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General Category => Archive => Daily Fulham Stuff => Topic started by: White Noise on January 13, 2011, 09:45:08 PM

Title: Friday Fulham Stuff (14.01.11)
Post by: White Noise on January 13, 2011, 09:45:08 PM

http://www.ealinggazette.co.uk/sport/football-ealing/fulham-fc-ealing/2011/01/13/steve-sidwell-took-pay-cut-to-join-fulham-82029-27982877/


Steve Sidwell took pay cut to join Fulham

Jan 13 2011


By Paul Warburton

(http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/fulhamchronicle/jan2011/4/2/steve-sidwell-image-1-363935957.jpg)
Steve Sidwell

STEVE Sidwell made it plain he would rather join Fulham than pick up a fat wage packet sitting in the stands at Aston Villa.

The former Chelsea midfielder has been reduced to slim pickings from almost the moment he left Reading in 2007 for Stamford Bridge – and despite a £5million move to Villa 15 games and no goals later – fared not much better in the Midlands.

However, his new boss at Craven Cottage applauded the professionalism that saw Sidwell put his career before a pay packet this week.

Mark Hughes said: "Steve could have stayed at Villa and picked up his money. But he was willing to leave clubs in order to play.

"He's still a young man and there's a lot he wants to do – and I think Fulham is the right vehicle for him.

"We have a lot of technical and powerful players here already. But Steve's a box-to-box player and offers a different skill set."

It was also clear from the ire spat out by Wolves manager Mick McCarthy last night that a move back home to London was also a lure for a player he thought he had until Fulham stepped in.

McCarthy added: "I just can't move Wolverhampton any closer to London. There's nothing I can do about that. We can't do anything about the geography. Good luck to him."
Title: Re: Friday Fulham Stuff (14.01.11)
Post by: White Noise on January 13, 2011, 09:46:51 PM
http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/football/852637-robbie-keane-offered-fulham-transfer-lifeline-as-santa-cruz-picks-rovers

Robbie Keane 'offered Fulham lifeline' as Roque Santa Cruz picks Blackburn


Fulham manager Mark Hughes looks set to miss out on Manchester City striker Roque Santa Cruz, who has opted to return to Blackburn, so has turned his attentions to another out-of-favour forward - Spurs' Robbie Keane.


(http://img.metro.co.uk/i/pix/2011/01/13/article-1294942006859-0CA8A5D0000005DC-54603_636x300.jpg)
Robbie Keane has found himself out of the first-team picture at Spurs (AFP)


Paraguayan international Santa Cruz had been linked with the west Londoners earlier in the transfer window, but Roberto Mancini has now confirmed he expects the out-of-sorts striker to return to his former haunt of Ewood Park.

Hughes, who was in charge at City when they bought Santa Cruz from Rovers, has been desperate to bring in a striker to turn around his team's poor goalscoring form this season.

And now looks set to turn to Republic of Ireland captain Keane - even though he is also wanted by Birmingham City and Aston Villa.

Fulham believe they could still be well placed to beat off the competition though, as Keane would prefer to stay in London.

Spurs do not want to send him back out on loan, which may rule fellow potential suitors West Ham out of the equation, but White Hart Lane bosses could delay developments so Keane can't face them in the FA Cup clash with the Cottagers later this month.


Read more: http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/football/852637-robbie-keane-offered-fulham-transfer-lifeline-as-santa-cruz-picks-rovers#ixzz1AxE6GnuH (http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/football/852637-robbie-keane-offered-fulham-transfer-lifeline-as-santa-cruz-picks-rovers#ixzz1AxE6GnuH)
Title: Re: Friday Fulham Stuff (14.01.11)
Post by: White Noise on January 13, 2011, 09:48:16 PM
http://www.ealinggazette.co.uk/sport/football-ealing/fulham-fc-ealing/2011/01/13/wigan-v-fulham-82029-27982770/


Wigan v Fulham

Jan 13 2011


By Paul Warburton

(http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/fulhamchronicle/aug2010/8/6/moussa-dembele-image-1-908635687.jpg)
Mousa Dembele

MARK Hughes is only too aware the weekend's clash at Wigan is destined to be last on Match of the Day – but at least the Fulham manager has a pair of strikers ready to throw a spanner in the TV schedule.

Sparky's choices have been limited for more than a month – but he was relieved to finally give a clean bill of health to both Andy Johnson (calf) and Mousa Dembele (ankle) for the trip to the DW Stadium.

Together with hat-trick hero Diomansy Kamara from last week's FA Cup demolition of Peterborough – the manager has relative riches galore at his command.

He said: "We're in better shape than we were.

"We go into the game with three wins out of the last four, and apart from Manchester City, we've conceded least goals away in the Premiership.

"It's likely we will be last on TV – and a lot of recent draws haven't helped. But we were the only team to score six last weekend, as well as the only team with someone who scored a hat-trick – and we didn't get too much recognition of that."

Long-term injuries to Bobby Zamora and Philippe Senderos rule them out – and Sparky admitted new signing Steve Sidwell from Aston Villa won't feature against the Latics.

The manager said: "He's only just arrived – and we need to integrate him with the rest of the group first."

Title: Re: Friday Fulham Stuff (14.01.11)
Post by: White Noise on January 13, 2011, 09:53:04 PM
Fulham boss straight-bats Wright-Phillips speculation

Published 16:50 13/01/11


By MirrorFootball

(http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/incoming/article642141.ece/ALTERNATES/gallery-large/CP45125770.png)


Mark Hughes today refused to deny he was trying to bring Shaun Wright-Phillips to Fulham but did write off any move for his Manchester City team-mate Emmanuel Adebayor.

Hughes has been linked with both of his former players, who have found themselves all but frozen out at Eastlands this season.

City boss Roberto Mancini confirmed this morning he expects Wright-Phillips to leave this month.

One of Hughes' first acts as Mancini's predecessor two-and-a-half years ago was to bring the England winger back to the north-west from Chelsea.

And it appears he is now trying to convince the 29-year-old to return to west London.

"He's a player I've worked with, a player I know," Hughes said. "There's a number of players out there that there's speculation about that I've worked with before.

"It's unfair for me to comment on specific situations or specific players."

Asked if Fulham had contacted City about Wright-Phillips, Hughes added: "I think those conversations happen all the time in terms of what's available and who you're releasing.

"Those conversations have been had not only with Man City but almost every club in the Premier League.

"Certainly, we've enquired at a number of clubs in terms of what they're likely to be allowing out."

As much as Hughes would like to sign Adebayor, who he also brought to City, it appears the former Arsenal striker is well out of Fulham's price range.

"Manu is a guy who I like as a person," Hughes said.

"As a player, he did well for me. He had problems when he went out of the team but he's a good guy.

"Any team that had a player of the quality of Adebayor would be strengthened.

"But that doesn't mean that we're in a position to bring him here, I have to say."

Money - both in terms of of transfer fee and wages - could ultimately scupper a move for Wright-Phillips, who turned down a new contract at City last year.

Hughes admitted any player coming to Fulham would need to be more concerned about his career than his pay packet.

"I think what we have to offer is a good club, a club that wants to go to the next level, a very good management team and an opportunity to progress their careers if they've stalled," he said.

"People in the game know what I and my team can offer, and the club itself is very well run. I'm making a good sales pitch here, but why not?

"People assume that if you give players enough money, they'll come anywhere, but that's not normally the case."

As well as trying to bring players to Craven Cottage, Hughes is also keen to prevent them jumping ship.

Several of his squad are out of contract at the end of the season and while some may be allowed to leave, one man the Fulham boss is desperate to keep is captain Danny Murphy.

Talks over a new deal are progressing well, according to Hughes, who said: "We're very, very hopeful that that will be concluded very quickly."

Fulham look set for a twin boost ahead of Saturday's crunch Premier League trip to Wigan, with strikers Moussa Dembele and Andy Johnson both back from injury.

Long-term casualty Philippe Senderos has also begun light training with a view to returning next month.

Meanwhile, Fulham today confirmed Swedish defender Fredrik Stoor has joined Norwegian club Valerenga.



Read more: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Transfer-news-Mark-Hughes-has-refused-to-deny-hes-trying-to-bring-Shaun-Wright-Phillips-to-Fulham-but-did-write-off-any-move-for-his-Manchester-City-team-mate-Emmanuel-Adebayor-article671961.html#ixzz1AxFm4GZY (http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Transfer-news-Mark-Hughes-has-refused-to-deny-hes-trying-to-bring-Shaun-Wright-Phillips-to-Fulham-but-did-write-off-any-move-for-his-Manchester-City-team-mate-Emmanuel-Adebayor-article671961.html#ixzz1AxFm4GZY)
Title: Re: Friday Fulham Stuff (14.01.11)
Post by: White Noise on January 13, 2011, 09:54:17 PM

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2011/01/13/2304197/fulham-boss-mark-hughes-quiet-on-shaun-wright-phillips

Fulham boss Mark Hughes quiet on Shaun Wright-Phillips speculation, but Emmanuel Adebayor not on radar

Welshman rules out move for striker


By Kevin Emery


13 Jan 2011 19:05:00


Fulham manager Mark Hughes has refused to deny he is trying to bring Manchester City winger Shaun Wright-Phillips to Craven Cottage.

But Hughes did rule out a move for his the player's team-mate Emmanuel Adebayor.

Hughes has been linked with both of his former players, who have found themselves frozen out at Eastlands this season.

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has confirmed he expects Wright-Phillips to leave this month, but he is waiting on injury results for striker Mario Balotelli before he decides Adebayor's future.

Hughes said of Wright-Phillips: "He's a player I've worked with, a player I know.

"There's a number of players out there that there's speculation about that I've worked with before.

"It's unfair for me to comment on specific situations or specific players."

Asked if Fulham had contacted City about Wright-Phillips, he added: "I think those conversations happen all the time in terms of what's available and who you're releasing.

"Those conversations have been had not only with Man City but almost every club in the Premier League.

"Certainly, we've enquired at a number of clubs in terms of what they're likely to be allowing out."

With regards to Togo striker Adebayor, who Hughes signed for Manchester City from Arsenal, he said that a move is likely to be well out of Fulham's price range.

He said: "Manu is a guy who I like as a person.

"As a player, he did well for me. He had problems when he went out of the team but he's a good guy.

"Any team that had a player of the quality of Adebayor would be strengthened.

"But that doesn't mean that we're in a position to bring him here, I have to say."

Title: Re: Friday Fulham Stuff (14.01.11)
Post by: White Noise on January 13, 2011, 09:55:31 PM
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_6661514,00.html


Stoor departs Fulham

Defender joins Valerenga


Last updated: 13th January 2011   

(http://img.skysports.com/10/12/218x298/stoor_2545809.jpg)
Stoor: Valerenga switch

Fredrik Stoor has brought a frustrating two-and-a-half-year spell with Fulham to an end by joining Norwegian club Valerenga.

The Swedish right-back arrived at Craven Cottage in 2008 with high hopes of making his mark in the Premier League.

However, his route to the first team was blocked by the good form of John Pantsil and he was only given limited opportunities to impress.

Stoor spent time on loan at Derby last season but has made no secret of his desire to leave Fulham on a permanent basis.

The 26-year-old's transfer request was finally granted before the start of the current window and he has now sealed a move to Valerenga.

Stoor will hope to play far more regularly for his new club and perhaps resurrect his international career, having been part of the Sweden squad at Euro 2008.

.
Title: Re: Friday Fulham Stuff (14.01.11)
Post by: Tom on January 13, 2011, 11:19:34 PM
Quote from: White Noise on January 13, 2011, 09:45:08 PM

http://www.ealinggazette.co.uk/sport/football-ealing/fulham-fc-ealing/2011/01/13/steve-sidwell-took-pay-cut-to-join-fulham-82029-27982877/


Steve Sidwell took pay cut to join Fulham

Jan 13 2011


By Paul Warburton

(http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/fulhamchronicle/jan2011/4/2/steve-sidwell-image-1-363935957.jpg)
Steve Sidwell

STEVE Sidwell made it plain he would rather join Fulham than pick up a fat wage packet sitting in the stands at Aston Villa.

The former Chelsea midfielder has been reduced to slim pickings from almost the moment he left Reading in 2007 for Stamford Bridge – and despite a £5million move to Villa 15 games and no goals later – fared not much better in the Midlands.

However, his new boss at Craven Cottage applauded the professionalism that saw Sidwell put his career before a pay packet this week.

Mark Hughes said: "Steve could have stayed at Villa and picked up his money. But he was willing to leave clubs in order to play.

"He's still a young man and there's a lot he wants to do – and I think Fulham is the right vehicle for him.

"We have a lot of technical and powerful players here already. But Steve's a box-to-box player and offers a different skill set."

It was also clear from the ire spat out by Wolves manager Mick McCarthy last night that a move back home to London was also a lure for a player he thought he had until Fulham stepped in.

McCarthy added: "I just can't move Wolverhampton any closer to London. There's nothing I can do about that. We can't do anything about the geography. Good luck to him."
Good man!  :54:
Title: Re: Friday Fulham Stuff (14.01.11)
Post by: Tom on January 13, 2011, 11:19:57 PM
Quote from: White Noise on January 13, 2011, 09:55:31 PM
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_6661514,00.html


Stoor departs Fulham

Defender joins Valerenga


Last updated: 13th January 2011   

(http://img.skysports.com/10/12/218x298/stoor_2545809.jpg)
Stoor: Valerenga switch

Fredrik Stoor has brought a frustrating two-and-a-half-year spell with Fulham to an end by joining Norwegian club Valerenga.

The Swedish right-back arrived at Craven Cottage in 2008 with high hopes of making his mark in the Premier League.

However, his route to the first team was blocked by the good form of John Pantsil and he was only given limited opportunities to impress.

Stoor spent time on loan at Derby last season but has made no secret of his desire to leave Fulham on a permanent basis.

The 26-year-old's transfer request was finally granted before the start of the current window and he has now sealed a move to Valerenga.

Stoor will hope to play far more regularly for his new club and perhaps resurrect his international career, having been part of the Sweden squad at Euro 2008.

.
Who?
Title: Re: Friday Fulham Stuff (14.01.11)
Post by: White Noise on January 14, 2011, 06:09:52 AM

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/14012011/58/premier-league-match-facts-wigan-athletic-v-fulham.html

Premier League - Match facts: Wigan Athletic v Fulham

Fri, 14 Jan 04:09:00 2011


Wigan have only won two of the 11 Premier League meetings between the sides, losing four and drawing five.

The last four meetings between the sides in Wigan have ended in draws.

Wigan have never scored more than one goal in a Premier League game against Fulham.

Fulham striker Clint Dempsey has netted five goals in seven appearances against Wigan, including a brace in this season's reverse fixture.

Wigan have won just one of their last six home games, drawing four and losing one.

Fulham's 2-0 victory at Stoke on December 28 is their only win in 28 Premier League games away from Craven Cottage.

Four of the Cottagers' last six league goals have been scored by defenders, (Baird (2), Hughes and Hangeland.)

67% of the goals Fulham have conceded have been netted in the first half, the highest proportion in the top flight.

Wigan are the only side in the Premier League who have yet to concede a penalty this season.

Fulham have earned fewer cards, 23 yellow and no reds, than any other team in the Premier League this season.

Opta
Title: Re: Friday Fulham Stuff (14.01.11)
Post by: White Noise on January 14, 2011, 06:11:38 AM

http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/sport/a/-/soccer/8648509/schwarzer-endorses-keeper-coe/ (http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/sport/a/-/soccer/8648509/schwarzer-endorses-keeper-coe/)


Schwarzer endorses 'keeper Coe


By Liam FitzGibbon, AAP


January 14, 2011, 9:43 am

(http://l.yimg.com/fv/xp/aap/20110114/12/1903850384.jpg?x=292&sig=5MCjPhfQs52tcHi8nJhS3w--)
AAP © Enlarge photo

Nathan Coe may be well short of a household name but Mark Schwarzer reckons he could well be the man to succeed him between the posts for the Socceroos.

Fulham goalkeeper Schwarzer has no plans to retire any time soon but the race to replace him as Australia's No.1 is on and remains wide open.

Coe was considered a bolter in Holger Osieck's Asian Cup squad but the 26-year-old has impressed Schwarzer, having finally secured regular first team football with Danish club Sonderjyske.

Coe has represented Australia at junior level but only earned his Socceroos debut in the pre-tournament friendly with UAE this month, taking his chance well in the second half of the scoreless draw.

"I think he's done really well," Schwarzer said.

"I think it's the first time since he's been in Europe that he has an opportunity to play regular football and I think that shows.

"He's a lot more confident now he's had the match practice under his belt and that makes a huge, huge difference."

Many see Adam Federici as Schwarzer's most likely successor, despite his absence from Qatar after he asked to be overlooked to focus on his club career with Reading.

Brad Jones, Schwarzer's former deputy at Middlesbrough and now with Liverpool is also in the frame, as is Borussia Dortmund's Mitch Langerak.

But Schwarzer is clearly a believer in Coe.

"I think he's got all the potential to do so without a doubt," Schwarzer said.

"There's a couple of guys out there that have all the aspects I think is ideal for a goalkeeper.

"With the right sort of attitude, the right mindset there's absolutely no reason why they can't go on and become very successful."

Schwarzer said the depth in Australia's goalkeeping ranks was promising but emphasised the importance of playing regularly.

He felt that might work against Jones, who faces a significant challenge to earn game time at Liverpool being No.1 Pepe Reina.

"I don't blame him for making the move, though the detriment is he's not playing regular football and I think that's something he'll have to look at sooner rather than later," Schwarzer said.
Title: Re: Friday Fulham Stuff (14.01.11)
Post by: White Noise on January 14, 2011, 06:13:19 AM

http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/171912/Shaun-Wright-Phillips-right-man-for-Mark-Hughes/

SHAUN WRIGHT PHILLIPS RIGHT MAN FOR MARK HUGHES

14th January 2011


By Matt Butler


MARK HUGHES is set to be reunited with Manchester City misfit Shaun Wright-Phillips at Fulham – but ­admits he cannot afford ­Emmanuel Adebayor.

Wright-Phillips and ­Adebayor are leaving ­Eastlands after a lack of first-team action.

And boss Hughes hopes he can convince the winger he signed for £9m from Chelsea as City boss in 2008 to return to west London.

He said: "There is a lot of speculation and Shaun is a player I know and I have worked with before.

"We have had ­conversations with Manchester City, but also a number of other clubs in terms of who they are likely to be allowing out."

Hughes would have leapt at the chance to sign ­Adebayor, too, but admits he couldn't afford his former hitman, who looks destined for Real Madrid.

He said: "Manu is a guy I like. He did well for me as a player.


"Any team that has him will be strengthened, but that doesn't mean we are in any position to bring him here.
"We are in better shape than we were and perhaps the anxiety we felt before the window opened has ­dissipated somewhat."
Title: Re: Friday Fulham Stuff (14.01.11)
Post by: White Noise on January 14, 2011, 06:15:55 AM
The Firing Line: Taken for Granted? West Ham boss Avram Grant survives mid-week chop

By Dan Ripley


Last updated at 12:01 AM on 14th January 2011


Not for the first time this season Avram Grant has dodged a bullet and remains in charge at West Ham – for now at least.

It was thought that failure to beat Birmingham in the first-leg of the Carling Cup semi-final would be the end for the 55-year old, with a board meeting taking place the day after the game surrounding his future.

But the 2-1 victory means despite languishing bottom of the Premier League, Grant is still in the hot seat and on the verge of taking the Hammers to their first Wembley final for 30 years.

However if their league form tails off further, Grant may not be around to lead his side out should they get there.

Each week we bring you our latest chart of the managers under pressure, and those on Easy Street.

Here's Sportsmail's sack-race rankings - otherwise known as the Firing Line.

1 West Ham - Avram Grant Just one defeat from seven games in all competitions, yet Grant's job is far from safe. Has the consolation that Scott Parker has revealed the players are behind him. NON-MOVER

2 Aston Villa - Gerard Houllier It's the month Houllier has to act, up until now he has fallen on the excuse that the squad is not his. His Villa future could depend on the success of his January signings. UP TWO

3 Chelsea - Carlo AncelottiAs emphatic as the 7-0 win against Ipswich was, Ancelotti is aware that it will all be forgotten in an instant if they fail to beat Blackburn on Saturday. NON-MOVE

4 Fulham - Mark Hughes There are goals in the Cottagers after all. It may have only been Peterborough but with six goals they were the second highest scorers in the FA Cup third round. UP ONE



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1346840/The-Firing-Line-West-Ham-boss-Avram-Grant-survives-mid-week-chop.html#ixzz1AzI4hgNj (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1346840/The-Firing-Line-West-Ham-boss-Avram-Grant-survives-mid-week-chop.html#ixzz1AzI4hgNj)
Title: Re: Friday Fulham Stuff (14.01.11)
Post by: White Noise on January 14, 2011, 06:20:46 AM
Manchester City's January clear-out: Shaun Wright-Phillips and Roque Santa Cruz set for exit, says manager Roberto Mancini

By Sportsmail Reporter


Last updated at 12:42 AM on 14th January 2011


Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has confirmed Roque Santa Cruz is almost certain to return to Blackburn within the coming days - and paved the way for Shaun Wright-Phillips' departure as well.

Mancini has already stated that Edin Dzeko will probably be the only new face arriving at Eastlands during the current transfer window, so most of the attention around City this month is set to be on the players who will leave.

Wayne Bridge was first man out of the exit door on Wednesday, joining West Ham for the remainder of the season.

Santa Cruz's departure was always on the cards and it seems Wright-Phillips will be leaving too.

'It is the same situation for Roque and Shaun Wright-Phillips,' said Mancini.

'He has two or three options.'

Both players came in during Mark Hughes' brief tenure, so it is little wonder Fulham has been suggested as an option for Wright-Phillips, along with Birmingham, Newcastle and West Ham.

Having tried so hard to get Santa Cruz from his former club Blackburn, Hughes would doubtless be interested in the Paraguayan as well, although it appears his preference is to remain in the north-west.

'Roque will probably go to Blackburn,' confirmed Mancini.

'Every player wants to play. I understand that. But it is difficult for me.

'If an opportunity for either of them to play came up, then it would be better for them and I hope for Roque that in one or two days, he will have that.'

The situation with Emmanuel Adebayor is not quite so clear cut, however.

With Mancini confirming that it will be a couple of weeks at the earliest before he knows whether Mario Balotelli will need an operation on his knee injury, the Togo forward's future remains on hold.

A number of different clubs, both at home and abroad, have expressed their interest in the former Arsenal man.

But Mancini is wary of leaving himself short of options.

'A lot of teams want Emmanuel but at the moment we have to wait for Mario Balotelli,' he said.

'Maybe Manu will leave but we have another 20 days, so we have time to make a decision.

'If we lose three or four, we might end up in a situation where we don't have enough players for the remainder of the season.'


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1346743/Manchester-City-clear-Shaun-Wright-Phillips-Roque-Santa-Cruz-set-exit.html#ixzz1AzJINKso (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1346743/Manchester-City-clear-Shaun-Wright-Phillips-Roque-Santa-Cruz-set-exit.html#ixzz1AzJINKso)
Title: Re: Friday Fulham Stuff (14.01.11)
Post by: White Noise on January 14, 2011, 06:23:56 AM
Robbie Keane expected to join West Ham from Tottenham in cut-price deal

By Sportsmail Reporter


Last updated at 1:04 AM on 14th January 2011


West Ham are confident of pushing through a cut-price deal for Robbie Keane after emerging as favourites to sign the unsettled Tottenham striker.

Sportsmail can reveal the relegation-threatened Upton Park club are actively pursuing Keane and believe they can see off competition from Birmingham, Newcastle, Fulham, Aston Villa and even America's MLS to help him kick-start a career that has stalled in recent months.

With the 30-year old reluctant to uproot his family and in no mood to be dictated to by Tottenham over any decision on his future, West Ham chiefs are hoping to land him for barely half the £8million Birmingham were initially quoted.

They have made it clear they want him, irrespective of manager Avram Grant's precarious position, and are eager to begin the task of convincing him he can help steer them away from trouble in the Barclays Premier League.

Though Keane has privately indicated he would like his next club to be in with a chance, at least, of competing for honours, West Ham's negotiating team feel they can still entice him to Upton Park.

Any replacement for Grant would be handed funds this month for further signings, in a recruitment drive aimed not only at safeguarding their Premier League place for another 12 months but laying the foundations for an improvement next season.

A financial package including wages that rise to around £75,000 a week, with bonuses, put him beyond Fulham's reach, while reported interest from the MLS, and new franchise Vancouver Whitecaps in particular, has so far failed to materialise.

West Ham have also expressed interest in Boca Juniors winger andBirmingham target Pablo Mouche, 23, and have asked about free agent Pascal Feindouno, 29, a Guinea international midfielder who was released by Al-Sadd of Qatar last month.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1346939/Robbie-Keane-expected-join-West-Ham-Tottenham-cut-price-deal.html#ixzz1AzK8LSay (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1346939/Robbie-Keane-expected-join-West-Ham-Tottenham-cut-price-deal.html#ixzz1AzK8LSay)
Title: Re: Friday Fulham Stuff (14.01.11)
Post by: White Noise on January 14, 2011, 06:26:38 AM

http://www.fulham-mad.co.uk/news/prev/fm_preview_wigan_athletic_v_fulham_15_jan_2011_619679/index.shtml

FM Preview: Wigan Athletic v Fulham 15 Jan 2011

By Footymad Friday, 14th January 2011


The game between Wigan Athletic and Fulham in the Premier League on Saturday, 15th January 2011 at 15:00 takes centre stage for FootyMad's preview analysis.

History of the Wigan Athletic v Fulham fixture

Fulham face a trip to Wigan Athletic at JJB Stadium on Saturday afternoon, hoping to improve upon an average previous return from this fixture. Of the 19 games played, Cottagers have recorded 4 wins, and Wigan Ath. have come away with 8 victories.

The most recent encounter between these two sides was just last season, in November 2009, where the two sides shared the spoils courtesy of a 1 - 1 final scoreline in a Premier League match.

For a detailed analysis of the head-to-head between the two sides, click here

Recent encounters between the teams:
2010/2011 Sat 30 Oct Fulham 2 - 0 Wigan Ath. PREM
2009/2010 Sun 04 Apr Fulham 2 - 1 Wigan Ath. PREM
2009/2010 Sun 08 Nov Wigan Ath. 1 - 1 Fulham PREM
2008/2009 Sat 07 Feb Wigan Ath. 0 - 0 Fulham PREM
2008/2009 Wed 29 Oct Fulham 2 - 0 Wigan Ath. PREM
2007/2008 Sat 22 Dec Fulham 1 - 1 Wigan Ath. PREM
2007/2008 Sat 15 Sep Wigan Ath. 1 - 1 Fulham PREM

Recent respective form guides

Wigan Athletic have collected 2 wins and 3 draws from their last six home matches. The goals for column just outweighs the goals against over this period, 8 to 6.

The away form of Fulham is pretty dire, accumulating just 1 victory and 1 draw from their last six played. Only 4 goals have been registered in this time, with 6 leaked at the wrong end.

Wigan Ath. are stuck down in the relegation zone of Barclays Premier League with a return of just 21 points from their 21 games thus far. Fulham find themselves struggling down in 14th position in the league having picked up 22 points from their 21 matches.

For a detailed analysis of team form guides throughout the leagues, click here

Current form guides: P W D L F A P
Wigan Ath. 6 2 3 1 8 7 9
Fulham 6 3 1 2 12 6 10

FootyMad's prediction ...

Fulham are in a sorry state of late on their travels, though the Mad panel can see them coming away from JJB Stadium with a well-deserved point. No-score draw

Sequence statistics:
Wigan Ath. Failed to win in previous 3 home matches.

Fulham 4 games since last away draw.
Last drawn game 6 outings ago.

Title: Re: Friday Fulham Stuff (14.01.11)
Post by: White Noise on January 14, 2011, 06:28:31 AM

Sidwell hungry to prove himself at Fulham - Hughes

Published 23:00 13/01/11



By Martin Lipton

(http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/match-centre/article661413.ece/ALTERNATES/gallery-large/.jpeg)


Fulham boss Mark Hughes last night insisted new signing Steve Sidwell came to Craven Cottage because he wants to prove he is the real deal.

Sidwell joined the Londoners on loan from Aston Villa after making just 31 league starts since leaving Reading for Chelsea in May 2007.

The midfielder will be on the bench at Wigan tomorrow, but Hughes maintained: "I don't believe it's a risk for us for him.

"Things haven't worked out for him over the last few years but Steve wants to get his career back on track. He told me he wants to play, not just stay at a club and pick up money for not playing.

"That absolutely tells me he is hungry to play again. He just needs the right vehicle and feels we're that club. I feel that as well.

"He'll give us something we haven't got because he is somebody who can go box-to-box, which is his main strength and he is a goal threat from midfield. He's always had the ability to score, as he sowed at Reading and that's a big commodity for any side."

Hughes is also keen to lure Shaun Wright-Phillips back to the capital from former club Manchester City, although he suggested another of the players he signed at Eastlands, striker Emmanuel Adebayor, is out of Fulham's price-range.

"Shaun's a player I've worked with, a player I know. At this point in the season you have conversations with other clubs all the time in terms of who they might be releasing, including City," said the Welshman.

"Manu is a guy who I like as a person. As a player, he did well for me. He had problems when he went out of the team, but he's a good guy and any team that had a player of the quality of Adebayor would be strengthened.

"But that doesn't mean that we're in a position to bring him here, I have to say."



Read more: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Fulham-boss-Mark-Hughes-is-hoping-midfielder-Steve-Sidwell-proves-himself-at-Craven-Cottage-following-his-loan-move-from-Aston-Villa-after-making-just-31-appearances-in-three-largely-lost-seasons-and-hinted-at-a-reunion-with-Manchester-City-winger-Shaun-Wright-Phillips-article672119.html#ixzz1AzLYFEVN (http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Fulham-boss-Mark-Hughes-is-hoping-midfielder-Steve-Sidwell-proves-himself-at-Craven-Cottage-following-his-loan-move-from-Aston-Villa-after-making-just-31-appearances-in-three-largely-lost-seasons-and-hinted-at-a-reunion-with-Manchester-City-winger-Shaun-Wright-Phillips-article672119.html#ixzz1AzLYFEVN)
Title: Re: Friday Fulham Stuff (14.01.11)
Post by: White Noise on January 14, 2011, 07:06:00 AM

FA Cup Confirmation


Thursday 13th January 2011


The Club can confirm that Fulham's Fourth Round FA Cup tie against Tottenham Hotspur will be played on Sunday 30th January 2011. The game will kick-off at 4.30pm and will be shown live on ESPN.

Ticket prices and information to follow shortly on fulhamfc.com.


Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/SpursCupFixtureConfirmation.aspx#ixzz1AzV43dGI (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/SpursCupFixtureConfirmation.aspx#ixzz1AzV43dGI)
Title: Re: Friday Fulham Stuff (14.01.11)
Post by: WhiteJC on January 14, 2011, 08:22:53 AM
http://www.footylatest.com/liverpool-to-hijack-fulham-move-for-man-city-reject/19021? (http://www.footylatest.com/liverpool-to-hijack-fulham-move-for-man-city-reject/19021?)

Liverpool to hijack Fulham move for Man City reject

The Man City boss Roberto Mancini has admitted that he will allow Shaun Wright-Phillips to leave the Eastlands this month as there is no room in his bloated squad to play everyone. But where will he be going?

Mark Hughes, the Fulham boss and SWP's old coach at City, has admitted that Wright-Phillips is one of many players that he wants at Craven Cottage, but he is having problems raising the funds necessary to pay the ex-Chelsea winger.

Hughes explained the situation yesterday: "I think what we have to offer is a good club, a club that wants to go to the next level, a very good management team and an opportunity to progress their careers if they've stalled," he said.

"People in the game know what I and my team can offer, and the club itself (Fulham) is very well run. I'm making a good sales pitch here, but why not?

"People assume that if you give players enough money, they'll come anywhere, but that's not normally the case."

This seems to have left the way clear for Liverpool, and Kenny Dalglish has ambitions of taking SWP to Anfield to add some creative play down the wings like the Liverpool of old. John W Henry has promised the Liverpool legend funds to improve the team immediately, in a bid to help persuade stars like Torres and Gerrard that the club will be moving forward next season.

The Metro reckons that Liverpool can have SWP for just £4m, and if SWP can recreate his previous form he would be a snip at the price.
Title: Re: Friday Fulham Stuff (14.01.11)
Post by: WhiteJC on January 14, 2011, 08:24:16 AM
http://www.goal.com/en-gb/match/48943/wigan-athletic-vs-fulham/preview (http://www.goal.com/en-gb/match/48943/wigan-athletic-vs-fulham/preview)

Wigan Athletic - Fulham Preview: N'Zogbia returns for Latics as Sidwell is set for Cottagers debu

TEAM NEWS

Wigan Athletic

Charles N'Zogbia is back for Wigan following his three-match suspension and he should be restored to the starting line-up by Roberto Martinez. Wigan have missed the creativity of the Frenchman in recent weeks and will be boosted by his return.

The Latics continue to be without on-loan midfielder Tom Cleverley, who pulled up with a hamstring injury after 12 minutes against Bolton.

But Franco Di Santo (ankle), James McCarthy (ankle) and Victor Moses (shoulder) are getting close to a first team return but will not feature despite resuming light training recently.

Possible starting XI: Al Habsi; Gohouri, G Caldwell, Alcaraz, Figueroa; Stam, Thomas, Watson, Diame, N'Zogbia; Rodallega.

Fulham

Steve Sidwell should be in the squad and could make his debut for the Cottagers after joining from Aston Villa. Mark Schwarzer is currently on international duty with Australia in the Asian Cup so David Stockdale will continue to deputise in goal.

Mark Hughes has no new injury worries to concern him, so apart from long term absentees Bobby Zamora (broken leg) and Philippe Senderos (shin) he has a healthy squad to choose from.

Possible starting XI: Stockdale; Paintsil, Hughes, Hangeland, Baird; Davies, Sidwell, Etuhu, Murphy, Duff; Dempsey.

History favours the Cottagers

The two sides have met 35 times in their history with Fulham edging ahead with 15 wins to Wigan's 10. In the last five seasons Fulham have won four of the 11 meetings between the sides, with Wigan only collecting the three points on two occasions, but the Cottagers have yet to win at the DW Stadium. They have secured draws in their last four visits so a victory in this match will end their search for a win and also see them complete a league double over the Latics for the first time.

In October the two sides met at Craven Cottage in what was a bottom of the table clash, and Fulham came out on top with a 2-0 victory over Martinez's side thanks to two goals from Clint Dempsey. The American has scored five goals in seven games against the Latics and will be hoping to continue this scoring streak.

A key three points for both sides

A victory in this game will be massive for both clubs as they try to pull away from the relegation zone. Wigan are currently sitting second bottom of the Premier League with 22 points and a win would lift them five places up the table if results go their way, and move them above their opponents.

Fulham's victories over Stoke and West Brom have lifted them to 15th position in the table but they are still just one point clear of the relegation zone, however a victory could lift them into the top half of the table. Unfortunately for Fulham their away form is not great this season, having only recorded one away victory - at Stoke - and have managed just eight goals in the 10 away fixtures.

Wigan will be glad to return to the DW Stadium where they have a good record this season. After early season defeats to Blackpool, Chelsea and Manchester City, only Newcastle have come away victorious in the seven games following the City match. Wigan have only lost one game in their last six Premier League matches but have also only recorded one victory in that time.
Title: Re: Friday Fulham Stuff (14.01.11)
Post by: WhiteJC on January 14, 2011, 08:25:17 AM
http://www.livesoccertv.com/match/142708/wigan-athletic-vs-fulham/_preview? (http://www.livesoccertv.com/match/142708/wigan-athletic-vs-fulham/_preview?)

Wigan Athletic vs Fulham Match Preview
Wigan Athletic and Fulham will meet in a battle of two relegation strugglers at the JJB Stadium. Wigan currently occupy the relegation zone after a run of one win in eight games, while Fulham are only one point ahead of them.

Star midfielder Charles N'Zogbia will return from suspension for Wigan, while Chris Kirkland and Franco Di Santo could also return.

Victor Moses will be out with a shoulder problem, while James McCarthy and Tom Cleverley are also sidelined with injury.

Striker Moussa Dembele will return for Fulham, but Mark Schwarzer is away representing Australia at the Asian Cup.
Title: Re: Friday Fulham Stuff (14.01.11)
Post by: WhiteJC on January 14, 2011, 08:26:18 AM
http://www.insidefutbol.com/2011/01/14/sampdoria-target-fulham-hitman-diomansy-kamara/35550/? (http://www.insidefutbol.com/2011/01/14/sampdoria-target-fulham-hitman-diomansy-kamara/35550/?)

Sampdoria Target Fulham Hitman Diomansy Kamara

Serie A side Sampdoria are keen to increase their attacking options in this month's transfer window despite snapping up Manchester United man Federico Macheda on loan and have targeted Fulham striker Diomansy Kamara as a possible acquisition.

The 30-year-old's contract runs out at the end of the season at Craven Cottage and despite the striker admitting he is content to fight for his place in the team a move to Sampdoria would surely appeal.

Kamara stated recently that while he will continue to give his best for Fulham in training he does not know what the future will bring. "I have a contract and in the coming days I will have a think about it", said the Senegal star, leaving the door open for any eventuality.

Sampdoria believe they could snare Kamara, who is no stranger to Italian football having previously turned out for Catanzaro and Modena, for a nominal fee due to his contract situation, a fact which makes the striker an even more attractive proposition.
Title: Re: Friday Fulham Stuff (14.01.11)
Post by: WhiteJC on January 14, 2011, 08:32:03 AM
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/football_focus/9360292.stm (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/football_focus/9360292.stm)

Lawro's prediction
(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/50780000/gif/_50780013_wigan_fulham.gif)

Wigan v Fulham
Wigan, as I keep saying, are the hardest team in the Premier League to predict because you just don't know what you will get from them from one week to the next.

I see that half of the Latics players have been linked with moves elsewhere now that the January transfer window is open. The club's policy appears to be to bring these boys in from abroad, improve them and sell them on - so we might see a couple of them move soon. But Roberto Martinez's side have been steadily picking up points in the last few weeks and I think they will do the same this time.

Fulham have started to pick up a bit recently and it looks like they will do a bit of business in the transfer market too, although they will be strengthening their squad. Moussa Dembele and Bobby Zamora cannot be far away from a return either, so they will only improve further from now on.

Prediction: 1-1
Title: Re: Friday Fulham Stuff (14.01.11)
Post by: WhiteJC on January 14, 2011, 08:36:29 AM
http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/sport/national-sport/2011/01/14/hughes-quiet-over-wright-phillips-92534-27985428/? (http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/sport/national-sport/2011/01/14/hughes-quiet-over-wright-phillips-92534-27985428/?)

Hughes quiet over Wright-Phillips

Mark Hughes has refused to deny trying to bring Shaun Wright-Phillips to Fulham but has ruled out a move for his Manchester City team-mate Emmanuel Adebayor.

City boss Roberto Mancini has confirmed he expects Wright-Phillips to leave Eastlands this month and it appears his predecessor at Eastlands is trying to convince the 29-year-old to move to west London.

"He's a player I've worked with, a player I know," Hughes said. "There's a number of players out there that there's speculation about that I've worked with before. It's unfair for me to comment on specific situations or specific players."

Asked if Fulham had contacted City about Wright-Phillips, Hughes added: "I think those conversations happen all the time in terms of what's available and who you're releasing.

"Those conversations have been had not only with Man City but almost every club in the Premier League.

"Certainly, we've enquired at a number of clubs in terms of what they're likely to be allowing out."

As much as Hughes would like to sign Adebayor, who he brought to City as well as Wright-Phillips, it appears the former Arsenal striker is well out of Fulham's price range.

"Manu is a guy who I like as a person," Hughes said. "As a player, he did well for me. He had problems when he went out of the team but he's a good guy.

"Any team that had a player of the quality of Adebayor would be strengthened.

"But that doesn't mean that we're in a position to bring him here, I have to say."



Read More http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/sport/national-sport/2011/01/14/hughes-quiet-over-wright-phillips-92534-27985428/?#ixzz1AzrwvKOQ (http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/sport/national-sport/2011/01/14/hughes-quiet-over-wright-phillips-92534-27985428/?#ixzz1AzrwvKOQ)
Title: Re: Friday Fulham Stuff (14.01.11)
Post by: WhiteJC on January 14, 2011, 08:52:27 AM
http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/01/14/win-fulham-v-stoke-city-tickets-82029-27985918/? (http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/01/14/win-fulham-v-stoke-city-tickets-82029-27985918/?)

Win Fulham v Stoke City tickets!

FANCY watching Fulham FC take on Stoke City for FREE?

Beat those January blues with a little help from Air Malta who is offering two lucky readers the chance to win a pair of tickets to the match on Saturday, January 22.

To stand a chance of winning, simply answer the following question:

Which Fulham played bagged a brace in the 2-0 win at Stoke last month?

To stand a chance of winning, visit out Facebook page, click 'like' and post your answer underneath the question.

Closing date for entries is midday on Monday, January 17. Normal competition rules apply.

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Flights, hotels and car hire can all be booked at www.airmalta.com (http://www.airmalta.com) - your one stop Malta shop!



Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/01/14/win-fulham-v-stoke-city-tickets-82029-27985918/?#ixzz1AzvzFgo6 (http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/01/14/win-fulham-v-stoke-city-tickets-82029-27985918/?#ixzz1AzvzFgo6)
Title: Re: Friday Fulham Stuff (14.01.11)
Post by: WhiteJC on January 14, 2011, 08:53:30 AM
http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/01/14/david-stockdale-sends-schwarzer-fulham-warning-82029-27985923/? (http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/01/14/david-stockdale-sends-schwarzer-fulham-warning-82029-27985923/?)

David Stockdale sends Schwarzer Fulham warning

DAVID Stockdale has no intention of leaving Fulham - but hopes to leave Mark Schwarzer out in the cold.

The young keeper is not bothered the Aussie has signed a new two-year deal at Craven Cottage as he thinks he can claim the number one shirt for himself by then.

The 25-year-old was on the verge of an international call-up at the start of the season before being injured, and has impressed while Schwarzer has been away at the Asia Cup this month.

Boss Mark Hughes has told Stockdale he needs a run of games to make it into the England squad.

And he has warned Schwarzer he faces a fight on his hands when he returns to SW6.

Stockdale said: "I've only played a handful of games in the Premier League. That's something I want to get more experience of - like Mark Schwarzer has - so that it doesn't become a factor in the manager's choice.

"We've both got two years left on our contracts so, if the manager says 'fight it out', I'm in the reckoning for the number one shirt.

"There's no animosity between me and Mark, it's just the way the goalkeeping position is. If I've got the shirt, I'm going to try and keep it."



Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/01/14/david-stockdale-sends-schwarzer-fulham-warning-82029-27985923/?#ixzz1AzwFpjiL (http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/01/14/david-stockdale-sends-schwarzer-fulham-warning-82029-27985923/?#ixzz1AzwFpjiL)
Title: Re: Friday Fulham Stuff (14.01.11)
Post by: White Noise on January 14, 2011, 09:17:10 AM

http://articles.squarefootball.net/squarefootball/2011/01/wigan-athletic-v-fulham-dont-expect-a-flood-of-goals-at-the-dw.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Squarefootball+%28Squarefootball%29


Wigan Athletic v Fulham: Don't expect a flood of goals at the DW


Posted by Colin Illingworth at 09:00 AM 

If you are hoping to see a feast of goals this weekend then you are advised not to attend Wigan v Fulham. Only once in the Premier League has this fixture produced more than two goals and I'd be amazed if that changed this weekend.

The Latics may have edged a five-goal thriller against Hull City last weekend in the FA Cup but Roberto Martinez's men have failed to score more than two in the league all season. And it's not much better from the visitors. The Cottagers hit Peterborough for six last weekend in the Cup, but they have only scored more than two in the league once – although that was recently against struggling West Brom.

Fulham have won two of their past three league outings – v West Brom and Stoke City – and travel north in buoyant mood. However, they are yet to record a win at Wigan in the top flight and Martinez will be hoping his side bounce back from their home defeat at the hands of Newcastle United.

I can see it being a closely contested game and the Panel is split right down the middle on this one.

Wigan Athletic v Fulham; Kick Off 3pm January 15 2011


Title: Re: Friday Fulham Stuff (14.01.11)
Post by: White Noise on January 14, 2011, 09:31:16 AM
Cardiff striker Bothroyd in talks with Newcastle as Pardew looks to make Bluebird a Magpie


By Sportsmail Reporter Last updated at 9:25 AM on 14th January 2011

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/01/14/article-1347050-0CC1547C000005DC-304_306x394.jpg)
Magpies swoop: Bothroyd is wanted on Tyneside


Newcastle are in negotiations with Cardiff striker Jay Bothroyd.

Bothroyd is out of contract in the summer and has been linked with Fulham, Birmingham, Blackburn and Everton but Magpies boss Alan Pardew fancies his chances.

The 28-year-old Bothroyd, who made his England debut against France in November, could expect to treble his £10,000-a-week wages by moving to St James' Park.

Talks are set to continue after Sunday's derby with Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

Pardew could still be without star striker Andy Carroll for the Wear-Tyne clash.
Carroll is back in light training after returning from Dubai where he spent a week recovering from a thigh injury.

He remains doubtful but will have tests later today (Friday) to determine if he has a chance of making the short trip to face the Black Cats.

Newcastle won the first derby of the season 5-1 at the end of October.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1347050/Jay-Bothroyd-talks-Newcastle.html#ixzz1B05QKUYd (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1347050/Jay-Bothroyd-talks-Newcastle.html#ixzz1B05QKUYd)
Title: Re: Friday Fulham Stuff (14.01.11)
Post by: WhiteJC on January 14, 2011, 10:12:17 AM
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/premiership/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/11/01/13/manual_210215.html (http://www.sportinglife.com/football/premiership/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/11/01/13/manual_210215.html)

SIDWELL IN LINE FOR FULHAM DEBUT

Steve Sidwell could make his Fulham debut as Moussa Dembele and Andy Johnson return from injury for Saturday's Premier League game at Wigan.

New signing Sidwell is lacking match practice following last week's move from Aston Villa but the midfielder is in contention for the trip to the DW Stadium.

Dembele (ankle) could finally make his comeback, while Johnson is fit following a minor hamstring tear, but Bobby Zamora (leg), Philippe Senderos (Achilles) and Matthew Briggs (calf) are still out and Mark Schwarzer is on Asian Cup duty with Australia.

Wigan have Charles N'Zogbia back after the winger completed a three-match suspension.

Goalkeeper Chris Kirkland missed last weekend's FA Cup third-round victory at Hull following the bang to the head he suffered in the previous game against Bolton and will have his condition assessed.

Tom Cleverley's hamstring injury continues to keep him sidelined, while Latics boss Roberto Martinez hopes James McCarthy, Franco Di Santo (both ankle) and Victor Moses (shoulder) will be close to full fitness again by the end of the month.

Teams:

Wigan (from): Al Habsi, Pollitt, G Caldwell, Gohouri, Stam, Figueroa, Alacaraz, Watson, Diame, McArthur, Thomas, N'Zogbia, McManaman, Rodallega, Lopez, Gomez, S Caldwell, Robinson, Boyce, De Ridder, Golobart, Mustoe, Kirkland.

Fulham (from): Stockdale, Pantsil, Hangeland, Hughes, Baird, Davies, Riise, Murphy, Sidwell, Etuhu, Duff, Dempsey, E Johnson, Kamara, Gera, Dembele, Etheridge, Salcido, Greening, A Johnson, Halliche.
Title: Re: Friday Fulham Stuff (14.01.11)
Post by: WhiteJC on January 14, 2011, 10:13:50 AM
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_6661922,00.html? (http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_6661922,00.html?)

Hughes - Sidwell is hungry
Cottagers boss expecting big things from new signing

Mark Hughes believes Fulham are the perfect 'vehicle' for Steve Sidwell to drive his career forward.

The midfielder has joined the Cottagers on an initial six-month deal, which could be extended through to 2014.

He returns to the capital after enduring frustrating spells at Chelsea and Aston Villa, during which time he has failed to hold down regular first-team football.

The 28-year-old is a player of proven quality, though, and Hughes is confident Fulham will be able to bring the best out of their latest recruit.

Power

"Steve will be a hungry player after his spells at Chelsea and Aston Villa," he said.

"He feels Fulham is the right vehicle, and we feel that as well. He will give us that threat from midfield that maybe we have lacked.

"Steve can score goals from midfield. He showed that when he was given a run in the team at Reading.

"He gives us a bit of power from midfield because he is a good box-to-box player."
Title: Re: Friday Fulham Stuff (14.01.11)
Post by: WhiteJC on January 14, 2011, 10:16:03 AM
http://www.teamtalk.com/match/preview/978/6661983/Wigan-v-Fulham-preview? (http://www.teamtalk.com/match/preview/978/6661983/Wigan-v-Fulham-preview?)

Wigan v Fulham preview

Team news for Wigan's Premier League clash with Fulham at The DW Stadium on Saturday.

Wigan have Charles N'Zogbia back after the winger completed a three-match suspension.

Goalkeeper Chris Kirkland missed last weekend's FA Cup third-round victory at Hull following the bang to the head he suffered in the previous game against Bolton and will have his condition assessed.

Mauro Boselli will not feature as he has been nursing a hamstring problem and is set to join another club on loan for the rest of the season.

Tom Cleverley's hamstring injury continues to keep him sidelined, while Latics boss Roberto Martinez hopes James McCarthy, Franco Di Santo (both ankle) and Victor Moses (shoulder) will be close to full fitness again by the end of the month.

Steve Sidwell could make his Fulham debut as Moussa Dembele and Andy Johnson return from injury.

New signing Sidwell is lacking match practice following last week's move from Aston Villa but the midfielder is in contention for the trip to the DW Stadium.

Dembele (ankle) could finally make his comeback, while Johnson is fit following a minor hamstring tear, but Bobby Zamora (leg), Philippe Senderos (Achilles) and Matthew Briggs (calf) are still out and Mark Schwarzer is on Asian Cup duty with Australia.

Wigan (from): Al Habsi, Pollitt, G Caldwell, Gohouri, Stam, Figueroa, Alacaraz, Watson, Diame, McArthur, Thomas, N'Zogbia, McManaman, Rodallega, Lopez, Gomez, S Caldwell, Robinson, Boyce, De Ridder, Golobart, Mustoe, Kirkland.

Fulham (from): Stockdale, Pantsil, Hangeland, Hughes, Baird, Davies, Riise, Murphy, Sidwell, Etuhu, Duff, Dempsey, E Johnson, Kamara, Gera, Dembele, Etheridge, Salcido, Greening, A Johnson, Halliche.
Title: Re: Friday Fulham Stuff (14.01.11)
Post by: WhiteJC on January 14, 2011, 10:17:49 AM
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1347065/Wigan-v-FULHAM-Steve-Sidwell-line-debut-Moussa-Dembele-set-return-squad.html? (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1347065/Wigan-v-FULHAM-Steve-Sidwell-line-debut-Moussa-Dembele-set-return-squad.html?)

Wigan v FULHAM: Steve Sidwell in line for debut with Moussa Dembele set to return to squad

Steve Sidwell could make his Fulham debut as Moussa Dembele and Andy Johnson return from injury for the Barclays Premier League game at Wigan.

New signing Sidwell is lacking match practice following last week's move from Aston Villa but the midfielder is in contention for the trip to the DW Stadium.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/01/14/article-1347065-0C9EB2F8000005DC-470_468x336.jpg)
Drought: Andy Johnson (top) has yet to score this season

Dembele (ankle) could finally make his comeback, while Johnson is fit following a minor hamstring tear, but Bobby Zamora (leg), Philippe Senderos (Achilles) and Matthew Briggs (calf) are still out and Mark Schwarzer is on Asian Cup duty with Australia.

Provisional squad: Stockdale, Pantsil, Hangeland, Hughes, Baird, Davies, Riise, Murphy, Sidwell, Etuhu, Duff, Dempsey, E Johnson, Kamara, Gera, Dembele, Etheridge, Salcido, Greening, A Johnson, Halliche.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1347065/Wigan-v-FULHAM-Steve-Sidwell-line-debut-Moussa-Dembele-set-return-squad.html#ixzz1B0HKEDJU (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1347065/Wigan-v-FULHAM-Steve-Sidwell-line-debut-Moussa-Dembele-set-return-squad.html#ixzz1B0HKEDJU)
Title: Re: Friday Fulham Stuff (14.01.11)
Post by: WhiteJC on January 14, 2011, 10:20:40 AM
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/14012011/63/n-zogbia-ban.html (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/14012011/63/n-zogbia-ban.html)

N'Zogbia back after ban

Wigan have Charles N'Zogbia back for the Barclays Premier League clash with Fulham at the DW Stadium after the winger completed a three-match suspension.

Goalkeeper Chris Kirkland missed last weekend's FA Cup third-round victory at Hull following the bang to the head he suffered in the previous game against Bolton and will have his condition assessed.

Mauro Boselli will not feature as he has been nursing a hamstring problem and is set to join another club on loan for the rest of the season.

Tom Cleverley's hamstring injury continues to keep him sidelined while boss Roberto Martinez hopes James McCarthy, Franco Di Santo (both ankle) and Victor Moses (shoulder) will be close to full fitness again by the end of the month.
Title: Re: Friday Fulham Stuff (14.01.11)
Post by: WhiteJC on January 14, 2011, 10:40:12 AM
http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/01/14/another-chance-to-win-fulham-v-stoke-tickets-82029-27986118/? (http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/01/14/another-chance-to-win-fulham-v-stoke-tickets-82029-27986118/?)

Another chance to win Fulham v Stoke tickets!

FANCY watching Fulham take on Stoke City for FREE?

EA SPORTS, the Official Sports Technology Partner of the Premier League, has teamed up with the Fulham Chronicle to offer one lucky reader a pair of tickets to the Barclays Premier League match on January 22.

To stand a chance of winning, simply answer the following question:

Who is Stoke's manager?

To enter, visit our Facebook page, click 'like' and post your answer underneath the question.

Closing date for entries is this Monday, January 17. Normal competition rules apply.

EA SPORTS is the proud sponsor of the Premier League Player Performance Index. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index is the Barclay Premier League's official statistical index of all 20 Barclays Premier League teams.

The EA SPORTS Team of the Week will be available at www.premierleague.com (http://www.premierleague.com) after each round of the Barclays Premier League. The team will be based on ratings from the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index.



Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/01/14/another-chance-to-win-fulham-v-stoke-tickets-82029-27986118/?#ixzz1B0N6OzKB (http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/01/14/another-chance-to-win-fulham-v-stoke-tickets-82029-27986118/?#ixzz1B0N6OzKB)
Title: Re: Friday Fulham Stuff (14.01.11)
Post by: WhiteJC on January 14, 2011, 11:10:27 AM
http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2011/0114/wigan_fulham.html? (http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2011/0114/wigan_fulham.html?)

RTE: Wigan Athletic v Fulham

Wigan have Charles N'Zogbia back for Saturday's Barclays Premier League clash with Fulham at the DW Stadium after the winger completed a three-match suspension.

Goalkeeper Chris Kirkland missed last weekend's FA Cup third-round victory at Hull following the bang to the head he suffered in the previous game against Bolton and will have his condition assessed.

Mauro Boselli will not feature as he has been nursing a hamstring problem and is set to join another club on loan for the rest of the season.

Tom Cleverley's hamstring injury continues to keep him sidelined, while Latics boss Roberto Martinez hopes James McCarthy, Franco Di Santo (both ankle) and Victor Moses (shoulder) will be close to full fitness again by the end of the month.

Steve Sidwell could make his Fulham debut as Moussa Dembele and Andy Johnson return from injury.

New signing Sidwell is lacking match practice following last week's move from Aston Villa but the midfielder is in contention for the trip to the DW Stadium.

Dembele (ankle) could finally make his comeback, while Johnson is fit following a minor hamstring tear, but Bobby Zamora (leg), Philippe Senderos (Achilles) and Matthew Briggs (calf) are still out and Mark Schwarzer is on Asian Cup duty with Australia.

Wigan squad: Al Habsi, Pollitt, G Caldwell, Gohouri, Stam, Figueroa, Alacaraz, Watson, Diame, McArthur, Thomas, N'Zogbia, McManaman, Rodallega, Lopez, Gomez, S Caldwell, Robinson, Boyce, De Ridder, Golobart, Mustoe, Kirkland.

Fulham squad: Stockdale, Pantsil, Hangeland, Hughes, Baird, Davies, Riise, Murphy, Sidwell, Etuhu, Duff, Dempsey, E Johnson, Kamara, Gera, Dembele, Etheridge, Salcido, Greening, A Johnson, Halliche.
Title: Re: Friday Fulham Stuff (14.01.11)
Post by: WhiteJC on January 14, 2011, 11:54:51 AM
http://www.fanhouse.co.uk/2011/01/14/wigan-v-fulham-preview-roberto-martinez-needs-home-improvement/? (http://www.fanhouse.co.uk/2011/01/14/wigan-v-fulham-preview-roberto-martinez-needs-home-improvement/?)

Wigan v Fulham Preview: Roberto Martinez Needs Home Improvement

Something has to give at the DW Stadium as both these sides look to improve on statistics that have made it such a struggle this season.

Hosts Wigan have won just two of their 11 games at home, something manager Roberto Martinez admits has not been good enough and any advantage gained from playing in front of a partisan crowd has been lost with five draws proving costly.

That is the same amount Fulham have registered on their travels, yet a sole victory in 10 for Mark Hughes's side has contributed to their problems at the wrong end of the table.

That suggests this meeting between the relegation strugglers will be typically tense and far from a classic, although It would be nice to be proved wrong.

Fulham have found the net nine times in their last two outings, but with Hughes not yet finding the right formula for success since taking charge and without the injured Bobby Zamora up front, they remain a shadow of the side that stormed to the final of the Europa League last season.

Key Match-up: Maynor Figueroa v Simon Davies: Figueroa has not produced the same form that made him a revelation last season, but the left back's pace and decisiveness in challenges have made him such an asset for Wigan and admired by rivals. With his driving runs down the right, Davies has been the architect of much for Fulham and particularly dangerous at set pieces.

Form Guide: Wigan have won just one of their last eight league games but a draw could be on the cards given their recent history with Fulham. Five of their last eight meetings have ended with the points shared, although the visitors won the three others since Wigan last triumphed in 2006.

WIGAN ATHLETIC:
With Wigan facing relegation rivals Fulham and Aston Villa in two of their next three games, it would be fair to assume this is a period that will be pivotal to their fate at the end of the season, but manager Martinez does not agree.

No, I don't think they are must-win games," he said. "The way the league is going now, any game is an opportunity to add points. That's going to be the sign of this year's competition.

"We beat Wolves which everyone spoke about being a six-pointer and such a crucial game, and then Wolves beat Liverpool and Chelsea and got six points.

"It shows you the league is different from any other season due to the fact teams are prepared to take risks against the top five and playing with bravery and games are open. If you take your chances you have the chance to win points.

"At the top you have five teams trying to win the title, then teams fighting to get into Europe and eight teams fighting to avoid relegation so it's an open competition."

So tight is the relegation battle that Wigan might be second from bottom in the table, but are just a point behind Fulham who are five places ahead.

Martinez feels his side have deserved more points for their performances and does not mind the constant speculation regarding his players.

Hugo Rodallega, Figueroa and Charles N'Zogbia, who will face Fulham after serving a three-match ban, have all been linked with moves in this month's transfer window.

And the Latics manager said: "I would love to have speculation that teams want our players because that would mean they are performing well and we are doing something right.

"It's a bit scary when you have got nobody wanting your players - that's a sad situation. You can't help the rumours, but it's important we are really focused. Once we end the window, the squad will be strong enough for the challenge ahead."

Strategy: A more settled defence and midfield strength in the shape of the powerful Mohamed Diame and Hendry Thomas has given the Latics a solid base. But it is up front where their obvious weakness remains. Just 18 goals have made them the league's lowest scorers and the return of Charles N'Zogbi from suspension is timely. For all their industry and effort, the presence of the flamboyant Frenchman will add to their creativity and offer balance on the left wing or much-needed support for Rodallega up front.

Injury Update: James McCarthy could be available for duty against Arsenal next week after three months out with an ankle injury. Franco di Santo is also nearing a comeback after ankle trouble while fellow striker Victor Moses (shoulder) is also on the road to recovery. Chris Kirkland's head injury will also be assessed. Winger Tom Cleverley, though, is out until next month with a hamstring strain.

FULHAM:
Hughes knows that statistics don't lie and the fact Fulham have won just one away game in their last 27 in the league has not been lost on him.

But he points to two other numbers which he believes their form on the road is not as bad as it may seem: one, their recent record reads won one, lost one – and two, the fact that only Manchester City have conceded fewer goals than Fulham on their travels this term.

As he heads to Wigan on a run of three wins in their last four games – the most recent being their 6-2 FA Cup defeat of Peterborough – he is looking to put more breathing space between Fulham and the bottom three.

Hughes said: "We had been playing well prior to the run we have had, but we hadn't been getting results. Now we are getting those results and we are pleased with that. We have won three out of the last four games.

"The continuity we got from a good performance and good result against Peterborough was important and that was part of my thinking when I picked a strong team last week.

"The way the league is at the moment, draws don't really push you up the table. We are looking for three points because that is what consolidates your position. That's what we want.

"If we can get three points away at Wigan, it is another opportunity to build on the fact we got our first away win of the season just recently – and the sort of performance we showed in that game against Stoke.

"Our away form is good and we want that to continue. It is important we are resolute in our travels, because that has been a weakness in our play in recent times."

Strategy: Hughes is unlikely to make too many changes to a winning line-up, but is likely to put in either Moussa Dembele or Andy Johnson up front, rather than the Diomansy Kamara-Clint Dempsey partnership which helped them past Peterborough in the cup or West Brom in the previous league game. Dempsey will be key to providing decent service to the front two.

Injury Update: Dembele and Johnson are available following knee and hamstring injuries respectively. Phillipe Senderos is back in training but needs two to three weeks before he is in contention. New signing Steve Sidwell is still not match fit but may make the bench.
Title: Re: Friday Fulham Stuff (14.01.11)
Post by: WhiteJC on January 14, 2011, 11:56:08 AM
http://www.afrikansoccer.com/2011/01/hughes-cools-adebayor-reunion-talks/? (http://www.afrikansoccer.com/2011/01/hughes-cools-adebayor-reunion-talks/?)

Hughes cools Adebayor reunion talks

Mark Hughes has toned down reports linking Manchester City misfit Emmanuel Adebayor to Fulham where he would re-unite with the manager who brought him to Eastlands in the first place.

Hughes splashed £25m to sign the 26-year-old from Arsenal in the summer of 2009 but has seen little action under incumbent City boss Roberto Mancini.

The increasing frustration of the ex Togo international on the bench has ignited talks of a possible re-union with Hughes at Fulham but Adebayor's high wage demand makes the move highly unlikely.

"Manu is a guy who I like as a person," Hughes said.

"As a player, he did well for me. He had problems when he went out of the team but he's a good guy.

"Any team that had a player of the quality of Adebayor would be strengthened.

"But that doesn't mean that we're in a position to bring him here, I have to say."
Title: Re: Friday Fulham Stuff (14.01.11)
Post by: WhiteJC on January 14, 2011, 11:57:35 AM
http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/StockdaleWiganPreview.aspx? (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/StockdaleWiganPreview.aspx?)

Ready For Wigan
(http://www.fulhamfc.com/Images/MainNews/NewsPages/Players/Stockdale/StockdaleApplause.jpg)

Fulham will be looking to continue their strong start to 2011 on Saturday when they take on Wigan Athletic and goalkeeper David Stockdale believes Fulham can push closer to the top ten at the DW Stadium following an impressive run of results.

"I was very happy last weekend because we got another win and we're getting into that winning habit now," Stockdale told fulhamfc.com. "To get two wins on the bounce at the start of the New Year rolls us nicely into this weekend's game against Wigan. People think we don't we score enough goals but last weekend we scored six!

"It's an important game on Saturday, not just because of the two wins we've had, but if can beat Wigan we'll move closer to the top ten. That's our aim and if we can get results from our games against Wigan and Stoke it will be a great month for us. It's an away game and we stopped the away record against Stoke so all the lads are upbeat and ready to go."

Stockdale is once again producing the form that almost earned him an England call-up at the start of the 2010/11 campaign before injury scuppered his chances, and now the keeper is focused producing the form that will help him retain the goalkeeper's jersey on Mark Schwarzer's return from the 2011 Asian Cup.

"At home I get annoying when I'm not playing!" Stockdale explained. "When I'm at Fulham I'm always professional and always wish Mark [Schwarzer] well when he's in possession of the shirt. It's just the way the goalkeeper position is – if I've got the shirt I'm going to try and keep it and it's the same for him. Hopefully what that competition does is push us on to do well for the Team.

"Now I've just got to keep doing what I've shown I can do so far. I got set back by injury at the start of the season and Mark kept the shirt so I'm going to try and keep it now. I've got to keep going. I've only played a handful of Premier League games so I've got to build up that experience."

When conversation turns to any future international opportunities for Stockdale, the keeper prefers to focus on his current targets with Fulham, but the proud Englishman cannot disguise his desire to represent his country in the future.

"I was so proud to even be included in the conversations about England," the keeper explained. "I've just got to keep playing and be solid for Fulham, but if something like that comes along, as a proud patriotic Englishman, I'd just go for it!"



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/StockdaleWiganPreview.aspx?#ixzz1B0gbAZDZ (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/StockdaleWiganPreview.aspx?#ixzz1B0gbAZDZ)
Title: Re: Friday Fulham Stuff (14.01.11)
Post by: WhiteJC on January 14, 2011, 11:58:41 AM
http://blogs.soccernet.com/fulham/archives/2011/01/staying_up_back_to_business_at.php? (http://blogs.soccernet.com/fulham/archives/2011/01/staying_up_back_to_business_at.php?)

Staying up - Back to Business at Wigan

Whenever interviewed over the course of Fulham's progress in Europe last winter the boss always maintained avoiding relegation was the club's paramount aim each season.

After basking in the satisfaction of our goal rush last week in the Cup, as if the squad didn't know it, a glance at the league standings reminds us all we still face a nervous few weeks. A trip to Wigan, not the most daunting of fixtures, gives us a chance to notch back to back wins for the first time in a year and complete a double over the Northerners.

With just about every basement side picking up some points recently the pack is getting shuffled on a weekly basis. A dip in form could easily see sides like Blackburn, Stoke and Blackpool down in the mire by Easter. And, whisper it if you dare, maybe even Liverpool...

Our squad know all about the teams around us by now. As seasoned pros I suspect they're also conscious the current side is more than capable of holding its own in this division. However, Wigan should not be under-estimated, and only 100% concentration and commitment will ensure three points - this is a side both managers will see as a 'must win' game.

How Wigan must wish they'd started the season a week late. From the first two games their GD took a hammering from which they will not recover all season, and what could be a decisive factor come May. Opening up with a 0-4 reverse v Blackpool, then being smashed for six by Chelsea. Martinez pulled them into shape however and their season to date mirrors our own. Too many drawn, results tight, no more big hidings, but blighted by a lack of goals - Boselli proving to be a £6.5 million misfit.

Last time out they claimed a point at Bolton, coming into Christmas they were unbeaten in four - three draws and one win. The Bolton game however saw them lose Tom Cleverley for a month - a big loss for their small squad. Martinez does have N'Zogbia back from suspension, and Rodallega can turn any game in a moment if in the mood.

Man for man I think we are superior. If the 'feel good' factor continues and we set out to take control of the match from the first whistle, I sense our first ever win at the DW is on the cards, having drawn on our last four visits. It would be madness to drop Joe after his hat-trick last week. I think we'll go with the same eleven to start, with Sidwell, AJ and Dembele on the bench. That already gives us more options than 10 days ago.

Finally a word on transfer activity - or lack of it. This trip to NW England gives Mark the ideal opportunity to stop in on Citeh and talk SWP business...I personally still hope it does not happen. As the month slips by, I wonder if Mark might be tempted to keep his money in his pocket should Fulham round out the month with maximum points from Wigan and Stoke - and perhaps even a point or three from wobbling Liverpool? January is not a good time to be shopping for players. Agents hold the whip hand and decisions are made on fear and emotion. Never a wise investment strategy!

More points on the board, extra daylight between us and the bottom three, BZ's return imminent..Hughes and the board may feel a corner has been turned. Nothing Saturday from Wigan and it's back out with the worry beads. And the cash.

COYW - give us a weekend of cheer. Twitter@fulhamphil
Title: Re: Friday Fulham Stuff (14.01.11)
Post by: WhiteJC on January 14, 2011, 12:08:18 PM
http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/HughesOnSidwell.aspx (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/HughesOnSidwell.aspx)

Skill Set
(http://www.fulhamfc.com/Images/MainNews/NewsPages/Players/Sidwell/SidwellShirt.jpg)

After just one week in training with his new Team, Steve Sidwell has made a positive early impression on Fulham Manager Mark Hughes, who highlighted the impact the midfielder has made on the squad ahead of Saturday's game against Wigan Athletic at the DW Stadium.

"Steve Sidwell is available [for selection] but he hasn't played a lot of matches in recent months and we have to be mindful of that. He's come in and shown his quality in the group very quickly.

"I think whenever you bring a new player in it energises the group and that's certainly happened and I think he's really enjoying his work at Fulham. He's looking forward to getting his career on track.

"He's a little different to what we've already got. We've got a number of different types of technical players and powerful players but arguably we haven't got somebody who gets from box to box, so we're looking for that part of his game to come to the fore when he gets his opportunity.

"It's about complementing the skills we already have and he brings a different skill set so we're delighted to have him. He wants to play and that's the situation that he's relayed to me. He wants to play and get back on track and we're benefitting from that motivation.

"Having had conversations with him he's still a young man in terms of what he wants to achieve in the game. There's a lot there that he wants to do and he just needs the right vehicle. He feels that Fulham is that Club and we feel that way too. I think he'll prosper and thrive at Fulham.

"He's always had that threat from midfield and the ability to score goals from midfield which is a big commodity for any side so we're delighted he's here. He'll be an option very quickly for us."



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/HughesOnSidwell.aspx#ixzz1B0jJ1ZKV (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/HughesOnSidwell.aspx#ixzz1B0jJ1ZKV)
Title: Re: Friday Fulham Stuff (14.01.11)
Post by: WhiteJC on January 14, 2011, 12:14:52 PM
http://www.eatsleepsport.com/fulham/hughes-confirms-city-ace-interest-1149147.html? (http://www.eatsleepsport.com/fulham/hughes-confirms-city-ace-interest-1149147.html?)

Hughes confirms City ace interest

Mark Hughes has confirmed that he would be interested in taking Manchester City winger Shaun Wright-Phillips to Fulham.

The Cottagers chief has been heavily linked with a swoop for the 29-year-old England international after it became clear that he wanted to quit Eastlands in search of regular first-team football for the second half of this season.

City boss Roberto Mancini revealed that the player has up to three options and Hughes has admitted that he would relish the chance to take the player to Craven Cottage given that he signed him for City from Chelsea when in charge at Eastlands back in summer 2008.

However, when asked if he would also be interested in signing out-of-favour City striker Emmanuel Adebayor in addition to Wright-Phillips, Hughes said he could be outside of the club's price range.

"Shaun's a player I've worked with, a player I know," Hughes said. "Manu is a guy who I like as a person. As a player, he did well for me. But that doesn't mean we're in a position to bring him here."
Title: Re: Friday Fulham Stuff (14.01.11)
Post by: WhiteJC on January 14, 2011, 12:31:20 PM
http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/HughesWiganStrength.aspx? (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/HughesWiganStrength.aspx?)

Moving Forward
(http://www.fulhamfc.com/Images/MainNews/NewsPages/Management/Hughes/general1.jpg)

Manager Mark Hughes is looking for his Team to build on their recent away win against Stoke on Saturday at the DW Stadium and Fulham's Manager believes his side will continue to improve during the second half of the 2010/11 season.

"We're looking forward to the game on Saturday against Wigan and it's another chance for us to build on the great performance we showed away from home at Stoke," Hughes told fulhamfc.com.

"In terms of goals conceded away from home I think it's only Manchester City that have conceded fewer, so our away form is good. It's important that we're resolute on our travels because that's been a weakness in our play in recent times. I think the squad will get stronger as a consequence of working together and we'll keep on improving."

Whilst the Barclays Premier League table remains tight at both ends, Fulham have the chance to move towards the top half against Wigan this weekend as Fulham look to keep earning the results their performances deserve.   

"I think the clubs that have come up this year have been stronger than in previous years," said Hughes. "Most of the clubs that have come up have done really well. We feel that we've come through a period when we were playing well but not picking up points.

"I'd rather go through that at the beginning of the season than the second half when it's the business end. You've got to be moving forward at the crucial end of the season. You've got to be really strong in the second half and I'm confident that we'll be fine. In the second half of the season my teams are always stronger."



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/HughesWiganStrength.aspx?#ixzz1B0p6Nslw (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/HughesWiganStrength.aspx?#ixzz1B0p6Nslw)
Title: Re: Friday Fulham Stuff (14.01.11)
Post by: WhiteJC on January 14, 2011, 12:36:11 PM
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_6660880,00.html (http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_6660880,00.html)

Premier League preview
Three classic contests take centre stage on Sky Sports HD1/1 & 3D

Wigan are only one point off bottom spot ahead of the DW Stadium arrival of Fulham, but they also trail their 14th-placed visitors by just the same margin. Roberto Martinez will hope that last weekend's FA Cup win at Hull City will provide confidence, but Fulham should be on an even greater high after dismantling Peterborough. Mark Hughes has steered the West Londoners out of the relegation zone, but wretched away form, with a 2-0 victory at Stoke on 28th December their only win in 28 Premier League games on their travels, means that the Craven Cottage club are unlikely to know if they will be safe from the drop until the very end of the season.
Title: Re: Friday Fulham Stuff (14.01.11)
Post by: WhiteJC on January 14, 2011, 12:45:01 PM
http://www.clicklancashire.com/sport/wigan-athletic-fc/128861-wigan-athletic-rival-fulham-fc-for-espanyol-keeper.html? (http://www.clicklancashire.com/sport/wigan-athletic-fc/128861-wigan-athletic-rival-fulham-fc-for-espanyol-keeper.html?)

Wigan Athletic rival Fulham FC for Espanyol keeper

According to reports Espanyol goalkeeper Carlos Kameni is interesting a number of Premier League clubs.

Wigan Athletic and Fulham are believed to be monitoring the player's situation at Espanyol.

After seven seasons with the Spanish outfit it seems Kameni is looking for a new challenge and wants to leave.

It is understood his most likely destination is England and that a bid has been lodged.

"An offer has already arrived," revealed the Cameroon international.

"We will study it carefully."
Title: Re: Friday Fulham Stuff (14.01.11)
Post by: WhiteJC on January 14, 2011, 01:15:07 PM
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/9358449.stm? (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/9358449.stm?)

BBC: Wigan v Fulham

TEAM NEWS
Wigan winger Charles N'Zogbia makes a timely return from a three-match ban, with Tom Cleverley ruled out for up to a month with a hamstring injury.

Goalkeeper Chris Kirkland suffered a bang to the head in the last league game at Bolton and will be assessed.

Fulham could be bolstered by the return of forward Andrew Johnson from a torn hamstring, and Moussa Dembele after nine weeks out with an ankle injury.

New signing Steve Sidwell is in contention to make his debut.

Wigan
Doubtful: Kirkland (concussion)
Injured: Boselli & Cleverley (both hamstring), Di Santo & McCarthy (both ankle), Moses (shoulder)

Fulham
Doubtful: Dembele (ankle), A Johnson (hamstring)
Injured/unavailable: Briggs & Senderos (both calf), Schwarzer (international duty), Zamora (leg)

MATCH PREVIEW
Promoted together from the league's bottom division in 1997, Fulham and Wigan's shared objective this year is to ensure their rapid rise does not end in a fall.

Both clubs enjoyed three promotions in quick succession to reach the Premier League, but they are currently looking simply to survive rather than thrive.

Wigan kick-off in the bottom three, knowing a win on Saturday will take them above a Fulham side that only moved out of the relegation zone after the last round of fixtures. Fulham have doubled their tally of victories for the season since Christmas - to four - but still share the lowest number of wins in the top flight with three other clubs, including Wigan.

A paucity of goals has been a major cause of their struggles, and Wigan's poor home form allied to Fulham's dismal away record of one win in 28 attempts means the odds are short on a fifth successive draw between them at the DW Stadium.
This fixture has always provided one of Wigan's lowest attendances of the season, and so the club is offering adult fans the chance to buy two tickets for £20 in an attempt to swell support.

MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
• Wigan are currently on a 10-match unbeaten home run against Fulham, although the last four meetings were all drawn.
• Fulham have gone eight matches without defeat against Wigan since a 1-0 home loss in March 2006 (W3, D5).

Wigan
• Wigan only average a point per game at home this season - the worst record in the top flight.
• They have drawn four of their last six league matches, winning and losing once.
• The Latics have the least potent attack in the division, scoring 18 goals in 21 matches.
• They have led at half-time in only two of their 21 league matches this season.

Fulham
• Fulham have won three of their last four matches in all competitions.
• They are vying for back-to-back league victories for the first time in 11 months since beating Burnley and Birmingham.
• Mark Hughes's side have the worst record in the division when scoring the opening goal this season, winning only three of eight matches.
• Clint Dempsey has scored five goals in his last seven matches against Wigan, including twice in Fulham's 2-0 win in the reverse fixture earlier this season.

LEADING GOALSCORERS

Wigan
Rodallega: 5 goals (5 league); N'Zogbia: 4 goals (3 league)

Fulham
Dempsey: 7 goals (6 league); Kamara: 5 goals (2 league)

MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Anthony Taylor
Assistant referees: Andy Garratt & John Flynn
Fourth official: Mike Jones

LAST LEAGUE MATCH LINE-UPS
Wigan (D1-1 v Bolton, a): Kirkland (Pollitt 62); Stam (McManaman 90), Alcaraz, G Caldwell, Gohouri, Figueroa, Thomas, Watson, Cleverley (Diame 12), McArthur, Rodallega. Subs not used: Gomez, S Caldwell, Lopez, Robinson.

Fulham (W3-0 v West Brom, h): Stockdale; Pantsil, Hangeland, Hughes, Baird, Davies (Riise 82), Murphy, Etuhu, Duff, Dempsey (E Johnson 87), Kamara (Gera 63). Subs not used: Etheridge, Salcido, Greening, Halliche.
Title: Re: Friday Fulham Stuff (14.01.11)
Post by: WhiteJC on January 14, 2011, 01:57:38 PM
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/premier-league/8257256/Wigan-Athletic-v-Fulham-match-preview.html? (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/premier-league/8257256/Wigan-Athletic-v-Fulham-match-preview.html?)

Wigan Athletic v Fulham: match preview
Read a full match preview of the Premier League game between Wigan Athletic and Fulham at DW Stadium on Saturday Jan 15 2011, kick-off 15.00 GMT.

Saturday, January 15
Wigan Athletic v Fulham
DW Stadium
Kick-off: 15.00 GMT
TV: Highlights, BBC1 Match of the Day

TALE OF THE GAME:
Fulham travel to Wigan targeting a second successive away win after earning their first in 28 attempts at Stoke.

Languishing in the bottom three, the Latics will aim to get back to winning ways at home having not won at the DW in their last six games.

New signing Steve Sidwell will be in contention for the Cottagers, but Mark Schwarzer is still away on international duty.
Wigan welcome back Charles N'Zogbia from suspension.

TEAM NEWS:
Wigan Athletic have Charles N'Zogbia back for Saturday's Premier League clash with Fulham at the DW Stadium after the winger completed a three-match suspension.

Goalkeeper Chris Kirkland missed last weekend's FA Cup third-round victory at Hull following the bang to the head he suffered in the previous game against Bolton and will have his condition assessed.

Mauro Boselli will not feature as he has been nursing a hamstring problem and is set to join another club on loan for the rest of the season.

Tom Cleverley's hamstring injury continues to keep him sidelined, while Latics boss Roberto Martinez hopes James McCarthy, Franco Di Santo (both ankle) and Victor Moses (shoulder) will be close to full fitness again by the end of the month.

Steve Sidwell could make his Fulham debut as Moussa Dembele and Andy Johnson return from injury.

New signing Sidwell is lacking match practice following last week's move from Aston Villa but the midfielder is in contention for the trip to the DW Stadium.

Dembele (ankle) could finally make his comeback, while Johnson is fit following a minor hamstring tear, but Bobby Zamora (leg), Philippe Senderos (Achilles) and Matthew Briggs (calf) are still out and Mark Schwarzer is on Asian Cup duty with Australia.

Prediction: 2-1
Title: Re: Friday Fulham Stuff (14.01.11)
Post by: WhiteJC on January 14, 2011, 02:16:31 PM
http://fulham.theoffside.com/team-news/can-we-make-it-two-in-a-row-on-the-road.html? (http://fulham.theoffside.com/team-news/can-we-make-it-two-in-a-row-on-the-road.html?)

Can We Make It Two In A Row On The Road?
By: Jason Gatties | January 14th, 2011

Before I get to my wack pre-match thoughts, I should offer an apology. It was originally my intention to post several times this week, bringing in hits and making mad cash for the overlords here at "The Offside" (settle down, its a joke) but it's been a rough week. I have a back condition called "spinal stenosis" and without getting too medical on you, it means my back is fucked.

I live with  certain amount of pain everyday but it's been much worse this week. If it sounds like I'm making an excuse, well, I am. But I do apologize. You can stop sending those email complaints now.

Fulham will travel to Wigan tomorrow and not only will they be looking for their second straight road victory, but will also look to sweep "The Latics" on the season. Back in October, Clint Dempsey recorded a double in Fulham's 2-0 win at Craven Cottage.  That match with Wigan was also significant because our downward spiral would begin a week later and we would go win less until we beat Stoke on the road at the end of December.

Plenty of pundits are calling tomorrow's match a "relegation six pointer" but I still refuse to buy into that on January 14th. It is however a very important match in order to keep our current positive form, as we have won 3 out of 4 in all competitions.

Newcomer Steve Sidwell will be available, but don't expect him to start. Moussa Dembele & Andy Johnson are also available for selection and may see some time in the second half.  As far as a starting XI goes, I see:
GK: Stockdale
Def: Pantsil, Hangeland, Hughes, Baird
Mid: Duff, Murphy, Etuhu, Davies
For: Dempsey, Kamara

Take a picture of that starting XI as I predict you'll see some new names in the starting line up when we welcome The Potters to Craven Cottage in a week.  With that in mind, I'm expecting Duff, Etuhu & Kamara to be playing for their jobs this week, which I hope leads to something positive.

Roberto Martinez will be without a few key players, so I'm hoping we can take advantage of that. Fulham hold a 15-12-10 advantage over Wigan in all competitions over the years and tomorrow, I predict we'll record our 16th all time victory.

The boys are playing well and even though we're on the road, I see no reason for that to change. This is another example of Fulham needing to win matches they are suppose to win. In my world, failure is not an option.

Prediction: Wigan 0-1 Fulham
Title: Re: Friday Fulham Stuff (14.01.11)
Post by: White Noise on January 14, 2011, 02:45:01 PM

Wigan v Fulham tickets



Barclays Premier League
Saturday 15th January
Kick-Off 15:00

On-sale dates
General Sale On sale (Max 6 tickets)
Loyalty points: 5 (more info|)

Prices
Adults - £15 - or 2 for £20 (only available by phone or in person from the Ticket Office - not available on the day)
Over 65s - £10
Under 16s - £5
Disabled Ticket Prices

Wheelchair/Ambulant Disabled - Adult £10 - Under 16 £5

Travel
Coaches depart from Motspur Park at 8am, Craven Cottage 8:30am.

Coach travel price

Season Ticket Holders - Adults £22; Juniors £12
Non Season Ticket Holders – Adults £27; Juniors £20
To book coach tickets, call 0843 208 1234 option 3.

How to Buy tickets
in person from the Ticket Office: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm; non-match day Sat 10am-12pm
on the gate at the DW Stadium
.

Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Tickets/Games/WIganAway.aspx#ixzz1B1MeQRk5 (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Tickets/Games/WIganAway.aspx#ixzz1B1MeQRk5)
Title: Re: Friday Fulham Stuff (14.01.11)
Post by: White Noise on January 14, 2011, 02:46:09 PM

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/14012011/63/martinez-rallies-rested-latics.html (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/14012011/63/martinez-rallies-rested-latics.html)



Martinez rallies rested Latics

Fri, 14 Jan 13:27:09 2011

Wigan boss Roberto Martinez is looking for an energised performance from his team against Fulham this weekend to make up for the flat display they put in at Craven Cottage earlier in the season.

Martinez suggested his players had struggled to cope with the demands of their fixture schedule when a Latics side showing just four changes from a midweek Carling Cup tie against Swansea were beaten 2-0 by Mark Hughes' team in October.

Going into Saturday's game at the DW Stadium, though, Wigan will have had a full week without a match for the first time since Boxing Day. Several regular starters were rested for last weekend's 3-2 FA Cup victory at Hull as well and Martinez hopes to see the benefits when the team take on Fulham.

"The performance against Fulham away was one of the biggest disappointments we have had this season," Martinez said.

"We didn't perform at our level, we were quite flat and probably the cup competition took too much out of our energy tank.

"We need to look at the game on Saturday as a great opportunity to be ourselves and try to put that performance right with the second encounter."

Title: Re: Friday Fulham Stuff (14.01.11)
Post by: White Noise on January 14, 2011, 04:20:28 PM

http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-sport/football/article-23914321-a-chocoholic-with-too-many-trainers-but-swp-is-a-star.do


A chocoholic with too many trainers, but SWP is a star

Dickson Etuhu

(http://i.thisislondon.co.uk/i/std/siteimages/eveningstandard/columnists/dickson.etuhu.gif)

14 Jan 2011



I fiirst saw Shaun Wright-Phillips play when we were both 13 years old. We were in the same Sunday League team in Beckenham.

Shaun and his brother Bradley played with me and my brother Kelvin for a team called Ten Em Bee. Even back then I knew Shaun was going to play for England.

He was so fast and so strong for a player who was so small! At the time, I was more interested in athletics and was a keen long and triple jumper but Shaun was obsessed with his football.

After Shaun was told by Nottingham Forest that he was not big enough to make it as a professional player, he went north to Manchester City when he was 17 — six months later I joined him after being spotted playing for Ten Em Bee.

We ended up sharing a room in digs living with a family in Bramhall just outside Manchester for the next four years.

Surprisingly, for teenagers we were both really tidy but I could not get over the amount of trainers Shaun owned. I had never seen so many pairs of running shoes yet I could not borrow any of them because his feet were so small.

He was also addicted to chocolate back then, he just loved it. We were very compatible and spent a lot of time together after training, on our computers or in arcades . . . we were too young for the Manchester club scene.

Shaun broke through into the first team before I did but would still turn out on occasions for the youth side. The manager would bring him on for the last 20 minutes of games and I lost count of the number of times he'd score a hat-trick to win us matches we were losing.

One thing fans don't realise about Shaun is that he has a wickedly hard shot and is such a tough competitor. You could hit him with a heavy tackle in training and he'd still be up before you and racing away with the ball.

He has not had much luck in his career to date as his big-money moves to Chelsea and back to Manchester City have not worked out for him.

But the fact that Fabio Capello was still picking him for his England squad, even though he wasn't in the City first team, shows how highly he is regarded.

He has now been told he can leave City by boss Roberto Mancini and has been linked with a move to Fulham.

It would be great to play with him again but I'm sure there will be other clubs interested in taking him as well because of his speed and ability.

Mark Hughes has strengthened our squad by bringing in Steve Sidwell from Aston Villa which will be a big help to us in the run-in to the end of the season. Steve, who used to play for Chelsea, still has a house around the corner from our training ground so I'm sure he'll be glad he doesn't have to drive all the way up to the Midlands any more.

Fulham take on Wigan tomorrow and although we are only two points off the bottom, a win will see us go above both Everton and Liverpool, who play on Sunday, on goal difference.

The Premier League is so tight but we are all confident we are going to stay up because we have not been losing matches. We have been beaten just seven times whereas Liverpool — who we face in a couple of weeks at Anfield — have already lost 10 matches.

Title: Re: Friday Fulham Stuff (14.01.11)
Post by: White Noise on January 14, 2011, 04:21:55 PM

Schwarzer In Action


Friday 14th January 2011

(http://www.fulhamfc.com/Images/MainNews/NewsPages/Players/Schwarzer/SchwarzerAsianCup.jpg)

After making a perfect start to their 2011 Asian Cup adventure on Tuesday with a 4-0 win over India in Group C, Australia drew 1-1 with Korea Republic on Friday afternoon.

Mark Schwarzer played a full 90 minutes for the Socceroos, who had to come from behind to claim a point at the Al Gharrafa Stadium in Doha. Koo Ja-Cheol put the Korea Republic ahead on 24 minutes before Mile Jedinak hit back after 62 minutes.

Prior to kick-off there was a moments silence to pay respect for the flood victims in Queensland, Australia. Schwarzer will be back in action in Australia's final group C match against Bahrain at the Al-Sadd Stadium, Qatar, on Wednesday 19th January.
.

Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/SchwarzerInternational.aspx#ixzz1B1kudfmy (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/SchwarzerInternational.aspx#ixzz1B1kudfmy)
Title: Re: Friday Fulham Stuff (14.01.11)
Post by: White Noise on January 14, 2011, 04:22:48 PM

http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/01/penalty-appeal/


Penalty Appeal


by lydia on January 14, 2011

Do you realise that Fulham are still yet to recieve a penalty this season? So after 21 league games and 3 Cup games we are yet to get the chance to score from the spot. Want to hear something else interesting? Wigan are the only team so far not to give away a penalty. I wonder will this week be the week that both of those records are broken!

Aside from that little piece of useless information lets have a look at the match tomorrow. The last time both teams meet was in October when Dempsey fired the boys to victory with a storming performance. From what I can remember from that day Fulham were playing some lovely football but just couldn't add more goals than the 2 that Dempsey scored.  And our goal hungry American seems to love playing Wigan as he has scored 5 times against them in 7 appearence so lets hope he adds to that tally tomorrow!

The last four meetings at the DW have all ended in draws but overall Fulham have tasted victory in this fixture more than Wigan with 15 wins to their 10. I'm pretty optimistic about tomorrow as Wigan have a poor home record and I know that our away record is nothing to boast about, but we do find ourselves in a good run of form at the minute. We have also had several boasts as Dembele and Johnson are returning to the squad to add some venom to our attack and we are likely to see Sidwell pop in from off the bench at some stage.

I'm predicting Wigan 0-2 Fulham with Dempsey to get at least one of the goals. Lets hope that by the time we play Stoke at the Cottage next week we will  see another few attacking players on the team list.

Title: Re: Friday Fulham Stuff (14.01.11)
Post by: White Noise on January 14, 2011, 04:24:05 PM

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Tickets/Games/YouthCupNorwich.aspx


Fulham v Norwich City tickets


FA Youth Cup sponsored by E.ON


Friday 14th January


Kick-Off 19:00

All tickets will be for the Riverside Stand only and tickets will include access to the Trophy Lounge.

On-sale dates
General Sale  Now on sale
How to Buy Tickets
buy tickets online  - 7 days a week, 24 hrs a day. Save on booking fees by booking online
Pay on the Gate
Prices
Adults - £3
Over 65 / Under 16 - £1


Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Tickets/Games/YouthCupNorwich.aspx#ixzz1B1lUQEiB (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Tickets/Games/YouthCupNorwich.aspx#ixzz1B1lUQEiB)
Title: Re: Friday Fulham Stuff (14.01.11)
Post by: White Noise on January 14, 2011, 04:26:48 PM

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/jan/14/squad-sheets-wigan-athletic-fulham (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/jan/14/squad-sheets-wigan-athletic-fulham)



Squad sheets: Wigan Athletic v Fulham


guardian.co.uk, Friday 14 January 2011 15.22 GMT


Short of strikers all season Fulham could welcome two back with both Andrew Johnson and Moussa Dembélé almost fit. Mark Hughes has also reinforced his squad with Steve Sidwell and the former Aston Villa midfielder may make his debut. Wigan have Charles N'Zogbia available after a three-match suspension but Mauro Boselli, who has been loaned to Genoa, will not feature. As Wigan have been held five times at home and Fulham have drawn five times away already, logic suggests the points will be shared at the DW Stadium for a fifth successive season. Richard Jolly

Venue DW Stadium, Saturday 3pm

Tickets £15 (0871 66 33 552)

Last season Wigan 1 Fulham 1

Referee Anthony Taylor

This season's matches 7 Y24, R2, 3.71 cards per game

Odds Wigan 13-8 Fulham 2-1 Draw 11-5

(http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Sport/Pix/pictures/2011/1/14/1295017390857/Wigan-Athletic-v-Fulham-001.jpg)

Probable starters in bold, contenders in light. Photograph: Graphic Wigan


Subs from Kirkland, Pollitt, S Caldwell, Figueroa, Boyce, Golobart, Mustoe, McManaman, López, De Ridder

Doubtful Kirkland (concussion)

Injured Cleverley (hamstring, 27 Jan), Di Santo (ankle, Feb), McCarthy (ankle, Feb), Moses (shoulder, Feb)

Suspended None

Form guide DLDWDD

Disciplinary record Y34 R3

Leading scorer Rodallega 5

Fulham
Subs from Etheridge, Kelly, Riise, Gera, Halliche, Greening, E Johnson, Sidwell, Dikgacoi, Dembélé, Salcido, A Johnson

Doubtful Dembélé (ankle), A Johnson (hamstring), Sidwell (match fitness)

Injured Briggs (ankle, 22 Jan), Senderos (calf, Feb), Zamora (broken leg, Feb)

Suspended None

Unavailable Schwarzer (international duty)

Form guide WLWLDL

Disciplinary record Y23 R0

Leading scorer Dempsey 6

Match pointers
• If selected, Stephen Kelly will be making his 100th Premier League appearance


• Wigan have scored six goals in 11 Premier League meetings with Fulham and never more than once in a single match


• Chris Baird's two goals this season are the first he has scored since he got three for Southampton in 2006-07


• Wigan have the worst shots-to-goal ratio (14.44) in the top flight


• Clint Dempsey has scored five goals in seven league games against Wigan, including two in the reverse fixture earlier this season
Title: Re: Friday Fulham Stuff (14.01.11)
Post by: White Noise on January 14, 2011, 04:55:37 PM

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11675_6662455,00.html? (http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11675_6662455,00.html?)



Espanyol play down Ruiz talk


Planes denies knowledge of Premier League interest


Last updated: 14th January 2011
   

(http://img.skysports.com/10/04/218x298/Victor-Ruiz_2441616.jpg)
Ruiz: Wanted man

Espanyol's sporting director Ramon Planes has denied knowledge of English interest in Victor Ruiz, but admitted he had received bids for Pablo Daniel Osvaldo.

Big-spending Manchester City are reported to be keeping tabs on central defender Ruiz and he is also supposedly on the radar of Tottenham.

Long-term injuries to key defenders at Tottenham such as Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate have left them in need of cover in that position.

Planes, however, has stated he is unaware of any interest from the Premier League duo in the 21-year-old.

"I don't know about Manchester City's or Tottenham's interest in Victor Ruiz," he told calciomercato.it.

"I know the guy is very popular in Italy and Germany, he's a player who we like very much and would like to keep him until the end of the season.

"However, if a sizeable offer was made for the player, we know that we would have to evaluate it."

Meanwhile, Planes did confirm that there has been interest in forward Osvaldo from two Premier League clubs.

He added: "I've received two bids for him from Fulham and Blackburn but for us, he's a player not for sale."

.
Title: Re: Friday Fulham Stuff (14.01.11)
Post by: White Noise on January 14, 2011, 05:07:06 PM

Wigan have unfinished business with Fulham - Martinez


Published 14:06 14/01/11

By MirrorFootball

(http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/match-centre/article657523.ece/ALTERNATES/gallery-large/.jpeg)

Roberto Martinez is looking for an energised performance from his Wigan team against Fulham this weekend to make up for the flat display they put in at Craven Cottage earlier in the season.

Martinez suggested his players had struggled to cope with the demands of their fixture schedule when a Latics side showing just four changes from a midweek Carling Cup tie against Swansea were beaten 2-0 by Mark Hughes' team in October.

Going into Saturday's game at the DW Stadium, though, Wigan will have had a full week without a match for the first time since Boxing Day.

Several regular starters were rested for last weekend's 3-2 FA Cup victory at Hull as well and Martinez hopes to see the benefits when the team take on Fulham.

"The performance against Fulham away was one of the biggest disappointments we have had this season," Martinez said. "We didn't perform at our level, we were quite flat and probably the cup competition took too much out of our energy tank.

"We need to look at the game on Saturday as a great opportunity to be ourselves and try to put that performance right with the second encounter."

A player who has certainly had a chance to recharge his batteries is Charles N'Zogbia, who returns to the Latics squad after serving a three-match suspension.

Goalkeeper Chris Kirkland missed the Hull game following the bang to the head he suffered in the previous fixture against Bolton and will have his condition assessed.

In other injury news, James McCarthy has targeted the match against Arsenal on January 22 for his potential return to action - something Martinez, although pleased with the midfielder's progress in recovering from ankle ligament damage, is not so sure about.

"If he's got that in his head, he won't be far off, but from a medical point of view, probably the first week of February is a more realistic target," Martinez said. "But when he wants something he normally achieves it, so I wouldn't discount it."

Franco Di Santo (ankle) and Victor Moses (shoulder) are also doing well.

"From the three we have had very good news," Martinez said. "They are starting to step up in their training programmes now and they have had a very positive response in the last 10 days.

"We expect them to be really close to full fitness for the end of the month, and that is a real positive.

"Franco is training pain-free, Victor has seen the specialist and everything is going really well and for James it is exactly the same - he can step up with his final push in the recovery, and we are delighted."

Meanwhile, reports have suggested Moses may be interested in representing Nigeria at international level rather than England, a decision Martinez says the player must consider carefully.

"Nowadays, when you represent your country you need to give up a lot of time and make a lot of commitments in a busy schedule," Martinez said.

"Only the player can make that decision - he really needs to play for the nation that he feels is his nation.

"That is something Victor will have very clear. He is a very proud young man and he knows exactly what he wants to do.

"All the advice he can get can be a little help, but it could be misleading.

"As a player you need to look inside, see where you want to perform for your country and chase that dream, however hard it might seem at the time. But Victor has got amazing potential."



Read more: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Wigan-manager-Roberto-Martinez-is-looking-for-an-energised-performance-from-his-team-against-Fulham-to-make-up-for-their-flat-display-in-the-reverse-fixture-article672769.html#ixzz1B1vhojs5 (http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Wigan-manager-Roberto-Martinez-is-looking-for-an-energised-performance-from-his-team-against-Fulham-to-make-up-for-their-flat-display-in-the-reverse-fixture-article672769.html#ixzz1B1vhojs5)
Title: Re: Friday Fulham Stuff (14.01.11)
Post by: White Noise on January 14, 2011, 09:29:20 PM
http://www.aftonbladet.se/sportbladet/fotboll/internationell/england/article8413642.ab (http://www.aftonbladet.se/sportbladet/fotboll/internationell/england/article8413642.ab)

"We have had an examination and wish to proceed '

Viktor Noring looks to be the next Swedish Premier League.

After a week of practice games with Fulham, the club decided that they want to buy the Swede.

- We have received positive signals from Fulham and they now want to take this matter forward, "says Noring agent Martin Klett to Sportbladet.

Under-21 squad Viktor Noring opened on Monday five-day trial game with Fulham. After today's final training session held a meeting with club Noring and his representative, Martin Klett, where they explained that they want to buy the Swede.

"Want to take the matter forward '

- We have had a briefing with Fulham after Viktor's training visit. What I can say is that we have received positive signals in such a way as to Fulham today expressed an interest to pursue the matter. This means concretely that I will hear from me to Trelleborg in the weekend and report on the meeting with Fulham, "said Martin Klett.

As Sportbladet experience there are clear framework for transition, something Klett not want to comment on. It is clear that 19-year-old Noring now very close to the Premier League.

Positive impression

- I do not want to say too much before I talked to Trelleborg. It does not feel professionally that they should read the details in the newspaper. But we have received a positive response in that they expressed an interest to move forward in contacts.

What about Victor?

- He has had a positive impression of the club. They have been very professional, both in the level of activity and people involved.
Title: Re: Friday Fulham Stuff (14.01.11)
Post by: White Noise on January 14, 2011, 09:38:59 PM
FA Youth Cup: Fulham 3-0 Norwich

Friday 14th January 2011

(http://www.fulhamfc.com/Images/MainNews/NewsPages/Management/Symons/general1.jpg)

Fulham's Youth Team booked their place in the Fifth Round of the FA Youth Cup sponsored by E.ON thanks to goals from Alex Brister, Kerim Frei and Marcello Trotta.

Fulham started the game in bright fashion with Marcello Trotta creating the first opportunity of the encounter with a wonderful first touch in the area which took him away from two defenders. The Italian striker spun and hit a fine volley which had Remi Matthews, in the Norwich goal, beaten. Unfortunately Trotta's shot clipped the outside of the post.

Norwich soon started to assert themselves in the game and, courtesy of some unforced errors in the Fulham defence, were able to pressure the Whites' back line – thankfully without any end result.

Fulham almost opened the scoring on 15 minutes after Kerim Frei surged through midfield before laying a pass into the path of Ronnie Minkwitz whose shot was saved well by the onrushing Matthews.

The Whites continued to look good in attack and moments later Alex Brister found himself in a promising position. Although the Fulham attacker scuffed his shot somewhat, the keeper was well beaten, only for a spare defender to clear off the line.

Fulham's attack was certainly the more incisive in the first-half and another fine counter-attack saw Josh Pritchard try an audacious chip from the edge of the penalty area which just sailed over the bar.

Fulham deservedly took the lead in the 23rd minute courtesy of a crisp finish from the edge of the area from Alex Brister. The impressive Ronnie Minkwitz played the ball to Brister who placed a fine shot inside the far post.

The Whites started in the second-half in a confident manner but there was a moment of danger when Aaron Pierre brought his man down on the edge of the Fulham area. Jesse Joronen needed to be alert to punch out the resulting set piece and clear the danger.

Trotta played the role of the lone front man to perfection, holding up play well and being ably supported by willing runners from midfield. Norwich captain Matthew Ball picked up his side's second yellow card of the second-half when he was forced to bring down Frei after another purposeful run from the Fulham midfielder following excellent work from Trotta.

Cristian Marquez-Sanchez almost netted and remarkable goal when his 50 yard run took him into the heart of the Norwich penalty area unfortunately the Spanish youth international smashed his shot into the side netting.

Aaron Pierre's involvement in the game ended on 67 minutes when he was replaced by Robert Maloney. But Fulham doubled their advantage soon after when tenacious work from Marcello Trotta won possession back for the Whites inside the Norwich area. Trotta muscled his way past a defender before playing a square pass across the face of goal, leaving Kerim Frei with a one-yard tap in.

Trotta then netted a well-deserved goal on 77 minutes, confidently collecting the ball 20 yards out before stroking a sublime left-footed finish past Remi Mattews. Kit Symons' men then saw out the remaining minutes comfortably.

The Whites will now play Wigan or Watford at home in the Fifth Round (fixture date and time to be confirmed).

Fulham: Joronen; Marquez-Sanchez, Kamau, Toure, Pierre (Maloney 67); Arthurworrey, Brister (Gameiro 83), Minkwitz, Trotta, Pritchard (Owusu Ansah 80), Frei

Norwich: Matthews; Barker, Toffolo (Stevens 78), Brindley, Jones, Gordon, Oakley, Dobbs, Werndly, Ball, Kelly (Loza 45).
 

Attendance: 645


Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/YouthCupFulhamvNorwich.aspx#ixzz1B32MCrnl (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/YouthCupFulhamvNorwich.aspx#ixzz1B32MCrnl)
Title: Re: Friday Fulham Stuff (14.01.11)
Post by: White Noise on January 14, 2011, 10:16:05 PM

http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2011/01/14/transfer-silliness/


Transfer Silliness


Filed under: General — timmyg @ 9:24 pm

Three names that we were "linked" with have all fallen through. And probably for the best.

Roque Santa Cruz:

In total, Santa Cruz started eight games, with another 16 substitute appearances. The Paraguay international has earned around £6m in wages. (via guardian)

City have hardened their stance on the issue of wages for loan players since agreeing to subsidise Craig Bellamy's move to Cardiff earlier this season and Blackburn will pay the majority of Santa Cruz's salary. (via soccernet)

Robbie Keane:

Personal terms have not yet been discussed and Keane's £65,000-a-week wages would make him Birmingham's highest-paid player by some distance (via guardian)

David Bentley:

United target David Bentley is likely to join Birmingham City after having a "must play every game" clause sanctioned by Alex McLeish, with the second city side also prepared to shell out over £70,000 per week to meet his wage demands. (via chronicle)

Oh, and not that he was "targeted" by us, but West Ham are paying Wayne Bridge £90,000 a week.

I don't have any proof that these figures are exact, but my lord are they ridiculous. And I am glad we aren't paying these bit-part players' ridiculous salaries. (What is AJ's salary again?)

So far this season, Santa Cruz has played 34 league minutes and 80 minutes in the Carling Cup. Bentley has played 102 minutes in the league and one entire Carling Cup match — that 4-1 loss to Arsenal. Keane has played in most of Spurs' competitions, but still only 2 starts and 10 substitution appearances. For context, Eddie Johnson has the same amount of total appearances: 1 start and 11 subs.

Obviously, players are loaned out in January because they aren't playing enough for their clubs. But, not to sound like a broken record, for the loan recipient team to still pay these wages in full is absurd, and explains why they aren't at SW6.

In other transfer news, Robert Milsom and Fredrik Stoor have both left. I'm not surprised about Stoor (why didn't it happen over the summer?), but am about Milsom. Sure, the lad is 24, but he was touted as a blue chip. Now, he'll be playing in Aberdeen.

Title: Re: Friday Fulham Stuff (14.01.11)
Post by: White Noise on January 14, 2011, 10:48:51 PM


Youth Cup Photo Special


Friday 14th January 2011


http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/YouthCupFulhamvNorwichPhotoSpecial.aspx (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/YouthCupFulhamvNorwichPhotoSpecial.aspx)