http://www.people.co.uk/sport/football/football-hotline/2011/01/16/danny-murphy-starts-talks-on-new-fulham-contract-102039-22851994/
Danny Murphy starts talks on new Fulham contract
by Dean Jones, The People
Jan 16 2011
(http://images.mirror.co.uk/upl/people3/jan2011/1/5/danny-murphy-main-855927074.jpg)
DANNY MURPHY is closing in on a new 12-month deal at FULHAM.
His current contract ends this summer and the midfielder has been frustrated as the club took time to open talks.
Chief executive Alistair Mackintosh has finally approached the 33-year-old Fulham captain about an extension. But he will also push on with his coaching badges in view of taking up a backroom job once his playing days are over.
Elsewhere at Fulham, midfielder Zoltan Gera is wanted by Greek side PANATHINAIKOS.
As Hotline revealed on December 19, German club WOLFSBURG are also keen on Gera, 31, who is out of contract in June.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/match/3111271 (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/match/3111271)
Wigan Athletic v Fulham
Match facts
Saturday 15 January 2011 15.00
Final score Wigan Athletic 1 – 1
Wigan Athletic's Percentage Fulham's Percentage
Corners 3 21% 11 79%
Goal attempts 9 40% 13 60%
On target 4 44% 5 56%
Fouls 23 71% 9 29%
Offside 2 33% 4 67%
Wigan Athletic Ali Al Habsi, Steve Gohouri, Antolin Viveros Alcaraz, Gary Caldwell, G, Ronnie Stam (James McArthur, 72), Maynor Figueroa, Hendry Thomas, Ben Watson (Franco di Santo, 87), Charles N'Zogbia, Mohamed Diame, Hugo Rodallega
Fulham David Stockdale, John Paintsil, Brede Hangeland, Chris Baird, Aaron Hughes, Danny Murphy, Damien Duff, Dickson Etuhu, Clint Dempsey, Simon Davies (Andrew Johnson, A, 76), Diomansy Kamara (Moussa Dembele, 57)
Referee Taylor, A
Venue DW Stadium
Attendance 18,820
http://www.skysports.com/football/match_report/0,19764,11065_3284081,00.html (http://www.skysports.com/football/match_report/0,19764,11065_3284081,00.html)
Johnson strike earns point
Rodallega lob puts home side ahead in style
Last updated: 15th January 2011
(http://img.skysports.com/11/01/496x259/hughes_2547446.jpg)
N'Zogbia: Returned from ban
A late deflected strike from Andrew Johnson was enough to give Fulham a point as they drew 1-1 at Wigan.
Hugo Rodallega got on the end of a lofted long ball to put Wigan ahead, lobbing a stranded David Stockdale to make it 1-0.
Clint Dempsey had a goal disallowed for handball before Johnson, on his return from injury, fired home a deflected strike that looped over Ali Al Habsi.
A scrappy first half broke into life as Ronnie Stam broke down the right, sending in a perfect cross which a full-stretch Rodallega could only crash against the post.
The pick of the first-half chances fell to Fulham. An inch-perfect pass from Dempsey found Damien Duff clean through in acres of space but the Irishman could only fire a tame shot at Al Habsi.
Poor first half
In a scrappy opening to the game, Chris Baird made the first attempt on goal after eight minutes, striking a low shot from outside the area which Al Habsi got down to his left to save comfortably.
Two minutes later, Wigan launched an attack which saw Mohamed Diame cross for Rodallega, but the Colombian sent his effort wide.
Baird tried his luck from even further out on the quarter-hour mark after receiving the ball from his skipper Danny Murphy, but the strike went high and wide.
Duff then drove off-target before Dempsey broke into the Latics box, only to find himself crowded out.
In the 27th minute Rodallega went the closest yet to breaking the deadlock when he headed Stam's cross against the post. The rebound fell to Charles N'Zogbia, whose shot cannoned off a Fulham shirt.
Soon after Stockdale flapped at a high delivery into the box with Rodallega lurking, but the ball was cleared away.
Duff then found himself through one-on-one with Al Habsi, but he could only place his attempt against the legs of the Oman keeper and Simon Davies' follow-up cleared the crossbar by some distance.
Duff was next to shoot too high and Diame scuffed the ball into Stockdale's arms.
Dempsey unleashed an effort shortly after the restart which went the wrong side of the post, but it was Wigan who started to show more urgency in their play.
Link-up play
Stam lofted one ball over the top which Stockdale claimed before Rodallega could get there.
He then repeated the trick, with Rodallega this time able to make contact and hook the ball towards goal.
Stockdale caught that, but it was only moments later that Rodallega opened the scoring from a similar position, latching on to Al Habsi's long ball and calmly lifting it over the goalkeeper to put Wigan in front.
At the other end, Dempsey had the opportunity to equalise twice in quick succession but was denied firstly by a Diame challenge and then by Al Habsi's save.
Back came the hosts and Rodallega looked set to net a second, getting on the end of N'Zogbia's cross but stretching too much to control his effort.
N'Zogbia and Rodallega were soon combining again, the latter unable to finish at the near post due to the efforts of Stockdale.
Disallowed strike
Fulham boss Mark Hughes brought on Johnson, who soon had a shot blocked by Al Habsi, and the Cottagers then thought they had drawn level as Dempsey rifled in from close range.
Replays showed the American had handled as he controlled the ball and the effort was disallowed.
Dempsey was looking threatening and saw a scissors-kick diverted wide before providing the pass that led to Fulham's leveller.
His pass found Johnson, whose strike took a deflection off Gary Caldwell and Al Habsi's hand was not enough to stop the ball bouncing in.
Wigan Athletic
Team Statistics
Fulham
1 Goals
1
0 1st Half Goals
0
4 Shots on Target
5
4 Shots off Target
8
0 Blocked Shots
1
3 Corners
11
23 Fouls
9
2 Offsides
4
4 Yellow Cards
1
0 Red Cards
0
68.4 Passing Success
76.2
23 Tackles
19
73.9 Tackles Success
78.9
46.9 Possession
53.1
41.2 Territorial Advantage
58.8
Wigan Photo Special
Saturday 15th January 2011
http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/WiganPhotoSpecial.aspx (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/WiganPhotoSpecial.aspx)
Wigan 1 - 1 Fulham
Fulham got the game underway at the DW Stadium, with Mark Hughes keeping faith with the same starting eleven that put six past Peterborough in the FA Cup last weekend.
Hughes' hand was strengthened with the return of Mousa Dembele and Andrew Johnson from injury. Both players featured on Fulham's bench alongside the Club's most recent signing, Steve Sidwell.
The pace of the game early on was impressive, with both teams showing their attacking intent. Chris Baird fired in the first serious effort on goal, a 30 yard strike from the left flank. Seconds later Rodallega went even closer for the home side, volleying just wide of Stockdale's post from 15 yards.
During the opening exchanges Fulham looked by far the most threatening outfit, with their ability to counter attack at pace married with a competitive spirit that saw Hughes' players win the majority of their fifty-fifty challenges.
Wigan's most potent force was N'Zogbia down the left flank. Returning from suspension the winger's skill and creativity resulted in a number of threatening crosses during the first 15 minutes.
Fulham almost created two opportunities in the space of a minute as the 20 minute mark approached. First Damien Duff found space down the right flank to cut inside Figueroa before delivering a low rasping shot to Al Habsi's near post after 18 minutes. Moments later Dempsey highlighted his skill and inventiveness with a fine turn and dribble that almost set Simon Davies up in the area.
Hughes' defence were taking no prisoners, with Brede Hangeland leading the way with several full-blooded challenges in the first-half. John Pantsil found his name in the book after 25 minutes following an over exuberant tackle.
Before the half hour mark Wigan went within an inch of scoring the opening goal of the game. Again, the chance was created from out wide, this time on the right flank, and a fine delivery was headed against the base of the post by Rodallega. It was a lucky escape for Fulham who weathered a spell of pressure as the game heated up
After 31 minutes Damien Duff beat Wigan's offside trap, latching onto a through ball from Dempsey for a one-on-one with Al Habsi. The keeper reduced the angle and Duff's effort rebounded off the keeper. Fulham had torn through Wigan's defence but failed to capitalise on a fine opportunity.
Fulham were really gaining ground down Wiga 's left flank and two dangerous crosses just lacked a finishing touch in front of goal during the final stages of the first-half. It was end-to-end action at the DW Stadium and Damien Duff looked to test Al Habsi with a 30-yard strike that blazed over the bar five minutes before the break.
During the two minutes of added time Alcaraz joined Pantsil in the book for a late challenge on Dempsey. The match remained level at the break and finely balanced and the score-line did not reflect what was a highly entertaining first 45 minutes.
Mark Hughes and Roberto Martinez retained the same line-ups for the second-half, which failed to ignite in the same vein as the match had commenced. Both sides struggled to find their rhythm or retain possession for sustained periods at the start of the second period.
After an uneventful start to the second-half, Rodallega handed Wigan the lead after 57 minutes. The striker chased a long ball up field and lobbed the ball over Stockdale and into the back of the net. After posing no serious threat to Fulham the home side had taken the advantage.
Mark Hughes made an immediate change, replacing Diomansy Kamara with Mousa Dembele in attack. Fulham attacked straight from the re-start, applying pressure from the flanks and Dembele certainly offered some added guile on the final third.
Just past the hour mark a penalty appeal by Fulham was dismissed by Referee Anthony Taylor after Dempsey appeared to be pushed in the area. The US striker forced Al Habsi into a fine save after 65 minutes when he fired Davies' cross towards goal.
Fulham earned a slice of luck after 68 minutes when Rodallega failed to put the ball in the back of an empty net from close range. It was against the run of play as Fulham were virtually camped in Wigan's half after the home side had taken the lead
As the final ten minutes approached Fulham had a further two penalty appeals turned down. To add salt to the wound, Clint Dempsey fired the ball into the back of the net from close range before his strike was overruled for an alleged handball.
Dempsey attempted the spectacular on 84 minutes, meeting Duff's corner with an overhead kick at the far post. Fulham pressed and pressed and eventually got the goal they deserved through Andrew Johnson. The striker raced clear down the right flank before firing a fierce drive towards goal, Al Habsi managed to get a hand to the ball but the power of the strike sent it into the back of the net.
Johnson celebrated with the Fulham faithful behind the goal before Hughes' men went in search of a winner. A point was the least Fulham deserved on Saturday. After four minutes injury time the game finished 1-1. Fulham arguably deserved all three points after another impressive away performance against Wigan at the DW Stadium and should be brimming with confidence when the team take on Stoke at the Cottage next weekend|.
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/MatchAndTeam/MatchCentre/Matches/1011/Premiership/WiganAway.aspx#ixzz1B8TDBJZ6 (http://www.fulhamfc.com/MatchAndTeam/MatchCentre/Matches/1011/Premiership/WiganAway.aspx#ixzz1B8TDBJZ6)
Hughes Looking Ahead
Saturday 15th January 2011
(http://www.fulhamfc.com/Images/MainNews/NewsPages/Management/Hughes/general5.jpg)
Speaking after Fulham's one all draw against Wigan Athletic at the DW Stadium on Saturday afternoon, Fulham manager Mark Hughes gave his post match reaction.
The encounter saw Andrew Johnson open his goal account for the 2010/11 season, netting a second-half equaliser and also saw the return to action of Mousa Dembele.
"We found ourselves in a situation where we were one down in a game that we controlled," Hughes said. "We were looking to make a change just prior to them scoring, we obviously had to up our game and ask more questions of Wigan.
"They were one nil to the good, they made it difficult for us and had a lot of people behind the ball. They always had a lot of threats on the break with the likes of N'Zogbia and Rodallega.
"I thought the players showed real courage, a couple of key decisions went against us but they kept going and got their reward.
"I'm really pleased for Andy Johnson, he's come back from a really significant injury, he gets his goal now and that's him off and running.
"We're pleased for him and we welcome back Mousa Dembele, who we've missed this season, he's played less than half of the games we've been involved in. He had a real impact when he was introduced, so things are starting to look better.
"I think a few weeks back we would have struggled to get something out of that game, I think it illustrates the qualities that the Team is showing at the moment.
"You see in general play that we are a good side, we lacked a cutting edge but there are reasons for that. But we look in better shape now and we're really looking forward to the second part of the season, we're looking to take something from every game were involved in."
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Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/HughesWiganReaction.aspx#ixzz1B8TS3T5h (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/HughesWiganReaction.aspx#ixzz1B8TS3T5h)
Battle Hard
Saturday 15th January 2011
(http://www.fulhamfc.com/Images/MainNews/NewsPages/Players/Dempsey/vWiganAway.jpg)
Clint Dempsey was at the heart of Fulham's comeback at the DW Stadium on Saturday and the US international star was pleased to have continued Fulham's positive start to the New Year.
"It was a battle today but that's the way it is!" Dempsey told fulhamfc.com." All you can do is go out there and fight and every game I try and show the Manager that I want to play and I can help the Team.
"I'm glad I was able to contribute in some way today and that was with an assist. There's no black eye [for me] today but I've got a busted lip!
"It was definitely frustrating out there – there was the one that was offside in the first-half that was close and then the one that hit my chest and arm at the same time.
"The Referee didn't blow the whistle so I thought it was a goal but the linesman's flag came up. But I was pleased to get the assist by finding AJ who delivered a great finish. It's frustrating because it seemed like nothing was going our way. To get over that was great and also for AJ to get his first Premier League goal of the season."
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/DempseyWiganReaction.aspx#ixzz1B8U8a72O (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/DempseyWiganReaction.aspx#ixzz1B8U8a72O)
Welcome Return
Saturday 15th January 2011
(http://www.fulhamfc.com/Images/MainNews/NewsPages/Players/Dembele/GeneralgreenKit1.jpg)
Mousa Dembele made a welcome return to Fulham's First Team on Saturday against Wigan and played a telling role in Fulham's comeback at the DW Stadium.
The striker's quality in the final third was evident from the moment he was introduced and the Belgium international clearly enjoyed being back in the thick of the action.
"It was good to be back on the pitch again. It's been two months and it feels good.
"When I play I always try and create some danger – that's what I think about before I go on the field.
"It was nice [to celebrate] with everyone and be happy with the supporters - it's the first time I've done that!
"I'm okay and I just need match fitness now. In a few weeks I'll be 100%."
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/DembeleWelcomeReturn.aspx#ixzz1B8UOICTS (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/DembeleWelcomeReturn.aspx#ixzz1B8UOICTS)
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report/_/id/293163?cc=5739
Johnson ends drought
(http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2011/0115/andyjohnsonceleb20110115_350x197.jpg)
Andy Johnson celebrates his goal for Fulham
Andrew Johnson's late deflected strike earned Fulham a point at fellow strugglers Wigan.
The hosts went ahead in the 57th minute through Hugo Rodallega, who neatly guided the ball over David Stockdale.
Substitute Johnson drew things level with four minutes of normal time remaining with a shot that hit Gary Caldwell on its way towards goal, leaving Ali Al Habsi unable to stop it going in.
The result saw Wigan move out of the Barclays Premier League drop zone to 17th but they are only a point clear of the bottom three, while Fulham are one point better off in 15th.
In a scrappy opening to the game, Chris Baird made the first attempt on goal after eight minutes, striking a low shot from outside the area which Al Habsi got down to his left to save comfortably.
Two minutes later, Wigan launched an attack which saw Mohamed Diame cross for Rodallega, but the Colombian sent his effort wide.
Baird tried his luck from even further out on the quarter-hour mark after receiving the ball from his skipper Danny Murphy, but the strike went high and wide.
Damien Duff then drove off-target before Clint Dempsey broke into the Latics box, only to find himself crowded out.
In the 27th minute Rodallega went the closest yet to breaking the deadlock when he headed Ronnie Stam's cross against the post. The rebound fell to Charles N'Zogbia, whose shot cannoned off a Fulham shirt.
Soon after Stockdale flapped at a high delivery into the box with Rodallega lurking, but the ball was cleared away.
Duff then found himself through one-on-one with Al Habsi, but he could only place his attempt against the legs of the Oman stopper and Simon Davies' follow-up cleared the crossbar by some distance.
Duff was next to shoot too high and Diame scuffed the ball into Stockdale's arms.
Dempsey unleashed an effort shortly after the restart which went the wrong side of the post, but it was Wigan who started to show more urgency in their play.
Stam lofted one ball over the top which Stockdale claimed before Rodallega could get there.
He then repeated the trick, with Rodallega this time able to make contact and hook the ball towards goal.
Stockdale caught that, but it was only moments later that Rodallega opened the scoring from a similar position, latching on to Al Habsi's long ball and calmly lifting it over the goalkeeper to put Wigan in front.
At the other end, Dempsey had the opportunity to equalise twice in quick succession but was denied firstly by a Diame challenge and then by Al Habsi's save.
Back came the hosts and Rodallega looked set to net a second, getting on the end of N'Zogbia's cross but stretching too much to control his effort.
N'Zogbia and Rodallega were soon combining again, the latter unable to finish at the near post due to the efforts of Stockdale.
Fulham boss Mark Hughes brought on Johnson, who soon had a shot blocked by Al Habsi, and the Cottagers then thought they had drawn level as Dempsey rifled in from close-range.
Replays showed the American had handled as he controlled the ball and the effort was disallowed.
Dempsey was looking threatening and saw a scissors-kick diverted wide before providing the pass that led to Fulham's leveller.
His pass found Johnson, whose strike took a deflection off Caldwell and Al Habsi's hand was not enough to stop the ball bouncing in.
Fulham boss Mark Hughes backed Andrew Johnson to keep scoring after the striker's first Premier League goal in almost two years rescued a point for the Cottagers at Wigan.
''That will do him the world of good,'' Hughes said. ''All he has been missing in recent weeks in terms of performances is goals. Now he is off and running, I'm confident that he will kick on and score goals for us from now until the end of the season.
''Strikers need goals, that is what settles them down. That is all that has been missing - you see the energy that he gives the team and his willingness to work hard, chasing lost causes. That is going to be important for us.''
Prior to Johnson's leveller, Fulham thought they had equalised when Dempsey finished from close range, but the effort was disallowed for handball. Hughes admitted it was the right call and was pleased his players did not let it get them down.
''It was the correct decision in fairness, but you've seen referees give them in the past, overruling their linesman,'' Hughes said. ''Not on this occasion, and sometimes teams can be disappointed when those decisions seem to go against them, but not my team.
''They stuck at it and I'm delighted that we were able to get something out of it.''
Wigan boss Roberto Martinez was frustrated his side could not hold out for the victory.
''The feeling when you concede that late, it leaves you with a bad taste,'' Martinez said. ''In the first half we couldn't be ourselves or as fluent as we want to be for different reasons - the pitch and the referee.
''We had probably the best move in the game with a header from Hugo which hit the post, and we didn't do that enough. But then I was proud with the reaction in the second half. We started to grow into the game, were a little bit braver to get on the ball and take risks and we achieved the hardest thing in football, which is scoring that first goal.
''After that we had a good chance to kill the game off. When we couldn't get on the ball and allowed Fulham to push forward I felt that we defended really well with good intensity, and Ali was magnificent commanding his defence.
''It had to be a deflected shot that beat us really late. Those details probably sum up our afternoon - we didn't get that little bit of luck that you need in games.''
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/premier-league/8257456/Wigan-Athletic-1-Fulham-1-match-report.html
Wigan Athletic 1 Fulham 1: match report
Read a full match report of the Premier League game between Wigan Athletic and Fulham at DW Stadium on Saturday Jan 15 2011.
WIGAN 1 - 1 FULHAM Saturday, January 15 15:00
Premier League
DW StadiumRodallega (57) (HT 0-0)
ATT: 18,820 Andrew Johnson (85)
(http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/01804/fulham_1804334c.jpg)
Leveller: Andy Johnson celebrates equalising for Fulham Photo: GETTY IMAGES
By Will Swanson at the DW Stadium 4:45PM GMT 15 Jan 2011
Second-half substitute Andy Johnson grabbed a crucial equaliser for Fulham with four minutes remaining after Hugo Rodallega had opened the scoring for Wigan earlier in the half.
Wigan Athletic offered their fans a two-for-£20 deal to drum up interest in the visit of fellow strugglers Fulham. Fearing the prospect of 90 minutes of relegation-fuelled desperation, those canny locals failed to take the bait.
Their judgement was fully vindicated on a murky mid-winter afternoon that set the mood of the match. Those who were there witnessed a Premier League basement encounter which ended with neither side managing to deal a decisive blow.
In truth, decisive blows have not been either side's stock-in-trade this season. Fulham's generally dreadful away record allied to Wigan's recent poor form at home meant a stalemate was always the safest bet.
Although the Cottages sat five places above the Latics come 3 o'clock, only one point separated the two sides. With two points covering the bottom seven places a win, however fashioned, would have helped ease the pressure even if for a short period.
But neither side could muster enough gumption to fashion the crucial breakthrough and both Wigan boss Roberto Martinez and his opposite number Mark Hughes were left to take the solitary point and look ahead to the next game.
Fulham took the field in sepia and brown tones and they neatly summed up this encounter. Aside from two moments of excitement, the half could best be described as dismal.
It took around half an hour for either side to trouble the goal, Rodallega leaping high and sending a header crashing off Stockdale's right-hand post after a storming run and cross from Ronnie Stam.
In the 32nd minute Fulham missed a glorious chance. Damien Duff found himself bearing down on goal with only Al-Habsi to beat. But the Oman international stood tall and diverted the Irishman's shot to safety. Duff should have given his side the lead.
Ten minutes into the second half and Hugo Rodallega scored the crucial opener for Wigan. Al-Habsi sent a high kick that bypassed the Cottagers' defence and the Colombian gave chase. The ball seemed to take an age to drop from the heavens, but when it finally arrived the Latics' top scorer coolly lobbed Stockdale for his 6th of the season.
In the 66th minute Fulham finally responded, Clint Dempsey bringing out an instinctive close-range save from Al-Habsi.
A minute later and Wigan should have doubled their lead. The impressive Charles N'Zogbia burst down the left and sent a perfect cross over to Rodallega who somehow managed to direct his volley towards the far corner flag.
Another powerful N'Zogbia run in the 70th minute allowed Rodallega send a flick onto the post via Stockdale's glove.
With twenty minutes remaining only one team was likely to win this match as Fulham struggled to build up any momentum. But at 1-0 the home crowd became more and more apprehensive as the minutes ticked by to the final whistle.
And in the 78th minute it seemed their worst fears had been realised when Clint Dempsey fired home from close range. However, referee Anthony Taylor ruled it out for offside.
Dempsey again threatened in the 85th minute with a scissors-kick that the broad chest of Caldwell blocked.
With four minutes remaining Fulham were legitimately level. Returning from injury and looking lively, substitute Andy Johnson scored his first goal in seventeen months. His low drive was palmed upwards by Al-Habsi, but he could only watch helplessly as it drifted over his head and into the net.
Wigan's Roberto Martinez disappointed with Fulham draw
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/w/wigan_athletic/9363013.stm (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/w/wigan_athletic/9363013.stm)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/9358449.stm
Wigan 1 - 1 Fulham
Injury-plagued Fulham striker Johnson scored his first goal in nearly two years
By Nabil Hassan
(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/50816000/jpg/_50816404_johnson_466.jpg)
Andrew Johnson came off the bench to rescue a point for Fulham but Wigan still climb out of the bottom three.
Wigan took the lead when Hugo Rodallega lobbed David Stockdale from close range having earlier headed against the post.
Damien Duff went close for Fulham but fired against the legs of Wigan keeper Ali Al Habsi when one on one.
Rodallega's hooked shot was later tipped onto the post by Stockdale before Johnson's late deflected shot from 12 yards beat Al Habsi.
The result lifted Wigan out of the bottom three by a single point, but it could have been so much better for Roberto Martinez's side, who came agonisingly close to taking maximum points.
For Fulham the result also lifts a little of the pressure with the Cottagers moving two clear of the drop zone.
While the second half provided excellent entertainment, the first 45 minutes was poor in comparison with inaccurate passing and wayward shooting ruining the game.
Chris Baird had the first effort but his low strike from outside the area was comfortably saved by Al Habsi - who started in place of injured Chris Kirkland.
Rodallega went closer to breaking the deadlock when he headed Ronnie Stam's right-wing cross against the post from six yards. The rebound fell to Charles N'Zogbia, whose shot cannoned off a Fulham shirt and behind for a corner.
Clint Dempsey's intelligent pass then found Duff one on one with Al Habsi, but he could only fire his attempt against the legs of the Oman stopper and Simon Davies's follow-up cleared the crossbar by some distance.
It was a half of very little quality, but Wigan began the second period with more urgency and they soon started to create chances as a result.
Stam's intelligent lofted pass found Rodallega, who half-volleyed straight at Stockdale, but the Colombian did better a few minutes later as the hosts took the lead.
It was route one football from Wigan with Rodallega latching onto Al Habsi's long clearance after it was misjudged by Aaron Hughes.
The Colombian found himself clean through on Stockdale and calmly lobbed the Fulham keeper from close range to make it 1-0.
Fulham pushed for an equaliser and went close through Dempsey, the American forcing a smart low save from Al Habsi after prodding Davies's shot goalwards.
Moments later Rodallega volleyed wide at full stretch following a fine Wigan break and a decent N'Zogbia cross.
Rodallega continued to cause Fulham problems and saw his hooked shot tipped onto the post by Stockdale as the hosts went close to doubling their lead.
Fulham introduced Johnson and his pace had an immediate impact with the striker beating the Wigan defence to a through ball, only to shoot against the chest of Al Habsi.
Dempsey then put the ball in the net but his effort was rightly disallowed for an earlier handball, and a later claim for a penalty was again correctly turned do
Dempsey's spectacular overhead kick cannoned into the chest of Gary Caldwell as Fulham pressed for the equaliser and moments later they did level matters.
Johnson found space in the Wigan box and his shot deflected off Caldwell and was parried into the net by Al Habsi as the injury-plagued Fulham striker claimed his first goal in nearly two years.
Late on Brede Hangeland headed a corner wide as Fulham went in search of all three points but despite late pressure from the visitors the game ended level.
Wigan manager Roberto Martinez:
"The feeling is one of disappointment.
"We couldn't get going in the first half and we were frustrated, but we grew into the game and did the hardest thing in football - and got that first goal.
"The goal for them is a deflection and you need the luck to go with you sometimes. Overall I'm extremely proud of the second-half effort.
"We wanted to take risks, get on the ball but it wasn't easy with the pitch. Fulham's substitutes had a big impact."
Fulham boss Mark Hughes:
"We found ourselves 1-0 down in a game that we controlled.
"They made it difficult for us, packed men behind the ball and were always a threat up front on the break with Rodallega and N'Zogbia. I thought the players showed real courage, kept going and got their reward.
"I'm pleased for Andy Johnson, he's come back from a significant injury and that's him up and running now.
"I never felt that we gave up, we kept going and got our reward and we were well worth a point.
"We are a good side but have lacked a cutting edge but we look in better shape now and we are looking forward to the second half of the season. I feel we have good players coming back and have enough ability in the squad to get into the top 10."
Fulham's Mark Hughes targets top ten finish after draw
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/f/fulham/9363008.stm (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/f/fulham/9363008.stm)
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_6665065,00.html
Hughes happy with returnees
Boss happy to see returning players shine off bench
Last updated: 15th January 2011
Mark Hughes was pleased to see his Fulham side come from behind to grind out a battling 1-1 draw at Wigan.
Fulham fell behind at the DW Stadium just before the hour mark courtesy of some poor defending, but it was the returning Andy Johnson who salvaged a vital point.
The striker came off the bench to score his first goal in 25 league games, ending a barren run in front of goal and earning a draw for his team.
Hughes felt his side showed great spirit to battle back to grab a result, yet it could have been so much more had the linesman not spotted a handball in the build-up to a Clint Dempsey disallowed goal.
"We're a little bit frustrated because I think we did enough to win the game," Hughes told Sky Sports.
"Obviously we gave them a lifeline by giving them a goal through poor defending, just from a long ball, we should have dealt with that but obviously that allowed them to get people behind the ball and play on the counter attack.
"But I thought our guys showed real courage and determination to get something out of the game and kept on asking questions, kept on knocking on the door and got our reward at the end.
"The order of the day is to get something out of every game we play from now until the end of the season and we're doing that at the moment. We're taking points and obviously we've got a big game at home next week.
"We didn't play badly today we just needed a break, possibly if the referee had overruled his assistant on the one incident. I think it was handball but sometimes those go for you."
Johnson on target
One real positive for Hughes was the scoring return of Johnson, the striker finding the target within 10 minutes of being introduced.
The player's return could be key as Fulham look to lift themselves out of a relegation dogfight.
"I'm really pleased that Andy's obviously got off the mark," added Hughes.
"He's been close in the games he's been involved in, he's tried really hard for the side so that will do him a power of good. He'll go on a run now.
"There were a lot of positives in terms of getting people back, with Moussa Dembele obviously, I introduced him and he had a real positive impact on the game when he came on so that's going to give us more options and we're going to be stronger as a consequence."
http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2011/01/15/wigan-1-1-fulham-2/
Wigan 1-1 Fulham
Filed under: Match reports — rich @ 5:40 pm
There's nothing to get the pulse slumping like Wigan away, and the first half was suitably dire. Chris Baird, revelling in his 'long range specialist' role, had our first two shots, the first a daisy cutter that Ali Al Habsi saved easily, the second flying into the crowd. Wigan bounced back with a relatively exhilerating break down the right flank, Stam's crossed at full-speed, Rodellega got on the end of it but hit the post with a good header. Then Fulham should have gone ahead, Dempsey sent Duff clear but Duff hesitated and shot against the 'keeper. Bah. He should have scored.
The caginess of the first half continued into the second. Wigan are prone to implosion but were resolute today, and we were really struggling to find a way through. Every Fulham player was having a 6.5/10 game, which will do the job at home but which probably isn't enough away.
Then we fell behind, something of a shock. Al Habsi boomed a goal kick into space and when it came down there was Rodellega racing Hughes towards the area. Rodellega won, Stockdale came out, went back, then realised he too was out of contention, and Rodellega gently lobbed the ball into the net.
What now? Moussa Dembele, on for Kamara, started to dart hither and thither, a thorn in Wigan's side from the off. How we've missed him. He was joined by Andrew Johnson, who hadn't scored in the league since 2009, and Johnson it was who had the next big chance: the ball in, Johnson six yards out, air shot! Dempsey was behind him though, and he managed to control the ball and bundle it home. Unfortunately he'd used his arm in so doing, so the goal was rightly disallowed. Shame.
On we went. All Fulham now, Murphy and Etuhu continuing to control the game. Still few chances though, until Dempsey cut infield and reversed the ball to Johnson, who, despite the angle, drilled the shot goalwards. It deflected wickedly and Al Habsi could only paw it into the air and over the line. Johnson threw himself over the hoardings and into the crowd, a sign of how much the whole thing meant to him. He got a yellow card, of course, but won't mind that.
1-1, which is how it stayed. We deserved three points really, and when we do start winning these games we'll know that the team really is progressing. As it is, another point and another decent performance, so yeah, great.
http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2011/01/15/2307227/mark-hughes-delighted-with-andy-johnson-as-striker-salvages
Mark Hughes delighted with Andy Johnson as striker salvages a point for Fulham at Wigan
Welshman left frustrated that his side didn't get all three points
By Alex Fisher at the DW Stadium
15 Jan 2011 18:45:00
Fulham manager Mark Hughes was delighted with striker Andy Johnson as the front man netted his first goal in nearly two years to grab a point for the Cottagers against Wigan Athletic.
A neat lob from Hugo Rodallega looked like handing Wigan a priceless three points, but Johnson popped up four minutes from time to ensure his side went back to London with a deserved point.
"The goal will do him [Johnson] the world of good," the Fulham boss told reporters after the game.
"All he's been missing in recent weeks in terms of performance is goals, now he's off and running I'm confident that he will kick on and score goals for us from now until the end of the season."
Hughes believed his side deserved more than a point, but was quick to praise his players for their positive menality which got them back into the game.
"We showed real courage and determination to get something out of the game," he added.
"It was difficult because Wigan were one nil to the good and able to get people behind the ball and play on the break. They have players like [Charles] N'Zogbia and [Hugo] Rodallega who can take the fight to the other end of the field for them. So we had to be patient, we played our football and tried to create and thankfully we got the reward."
The former Manchester City boss was also frustrated at the match officials after some decsions went against his side, but once again reiterated how his players ignored that, and battled through to earn a point.
"A couple of decisions went against us, the handball and the goal that was chalked off, it was a correct decision in fairness but you've seen in the past referees overrule their linesman," said Hughes.
"Sometimes teams can be disappointed when those decisions go against them, but not my team they stuck at it, and I'm delighted we were able to get something out it."
http://wigan.illarterate.co.uk/2011/01/15/wigan-1-1-fulham-again/
Wigan 1-1 Fulham, again
Posted by Dan in Match reports
It may have been a draw, but it certainly wasn't a bore. Much like last season's equivalent clash, neither team could claim to be at their best, but this bottom-of-the-table clash produced a relatively open game, at least in the second half.
Though tentative early on, things began to pick up around 20 minutes in as both Latics and Fulham ground out one decent chance each. For a long time, play plodded along at a low-key pace as both sides took their time feeling their way into the game. Things would spark into life, though, as Hugo Rodallega headed against the post and Damien Duff, one-on-one with Al Habsi, only succeeded in firing the ball against the Omani's legs. I do Ali a disservice, actually, as he closed his man down well – in fact he did pretty much everything asked of him all afternoon and was something of an unsung hero, taking crosses with ease and very rarely spilling the ball.
It was in the second stanza, when Latics went 4-4-2(!), that the quality began to seep through. I'd go so far to say it was entertaining, certainly more so than the first, an open affair which could have seen either side steal the spoils.
For a long time, it looked as though Latics would win out. Another Wigan long ball from the back(!!) bounced quite nicely for Rodallega, who expertly chipped Stockdale from ten yards. It was true route one football, and for once it had actually worked for Martinez' side. I'm not sure if he stuck to this tactic for the remainder of the game as at times Charles N'Zogbia seemed to be returning to the left wing role he struggled with in first 45.
For the most part, however, Charlie Boy prospered at the head of Latics' attack line, effecting some fantastic breakaway chances that oh so nearly led to goals. Hugo could easily have had four, though a bumper home contingent would have to make do with just the one big cheer. That's a lie, actually, as things got quite vociferous as Fulham had a goal disallowed, much to the chagrin of their travelling contingent. To be fair, it looked a handball from where I was sitting, and that was right at the back of the East Stand some ten miles away.
Andrew Johnson grabbed Fulham's late equaliser
Clint Dempsey's ruled-out strike was indicative of a Fulham wave of pressure which saw the visitors lay siege to the Wigan goal in the final ten. As Rodallega and co. scrambled to cover in defence, N'Zogbia was left on his own up front, neutralised by Pantsil and Hangeland. Heh, sounds like a northern music hall act.
Anyway, we were now camped squarely in our own half and eventually the pressure was bound to tell. Fulham supersub Andrew Johnson, who caused Latics problems from the moment he set foot on the field only ten minutes previous, managed to squeeze his strike over the keeper via the leg of a defender with just four minutes of regular time to play.
There was still time for either side to snatch the victory, but it was the visitors who looked more likely. Wigan were not helped by referee Taylor, who visibly began to infuriate them by producing some non-existent fouls against Di Santo and N'Zogbia from the deepest depths of his backside. In truth, he'd been doing this all game, but Latics' situation made his actions all the more prominent. The upshot of it all was that Rodallega and Di Santo talked their way into the referee's book alongside Figueroa, Alcaraz, Panstil and Hangeland. "Join the club," they might have quipped.
Full time came at just the right point for Wigan, who were now under some serious pressure. Thankfully, no more chances were to follow, so the game finished with the visitors on top and Latics relieved to have survived for a point. It was a fair result, with neither side outclassing the other and each having their own equally decent spells of attacking pressure that could well have led to goals.
Stuck in the bottom three before kickoff, Wigan would have benefited more from the three points, and it was a bit of a pity we couldn't hold on for them. But a single point at least lifts us out of the bottom three with favourable results elsewhere, and in this relegation catfight (a bit like a dogfight, only slightly more girly and whiny), who knows what might happen between now and May 2011. With the return of McCarthy and Moses imminent, things may start to look up sooner rather than later.
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/3353743/Wigan-1-Fulham-1.html (http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/3353743/Wigan-1-Fulham-1.html)
Wigan 1 Fulham 1
Published: Today
ANDY JOHNSON'S first goal for 17 months helped Fulham grab a vital point at the DW Stadium.
The Cottagers trailed to Hugo Rodallega's route-one effort on 57 minutes.
But former England striker Johnson popped up with five minutes remaining to deny Wigan a morale-boosting victory.
And Fulham boss Mark Hughes backed Johnson to get back on the goal trail after finally overcoming a series of niggling injuries.
Sparky said: "That will do him the world of good. All he has been missing in recent weeks in terms of performances is goals.
"Now he is off and running, I'm confident that he will kick on and score goals for us from now until the end of the season.
"Strikers need goals, that is what settles them down. That is all that has been missing.
"You see the energy that he gives the team and his willingness to work hard, chasing lost causes. That is going to be important for us."
Fulham's Chris Baird had a couple of early sighters which failed to trouble Ali Al Habsi in the Wigan goal.
Rodallega sent an effort wide, while Damien Duff produced a similar result at the other end.
Home striker Rodallega went close to breaking the deadlock on 27 minutes when he headed Ronnie Stam's cross against the post. The rebound fell to Charles N'Zogbia, whose shot cannoned off a Fulham shirt.
Duff found himself through one-on-one with Al Habsi but the keeper saved with his legs and Simon Davies' follow-up cleared the crossbar by some distance.
Fulham winger Duff had another shot that went too high, while Wigan hitman Mohamed Diame scuffed a shot straight into Robbie Stockdale's arms.
Clint Dempsey unleashed an effort shortly after the restart which went the wrong side of the post but it was Wigan who started to show more urgency in their play.
Stam crossed for Rodallega but his hooked effort was saved by Stockdale. But on 57 minutes Rodallega opened the scoring from a similar position, latching on to Al Habsi's long ball and calmly lifting it over the keeper to put Wigan in front.
At the other end, Dempsey had the opportunity to equalise twice in quick succession but was denied firstly by a Diame challenge and then by Al Habsi's save.
Back came the hosts and Rodallega looked set to net a second, getting on the end of N'Zogbia's cross but stretching too much to control his effort.
N'Zogbia and Rodallega were soon combining again, the latter unable to finish at the near post due to the efforts of Stockdale.
Fulham chief Mark Hughes brought on Johnson, who soon had a shot blocked by Al Habsi, and Fulham then thought they had drawn level as Dempsey rifled in from close range.
Replays showed the American had handled as he controlled the ball and the effort was disallowed.
Dempsey was looking threatening and saw a scissor-kick diverted wide before providing the pass that led to Fulham's leveller.
His ball found Johnson, whose strike took a deflection off Gary Caldwell and Al Habsi could not prevent the ball from bouncing in.
Roberto Martinez bemoaned his side's luck that a deflection robbed them of victory.
He said: "The feeling when you concede that late, it leaves you with a bad taste.
"It had to be a deflected shot that beat us really late!"
Wigan: Al Habsi, Stam (McArthur 72), Gary Caldwell, Alcaraz, Gohouri, Watson (Di Santo 87), N'Zogbia, Thomas, Diame, Figueroa, Rodallega. Subs not used: Pollitt, Steven Caldwell, Gomez, Boyce, McManaman. Booked: Alcaraz, Figueroa, Rodallega, Di Santo. Goals: Rodallega 57.
Fulham: Stockdale, Pantsil, Hangeland, Baird, Hughes, Davies (Andrew Johnson 76), Etuhu, Murphy, Duff, Dempsey, Kamara (Dembele 59). Subs not used: Etheridge, Salcido, Sidwell, Gera, Greening. Booked: Pantsil, Hangeland. Goals: Andrew Johnson 86.
Ref: Anthony Taylor (Cheshire).
http://www.people.co.uk/sport/football/football-hotline/2011/01/16/owen-coyle-wants-shaun-wright-phillips-at-bolton-102039-22851996/
Owen Coyle wants Shaun Wright-Phillips at Bolton
by Alan Nixon, The People
Jan 16 2011
(http://images.mirror.co.uk/upl/people3/jan2011/4/8/shaun-wright-phillips-main-157399332.jpg)
Bolton boss Owen Coyle wants to rescue forgotten star Shaun Wright-Phillips from his Manchester City nightmare.
The England international is one of a number of fringe players being moved on in an Eastlands clear-out.
Coyle has made his interest known and hopes to agree a loan deal before the transfer window shuts.
Wright-Phillips, 29, has told pals he likes Bolton's style of football and Coyle reacted to the tip by contacting City.
The mega-rich outfit want his wages paid in full but could compromise because the player seems more interested in Bolton than main rival bidders Fulham.
Cottagers boss Mark Hughes wants to land Wright-Phillips, a player he took back to Eastlands, but he is struggling to raise the cash to cover his massive wages.
Coyle will step in if the deal is right and would also find a way of getting Wright-Phillips into his side that has been so successful this season.
The ambitious Bolton boss is keen to build on their current position.
Meanwhile, Coyle is hoping to agree a fee with Benfica for Spanish youngster Rodrigo Moreno, and his money men have put a proposal to the Portuguese giants.
Bolton want to settle a fee for the 19-year-old before the transfer window shuts, but they face the extra difficulty that his old club Real Madrid have a buy-back clause in the deal with Benfica.It means they could reclaim him for £10million any time in the next 18 months.
The Eastlands reshuffle means Wigan boss Roberto Martinez may get his wish to sign classy Belgian Dedryck Boyata on loan.
Martinez wants him to steady a shaky Latics defence, but the move will depend on him 'losing' one of his temporary signings – Bolton keeper Ali Al Habsi or Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley.
Boyata will be allowed to leave by City boss Roberto Mancini, who is keen to give him first-team experience for the rest of the season.
The 20-year-old has made a handful of appearances for City but his confidence was rocked after his red card in the 3-0 home humbling by Arsenal, and Mancini wants to see him progress away from Eastlands.
Belgian side Standard Liege have also asked about Boyata, but City would prefer him to stay in England.
Martinez is trying to buy Al Habsi, 29, from Bolton, but the move is being complicated because the teams clash in the FA Cup at the end of the month.
The Wigan chief is also worried that Manchester United will recall Cleverley, 21, which would be a blow to him but cushioned by the fact that it would free up a loan berth for Boyata.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/jan/15/wigan-athletic-fulham-premier-league?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+theguardian%2Ffootball%2Frss+%28Football%29
Andy Johnson rediscovers his scoring touch to deny Wigan victory
(http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Football/Pix/pictures/2011/1/15/1295109336436/Hugo-Rodallega-007.jpg)
Comments (4) Observer report
Richard Jolly at the DW Stadium guardian.co.uk, Saturday 15 January 2011 17.44 GMT Article history
The Wigan goalscorer, Hugo Rodallega, right, launches himself at the Fulham defence. Photograph: Craig Brough/Action Images
The wait has encompassed 26 league games in 22 months pockmarked by a litany of injuries, but finally it is over: Andy Johnson has scored. The Fulham forward's first top-flight goal since March 2009 was a scruffy strike, but, under the circumstances, one that only those with an allegiance to Wigan could begrudge him. It was some consolation for the frustration of the past two years.
The decisive deflection off Antolín Alcaraz and the despairing flail of an outstretched arm by Ali al-Habsi meant it was an unlucky goal for Wigan to concede. For Johnson, it meant he has not got a monopoly on misfortune. A knee injury was followed by collarbone, groin and hamstring problems. Sidelined more often than he started, the ex-England forward had become an afterthought.
His introduction today proved a fine piece of thinking by Mark Hughes. Brought on with a quarter of an hour remaining, he had an immediate impact: Al-Habsi blocked an attempted lob straight away. Within 10 minutes, after Clint Dempsey's pass and aided by two telling touches from the Wigan rearguard, he had equalised. "That will do him the world of good," said Hughes. "All he's been missing was goals and now he can kick on. Strikers thrive on goals; it's a cliché, but it's true. You see the energy he gives the team."
Indeed, with his constant movement, Johnson provided a spark. While Fulham had only posed an intermittent threat before Hugo Rodallega opened the scoring, they rallied impressively. Dempsey, an increasing influence, had a goal disallowed for a handball before Johnson ensured the Premier League's draw specialists had a share of the spoils for the 11th time this season. "It feels like a loss," said Wigan manager Roberto Martínez. "Conceding so late leaves a bad taste in the mouth."
Yet the sight of first Moussa Dembélé and then Johnson entering proceedings illustrated Fulham have striking reserves that Martínez does not possess. Now Mauro Boselli, the underachieving club-record buy, has been loaned to Genoa, his attacking options are still more limited. It was no coincidence that Wigan's attempts on goal were a one-man effort: Rodallega's six chances proof of the Colombian's persistence. He twice struck the post, with a header from Ronnie Stam's inviting cross and a poked shot after an incisive burst from Charles N'Zogbia, either side of a wonderfully taken goal.
It was counter-attacking football merged with the long-ball game. Al-Habsi's punt forwards caught Fulham unawares. Rodallega accelerated on to it, gaining the advantage in his private duel with David Stockdale by executing a deft lob that left the Fulham keeper stranded. "I'm disappointed in the manner of the goal we conceded," added Hughes. "That's unlike us." It is equally unusual to see Johnson celebrating, but it was a far more welcome sight for Fulham.
THE FANS' PLAYER RATINGS AND VERDICT
DAVE WHALLEY, Observer reader
On the balance of play, we were fortunate to get a draw. Both teams were slightly above woeful in the first half, but the tempo picked up in the second. But we didn't kick on after we scored and allowed Fulham back in the game. With five minutes to go, we should have killed time, but we lost the ball and they went up the other end and scored. Al-Habsi pulled off a great save in the first half and was unlucky with the goal, but otherwise I'd struggle to say any of our players was outstanding. It could be the point that keeps us up, in which case it'll be a great point, but we have to beat the teams around us, especially at home.
The fan's player ratings Al Habsi 8; Gohouri 6, G Caldwell 6, Alcaraz 7, Figueroa 6; Watson 6 (Di Santo 86 6), Thomas 7, Diamé 5; Stam 5 (McArthur 73 6), Rodallega 7, N'Zogbia 7
VICTORIA CONNOLLY, Observer reader
We deserved more than a point from this game. The second half was almost all in their half and most of their chances were on the counter. It was fantastic Andy Johnson scored, but we had a couple of penalty shouts turned down and a goal disallowed for handball, which takes the shine off the point a bit. It was a good match and Etuhu had another stonking game: the play always seemed to go through him and he made some great tackles. He even had a chance to score. But the whole team's performance was really good - we haven't been great on the road this season, so a draw's not too bad.
The fan's player ratings Stockdale 5; Pantsil 7, Hughes 8, Hangeland 8, Baird 8; Duff 7, Murphy 7, Etuhu 9, Davies 6 (A Johnson 76 8); Dempsey 9; Kamara 7 (Dembélé 58 7)
Zamora and Senderos set to hand Fulham fitness boost
Published 22:30 15/01/11
By Bill Mills
(http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/incoming/article598485.ece/ALTERNATES/gallery-large/Zamora2.jpg)
Fulham striker Bobby Zamora and defender Philippe Senderos are on course to make first-team returns next month.
Zamora suffered a broken leg and ankle ligament damage against Wolves back in September.
Senderos has yet to play for his new club following his summer move from Arsenal after he ruptured an Achilles tendon in August.
But both players have resumed light training and Fulham boss Mark Hughes is confident they will be ready to make a return in the next few weeks.
Hughes, whose side drew 1-1 at Wigan yesterday, said: "Bobby is looking good.And Philippe is out with his boots on which he has not been able to do. There are still a number of weeks before they will be back for selection, but they are on track."
Read more: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Bobby-Zamora-and-Phillipe-Senderos-set-to-hand-Fulham-fitness-boost-article674213.html#ixzz1BBFKFu26 (http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Bobby-Zamora-and-Phillipe-Senderos-set-to-hand-Fulham-fitness-boost-article674213.html#ixzz1BBFKFu26)
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http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/01/15/hughes-predicts-top-10-for-battling-fulham-82029-27993061/
Hughes predicts top 10 for battling Fulham
By Yann Tear
Jan 15 2011
(http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/fulhamchronicle/aug2010/9/9/mark-hughes-image-1-920600551.jpg)
MARK Hughes believes his team have it in them to finish in the top half of this season, in spite of their lack of goals.
Fulham fully deserved a share of the spoils at Wigan on Saturday - which came courtesy of an Andy Johnson goal four minutes from time - and the Fulham boss sees it as a sign of better things to come.
"We are a good side that have lacked a cutting edge," Hughes said. "But we look in better shape now and we are looking forward to the second half of the season.
"I feel we have good players coming back and have enough ability in the squad to get into the top 10."
Hughes added: "We found ourselves 1-0 down in a game that we controlled.
"They made it difficult for us, packed men behind the ball and were always a threat up front on the break with Rodallega and N'Zogbia. I thought the players showed real courage, kept going and got their reward.
"I'm pleased for Andy Johnson. He's come back from a significant injury and that's him up and running now.
"I never felt that we gave up, we kept going and got our reward and we were well worth a point.
Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/01/15/hughes-predicts-top-10-for-battling-fulham-82029-27993061/#ixzz1BBFvD6iE (http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/01/15/hughes-predicts-top-10-for-battling-fulham-82029-27993061/#ixzz1BBFvD6iE)
http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2011/01/15/2307142/late-fulham-equaliser-leaves-bad-taste-for-wigan-athletic
Late Fulham equaliser leaves 'bad taste' for Wigan Athletic boss Roberto Martinez
Spaniard unfazed by reports linking players with Latics exit
By Alex Fisher at the DW Stadium
15 Jan 2011 23:22:00
Wigan Athletic manager Roberto Martinez was left disappointed after a late Andy Johnson strike denied his side victory over Fulham at the DW Stadium.
The Latics had taken the lead early in the second half through Hugo Rodallega but Johnson's strike in the 86th minute grabbed a point for the Cottagers and Martinez admitted the result felt a little bit like a defeat.
"When you concede that late it leaves you with a bad taste [in your mouth]," he told reporters.
"In a game where the first half we couldn't be ourselves, we couldn't be as fluent as we want to be for different reasons, the pitch, the nature of game, the referee – I don't think he allowed the game to be fluent enough.
"We had a fantastic move, probably the best move of the game, with Hugo hitting the post and we didn't do that enough.
"But then I was extremely proud of the reaction in second half, we started to grow into the game, we were a little braver, we got on the ball and tried to take risks, and then we achieved hardest thing in football in scoring the first goal.
"After that we had a good chance to kill the game off but we couldn't get on the ball. We allowed Fulham to push forward but even then I felt we defended really well, Ali [Al Habsi] was magnificent commanding his defence and it had to be a deflected shot to beat us really late.
"Those details probably sum up our afternoon, we didn't get that bit of luck you need in games but extremely proud of the reaction second half and the manner we wanted to face adversity."
The drab first half performance seemed to frustrate everyone inside the stadium but in the second half Wigan continued to push for the all-important second goal and although it was not to be, Martinez rued a glorious chance spurned by Rodallega.
"You could see the whole stadium was frustrated, we felt a little bit sorry about ourselves but I don't think the players showed that in the second half at all and it was very unfortunate couldn't keep clean sheet that I felt after scoring we were going to do," he added.
"That [Rodallega's miss] was the key moment, as you can imagine Fulham were going to throw bodies forward with real quality to effect the game.
"But they left themselves a bit exposed at the back and we played that role really well and that chance is the one that kills the game and gets three points."
With the transfer window now open many will expect to see bids for Wigan's star players Charles N'Zogbia and Rodallega but Martinez is not worried about any players leaving the club and is focusing on improving the current squad.
"It doesn't worry me [that players could leave] because the chairman has made it very clear that we've got our budget and we don't have to sell to balance the books," he revealed.
"That gives you a great security and from our point of view we want to improve the squad. In every window you could lose players, but it's important we can get the players out injured back in this window, I feel that those three [James McCarthy, Victor Moses and Tom Cleverley] will be the biggest signing we can have."
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1347533/Kenny-Dalglish-Millionaire-stars-forever-grateful-61-heroes.html?ITO=1490
Millionaire stars should be forever grateful to '61 heroes
Last updated at 12:16 AM on 16th January 2011
Every well-paid Premier League player in action this weekend should be eternally grateful to the likes of Jimmy Hill, who 50 years ago this week fought so hard to end the £20-a-week maximum wage.
Without sounding militant, people like Jimmy - and the ex-England striker George Eastham, who went on strike at Newcastle United to pave the way for the transfer rights we all take for granted these days - put their careers on the line and generations of players, myself included, have benefited ever since.
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/01/15/article-1347533-00C9051300000190-587_306x423.jpg)(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/01/15/article-1347533-0B37A764000005DC-244_306x423.jpg)
World's apart: Jimmy Hill and Steven Gerrard
It is hard to imagine now what the situation was like before January 1961, when there were huge attendances to watch matches but players only received a fraction of what was coming through the door.
There has been an ever-increasing spiral in wages since then and you can only call today's level of pay astronomical. But it's important to remember the original dispute was over a matter of principle, the right to negotiate a contract, not figures.
I don't think there is a problem today for the great players to be paid a fortune, because of what they can do on the pitch and the commercial income they bring in off the pitch. I don't think the majority of fans would begrudge them that.
But where football is suffering at the moment is that the best players are so well-paid, it leads to the middle-of-the-road players - for want of a better description - getting a lot more than what they are entitled to. It is claimed that players' wages have led to financial instability in football, but surely the problems only arise if clubs don't act responsibly and agree to pay wages they can't afford.
Players don't earn money that has not been offered to them. The Premier League has been fantastically successful in recent years, including financially, and I don't think it is unreasonable for players to share in it. But if a club do their financial planning properly and work out that signing a player doesn't make sense, they have to be prepared to lose that player.
Money gets the blame for creating a gap between the modern football star and the man in the street, but I don't think that is the only reason. Footballers are public figures now and that can be difficult in an era with all sorts of modern technology to record your every move.
Players are entitled to enjoy themselves like anyone else, but whereas fans used to ask for autographs, now they are able to take pictures with their camera phones and those shots can go around the world. It creates caution in footballers and I'd suggest that as much as money is the reason for the lack of affinity between ordinary people and players. There is no excuse for bad behaviour, of course not, but it honestly can't be easy if you think an ordinary night out is going to end up being pictured and displayed to everyone.
I think more players are aware of the fight to end the maximum wage than you'd think. The Professional Footballers' Association - of whom Hill became chairman when still a Fulham player in 1957 - still plays a big part in the game, it is just that a lot of their work is unsung.
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/01/15/article-1347533-0AE47E2A000005DC-781_634x369.jpg)
Rich pickings: Manchester City owner Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan (left)
It's as much to do with helping players who have retired through injury or played in the lower leagues as it is with superstar millionaires. Personally, I wouldn't like to see the reintroduction of a maximum wage - or even a salary cap - despite some clubs getting into financial difficulty in recent years.
Why go back 50 years when the boys fought so hard back then? If clubs cannot afford a certain wage, then don't offer it. And if someone like Sheikh Mansour comes in and wants to invest heavily in a football club, as he has at Manchester City, let him get on with it.
I even have a feeling that when the proposed new UEFA regulations come in so you can only spend a certain ratio of your income on wages, clubs will find ways around it. I'd also like to reassure supporters that despite the financial rewards, no player starts out in football for money rather than enjoyment.
Is a six-year-old kid thinking about becoming a millionaire when he kicks a ball about? I don't think so, but if he ends up entertaining millions of fans and making a club millions of pounds, why shouldn't he deserve to be rewarded.
Maybe some parents nowadays think early on their kids will be able to make a fantastic living for the whole family from the game, but that doesn't mean it happens. Usually, the harder you push kids towards something, the more they rebel.
The only way to put in the time and dedication to be a professional player is for the first motivation to be a love of the sport, not financial, and that is still true today. I was only a kid back in 1961 when these momentous events were happening and too young to realise what was going on. I was too busy kicking a ball about myself!
My first salary with Celtic didn't get near the £20 mark, more like £6, but a career in the game has taught me the debt of gratitude we owe to those who fought so hard 50 years ago.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1347533/Kenny-Dalglish-Millionaire-stars-forever-grateful-61-heroes.html#ixzz1BBH4Kx00 (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1347533/Kenny-Dalglish-Millionaire-stars-forever-grateful-61-heroes.html#ixzz1BBH4Kx00)
http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Wigan-1-1-Fulham-Sunday-Mirror-match-report-Andy-Johnson-ends-17-month-wait-for-a-Premier-League-goal-article674183.html (http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Wigan-1-1-Fulham-Sunday-Mirror-match-report-Andy-Johnson-ends-17-month-wait-for-a-Premier-League-goal-article674183.html)
Wigan 1-1 Fulham: Sunday Mirror match report
Published 22:00 15/01/11
By Derick Allsop
The celebration of the little striker and those faithful souls gathered behind the goal told its own poignant story.
After a season and a half of injury, anguish and uncertainty, Andy Johnson was a goalscorer again and Fulham had a precious late equaliser.
Johnson, a 76th-minute substitute, signalled his rehabilitation with a crucial contribution to his team's desperate cause. It was Johnson's first goal in any competition for 17 months, his first in the Premier League since March 2009 and the elation engulfed him.
"That goal will do him the world of good," said Fulham manager Mark Hughes. "It was important he got off the mark and now I'm convinced he'll start scoring regularly."
If Johnson's goal spoiled the day for Hugo Rodallega – Wigan's scorer and inspiration – it was no more than Fulham's retaliation deserved.
Clint Dempsey thought he had drawn the Cottagers level but a linesman indicated handball and the goal was chalked off. Hughes added: "A couple of decisions went against us and we could have been disappointed, but we stuck at it and got something from it."
His opposite number, Roberto Martinez, admitted: "When you concede so late it leaves a bad taste. We had the chance to kill the game. I couldn't see us losing the clean sheet and it took a deflected shot."
The lively Rodallega went for early glory with an effort slashed wide and headed against a post from Ronnie Stam's cross.
Those missed opportunities didn't seem so bad after Damien Duff's howler. He found himself in the clear yet failed to beat keeper Ali Al Habsi.
Rodallega was frustrated to hook another half chance into the arms of David Stockdale.
But his persistence paid off when he ran beyond Fulham's defence to collect Al Habsi's long clearance and calmly lift the ball over the exposed keeper. Fulham responded with a restored sense of purpose and Al Habsi had to react smartly to save from Clint Dempsey's stab.
Rodallega might have put the issue beyond doubt as he met Charles N'Zogbia's cross but this time he couldn't direct the ball on target.
Hughes sent on Johnson and the striker would have delivered an instant equaliser but for Al Habsi's anticipation.
Dempsey did find the Wigan net yet although the referee initially waved away appeals for handball, a linesman persuaded him otherwise.
But the resourceful Dempsey finally provided the service required – to a gleeful Johnson.
The striker's shot took a deflection off Gary Caldwell and Al Habsi got a hand to it – but the momentum was enough to bring relief for a long-suffering player and his team.
Read more: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Wigan-1-1-Fulham-Sunday-Mirror-match-report-Andy-Johnson-ends-17-month-wait-for-a-Premier-League-goal-article674183.html#ixzz1BBIeJE7S (http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Wigan-1-1-Fulham-Sunday-Mirror-match-report-Andy-Johnson-ends-17-month-wait-for-a-Premier-League-goal-article674183.html#ixzz1BBIeJE7S)
Quote from: White Noise on January 16, 2011, 07:29:49 AM
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1347533/Kenny-Dalglish-Millionaire-stars-forever-grateful-61-heroes.html?ITO=1490
Millionaire stars should be forever grateful to '61 heroes
Last updated at 12:16 AM on 16th January 2011
Every well-paid Premier League player in action this weekend should be eternally grateful to the likes of Jimmy Hill, who 50 years ago this week fought so hard to end the £20-a-week maximum wage.
Without sounding militant, people like Jimmy - and the ex-England striker George Eastham, who went on strike at Newcastle United to pave the way for the transfer rights we all take for granted these days - put their careers on the line and generations of players, myself included, have benefited ever since.
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/01/15/article-1347533-00C9051300000190-587_306x423.jpg)(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/01/15/article-1347533-0B37A764000005DC-244_306x423.jpg)
World's apart: Jimmy Hill and Steven Gerrard
It is hard to imagine now what the situation was like before January 1961, when there were huge attendances to watch matches but players only received a fraction of what was coming through the door.
There has been an ever-increasing spiral in wages since then and you can only call today's level of pay astronomical. But it's important to remember the original dispute was over a matter of principle, the right to negotiate a contract, not figures.
I don't think there is a problem today for the great players to be paid a fortune, because of what they can do on the pitch and the commercial income they bring in off the pitch. I don't think the majority of fans would begrudge them that.
But where football is suffering at the moment is that the best players are so well-paid, it leads to the middle-of-the-road players - for want of a better description - getting a lot more than what they are entitled to. It is claimed that players' wages have led to financial instability in football, but surely the problems only arise if clubs don't act responsibly and agree to pay wages they can't afford.
Players don't earn money that has not been offered to them. The Premier League has been fantastically successful in recent years, including financially, and I don't think it is unreasonable for players to share in it. But if a club do their financial planning properly and work out that signing a player doesn't make sense, they have to be prepared to lose that player.
Money gets the blame for creating a gap between the modern football star and the man in the street, but I don't think that is the only reason. Footballers are public figures now and that can be difficult in an era with all sorts of modern technology to record your every move.
Players are entitled to enjoy themselves like anyone else, but whereas fans used to ask for autographs, now they are able to take pictures with their camera phones and those shots can go around the world. It creates caution in footballers and I'd suggest that as much as money is the reason for the lack of affinity between ordinary people and players. There is no excuse for bad behaviour, of course not, but it honestly can't be easy if you think an ordinary night out is going to end up being pictured and displayed to everyone.
I think more players are aware of the fight to end the maximum wage than you'd think. The Professional Footballers' Association - of whom Hill became chairman when still a Fulham player in 1957 - still plays a big part in the game, it is just that a lot of their work is unsung.
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/01/15/article-1347533-0AE47E2A000005DC-781_634x369.jpg)
Rich pickings: Manchester City owner Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan (left)
It's as much to do with helping players who have retired through injury or played in the lower leagues as it is with superstar millionaires. Personally, I wouldn't like to see the reintroduction of a maximum wage - or even a salary cap - despite some clubs getting into financial difficulty in recent years.
Why go back 50 years when the boys fought so hard back then? If clubs cannot afford a certain wage, then don't offer it. And if someone like Sheikh Mansour comes in and wants to invest heavily in a football club, as he has at Manchester City, let him get on with it.
I even have a feeling that when the proposed new UEFA regulations come in so you can only spend a certain ratio of your income on wages, clubs will find ways around it. I'd also like to reassure supporters that despite the financial rewards, no player starts out in football for money rather than enjoyment.
Is a six-year-old kid thinking about becoming a millionaire when he kicks a ball about? I don't think so, but if he ends up entertaining millions of fans and making a club millions of pounds, why shouldn't he deserve to be rewarded.
Maybe some parents nowadays think early on their kids will be able to make a fantastic living for the whole family from the game, but that doesn't mean it happens. Usually, the harder you push kids towards something, the more they rebel.
The only way to put in the time and dedication to be a professional player is for the first motivation to be a love of the sport, not financial, and that is still true today. I was only a kid back in 1961 when these momentous events were happening and too young to realise what was going on. I was too busy kicking a ball about myself!
My first salary with Celtic didn't get near the £20 mark, more like £6, but a career in the game has taught me the debt of gratitude we owe to those who fought so hard 50 years ago.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1347533/Kenny-Dalglish-Millionaire-stars-forever-grateful-61-heroes.html#ixzz1BBH4Kx00 (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1347533/Kenny-Dalglish-Millionaire-stars-forever-grateful-61-heroes.html#ixzz1BBH4Kx00)
Is Jimmy Hill at all related to Benny Hill?
http://www.wiganer.net/feat/ed62/fulham_reaction_negative_latics_pay_the_price_620979/index.shtml (http://www.wiganer.net/feat/ed62/fulham_reaction_negative_latics_pay_the_price_620979/index.shtml)
Fulham Reaction: Negative Latics pay the price
It was a very cautious display from the Latics who failed to commit men forwards. After sneaking a lead through Hugo Rodallega the Latics paid the price for trying to sit on a one goal lead.
There was a distinct failure for the duration of the game to commit numbers forwards as the Latics instead relied on the presence of Charles N'Zogbia and Hugo Rodallega to try and nick a goal.
The latter's finish mid-way through the second half was certainly a special goal, but it wasn't what the Latics deserved. Roberto Martinez' side had a number of players who were guilty of lacking the desire that it needs at the wrong end of the table.
Momo Diame, Ben Watson and Rodallega himself all seemed to be a happy second to every ball on the pitch.
Dixon Etuhu and Danny Murphy had the freedom of midfield for the Cottagers, despite the three central Wigan midfielders that should have been dominated that area of the field. It was a good job Hendry Thomas felt full of running as ever.
The sooner Tom Cleverley, James McCarthy, and Victor Moses make returns to the Latics side the better as they will add the required weight to the attack.
At the back, the same defensive frailties exist. Despite Ali Al Habsi's heroics in goal, the Wigan defence was often split by a simple straight ball through.
There were some very big problems on the field today and Fulham were nothing special. These are the games where the Latics need three points to pull away from the relegation zone.
With Arsenal, Manchester United, and Manchester City to play in the next four games, it could be a a difficult period for the Latics who may well rue the lack of desire on display against Hughes' men.
Here is the reaction of those involved.
Roberto Martinez
It was very disappointing feeling the way you end the game. Obviously the first half, we couldn't be ourselves for many reasons, the pitch conditions and the way that Fulham worked hard to stop us from playing.
We allowed ourselves to get a little bit frustrated and the crowd got frustrated but we created probably the best chance of the game, hitting the post in the first half.
But then in the second half we started with a clear and positive attitude and we slowly were growing into the game and then we did the hardest thing in football which is scoring the first goal from open play and it was a fantastic finish.
Then you think from then on we'll be able to finish the game on the winning side. We had a key moment, a second opportunity where we could have killed the game and even then we had to be beaten by a deflected shot, a very unfortunate action and that's really disappointing.
We corrected a few things, I felt that we could have been a bit braver on the ball. You can understand why the fans got frustrated, the frustration of the fans got into our play. We want to play an expansive game that dictates the game, but we need to have that support.
It's all too easy not to want the ball and just allow the bounce of the ball to go to whatever team, but we want to control the ball and I felt the second half we showed that bravery, we were really focussed on what we were doing and scoring that first goal, which was a fantastic finish, in my eyes it was deserving of the three points.
It's just unfortunate that we couldn't get that bit of luck that you need sometimes, but in terms of effort and the desire we showed in the second half it was very pleasing.
Fulham put a lot of pressure on us, they left themselves a little bit open at the back and we used that. A little bit of luck and you can get that second goal and kill the game. Fulham are in a position where they need to get a goal and they're throwing bodies forward and we needed to keep our concentration.
The goal comes from a sloppy play from us and we give the ball away too cheaply and then we end up defending in the other third and we get unfortunate with a deflection
Mark Hughes
We found ourselves in a situation where we were one down in a game that we controlled. We were looking to make a change just prior to them scoring, we obviously had to up our game and ask more questions of Wigan.
They were one nil to the good, they made it difficult for us and had a lot of people behind the ball. They always had a lot of threats on the break with the likes of N'Zogbia and Rodallega.
I thought the players showed real courage, a couple of key decisions went against us but they kept going and got their reward.
I'm really pleased for Andy Johnson, he's come back from a really significant injury, he gets his goal now and that's him off and running.
We're pleased for him and we welcome back Mousa Dembele, who we've missed this season, he's played less than half of the games we've been involved in. He had a real impact when he was introduced, so things are starting to look better.
I think a few weeks back we would have struggled to get something out of that game, I think it illustrates the qualities that the Team is showing at the moment.
You see in general play that we are a good side, we lacked a cutting edge but there are reasons for that. But we look in better shape now and we're really looking forward to the second part of the season, we're looking to take something from every game were involved in.
http://www.tribalfootball.com/articles/fulham-boss-hughes-lifted-zamora-senderos-recovery-1387891? (http://www.tribalfootball.com/articles/fulham-boss-hughes-lifted-zamora-senderos-recovery-1387891?)
Fulham boss Hughes lifted by Zamora, Senderos recovery
Fulham boss Mark Hughes has received a new fitness boost.
Cottagers striker Bobby Zamora and defender Philippe Senderos are on course to make first-team returns next month.
Zamora suffered a broken leg and ankle ligament damage against Wolves back in September.
Senderos has yet to play for his new club following his summer move from Arsenal after he ruptured an Achilles tendon in August.
He said: "Bobby is looking good. And Philippe is out with his boots on which he has not been able to do. There are still a number of weeks before they will be back for selection, but they are on track."
http://articles.squarefootball.net/squarefootball/2011/01/birmingham-fulham-west-ham-or-newcastle-where-will-robbie-keane-end-up.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Squarefootball+%28Squarefootball%29 (http://articles.squarefootball.net/squarefootball/2011/01/birmingham-fulham-west-ham-or-newcastle-where-will-robbie-keane-end-up.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Squarefootball+%28Squarefootball%29)
Birmingham, Fulham, West Ham or Newcastle: Where will Robbie Keane end up?
On Friday night it was reported that Tottenham Hotspur and Birmingham City had agreed a fee for out-of-favour striker Robbie Keane. The price tag is thought to be about £6 million and all the Irish marksman has to do is agree personal terms. However, the former Wolves and Inter Milan star is a man in demand and has a few other options up his sleeves.
West Ham United, who are waiting for Martin O'Neill to take over from Avram Grant, and Fulham are both reportedly in the chase for Keane's signature and even Newcastle United are in with a shout of landing the hitman. So where will Keane be playing his football come February?
Robbie Keane has been a great servant to Spurs and was a huge hit with the fans. His creativity, enthusiasm, leadership and love for the game made it easy for the fans to worship him. Then he shocked the football world by moving to his boyhood club Liverpool for about £20 million in 2008. However, his dream move turned out to be a nightmare and six months later returned home to White Hart Lane with his tail between his legs, but he hasn't been the same player since.
Since joining the club from Leeds United in 2002, Keane has scored 92 times in the Premier League, but after rejoining the club from Liverpool he has fallen down the pecking order at Spurs and is yet to register a goal this season in the top flight. Keane still has a passion for the game and, at 29, has plenty to offer. But this is a crucial decision in his career. He's left before and failed to make an impression – mainly because he was a pawn in Rafael Benitez's politics at Anfield – so he needs to ask himself where his best chance of success will be.
Will it be at Birmingham?
The biggest problem Birmingham have faced since returning to the Premier League is goals. They are the top flight's second lowest scorers and have scored just nine in front of their home fans this season (before the Birmingham derby). They are crying out for someone who can put the ball in the back of the net and Keane certainly fits the bill. The Blues create chances and with the creativity of Hleb and the height of Zigic, not to mention the recent addition of David Bentley, Keane could transform their season. He's also played at Coventry and Wolves so he knows the Midlands well and Birmingham of course has a huge Irish contingent. Unfortunately, some reports claim that Keane is unwilling to leave the capital again so watch this space.
So will he end up at West Ham?
The Hammers have been in the bottom three for the majority of the season and it's widely believed that Avram Grant faces the chop within days. Martin O'Neill is expected to replace the former Chelsea manager in the dugout at Upton Park and his presence could be enough to lure Keane to the East End. West Ham have a plethora of strikers on their books but injuries, suspensions and a lack of form have affected them badly. The arrival of Keane, and his bubbly personality, could be the spark the Hammers need to lift them out of the drop zone. However, is Keane prepared to join them and risk playing in the Championship next season?
What about Fulham then?
Mark Hughes missed out on the chance of teaming up with Roque Santa Cruz again and has been public with his admiration for Keane. Fulham are dicing with death near the foot of the table and with star striker Bobby Zamora still missing through injury Keane could well shoot the Cottagers up the table. With fellow countryman Damian Duff on the right and the creativity of Clint Dempsey alongside him, Fulham and Keane could well be a marriage made in heaven.
Then there's Newcastle United.
Harry Redknapp is reportedly a huge fan of Newcastle striker Andy Carroll and Keane could well feature in a swap deal for the future England number nine. Alan Pardew will not want Carroll to leave St James' Park but if he did the former West Ham chief would want somebody in to replace him. Keane may not have age on his side, like Carroll, but he knows where the goals are and would be a huge hit on Tyneside if he rediscovered his scoring boots.
Birmingham City are currently in the driving seat but with Fulham, West Ham and Newcastle still in the mix, Keane has one massive decision to make. If I were in his boots I'd be tempted to stay in the capital and take on the challenge of transforming West Ham's fortunes. But who do you think Keane should sign for? Whatever your view I'd love to hear from you.
"I feel we have good players coming back and have enough ability in the squad to get into the top 10."
Do I spot the first signs that we're in fact not going to sign anyone?
Quote from: BalDrick on January 16, 2011, 11:06:56 AM
"I feel we have good players coming back and have enough ability in the squad to get into the top 10."
Do I spot the first signs that we're in fact not going to sign anyone?
Agreed. His statement doesn't really add anything to what he has said previously so it begs the question why say it again now. Hope he is just hedging his bets because we are in sensitive negotiations competing for some top players!!! :022:
Suarez paves the way for Anfield switch as Babel nears the exit door
Published 23:00 15/01/11
By Simon Mullock
(9)Recommend (15)
Luis Suarez, the £20million-rated Ajax striker, has paved the way for a move to Liverpool.
Anfield boss Kenny Dalglish is meeting owner John W Henry over the weekend to finalise plans for the final fortnight of the transfer window.
And the scene is set for the Uruguay international to arrive as Ryan Babel heads out of Merseyside with clubs in England and Germany pursuing him.
Suarez shares the same agent as Fernando Torres and has asked him to find out if clubs are interested in signing him this month.
Liverpool and Tottenham lead the chase, but the Spanish-speaking connection at Anfield could prove a critical attraction.
Suarez is the kind of busy, skillful player who creates openings for team-mates, which Torres will welcome, as well as scoring goals himself.
He formed a formidable partnership at last summer's World Cup with Diego Forlan that took Uruguay through to the semi-finals.
The striker is at Ajax's winter training camp in Turkey. He has had a meeting with coach Frank de Boer and they accept the moment has arrived for the South American to move on if the Amsterdam club get an acceptable offer.
De Boer explained: "I've had a showdown with Luis.
"I wanted to know what his plans are and what the future will bring. Luis is training hard. He told me that if a big club comes in for him now he is ready to talk to them."
And De Boer admitted: "I've a back-up scenario ready."
Clearly, the critical issue will revolve around how much the Anfield owners make available to Dalglish, but Babel looks certain to leave for around £8m.
Fulham and West Ham from the Premier League have declared their interest.
But sources in Germany believe the Holland star is set to move to the Bundesliga and accept a £65,000 a-week deal with Hoffenheim, who are owned by software millionaire Dietmar Hopp.
Schalke also want Babel, but won't be able to match Hoffenheim's personal terms.
Certainly Babel, who is facing an FA disrepute enquiry for posting a twitter of referee Howard Webb wearing a Manchester United shirt, has decided he's spending too long on the Liverpool subs' bench.
But as Dalglish attempts to rebuild the flagging squad he inherited, the key January signing will be Suarez.
Earlier this season, Suarez – who conceded a last gasp penalty in the World Cup quarter-final that denied Ghana glory – revealed: "If I move I want to join a real football club where they play good, attacking football.
"I will decline any offer from clubs like Shakhtar Donetsk or Saint Petersburg where they offer you sacks full of money.'
"I've an obsession to win trophies.
"I am a South American with the mentality to win.
"This is why I was not ashamed to put my hand up on the goal-line in the World Cup.
"They called it the hand of the devil, but I really don't care."
Read more: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Transfer-news-Luis-Suarez-paves-the-way-for-Liverpool-move-as-Ryan-Babel-nears-the-exit-door-article674105.html#ixzz1BCMfJ8T8 (http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Transfer-news-Luis-Suarez-paves-the-way-for-Liverpool-move-as-Ryan-Babel-nears-the-exit-door-article674105.html#ixzz1BCMfJ8T8)
Quote from: White Noise on January 16, 2011, 11:47:52 AM
Quote from: BalDrick on January 16, 2011, 11:06:56 AM
"I feel we have good players coming back and have enough ability in the squad to get into the top 10."
Do I spot the first signs that we're in fact not going to sign anyone?
Agreed. His statement doesn't really add anything to what he has said previously so it begs the question why say it again now. Hope he is just hedging his bets because we are in sensitive negotiations competing for some top players!!! :022:
These statements aren't vounteered they're in response to questions asked when Hughes would probably prefer to say nothing. All our transfer dealings are conducted secretely. I simply discount these sort of comments from Hughes.
Quote from: TonyGilroy on January 16, 2011, 12:03:17 PM
These statements aren't vounteered they're in response to questions asked when Hughes would probably prefer to say nothing..... I simply discount these sort of comments from Hughes.
I agree. However, it's notable that all his statements, volunteered or otherwise, invariably have a positive slant to them. Chances are that he sometimes really means it and is sometimes putting it on, but he never provides clues about that. So long as there's objective thinking going on behind the scenes really, then I like that in a manager.
http://www.cockneylatic.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=884%3Awigan-athletic-1-fulham-1&catid=62%3A2010-2011&Itemid=55
Wigan Athletic 1 Fulham 1
Written by Jason Taylor
Saturday, 15 January 2011 19:32
Yet another draw for Wigan Athletic as they concede a very late deflected goal, after Hugo Rodallega's strike looked for a long time to be the goal that would give us all three points.
Anthony Taylor, the referee, needs his own article to describe how bad he was, booking seven players in a match that only saw one bad tackle worthy of a yellow.
Maynor Figueroa's mistimed tackle and Andrew Johnson going into the crowd was the only ones the ref got right, yet he missed legitimate contenders with (Fulham) players going into the crowd and diving.
The first half was a hard one for Latics to get into, they were crowded out of everything and though we kept good possession at the back, we found it very hard to get the moving forward. Ben Watson and Hendry Thomas were especially isolated and having a really bad day.
That's not to say we didn't have opportunities, we did. Rodallega was making himself busy and had a low effort just go past the upright in the tenth minute, fifteen minutes later he really should have scored.
Ben Watson swung in the corner and got it over the first defender and saw Hugo swaning up to head the ball at goal, unluckily it came back off the post and a desperate block on Charles N'Zogbia shot saw the danger off for Fulham.
As the half wore on both teams were camped in midfield, but on the positive side for Latics we were coping with anything that Fulham had, especially as our visitors had dominated proceedings.
The second half saw us up the tempo slightly and we started to get a bit more joy, Hugo again was the one causing the trouble and after having a shot finely saved by the Cottager's keeper he did make the breakthrough.
Hugo picked up the ball on the edge of the area and calmly lobbed his shot over the Fulham stopper into the goal. Charley and Hugo were getting a bit more ball no and both had efforts saved, but Fulham were starting to throw cation to the wind now and had a goal disallowed for offside.
Clint Dempsey decided to put the ball in the net anyway, but no yellow. They had a goal chalked off for handball; three players went over to berate the assistant referee, no yellow cards. Yet Di Santo spoke whilst running back to his own half and got booked.
Clint Dempsey twice swan dives in the area to try and con the referee into a penalty, luckily the official is not fooled, but neither received a yellow card. Andrew Johnson did get that large slice of luck his team needed though with a couple of minutes to go as his scuffed shot is deflected over the again impressive Ali Al Habsi and it makes the score 1-1.
No doubt Mark Hughes will think it was deserved, but it was a hard way to end up drawing. We now have to look forward to Arsenal before getting ourselves up for another crunch home game, this time Aston Villa will be the victims.
Cockney Latic Man of the Match: Hugo Rodallega
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/premiership/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/11/01/16/SOCCER_Wigan_Nightlead.html
HUGHES PLEASED WITH FULHAM PROGRESS
Mark Hughes feels Fulham are shaping up well for the rest of the season.
The Cottagers slipped into the Barclays Premier League relegation zone on Boxing Day following a home defeat against West Ham, but since then they have hauled themselves out of the mire with four fixtures yielding seven points.
The latest of those was secured with a 1-1 draw at Wigan on Saturday, Andrew Johnson's deflected strike towards the end cancelling out Hugo Rodallega's opener.
Johnson is one of several Fulham players to have been sidelined by injury this term, but Hughes' squad is finally approaching a clean bill of health and has also been boosted in the past few days by the arrival of new signing Steve Sidwell.
The manager believes a top-10 finish is a realistic target, with the performance at the DW Stadium giving him further encouragement that things are starting to come together.
"We feel very confident - we have good players coming back and we have added to the squad as well," Hughes said.
"The likes of Bobby Zamora and Philippe Senderos will be options hopefully very soon, so we are going to be stronger in the second half of the season.
"Our away form is good at the moment and we are not conceding that many goals.
"We are disappointed with the manner of the goal we conceded (against Wigan) in fairness, because that is unlike us away from home.
"I think it's only Manchester City who have conceded less than us away from home, so we are doing good defensive work, which we will need on our travels.
"Probably what has hampered us a little bit this year is that our home form has been indifferent and we haven't had the ability to get maximum points from as many home games as we would like.
"But generally, I'm pleased with what we are producing. We look strong and determined and the team is starting to show signs of what I am looking for."
Wigan went ahead in the 57th minute when Rodallega latched on to a long ball from his goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi and neatly guided it over Fulham stopper David Stockdale.
Substitute Johnson drew things level with four minutes of normal time remaining with a shot that hit Gary Caldwell on its way towards goal, leaving Al Habsi unable to stop it going in.
The Oman international, who is on loan from Bolton, managed to get a glove to the effort and was unlucky to be beaten at the end of an impressive display which drew praise from Latics boss Roberto Martinez.
"If you have seen Ali, he has been like this since he arrived," Martinez said.
"He is a really focused player and he has been improving. He is a real asset for ourselves.
"Fulham had a great opportunity in the first half, a one-on-one situation with Damien Duff, and Ali covered the angle really well.
"That is why I couldn't see us losing that clean sheet - it had to be a deflected shot and even then, I thought he was in a great position, getting a hand on that ball. But unfortunately it bounced in."
