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Schwarzer: Let me join Arsenal
By ANDREW DILLON
Published: Today
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MARK SCHWARZER has stunned new Fulham boss Mark Hughes by slapping in a transfer request.
The Aussie keeper, 37, wants to force a move to Arsenal, who bid £2million before the World Cup.
But Hughes wants Schwarzer to stay and will play hardball.
Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/3090051/Schwarzer-Let-me-join-Arsenal.html#ixzz0wHmeLguF (http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/3090051/Schwarzer-Let-me-join-Arsenal.html#ixzz0wHmeLguF)
Exclusive: Fulham set to sign Algerian World Cup defender
Published 23:00 10/08/10
By Neil McLeman
Recommend (5)
Mark Hughes is set to make Algeria defender Rafik Halliche his first signing at Fulham.
The 23-year-old centre-back left his country's training camp last night to fly to London for a trial before completing a £1.8m deal.
Halliche, who helped hold England to a goalless draw at the World Cup, is a Benfica player but has been loaned out to fellow Portuguese club Nacional for the last two seasons. Arsenal were linked with the Algeria international last month.
Halliche, who will miss tonight's (wed) friendly with Gabon, said: "I am a Benfica player but I am leaving and I haven't yet signed for another club. I turned down Guimaraes because I think I will have better offers before the end of the transfer window. As for Fulham, Arsenal and all the other clubs mentioned, all I can say for now is that there is nothing finalised."
Read more: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Transfer-news-Fulham-set-to-sign-Algerian-World-Cup-defender-Rafik-Halliche-Exclusive-article549129.html#ixzz0wHnsGM5D (http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Transfer-news-Fulham-set-to-sign-Algerian-World-Cup-defender-Rafik-Halliche-Exclusive-article549129.html#ixzz0wHnsGM5D)
Zamora: I could have been playing for Trinidad & Tobago rather than England tonight
Published 23:00 10/08/10
By Mike Walters
Bobby Zamora and Zoltan Gera may be ZZ tops at Wembley tonight - but England's new boy will have another headline double act on his mind.
After a "crazy" week in which he became the father of twin daughters Gisele and Siena, Zamora will wet the babies' heads by winning his first Three Lions cap at the age of 29 against Hungary.
With Zamora's Fulham team-mate Gera in the Magyars' ranks, England's post-World Cup boos cruise will not be a doddle.
But last season's top scorer at Craven Cottage (19 goals in all competitions), always believed he was destined to follow John Terry, Ledley King and Paul Konchesky - with whom he played for Senrab, a boys team on east London's Wanstead Flats - into the England side.
"It's funny because I grew up playing with John, Ledley and Paul - they have all gone on to play for England although, in my eyes, there was no major difference between us," said Zamora yesterday.
"I never reached the stage where I thought I wasn't going to make it - I'm not a deep thinker about these things - but now the opportunity has come along, I want to grab it with both hands."
It could have been a different story if Zamora had jumped ship and signed for Hull 12 months ago, instead of staying loyal to Fulham, he would have endured relegation instead of blazing a memorable trail through Europe.
If he had not been crocked with achilles tendon and back injuries last September, he would have been inclined to answer the call from Trinidad & Tobago coach Leo Beenhakker last year, when England recognition seemed little more than a mirage in the desert.
And if he had been fit to join Fabio Capello's ill-starred World Cup crusade, instead of a tearful resignation to surgery on his troublesome heel, surely England's performances in South Africa could not have been more impoverished... could they?
Zamora said: "It has been a crazy week, but very enjoyable, and I want to try and take it all in and remember it all. The twins are a massive part of my life now, and with getting the call-up to play for your country is a massive honour.
"They were born last Monday, they came home on Friday, then I had a pre-season game on Saturday and that night I got a text saying I had been called up.
"Of course it was disappointing that I could not go to the World Cup because of my injury, but I guess that's life. Although it's pretty much a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play at a World Cup, there was no point in going if I was going to let myself and the country down, so in that sense it was a no-brainer.
"If things had worked out differently I could have played for Trinidad & Tobago (through his father's ancestry). At that time, it looked like my only option if I wanted to play international football, but that door has closed and this one has opened."
Now Zamora can look forward to leading the line with Wayne Rooney tonight and enjoying a friendly duel with Gera, the most accomplished act in a Hungarian side which includes Ipswich duo Marton Fulop and Tamas Priskin.
He added: "I have a good connection with Zoltan. He's a very good player and we are on the same wavelength. I really like playing with him - he created a lot of goals for me last season and I did the same for him as well.
"He is a major threat for England, an intelligent player who can create and score goals. In Europe, I was lucky that Zoltan was happy to do all the running, which was absolutely brilliant for me.
"One minute he was up there with me on the front line, but when it was necessary to drop into the 'hole,' he was more than happy to do that. The training we did was all about our partnership in and around the box and getting the ball played up to my feet."
Read more: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/England-v-Hungary-preview-Bobby-Zamora-I-could-have-been-playing-for-Trinidad-Tobago-rather-than-Three-Lions-tonight-article549361.html#ixzz0wHoC9Vfm (http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/England-v-Hungary-preview-Bobby-Zamora-I-could-have-been-playing-for-Trinidad-Tobago-rather-than-Three-Lions-tonight-article549361.html#ixzz0wHoC9Vfm)
http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/3270/england-national-team/2010/08/11/2065315/hungary-skipper-zoltan-gera-england-will-fight-to-restore (http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/3270/england-national-team/2010/08/11/2065315/hungary-skipper-zoltan-gera-england-will-fight-to-restore)
Hungary skipper Zoltan Gera: England will fight to restore lost pride
Zamora could buck trend for Three Lions, reckons Cottagers team-mate...
Zoltan Gera believes that England will come out all guns blazing against Hungary, when the two sides meet at Wembley on Wednesday.
The Three Lions have been badly hurt following the lacklustre World Cup 2010 campaign, and manager Fabio Capello has since made several changes to ensure that things move forward in a positive manner.
The Fulham midfielder, who captains Hungary, believes that England will walk out onto the pitch, looking to take the game by the scruff of the neck.
"It will be a young team, and they will all play with their heart," Gera told reporters. "They will fight - and that has never really been a problem with English teams in the past."
Analysing the past performances of his opponents, the former West Bromwich Albion midfielder feels that the rigours of playing in the Premier League may have had something to do with the shattered dream in South Africa.
"Because England qualified for the World Cup with so many victories, everybody was so excited and they thought there was a good chance to win," he said.
"However, some of the players had too many games with no break.
"England is the only league with no winter break. Maybe that is why they had a problem at the World Cup, because the team was the same."
In the meantime, Gera's team-mate at club level, Bobby Zamora, has finally managed to get a look in for the Three Lions, and the 31-year-old believes that the striker could be one of the most important pieces of the national team's jigsaw that Capello is rearranging at the moment.
He said: "Bobby is not just a direct player, or a static player. He can hold the ball and run into good areas. He can make the difference for England."
Bellamy: I'd rather join Fulham or Cardiff than rot in City's reserves
Published 22:45 10/08/10
By Neil McLeman
Recommend (2)
Craig Bellamy last night threatened to quit football after Manchester City blocked his transfer to Tottenham.
The furious Wales striker claimed he is not wanted in Roberto Mancini's 25-man squad despite his outstanding form last season.
But he claimed the mega-rich Eastlands outfit would rather let him rot in the reserves than sell him to a top-four rival.
In a blistering attack on Manchester City, Bellamy also claimed:
*He last spoke to Mancini in February and his relationship with the Italian has broken down.
*He would welcome being reunited with Mark Hughes at Fulham or a move to hometown club Cardiff
*He was being pushed into joining Steve McClaren's Wolfsburg to engineer a deal with Edin Dzeko
Bellamy was bought by former City boss Hughes for £14m from West Ham in January 2009. But as the Abu Dhabi-owned club have continued to collect strikers like Panini stickers - Mario Balotelli is next on the list - the Welshman has slipped down the pecking order under Mancini.
The two were reported to have had a training ground bust-up in February - and then Bellamy was alleged to have shouted support for David Moyes when the Everton boss clashed with the Italian in the tunnel at Eastlands.
And now the Welshman fears he will become an outcast when he is left out of the 25-man squad each Premier League club must announce by September 1.
"I'm probably more unwanted than I've ever been," he said. "I find myself in a situation hard to get my head around.
"I just feel I was more in the way this summer than anything.
"I will remember this. From the media department to everyone, I've felt that I'm being pushed aside there.
"I know I can offer something at the club. But with this 25-man rule, if I don't get in I don't know what I will do.
"I haven't spoken to the manager since February. There's a number of players, like Carlos Tevez and me, who he doesn't speak to and keeps us away.
"I'm not sure if it's personal. Maybe it's way he deals with things and it's his manner.
"But I've got a fair indication of what they all think though as I've had 80 minutes in pre season.
"I've even seen players not part of the club over the last three years get more minutes than me.
"You've got to read between the lines. I might even finish, full stop and walk away from the game if I'm not registered. This game is ruthless. I'd be that disheartened and dejected for the first time in my career that I could do that."
The well-travelled Bellamy is never far from controversy. He left Liverpool in 2007 after attacking team-mate John Arne Riise with a golf club and is now at his eighth football club.
But his undoubted on-field abilities always attract interest from managers, with Harry Redknapp ready to bring him back to London this summer.
Bellamy, 31, continued: "I've had my most offers than ever and felt more wanted elsewhere.
"It's obvious they (Spurs) have tried for me but Man City have declined.
"There's been two clubs in the top seven who have tried to get me. Man City obviously want me to go, but not to one of their rivals.
"But if I'm not in the 25-man list, which is unlikely, then the only games I will get is with the reserves. I'm so committed to where I am and with the new players coming in and I'm driving to stay there.
"It's the club I want to play for. They are building a team to win the league and I want - and deserve - to be part of that.
"Whatever people think about me, I've just come back of my best year in football.
"I got double figures in goals and double figures in assists - and that's all as a midfielder. Enough said."
After first going to Blackburn in 2005, Bellamy is keen to be reunited with Hughes for the third time in his career and hasn't ruled out a move to hometown club Cardiff City.
"If you look at my form with Mark Hughes I don't just become a good player, I become one of the top players in the Premier League," he continued. "It's a fact. He gets the best out of me.
"Cardiff is another possibility. I've always wanted to play for them and my wife and kids leave here. It's the most pull to me as last season I missed everyone's birthday and important dates. I want take kids to school every morning and be there for them."
Bellamy claimed the only deal City wanted was to Bundesliga side Wolfsburg, who are managed by Steve McClaren, to engineer a deal for striker Edin Dzeko.
Speaking before tonight's friendly with Luxembourg in Llanelli, he revealed: "I've turned down Wolfsburg - they are the only club they tried to push me into.
"They wanted Dzeko so were pushing for a deal and wanted me to go the other way. I like McClaren and I know I would make a big impact over there, but my wife and kids live over here."
Read more: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Craig-Bellamy-launches-astonishing-attack-on-Manchester-City-I-d-rather-join-Fulham-or-Cardiff-than-rot-in-the-reserves-article549293.html#ixzz0wHoZOFt5 (http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Craig-Bellamy-launches-astonishing-attack-on-Manchester-City-I-d-rather-join-Fulham-or-Cardiff-than-rot-in-the-reserves-article549293.html#ixzz0wHoZOFt5)
Friedel categorically rules out Fulham move
Published 22:30 10/08/10
By James Nursey
(1)Recommend
Aston Villa's veteran keeper Brad Friedel, 39, has categorically ruled out a move away despite being linked with Fulham.
Friedel said: "That story was made up.
"I have never had contact from Fulham and never had a conversation with Martin O'Neill about Fulham.
"I really don't know where that came from.
"I am just focused as an Aston Villa player on getting three points this weekend.
"Kev Mac has been around the place for a while and is well-respected by all the players.
"Training was good this morning, all the lads really put their work in."
Read more: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Transfer-news-Aston-Villa-keeper-Brad-Friedel-categorically-rules-out-Fulham-move-article549345.html#ixzz0wHoxZbne (http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Transfer-news-Aston-Villa-keeper-Brad-Friedel-categorically-rules-out-Fulham-move-article549345.html#ixzz0wHoxZbne)
Blackpool v Fulham tickets
Barclays Premier League
Saturday 28 August
Kick-Off 15:00
On-sale dates
Season Ticket Holders Wednesday, 11 August (1 ticket)
Fulham Club Members Monday, 16 August (1 ticket)
General Sale TBC
Loyalty points: 1 (more info)
Buy tickets online
Supporters are advised to book online to guarantee a seat for this game.
If booking multiple tickets, please remember to link your Friends & Family first to ensure you get your seats together (view Friends & Family demo here).
We are currently awaiting ticket stock and expect to dispatch tickets week commencing 16th of August. Any tickets purchased from the Ticket Office in person will be mailed out later.
Prices
Adults (over 18) - £30
Over 60s - £20
16 to 18 year olds - £17
Under 16s - £15
Travel
Coaches depart from Motspur Park at 6:45am, Craven Cottage 7:15am.
Coach travel price
Season Ticket Holders/Members - Adults £22; Juniors £12
Non Season Ticket Holders – Adults £27; Juniors £20
To book coach tickets, call 0870 442 1234 option 3.
How to Buy tickets
buy tickets online - 7 days a week, 24 hrs a day. Save on booking fees by booking online*
by phone on 0870 442 1234 (option 3) Mon-Fri 9am-5pm; non-match day Sat 10am-12pm
in person from the Ticket Office: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm; non-match day Sat 10am-12pm (no ticket stock availble; tickets will be mailed out later).
by fax 0207 384 4810 (download printable form)
by postal application to FFC Ticket Office, Stevenage Road, Fulham, SW6 6HH enclosing a stamped addressed envelope (download printable form)
* Lower booking fees compared to telephone booking
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Tickets/Games/BlackpoolAway.aspx#ixzz0wHotEWBw (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Tickets/Games/BlackpoolAway.aspx#ixzz0wHotEWBw)
Arsenal desperately need their Van der Saar - but will Friedel or Schwarzer fit the bill?
By Steve Stammers
Published 08:32 11/08/10
Recommend (2)
There are 20 days left in the transfer window and Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is peering through with some intent - intent to sign a new goalkeeper.
On his horizon must be the happenings at the City of Manchester Stadium and Villa Park. Quite simply, he needs a new last line of defence. Once again, the shortcomings of Lucasz Fabianski were highlighted during the bizarre friendly against Legia Warsaw in Poland on Saturday. Arsenal won 6-5 after they trailed 3-0 at one stage. And that trio were conceded by Fabianski.
The first - a 20-yard thunderbolt of a shot - he could do nothing about. It would have beaten two goalkeepers. But the other two came from crosses into the area .... the zone that goalkeepers traditionally patrol with some menace.
One shout of "my ball" and the likes of Pat Jennings, David Seaman and Jens Lehmann - eventually - would scatter all before them.
Fabianski has great reflexes, is what they call in the trade "a good shot-stopper", but he lacks that dominating presence. "Doesn't fill the goal, does he ?" was the opinion of one former top-class keeper.
Lovely guy he may be, great goalkeeper Fabianski is not.
That threatens to be Arsenal's achilles heel this season. And that is why Wenger is monitoring events at Manchester City and Aston Villa.
In the background he has Wojciech Szczesny, a 19-year-old of immense potential who will the long-term solution to his problem.
What Wenger needs is a quick-fix and that is why he first had Mark Schwarzer of Fulham on his shopping list. At 37, he would have been ideal. That plan seems to have evaporated and the attention has switched to Frad Friedel at Villa and either Shay Given or Joe Hart at City.
Friedel and Given fit the bill perfectly. Both will be good for the next two years while Szczesny matures and is ready for first team duty on a regular basis but Wenger would take Hart in the blink of an eye. Given Hart's age, that would a frustration for Szczesny but rather that problem for Wenger than the current dilemma. He also has Manuel Almunia on the books but he has also been found wanting at times.
Wenger was fortunate when he arrived. At the time - back in October 1996, he inherited Seaman who was ranked the best in the world. He also did well with Lehmann who, once he adjusted to the buffeting a goalkeeper in England is expected to tolerate, was a huge asset.
Since then, there has always been an air of uncertainty where the goalkeeper is concerned. Until he finds the answer to that poser, Arsenal will always look vulnerable.
The goalkeeper should be the first name down on the team sheet and not just because he invariably wears the number one jersey. His name should be down as Mr Dependable, the rock on which the team's defence is built.
Just who is in goal for Arsenal appears at the moment to be the last decision Wenger makes.
Wenger is not the only manager to suffer in similar circumstances. It happened to Sir Alex Ferguson in the post Schmeichel era. He eventually signed Edwin Van der Sar and the success and stability returned. Wenger is now looking for a similar solution.
Read more: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/steve-stammers/Steve-Stammers-Column-Forget-Fabianski-Arsenal-desperately-need-their-Edwin-wan-der-Saar-But-will-Brad-Friedel-or-Mark-Schwarzer-fit-the-bill-article549359.html#ixzz0wHpOeccf (http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/steve-stammers/Steve-Stammers-Column-Forget-Fabianski-Arsenal-desperately-need-their-Edwin-wan-der-Saar-But-will-Brad-Friedel-or-Mark-Schwarzer-fit-the-bill-article549359.html#ixzz0wHpOeccf)
Bobby Zamora: I can be the new Teddy Sheringham for England
By Simon Cass
Last updated at 12:27 AM on 11th August 2010
Comments (1)
A senior England call-up has been a long time coming for Bobby Zamora - and Fabio Capello can count himself lucky that the striker is available at all.
The Fulham striker, whose hopes of playing in the World Cup were ended by achilles and back problems, would be a Trinidad and Tobago player right now if the same pair of injuries had not hit him ahead of a fixture with El Salvador last summer.
It has turned out to be a disguised blessing for Zamora, whose father is from the Caribbean island.
ENGLAND'S SENRAB BOYS
Sol Campbell (Newcastle)
First cap versus Hungary, 1996
Ugo Ehiogu (retired)
First cap versus Italy, 1997
Ledley King (Tottenham)
First cap versus Italy, 2002
Paul Konchesky (Fulham)
First cap versus Australia, 2003
John Terry (Chelsea)
First cap versus Serbia & Montenegro, 2003
Jermain Defoe (Tottenham)
First cap versus Sweden, 2004
Bobby Zamora (Fulham)
First cap versus Hungary?
At the time it looked like my only option if I wanted to play international football,' he said.
The striker certainly feels he deserves the chance to audition for the role of Wayne Rooney's partner.
A graduate of the famous Senrab side of east London, Zamora, who scored 19 goals last season, is eager to emulate Teddy Sheringham.
'I like having the ball up to me and bringing people into play,' said Zamora.
'If they can bring the ball up to me, I would like to think I can hold it up and bring Wayne in and the guys from midfield.'
The 29-year-old is now itching to make his England debut in the same fortnight that his girlfriend gave birth to twin girls.
'It has been a crazy week,' he admitted.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1301953/Bobby-Zamora-I-Englands-new-Teddy-Sheringham.html#ixzz0wHqCRPtf (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1301953/Bobby-Zamora-I-Englands-new-Teddy-Sheringham.html#ixzz0wHqCRPtf)
The official line is that Cipriani will train with QPR for fitness purposes and may also have a stint at Fulham before flying to Australia.
There are no plans for any meaningful rugby before training begins with the Rebels in November and so far no clubs in England or Europe have made an approach to take him on a temporary loan.
However, if a summer of fitness training ends up leading to the offer of a football contract, there may yet be a stunning twist in the tale.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/article-1301928/Danny-Cipriani-told-cut-pro-footballer.html#ixzz0wHqv5OKg (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/article-1301928/Danny-Cipriani-told-cut-pro-footballer.html#ixzz0wHqv5OKg)
Fulham close to signing £1.5m Benfica defender Rafik Halliche
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 12:38 AM on 11th August 2010
Fulham are making a move for Benfica's Algeria defender Rafik Halliche.
The 23-year-old centre-back is due in London at the end of the week for a short trial period after which he expects to finalise a £1.5m move.
Halliche has been on loan at Portuguese club Nacional for the last two seasons. Blackpool, Sunderland and Birmingham have also shown interest.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1302040/Fulham-close-signing-1-5m-Benfica-defender-Rafik-Halliche.html#ixzz0wHrAeqU4 (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1302040/Fulham-close-signing-1-5m-Benfica-defender-Rafik-Halliche.html#ixzz0wHrAeqU4)
http://www.tribalfootball.com/fulham-boss-hughes-wants-better-results-academy-1037231 (http://www.tribalfootball.com/fulham-boss-hughes-wants-better-results-academy-1037231)
Fulham boss Hughes wants better results from academy
11.08.10 | tribalfootball.com
READ MORE NEWS ON: Mark Hughes, Fulham
Fulham boss Mark Hughes is keen to bring through more talent from the club's academy.
Hughes has spoken of his desire to see more Academy talent making its way into the First Team.
"Developing youth players and bringing them through is vitally important to keeping the heartbeat of the club alive and well," Hughes told fulhamfc.com. "If you're able to bring good young players through into the First Team, because they've been part of the club for a significant length of time, they have a real empathy with the club itself.
"When young players come through, you'll find supporters of every club align themselves with the younger players, they want them to do well. That can help the club as a whole and the team as a whole.
"It's very early days in terms of my understanding of what quality we've got at youth team level. But certainly we'll look closely and if there's talent that needs to be brought forward, then we'll fast track it quickly."
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_6305557,00.html (http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_6305557,00.html)
Zamora won't waste chance
Fulham striker never lost faith in his international credentials
Last updated: 11th August 2010
Bobby Zamora does not want to waste his England opportunity after finally being recognised at full international level.
The Fulham striker, who scored 21 goals in all competitions last season, looks set to end his long wait to represent his country on the senior stage in Wednesday night's friendly against Hungary at Wembley.
Zamora has been offered the chance to become a part of Fabio Capello's new generation, having ruled himself out of contention prior to the World Cup fiasco because he needed to undergo an Achilles operation.
And the 29-year-old insists that he has never lost faith in his ability to be a success at international level after playing with John Terry, Ledley King and Paul Konchesky as a youngster for the Senrab club in East London.
Zamora, who signed for Bristol Rovers as a trainee in 1999, said: "It is funny because I grew up playing with John Terry, Ledley King, Paul Konchesky, Jlloyd Samuel and a lot of other good players.
"They have all gone on to play for England and, in my eyes, there was no major difference between us.
Only option
"I never reached the stage where I thought I was never going to make it. If you don't get picked, you don't get picked, and all you can do is to carry on with your normal game.
"I am not a deep thinker about these things, but now an opportunity's come along I want to grab it with both hands."
Zamora had the opportunity to represent Trinidad & Tobago, via his father, and even went as far as obtaining the relevant documentation ahead of the World Cup qualifiers, but fate again dealt the striker a tough hand.
"If things had worked out differently I could have played for them, but I had pretty much the same injuries - Achilles and back - which ruled me out," he said.
"At the time it looked like my only option if I wanted to play international football, but that door has closed and this one has opened.
"The Hungary match is a chance for me to impress and that is what I am going to try and do."
http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/football/837671-craig-bellamy-could-make-surprise-liverpool-return-in-cut-price-transfer (http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/football/837671-craig-bellamy-could-make-surprise-liverpool-return-in-cut-price-transfer)
Craig Bellamy 'could make surprise Liverpool return in cut-price transfer'
Liverpool's Roy Hodgson has emerged as the latest manager to express an interest in the transfer of out-of-favour Manchester City striker Craig Bellamy this summer.
Craig Bellamy could be forced to leave Manchester City - but may rejoin Liverpool
Bellamy looks certain to leave City after casting doubts on the likelihood of making the club's 25-man squad for the upcoming Premier League season.
And Hodgson, who was a known admirer of Bellamy while Fulham manager, is keen to bring the Welshman back to Anfield just three years after he was sold by former boss Rafael Benitez.
Bellamy, 31, is still keen to stay at City but says he feels as if he is being forced out by current manager Roberto Mancini.
He told Sky Sports: 'Reading between the lines how pre-season gone, it doesn't look great for me.
More: Liverpool transfer news and rumours
'[Mancini] has not spoken to me since February.'
Bellamy continued: "I feel strongly I can offer something at the club but if I don't get in the 25-man squad, I don't know what I will do.
"I might finish, full stop, or look at every option I get.
"I feel I am not going to be part of it [at Manchester City]."
Despite off-field issues surrounding Bellamy in his previous stint on Merseyside - including allegations he hit then team-mate John Arne Riise with a golfclub during an argument - he remains something of a cult hero on the Kop.
His recent form for City has also demonstrated he has lost none of the pace that has terrorised Premier League defenders for several seasons.
And although the news of Hodgson's interest could spark debate among Liverpool fans, he could be regarded as a much more potent back-up threat than current number two striker David Ngog.
http://hammyend.com/index.php/2010/08/away-kit-revealed/ (http://hammyend.com/index.php/2010/08/away-kit-revealed/)
Away Kit Revealed
by Tor on August 11, 2010
A strange sight greeted me as I stepped off the tube at Canary Wharf this morning.... a gentleman in a Fulham shirt. I thought my eyes were deceiving me at first but the recognition dawned eventually. It was the FXPro logo wot done it so that's seemingly doing its job.
And the reason for this phenomenon? He was a City AM distributor. The club have splashed out on a full cover for today's edition to advertise the new kits. Try as I might I couldn't find a picture of the away kit on the website so here is a remarkably grainy picture I've taken of the front of the paper.
I'm not sure I like it. It looks like a rugby kit if you ask me, although I'll keep an open mind until Saturday when we'll hopefully see it in action against Bolton.
(http://hammyend.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/p_2048_1536_78AB43B9-230E-497A-BDA4-44DBB5F4CB43.jpeg)
http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2010/08/11/2065342/arsenal-target-mark-schwarzer-hands-in-a-transfer-request-at (http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2010/08/11/2065342/arsenal-target-mark-schwarzer-hands-in-a-transfer-request-at)
Arsenal target Mark Schwarzer hands in a transfer request at Fulham - report
Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer is believed to have handed in a transfer request to make his way to Arsenal.
The 37-year-old shot-stopper was a pivotal part of the Cottagers' sensational Europa League run last term, and has been widely tipped to make a move to north London and join the Gunners - who were previously reported to have offered the Australian a player-coach role at the club.
The new manager of the west Londoners, Mark Hughes, had recently maintained that he intends to keep the former Middlesbrough 'keeper.
But it appears as thought the veteran custodian has other plans, as The Sun claims that he has handed in a transfer request to make a move away from the club.
Fulham have already rejected a £2 million bid from Arsenal in the past, for the services of Schwarzer.
http://www.tdg.ch/nouveau-coup-dur-senderos-2010-08-10
New blow for Senderos
FOOTBALL | The Genevan suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon.
© LAURENT Crottet | Philippe Senderos. The Genevan of bad luck.
Daniel Visentini | 10.08.2010 | 9:41 p.m.
Philippe Senderos is really bad luck. Victim of a distortion of the ankle in the first game of the World Cup against Spain, he had to forfeit two games following. According to our information, while working out yesterday morning only to find the form he found himself on the ground with a ruptured Achilles tendon. The Geneva will be operated by the Finnish professor who took on David Beckham struck by the same injury in mid-March.
Former Servettien, which had been loaned to Everton at Arsenal last season, has signed a contract with Fulham just before the World Cup. He hoped to revive his career in England.
http://fulham.theoffside.com/team-news/gera-and-the-4-4-2.html? (http://fulham.theoffside.com/team-news/gera-and-the-4-4-2.html?)
Gera and the 4-4-2
By: timmyg | August 9th, 2010
Gera's hat-trick in the thumping of Werder Bremen at the Cottage on Saturday got me wondering whether or not we'll see more of him this season.
And no, I'm not referring to the "reports" that Roy will recruit him to play at Anfield.
What I am concerned about is that Mark Hughes loves the 4-4-2 formation and Gera doesn't really fit into such a system. According to Football-Lineups.com, Mark Hughes used the 4-4-2 formation 139 times during his four seasons at Blackburn. That accounts for nearly 83-percent of the lineups used during his tenure.
Hughes diversified a bit at Manchester City, possibly because of the numerous players at his disposal, or maybe because the suits upstairs demanded something more 'European'. Of the 76 differing lineups, the 4-4-2 was used only 34-percent of the time over the season and a half Hughes led the Citizens. Yet City found success when using the 4-4-2, posting a 14-7-5 record.
Also according to Football-Lineups, Roy Hodgson was also an acolyte of the 4-4-2 formation. In his two and a half seasons leading our club, the 4-4-2 was implemented 91 times – accounting for nearly 73-percent. During the 2008-09 season Roy used the 4-4-2 formation constantly because the line-up never changed through injuries. This meant that Roy got to use the players he wanted in a system he wanted.
Yet Gera started that season on the left, performed ineffectively, and was ultimately replaced by Dempsey.
Last season was a different matter. Injuries to Andy Johnson and Diomansy Kamara's inconsistent form led to Roy adopting either the 4-4-1-1 or 4-2-3-1. But one element that remained a constant was Gera or Dempsey playing as a withdrawn striker. As I wrote last December, the change in formation to a pseudo triangle-offense reaped massive dividends. It let Gera (and Zamora; two players that were public enemy #1 the prior season) to come into his own.
It's probably no coincidence then that the formation used most during our epic run in the Europa League was the 4-4-1-1, with Gera slotting in behind Zamora. And unfortunately Football-Lineups doesn't account for games where the formations were changed as otherwise the number of times non- 4-4-2 lineups were used would increase quite a bit.
So what's the point of all this? Well, I'm curious to know what Sparky is going to do formation wise, especially with Gera. Will he stick with what works? Or will he implement his beloved 4-4-2? If he does the later, then we're going to need another striker pretty quickly.
That's because when Roy utilized the 4-4-2 without AJ last season, he relied heavily on Erik Nevland, David Elm for a bit, and then later Okaka Chuka to partner with Bobby Zamora.
Well, Nevland went back to Norway and Okaka is back with Roma after his loan ended. David Elm is still with the club, but can we consider him a bona fide starter? That leaves the enigmatic Kamara (who's barely featured this preseason) Eddie Johnson (who has 8 first team appearances in his 30 or so months with the club) and the currently injured AJ. So we're a little thin up front to play a straight 4-4-2.
There's about three weeks left in the transfer window. I'm interested to see who, if anyone, arrives — not just because of their personal impact, but how it will effect the team's formation. Especially Zoltan.
http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2010/08/11/2065071/comment-are-blackpool-the-new-swindon-town-or-the-next-wigan
Playing with the big boys
Such figures underline how mismatched Blackpool will be against their more well-heeled Premier League competitors. But size, as they say, isn't everything; and the Tangerines may draw encouragement from the way in which some other top-flight newcomers coped as little fish in the big pool.
There have been 53 promotions from Division One/The Championship since the Premier League was formed. Sunderland and West Bromwich Albion lead the way with four apiece, while Birmingham City, Bolton Wanderers, Crystal Palace and Leicester City have been elevated three times. Charlton Athletic, Derby County, Manchester City, Middlesbrough, Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest, Watford, West Ham and Wolves have all achieved two promotions, while Barnsley, Blackburn, Blackpool, Bradford City, Burnley, Fulham, Hull City, Ipswich Town, Norwich City, Portsmouth, Reading, Sheffield United, Stoke City, Swindon Town and Wigan Athletic all have one promotion to their names.
Fulham also deserve credit. Promoted in 2000-01, they finished 13th in their first season, are about to embark on their 10th consecutive top-flight campaign, and finished as high as seventh in 2008-09.
http://football.fanhouse.co.uk/2010/08/11/bobby-zamora-desperate-to-prove-he-is-the-right-striker-for-engl/ (http://football.fanhouse.co.uk/2010/08/11/bobby-zamora-desperate-to-prove-he-is-the-right-striker-for-engl/)
Bobby Zamora Desperate to Prove He is the Right Striker for England
11/8/2010 3:00 AM GMT
By Ben Hunt
Fulham striker Bobby Zamora's time has finally come at international level.
The 29-year-old, a hero in west London while he is often lampooned in the rest of the city, is certain to feature at some stage of England's international against Hungary and a good performance should go a long way towards silencing his doubters.
Answering his critics is not a new experience for Zamora, who reacted angrily to Fulham's cyber-snipers posting derogatory comments about his goals per game ratio on internet messageboards last season.
Zamora did his best to silence them with his goal celebration against Sunderland in December when he brushed aside the congratulations from team-mates John Paintsil and Damien Duff to repeatedly shout "shut your f****** mouths" in the direction of the home supporters.
After the match, then manager Roy Hodgson said of his striker "maybe he reads too many of these blogs that people write". Whatever, the reason, if those cynical supporters wanted a reaction, they certainly got it after Zamora's winner against Sunderland that was one of his 19 goals last season.
It was that kind goalscoring form combined with Zamora's ability to hold up the ball that caught the eye of Fabio Capello. Now, If Capello is determined to stick with his 4-4-2 system and needs a tall player to perform the Emile Heskey role, Zamora surely fits the bill. Follow Us on Twitter Friend Us on Facebook iPhone App - Get It Now
Zamora hopes to feature at Wembley to climax what he calls a "crazy" period after becoming the father of twins last week.
He said at a news conference:"The twins were born last Monday, they came out on Friday, then I had a match on Saturday, was back home for one day and then I was away with England, so I have not seen them as much as I wanted to, but I am sure I will find some time when I get back home.
"Gisele and Siena, are a massive part of my life now, and with getting the call-up to play for your country is a massive honour. I am lost for words. I am extremely proud to be called up to play for my country.
"Last year was a bit disappointing that I could not go to the World Cup because of injury, but I that's life. Going and not doing either myself or the country justice says it all - you cannot go if you are not 100 percent, that is not fair on anybody, so in that sense the decision was quite easy.
"The injury had to be sorted over the summer, it has been operated on and feels 100 percent now, so I am looking forward to doing well for England. I have been training well, and certainly do not feel out of place.
"At the moment, it is one step at a time - hopefully I can get this cap under my belt and look to push on, to do well. If I get my chance, I am going to grab it."
His new Fulham manager Mark Hughes says "We're delighted for Bobby. His call-up is recognition for his fine play in recent times. He looks a good player and he has to kick on now and be one of the main players in the Premier League.
"If he has an opportunity with England and he gets the shirt, it's all about grasping it. He mustn't allow the progress that he's undoubtedly made in recent times to waver. There's a wind of change in the England squad, and he may well benefit from that.
"Bobby must build on last season and the performances that have been highlighted by Capello. If he has a similar season we benefit and obviously England will, because we'll both have a player with great ability."
Of course, most supporters will rightly point out the match against Hungary is a pointless friendly and the more astute will recognise Capello is indeed starting a much-needed charm offensive to enhance his battered reputation.
The ill-fated South African experience, plus the much-maligned Capello Index, has left the Italian with an uphill task of convincing England fans he is worthy of his £6 million per year salary.
Capello's other inclusions such as Theo Walcott, Darren Bent and Adam Johnson could be interpreted as his way of an apology for axing them from his World Cup plans.
In picking them for a friendly against Hungary, Capello hopes he keeps them on his side - unlike Paul Robinson and Wes Brown.
But in the case of Zamora, there is nothing to apologise for. He was injured when Capello named his 23-man World Cup squad, so there could be a genuine reason for his inclusion.
If he is given the chance to impress and Zamora seizes upon it, then maybe he can forget about being the butt of the terrace jokes once and for all.
http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2010/08/11/fulham-and-england/ (http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2010/08/11/fulham-and-england/)
Craven Cottage Newsround
August 11, 2010
Fulham and England
Filed under: Fulham — chopper68 @ 6:00 am
If Bobby Zamora makes his debut for England tonight, and all reports suggest he will, he'll be only the fourth Fulham player to feature for the national team since we arrived in the Premier League 10 seasons ago. At 29 not even Bobby's greatest fan could have predicted this opportunity a year ago but having completed one of the most amazing seasons in his career thus far he undoubtedly deserves his chance.
England are at a low ebb right now. If nothing else, our performance in South Africa opened a few eyes. We're not quite as talented as we once thought and need to improve in a lot of areas if we're going to compete with the world's best. In the short term this means building a team for Euro 2012. Could Zamora be a genuine contender to be a part of the squad? The experience of Fulham's other recent English hopefuls suggest it won't be easy.
In February 2003 Sean Davis became the first Fulham player to be selected for England since George Cohen's last game in November 1967. The friendly played at Upton Park saw England lose 3-1 to Australia and despite Sven-Goran Eriksson using 22 players Sean remained on the bench. Davis played one more full season for Fulham before moving on to Spurs but has yet to be selected for England again.
An injury crisis in defence gave Zat Knight his chance during a summer tour of the USA in May 2005. England played two friendlies and Zat featured in both. The first match, a 2-1 win over the States in Chicago, saw Knight replace Sol Campbell at half time. Zat earnt his first start, and played the full 90 minutes, three days later as England beat Colombia 3-2 in New Jersey. The tour was more about financial rewards than developing a team for the 2006 World Cup but in truth Zat didn't do enough to suggest he deserved to be any higher in the Centre Back pecking order. Much like Sean Davis, selection for England raised Zat's expectations but it was another two seasons before he moved on to Aston Villa.
The inimitable Jimmy Bullard secured our most recent brush with the three lions. Selected for back to back World Cup Qualifiers in September 2008. An unimpressive 2-0 win against Andorra was followed by a stunning 4-1 victory over Croatia in Zagreb. Both games were negotiated without the need for Jimmy to remove his tracksuit and after less than four months JB was on his way to Hull with a price tag befitting an England International.
Can Zamora stake a claim to feature in the squad for more than just one game? Can he be the first Fulham player of the Premier League era to earn a cap in a competitive match? To do so he would need to convince Capello that he has something to offer in qualifying for the 2012 European Championships. Despite a poor World Cup, Wayne Rooney remains key to a successful English team. Bobby may well provide the perfect foil for Rooney's talent. He'll certainly bring a work ethic to the side that appeared seriously missing in South Africa.
I've made the mistake of getting over excited about Fulham players picked for England in the past. I really upset some scousers when Jimmy B got the call and with hindsight they were probably right. I do hope that Bobby does himself credit and will be very proud to see him take the field however long he gets.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=813434&sec=england&cc=5739 (http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=813434&sec=england&cc=5739)
Senderos suffers serious injury - reports
By Soccernet staff
August 10, 2010
Reports in Switzerland suggest Philippe Senderos could miss a large portion of the coming season for Fulham after suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon.
The Tribune de Geneve says Senderos, who saw his World Cup come to a premature end when suffering an ankle injury in his country's opening game against Spain, sustained the serious injury in training with Fulham.
The paper goes on to report that Senderos will be operated on by the same surgeon who treated David Beckham after the midfielder suffered a similar injury when playing for AC Milan in March.
Beckham was ruled out of the World Cup finals due to the injury and has still not returned to action with LA Galaxy. He hopes to play again in September, some six months after sustaining the injury.
If Senderos is handed a similar prognosis then he can expect to be sidelined until January. However, Fulham are yet to confirm the reported injury, or any likely period of recuperation.
Senderos joined Fulham from Arsenal in June, bringing to an end a seven-year stay with the Gunners during which he made 64 Premier League appearances.
http://www.volzy.com/diary.php (http://www.volzy.com/diary.php)
10 August 2010
I still haven't trained yet due to this slight hip problem, which meant I also missed our last pre-season game at the weekend. I'm still a bit sore but the discomfort is definitely less than it was and this week will be about testing out what I can do - sprints, change of direction etc. I'm obviously desperate to rejoin training as soon as possible but I also know I've got to keep patient and let this little niggle heal up so it doesn't cause me any further problems.
We've got our first competitive game of the season on Saturday which isaway to Chemnitz in the cup, so I'm hoping I'll have been able to train enough by then to be involved. If it takes place that is. There has been a lot of heavy rainfall in that part of thh country and they've had floods and all sorts.
We had an open training session for the fans at the weekend, followed by the longest signing session in the history of the world. We sat there at tables for over three hours and signed everything imaginable - including the obligatory German sleeveless denim jacket. I also had to sign a baby grow that was actually being worn by a four month-old baby. That wasn't the easiest - for me or the baby!
Oh, and here's a pic of me in my St Pauli shirt...hope you like my side parting...!
(http://www.volzy.com/images/stpaulipenpic.jpg)
More soon...
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=813524&sec=transfers&cc=5739
Fulham deny Schwarzer reports
August 11, 2010
Fulham have denied reports Mark Schwarzer has handed in a transfer request and expect the goalkeeper to remain at Craven Cottage.
Schwarzer, 37, is believed to be a target for Arsenal and it is believed the Gunners had a £2 million bid rejected earlier in the summer.
It was claimed on Wednesday morning that Schwarzer has now asked to leave the club to try to force through a move to Emirates Stadium, but Fulham say there is no truth to the reports.
A Fulham spokeswoman said: "The club has not received a transfer request from Mark Schwarzer. Mark is under contract with us until the summer of 2011 and the manager has underlined his commitment to keep hold of his best players."
New Fulham defender Philippe Senderos likely to miss most of the season after rupturing achilles tendon
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 11:33 AM on 11th August 2010
Switzerland and Fulham defender Philippe Senderos is set to miss most of the season after reportedly rupturing an Achilles tendon.
Senderos was injured training alone after withdrawing from the Swiss squad to play Austria in a friendly on Wednesday, the Tribune de Geneve daily said.
Senderos will likely undergo an operation by the same surgeon in Finland who treated David Beckham for an achilles injury in March, the newspaper reports.
The 25-year-old defender had his World Cup ended early by an ankle injury in the first half of Switzerland's opening match, a 1-0 win against eventual champions Spain.
Senderos joined Fulham in June after failing to command a regular first-team place at Arsenal.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1302107/New-Fulham-defender-Philippe-Senderos-likely-miss-season-rupturing-achilles-tendon.html#ixzz0wIMQqOtW (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1302107/New-Fulham-defender-Philippe-Senderos-likely-miss-season-rupturing-achilles-tendon.html#ixzz0wIMQqOtW)
Fulham - Premier League season preview
By Mirror Football in Mirror Football Blog
Published 10:56 11/08/10
Recommend (1)
Last season's finish: 12th
Lawro's prediction: 15th
Lawro's verdict
Roy Hodgson's departure and vultures circling for players like Zamora and Schwarzer (right) will make it very difficult for Fulham.
This season will be a struggle and the fact that the new manager will miss the start of pre-season will make it even tougher.
There are rocky times ahead. Fulham will do well to survive and it will be the bottom six for them next season.
Gaffer: Mark Hughes
Mark Hughes the new manager at the Cottage will have a massive task to match last season's exploits.
Roy Hodgson, Fulham previous manager now in charge at Liverpool, took Fulham on a dream odyssey, which ended in a narrow Europa League final defeat by Atletico Madrid in Hamburg. Roma, Juventus and Hamburg themselves were among the Cottagers' victims on this glorious run.
Key Man: Bobby Zamora
Outstanding for Hodgson's side last season to put himself on the England radar and likely to get his chance for Fabio Capello this term following the debacle in South Africa.
Showed fantastic touch and linked the Cottagers together but will need to be as good if not better to help fill the Hodgson hole.
Ins and outs
In
Philippe Senderos - Arsenal (Free)
Out
Elliot Omozusi - Leyton Orient (Free)
Stefan Payne - Gillingham (Free)
Chris Smalling - Manchester United (Undisclosed)
Fan's eye view
Click here to read the fan's view with Cottagers fan John Stonestreet
Did you Know?
Roy Hodgson's side scored the highest percentage of goals (69%) in the second half during 2009-10.
Fulham conceded five own goals – the joint highest – during the 2009-10 season.
Big interview: New boss Mark Hughes
Mark Hughes is backing Fulham striker Bobby Zamora to repeat his wonder season – and fire his way back into Fabio Capello's England plans.
The Cottagers' new boss is a fan of the big frontman – although he is desperate for another striker to partner him.
Former West Ham star Zamora enjoyed a great campaign last year, inspiring Fulham to the Europa League final.
Had it not been for an Achilles injury, he could well have led the line for England at the World Cup.
Hughes said: "Fabio Capello thinks highly of him and now it's down to Bobby to show what he can do.
"If he plays well for Fulham he will get recognition at international level."
Zamora, 29, signed for Fulham in 2008 after four-and-a-half years at Upton Park, where he earned six caps for England's Under-21 side.
Last season he was top league scorer at Craven Cottage with eight goals and was targeted by Capello for a place in the South Africa squad – until injury ruled him out.
Sparky added: "I came up against him when I was with Manchester City and he was very impressive. He had a really great season.
"What I feel he now has to do, though, is build on that and become a consistent scorer this next campaign – and the future campaigns to come.
"Those are the kind of demands I will putting on him. I don't believe in players just having one stand-out season and not building on it.
"That's just not acceptable for any player. I will drive players to achieve as much as they are capable of achieving.
"And Bobby is a player who can achieve as much as he wants to achieve."
Hughes is well aware of the West Londoners' lack of goals last season.
In an ideal world, he would be able to lure Roque Santa Cruz away from his old club Manchester City to become Zamora's strike partner. But, although the Welshman has been encouraged to believe that City are willing to let the injury-plagued Paraguayan leave, the move is complicated by Santa Cruz's salary, understood to be close to £90,000 a week.
Hughes said: "We have to add to the quality we already have. But players like Santa Cruz – and Craig Bellamy – are maybe beyond our scope in terms of money we'd have to pay in wages.
"But we are actively looking to bring high-quality players in.
"I also want to bring good young players through, though, like I did at Blackburn.
"They are the heartbeat of the club. Supporters align themselves to the young players coming through."
Under Roy Hodgson, Fulham reached the dizzy heights of the Europa League Final last season - but finished 12th in the Premier League.
Hughes said: "Last year was a stand-out season for this club.
"What Roy did was amazing. But because we won't have the distraction of the Europe League I expect us to do even better this time around – certainly in terms of our league position.
"Whichever club I've been at I've always tried to raise expectations. I'm very ambitious.
"Our first home game is against Manchester United and we will be jumping in with two feet. I am going to enjoy the experience.
"In the Premier League you are playing against some of the best teams in the world. It will be a big test.
"You have to be up for it and ready for it - and you will enjoy the experience more.
"I had a great time as a United player, and I also had three fantastic years at Chelsea.
"I had a modicum of success there. So it will be nice to go back to Stamford Bridge.
"Obviously I've still got a lot of friends there."
Fan Forums
Over the course of the season the Club hosts a number of Fans Forums addressing a wide range of issues.
Catering Fans Forum
The catering Fans Forum at Craven Cottage took place on the evening of Monday 9th August 2010 at 6:30pm. Guests were treated to complimentary snacks and drinks from the current catering menu.
In addition to assessing the quality of food & drink, feedback was given on other aspects of stadium catering including prices, promotions, outlets and customer service.
Download the Catering Fans Forum Summary (pdf)|
.
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/SupporterInfo/FanForums/FanForums.aspx#ixzz0wITq2eVM (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/SupporterInfo/FanForums/FanForums.aspx#ixzz0wITq2eVM)
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-sport/football/article-23865976-youll-be-wrong-to-target-john-terry-says-bobby-zamora.do (http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-sport/football/article-23865976-youll-be-wrong-to-target-john-terry-says-bobby-zamora.do)
You'll be wrong to target John Terry, says Bobby Zamora
Simon Johnson
11.08.10
Bobby Zamora has urged the Wembley crowd not to abuse John Terry tonight, insisting he doesn't deserve to bear the brunt of fans' anger for England's disastrous World Cup.
Zamora is set to win his first cap but fears his experience will be overshadowed by the boo-boys taunting the World Cup flops during the match against Hungary, with Terry expected to be their main target.
The former national captain was accused of upsetting squad harmony in South Africa and questioning Fabio Capello's authority during a press conference he gave following the woeful goalless draw with Algeria.
Terry was also heavily criticised for his display in the 4-1 loss to Germany, which saw England crash out after their heaviest ever defeat in the finals.
There were calls for Terry not to be selected for tonight's friendly but Fulham striker Zamora is adamant the Chelsea skipper was right to keep his place and shouldn't be victimised.
"John is still a top defender," said Zamora, who has been close friends with Terry since they played together as kids at Senrab. "Everyone has their own opinion but it is down to one man, that's the manager and he makes all the decisions. John is a massive figure in the squad and a great player. He has won so much. For whatever reason people want a target and someone has got to take it, that's the way it is.
"Unfortunately, a few people will be targeted tonight, I hope it's not John but that's the way it is. We will be looking to put in a good performance and hopefully silence a few people.
"Much was made of what he said at the World Cup but John was speaking from the heart and he just wanted England to do well. They had gone all that way out there and were away from their families for a very long time, they wanted to win games. I suppose that was the way he tried to voice it."
Terry's form, in a pre-season which has seen Chelsea lose four consecutive games, has given his critics more ammunition.
But Zamora said: "This is a tough time of year when you're doing two training sessions the day before matches. I've played this pre-season with tired legs because of the amount of work I've put in, you can't put in great performances but that's what pre-season is for.
"Everyone is on his and Chelsea's case at the moment but I am sure in a couple of weeks they will be top of the table."
THE INSIDER: Rafik Halliche set to seal Fulham switch, West Ham still in for Yakubu and Hull win race for Robert Koren
By Simon Jones - The Insider Last updated at 2:45 PM on 11th August 2010
A 5/5-rating means The Insider reckons it's a done deal; 0/5 means The Insider has his mortgage on it not happening.
Rafik Halliche
Benfica to Fulham - The Insider says: 4/5 London calling: Algeria defender Halliche (right)
The Algeria defender made his feelings known to Sportsmail during the World Cup that he wanted to come to England and that prompted interest from several parties.
The 23-year-old is still raw but his performance against Wayne Rooney and England left a suitable impression that he could perform at this level.
Although he is a Benfica player he has been on loan at Nacional for the past two seasons and is ambitious to change and carve a career similar to his international teammate Madjid Bougherra.
Talk of an Arsenal move was always wide of the mark but Blackpool, Sunderland, Birmingham and Blackburn all showed interest.
Yet it is Fulham who have stepped forward with a suitable offer and he will travel to London at the end of this week for a medical and two days' training before hopefully completing a £1.5m deal.
Yakubu
Everton to West Ham - The Insider says: 3/5 Hammer them home: Yakubu is a finisher
The Nigeria striker has struggled to rediscover his sharpness since his achilles injury 18 months ago and would probably have benefited from a clear summer of training and fitness work rather than the World Cup.
He had an indifferent tournament in South Africa scoring a couple but missing a few glaring chances yet his confidence is such he will bounce back.
Although he wasn't used as often as he would have liked last season he still managed to bag a couple of important goals and West Ham boss Avram Grant recognises the need for his side to have a quality poacher.
However, West Ham have actually offered less than the £7million bid they put in earlier in the summer to Everton and that has puzzled people at Goodison.
The feeling is that Everton's planned pursuit of West Ham's other striker target Loic Remy may have something to do with it.
Robert Koren
West Brom to Hull - The Insider says: 4/5 Hull of a move: Slovenia skipper Koren
One of the frustrations for Blackpool manager Ian Holloway has been his inability to conclude a deal for free agent Koren.
The Slovenia captain was keen to return to the Premier League and was hopeful of greater interest.
Indeed, that would have come if he had been prepared to wait another fortnight as clubs become more desperate but he didn't want to take any chances and wanted to get back to playing football as quickly as possible.
Leicester were also keen and playing for Paulo Sousa certainly appealed but, as they struggled to get a deal together, Hull stepped in and Nigel Pearson was able to convince the 29-year-old it wouldn't be a step down for long.
He is expected to sign there before the end of the week dashing any lingering hopes of Blackpool and Leicester.
Roque Santa Cruz
Manchester City to Sunderland - The Insider says: 3/5 Down the City pecking order: Santa Cruz
Sunderland striker Kenwyne Jones should complete his £7m move to Stoke later today once he has gone through the relevant medical tests and Sunderland will then resume talks with Manchester City for Santa Cruz.
Nedum Onuoha should join Sunderland later today also on loan from City and they hope that may hold some sway in the deal for Santa Cruz.
City would certainly prefer that - short of getting hard cash from elsewhere for the Paraguay striker - but there will be other interested parties who may throw their hat into the ring.
Sunderland are also still working on bringing in Danny Welbeck from Manchester United before the weekend - particularly following Darren Bent's back injury.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1302171/THE-INSIDER-Rafik-Halliche-set-seal-Fulham-switch-West-Ham-Yakubu.html#ixzz0wJ2VHzwV (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1302171/THE-INSIDER-Rafik-Halliche-set-seal-Fulham-switch-West-Ham-Yakubu.html#ixzz0wJ2VHzwV)
http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2010/08/11/fulham-put-10m-price-tag-on-arsenal-target-mark-schwarzer-82029-27042715/ (http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2010/08/11/fulham-put-10m-price-tag-on-arsenal-target-mark-schwarzer-82029-27042715/)
Fulham put £10m price tag on Arsenal target Mark Schwarzer
Aug 11 2010
By Paul Warburton
FULHAM slapped a £10million price tag on Mark Schwarzer last night to prove that only silly money will prize the star keeper out of their grasp.
New boss Mark Hughes is determined to keep the 37-year-old out of Arsenal's clutches – even if that means letting Schwarzer go for nothing when the Aussie's contract runs out next summer.
For all that, Hughes made it plain only a ridiculous bid would force him to seek a replacement ahead of the opening Premiership match at Bolton tomorrow.
A club insider said: "Everyone has his price. But how much is anyone going to pay for a player – as good as Mark is – in the last year of his contract? I doubt even the wealthiest will match Fulham's valuation."
http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/football/837754-england-vs-hungary-key-battles-zamora-v-juhasz-lampard-v-vodocz-terry-v-priskin (http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/football/837754-england-vs-hungary-key-battles-zamora-v-juhasz-lampard-v-vodocz-terry-v-priskin)
England vs Hungary key battles: Zamora v Juhasz, Lampard v Vodocz, Terry v Priskin
England take on Hungary in a friendly at Wembley tonight looking to lay their World Cup demons to rest. Key battles in the game involve Bobby Zamora, Frank Lampard, and John Terry.
Bobby Zamora v Roland Juhasz
Fulham striker Zamora was robbed of a World Cup call-up because of an Achilles injury, but could get his chance to impress after the less-than-prolific Emile Heskey wisely opted to quit international football.
The former Spurs and West Ham targetman netted 21 goals last season – nine in Europe – but faces a tough workout against Anderlecht's 6ft 4in Hungary captain Juhasz.
Zamora is likely to share game time with Carlton Cole and it's more about how both link up with Wayne Rooney in Fab's eyes.
.Frank Lampard v Krisztian Vodocz
His World Cup 'goal' that-never-was should not gloss over a desperately poor tournament for Lampard.
For too long, one of England's seemingly undroppables – but for how much longer can he get away with misplaced passing and wayward shooting against slicker technicians at international level just because of his name?
Imposing Osasuna battler Vadocz is a handy ball distributor with a lethal long-range shot – he might just fancy ruffling Frank's feathers.
John Terry v Tamas Priskin
In his own mind, JT is still really England's captain.
However, at times in South Africa he plodded around like a ponderous, past-his-prime centre-half, whose previous aura of rock-solid dependability had been left in the departure lounge at Heathrow.
Needs to start proving again he deserves to anchor the England defence.
Dangerous Ipswich striker Priskin is likely to lead the Hungarian line and is in lively form already, having scored in Town's 3-1 win at Middlesbrough on Saturday.
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/11082010/58/premier-league-match-facts-bolton-v-fulham.html
Premier League - Match facts: Bolton v Fulham
Opta - Wed, 11 Aug 15:29:00 2010
Facts and figures for Bolton's Premier League clash with Fulham at the Reebok Stadium.
Bolton v Fulham
..This is the fifth Premier League season in succession that Bolton have begun the season at home.
The Trotters have drawn only one of their 11 opening day fixtures in the Premier League.
Fulham have scored exactly one goal in their last four opening day games.
Fulham have won just once in their last six trips away from home to play Bolton.
On the four occasions the Cottagers have failed to score away at Bolton they have secured a draw.
Bolton recouped just four points from losing positions last season, fewer than any other team.
Kevin Davies has conceded the most fouls in six of the last seven Premier League campaigns. Davies' total of 121 in 2009-10 was his highest ever.
Bolton scored the most goals from throw-ins in the 2009-10 Premier League, six.
Bolton committed the most fouls of any team in the 2009-10 Premier League season (564).
No side scored a higher proportion of long range goals than Fulham last season, with 23 per cent of their strikes coming from outside the box.
69 per cent of the goals Fulham scored came in the second half, the highest proportion in the top flight.
Opta
Welcome back WH! OS5889 did a great job of filling in for you.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=813565&sec=england&cc=5739
Switzerland confirm Senderos out for six months
By Soccernet staff
August 11, 2010
The Swiss Football Federation has confirmed that Fulham defender Philippe Senderos is likely to be ruled out for around six months after suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon.
News of the injury to Senderos first emerged on Tuesday night but now his national side have confirmed the severity of the problem sustained during training with Fulham.
Senderos had pulled out of Switzerland's friendly against Austria on Wednesday night due to a toe injury.
"It's an unbelievable setback for Philippe, a terrible blow for him, his club but also for the national team," Switzerland head coach Ottmar Hitzfeld said on Wednesday.
"Senderos had played an important role in my arrangements for the launch of the European Championship qualification matches. He is a leader, on and off the pitch."
It is reported that Senderos, 25, will now be operated on by the same surgeon who treated David Beckham after the midfielder sustained a similar injury in March.
Beckham has still not returned to action for LA Galaxy although he hopes to feature for the MLS side in September.
The news is the latest injury blow to afflict Senderos, who saw his World Cup campaign come to an abrupt end when sustaining an ankle problem in Switzerland's opening game against Spain.
Senderos Update
Wednesday 11th August 2010
The Club can confirm that Philippe Senderos underwent surgery on his Achilles tendon in Finland today. The surgery went well, and the Club is hopeful of a return to training within six months.
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/August/SenderosUpdate.aspx#ixzz0wKYA3otu (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/August/SenderosUpdate.aspx#ixzz0wKYA3otu)
