Fulham will pay £4m for Shaun Wright-Phillips if they stay up
By Joe Bernstein Last updated at 9:41 PM on 22nd January 2011
Shaun Wright-Phillips is close to agreeing a move to Fulham which will see the England winger join on loan before signing on a permanent basis in the summer.
City, who originally wanted a transfer fee for Wright-Phillips this month, have offered Fulham a compromise whereby the Londoners will pay a £4million transfer fee in the summer provided they stay in the Premier League.
Fulham are reluctant to pay City a fee while their top-flight status is in jeopardy but manager Mark Hughes is keen to be reunited with the 29-year-old, who he worked with while boss at Eastlands.
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/01/22/article-0-0C8C4958000005DC-968_306x423.jpg)
On the way out: Shaun Wright-Phillips is heading to Fulham
Hughes is also keen to sign former Fulham defender Paul Konchesky and return him to the club after his unhappy six-month spell at Liverpool and the move will happen if Fulham can offload Mexican left-back Carlos Salcido.
After a bright start to his Craven Cottage career, Salcido has lost his place to Chris Baird.
The Fulham manager is also looking to add a striker after missing out on Roque Santa Cruz.
Should Konchesky leave Anfield, Liverpool's interim manager Kenny Dalglish will take Aston Villa defender Stephen Warnock on loan for the rest of the season.
Warnock was part of England's squad at last year's World Cup but has been frozen out at Villa Park by Gerard Houllier and fancies a return to Liverpool, where he started his career.
City will also let goalkeeper Shay Given go out on loan provided they have the facility to recall him should first choice Joe Hart get injured.
Given is keen to play regular first-team football but his £90,000-a-week wages are making it hard for other clubs to take him on.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1349695/Fulham-pay-4m-Shaun-Wright-Phillips-stay-up.html#ixzz1Bo4HWyBZ (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1349695/Fulham-pay-4m-Shaun-Wright-Phillips-stay-up.html#ixzz1Bo4HWyBZ)
Boy wonder Alex Chamberlain will sign for Arsenal: Arsene Wenger wins £10m chase for teenager
By Rob Draper
Last updated at 10:07 PM on 22nd January 2011
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger will end the chase for the teenager rated the most talented in English football.
Every major Premier League club, including Manchester City, Liverpool and Newcastle United, have been tracking Southampton's midfield prodigy Alex Chamberlain.
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/01/22/article-1349674-0CD701FD000005DC-773_634x536.jpg)
Rare talent: Alex Chamberlain
But the 17-year-old boy wonder visited Arsenal's training ground on Friday, met manager Wenger and will sign a £10million deal after talks with chief executive Ivan Gatzidis on Wednesday.
Only a last-minute offer from City could disrupt the move but Chamberlain, son of former England winger Mark Chamberlain, and his advisors will base the decision on where he is likely to develop best.
Arsenal's track record in furthering the careers of England's Theo Walcott - also signed from Southampton as a teenager - and Welsh star Aaron Ramsey is understood to make Arsenal favourites.
Arsenal have yet to agree the fee with Southampton but they will not stand in his way if the sum is adequate. An initial payment of £7m is likely to be followed by supplementary fees if the England Under-18 international progresses into the first team.
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/01/22/article-1349674-0CBECCCA000005DC-319_634x385.jpg)
Hot property: Arsenal has moved quickly highly rated Chamberlain
It is possible that Arsenal will loan him back to Saints for the rest of the season. Chamberlain made his League One debut as a substitute last March at the age of 16 years and 199 days, making him the second-youngest player in the club's history, after Walcott. A goal on his full Saints debut in the Carling Cup clash with Bournemouth in August highlighted his huge potential and he signed his first professional contract at St Mary's that month.
Chamberlain, who was booked yesterday in Southampton's 2-0 defeat at Tranmere, has impressed the top clubs with his range of passing and all-round vision.
He also has considerable pace, which he appears to have inherited from his father. Mark Chamberlain won eight England caps while playing for Stoke in the Eighties before seeing out his career with Sheffield Wednesday and Portsmouth.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1349674/Boy-wonder-Alex-Chamberlain-sign-Arsenal-Arsene-Wenger-wins-10m-chase-teenager.html#ixzz1Bo5ZGqwV (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1349674/Boy-wonder-Alex-Chamberlain-sign-Arsenal-Arsene-Wenger-wins-10m-chase-teenager.html#ixzz1Bo5ZGqwV)
Ferguson attacks Fulham and 'disgraceful' facilities endured by United at away grounds ahead of Blackpool trip
By Joe Bernstein
Last updated at 8:48 PM on 22nd January 2011
Sir Alex Ferguson has hit out at the 'disgraceful' facilities Manchester United have had to cope with this season and urged the Premier League to order stricter regulations at all 20 clubs.
United go to the league's smallest club Blackpool on Tuesday night for a match postponed because the home side do not have undersoil heating.
Three times there has been no hot water for players after games at the ground - but Ferguson sees no reason his superstars should have to contend with below-par facilities.
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/01/22/article-1349659-0958CA64000005DC-87_468x367.jpg)
Not to his liking: Fergie hit out at the facilities at Fulham's ground, Craven Cottage
He said: 'Fulham's dressing rooms when we played there this season were an absolute disgrace. It really was ridiculous. The room you got was no more than eight square yards.
'I think there should be standards; they are in the Premier Division. No matter what the Blackpool dressing room is like, it will not be as bad as Fulham's.'
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1349659/Manchester-Uniteds-Sir-Alex-Ferguson-attacks-Fulham-disgraceful-facilities.html#ixzz1Bo6vNvux (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1349659/Manchester-Uniteds-Sir-Alex-Ferguson-attacks-Fulham-disgraceful-facilities.html#ixzz1Bo6vNvux)
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_6695184,00.html
Elm heading for exit
Swede could be heading home
Last updated: 22nd January 2011
(http://img.skysports.com/10/08/218x298/David-Elm_2493359.jpg)
Elm: Could go back to Sweden
Fulham striker David Elm looks to be on his way back to Sweden before the end of January, with Elfsborg thought to be closest to his signature.
Elm has failed to make a significant impression at the Cottagers since Roy Hodgson signed the player from Kalmar in the summer of 2009, playing ten games and scoring one goal.
Reports suggest that his former club want to re-sign the player they sold for half a million pounds, but Elfsborg are presenting a more interesting opportunity, with chairman Bo Johansson in London, but not disclosing whether he is after the Swede.
"I can confirm that we are in London, but I don't want to comment on that," sad Johansson.
Fulham 2 Stoke 0: Cottagers and Dempsey double up to ease relegation fears
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 5:35 PM on 22nd January 2011
Fulham had the last laugh in this season's feud with Stoke by completing a Barclays Premier League double over them to edge closer to safety.
Top scorer Clint Dempsey netted his eighth and ninth goals of the season as the Cottagers made it three win in five to put daylight between themselves and the drop zone.
The match was the third tempestuous affair between the sides this season and Potters captain Ryan Shawcross was sent off after bundling over Dempsey in the box.
Close up: Clint Dempsey scores the opening goal for Fulham
The American, who had already given his side a half-time lead, stepped up to convert the resulting penalty and seal a comfortable victory.
The opposing managers had refused to shake hands following their two previous meetings this season.
But Fulham boss Mark Hughes was yesterday keen to end the feud and duly made the first move as he greeted Tony Pulis before the game, and they were again on favourable terms after the game.
The home fans were not so generous, repeatedly jeering Andy Wilkinson for the September tackle on Moussa Dembele that sparked the bad blood.
Pulses were racing from the off today, with Shawcross nodding Matthew Etherington's free-kick inches wide inside five minutes and Damien Duff crashing a terrific 30-yard strike against the crossbar two minutes later.
Spot luck: Dempsey scores his second with a penalty
Danny Murphy was narrowly off target after being invited to shoot from 20 yards before David Stockdale saved Tuncay's low strike from the tightest of angles.
Both sides then began to toil until Duff tried a 22nd-minute curling shot which an unsighted Asmir Begovic palmed behind, before Murphy was booked for a tackle from behind on Dean Whitehead.
Stoke almost scored from the resulting free-kick, with Chris Baird's mistimed clearance falling to Kenwyne Jones, who blasted the ball against the near post.
The febrile home fans were incensed by a number of decisions that went against their side but they were celebrating in the 33rd minute when Dempsey gave them the lead.
Duff pounced on a loose ball as Stoke went to sleep, allowing Andy Johnson to get to the byline and cross for Dempsey to slide home his eighth goal of the season ahead of Wilkinson.
A frustrated Wilkinson was booked two minutes later after needlessly clattering into Johnson on the byline.
Fulham enjoyed the better of the early moments in the second half without really threatening.
Going down: Dempsey is felled by Stoke's Ryan Shawcross
Then, in the 55th minute, Dempsey produced a wondrous Dennis Bergkamp-esque piece of control to take Murphy's long ball around Shawcross, who bundled him over to concede a penalty.
Referee Stuart Attwell brandished a red card and Dempsey blasted the penalty straight down the middle.
The 10 men quickly saw a double change, with new signing John Carew and Abdoulaye Faye on for Tuncay and Danny Collins.
Fulham then lost Dickson Etuhu to injury, meaning a debut for Steve Sidwell, with Stoke responding by withdrawing Etherington for Glenn Whelan. Wilkinson's speculative strike deflected behind off Rory Delap, while Sidwell's more measured effort also took a nick at the other end.
Johnson should have made it 3-0 18 minutes from time but shot straight at Begovic under pressure from Faye, before Delap nearly deflected a mis-hit clearance into his own net.
Zoltan Gera and Rafik Halliche then replaced Dembele - who had been impressive on his first start for more than two months - and Aaron Hughes for the final 15 minutes.
Jones nodded Delap's corner over the top as the visitors made a token effort to set up a tense finish, but they were long since beaten.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1349567/Fulham-2-Stoke-0-Relief-Cottagers-Dempsey-doubles-up.html#ixzz1BoAcTayX (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1349567/Fulham-2-Stoke-0-Relief-Cottagers-Dempsey-doubles-up.html#ixzz1BoAcTayX)
Fulham midfielder Dickson Etuhu set to miss Liverpool clash
By Jacob Murtagh
Jan 22 2011
(http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/fulhamchronicle/sep2010/1/5/dickson-etuhu-image-1-462385439.jpg)
Dickson Etuhu
DICKSON Etuhu is a major doubt for Wednesday's trip to Liverpool.
The Fulham midfielder limped out of this afternoon's victory over Stoke with a hamstring injury.
Boss Mark Hughes expects the Nigerian international to miss the clash at Anfield, with new signing Steve Sidwell set to make his full debut.
Aaron Hughes is also an injury concern after suffering a spasm, but Hughes is hopeful he will be fit.
Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/01/22/fulham-midfielder-dickson-etuhu-set-to-miss-liverpool-clash-82029-28037406/#ixzz1BoCcYdcm (http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/01/22/fulham-midfielder-dickson-etuhu-set-to-miss-liverpool-clash-82029-28037406/#ixzz1BoCcYdcm)
City ready to compromise over Wright-Phillips loan to Fulham
Published 23:00 22/01/11
By Simon Mullock
(http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/match-centre/article642151.ece/ALTERNATES/gallery-large/.jpeg)
Manchester City are ready to allow Shaun Wright-Phillips to move to Fulham on loan – but only if the Londoners agree to pay £4million to make the deal permanent if their Premier League status is assured.
Boss Mark Hughes wants to team up with the England winger again after taking him back to City in an £8.5million deal from Chelsea in August 2008.
Wright-Phillips has fallen out of favour at City since rejecting a new contract offer that would have taken his £60,000-a-week wages upped by £10,000-a-week.
A City insider said: "It is clear Fulham want Shaun, but we'd prefer a permanent deal, and having a clause in the contract means they would only have to buy him if they stay up is the best compromise."
Read more: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Transfer-news-Manchester-City-ready-to-compromise-over-Shaun-Wright-Phillips-loan-to-Fulham-article679169.html#ixzz1BoDwdoYC (http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Transfer-news-Manchester-City-ready-to-compromise-over-Shaun-Wright-Phillips-loan-to-Fulham-article679169.html#ixzz1BoDwdoYC)
FULHAM 2 - STOKE CITY 0 - MARK HUGHES MAKES IT DOUBLE TOPS IN 'DAFT 'FEUD
Clint Dempsey helped Fulham record back-to-back home wins
Sunday January 23,2011
By Paul Brown Fulham 2 - Stoke City 0
MARK HUGHES had the last laugh in his bitter feud with Tony Pulis as Fulham did a Premier League double over Stoke.
They may have shaken hands this time – but there is no love lost between the two managers, who have been at loggerheads several times this season.
Clint Dempsey helped Fulham record back-to-back home wins for the first time this season with a goal either side of half-time in a niggly contest.
And revenge was sweet for Hughes and Co as the second came from the penalty spot after Ryan Shawcross saw red for a foul on Dempsey.
Fulham boss Hughes has complained long and hard about Stoke's strong-arm tactics, so it was not unexpected when the killer blow came after a foul.
The 10 men battled on but Stoke have not won away since Boxing Day and there was to be no comeback.
The bad blood between the teams dates back to September when Hughes ignored his opposite number at full-time after Fulham's 2-0 Carling Cup defeat at the Britannia Stadium.
He was furious with a late lunge by Stoke defender Andy Wilkinson on Mousa Dembele which left the Fulham striker writhing in agony.
In retaliation, Pulis refused to shake Hughes' hand after the Cottagers earned a 2-0 win the next time the two teams met in the Premier League three months later.
But the ill-feeling goes even deeper than that. Anyone remember that extraordinary rant by Fulham's Danny Murphy at teams who go out to hurt the opposition with dangerous tackles?
Well, you guessed it, one of the sides he was talking about was Stoke – and that did not impress their chairman Peter Coates, who complained to the League Managers Association.
All very petty then, but it certainly meant the fans inside Craven Cottage were expecting some fireworks.
Pulis was booed before a ball had been kicked as he strode across the pitch to take his place in the dug-out for the kick-off. There were also jeers from the Fulham fans every time Wilkinson touched the ball, and from the away fans every time Murphy did.
Shawcross has been accused of at least one dangerous tackle in the past but he almost fired Stoke in front in the fifth minute, heading a Dean Whitehead centre inches wide.
Damien Duff then forced Chelsea target Asmir Begovic to tip a 25-yard cracker against the crossbar at the other end before a Kenwyne Jones volley rebounded off the upright for Stoke. New singing Steve Sidwell started on the bench for Fulham, who had Dembele starting for the first time since November.
Likewise, Stoke only introduced new boy John Carew as a late substitute, having just signed him on loan from Aston Villa.
Fulham went ahead in the 34th minute when Andy Johnson skinned Shawcross and pulled the ball back for Dempsey, who nipped in front of Wilkinson to prod home. Things quickly got worse for the Stoke full-back when he was booked for hacking down Johnson moments later.
And it looked all over for Stoke shortly after the break when Murphy floated a long ball forward and Dempsey took it down with one touch.
The American then turned Shawcross superbly and the Stoke defender bundled him down as he bore down on goal.
Referee Stuart Attwell waited an age before pointing to the spot and sending off Shawcross – a decision Begovic argued about long and hard.
But once the smoke cleared, Dempsey stepped up and sent him the wrong way to give Fulham a commanding lead.
That sparked chants of "Two-nil to the football team" from the delighted Fulham fans, whose side are now unbeaten in their last three matches.
MAN of the MATCH: CLINT DEMPSEY – Scored two goals to kill the game and gave the Stoke City defence a torrid time
FULHAM: Stockdale; Pantsil, Hangeland, Hughes (Halliche (75), Baird; Duff, Murphy, Etuhu (Sidwell 63), Dempsey; Johnson, Dembele (Gera 75th).
STOKE CITY: Begovic; Wilkinson, Huth, Shawcross, Collins (Carew 58); Delap, Whitehead, Wilson, Etherington (Whelan 63) ; Jones, Tuncay (Faye 59).
Ref: S Attwell Att: 23,766
Read more: http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/224766/Fulham-2-Stoke-City-0-Mark-Hughes-makes-it-double-tops-in-daft-feud/Fulham-2-Stoke-City-0-Mark-Hughes-makes-it-double-tops-in-daft-feud#ixzz1BpxsrJOI (http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/224766/Fulham-2-Stoke-City-0-Mark-Hughes-makes-it-double-tops-in-daft-feud/Fulham-2-Stoke-City-0-Mark-Hughes-makes-it-double-tops-in-daft-feud#ixzz1BpxsrJOI)
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/dempseys-double-proves-too-hot-for-stoke-2191945.html#Scene_1
Dempsey's double proves too hot for Stoke
Fulham 2 Stoke City 0
By Nick Szczepanik at Craven Cottage
Sunday, 23 January 2011
When Mark Hughes said last weekend that his Fulham team could challenge for a place in the top ten of the Barclays Premier League, most people probably thought he was being a little optimistic for the manager of a side that had been in the bottom three on Boxing Day. But this comfortable victory suggests that Hughes might know something after all.
Clint Dempsey's seventh and eighth league goals of the season gave Fulham a haul of ten points from five games, a sequence that began with a 2-0 victory at Stoke on December 28th. Yesterday they recorded back-to-back wins at Craven Cottage for the first time this season as well as a league double over opponents whose physical challenge might have been expected to cause them problems.
Instead Stoke inflicted wounds on themselves, having Ryan Shawcross, their captain, sent off for conceding the penalty from which Dempsey scored his second. But the improving form of Andrew Johnson and Mousa Dembele, both of whom have missed parts of the season through injury, was also a factor.
"We were convinced things would turn when we got injured players back," Hughes said. "We had a great result against Stoke away from home which galvanised us and made us understand how we need to win games in a very difficult league."
Shawcross's afternoon could have begun more memorably than it ended had he not put an early header wide, and Stoke had another good chance when Kenwyne Jones hit the outside of a post after a miscued clearance fell his way six yards out.
Fulham, though, were the better side, Damien Duff hitting the crossbar from 25 yards and forcing a diving save from Asmir Begovic, and it was no surprise when they took the lead after 33 minutes. The hapless Shawcross was slow to react when Johnson took possession in the area, darted past him and crossed low for Dempsey to steal a yard on Andy Wilkinson and hit a first-time shot into the roof of the net.
Fulham doubled their advantage after 54 minutes as Dempsey took Danny Murphy's long pass with an exquisite first touch that would have set him up for a shot on goal had Shawcross not wrestled him to the ground. The red card was inevitable, Dempsey's penalty unerring.
"2-0 to the football team," the Fulham supporters sang. Stoke introduced John Carew for his debut after joining on loan from Aston Villa for the rest of the season, but he made little impression. "We had great chances, as poorly as we've played," Tony Pulis, the Stoke manager, said. "But the sending off and the penalty killed the game. Dempsey's a very clever player."
Attendance: 23,766
Referee: Stuart Atwell
Man of the match: Dempsey
Match rating: 6/10
http://www.people.co.uk/sport/football/sport-confidential/2011/01/23/maradona-s-ful-some-assurance-to-mark-hughes-102039-22868873/
Maradona's Ful-some assurance to Mark Hughes
Jan 23 2011
by Tom Hopkinson, The People
(http://images.mirror.co.uk/upl/people3/jan2011/2/5/confyhughespic-258652088.jpg)
MARK HUGHES took an unexpected phone call from the Hand of God himself to deny rumours he was heading to England to become Fulham boss.
Speculation was rife that Argentine genius Diego Maradona was set to replace Hughes after he revealed a Premier League club had been in touch.
The man responsible for single-handedly knocking England out of the 1986 World Cup has now distanced himself from those rumours.
Confidential understands Maradona called Hughes last week to make it clear he has not been in talks with owner Mohamed Al Fayed.
But the 50-year-old former Argentina boss is still expected to head to England as he looks to improve his coaching methods.
http://www.people.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/premier-league-match-reports/2011/01/23/fulham-2-0-stoke-city-dempsey-double-floors-pulis-102039-22868856/
Fulham 2-0 Stoke City: Dempsey double floors Pulis
Jan 23 2011
by Matt Butler, The People
(http://images.mirror.co.uk/upl/people3/jan2011/0/0/fulhampic-495462913.jpg)
MARK HUGHES and Tony Pulis may have kissed and made up – but the bad blood between the players will run and run.
Clint Dempsey scored in each half to notch Fulham's first double of the season, while Stoke had Ryan Shawcross sent off for a challenge on the American which led to his spot kick for the second.
And while all the pre-match talk was about whether Pulis and Hughes would come to blows – they were 20-1 to do so – after the match it was clear the beef is between the players.
Stoke were incensed at Dempsey after accusing him of milking the penalty – a claim that Pulis later levelled at the striker.
The feud between the bosses stretched back to last September, when Hughes refused to shake Pulis's hand after Moussa Dembele was injured by a rash Andy Wilkinson tackle late in the Carling Cup loss at the Britannia Stadium.
Pulis returned the favour over Christmas, swatting Hughes' hand away in anger at claims from the Craven Cottage boss and captain Danny Murphy that Stoke kick teams out of matches.
But the Fulham boss laughed off the ill-feeling and said: "I shook hands with Tony, we were just two daft Welshmen a couple of weeks ago.
"Both the games have been fine, it was just two managers being a bit daft, I think. It was more to do with us than the teams themselves.
"It was very low-key in that respect, there weren't too many incidents where things boiled over. We just kept the ball down and played the way we like."
Regardless of whether the two bosses had buried the hatchet, Fulham began with the intent of a team on the rise – while Stoke looked every bit as nasty as their reputation.
Damien Duff rattled the woodwork in the 11th minute before captain Danny Murphy dragged his shot wide.
After Murphy had been the first to go into the referee's book, Andy Johnson was then upended by Wilkinson, prompting the only other yellow card of the day – and a chorus of boos from the usually polite Craven Cottage crowd.
Tuncay had a shot saved on 13 minutes, while Kenwyne Jones hit the near post after Chris Baird had failed to clear a free kick.
Fulham went ahead just past the half hour mark when Dempsey applied the finishing touch to a lightning-fast counter-attack, with Johnson providing the cross.
If things were niggly in the first half, they threatened to get downright nasty 10 minutes after the break, when Shawcross hacked Dempsey down in the box.
Some may have argued the American was not in a goalscoring position, but referee Stuart Attwell – whose earlier decisions had been dodgy – did not need convincing the Potters captain deserved an early bath.
As Pulis was shouting niceties across the field, either at Attwell or his skipper, Dempsey stepped up to coolly slot the second goal.
Pulis said: "The sending off killed the game. It looks like Dempsey was on his way down and Ryan's got his hand on his shoulder.
"It looks as though Dempsey is a very clever player and if you're the referee you're going to give it.
"The disappointing thing for me is that they get a penalty, we go down to 10 men and we lose him for two games.
"I don't think the punishment suits the crime there. I think it is very, very harsh for us as a club and for him as a kid."
http://www.stokecityfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0,,10310~2274064,00.html (http://www.stokecityfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0,,10310~2274064,00.html)
http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/173263/Fulham-2-Stoke-0-Clint-Demspey-is-Mark-Hughes-ace/
FULHAM 2 - STOKE 0 - CLINT DEMSPEY IS MARK HUGHES ACE
23rd January 2011
By Paul Brown
Fulham 2 - Stoke 0
CLINT DEMPSEY'S double allowed Mark Hughes the last laugh in his feud with Tony Pulis as Fulham did a Premier League double over Stoke.
They may have shaken hands this time – but there is no love lost between the two managers, who have been at loggerheads this season.
Dempsey helped Fulham record back-to-back home wins for the first time this season with a goal either side of half-time in a niggly, bad-tempered match.
And revenge was sweet for Hughes (right) and co as the second came from the penalty spot after Ryan Shawcross saw red for a foul on the American.
The Fulham boss has complained about Stoke's strong-arm tactics – so it was ironic the killer blow came after a foul.
The ten men battled on but Stoke haven't won away since Boxing Day.
The bad blood between the teams dates back to September when Hughes ignored his opposite number at full-time after Fulham's 2-0 Carling Cup defeat at the Britannia Stadium.
He was furious with a late lunge by Potters defender Andy Wilkinson on Mousa Dembele which left the Fulham striker writhing in agony.
In retaliation, Pulis refused to shake his hand after the Cottagers earned a 2-0 win in the Premier League three months later.
Danny Murphy's dig at teams who go out to hurt the opposition with dangerous tackles was a dig at Stoke, among others. And that did not impress Potters chairman Peter Coates, who complained to the League Managers Association.
Pulis was booed before a ball had been kicked as he took his place in the dug-out for the kick-off.
There were also jeers from the home fans every time Wilkinson touched the ball and from the away fans every time Murphy did.
Hughes played down his spat afterwards, saying: "There's no problem. I shook hands with Tony before and after the game.
"We're just two daft Welshmen, that's all. It was a pretty straightforward win. We looked quite comfortable. There weren't too many incidents when it boiled over."
Fulham went ahead in the 33rdß minute when Andy Johnson skinned Shawcross and pulled the ball back for Dempsey, who nipped in front of Wilkinson to prod home.
Things quickly got worse for the Stoke full-back when he was booked for hacking down Johnson moments later.
Then, shortly after the break, Murphy floated a long ball forward and Dempsey took it down with one touch.
The American then turned Shawcross superbly and the beaten Stoke defender bundled him down.
Referee Stuart Attwell waited an age before pointing to the spot and sending Shawcross off.
Dempsey then stepped up and sent the keeper the wrong way to give the home side a commanding lead.
That sparked chants of "Two-nil – to the football team".
Pulis complained about the penalty decision. He said: "It looked as though Dempsey was on the way down.
"Dempsey's a very clever player but, if you're the referee, you give it.
"The disappointing thing for me is they get the penalty, the kid gets sent off and we lose him for two games."
http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/01/trotta-hat-trick-sinks-chelsea/
Trotta hat-trick sinks Chelsea
by Dan on January 22, 2011
If Mark Hughes is still searching for a physical centre forward, then the answer might be closer than he thinks. While the senior side were preparing for this afternoon's Premier League battle with Stoke, Marcello Trotta continued his fine form with a devastating hat-trick as Fulham's under-18s put five past their Chelsea counterparts at Motspur Park.
Trotta, who starred in the youth team as they reached the quarter finals of the FA Youth Cup last year, demonstrated both his aerial ability and potential as a finisher as Fulham's youngsters hammered their local rivals in the SW6 derby. Chelsea failed to heed an early warning of the danger posed by the Italian youth international when Trotta headed disappointing wide from in front of goal but he made no mistake when capitalising on a horrendous mistake by Chelsea defender Aziz Deen-Conteh, robbing the centre back and beating the goalkeeper with an assured finish.
Aussie winger Corey Gameiro sped clear of a terribly square Chelsea defence to score a second and Trotta finished the contest with a sublime bit of finishing before the break. Making the most of some half-hearted defending at a corner, Trotta nonchalantly turned his man and fired home clinically to make it 3-0.
Trotta showed terrific anticipation to claim his hat-trick in the second half following in a shot from substitute Charles Banya and tucking away the rebound from close range. Chelsea's top scorer Todd Kane did steer in a consolation but Banya grabbed a deserved goal as he exploited some slack marking at a free-kick to fire in the fifth.
The story has to be Trotta's impressive development, though. Fulham will need to move him up to make the most of his undoubted talent. The question is when.
http://www.footballfancast.com/2011/01/football-news/hughes-hails-dempsey-influence
Hughes hails Dempsey influence
Date: 22nd January 2011 at 9:33 pm |
Written by FFC News Desk
(http://www.footballfancast.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/3f09dbc71a02900.jpg.jpg)
Fulham boss Mark Hughes lauded the performance of Clint Dempsey, whose brace helped his side to a 2-0 win over Stoke at Craven Cottage.
The 27-year-old striker scored a goal in each half to help put valuable breathing space between Fulham and the relegation zone, and Hughes was delighted with both the result and the contribution of the American.
"Sometimes you think Clint's not having an impact on the game, but he's had a positive influence in virtually every game he's played, with goals created or scored," Hughes said.
"It was a great finish for the first, and a great touch to create the penalty by himself. He always has a positive impact."
"It was a good win today – pretty straightforward in all fairness."
"We got the ball down, played our stuff and got the goals at good times. It was quite comfortable."
"We just knew we had to get over a period where results didn't quite go for us. We just needed to get key personnel back, firing."
Stoke manager Tony Pulis was left to lament the decision to send off defender Ryan Shawcross for a foul on Dempsey that led to a penalty the striker duly converted.
The referee had little choice but to dismiss the 23-year-old, but Pulis believes the further two-match ban the defender will incur is too hard a punishment.
"I'm looking at it and it's two bodies coming together. He's been sent off, we've been penalised with them scoring the second goal and now he misses another two games," Pulis told Sky Sports.
"I think it's a harsh thing to have to accept when it looks as though the kid's almost on the way down waiting to be touched."
"It's not only that it's the two games (ban) as well. It's desperately disappointing for us. I do think at times people will have to look at (the rule)."
When asked about the result, the Welshman was pragmatic – believing they were beaten by a better side on the day.
"I've not really any complaints. I think the penalty decision obviously changed the game," Pulis said.
"First half I'd say Fulham were the better team although we've had four or five great opportunities today without really playing well. Obviously the penalty and the sending off then kills you."
http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2011/01/22/2318463/fulham-boss-mark-hughes-praises-performance-of-andy-johnson (http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2011/01/22/2318463/fulham-boss-mark-hughes-praises-performance-of-andy-johnson)
Fulham boss Mark Hughes praises performance of Andy Johnson after win over Stoke City
Cottagers suffer injury to Dickson Etuhu
By Grant Wilson at Craven Cottage
22 Jan 2011 21:04:00
Fulham manager Mark Hughes heaped praise on striker Andy Johnson after he watched his side beat Stoke City 2-0 at Craven Cottage on Saturday.
The striker, marking his 150th Premier League appearance, created the Cottagers' first goal as his cross was turned in by Clint Dempsey, before the American slotted home a second half penalty after being fouled by Ryan Shawcross – which resulted in a red card for the defender.
After the game, Hughes praised the performance of Johnson despite not getting on the scoresheet as well as the impact Dempsey had upon the game
"I said that last week all Johnson was missing was a goal, because his general performances were good," he told reporters.
"Even without a goal today, I thought his movement and willingness to free himself from the shackles of the back four was excellent, and he freed up all the space for Mousa Dembele.
"When he has possession of the ball, he is a great player to watch, he has great intelligence on the ball and the players love playing with him because they know when they knock it into him, he can create things. So it's good to have him back.
"We were convinced that when we got the players back from injury and I have said before that when we play teams, we would always get stronger in the second half of the season.
"Results were not going for us and we just needed to get key personnel firing and we have started to get that.
"With Dempsey, you think he isn't having an impact on the game but in every game we have played he has had an impact either on our goals as he has scored or created them.
"Today it was a great first goal as he anticipated things in the box and it was a great finish.
"He also created the chance for the penalty and scored himself. He always has a positive impact on the game and I'm delighted with his performance as well as Johnson's."
The former Manchester City boss also believes that the win over the same opponents just a few weeks back, has galvanised the team and they are really starting to perform well.
Hughes continued: "We had a great result against Stoke away from home that really galvanized the team and made us understand what we needed to do to win games in this very difficult league we compete in.
"So from that point onwards I've seen qualities that gives me confidence that we can sustain the team.
"It's a good win today, pretty straightforward it all fairness. I mean we got the ball down, played our stuff, got the goals at good times so 2-0 at home was quite comfortable.
"Dickson [Etuhu] might of picked up an injury but we have strength in depth and Steven Sidwell I thought acquitted himself well and he will enjoy playing here, and Aaron Hughes had a bit of stiffness but Halliche did very well for us also.
"So all in all even if we have lost a couple of players we got ready replacements because of the strength of the squad at the moment."
Hughes then added that Etuhu could be a doubt for Wednesday clash against Liverpool after the midfielder limped off with a hamstring injury.
When the two sides met back in December, Pulis refused to shake Mark Hughes' hand after the game but the Cottagers boss believes it's all over with now.
"No Problem at all," Hughes stated.
"I shook hands with Tony [Pulis] before the game as well so we were just two daft Welshman a couple of weeks ago. But we are alright now."
http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2011/01/22/2318435/stoke-city-manager-tony-pulis-brands-ryan-shawcross-sending
Stoke City manager Tony Pulis brands Ryan Shawcross sending off as 'very harsh'
Potters boss doesn't feel the punishment fits the crime
By Grant Wilson at Craven Cottage
22 Jan 2011 20:55:00
Find the best odds and bet on the Premier League. Stoke City manager Tony Pulis believes the sending off of Ryan Shawcross was very harsh in his side's 2-0 loss away to Fulham.
Shawcross was shown the red card in the 55th minute for pulling down Clint Dempsey to give Fulham a penalty, something Pulis feels was unfair on his player.
Dempsey scored both of the goals, including the penalty, to give the home side a win and ease the pressure on manager Mark Hughes.
"Well I've watched it now and it looks like Dempsey is on his way down," said Pulis after the match.
"It's a coming together of two players and Ryan [Shawcross] has got his arm on his shoulder so you would see it as a free-kick as Dempsey is a very clever player and the referee gave it.
"The disappointment for me is that they get the penalty that makes it 2-0, the kid gets sent off, which takes us down to 10 men, and we lose him for two games.
"I don't think the punishment suits the crime there in my opinion.
"It is very very harsh for the club and very very harsh on the kid becuase i dont think it was reckless or a poor challenge but we still get punished today and for two other games."
Stoke lost the game but things could have been different had first half chances been converted by Shawcross himself and striker Kenwyne Jones.
"We had that great chance with Ryan in the first couple of minutes and he has headed it wide and obviously Kenwyne Jones hits the post as well," added Pulis.
"But we were a bit flat in the first half although Tuncay had a great chance which the keeper saved well from. So we've had three great first half chances despite how poorly we generally played today.
"Second half - if you look at it - Kenwyne has had two great headers and he could have come out of the game with a hat-trick, but obviously the penalty and the sending off kills the game at that point."
The sending off now means Shawcross will servea a two game suspension, which will add to an already problematic fixture timetable, as he will be one player down.
Pulis continued: "We have a tough run of games. From the game at Cardiff we have six games and five of them are away from home so we have a very tough run for the next three weeks.
"We play Sunday, Wednesday and the FA or police have moved our game back to Sunday against Wolves which is a disappointment for us, as we then only have two days to recover before we play Liverpool away, then another two days before we play Sunderland at home. So it's going to be a tough week.
The defeat leaves Stoke on 30 points, eight above the dreaded relegation zone.
http://www.skysports.com/football/match_report/0,19764,11065_3284145,00.html
Dempsey double downs Potters
Shawcross dismissed after giving away penalty
By Richard Simpson
Last updated: 22nd January 2011
(http://img.skysports.com/11/01/496x259/Clint-Dempsey-Ryan-Shawcross-Fulham-Premier-L_2554040.jpg)
MAN OF THE MATCH: Damien Duff. The Irish winger rolled back the years to put in a lively performance that gave Danny Collins nightmares.
GOAL OF THE MATCH: Clint Dempsey's first-half strike was well taken but it was the excellent work from Andy Johnson in the build-up that made the goal a real delight.
SAVE OF THE MATCH: Asmir Begovic got his fingertips to a rasping Damien Duff drive to tip the ball onto the bar.
MOMENT OF THE MATCH: Ryan Shawcross hauled down Clint Dempsey who was clean through on goal. Stuart Attwell issued a red card and the resulting penalty put the game beyond doubt..
A Clint Dempsey goal in each half was enough to see Fulham take all three points in a 2-0 win over ten-man Stoke.
Fulham out-performed a toothless Stoke side who saw any chance of a comeback dashed by a Ryan Shawcross red card.
Dempsey looked sharp and latched onto a great Andy Johnson first-half ball to fire the home side ahead before converting a second half penalty to seal all three points.
Fulham enjoyed the majority of the possession in a lively first half but Stoke defended resolutely for the most part.
Damien Duff and the returning Andy Johnson but put in great shifts and were a handful for the Stoke defence all game.
Both teams had good chances and rattled the woodwork early on. A rasping Duff drive cannoned off the crossbar while Stoke's Kenwyne Jones' shot struck the outside of the post from an acute angle.
Feuding managers
The opposing managers had refused to shake hands following their two previous meetings this season.
But Fulham boss Mark Hughes was yesterday keen to end the feud and duly made the first move as he greeted Tony Pulis before the game, and they were again on favourable terms after the game.
The home fans were not so generous, repeatedly jeering Andy Wilkinson for the September tackle on Moussa Dembele that sparked the bad blood.
Pulses were racing from the off today, with Shawcross nodding Matthew Etherington's free-kick inches wide inside five minutes and Damien Duff crashing a terrific 30-yard strike against the crossbar two minutes later.
Danny Murphy was narrowly off target after being invited to shoot from 20 yards before David Stockdale saved Tuncay's low strike from the tightest of angles.
Both sides then began to toil until Duff tried a 22nd-minute curling shot which an unsighted Asmir Begovic palmed behind, before Murphy was booked for a tackle from behind on Dean Whitehead.
Stoke almost scored from the resulting free-kick, with Chris Baird's mistimed clearance falling to Kenwyne Jones, who blasted the ball against the near post.
The febrile home fans were incensed by a number of decisions that went against their side but they were celebrating in the 33rd minute when Dempsey gave them the lead.
Duff pounced on a loose ball as Stoke went to sleep, allowing Andy Johnson to get to the byline and cross for Dempsey to slide home his eighth goal of the season ahead of Wilkinson.
A frustrated Wilkinson was booked two minutes later after needlessly clattering into Johnson on the byline.
Fulham enjoyed the better of the early moments in the second half without really threatening.
Then, in the 55th minute, Dempsey produced a wondrous Dennis Bergkamp-esque piece of control to take Murphy's long ball around Shawcross, who bundled him over to concede a penalty.
Referee Stuart Attwell brandished a red card and Dempsey blasted the penalty straight down the middle.
Changes
The ten-men quickly saw a double change, with new signing John Carew and Abdoulaye Faye on for Tuncay and Danny Collins.
Fulham then lost Dickson Etuhu to injury, meaning a debut for Steve Sidwell, with Stoke responding by withdrawing Etherington for Glenn Whelan.
Wilkinson's speculative strike deflected behind off Rory Delap, while Sidwell's more measured effort also took a nick at the other end.
Johnson should have made it 3-0 18 minutes from time but shot straight at Begovic under pressure from Faye, before Delap nearly deflected a mis-hit clearance into his own net.
Zoltan Gera and Rafik Halliche then replaced Dembele - who had been impressive on his first start for more than two months - and Aaron Hughes for the final 15 minutes.
Jones nodded Delap's corner over the top as the visitors made a token effort to set up a tense finish, but they were long since beaten.
Fulham
Team Statistics
Stoke City
2 Goals
0
1 1st Half Goals
0
4 Shots on Target
1
3 Shots off Target
7
8 Blocked Shots
1
3 Corners
2
11 Fouls
11
5 Offsides
0
1 Yellow Cards
1
0 Red Cards
1
80.5 Passing Success
62
15 Tackles
20
86.7 Tackles Success
75
63.9 Possession
36.1
57.1 Territorial Advantage
42.9
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/premier-league/7943961/Fulham-2-Stoke-City-0-match-report.html
Fulham 2 Stoke City 0: match report
Read a full match report of the Premier League game between Fulham and Stoke City at Craven Cottage on Saturday, Jan 22 2011.
FULHAM 2 - 0 STOKE CITY Saturday, January 22 15:00
Premier League
Craven CottageDempsey (33, 56) (HT 1-0)
ATT: 23,766
(http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/01809/fulham_1809217c.jpg)
Hot shot: Clint Dempsey (left) celebrates scoring for Fulham Photo: PA
By John Ley 5:00PM GMT 22 Jan 2011
Tony Pulis will be glad to see the back of Fulham. After being criticised by the club's captain and falling out with their manager he suffered a second Premier League defeat against them inside a month, with his side reduced to 10 men. To add insult, he was chided by Fulham's fans, who sang "2-0 to the football team".
The Stoke City manager clashed with opposite number and fellow Welshman Mark Hughes earlier in the season over a foul by Andy Wilkinson on Moussa Dembele in the Carling Cup in September. He was also one of three managers targeted by Fulham captain Danny Murphy, who claimed they sent out their players "pumped up".
On Saturday Pulis saw his side systematically beaten after Ryan Shawcross was dismissed for conceding the penalty that led to the second goal.
At the Britannia Stadium in December, Chris Baird was the unlikely hero with both goals but, by the Thames, Clint Dempsey scored twice to enhance further the chances of Fulham avoiding relegation.
Before the trip to the Potteries Hughes had been given three games to save his job, yet he has now taken 10 points from a possible 15 ahead of Wednesday's trip to Liverpool. Hughes and Pulis shook hands before and after the game – unlike at the previous two meetings – and both insisted the row was low key, with Hughes joking: "It was just two Welshmen being daft."
The same could be said for Shawcross. The defender squandered a good chance to open the scoring early on and was responsible for both goals before his early departure.
Pulis admitted: "The sending-off and penalty killed the game. I think he [Dempsey] was going down but Ryan's hand was on his shoulder. Dempsey is a clever player."
Hughes said: "My teams are always stronger in the second half of the season and we just had to get hold of it. In the end it was a fairly straightforward win."
Yet with only five minutes played, a well-flighted free-kick from Matthew Etherington found Shawcross unmarked, but the defender headed wide.
A wickedly deceptive left-foot drive from Fulham's Damien Duff was touched onto the bar by Asmir Begovic. The Bosnian goalkeeper denied the Irishman again, in the 22nd minute when Duff was set up by Dickson Etuhu's short pass.
Stoke's Kenwyne Jones hit the outside of the right post before Fulham took a 33rd-minute lead. Andrew Johnson beat Shawcross with an intelligent run before crossing to Dempsey, who held off Wilkinson's weak challenge and beat Begovic from close range.
After the break, Dempsey wove his way into the Stoke area with delightful intent but was crudely downed by Shawcross.
Referee Stuart Attwell showed the Stoke defender a red card, his second of the season following his dismissal at Sunderland in November. Dempsey delivered the penalty impeccably for his ninth goal of the season – level with his previous best tally, set last season.
Stoke responded by introducing newcomer John Carew while Fulham gave Steve Sidwell, Carew's former Villa Park team-mate, his debut as a substitute.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/jan/22/fulham-stoke-city-premier-leagueClint Dempsey double gives Fulham win over Stoke City Dominic Fifield guardian.co.uk, Saturday 22 January 2011 17.35 GMT Article history
(http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Football/Pix/pictures/2011/1/22/1295716135511/Fulhams-Clint-Dempsey-is--006.jpg)
Fulham's Clint Dempsey is pulled down by Stoke City's Ryan Shawcross for the penalty that bec ame the American's second goal Photograph: Neil Tingle/PA
There was a rare handshake between Mark Hughes and Tony Pulis at the final whistle, but the sense of satisfaction was all Fulham's. The Londoners have eked out breathing space ahead of those at the bottom, again using a collision with Stoke City as a means of releasing the pressure. Their season now hints at real revival.
Victory by this same scoreline in the reverse fixture last month had staved off the immediate threat of the sack for Hughes, even if the lingering memory of that occasion had been the bad blood between the teams. Hughes described the managers' failure to shake hands then as the pair "being a bit daft". In that pantomime context, this was reconciliation of sorts.
The ill feeling had been a legacy of Andy Wilkinson's ugly challenge on Moussa Dembélé in stoppage time of a Carling Cup tie back in September, and was fuelled further by Danny Murphy's comments, perceived to have been derogatory, on Stoke's style of play a month later.
Pointless from two meetings with these opponents, Pulis will be relieved to see the back of all things Fulham.
His side had been reduced to 10 before the hour-mark, the captain Ryan Shawcross dismissed – for the second time this season – for a professional foul after hauling the excellent Clint Dempsey to the turf in conceding a second-half penalty. The American's collection of Murphy's pass was sublime, his turn between Robert Huth and Shawcross too slick for the dawdling defenders. The centre-half was panicked into his foul and a two-match suspension awaits, with Dempsey's penalty emphatic.
"He's a very clever player, but if you're the referee you give it," bemoaned Pulis. "The disappointing thing for me is they get the penalty, the kid gets sent off, and we lose him for two games. The punishment does not suit the crime. It's not a reckless, nasty or poor challenge." The captain will be missed.
That was Dempsey's ninth goal of a productive season, the brace plundered here reward for the industry he and his team-mates conjured against awkward opponents. Fulham were always the more urgent, striking the bar early on through Damien Duff's vicious shot, testing Asmir Begovic regularly and, eventually, chiselling out a lead.
Andrew Johnson, a livewire again with form and fitness restored, darted away from Shawcross and squared for Dempsey to slide in ahead of Wilkinson and convert. "We were always convinced things would turn once we got our injured players back," said Hughes. "In the end it all felt pretty straightforward."
Stoke's threat was rather more sporadic. Shawcross might have scored from their first attack, thumping a header wide from Matthew Etherington's free-kick. Kenwyne Jones, too, should have done better when Chris Baird inadvertently nodded the ball into his path at the far post, the Trinidadian belting his shot against the outside of a post with David Stockdale looking on helplessly. Yet that was as close as the visitors came.
Pulis, who included Ricardo Fuller on the bench despite apparent interest from Sunderland, flung his loanee John Carew on for the latter stages, though this game had long since veered out of reach. The Fulham recovery gathers pace.
THE FANS' PLAYER RATINGS AND VERDICT
DAVID LLOYD, TOOFIF.co.uk A hugely satisfying afternoon – on quite a few levels. In the end we were comfortable but it could have gone the other way. If they had scored right at the start when they had the chance it would have made things very different. Johnson buzzed around really well and Murphy did well to prompt and probe. He was so involved. As the game went on, Duff shone. He had a shot against the bar and it seemed to fire him up. It was a battle that had to be won and we did – we haven't had that aspect this season. We haven't got a wonderful run of fixtures coming up, so it was important to get something today.
The fan's player ratings Stockdale 6; Pantsil 6, Hughes 7 (Halliche 76 5), Hangeland 7, Baird 7; Duff 8, Etuhu 7 (Sidwell 63 7), Murphy 9; Dempsey 8; Dembélé 7 (Gera 76 6), Johnson 8
RICHARD MURPHY, Author, Stoke City on This Day After the goal went in, we weren't in it. It's happened in certain games recently – things have gone badly and we haven't been able to react and put in a performance. Fulham at home was the same, so I'm hoping it's just Fulham! Jones wasn't holding the ball up properly, and we couldn't get the ball to Etherington. When those things happen, we have problems. Carew had one good run when he first came on – I just hope he's more competition for Jones than a replacement for Fuller. The red card was pretty cut and dried. It wasn't a nasty challenge, he just pulled him back in the box.
The fan's player ratings Begovic 7; Wilkinson 6, Huth 7, Shawcross 6, Collins 4 (Carew 58 7); Etherington 6 (Whelan 63 7), Whitehead 6, Wilson 7, Delap 5; Tuncay 5 (Faye 59 7), Jones 5
To take part in the Fans' Verdict, email
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Stoke City manager Tony Pulis says Fulham striker Clint Dempsey was "clever" when earning a spot-kick in the 2-0 defeat at Craven Cottage and the punishment for Ryan Shawcross of a penalty, red card and two-game band is "scandalous" and "too, too harsh".
Video -
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/stoke_city/9370686.stm (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/stoke_city/9370686.stm)
Mark Hughes denies that Stoke losing a man in Fulham's 2-0 win, when Ryan Shawcross upended Clint Dempsey for a penalty, made a huge difference as he thinks his team "had the game won at that stage".
Video -
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/f/fulham/9370722.stm (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/f/fulham/9370722.stm)
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_6695194,00.html (http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_6695194,00.html)
Hughes lauds Fulham duo
Dempsey brace caps strong home performance for Hughes
Last updated: 22nd January 2011
Mark Hughes has heaped praise on Andrew Johnson and Damien Duff after his Fulham side's 2-0 win over Stoke.
The duo rolled back the years and made life extremely difficult for a shell-shocked Stoke side who continued their struggles on the road.
The Fulham boss was encouraged to see his side take the initiative and control a vital game that now lifts his team four points above the drop zone.
Hughes was happy to discuss the performances of two players who could prove to be as important as any potential new signings at Craven Cottage.
"I thought he [Johnson] was excellent again today even without the goals," Hughes told Sky Sports.
"In his general play and his performances of late you can see he was getting back to the level he was before his bad injury and he just needs games now.
"Every game he plays now he'll be stronger and faster and we'll benefit from him.
"I was really pleased with Damien's performance today he was really positive, going at his full-back and causing him problems all day long.
"He'll be encouraged by that as we wanted him to isolate his full-back if he could. He created a lot of opportunities for us today."
Comfortable win
Despite having a less than stellar record after going in front this season, Hughes was happy to see his men play out a relatively problem-free second half that even included a rare penalty for the home side.
"We played well today I thought it was a very accomplished performance," added Hughes.
"We scored a great opening goal and created a situation which led to a penalty. At 2-0 we were quite comfortable.
"Even before that I thought we played like a more accomplished side and deserved to win today.
"We haven't had a penalty for quite some time so I wasn't quite sure who was going to take it myself so I think it was one of those where Clint grabbed the ball to take it."
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11701_6695367,00.html (http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11701_6695367,00.html)
Pulis critical of red ruling
Potters boss has no complaints about result
Last updated: 22nd January 2011
Stoke boss Tony Pulis has bemoaned the fact Ryan Shawcross must now miss two games following Saturday's red card at Fulham.
Fulham wound up 2-0 winners, with the second goal coming from the spot after Shawcross had hauled down Clint Dempsey in the box.
The away side struggled to find the form that has made them a terrifying prospect at the Britannia, with a strong bench unable to make an impact after the sending off.
Referee Stuart Attwell had little choice but to reduce the Potters to ten men, yet Pulis feels the rule needs looking at.
"I'm looking at it and it's two bodies coming together. He's been sent off, we've been penalised with them scoring the second goal and now he misses another two games," Pulis told Sky Sports.
"I think it's a harsh thing to have to accept when it looks as though the kid's almost on the way down waiting to be touched.
"It's not only that it's the two games [suspension] as well. It's desperately disappointing for us. I do think at times people will have to look at [the rule]."
Outclassed
Pulis admitted that he had few issues with the result itself, but pointed to a number of chances that could have created a very different outcome.
"I've not really any complaints [about the result]. I think the penalty decision obviously changed the game," added Pulis.
"First half I'd say Fulham were the better team although we've had four or five great opportunities today without really playing well. Obviously the penalty and the sending off then kills you.
"We've got good players ready to come on but when you're 2-0 down and ten men it's very difficult for the forwards.
"Having said that, Kenwyne has had two great headers that have gone over the bar. On another day he scores those two."
Taking Control
Saturday 22nd January 2011
(http://www.fulhamfc.com/Images/MainNews/NewsPages/Players/Dembele/vStokeHome.jpg)
Mousa Dembele praised the manner of Saturday's win over Stoke with the Whites producing a superb performance against a team that came to Craven Cottage in eighth place.
Fulham completed a league double over the Staffordshire club, with Clint Dempsey providing the finishing touch with two well-taken goals - the second of which came from the spot after Ryan Shawcross was sent off after hauling the American down in the box.
"This was a great win for us," said Dembele speaking to fulhamfc.com. "Clint took his goals really well, and we deserved them. Perhaps we could have had a few more too.
"From start to finish we controlled the game and at times we played some fantastic football. It was good to be part of that today.
"Stoke are a strong side, but we matched them in every department and as a result we saw a big all round display."
The Belgium international made his first start for the Whites since mid-November, and naturally the 23-year-old was delighted to be in action again in what was at times a bruising encounter for the Fulham front line.
"Of course, it was really pleasing to be back out there with my team-mates," he said. "I've missed a fair bit of football lately, so I'm determined to come back and do well.
"I think I played alright today, and I have to say that I felt good and there were no concerns regarding the injury.
"Stoke are a physical side and sometimes you get that in football. It can be difficult but you have to get on with it. I thought we coped well."
Dembele certainly impressed on Saturday and Whites fans will be hoping for more of the same when Fulham are next in action at Craven Cottage against Tottenham in the FA Cup next weekend|.
"It's a game that I'm looking forward to and hopefully I will be involved," said Dembele. "It will be the first time that I have played in the competition so it will be a big moment for me.
"Tottenham are a good side, but we're confident that we can get ourselves through to the next round. I'm really enjoying my time at the Club and it would be nice to put a successful run together."
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/DembeleStokeReaction.aspx#ixzz1Bq9DHSYq (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/DembeleStokeReaction.aspx#ixzz1Bq9DHSYq)
Winning Qualities
Saturday 22nd January 2011
(http://www.fulhamfc.com/Images/MainNews/NewsPages/Management/Hughes/general5.jpg)
Speaking after Fulham's Barclays Premier League victory over Stoke City at Craven Cottage, Manager Mark Hughes gave his post-match assessment.
Hughes praised the contribution of Clint Dempsey, who netted goals either side of half-time to help secure all three points for the Whites.
"Sometimes you think Clint's not having an impact on the game, but he's had a positive influence in virtually every game he's played, with goals created or scored," Hughes explained.
"It was a great finish for the first, and a great touch to create the penalty by himself. He always has a positive impact.
"It was a good win today - pretty straightforward in all fairness," Hughes added.
"We got the ball down, played our stuff and got the goals at good times. It was quite comfortable.
"We just knew we had to get over a period where results didn't quite go for us. We just needed to get key personnel back, firing.
"We got a great result against Stoke away from home, which really galvanised us, made us understand as a group what we needed to do to win games in this very difficult league. From that point onwards, we've shown a lot of great qualities that gives me confidence that will obviously sustain the team."
On the downside both Dickson Etuhu and Aaron Hughes were replaced during the match as a result of injuries.
"Dickson must be a doubt on Wednesday, with tightness in his hamstring - Aaron too," Hughes said. "We think Dickson might have damaged that hamstring. Aaron had more of a spasm."
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/HughesStokeReaction.aspx#ixzz1Bq9Xfk6P (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/HughesStokeReaction.aspx#ixzz1Bq9Xfk6P)
Stoke Photo Special
A collection of some of the best photos from Saturday's Barclays Premier League victory over Stoke City.
http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/StokePhotoSpecial.aspx (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/StokePhotoSpecial.aspx)
Fulham 2 - 0 Stoke
Mousa Dembele returned to action at Craven Cottage, joining Andrew Johnson up front in attack for the visit of Stoke City as Fulham produced a polished performance to claim all three points at Craven Cottage.
Throughout the encounter the Potters certainly looked dangerous from the set-piece and Ryan Shawcross came close to opening the scoring in the fourth minute when he rose highest in the Fulham area to head just wide from a dangerous free kick delivery.
Damien Duff then rattled the Stoke crossbar on six minutes when he made space for himself after receiving a pass from Dempsey. The Republic of Ireland international checked back onto his left foot before unleashing a fierce rising drive which had Begovic beaten well beaten.
That shot set Fulham off on the front foot and put Stoke into a more defensive posture. Danny Murphy was next to try his luck when his shot from 25 yards flew just wide of the post following good work from Mousa Dembele.
With Andrew Johnson proving to be a willing runner up front for the Whites, the Stoke defence was rarely allowed a moment's peace to build from the back.
A flowing move from Fulham on 21 minutes saw Dickson Etuhu and Clint Dempsey involved before feeding the ball to the impressive Damien Duff who forced Asmir Begovic into a flying save away to his right.
Once more, it was through the set-piece that Stoke looked the most threatening and on 25 minutes Kenwyne Jones stuck the outside of the Fulham post when Chris Baird's defensive header fell into his path.
As the first-half progressed the game gradually became more fragmented in nature, suiting Tony Pulis' men better. But Fulham were best able to work the game to their advantage when they were allowed to get the ball on the floor and play their natural game.
It was from such a passage of play, on 33 minutes, that the Whites took the lead. Andrew Johnson showed a fine turn of pace in the Stoke area to beat his man and lay a square pass into the path of Clint Dempsey, who scored with a routine finish from two yards.
The second-half got under way with Fulham attacking the Hammersmith End. Immediately the trickery of Damien Duff drew two quick-fire fouls from Tony Pulis' men, as they looked to assert their authority on proceedings.
Andrew Johnson's outstanding work ethic was again in clear evidence when, on 51 minutes, he charged down a clearance from Andy Wilkinson, leading to a promising situation for the Whites
Stoke were reduced to ten men on 54 minutes when Ryan Shawcross brought down Clint Dempsey in the area after the US international showed an outstanding first touch to put himself clear of the Stoke defence. With only the keeper to beat, Dempsey was brought to ground, earning Fulham a penalty and Shawcross a straight red card. Dempsey stepped up and fired his shot firmly past Begovic.
Stoke introduced John Carew to the action in an attempt to get back into the game. And shortly after, Dickson Etuhu was replaced by Steve Sidwell in a like-for-like swap.
Andrew Johnson almost put the result well and truly beyond doubt on 72 minutes when he produced a sublime first touch to create an opportunity on his left foot. Unfortunately Begovic was able to save low down.
Zoltan Gera was introduced to the action on 74 minutes in place of Mousa Dembele. Mark Hughes then made his final change of the match when Aaron Hughes came off for Rafik Halliche.
The changes did little to affect Fulham's dominance on proceedings as the ten men of Stoke were simply unable to overcome their numerical disadvantage. The Whites remained well in control until the final whistle, earning another three points and completing a league double over Stoke.
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/MatchAndTeam/MatchCentre/Matches/1011/Premiership/StokeCityHome.aspx#ixzz1BqADMUD5 (http://www.fulhamfc.com/MatchAndTeam/MatchCentre/Matches/1011/Premiership/StokeCityHome.aspx#ixzz1BqADMUD5)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/9370775.stm
Fulham's Mark Hughes in truce with Stoke's Tony Pulis
Fulham manager Mark Hughes has drawn a line under his row with Stoke City boss Tony Pulis.
The pair clashed after Andy Wilkinson's challenge on Moussa Dembele in Stoke's 2-0 League Cup win in September and did not shake hands after the game.
A repeat followed the London club's 2-0 win at the Britannia Stadium in December, but the pair embraced before and after Fulham's 2-0 win on Saturday.
"We were just two daft Welshmen a couple of weeks ago," said Hughes.
Two goals from Clint Dempsey, the second from the penalty spot after Stoke captain Ryan Shawcross was sent off for bringing down the United States international, sealed a third Premier League win in five games for the Cottagers.
"It was a good win today - pretty straightforward in all fairness," said Hughes, whose side have climbed to 14th in the table, four points above the relegation zone.
"We got the ball down, played our stuff and got the goals at good times. It was quite comfortable.
Hughes was also quick to pay tribute to Dempsey, who netted his eighth and ninth goals of the season.
"Sometimes you think Clint's not having an impact on the game, but he's had a positive influence in virtually every game he's played, with goals created or scored," said the former Blackburn and Manchester City boss.
"It was a great finish for the first, and a great touch to create the penalty by himself. He always has a positive impact."
Pulis was left to rue referee Stuart Attwell's decision to send off Shawcross, who now faces a two-match ban for his second red card of the season.
"It looked as though Dempsey was on the way down," said the Stoke boss. "Dempsey's a very clever player but, if you're the referee, you give it.
"The disappointing thing for me is they get the penalty, the kid gets sent off, and we lose him for two games.
"The punishment does not suit the crime there. It's very harsh for the club and for the kid.
"It's not a reckless or poor challenge, or a nasty challenge. But he's missing for two games."
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/9362434.stm
Fulham 2 - 0 Stoke
Dempsey slides in to give Fulham the lead at Craven Cottage
By Stephan Shemilt
Clint Dempsey scored twice to help Fulham complete a second Premier League win over Stoke in the space of a month.
Stoke had chances to lead, with Ryan Shawcross heading wide and Kenwyne Jones shooting against the post.
But Dempsey made the Potters pay when he slid in to finish Andrew Johnson's cross from close range.
And the American sealed the points from the penalty spot after he was fouled by Shawcross, who was sent off for denying the goalscoring chance.
Fulham manager Mark Hughes and Stoke boss Tony Pulis had failed to shake hands after either of the previous two meetings between the sides this season, a result of Andy Wilkinson's challenge on Moussa Dembele in the Potters' 2-0 Carling Cup win in September.
The Welshmen put their differences aside before the game, but it was Hughes who had cause to celebrate at full-time, thanks largely to the way his side controlled the game, with Danny Murphy particularly dominant in midfield.
For all Stoke's commitment and indefatigable effort, they lacked the guile to unlock the Fulham defence and had to rely on set-pieces to provide their best goalscoring opportunities.
Indeed, it was an early Stoke free-kick that gave the game its first clear effort on goal.
Matthew Etherington's floated ball was met by Shawcross, who headed wide when he should have at least hit the target.
From there Fulham took a firmer footing. Damien Duff, as a prelude to the problems he would cause down the Stoke left, cut inside past Rory Delap and rattled a shot against the visitors' bar from 25 yards out.
With the hosts enjoying the lion's share of possession, Stoke were pushed further back into their own half, but should have taken the lead midway through the first period.
After Murphy was booked for a challenge on Dean Whitehead, the resulting free-kick fell to Jones in the Fulham penalty area.
With goalkeeper David Stockdale scrambling across his line, the former Sunderland man unleashed a right-foot shot that rattled the outside of the post.
606: DEBATE
Fulham looked in a different league at times. If only our away form was as good as our home we would be top eight easy.
Callum
Soon after, Stoke were made to pay. Duff's ball into the box found the feet of Johnson, who had been recalled to the Fulham starting line-up after scoring the equaliser in the 1-1 draw with Wigan.
On his 150th Premier League appearance, the former Birmingham and Crystal Palace striker took the long way around Shawcross and from close to the byeline rolled the ball across Asmir Begovic's goal, with Dempsey sliding in front of Wilkinson to finish.
The remainder of the first half passed without incident, but with Fulham continuing to rule the middle of the park, the Potters headed for the dressing room to consider how to provide better service to the front two of Jones and Tuncay.
Whatever plan Pulis put in place to get his side back in the game, it was destroyed early in the second half.
Murphy's exquisite pass from deep found Dempsey, who deftly spun away from Shawcross and Robert Huth and moved towards Begovic's goal.
He was denied the chance to shoot by Shawcross, who grappled him to the ground. The Stoke skipper was dismissed for the challenge and Dempsey rammed the resulting penalty into the middle of the net.
Pulis reshuffled his pack, handing a debut to striker John Carew, but the striker on loan from Aston Villa had little impact bar a mazy run into the hosts' box.
An injury to Dickson Etuhu gave Steve Sidwell a first Fulham appearance from the substitutes' bench, as the home side's ability to keep the ball gave Stoke little hope of getting back into the game.
Johnson could have added a third, but he could only shoot at Begovic after skilfully collecting a long ball from Aaron Hughes and fending off the challenge of Abdoulaye Faye. The spurned chance would not prove costly, as Stoke were already beaten.
The win moves Fulham up to 14th in the table, the four-point advantage over the bottom three providing some daylight between themselves and the relegation zone.
Already on 30 points, Stoke drop to ninth but will feel that they are close to safety, even if Pulis has yet to unlock the secret of consistently winning away in the top flight.
http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/01/dempsey-settles-a-few-scores/
Fulham 2-0 Stoke
Filed under: Match reports — rich @ 8:06 pm
A tale of two midfields: ours bossed the game, they didn't use theirs at all. That's Fulham v Stoke in a nutshell, and it feels right that the more attentive and skilful eleven should have prevailed. Which is not to moralise – Stoke wouldn't be where they are if they played any other way – but equally, if everyone played like they do...
We had previous here, too. Dembele v Wilkinson, and therefore Hughes v Pulis and Murphy v Stoke City and its stakeholders. It gave the match a nice edge, an edge sharpened by the presence of haphazard referee Stuart Atwell, whose reputation now preceeds him to the point where it's impossible to tell if he's doing his job properly or not, such is the derision shown after most of his decisions: today he seemed more concerned with the minutiae (take that free-kick 5 yards back there) than more serious offences (take as long as you like, Mr Begovic, anything up to 5 minutes per goal kick will be fine).
The Fulham players won their battles in the end. Dembele mightn't have chosen a game like this to get back on track, but his class told more often than not, and he wasn't afraid to mix it when he had to. Hughes won the game, and Murphy (again) dominated the middle of the pitch, his every touch cheered on by a nicely boisterous crowd.
We started well, Duff smashing a shot against the bar from 25 yards out, then Dempsey made it 1-0 following some good, eager work by Andy Johnson, who worked down the inside right channel and squared it across the area. Dempsey arrived noisily to turn the ball over Begovic, a typical goal from a man who is having a tremendous season.
We couldn't build on the lead though, and the game moved from phases where we were in charge, in which the ball was pinged around nicely, and phases where it all got horribly messy, in which nobody could take control. Kenwyn Jones was briefly in fine form, winning a number of headers convincingly and making life hard for Hughes and Hangeland. But then he just disappeared from the game.
The second half saw more of the same, a well deserved second goal arriving when Murphy turned in the centre-circle and launched a long ball over the top into the path of Dempsey, who managed to turn the ball between the two centre-backs with Bergkamp-esque deftness (or a slightly iffy first touch). He was clean through but hauled down by Shawcross, who then had to go. Murphy took the ball but somehow or other Dempsey ended up with it, smashing home his second. Murphy trotted back to the halfway line rather than celebrate with Dempsey, suggesting that he wasn't altogether pleased with his team-mate's spirited insubordination. He probably has a point, but Dempsey deserved the goal, and took the penalty with great conviction.
It was over at that point. Etuhu, who had another good game, made way for Steve Sidwell, who became only the second Fulham player on the field with his shirt tucked in (the other was Duff). Sidwell looked instantly at home, tackling well and passing competently and surely. He struck a fine drive just wide and will have been pleased to get his first game in under such straightforward circumstances. Gera and Halliche were also given a run-out with 15 minutes left (we had a pretty good bench today, featuring Gera, Davies, Kamara, Sidwell, Halliche and presumably Etherington – you can change a lot of games with players like that available).
And so it goes, and so it goes. We were better than them and we beat them good and proper.
Fulham 2-0 Stoke: Sunday Mirror match report
Published 22:00 22/01/11
By Steve Stammers
Any venom at Craven Cottage was generated by the crowd – in the white corner there was abuse in abundance for Stoke manager Tony Pulis and a selection of his players.
From the red section came jeers for Fulham's Danny Murphy, who had singled Stoke out for criticism in his diatribe against violence on the pitch earlier this term.
Ironically, peacenik Murphy was the only Fulham player to be booked on a day when Clint Dempsey's double eased their relegation fears.
Stoke could not cope with Fulham's speed of thought, accuracy of pass, and their admirable creativity.
And the managers? The post-match handshake tradition has been tetchy after Stoke's Carling Cup win, then after Fulham's Premier League success earlier this season.
Yesterday, there was no evidence of any ill-feeling on either bench. Mark Hughes was his usual sartorial self in suit and tie. Pulis persisted in his own fashion statement of tracksuit and baseball cap and at the final whistle, the meeting of hands was firm and without reservation. "We even shook before the game," said Hughes.
"There has been no problem between the teams, it was more two Welshman acting daft."
For Hughes, there was evidence to reinforce his claim that when the injuries cleared up the points would come.
Stoke's misery was completed by a red card for captain Ryan Shawcross when conceding the penalty that brought Fulham's second goal.
"That killed it and we now lose him for two games because he was sent off earlier this season at Sunderland," said Pulis. "It's harsh because the tackle wasn't malicious."
The spot-kick was won by Dempsey. "A very clever player, I like him," said Pulis. "He is going down before the challenge comes in. Clever."
Turkish striker Tuncay was not so clever. With the match goalless, he had only David Stockdale to beat but shot tamely at the Fulham keeper. Not one for his YouTube montage.
Dempsey made Stoke pay after 33 minutes when he slid home Andy Johnson's cross.
Nine minutes into the second half, Dempsey's exquisite touch and turn was too clever by half for Shawcross and it was game over as the American converted the penalty.
Read more: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Fulham-2-0-Stoke-Sunday-Mirror-match-report-Clint-Dempsey-s-double-eased-the-relegation-fears-for-Mark-Hughes-article679715.html#ixzz1BqCnoDHM (http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Fulham-2-0-Stoke-Sunday-Mirror-match-report-Clint-Dempsey-s-double-eased-the-relegation-fears-for-Mark-Hughes-article679715.html#ixzz1BqCnoDHM)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/9370775.stm? (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/9370775.stm?)
Fulham's Mark Hughes in truce with Stoke's Tony Pulis
Fulham manager Mark Hughes has drawn a line under his row with Stoke City boss Tony Pulis.
The pair clashed after Andy Wilkinson's challenge on Moussa Dembele in Stoke's 2-0 League Cup win in September and did not shake hands after the game.
A repeat followed the London club's 2-0 win at the Britannia Stadium in December, but the pair embraced before and after Fulham's 2-0 win on Saturday.
"We were just two daft Welshmen a couple of weeks ago," said Hughes.
Two goals from Clint Dempsey, the second from the penalty spot after Stoke captain Ryan Shawcross was sent off for bringing down the United States international, sealed a third Premier League win in five games for the Cottagers.
"It was a good win today - pretty straightforward in all fairness," said Hughes, whose side have climbed to 14th in the table, four points above the relegation zone.
"We got the ball down, played our stuff and got the goals at good times. It was quite comfortable.
Hughes was also quick to pay tribute to Dempsey, who netted his eighth and ninth goals of the season.
"Sometimes you think Clint's not having an impact on the game, but he's had a positive influence in virtually every game he's played, with goals created or scored," said the former Blackburn and Manchester City boss.
"It was a great finish for the first, and a great touch to create the penalty by himself. He always has a positive impact."
Pulis was left to rue referee Stuart Attwell's decision to send off Shawcross, who now faces a two-match ban for his second red card of the season.
"It looked as though Dempsey was on the way down," said the Stoke boss. "Dempsey's a very clever player but, if you're the referee, you give it.
"The disappointing thing for me is they get the penalty, the kid gets sent off, and we lose him for two games.
"The punishment does not suit the crime there. It's very harsh for the club and for the kid.
"It's not a reckless or poor challenge, or a nasty challenge. But he's missing for two games."
http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/hughes-has-last-laugh-2507406.html? (http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/hughes-has-last-laugh-2507406.html?)
Hughes has last laugh
Fulham 2 Stoke City 0
Mark Hughes branded himself and Tony Pulis "two daft Welshmen" after having the last laugh in their feud as Fulham completed a Premier League double over Stoke yesterday.
Hughes and Pulis fell out in September over an Andy Wilkinson tackle on Moussa Dembele, refusing to shake hands in that Carling Cup tie or in last month's league game at the Britannia Stadium. But despite another tempestuous affair between the two sides, the two managers buried the hatchet, pressing the flesh both before and after the Cottagers' 2-0 win yesterday.
"We were just two daft Welshmen a couple of weeks ago," said Hughes after watching Clint Dempsey's double edge his side closer to safety.
Fulham were full value for their victory, in which top scorer Dempsey netted his eighth and ninth goals of the season. The second came from the penalty spot after Ryan Shawcross had bundled over the American, earning a straight red card.
Pulis disputed the dismissal, saying: "It looked as though Dempsey was on the way down. The disappointing thing for me is they get the penalty, the kid gets sent off, and we lose him for two games. The punishment does not suit the crime there. It's not reckless or nasty."
Hughes hailed the contribution of Dempsey, saying: "Sometimes you think Clint's not having an impact on the game, but he's had a positive influence in virtually every game he's played, with goals created or scored."
The one downside for Hughes was injuries picked up by Dickson Etuhu and Aaron Hughes ahead of Wednesday's trip to Liverpool.
"Dickson must be a doubt on Wednesday, with tightness in his hamstring -- Aaron too," Hughes said. "We think Dickson might have damaged that hamstring. Aaron had more of a spasm."
- ben rumsby
http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2011/01/23/sunday-morning-news/
Sunday morning news
Filed under: General — rich @ 10:43 am
Andy Gray and Richard Keys in iffy comments about female linesman shock! #getthesesmugbuffoonsoffthetv
Paulo Bandini, via Twitter, reports that Gazzetta Dello Sport (Italy) only referred to "the beautiful lineswoman".
Ho hum.
Also on Twitter, Matt Holland, former Ipswich captain, made a point of praising Chris Smalling's display for Man Utd yesterday. Nice to see the lad doing well – a great game to get his feet wet (United stormed it 5-0).
Finally, and this one's about Fulham, Chris Baird's passing is becoming a legitimate 'weapon':
(http://cravencottagenewsround.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/cb.png?w=329&h=537)
Everyone's going crazy over Charlie Adam's passing for Blackpool; Baird's getting seriously good, too.
Danny Murphy had 90+ passes, incidentally. Teams have to stop him if they want to stop Fulham. Surprised Stoke weren't better on this front.
