http://www.people.co.uk/sport/football/football-hotline/2010/12/19/steve-mcclaren-wants-fulham-s-zoltan-gera-to-join-him-at-wolfsburg-102039-22793250/
Steve McClaren wants Fulham's Zoltan Gera to join him at Wolfsburg
Dec 19 2010 By Dave Kidd and Alan Nixon, The People
(http://images.mirror.co.uk/upl/people3/dec2010/4/3/hotlinegerapic-222762576.jpg)
STEVE McCLAREN has targeted Fulham star Zoltan Gera for a January move to Wolfsburg.
The former England boss, desperate to shake up his struggling German side, knows the Hungarian forward could fancy a change.
Gera, 31, has failed to hold down a starting place since Mark Hughes replaced Roy Hodgson as Fulham boss, despite being the club's current Player of the Year after outstanding displays in the run to last season's Europa League final.
He can play on either wing or in the hole behind the main striker. He is desperate for first-team football and would be keen for a move closer to his homeland.
Gera joined Fulham from West Brom in summer 2008 but has often been left out by Hughes despite Fulham's dismal form.
Wealthy Wolfsburg are battling to keep out of the Bundesliga relegation places after winning the title two seasons ago.
McClaren is likely to be backed with significant funds in the mid-season window, with Gera high on his wish-list.
Meanwhile, Fulham head the chase to sign Croatia international Ivan Rakitic.
Schalke midfielder Rakitic, 22, will be a free agent next summer after announcing he will not be signing a new contract. That has alerted clubs across Europe and the Cottagers have declared an interest in a player linked with Everton last year.
http://www.people.co.uk/sport/football/news/2010/12/19/mark-hughes-faces-the-sack-if-he-is-dealt-a-hammer-blow-on-boxing-day-102039-22793373/
Mark Hughes faces the sack if he is dealt a Hammer blow on Boxing Day
Dec 19 2010 By Dave Kidd, The People
(http://images.mirror.co.uk/upl/people3/dec2010/5/5/hughespic-123332462.jpg)
MARK HUGHES is facing crunch time in his troubled Fulham reign – with the Boxing Day home match against West Ham likely to decide his immediate fate.
Sources close to Fulham chairman Mohamed Al Fayed say the Egyptian is running out of patience with the manager, less than five months after his appointment.
And despite the embarrassment of being rejected by Martin Jol in the summer, the former Tottenham boss would be the most likely candidate to replace Hughes.
Jol spent a week deciding whether to quit Ajax for Fulham back in July but although he stayed in Amsterdam at the time, he is now out of work and his summer negotiations with the west London club ended amicably.
Hughes has delivered only two wins in 17 Premier League games and if Fulham fail to beat the rock-bottom Hammers, Al Fayed must decide whether to dispense with his services before the transfer window opens.
Al Fayed knows it would be expensive to dismiss Hughes and his large coaching entourage, including assistant Mark Bowen, Eddie Niedzwiecki, Kevin Hitchcock and Glyn Hodges.
Welshman Hughes retains a close ally in Fulham chief executive Alistair Mackintosh, who worked with him for a brief time at Manchester City.
The postponement of yesterday's match at Liverpool may have helped Sparky's prospects as a defeat against former boss Roy Hodgson would not have gone down well with Al Fayed.
The Fulham owner previously sacked managers Jean Tigana, Chris Coleman and Lawrie Sanchez as soon as the club flirted with relegation from the Premier League.
I would prefer Gera to stay and get quality game time way ahead of the likes of Etuhu and EJ. However it is flippin obvious that the team of last season is not functioning properly and come the end of the season an overall is due. We have to get out of this mess and the promise 10 million from MAF is'nt going to go very far. Have to say that money in, perhaps up to 10 million, for the likes of Gera and Demps has to be considered as ultimately we will survive those loses. Hangers going to boost the survival war chest is unthinkable at this moment even if he has been shaky lately. Sadly those three make up the sum of our viable assetts. Obviously slashing the wage bill by ridding the training ground of the hangers on and dross will help the books but the numbers we need, the improvements we need and a mere 10 million does'nt balance out.
http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2010/12/19/hodgson-v-hughes-a-comparison-using-17-game-moving-averages/
Hodgson v Hughes: a comparison using 17 game moving averages
Filed under: General — rich @ 7:08 pm
b+w_geezer posted something on TIFF about the last few games of Roy Hodgson's reign vs the first few of Mark Hughes'. The suggestion here is that Hughes has inherited a declining squad, which in part explains the relatively poor performance we've seen this season.
Hughes has 16 points from 17 games. I wanted to see how this compared with Hodgson's time in charge, so ran a bit of analysis (data from the amazing football-data.co.uk) where I looked at every 17 game stretch under Hodgson. This is effectively a moving average: take every game and the sixteen that precede it, and see what the average points return is. Every new match sees the first one in the 17 game stretch knocked off.
Here's what we see:
(http://cravencottagenewsround.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/roy.png?w=840&h=536)
What it shows is that at no point in Hodgson's time in charge did we drop under a point a game. (to the current Hughes level; on a rolling 17 game basis (the 17 game platform is a good duration and allows for various ups and downs, difficult fixtures, etc, so it's impressive that Hodgson's Fulham were able to stay so strong so consistently. ))
There's a dip at the end, but do you put that down to the European run, or to the start of a decline? Or Zamora's injury issues (remember he was a bit off colour at the end of last season too). That's the big question.
Keep hearing these rumours regarding Demps going........ do we know whose interested???
Demps 30 yard pot shots are not cutting it. He needs two flying wingers and Bobby back to draw him into the game and allow him the freedom to shine.
I would be sad to see either Zolly or Demps leave the club but the argument could be had we need more speed, strength and power in the side.......will 10 mill produce a better two though??
Not sure the Pompey/Bolton lad will be an improvement......
http://www.eatsleepsport.com/fulham/boss-to-suffer-boxing-day-ko-1136178.html? (http://www.eatsleepsport.com/fulham/boss-to-suffer-boxing-day-ko-1136178.html?)
Boss to suffer Boxing Day KO
Reports are emerging claiming Mark Hughes will be sacked by Fulham if they don't win against fellow strugglers West Ham on Boxing Day.
The People newspaper suggests Cottagers owner Mohamed Al Fayed is ready to make a change after running out of patience with Hughes, less than five months after naming him as Roy Hodgson's successor.
It's thought the Egyptian is lining up a move for Martin Jol, the man he originally wanted to take the job following Hodgson's move to Liverpool.
The Dutchman is now out of work after leaving Ajax and keen on a return to England, having previously managed in the capital with Spurs.
Hughes has led Fulham to just two wins in 17 Premier League games and with the threat of relegation looming, Al Fayed may be forced to act.
He previously parted company with Jean Tigana, Chris Coleman and Lawrie Sanchez the last time the team found themselves at the wrong end of the table.
http://www.sport.co.uk/news/Football/48317/Hughes_facing_crunch_clash.aspx? (http://www.sport.co.uk/news/Football/48317/Hughes_facing_crunch_clash.aspx?)
Hughes facing crunch clash
Reports are claiming Mark Hughes could be sacked by Fulham if they don't beat fellow strugglers West Ham on Boxing Day.
Newspaper stories suggest Cottagers owner Mohamed Al Fayed is ready to make a change after running out of patience with Hughes, less than five months after naming him as Roy Hodgson's successor.
Hughes has led Fulham to just two wins in 17 Premier League games and with the threat of relegation looming, Al Fayed may be forced to act.
It's thought the Cottagers owner is lining up a move for Martin Jol, the man he originally wanted to take the job following Hodgson's move to Liverpool.
Jol, at the time, said he wanted to stay at Ajax but has made no secret of the fact that he would like to manage again in England.
The Dutchman is now out of work, after leaving Ajax earlier this month, and a return to London is likely to appeal to the 54-year-old, having previously managed in the capital with Spurs.
http://www.dailypost.co.uk/sport-news/football-news/2010/12/18/liverpool-fc-v-fulham-off-in-big-freeze-55578-27848642/? (http://www.dailypost.co.uk/sport-news/football-news/2010/12/18/liverpool-fc-v-fulham-off-in-big-freeze-55578-27848642/?)
Liverpool FC v Fulham off in big freeze
Saturday's Barclays Premier League games between Wigan and Aston Villa, and Liverpool and Fulham have been called off due to the weather.
The Latics issued a statement describing the surrounding conditions as "treacherous" and warning the match, scheduled to kick off at 1500 GMT at the DW Stadium, was in "serious doubt". They then confirmed the postponement was on the advice of Greater Manchester Police, citing "freak snow" as the reason.
A Wigan statement read: "Saturday's Barclays Premier League game between Wigan Athletic and Aston Villa at the DW Stadium has been called off after freak weather conditions in the town overnight."
The statement continued: "The decision was made on the advice of Superintendent Stuart Ellison of Greater Manchester Police, on safety grounds.
"Despite the club's best efforts by bringing in snow ploughs and gritters, the 10 inches of snow that fell overnight, and is still falling at the time of going to press, has made the surrounding area extremely hazardous for supporters travelling to the game.
"Public transport isn't running, there are motorway closures and the general condition of the surrounding routes is treacherous. The DW Stadium playing surface, ironically, is fine, with the undersoil heating doing its job, and the stadium is also okay.
"The club wants to apologise for the inconvenience this causes but the situation is beyond anyone's control. News of the postponement has been circulated as early as possible to all official news channels and news contacts. Club staff have also been unable to reach the stadium in order to send out text message alerts to Latics supporters."
In the npower Championship, Cardiff's match against Burnley fell foul of the latest big freeze on Friday night following heavy snowfall in south Wales.
The League One games at Rochdale, Walsall, Hartlepool, Leyton Orient, Yeovil, Brentford, Bristol Rovers, MK Dons and Swindon are also off, along with those at Bury, Accrington, Hereford, Cheltenham, Oxford, Aldershot, Port Vale and Crewe in League Two.
In Scotland, Hamilton's home game against Celtic became the fourth casualty in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League after the Rangers-St Mirren, Aberdeen-Motherwell and St Johnstone-Dundee United clashes were postponed on Friday.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1340071/Premier-League-facing-fixture-chaos-seven-matches-postponed.html? (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1340071/Premier-League-facing-fixture-chaos-seven-matches-postponed.html?)
Premier League facing up to fixture chaos as seven matches are postponed due to snow
Premier League officials will meet this week in a bid to solve what is looking like a major fixture congestion crisis.
The freezing conditions meant that seven matches were postponed this weekend and more snow is forecast for later this week, particularly in the North-West.
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2010/12/19/article-0-0C89D125000005DC-140_468x286.jpg)
Snow-go zone: Stamford Bridge appears clear of danger in this picture taken at
2pm om Sunday - two hours before the game was due to start
This season has already presented itself with some difficult fixture challenges because of the Champions League. The last 16 games are again being staged over four weeks but there is the added complication this year of having the final at Wembley.
Because UEFA insist on nobody using the pitch for two weeks before the match, the FA Cup final will take place on May 14 with the final Barclays Premier League matches being held the following weekend.
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2010/12/19/article-0-0C876EFB000005DC-312_468x286.jpg)
Game off: Arsenal's Premier League clash with Stoke was postponed on Saturday
League officials are already concerned about Blackpool, because Ian Holloway's side have now had two games with Champions League clubs - Manchester United and Tottenham - postponed.
If those clubs continue to progress in Europe it could pose a real problem, as could runs in the domestic cup competitions for the top-flight teams.
Last night a Premier League spokesman suggested that a solution could be found. He said: 'Our department will already have contingency dates in mind and will work closely with the clubs to get new dates agreed as quickly as possible.'
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2010/12/19/article-0-0C872CAC000005DC-943_468x286.jpg)
No joy: the statue of Bill Shankly is graced with snow as Liverpool's game with Fulham is postponed
More severe weather could present more headaches, and again force the Premier League to clash with UEFA by staging some of their matches on European nights, even though there is an agreement that that should not happen if possible.
That leaves just a couple of midweek dates in early January, one in April and one in May for called-off matches to be played.
DATES ARE RUNNING OUT
Due to internationals, FA Cup replays and an agreement that Premier League games cannot take place in midweek when there are Champions League ties, dates are fast running out. The only clear ones available are:
Tues/Weds Jan 11-12 (but Carling Cup semi-final, 1st legs take place).
Tues/Weds Jan 24-25 (Carling Cup semi-final, 2nd legs).
Tues/Weds April 19-20. Tues/Weds May 17-18.
These dates could disappear as FA Cup replays would probably take priority. That could lead to a ridiculous pile-up if English teams progress in the Champions League. If any of them reached the Champions League and FA Cup finals, they would play 15 games in the final two months of the season.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1340071/Premier-League-facing-fixture-chaos-seven-matches-postponed.html#ixzz18dWthg69 (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1340071/Premier-League-facing-fixture-chaos-seven-matches-postponed.html#ixzz18dWthg69)
http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/December/Advent20-cottagetours.aspx? (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/December/Advent20-cottagetours.aspx?)
Cottage Tour Offer
Get a free ticket to Fulham v West Brom when you book a Cottage Tour and Sunday Lunch today!
In today's great Christmas offer, we are giving anyone that books a Cottage Tour and Sunday Lunch a FREE ticket to watch Fulham take on West Bromwich Albion at Craven Cottage on Tuesday 4th January (Kick-Off 8pm).
Craven Cottage is one of the most charismatic stadiums in the country. The tour is your opportunity to go behind the scenes and visit the dressing rooms, dugouts, corporate hospitality areas, press facilities, and even view the scene from the Cottage balcony.
Your tour will be followed by a delicious three course lunch, served in one of our stylish riverside restaurants overlooking the Thames.
Cottage Tour & Sunday Lunch Dates
Sunday 16th January
Sunday 6th February
Sunday 13th February
Sunday 20th March
Sunday 27th March
Sunday 10th April
Sunday 24th April
Sunday 1st May
Sunday 15th May
Secure your place for just £38 Adults or £19 Juniors by calling 020 7384 4777 between 9am – 5:30pm today. Outside of these times, fill out the below form and a member of our Events team will contact you to confirm your booking.
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/December/Advent20-cottagetours.aspx?#ixzz18dY6hI00 (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/December/Advent20-cottagetours.aspx?#ixzz18dY6hI00)
http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-fc/liverpool-fc-news/2010/12/20/liverpool-fc-v-fulham-postponed-on-police-advice-due-to-treacherous-conditions-around-anfield-92534-27853473/? (http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-fc/liverpool-fc-news/2010/12/20/liverpool-fc-v-fulham-postponed-on-police-advice-due-to-treacherous-conditions-around-anfield-92534-27853473/?)
Liverpool FC v Fulham postponed on police advice due to treacherous conditions around Anfield
HEAVY snowfall put paid to Roy Hodgson's first chance to take on his former employers Fulham when Liverpool's Premier League clash with the Londoners was called off on Saturday morning.
The match was due to be televised live by ESPN with a 5.30pm kick-off at Anfield.
However, the snow – which blanketed all of Merseyside on Friday evening and into the early hours of Saturday morning – led to treacherous conditions around the stadium.
A Liverpool spokesperson said: "Club officials met with the police on Saturday morning to assess the prevailing weather conditions.
"The safety of all fans attending the game is paramount and although the Anfield pitch is playable, the conditions around the stadium and further afield for people travelling to the match are such that the decision was taken, following police advice on safety grounds, to postpone the game.
"All existing tickets will remain valid for the re-arranged fixture.
"We will also offer refunds and publish a deadline date for refunds once the re-arranged game date is announced, to enable us to re-sell any returned seats to other supporters.
"Any guests who have purchased hospitality for the game are advised to retain their tickets as they will be valid for the new date.
"We will advise all supporters of the new date as soon as possible."
LIVERPOOL'S match was one of eight Premier League encounters which succumbed to the bad weather at the weekend. All three of yesterday's scheduled games were postponed along with the five on Saturday. Only Blackburn Rovers' 1-1 draw with West Ham United and Sunderland's 1-0 win over Bolton Wanderers survived the Arctic blast.
Read More http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-fc/liverpool-fc-news/2010/12/20/liverpool-fc-v-fulham-postponed-on-police-advice-due-to-treacherous-conditions-around-anfield-92534-27853473/?#ixzz18dYTQH3b (http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-fc/liverpool-fc-news/2010/12/20/liverpool-fc-v-fulham-postponed-on-police-advice-due-to-treacherous-conditions-around-anfield-92534-27853473/?#ixzz18dYTQH3b)
http://tldorc.blogspot.com/2010/12/one-year-on.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheLonesomeDeathOfRoyCarroll+%28The+Lonesome+Death+of+Roy+Carroll%29
The Lonesome Death of Roy Carroll
A MANCHESTER CITY BLOG
Sunday, 19 December 2010
One year on
It was one year ago today that Mark Hughes was replaced by Roberto Mancini as City manager. This is still the defining, framing event of the ADUG era and the one that tells us the most about the owners and their approach.
My reaction at the time was fairly intemperate. I described the sacking of Mark Hughes as "destructive and devious". I stick by the second word if not the first. We should certainly analyse Roberto Mancini's record over the past year, and how that reflects on ADUG's decision making, and there will be more of that later. But it's still worth, even now, reflecting that Mark Hughes was treated with contempt by the club, that leaving a condemned man out in the dock in front of 48,000 people is no way to treat something, even with a generous pay-off soon after. This is a moral stain that still lingers.
But that was only half of my critique. I didn't just say that this was a badly-executed decision, I said that it was a bad decision. Ultimately, it's on those grounds that this swap will be judged, and not on the grounds of fair play. And on this I was wrong. Because Roberto Mancini has revealed himself to be a better manager than I expected. Noticeably better, I think, than Mark Hughes.
And I feel confident saying that even in the knowledge that Mancini failed the first test he faced: he was tasked with attaining Champions League football, and he failed. He could have got us beyond the League Cup semi-final, but he didn't do that either. So why do I still like him? Well, I don't think the targets he was set were realistic. He was put in a very difficult position. Putting a new manager in charge with a squad that isn't his half way through a season just isn't a smart move: for precisely the reasons I thought it was wrong to get rid of Hughes, I think it's unfair to blame Mancini too much for our finishing fifth last year. He was dropped mid-season in a league he didn't know, with a squad that wasn't his, and asked in a half-season to improve their record. Getting to a 90-minute play-off with Spurs and losing it is no great failure on Mancini's part.
This season, though, with his own players and with some familiarity of the Premier League, you'd naturally expect more from Mancini. And that's what we've got. We're third in the league, two points off the top (five if United win their game in hand), and we won our Europa League group without really playing our best players that much. We're not Guardiola's Barcelona but after our fourth consecutive summer of overhaul one shouldn't expect us to be. Given the new players that have come in and the depth of the squad we're probably going to improve as the season progresses: so the position we are in now is a satisfactory one.
That is to say, I think Mancini is doing a good job, a better job than I expected, and a job in keeping with most realistic expectations. The most obvious improvement from Hughes is the defence. This is comfortably the most impermeable defence I've seen in my time as a City fan. The experience of going into games confident that we will not concede is novel, and one that is still being synthesised into my match-day psyche. After 38 league games in charge, Mancini's City have conceded just 31 times (0.81 goals per game). Contrast that with Hughes' tenure: 77 conceded in 55 (1.4 goals per game). Even if you ignore 2008/09 and just give Hughes time after his summer 2009 spending it's 27 from 17 - 1.59 goals per game. This is a statistically significant difference. Moreover, it's not a difference that can really be ascribed to better personnel under Mancini. Yes, Jerome Boateng and Aleksandar Kolarov have played a handful of games this season but for the most part it's been done with defenders Hughes signed, or that were here before him (Joe Hart, Micah Richards). Now, for the first time in living memory, we have one of the best defences in the country. In the time since Mancini took over, Chelsea and United have conceded 29 and 27 goals respectively, in one fewer league game. So far this season, we've got the second best record, one goal behind Chelsea, and three behind United. It's an obviously impressive record.
Of course, football, like anything else, is a trade-off. And the attacking football has not been as thrilling as it was under Hughes. Too often we have lacked ideas in the final third, and only a remarkable goal-scoring run from Carlos Tévez has kept us winning games. It's not healthy to rely so much on one player, and that reliance is why the current situation is so disconcerting. But, I do sense that this is changing. Not that we don't need our captain any more - until we get a competent replacement, we do - but that with every game he plays David Silva gets better, and that in doing so he reveals himself to be the most gifted player we've had at City in my lifetime. Not quite as effective as Tévez, yet, but his superior for technique, grace and imagination. With Tévez, the improving Silva combines magically. Without Tévez, well, Silva still manages to do well enough. There has been an improvement in our attacking as a team in recent weeks, and it's not reading too much to suggest that now that Mancini has fixed the defence he is allowing himself to be more ambitious.
Because this now feels like Mancini's team, in a powerful sense. He has been ruthless in expelling those that didn't fit in: Robinho, Stephen Ireland and Craig Bellamy, the three best players under Hughes, have all gone. Vincent Kompany and Nigel de Jong are still here, but are such obvious Mancini Lieutenants that to imply any residual loyalty to Hughes on their part is laughable. Tévez, of course, is a difficult one: Mancini's defensive move to give him the captaincy - sound logic, still - has not worked and it looks as if a summer departure is likely. But, then, this is Carlos Tévez and so I'm not sure the fall-out reflects too badly on Mancini. Putting our volatile captain to one side, there is a now a core of players at City, either signed by Mancini or recently buying into his work, talented and ambitious, of a similar generation. From front to back, Joe Hart (1987), Kolarov (1985), Zabaleta (1985), Kompany (1986), Boateng (1988), Silva (1986), James Milner (1986) and Adam Johnson (1987). These players are only going to get better and I would be surprised if, two years after Mancini's appointment, they did not still represent the core of the squad.
Some of this is irrational: The scarf, the good looks, the scrap with David Moyes. Some of this is lucky: Tévez found form, Valencia sold Silva, United, Chelsea and Arsenal all have problems, leaving us in a competitive league position. But I think there is a rational and empirical basis for believing that City are a more serious prospect than they were one year ago, and that this is largely down to the cold focus and stern judgement of the coach. I know that I overrated Hughes, and I'm loath to repeat the same mistake, so I'll try not to. Suffice to say that I think things are progressing fairly well.
http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/football/850949-stephen-ireland-attracts-attention-from-everton-west-ham-and-fulham? (http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/football/850949-stephen-ireland-attracts-attention-from-everton-west-ham-and-fulham?)
Stephen Ireland attracts attention from Everton, West Ham and Fulham
Everton have joined West Ham and Fulham in the race to sign Aston Villa's Stephen Ireland in January
The midfielder has failed to settle at Villa Park after moving from Manchester City in the summer and his manager Gerard Houllier has admitted Ireland now wants to leave in January.
'Once a player wants to go, he goes,' the Villa boss said.
'He said he wanted to go in January. He said that to his agent. I am not so convinced about that. Have I told him to move? No, no, no. Once a player wants to go, he goes. Simple as that."
He added: 'I think we will be looking to get the same kind of money back. The club probably would.'
Villa will be hoping to recoup the £8 million valuation placed by City on Ireland as part of the deal which saw James Milner moves to Eastlands.
Three clubs have so far been linked to the midfielder, with Everton manager David Moyes said to be monitoring the situation at Villa Park with reports he could be set to bid for Ireland in the new year.
Read more: http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/football/850949-stephen-ireland-attracts-attention-from-everton-west-ham-and-fulham#ixzz18f1w2J2H (http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/football/850949-stephen-ireland-attracts-attention-from-everton-west-ham-and-fulham#ixzz18f1w2J2H)
http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=225192 (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=225192)
Fulham - Hangeland`s Thoughts!
As January approaches, the inevitable rumours will, no doubt, emerge over the future of Brede Hangleand.
Our towering centre back is continually linked with a move away from Craven Cottage with the bigger clubs keen to snap him up.
But Brede has no intentions of leaving Craven Cottage and in a fascinating interview given to Sky Sports, has spoken about this and other topical items.
Here`s what Brede had to say, firstly on staying at Craven Cottage and the continual gossip relating to a move away.
'I try to let it go over my head."
'I like people to think I have done well, I am happy with that, but, as I have said thousands of times, I am happy at this club and I would love to stay here for a long time. Speculation is just part of the game.'
And on the stuttering form displayed this season,
"Our performances have been alright, but we aren't happy with our league position at the moment. We would like to be a bit higher,'
'We just need to turn some of those draws into wins, then we will be alright."
'The league is so tight so 10 minutes from time if both teams are half-satisfied with the situation, sometimes you end up with a draw. In our case that has happened a few too many times. We are definitely tired of draws.'
And lastly that demon that continues to haunt us, our away form with no away wins, in the Premier League, for twenty-six games..
"That's one of the positives about this season, we have been closer to winning away."
'We have had a lot of draws away. It's something we talk about because there's no reason why we shouldn't win away from home."
'It's a little bit embarrassing almost, because it's been such a long time. We really want to put it right but it's harder to win away from home in the Premier League, maybe more so for us because Craven Cottage is such a special place.'
So, is it too much too hope for in the New Year that Brede stays, Fulham stop drawing and also win away from home?
http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=225193 (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=225193)
The Christmas Sack Race!
Boxing Day threatens to be a festive treat with a London derby to warm us up.
With West Ham United visiting Craven Cottage, the odds are that we should e able to see-off the bottom club in the Premier League.
But, if you listen to the whispers flooding the media world, especially those that frequent the gutter side of things, Boxing Day could see the departure of one of the two managerial combatants facing each other this festive period.
It`s well known that there are a multitude of rumours linking West Ham`s Avram Grant with the old tin-tack but now one shady agency has had the temerity to suggest that if West Ham beat us on Boxing Day it`ll signal the departure of Mark Hughes!
Here at Vital Fulham, we think not!
Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=225193#ixzz18feIjqrq (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=225193#ixzz18feIjqrq)
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1340189/Arsenal-Fulham-Tottenham-Liverpool-target-Adam-Federici-admits-quit-Reading.html? (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1340189/Arsenal-Fulham-Tottenham-Liverpool-target-Adam-Federici-admits-quit-Reading.html?)
Arsenal, Fulham, Tottenham and Liverpool target Adam Federici admits he may quit Reading to chase Premier League dream
Highly-rated Reading goalkeeper Adam Federici has admitted he is desperate to play in the Premier League and may leave the Royals at the end of the season to fulfil his dream.
Federici, who went to the World Cup last summer with Australia as back-up to Mark Scwarzer, has been linked with Arsenal, Fulham, Tottenham and Liverpool thanks to his eye-catching displays for the Berkshire club.
The keeper is out of contract at the Madejski Stadium at the end of this campaign.
And should Reading fail to win promotion back to the top flight this term Federici concedes that, although he would rather play for Brian McDermott's side in the Premier League, it may be time to move on if another season beckons in the Championship.
'I'm not going to hide my ambition,' he said. 'I've come a long way to play in this country and I want to be at the highest level.
'We've a realistic chance of getting promoted this season and if I can do it with Reading that's fantastic.
'Everyone wants to play Premier League football. It's the biggest league in the world and the most watched. I've had my little taste of it and it's fantastic to be involved in it.'
He added: 'I'm out of contract at the end of this season.
'We've been in discussions and I hope all goes well. I tend to just keep my head down and play.
'We'll have to see what happens, but I want to stay. Hopefully, we'll sort things out and it's all positive.'
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1340189/Arsenal-Fulham-Tottenham-Liverpool-target-Adam-Federici-admits-quit-Reading.html#ixzz18fee2hA3 (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1340189/Arsenal-Fulham-Tottenham-Liverpool-target-Adam-Federici-admits-quit-Reading.html#ixzz18fee2hA3)
http://hammyend.com/index.php/2010/12/gatesys-sparse-weekend-roundup/? (http://hammyend.com/index.php/2010/12/gatesys-sparse-weekend-roundup/?)
Gatesy's Sparse Weekend Roundup
by GATESY on DECEMBER 20, 2010
Well it was a lean old weekend for football this last weekend, eh? Just two games in the Premier League escaping the conditions and seven in the Championship. Which meant it was a slow old game week in the world of fantasy football. Walking into work on Monday morning without a single point to my name – I now know what it feels like to be Avram Grant.
The lunchtime game on Saturday escaped the snow and carried on regardless. While only averaging just over a goal a game so far this season the Black Cats sit handily in sixth place in the league after defeating Bolton. With Craig Gordon pulling off some impressive saves, including one for the Big Man Zat Knight (why do I giggle like a school girl whenever his name comes up in commentary?) and Wellbeck scoring up the other end, Sunderland now occupy their highest position for ten years.
The only other game of the weekend to actually take place was Steve Kean's first game in Charge of Blackburn against bottom side West Ham. With Robert Green missing his first game for the Hammers since the 2006/2007 season meaning that fourth choice Ruud Boffin was the only other 'keeper available for the visitors. Reports that Surly Scientist was on the bench were unsubstantiated. Ryan Nelsons header gave the home side the lead before a second half strike from Stanislas leveled the game and left Kean disappointed he didn't walk away with all three points.
It wasn't a fantastic spectacle to behold though Benni McCarthy falling over the ball was a lot of fun. With rumours of the future of the manager at Upton Park the old chestnut that only a single side has escape relegation having been rock bottom at Christmas wont bring much cheer to the people of the East London slums.
Though the news the 'Arry probably wont be making a move for their one shiny light this season, Scott Parker, as he feel's he's too rich for Spuds' blood.
"I like Parker, but he belongs to West Ham. He will be 31 next birthday and they will want £15million. Daniel (Levy, chairman) wouldn't buy players of that age, on big wages with no sell-on."
Though admitting he's short of options in midfield then went on to say Jamie O'Hara could be on his way out in January:
"O'Hara needs to play. He would be better off playing somewhere than not playing, He would do a good job for someone in the Prem."
Now, let me take you back a week and a half ago when that lot down the road trumpeted on their website:
'The pitch would have to be frozen solid or completely under water to be the reason for a game to be called off, which shouldn't happen at Stamford Bridge. In this day and age, with all the modern technology, it is very rare you get a game called off.'
Never mock Lady Fate, sure it'll make you feel more alive than you have ever felt in your life (or get you told off by Daddy Gatesy as happened to me), but she usually has the last laugh. That lot did so it was no surprise to see them call their game off on Sunday. Surely it was purely down to the weather conditions and not a coincidence that Fat Frank would be far from match for last weekend but will be in far better shape (for him anyway) come the rescheduled appointment. The Daily Mail was suspicious, asking:
The main roads were clear, the Tube was running, and the pitch perfect... so why was Chelsea's game with United postponed?
Nothing curious here say the blues. It was purely down to health and safety, a spokesman said.
"between the local authority, the club and the police. With the downpour of snow on Saturday morning, it wasn't just conditions around the stadium but the whole Fulham area. There were concerns about people getting to the ground, as well as staffing at the game and police staffing."
The fact the day of the game all public transport was running pretty normally for a Sunday is, apparently, moot.
Tonight, weather permitting, on the tellybox it's Man City V Everton. The Toffees have won on their last three visits to Eastlands but a home win would ensure City spend Christmas at the top of the tree.
Our next game is on Boxing Day and we welcome the Hammers who make the long 26 stop journey on the District Line to The Cottage.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1340167/Club-club-Premier-League-Christmas-wishlist.html? (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1340167/Club-club-Premier-League-Christmas-wishlist.html?)
All I want for Christmas is... Sportsmail's club-by-club Premier League wishlist
You only have to look at a post-match interview to understand that Premier League managers are never fully satisfied.
And as a congested fixture list combines with a transfer window over the next month, expect the excuses that flow like cheap wine following a 2-0 home defeat to be as predictable as ever.
With problems both potential and immediate, Sportsmail looks at what all 20 of the division's club managers will want most over Christmas and in their nature of always wanting more, a nice little stocking bonus too.
Fulham – Mark Hughes
From Santa... Wins
The league's draw specialists with 10 so far, Hughes could do with turning a few of those into wins with his side sucked into a relegation battle. Especially away from home where Fulham have not won all season.
Stocking bonus... Returns of Bobby Zamora and Moussa Dembele
Zamora has played a major role in Fulham's domestic and European adventures in recent seasons but along with summer signing Dembele, has struggled with injuries that have seriously hampered the Welshman's brief tenure. Hughes needs them both back before it's too late.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1340167/Club-club-Premier-League-Christmas-wishlist.html#ixzz18ffi0IKV (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1340167/Club-club-Premier-League-Christmas-wishlist.html#ixzz18ffi0IKV)
http://www.fanhouse.co.uk/2010/12/20/fulham-mark-hughes-roy-hodgson-bobby-zamora-mohamed-al-fayed/? (http://www.fanhouse.co.uk/2010/12/20/fulham-mark-hughes-roy-hodgson-bobby-zamora-mohamed-al-fayed/?)
Fulham Need to Show Patience and Realism in Considering Mark Hughes' Fate
Football is most definitely in its silly season when clubs, such as Blackburn Rovers, are sacking their manager despite being in a relatively healthy position in the league.
Worryingly, the madness could appear to be contagious if newspaper reports are to be believed when it comes to Mark Hughes' position at Fulham.
The tabloid press have Hughes fighting to save his job as the club's manager- even though he was only appointed in the summer.
Yes, his results have seen him draw more games than victories and that in turn has left the Cottagers hovering above the relegation zone. Yet it needs to be remembered that Fulham were the draw specialists before Hughes was even appointed.
Under the previous manager, Roy Hodgson, Fulham struggled to convert draws into three points - although he did take the club to the Europa League Final and to a seventh placed finish.
Hodgson's heroics marked the pinnacle of Fulham's success and it is highly unlikely they will reach such a major final again in the near future.
Supporters and the club's chairman would have enjoyed those successes in Europe - with glamour ties against Roma and Juventus - but it could be argued those wins have only served to inflate Fulham's ego and expectations.
For not too long ago, the club had aspirations to become a Premier League team. Once that was accomplished, the target was then to stay in the top flight and lastly, the goal progressed to being a mid-table team.
A mediocre league position maybe be scoffed at by some football clubs, but for Fulham that is an achievement. Looking at the average attendances in the Premier League, Fulham are down in 14th place with a little over 25,000 attending each home game. As a result, budgets have always been fairly modest for a Fulham manager.
Then there is the injury problems Hughes has faced. Much of Fulham's success in Europe hinged on Bobby Zamora's availability. This season he was beginning to find his feet when he suffered a broken leg against Wolves.
Then there was the injury to Mousa Dembele - Zamora's replacement - leaving Hughes short of attacking options as Andrew Johnson has yet to fully recover from his own long-term injuries.
It has therefore not been an easy six months for Hughes. Filling the void left by Hodgson was one thing, but managing inflated expectations is another.
If the reports are correct and Fulham's chairman Mohamed Al Fayed is considering Hughes position, then he might need to take stock and have his personal physician check for delusions of grandeur.
On the whole, Fulham are a club supporters have some time for and a trip to Craven Cottage is always popular with opposing fans. But if Al Fayed starts firing managers ruthlessly, as in the case with Blackburn, then he could find that fondness wears off pretty quickly.
Of course, there is noting wrong with having aspirations, but sacking Hughes, a talented young manager, is not the right way to go about achieving them.
http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/3867/1/hughes-confident-fulham-will-climb-out-trouble? (http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/3867/1/hughes-confident-fulham-will-climb-out-trouble?)
Hughes confident Fulham will climb out of trouble
Fulham boss Mark Hughes insists his side will pick up enough points during the Christmas period to move clear of the relegation zone.
Hughes' side are only out of the bottom three on goal difference after their game at Liverpool was postponed on Saturday.
But with home games against West Ham and West Brom and away trips to Stoke and Tottenham in between, Hughes is adamant his side will get out of trouble.
"We're fully aware of where we are and it's a real frustration for us," he said.
"I think we're using that frustration of not having as many points as we should have done.
"I don't think there is any danger of us thinking we're OK because we are playing well.
"We're really conscious of the fact that you have to get points on the board. That's what we'll do. The Christmas period is a real opportunity to do that."
http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/December/JuniorFansChristmasParty.aspx? (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/December/JuniorFansChristmasParty.aspx?)
Junior Christmas Party Cancelled
Due to the adverse weather conditions the Club can confirm that the Junior Christmas Party, which was due to take place at Motspur Park on Tuesday 21st December, has now been cancelled.
We would like to apologise for any inconvenience and we hope to organise an event in the near future for all of our young supporters.
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/December/JuniorFansChristmasParty.aspx?#ixzz18fhovhTD (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/December/JuniorFansChristmasParty.aspx?#ixzz18fhovhTD)
http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/December/BoxingDayTravelNotice.aspx (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/December/BoxingDayTravelNotice.aspx)
Boxing Day Travel Notice
Supporters attending Fulham's Boxing Day derby against West Ham at the Cottage should be aware of significant transport disruptions on the day of the game.
Train and tube networks will be affected, including Putney mainline and underground services. Check your route in advance. Normal parking restrictions will be in force on the day of the game.
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/December/BoxingDayTravelNotice.aspx#ixzz18fi5VzQX (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/December/BoxingDayTravelNotice.aspx#ixzz18fi5VzQX)
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1305753/Competition-Win-tickets-Fulham-v-West-Brom--courtesy-Barclays.html? (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1305753/Competition-Win-tickets-Fulham-v-West-Brom--courtesy-Barclays.html?)
Competition: Win tickets to see Fulham v West Brom - courtesy of BarclaysSportsmail has teamed up with Barclays, title sponsor of the Barclays Premier League, to offer one lucky reader the opportunity to win a pair of tickets to the Fulham v West Bromwich Albion clash at Craven Cottage on Wednesday January 5 2011.
Draw specialists Fulham
need to start winning their home games to pull away from trouble while West Brom have win plenty of friends but not enough points with their attractive brand fo football.
To be in with a chance, answer the following question:
Which one of the players below has played for both
Fulham and West Brom?
1 Danny Murphy
2 Jonathan Greening
3 Damien Duff
E-mail your answer, along with your name, address and contact number to:
[email protected]to arrive by midday Tuesday December 28.
PLEASE NOTE: You must validate your entry with the words BARCLAYS FULHAM in your subject box; the tickets are for home fans only and do not include travel to/from the ground, accommodation or hospitality; normal Associated Newspapers terms and conditions apply - the Editor's decision is final.
If you're not successful, you can always win a pair by visiting your nearest Barclays ATM and requesting a receipt, or by going online to www.barclaysticketoffice.com (http://www.barclaysticketoffice.com) – you don't even have to be a Barclays customer.
Match tickets are up for grabs EVERY 90 minutes, every day, throughout the 2010/11 season. Further information and terms and conditions are available from www.barclaysticketoffice.com (http://www.barclaysticketoffice.com)
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1305753/Competition-Win-tickets-Fulham-v-West-Brom--courtesy-Barclays.html#ixzz18fiM0VqI (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1305753/Competition-Win-tickets-Fulham-v-West-Brom--courtesy-Barclays.html#ixzz18fiM0VqI)
http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2010/12/20/philippines-snow/? (http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2010/12/20/philippines-snow/?)
Philippines & SnowFiled under: General — timmyg Neil Etheridge's Philippines side lost 1-0 yesterday to Indonesia, going out of the AFF Suzuki Cup in the semi-final stage. If I wasn't working the last farmer's market of the season, I would have definitely attempted to watch it live, and give some sort of report. Highlights can be found here though.
Pretty impressive the Booters held their opponents to just 2 goals — with one being an absolute peach — over two virtually-away legs considering the Indonesians scored 13 in the group stage. Ho hum, that was fun while it lasted!
Is it still snowing in England? Will another slate of games be postponed? Old Hoss brought up a good point:
(http://cravencottagenewsround.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/untitled-1.jpg?w=500&h=291)
Which brings us to this amazing video montage:
Mr. Freeze's Puns (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRH-Ywpz1_I#ws)
http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/December/LiverpoolTicketInformation.aspx? (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/December/LiverpoolTicketInformation.aspx?)
Liverpool Ticket Information
Liverpool Away Tickets & Coach Travel
Match tickets and coach travel tickets will be valid for the rearranged fixture date. Supporters will be emailed with the new date once it is confirmed.
Supporters should make sure that they have supplied the Club with an up-to-date email address, you can do this online by logging in at fulhamfc.com/tickets or by calling the Ticket Office on 0843 208 1234 (option 3).
Screening Tickets
If you paid by credit or debit card these tickets will be automatically refunded. If you paid by cash or cheque please contact the Ticket Office on 0843 208 1234 (option 3) to arrange your refund.
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/December/LiverpoolTicketInformation.aspx?#ixzz18fjJ88xS (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/December/LiverpoolTicketInformation.aspx?#ixzz18fjJ88xS)
http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/transfer-rumours/3868/1/wolves-and-fulham-eyeing-exeter-youngster? (http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/transfer-rumours/3868/1/wolves-and-fulham-eyeing-exeter-youngster?)
Wolves and Fulham eyeing Exeter youngster
Fulham and Wolves are leading the chase to sign promising Exeter midfielder Liam Sercombe.
The sought after 20-year-old has already made 84 appearances for the League One and scored his fourth career goal in Saturday's 5-1 over Sheffield Wednesday.
The central midfielder came through the youth ranks at the Devon club and could leave in January with manager Paul Tisdale unlikely to stand in the way of a move to a club in the top flight.
The youngster would cost around £350,000, if a move in the upcoming transfer window materialises.
http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/December/BoxingDayTravelNotice.aspx? (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/December/BoxingDayTravelNotice.aspx?)
Boxing Day Travel Notice
Supporters attending Fulham's Boxing Day derby against West Ham at the Cottage should be aware of significant transport disruptions on the day of the game.
Train and tube networks will be affected, including Putney mainline and underground services. Check your route in advance. Normal parking restrictions will be in force on the day of the game.
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/December/BoxingDayTravelNotice.aspx?#ixzz18fjovOox (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/December/BoxingDayTravelNotice.aspx?#ixzz18fjovOox)
http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/cottagers-chief-eyes-festive-cheer-1136548.html? (http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/cottagers-chief-eyes-festive-cheer-1136548.html?)
Cottagers chief eyes festive cheer
Mark Hughes has ignored reports he is facing the sack at Fulham and says they will pick up some vital points over the Christmas period.
Weekend reports claimed that the Cottagers chief will be axed if they fail to defeat bottom club West Ham at Craven Cottage on Boxing Day. However, Hughes was refusing to discuss that scenario as he opted to focus on securing plenty of points from the game against the Hammers, trips to Stoke and Tottenham, and a home clash with West Brom over the festive period.
Hughes, whose side are only out of the bottom three on goal difference after their game at Liverpool was postponed on Saturday, told Talksport: "We're fully aware of where we are and it's a real frustration for us.
"I think we're using that frustration of not having as many points as we should have done.
"I don't think there is any danger of us thinking we're OK because we are playing well.
"We're really conscious of the fact that you have to get points on the board. That's what we'll do. The Christmas period is a real opportunity to do that."
http://www.stokecity-mad.co.uk/feat/ed95/time_to_kick_on_610451/index.shtml (http://www.stokecity-mad.co.uk/feat/ed95/time_to_kick_on_610451/index.shtml)
Time To Kick On
The postponement of Saturday's game at the Emirates means Stoke's quest for a Premier League win in December still goes on (clearly we were a shoe-in at Arsenal) with only fixtures against Blackburn and Fulham remaining. Although there are no easy games at this level the two festive fixtures that the computer has thrown up for us should offer some hope especially given the circumstances surrounding our opponents.
A week ago our trip to Ewood Park looked like a very tough assignment, Blackburn are a very decent side at home and were managed by a very good and experienced campaigner in Sam Allardyce. A week is a long time in football though and we now visit a club seemingly not sure what direction it is going in and who have some key players looking doubtful following their weekend draw against struggling West Ham. Away wins don't come easy in the Premier League but the trip to Blackburn on Boxing Day should definitely be looked at as a fixture we could now potentially win.
We sign off 2010 with a home game against Mark Hughes's Fulham who have been this season's draw specialists with ten stalemates out of their opening seventeen games. It was always going to be difficult for the Craven Cottage outfit to follow on from last season's Europa League heroics and despite having some good players they are another team that (on our day) Stoke should be looking to beat at the Britannia.
The visit of Fulham will also see the wannabe football pundit, Danny Murphy's arrival to the Potteries for the first time since his ridiculous comments earlier in the season. As we know he didn't speak too highly about the Potters and accused TP of getting our lads "too pumped up" (heaven forbid) before a game. I can only imagine our gaffer must have had a word with Fulham skipper prior to our League Cup clash in September. Why else would he have been pumped up enough to throw the ball into Ryan Shawcross's face I wonder?
Happily other than a few predictable voices the overwhelming view was that Murphy was bang out of order but I'm sure should he be in any doubt, the Potters faithful will make sure he gets the full, unedited picture next Tuesday – enjoy your day out Danny!
As things stand we currently sit on 21 points from 17 games, at the turn of the year last season we had amassed the same number of points but from two more games. Should the Potters enjoy a prosperous Christmas programme we will therefore be well on our way to bettering the 47 points we collected during the previous campaign which would be an excellent effort.
If we can now put a decent run together and collect a good haul of points I'm sure that it won't do our prospects of recruiting a couple of high profile additions during January. The Chairman has indicated we are in for a quiet window and I think he right to suggest this. I'm sure the gaffer will be bending his ear (especially if a centre half becomes available!) to give him the funds necessary to improve the team.
This weekend I managed to catch Stan Collymore's overview of the season so far and where he suggested we need to strengthen. To be honest there wasn't any great shock for the Stokies who tuned in. He thought we'd finish about where we are currently (I think we'll finish higher though) and he knew exactly where most of us agree we need improving, namely central midfield and at full back. I'm sure that if TP can pull a couple of rabbits out of the hat this current Stoke team can push on and exceed last season's achievements and attain a top half finish.
Right now it's time for all things family and a whole day without thinking about football (well nearly) so enjoy the festivities and then get yourselves up to Ewood Park on Boxing Day.
Happy Christmas fellow Stokies and here's to a great 2011!
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/854911?&cc=5739 (http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/854911?&cc=5739)
Hughes can't explain draws
Mark Hughes is at a loss to explain Fulham's costly inability to turn draws into wins this season.
Arsenal have lost the same amount of Premier League games - five - as the Cottagers but while they lie just two points behind leaders Manchester United, Hughes' men are outside the drop zone on goal difference alone.
Both sides are therefore proof positive of the importance of taking maximum points, with Fulham having done so only twice in 17 matches. Their remaining 10 games have all been draws, but many of these results have left Hughes scratching his head.
"I don't know where it's come from,'' said the former Manchester City and Blackburn boss. "It's never happened to me in my career before and it's not as if we're setting up negatively or trying to get people behind the ball and taking what we can out of games. We've tried to be positive in every game we've played and I think that is too our credit. I think we've improved in that respect.''
Fulham's problems stem from their lack of firepower as a result of injuries to key forwards.
Hughes said: "I think once we get that cutting edge and threat at the top end, which we will in the new year, then a lot of the good things we are doing will still be in place. It's been frustrating because we have not converted winning positions into winning performances but we'll get there.''
Despite bemoaning all the draws, Hughes would take just that result on Saturday when his side travel to Liverpool. They have never won at Anfield, although they will be facing a Reds side who have proved inconsistent in the extreme in 2010. That has seen manager Roy Hodgson, who quit Craven Cottage for Liverpool in the summer, come under real pressure.
Hughes said: "I would suggest it's the media saying he's under pressure but I think he's done well. When you read between the lines from what Roy says, he feels he has the support of everyone at Liverpool and, as a manager, that is what you want to know and feel comfortable with.
"He's frustrated because, the way Roy works, he takes time for his ideas to bed in as it does with my own ideas. You need that period of transition, I would suggest, but sometimes it is not always available for every manager. I think that when sense prevails, you give people time and they go about their business and then success follows on.''
