder made seven changes and Gera, after just five minutes on the pitch, lobbed Tim Wiese in spectacular fashion, before adding two more. Eddie Johnson completed the scoring to enable Hughes to boast a victory on his managerial debut that Fulham hardly deserved. Still, a win is a win, and Hughes will happily take an opening success into Saturday's trip to Bolton.
At Zamora's former club, Grant was also putting the finishing touches to the side that will face Aston Villa.
However popular Gianfranco Zola was, Grant has arrived with a pedigree and a purpose. After the soap opera that followed the arrival of the two Davids, Gold and Sullivan, Grant was appointed early enough to oversee the pre-season arrangements and led West Ham to impressive wins over Greek champions Panathinaikos and Borussia Mönchgladbach.
West Ham were second best to Deportivo in the first half, where they gave a debut to German midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger.
They held on, though, to secure a seventh game without loss and then won the shoot-out 5-3 with England failure Robert Green saving from Juan Carlos Valeron to win the SBOBET Cup.
For Hughes and Grant, the future is looking surprisingly rosy.
Fulham 5-1 Werder Bremen: Sunday Mirror match report
Mark Hughes backed Bobby Zamora to become "one of the Premier League's best" after watching him terrorise Werder Bremen.
With Fabio Capello's England squad announcement looming, Zamora showed great timing to score Fulham's first and tee up Zoltan Gera – who grabbed a 12-minute hat-trick – for Fulham's third goal.
Zamora's exploits were also witnessed by Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, at Craven Cottage to view Mesut Ozil, who starred for Germany in the World Cup.
Hughes said: "You can see the quality Bobby has. He has the ability to be one of the best players in the Premier League."
In torrential rain, Fulham looked uncomfortable against Werder's stikers Hugo Almeida and Chelsea reject Claudio Pizarro, who scored on 13 minutes.
Pizarro met Petri Pasanen's pinpoint left-wing cross to beat Mark Schwarzer in the Fulham goal with an agile volley.
After a disappointing first half Fulham were level within eight minutes of the restart.
Zamora latched on to Clint Dempsey's flicked through-ball to easily beat Wiese in the Bremen goal.
From then on, the stage belonged to substitute Zoltan Gera, the Hungarian smashed in a 25-yard thunderbolt past Wiese on 65 minutes, before he noddedZamora's angled ball home from eight yards for his second just minutes later.
His hat-trick was complete on 76 minutes, as Wiese rushed out of his goal to meet the rampaging Zamora, but succeeded only in clearing straight to Gera who hit the ball into an empty net from 35 yards.
The rout was completed for Fulham by sub Eddie Johnson who prodded home late on.
Read more: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Fulham-5-1-Werder-Bremen-Sunday-Mirror-match-report-Zoltan-Gera-hits-a-hat-trick-as-Fulham-warm-up-for-Premier-League-season-article547163.html#ixzz0w0c2cTbT (http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Fulham-5-1-Werder-Bremen-Sunday-Mirror-match-report-Zoltan-Gera-hits-a-hat-trick-as-Fulham-warm-up-for-Premier-League-season-article547163.html#ixzz0w0c2cTbT)
http://www.timeslive.co.za/sport/article591833.ece/Dikgacoi-bullish-on-Fulham-future (http://www.timeslive.co.za/sport/article591833.ece/Dikgacoi-bullish-on-Fulham-future)
Dikgacoi bullish on Fulham future
Bafana Bafana star Kagisho Dikgacoi is confident that the arrival of Mark Hughes will not negatively affect his future with Fulham.
Hughes has replaced Roy Hodgson, who has moved to Liverpool to fill the void left by Rafael Benitez.
The exit of Hodgson, who signed Dikgacoi from Golden Arrows a year ago, has cast doubt on Dikgacoi's future.
But the South African - whose debut was marred by a red card - remains bullish about his prospects.
"Hughes does not know much about us. He started with the team on Monday. I have a responsibility to work hard. I came here to work and become a better player, no matter who the coach is."
The Bafana anchorman had an injury-ravaged maiden season and was restricted to 12 appearances, a tally that might hamper his chances under a new gaffer.
"The past season was not one of my best and I am disappointed about that. I was expecting to play as many games as possible," he said.
"I got a red card in my first match. During the course of the season I had an ankle injury that kept me out for seven weeks. I was starting to be a regular until I went out again. I just have to forget about it. There is a new manager and I am starting a new chapter under him."
The fact that Hughes has experience working with South Africans at Blackburn Rovers might stand Dikgacoi in good stead. Bafana captain Aaron Mokoena and Benni McCarthy played under Hughes during their time at Ewood Park.
Their names cropped up during a training-ground chat between the former Manchester City coach and the midfield strongman.
"He asked me about Aaron and Benni and wanted to know if we keep in touch," Dikgacoi said. "I am not looking for favours. I don't want him to judge me on how my fellow South Africans performed under him. But it encourages me that he understands the mind-set of a South African player.
"It was not a long chat and he did not say much. He spoke to the whole team, explaining that his aim was to improve us in aspects he felt we could do better. His area of concern is for us to be more offensive after winning the ball."
Though admitting that he was sad to see Hodgson go, Dikgacoi is not pining for the manager.
"He is the person who brought me here and that will always connect us. He sent e-mails to all the guys, saying he was sad to leave the team. He thanked us for making him what he is now and for reaching the final of the Europa League.
"Having said that, I am not the coach's boy. I have to make sure that I convince the new manager. I am not scared. If he does not like me, I will have to take it like a sportsman."
Capped 34 times for Bafana, Dikgacoi is in his second and final season with Fulham.
"There is an option to extend for a third year and I don't see why it won't happen if I play as many games as possible."
He will be among the walking wounded when he heads home tomorrow for the Bafana versus Ghana game at Soccer City on Wednesday.
"I tore an abductor muscle on the right leg. The doctor said I will be out for two weeks."
He is confident Bafana will have the measure of Ghana in what will be Pitso Mosimane's first match since succeeding Carlos Alberto Parreira as coach last month.
"I like the fact that they are bringing the big guns. It does not matter for us. The bigger, the better. It is a big occasion for South Africa as well, because we will be going out there to impress our new coach," he said.
Dikgacoi expressed his satisfaction at Safa's decision to promote Mosimane to the hot seat and called on his compatriots to treat him with the same respect they accorded Parreira.
"It is not a surprise; he has been with the team a long time. It was good that Safa selected him. There must not be this thing of undermining him because he is young and not foreign. We must respond when he calls us up.
"South Africa must not beg players. If someone does not want to come to the national team, we have to leave them alone. When the big tournaments come, they should be left out. You either want to be part of the national team or not."
Manchester United won't make the top four and Wayne Rooney's aura of invincibility will be shattered for good
By Piers Morgan
WAYNE ROONEY will score 10 fewer goals than last season. The reason? Premier League defenders will have watched his dismal displays in the World Cup and suddenly realised he is not as unstoppable as they thought.
As we've seen with Tiger Woods in golf, once the aura of invicibility is shattered, it's shattered. My further prediction is that Rooney will be found gurgling in a gutter with Amy Winehouse, singing 'Rehab' at the top of his voice, as a furious Coleen clubs him with a £10,000 diamond-studded Gucci handbag.
Meanwhile, I've a sneaking feeling Dimitar Berbatov will finally show his class, and outperform Rooney. He's just too good to be as mediocre as he was last season.
Here are the rest of my predictions for the coming season:
MANCHESTER UNITED will miss a top-four position for the first time in decades. Putting aside my usual detestation of all things United, I actually believe this.
Based on current squads, I think Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal are stronger. And United clearly have serious financial restraints.
What I don't understand is why Sir Alex is so keen to support publicly the tightfisted owners who have wrecked his winning streak.
MARK HUGHES will return to 'Sparky' form at Fulham, but that will only be because of all the Viagra Mohamed Fayed slips him.
Fayed always has a few blue pills in his pocket. I actually saw him hand one to Arsene Wenger before an Arsenal game, telling him: 'This will help your team get it up later.'
He was right, we won 3-0.
THE young players of the year, both domestically and internationally, will be the two Jacks - Rodwell and Wilshere. Brilliant prospects with the steely determination to match their talent.
TITLE WINNERS? Alas, I can't look further than Chelsea. Again. They have the biggest and best squad, and a team who have tasted a lot of success in recent years.
In Carlo Ancelotti, they also have a world-class manager who knows how to win trophies.
REAL MADRID will win the Champions League.
Jose Mourinho may be an unbelievably irritating, bumptious, cocky egotist (and, goodness me, I'm always SO put off by such characters ...) but he's a winner.
And judging by the way he's already shipped out creaking old showboaters like Raul and Guti, he's eagerly ripping through the problems that have held Madrid back for the last few years.
Cristiano Ronaldo AND The Special One? A dream team.
TOTTENHAM will have another very good season, but will tragically fall out of the top four on the very last day of the season after Jermain Defoe misses a penalty in the 93rd minute.
I will try to restrain my acute distress at this bitter disappointment for my north London friends.
FABIO CAPELLO will resign or be sacked before next May.
It's ridiculous he's still in the job given our shocking debacle in South Africa, and I see no prospect of anything improving as long as he remains manager.
The players don't play for him, simple as that. Harry Redknapp is the man for the job, and I'm going to keep saying it until he gets it.
(The appointment would have the dual benefit of getting him out of Spurs, too, where his rehabilitation of a once gloriously useless shower is beginning to really annoy me.)
ASHLEY COLE will become the most hated man in Spain if he goes there. Why? Because he's always the most hated man in whatever country he plays in.
ROBERT GREEN is destined to be the most booed player in the Premier League.
It will be a tough call because most of the England squad can expect some fearful hammer this season - and quite rightly, too - but Green's calamitous clanger in that first World Cup game set the tone for our national misery.
It was like Steve Harmison's first ball in the 2006-07 Ashes series in Australia that shot through to second slip. A signal of discontent.
And I'm afraid Green will, therefore, have to cop it big time. The good news for him is that the last person to occupy this 'Most Loathed
England Player' position was David Beckham after he got sent off against Argentina in 1998. And he went on to make £100million as a Hollywood clotheshorse.
So, just be patient, Greeny lad. And those Calvin Klein billboards in Times Square will all be yours.
ANDERSON and Michael Schumacher will have a car crash.
The former will emerge from the wreckage unscathed, saying: 'The car lost control at a curve and I hit a wall.'
The latter will say: 'It was an inadvertent error.'
The video replay will show Schumacher deliberately ramming Anderson into the wall.
DAVID BECKHAM will sign for Gillingham, declaring: 'It's always been my dream club.'
Coincidentally, they're also the ONLY club who wanted him. He will then spend much of the season on the bench, shouting and screaming at his team-mates to play better.
SOL CAMPBELL, depressed by the poor reaction from Newcastle fans, will start binge-eating in the Bigg Market every night until he eventually reaches the size of Mr Creosote in the Meaning of Life, and simply explodes.
Fortunately, he does this during a game against Arsenal, splattering his guts all over Steve Harper just as Walcott shoots.
FREDDIE FLINTOFF will be appointed official Inspiration Coach for the England football team.
His first team talk will involve him picking up each player by the scruff of his waxed neck and saying: 'Right, you pampered, overpaid, underworked, whining little prima donna, let's try a bit of pride in our country today, shall we?'
BLACKPOOL will be relegated, some time around January 5. Closely followed by West Brom on January 12.
I'm as certain of this as I was that Eva Mendes would flirt with me on American TV last week (she took about three seconds to make her move).
As for Newcastle, the third promoted team, I hope and pray they stay up.
I love the Toon Army, and their devotion deserves so much better than they've had to suffer.
MICK McCARTHY will be fired as manager of Wolves, and issue a statement saying: 'This was never about my ego. It was about doing what's best for Mick McCarthy. But hey, enough about Mick McCarthy, let's talk about Mick McCarthy.'
LIVERPOOL will have a very good season under Roy Hodgson.
Judging by what he did with Fulham's fairly average squad, imagine what he's going to do with the likes of Gerrard and Torres.
Looking up: Liverpool have a good chance with Fernando Torres in their team
And if you think you've seen profligate spending from the Arabs at Manchester City, wait until the Chinese get going at Anfield if they succeed in buying the club.
From what I saw in Shanghai recently, they are the richest of the rich, and hate being anything but No 1 in any business venture. And for those lucky Kop fans, the quality of prawn balls at half-time is going to take a massive turn for the better.
ARSENE WENGER will end his trophy drought. I know, I know, I'm biased. But I have been very impressed with the boss's close season activity.
How he thwarted Barcelona and persuaded Fabregas to stay is beyond me, but to his credit, he has done it. And this will be a hugely significant non-transfer for Arsenal.
He's also chucked out some dead wood at the back - Gallas, Campbell, Silvestre - and signed a superb defender in Laurent Koscielny to partner Vermaelen.
Arsenal open day: Cesc Fabregas (R) and Robin Van Persie warm up under the watchful eye of Arsene Wenger.
Up front, I like the look of Marouane Chamakh, who is tall, strong, fast, skilful, good in the air, a lethal finisher, and looks like Ronaldo's slightly prettier younger brother.
All we need now is a good goalkeeper, and another central defender as back-up, and I'm feeling excited again for the first time in a few years at the Emirates.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1301176/Piers-Morgan-Manchester-United-wont-make-Wayne-Rooneys-aura-shattered.html?ito=feeds-newsxml#ixzz0w0cVdDV1 (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1301176/Piers-Morgan-Manchester-United-wont-make-Wayne-Rooneys-aura-shattered.html?ito=feeds-newsxml#ixzz0w0cVdDV1)
http://www.caughtoffside.com/2010/08/08/arsenal-look-to-42m-premier-league-quartet-to-resolve-crisis-wenger-wants-one-more-defender/ (http://www.caughtoffside.com/2010/08/08/arsenal-look-to-42m-premier-league-quartet-to-resolve-crisis-wenger-wants-one-more-defender/)
Arsenal Look to £42m Premier League Quartet to Resolve Crisis: Wenger Wants One More Defender
Emirates boss urgently looks for defensive solution.
Arsene Wenger is urgently looking into completing a deal for one of four Premier League targets before the transfer window slams shut leaving them with something of a threadbare defence. The Arsenal boss will look to put in a significant bid for one of the following Quartet: Fulham giant Brede Hangeland, Bolton's England hopeful Gary Cahill, Manchester City youngster Micah Richards and veteran West Ham man Matthew Upson.
Having failed to win the race for Everton centre back Phil Jagielka and German international Per Mertesacker the Emirates manager will now look to use his ample financial resources to complete the signing of at least one more defender to make up for the loss of experienced trio Sol Campbell, William Gallas and Mikel Silvestre.
Bolton appear to value Cahill in the region of a somewhat unrealistic £24m and Mark Hughes will fight tooth and nail to keep Norwegian international Brede Hangeland at Craven Cottage but Wenger will know that if they show interest in either then they could both have their head turned by the chance of a move to a bigger club and a shot at Champions League football, something that neither player have experienced before.
A third, and less likely option, is a move to bring back a former Gunner in the shape of Matthew Upson. The West Ham man did show signs of interest in a move to Manchester City last summer but was persuaded to stay at the east London side who then barely scrapped clear of the relegation zone.
Whilst Wenger doesn't usually look to bring in players over 30 he may well feel that the need to bring in another defensive option, and a reliable and experienced one like Upson, may make such a move worthwhile.
The final and perhaps most appealing target would be Manchester City's adaptable defender Micah Richards. Still just 22 the Eastlands man is by no means a first team regular but has ample experience in the top flight having notched up over 150 starts for City, however Roberto Mancini may well be keen to trim his squad and therefore could consider a sizeable bid for the England international.
With less than a week until the new season and after conceding five goals in their latest friendly in Poland Wenger knows he must do something fast to help prevent his leaky defence from costing them any hope of significant silverware this season.
Bobby Zamora Called-Up
Fulham striker Bobby Zamora has been handed an England call-up ahead of the friendly against Hungary on Wednesday 11th August.
Fabio Capello included the Fulham man in his 23-man squad as he prepares his team for the UEFA European Championship 2012 qualification campaign which starts in September.
The forward enjoyed a fine 2009/10 season which saw his goals help fire Fulham to the final of the UEFA Europa League and secure a comfortable mid-table finish in the Barclays Premier League.
Fulham Manager Mark Hughes was clearly pleased to see Zamora named in the squad.
"We're delighted for Bobby," he said. "What Bobby's got to do is build on last year. If he has a similar season this year, we will benefit and obviously England will benefit.
"You can see the qualities he has - I thought he was excellent today. He's a good player and he needs to kick on and be one of the main players in the Premier League. If he has an opportunity and gets the shirt it's all about grasping that opportunity and not allowing the progress that he's made to waver and wane."
England squad in full:
Ben Foster (Birmingham), Joe Hart (Manchester City), Paul Robinson (Blackburn Rovers)
Wes Brown (Manchester United), Gary Cahill (Bolton Wanderers), Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Michael Dawson (Tottenham Hotspur), Kieran Gibbs (Arsenal), Phil Jagielka (Everton), Glen Johnson (Liverpool), John Terry (Chelsea)
Gareth Barry (Manchester City), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Adam Johnson (Manchester City), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), James Milner (Aston Villa), Ashley Young (Aston Villa), Theo Walcott (Arsenal), Jack Wilshere (Arsenal)
Darren Bent (Sunderland), Carlton Cole (West Ham United), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Bobby Zamora (Fulham)
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/August/BobbyZamoraCalled-Up.aspx#ixzz0w0ef38n8 (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/August/BobbyZamoraCalled-Up.aspx#ixzz0w0ef38n8)
Hughes Happy with Display
Speaking after Fulham's impressive 5-1 victory over Bundesliga side Werder Bremen at Craven Cottage on Saturday, Fulham Manager Mark Hughes spoke of his satisfaction at the performance.
"I thought we were excellent in the second-half," said the Fulham Manager. "In the first-half we possibly showed them a little too much respect in terms of allowing them too much space in which to operate.
"They're a good side and have talented players, so if you allow talented players time and space, at times they will create things.
"Zoltan had an immediate impact when he came on the pitch with some excellent finishes – in the end we were very comfortable winners.
"It was a good performance in the second-half and fitness wise, we looked very strong. Lots of guys have come back in good shape and have built on the fitness levels they had last year."
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/August/WerderBremenReaction.aspx#ixzz0w0ev5dxo (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/August/WerderBremenReaction.aspx#ixzz0w0ev5dxo)
Ready for Action
Fulham sent out an empathic statement to the rest of the Premier League on Saturday with a 5-1 mauling of German Champions League contenders Werder Bremen in Mark Hughes' first match in charge as Manager.
And with just seven days until the start of the new Barclays Premier League season, Aaron Hughes modestly described the result as, "A nice little confidence builder."
"It's something to build upon and use to go forward," he considered. "But today and next Saturday are two very different games, which I'm sure everybody understands. Today it was nice to try a few things that we've been working on this week in training and use it as a boost to morale. Obviously, we're still reaching full fitness, but all in all, a result like this against a team like Werder Bremen is very good to take into next week."
It wasn't all plain sailing though. The Whites trailed at half-time having been edged out by their illustrious opponents in the first-half. However, Mark Hughes demonstrated exactly why he is the right man for the job, sending out his side after the break with renewed vigour, which certainly had the desired effect.
"In the first-half they started off well and we took a little time to find our tempo," assessed Aaron. "So we came out in the second-half and tried to press them and get on top of them a little more, it worked and we ended up comfortable winners."
Indeed, the squad seem very impressed by their new Manager ever since he took over, with a number of them commenting on positive training methods and tactical adjustments. If we thought the last two years were good, the future, it seems, could be even brighter.
"I think his approach has been good ever since he arrived," explained Aaron. "Obviously we've been doing well these last couple of years so we don't want to change everything, but there are little things that he thinks can introduce to improve the side, a couple of which we tried today, and it seemed to work well.
"So I've been impressed all week with how training has been and what he's been trying to do, so hopefully we can keep moving forward."
One man that was particularly responsible for the turnaround in this game was Zoltan Gera, who was introduced as a substitute early in the second half and proceeded to claim a 12-minute hat-trick, before setting-up the fifth goal. It was a virtuoso performance from the Hungarian and demonstrated exactly why he was voted supporters' player of the year last year.
"Zolly plays that role very well, playing in behind Bobby," said Aaron. "Even in training he's very hard to pick up. Technically he's a very good player so he has everything you need to play in that role. He can see a pass, he can turn well, he's got a good touch, and as we've seen, especially today, he can finish as well.
"Ok, everybody can say it's a friendly, but a hat-trick is a hat-trick no matter when it is, especially against good opposition and in such a short space of time. And he set up Eddie's goal as well! He pretty much came on and did everything in the space of half an hour. His performance today was fantastic and it really just carried on from where he left off last season."
So now, with this impressive result behind them, the team have one week left to prepare for the big kick-off at Bolton Wanderers next Saturday. And after three months off, the Northern Irish centre-back can't wait to get started.
"The pre-season games have been good," he reflected. "Obviously, the most important thing has been about getting our fitness, but we're only a week away now so I think everybody is just waiting to get started and get things going.
"So hopefully we can build on today and get off to a good start next week, which should set us up nicely for another good season."
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/August/HughesReadyforAction.aspx#ixzz0w0f8h8zj (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/August/HughesReadyforAction.aspx#ixzz0w0f8h8zj)
http://www.sportbox.tv/football/news/story.php?id=316458 (http://www.sportbox.tv/football/news/story.php?id=316458)
Hughes pleased for Zamora
New Fulham manager Mark Hughes has praised striker Bobby Zamora after he secured a first call-up to the England senior squad.
The 29-year-old netted 19 goals for the Cottagers last season, helping the club reach the Europa League final, but missed out on the squad for the World Cup finals, with an injury ending any hope of a call-up for South Africa.
However, Zamora is in the 22-man squad for the Wembley friendly against Hungary on Wednesday evening and Hughes is pleased for his new charge.
He told the club's official website: "We're delighted for Bobby.
"What Bobby's got to do is build on last year. If he has a similar season this year, we will benefit and obviously England will benefit.
"You can see the qualities he has. He's a good player and he needs to kick on and be one of the main players in the Premier League.
"If he has an opportunity and gets the shirt it's all about grasping that opportunity and not allowing the progress that he's made to waver and wane."
Best Buys: When Footballers Were Cheap...
by: ryandunny
With Aston Villa looking for 30 million pounds for James Milner, Manchester city paying 20+ million for Joleon Lescott and Manchester City paying 25 million pounds for Adebayor in recent few years, it shows that the days of paying 3.6 million pounds for players the quality of Roy Keane and 1.2 million pounds for Eric Cantona are long gone.
Now with the huge vast of money clubs can call upon players values have sky rocketed in recent years, examples 60 million for Kaka and 80 million for Ronaldo.
However some people just love a Bargain.
Here I'll be mentioning a few signings which have cost next to nothing considering how well the players have played for their clubs in recent years.
Mikel Arteta – 2 Million Pounds
After failing to make his way into the team after a 5.2 million pounds move to Real Sociedad, David Moyes saw something in the lad and signed him in January 2005 on loan, after helping Everton qualify for the Champions League he signed permanently for Everton in July 2005 for a fee around 2 million pounds. Since than he has gone on leaps and bounds and made himself an established name in the Premiership, along with making himself a cult hero among the Everton faithful.
The fact that he has never earned a cap for Spain tells more about the quality of the Spanish midfield then it does about Mikel. Having today signed a new five year deal for Everton, to warn off any possible suitors for the gifted Spaniard, it looks like he's going to big player for Everton in years to come. With 30 goals and 37 assists for Everton he is surely one of David Moyes best buys.
Niko Kranjcar – 2.5 Million Pounds
The Croatian play maker made himself a fans favorite down at the south coast team, under the stewardship of Harry Redknapp we saw a player introduced into the premiership who had an eye for a goal, could score free kicks and a player who could pick out a pass. However when Harry Redknapp left for Tottenham he signed a few of his old boys, one of them was Niko and on deadline day he signed for 2.5 million pounds, which Harry Redknapp then had the cheek to say, "Portsmouth got a good deal".
Niko then went on to play 24 leagues games last season scoring 6 goals.
Patrice Evra – 5.5 Million Pounds
After a difficult start to his United career where he made his debut in 3-1 defeat to Manchester City, Patrice has forced the once ever popular Gabriel Heinze out of the club, along with becoming one of the best left-backs the world has to offer, all for 5.5 million pounds nearly half of what Manchester City paid for Wayne Bridge.
Patrice has made himself a fans favorite with consistent displays, with many people liking him to Denis Irwin, he was rewarded with the captains armband in the 2010 Carling cup final against Aston Villa and is one of the leaders in the United camp.
Nemanja Vidic – 7 million pounds
Along with Patrice, SAF also signed a Serbian center back by the name of Nemanja Vidic. Named in the PFA team of the year from 2007 to 2009, also named player of the season for Manchester United in 2009, Nemanja has proved himself as one of the best center-backs in the modern game forming a defense nearly as strong as the Great Wall with Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja has been pivotal to United's success in the last few seasons.
For the fee of 7 million you could buy Nemanja four times for the price of his center back partner Rio Ferdinand. Nemanja also featured in every game in the famous record 14 games without conceding a goal which took place between November 2008 until February 2009. To the joy of every United fan across the country, Vidic silenced all transfer speculation by agreeing a new contract this summer.
Tim Cahill – 1.5 million pounds
Since signing for David's Moyes team Tim Cahill has been a massive player for Everton. Best from coming from midfield to score goals in times of crisis Tim has been used to play as emergency striker and to good effect. One of the most underrated players in the Premier League Tim would be a very great addition to any team in the premiership.
Richard Dunne – 5 Million Pounds
After the huge spending on defenders like Kolo Toure and Jolean Lescott, the Republic of Ireland international decided his services were better suited elsewhere. Martin O' Neill snapped up the defender who went on to make 35 appearances and score 3 goals in the process.
He formed a great partnership at the heart of the Villa defense along with James Collins in a defense which only conceded 39 goals in 38 games in the Premier League last season. A player who won four player of the year awards at Manchester City, how they must wish they kept on to the Irish defender.
Robin Van Persie – 2.5 Million Pounds
Signed as a left winger in 2004 from Feyenoord Arsene Wenger saw him better as a center forward, and boy did he get it right. In the last few season Robin Van Persie has become a big player for both Arsenal and Holland by scoring or creating goals. The talented forward has an eye for the spectacular, and can score from any situation.
However his career at Arsenal has been in and out of the Arsenal team due to injuries, which leaves one to question how good could he be if he had a whole season without injuries? With 73 goals and 36 assists in 197 appearances Arsenal fans will be hoping this season will be that season.
Shay Given – 5.9 Million Pounds
After his long association with Newcastle, Shay Given wanted a new challenge and was snapped up by Manchester City in January 2009, and after making great saves in his debut against Middlesborough he has gone on to prove he is one of the best keepers in the Premier League if not the world. With this man in between the sticks for City next season then anything is possible.
Roque Santa Cruz – 3.5 Million Pounds
Before he moved to Manchester City to warm the bench, Roque moved from Bayern Munich to Blackburn and proved to be a pivotal player for Blackburn. In his first season he scored 23 goals in 43 games for Blackburn, and was the 4th top scorer in the 07/08 season after forming a great partnership with David Bentley.
However in his next season he was ravaged by injuries and only managed six goals, however Manchester City signed him for a fee of 17.5 million, a profit 14 million, shrewd business indeed.
Damien Duff – 2.5 Million Pounds
After a dismal few seasons at Newcastle, the Duffman made off to Fulham to try relive his glory days. He was back to his best last season helping Fulham reach the Europa League final in May, making 49 appearances and scoring 9 goals the Irish winger has proved a key player for Fulham this season, and will be hoping for repeat performances this season.
Read more: http://soccerlens.com/when-footballers-were-cheap/51865/#ixzz0w1JY4MJE (http://soccerlens.com/when-footballers-were-cheap/51865/#ixzz0w1JY4MJE)
http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2010/8/8/1611891/bobby-zamora-finally-gets-the (http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2010/8/8/1611891/bobby-zamora-finally-gets-the)
Bobby Zamora Finally Gets The England Call Up He Deserves: Opinion
by Russ Goldman
Bobby Zamora got some great news yesterday. He will be playing for England. Fabio Capello announced his 23 man roster for England's friendly match against Hungary Wednesday at Wembley. Bobby Zamora, along with Arsenal players Jack Wilshire, and Kieran Gibbs have been added to the England squad for the first time according to SPORT.CO.UK.
Last season Bobby Zamora scored 19 goals in all competitions for Fulham. But, I would argue the 19 goals don't indicate just how dominant a player he was last season for Fulham. He was a physical force up front. His presence also helped fellow players like Zoltan Gera and Clint Dempsey. He also had 10 assists in all competitions. He really was a complete player for Fulham last season.
What I found fascinating was that there seemed to be a debate if Bobby Zamora was worthy enough to be included in the World Cup squad .For me this question was a no brainer. Of course Zamora should should have been a part of the England squad. I think they really could have used him.
Unfortunately, Bobby Zamora injured his Achilles and could not participate in the World Cup even if he was included in the England squad. Zamora was fighting this injury all the way to the Final of the Europa League. In my opinion, he showed what a team player he is by doing whatever it took to play in the latter stages of the Europa League.
I am a firm believer that you need players to buy into the team concept for your club to succeed. Zamora is that type of player. England needs more players like Zamora who just aren't stars. He is a complete player.
His first season with Fulham, Zamora scored only four goals with the club. He did get some criticism for his perceived lack of performance in the 2008 - 2009 season. However, Roy Hodgson always seemed to talk about what a great job Zamora was doing even though he wasn't scoring goals. For some reason Zamora just couldn't finish that season.
That all changed in the 2009 - 2010 season for Zamora. Many of his goals were very pivotal for Fulham. For example, against Birmingham he scored on a free kick and Fulham won in dramatic fashion. Against Juventus with Fulham losing at Craven Cottage, Zamora scored a goal that got Fulham going. There were so many situations like that last season when Zamora came through.
But, as I mentioned prior Zamora's play last season was not all about scoring. He also assisted on goals that helped Fulham in victories. I have one that stands out. Again it was against Juventus at Craven Cottage. He made this incredible pass to Simon Davies which led to a dramatic goal by Zoltan Gera.
So as I was watching England play in the World Cup I thought to myself what kind of impact would Bobby Zamora had on those matches? We will never know. But, if you ask me it wouldn't have been a shock to me to see Zamora make a difference.
I look forward to watching the England match against Hungary. I am hoping to see Bobby Zamora play. Whether he plays or not he deserved the England call up.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/431497-the-way-i-think-the-english-premier-league-will-end#page/13 (http://bleacherreport.com/articles/431497-the-way-i-think-the-english-premier-league-will-end#page/13)
The Way I Think the English Premier League will end.
By DAN THE MAN (Member) on August 8, 2010
9. Fulham
When Roy Hodgson departed Fulham, I for one thought they might struggle. However they have replaced him with Mark Hughes. This was an excellent decision on Fulham's part and i can see them having a really good year once again this time round
http://switzerland.worldcupblog.org/world-cup-2010/swiss-squad-for-friendly-against-austria.html (http://switzerland.worldcupblog.org/world-cup-2010/swiss-squad-for-friendly-against-austria.html)
Swiss Squad For Friendly Against Austria
This Wednesday, as part of the International friendlies being played, Switzerland will travel to austria to take on our UEFA euro 2008 co-hosts.
Here is the Swiss squad:
Goalkeepers: Diego Benaglio (Wolfsburg), Marco Woelfli (Young Boys).
Defenders: Stephan Lichtsteiner (Lazio), Francois Affolter (Young Boys), Stephane Grichting (Auxerre), Philippe Senderos (Fulham), Reto Ziegler (Sampdoria).
Midfielders: Valon Behrami (West Ham), Gelson Fernandes (St. Etienne), Gokhan Inler (Udinese), Blerim Dzemaili (Parma), Pirmin Schwegler (Eintracht Frankfurt), Tranquillo Barnetta (Bayer Leverkusen), Valentin Stocker (Basel), Xherdan Shaqiri (Basel), Nassim Ben Khalifa (Wolfsburg).
Forwards: Eren Derdiyok (Bayer Leverkusen), Hakan Yakin (Lucerne), Albert Bunjaku (Nuremberg).
