Friends of Fulham

Fulham new boy Steve Sidwell finds a haven at Craven Cottage

By Simon Cass


Last updated at 1:26 AM on 24th January 2011


(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/01/23/article-0-0CDD7EBC000005DC-126_306x423.jpg)
Back in the game: Steve Sidwell is trying to revive his career at Fulham


Craven Cottage has become a top venue for those trying to get their careers back on track and Steve Sidwell is the latest hopeful.

West Ham, Wolves and West Bromwich were all keen to sign the midfielder, but he decided Fulham would be the best place to recover from a dismal two-and-a-half years with Aston Villa, which followed a wasted season at Chelsea.

Manager Mark Hughes — who had a sticky start at Fulham, but has now overcome the ignominy of being fired by Manchester City — sees Craven Cottage as the ideal place for forgotten footballers to remind former employers of their talent.

'He's been hampered by injuries since he left Reading,' said Hughes.

'We know we've got a good player. There were a lot of clubs in for him because they understand what he can offer.

'What he needs is consistent football and the feeling that he's part of the main team here. For the last two or three years, he's not had that feeling.'

Sidwell is likely to enjoy that feeling earlier than planned — at Liverpool on Wednesday — after Dickson Etuhu suffered a hamstring injury in Fulham's 2-0 home win over Stoke.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1349877/Fulham-new-boy-Steve-Sidwell-finds-haven-Craven-Cottage.html#ixzz1BvnYIqHk (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1349877/Fulham-new-boy-Steve-Sidwell-finds-haven-Craven-Cottage.html#ixzz1BvnYIqHk)

http://www.dailyexpress.co.uk/posts/view/224908/Fulham-2-Stoke-0-It-is-starting-to-fit-together-for-Johnson/


FULHAM 2 STOKE 0: IT IS STARTING TO FIT TOGETHER FOR JOHNSON 


Clint Dempsey scored Fulham's second with a penalty


Monday January 24,2011

By Gideon Brooks 

ANDY JOHNSON believes he has finally put 16 months of injury troubles behind him and is now ready to lead Fulham's charge up  the  table.

Victory over below-par Stoke on Saturday continued his side's recent revival, completing a haul of seven points in three league matches that lifted them four points clear of the drop zone.

And with the team beginning to click on the pitch, new faces in the squad and several key players returning from injury, Johnson is confident the threat of relegation is fast receding.

Johnson, having missed most of last season and the first eight games of this campaign with shoulder, groin and knee problems, is ready to start afresh.

A first goal for the club since August 2009 came last week against Wigan and he shone here against Stoke, providing the first of Clint Dempsey's two goals and proving a constant threat.

"I have had a few niggles here and there which is all part of coming back after being out for so long, but I'd like to think I'm clear now," said Johnson.

"The goal last week against Wigan was obviously a big monkey off my back. But I've started to play better football; my touch is getting there, my runs are getting better and I've started to feel sharper game by game."

Johnson's renaissance mirrors that of the club after a dark midwinter that left manager Mark Hughes fearing for his job.       

New faces at the training ground – Steve Sidwell was a promising second-half substitute here and Shaun Wright-Phillips could arrive this week on loan with a £4million option to buy in the summer – have provided a timely fillip. But it is the return to form and fitness of several of Hughes' attacking options, including Damien Duff, Johnson and Moussa Dembele – out for nine Premier League starts with an ankle injury – that has led to the improved football.

Johnson believes now it is "time to kick on". He said: "The last two or three weeks it has been coming together and the boys are looking good. With Bobby Zamora maybe two, three or four weeks away from coming back, things are looking good."

Saturday's game was as good as over as early as the 55th minute, when Ryan Shawcross received a red card for bringing down Dempsey and the American converted the spot-kick for his eighth league goal of the campaign.

Stoke manager Tony Pulis and Hughes had twice refused to shake hands at the end of matches this season but did so here, even though the former suggested his side had been a shadow of their usual combative selves.

Hughes, in contrast, believes confidence was now coursing through the club. "We just needed to get key personnel back, but the results we are now getting allow us to be more confident going into games."

FULHAM (4-4-2): Stockdale 6; Pantsil 6, Hughes 7 (Halliche 75, 5), Hangeland 6, Baird 6; Duff 7, Murphy 5, Etuhu 6 (Sidwell 62, 6), Dempsey 6; Johnson 7, Dembele 7 (Gera 75, 5). Booked: Murphy. Goals: Dempsey 33pen, 56.

STOKE (4-4-2): Begovic 5; Wilkinson 5, Shawcross 5, Huth 4, Collins 5 (Carew 58, 6); Etherington 5 (Whelan 63, 5), Whitehead 6, Wilson 6, Delap 5; Jones 5, Tuncay 5 (Faye 58, 5). Booked: Wilkinson. Sent off: Shawcross 55.

Referee: S Attwell (Warks).



Read more: http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/224908/Fulham-2-Stoke-0-It-is-starting-to-fit-together-for-JohnsonFulham-2-Stoke-0-It-is-starting-to-fit-together-for-Johnson#ixzz1BvougD1O (http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/224908/Fulham-2-Stoke-0-It-is-starting-to-fit-together-for-JohnsonFulham-2-Stoke-0-It-is-starting-to-fit-together-for-Johnson#ixzz1BvougD1O)

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_6696631,00.html

Webo could make Jan switch

Cameroon ace attracting British interest



Last updated: 23rd January 2011   

(http://img.skysports.com/10/11/218x298/Pierre-Webo-Oct-2010_2535484.jpg)
Webo: Wanted

Pierre Webo is being tracked by a host of clubs as he could be set to seal a January switch to Britain, skysports.com understands.

The Cameroon international striker has spent most of his career in Spain.

He is currently with Real Mallorca, having also been with Leganes and Osasuna.

The 29-year-old forward is now attracting attention from a clutch of clubs, who could be ready to tempt Mallorca into doing a deal.

Celtic are understood to be one of those leading the way but Birmingham, Bolton, Fulham and West Brom are also thought to be keeping tabs on his situation.

His British representative Barry McIntosh confirmed the interest.

"Yes, a number of clubs are looking at bringing Pierre over this month," he told skysports.com.

"I don't really want to get into the names, but we are looking to do something."

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/johnsons-welcome-return-primes-fulham-firepower-2192513.html


Johnson's welcome return primes Fulham firepower


Fulham 2 Stoke City 0

By Nick Szczepanik at Craven Cottage


Monday, 24 January 2011


While Stoke City gave John Carew his debut on Saturday, after signing the striker on loan from Aston Villa, Fulham have yet to add to their goalscoring strength during the transfer window. But with Andrew Johnson back from a long-term knee injury and Bobby Zamora also within sight of a return, Fulham manager Mark Hughes must feel as if he has already acquired two new top-class forwards – and for nothing.

Clint Dempsey has performed manfully as a stand-in, and scored twice against Stoke to bring his total to eight league goals this season. But Craven Cottage regulars are thoroughly enjoying the return to action of Johnson, who created the opening goal for the American on Saturday with a flash of his old pace, and was a constant thorn in Stoke's side.

"It takes a bit of time after being out 14 to 15 months in total," Johnson said. "Slowly it's started to come. My touch is getting better, my runs are getting better and I've started to feel sharper game by game. I don't go out on the pitch thinking about my knee at all now. I played 90 minutes against Stoke two or three weeks ago when we won 2-0 and I played it again today.

"Bobby helped me, sending me texts all the time, and I've done the same for him," he added. "On and off the field, he's a top, top guy. He's only a couple of weeks away now. He was in great form before he was injured and we are sure he's going to bounce back. We miss him dearly."

While Zamora and Johnson will surely resume their classic "little and large" partnership, Carew's arrival has confused rather than clarified Stoke's strikeforce, although his "large and larger" double-act with Kenwyne Jones over the last 32 minutes of Saturday's games was hard to assess with Stoke a man down, after Ryan Shawcross was sent off for the foul that allowed Dempsey to double Fulham's lead from a penalty.

"It was difficult for [Carew], but he's done all right," Tony Pulis, the Stoke manager, said. "He's got a great goalscoring record in the Premiership and we're hoping he'll nick us a few goals from now until the end of the season. With [Ricardo] Fuller and Tuncay, Kenwyne and Jon Walters as well, we've got a bagful of forwards. We can mix and match and they'll do well."

Scorer: Fulham Dempsey 33, 56 pen.

Substitutes: Fulham Halliche (Hughes, 75), Sidwell (Etuhu, 62), Gera (Dembélé, 75). Unused Etheridge (gk), Salcido, Kamara, Davies.

Stoke Faye (Collins, 58), Etherington (Whelan, 63) Tuncay (Carew, 58). Unused Sorensen (gk), Fuller, Pennant, Walters.

Booked: Fulham Murphy Stoke Wilkinson

Sent off: Stoke Shawcross (54)

Possession Fulham 68% Stoke City 32%.

Shots on target Fulham 7 Stoke City 1.

Man of the match Dempsey. Match rating: 6/10.

Referee S Attwell (Warwickshire). Att 23,766.

http://blogs.soccernet.com/fulham/archives/2011/01/clints_magnum_force.php

Clint's Magnum Force            

Posted by Phil Mison 6 hours, 44 minutes ago

(http://www1.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Clint+Dempsey+Fulham+v+Stoke+City+Premier+wq_Ijt_P9N1l.jpg)
© Getty Images

Deuce at the double leads from the front as vibrant Fulham turn in a commanding performance against Stoke
It's been a difficult few months following Fulham. Realistically, none of us had any right to expect another memorable season like the last. For a club that's yet to land a single top domestic honour in its 132 year history, those epic encounters in the Europa League last winter might have to last us a lifetime, tales for the retelling to as yet unborn grandchildren.

Or, with our season on the cusp of being transformed, we could in May go and lift the FA Cup? That's the fascination of sport - the only thing predictable being its unpredictability. When you consider the abject performance from Boxing Day, less than a month past, who would have dared foresee maximum points from the two Stoke games, four goals scored and none conceded?

We've all had plenty to say on this forum about the side's shortcomings to date, myself included. The beauty of the internet of course is it's a charter for cowards. I suspect more than a few of us would have quickly become tongue-tied had we by chance found ourselves in a one-to-one chat with Mark. In the very early days of the al-Fayed era, the small knot of us journos who were covering Fulham then for local press and radio, had the temerity to question Ray Wilkins tactics after a poor display at Gillingham. 'Gentleman' Ray ruthlessly cut us off at the knees.

We know the ship was rocked by Roy's abrupt departure for Anfield in the summer and Hughes came into pre-season both under-prepared and aware he was not Fulham's first choice for the job. Within the first month he'd been double-whammeyed by the loss through injury of both his England striker and new star signing. A drop in form by some senior players compounded by a small and lop-sided squad led to four months of struggle.

Whatever else was going on behind the scenes up to Christmas, the player's reaction to that shock win at Stoke showed they believed in the boss. I was reminded of that this weekend as pundits broke cover to reveal the Liverpool players, having no faith in Hodgson, had simply not been performing for him. In effect, they got him the sack.

Hughes has at times perhaps been his own worst enemy in not courting the fans more. More passion and a less phlegmatic response to our poor form would have gone down well - it was all in stark contrast to Roy's fatherly and inclusive approach to embracing the Fulham ethic. Some still maintain Hughes is only using us a staging post for a return to higher things.

But enough of the conjecture and back to facts. Seven points from nine now makes the table a much easier read. We've inserted a little daylight between us and the bottom sides, our GD is vastly superior to other strugglers and we've now joined up to the mid-table pack, with all the signs we are well capable of rising further up the table. Why, I even fancy us getting something from our trip to Liverpool this week.

What made the latest win significant was questions being asked repeatedly of Stoke all over the park. Duff looking his old self, Dembele teasing and neat, AJ full of threat and running - playing with a swagger and a smile. Brilliant play to create the opening goal for Clint. Dependability across the back, Danny in control of midfield, a terrific probing pass forward leading to the penalty (at last!). And can you really drop Stockdale again when Mark returns?

So, for the first time perhaps in months, I am delighted to post nothing but positives from the evidence of Saturday's game. To conclude, there is one factor to acknowledge that perhaps got overlooked during our dark period. I am happy to put it right.

Clint's contribution has been immense over the first half of the season. Shouldering much of the responsibility in attack, never shirking to go in where it hurts, his goals alone have kept our heads above water. Now with nine for the season, surely the Texan, at the top of his game, must be an early candidate for player of the season.

Congratulations to the side for their hard work and commitment. Very soon now it will be time to say welcome back Bobby and hallo Phillipe - while Hughes I hear is still looking to add another striker this month. Let's hope from here on, the only way is UP!

Keep the Faith - Fulham F.C. founded 1879, London's friendliest club
Twitter@fulhamphil

\\\\\

http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/hughes-hangs-on-to-duff-and-his-job-2507999.html

Hughes hangs on to Duff -- and his job


By Fulham 2 Stoke City 0


John Ley


Monday January 24 2011

It says much for the aspirations of Fulham that a recent approach for winger Damien Duff was rejected out of sight. Mark Hughes, once Blackburn manager, said a call from his former club asking about his winger was not even returned.

Steve Kean, now in charge at Ewood Park and formerly the Fulham assistant manager under Chris Coleman, wants Duff back at the club where he spent seven seasons.

"They were trying to get in touch with me two or three weeks ago to see if there was any possibility," said Hughes, "but I didn't take the call. That was my answer."

Less than a month ago, the axe hovered over Hughes. Following the St Stephen's Day defeat by West Ham, he needed a win from the next three games to secure his job. Fulham responded with a victory away to Stoke in their next game. They now have 10 points from a possible 15, thanks to a second victory over Stoke at the weekend.

The coming week will confirm where they sit in the scheme of things. On Wednesday they go to Liverpool and on Saturday they play Tottenham in the FA Cup fourth round.

A player almost certain to feature is Steven Sidwell. Rescued from inactivity at Aston Villa, he is set to start at Anfield, given that Dickson Etuhu has damaged a hamstring.

Clint Dempsey was the hero on Saturday. The American now has nine goals this term, with his goal in each half -- the second a penalty after a foul that saw Ryan Shaw-cross sent off -- confirming Dempsey's ability to cover for Bobby Zamora. (© Daily Telegraph, London)

- Fulham 2 Stoke City 0 John Ley

Pulis: I've got no beef with Cottagers

Published 23:00 23/01/11


By Darren Lewis

(http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/match-centre/article667723.ece/ALTERNATES/gallery-large/.jpeg)

Tony Pulis insists he has no problem with Fulham following the Londoners' bad blood with Stoke.

Stoke boss Pulis and Fulham's Mark Hughes failed to shake hands after their past two meetings.

The animosity came after Andy Wilkinson's challenge on Moussa Dembele in the Potters' 2-0 Carling Cup win in September.

But Pulis said: "Fulham are a great club. I have a lot of respect for them."



Read more: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Stoke-boss-Tony-Pulis-insists-there-s-no-bad-blood-with-Fulham-after-latest-London-clash-article680385.html#ixzz1Bvuleue8 (http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Stoke-boss-Tony-Pulis-insists-there-s-no-bad-blood-with-Fulham-after-latest-London-clash-article680385.html#ixzz1Bvuleue8)

Fulham 2-0 Stoke: Daily Mirror match report


Published 22:30 23/01/11


By Darren Lewis

(http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/match-centre/article664133.ece/ALTERNATES/gallery-large/.jpeg)

Mark Hughes revealed after this romp that Blackburn are still trying to take Damien Duff back to Ewood Park.

On this evidence, however, the Irish winger would be mad to swap Fulham's work in progress for the circus being run by the chicken tycoons.

With Shaun Wright-Phillips to come on loan from Manchester City this week and Steve Sidwell making his debut in this bloodless victory, Hughes is building an efficient outfit intent on focusing on the top, rather than the bottom half of the table.

Darren Bent's shock decision to swap Sunderland for Aston Villa last week showed, however, that you never can tell with players. Which is why Hughes is doing his best to take the decision out of Duff's hands.

He joked: "I think [Blackburn] were trying to get in touch with me two or three weeks ago to see if there was any possibility [of signing Damien] but I didn't take the call. So that was my answer.

"We've got a platform here that allows players to come here and get their careers back on track. They've obviously got to perform and if they don't they will struggle but if they work hard there's a great platform here for any player who wants to come and enjoy their football."

Sidwell in particular will have enjoyed his new club's total domination of the Potters even though the fans' chants of "2-0 to the Football team" were a bit harsh.

Clint Dempsey netted first on 33 minutes, spearing Andy Johnson's ball across the six-yard box into the roof of the net. Then, when Ryan Shawcross was sent off for holding Dempsey back on 56, the American dusted himself down to despatch the resulting penalty.

Hughes added: "Clint's been great for me since I came here. He's had an impact in every game he's played. It's been hard on Zoltan Gera because I've chosen Clint ahead of him, but because Clint's done so well for me it's been unfortunate for him.

"The results we are getting enable us to be more confident leading into games now."

Sidwell, handed his debut for the last half hour, appears to have chosen wisely in joining Fulham with the other two teams after him – West Ham and Wolves – knee-deep in relegation trouble.

His was a gentle introduction following an injury to Dickson Etuhu. But the former Reading and Chelsea midfielder will have a tougher test at Liverpool on Wednesday.

Hughes added: "He wanted to move back to this part of the world. He's very keen to get his career back on track. We're pleased he's here.

"With a doubt over Dickson we may need him. He was able to have a nice easy introduction today. He's always had the energy to get from box to box. He's been hampered by injuries since he left Reading.

"Obviously he was at Chelsea when the opportunity to play was more difficult. We know we've got a good player.

"There were a lot of clubs in for him because they understand what he can offer. What he needs is consistent football."



Read more: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Fulham-2-0-Stoke-Daily-Mirror-match-report-Mark-Hughes-says-Damien-Duff-would-be-crazy-to-go-back-to-Blackburn-article680371.html#ixzz1Bvv6RsC (http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Fulham-2-0-Stoke-Daily-Mirror-match-report-Mark-Hughes-says-Damien-Duff-would-be-crazy-to-go-back-to-Blackburn-article680371.html#ixzz1Bvv6RsC)

http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2011/01/23/stoke-citys-passing/

Stoke City's passing

Filed under: Analysis — timmyg @ 4:55 pm


Sheesh, I'm just going to let this graphic speak for itself.

(http://cravencottagenewsround.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/picture-10.png?w=622&h=563)

http://fotboll.expressen.se/internationellt/1.2302672/david-elm-uppges-klar-for-elfsborg


David Elm declared ready for Elfsborg

(http://cdnstatic.expressen.se/polopoly/bilder/2011/01/24/1.2302676TS1295849111015_slot100slotWide75ArticleFull.jpg)
David Elm give up the Premier League life and return to the headlines - but not to Kalmar FF

Already now, Elfsborg have done in the season's heaviest recruiting headlines.

According to SPORT-Expressen writes David Elm, 28 at the club today, and will be presented later in the week.
Elfsborg will pay 5.5 million for the striker.

- No comments, says Elms agent Patrick Dark.
 
. DAVID ELM
Age: 28 years.
Height / weight: 191 cm/95 kg.
Previous clubs: Fulham FC, Kalmar FF, Falkenberg FF, Helsingborgs IF, IF Nybro, Emmaboda IS and Johansfors IF.
Achievements: National Championships in Kalmar FF in 2008, has made eleven goals in 51 matches with Kalmar FF in Allsvenskan. A Premier League goals in ten matches with Fulham.
. January 22, 2011
Elfsborg: "We are on location in London".
Elfsborg have for some time shown interest in the former Kalmar attacker.
On Saturday, told the club's chairman Bosse Johansson that he and the club director Stefan Andréasson was on location in London - he would not confirm that it was to meet with David Elm and his club Fulham.

Economic muscle
But according to SPORT-Expressen data is Elfsborg and Fulham now agreed a transfer fee - and David Elm will be ready for the league again soon - maybe even today.
According to reports he will sign for four years with Elfsborg - Kalmar not. Club Elm represented in three seasons and won national championships in 2008.
Kalmar also showed great interest - but could not match Elfsborg economic muscle and lost the bidding, according to SPORT-Expressen data.
Elfsborg will pay 5.5 million dollars to get off Elm from his contract with Premier League club Fulham.
David Elms agent Patrik Dark on SPORT-Expressen information:
- I have no comments.

Has barely been allowed to play
It was in September 2009 by David Elm wrote in a one-year contract with Fulham, then under Swedish acquaintance Roy Hodgson's leadership.
In May last year he signed for another two years. But Elms Premier League adventure has not been successful.
During his time at Fulham, he has only played ten matches and scored one goal.
Now he returns therefore to the headlines and see that judging by the contract, which expires in 2015, appears to be back for good.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/jan/24/fulham-stoke-city-premier-league (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/jan/24/fulham-stoke-city-premier-league)


Andy Johnson shines again as a revitalised Fulham dazzle a dull Stoke


• 'One of my better performances,' says former England striker


• Tony Pulis denies Chelsea have made offer for Asmir Begovic


Dominic Fifield at Craven Cottage The Guardian, Monday 24 January 2011

(http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Football/Pix/pictures/2011/1/23/1295807640080/Andy-Johson-007.jpg)
Andy Johnson in action against Stoke as Fulham eased to their second league victory over Tony Pulis's men this season. Photograph: Lee Mills/Action Images

Andrew Johnson spoke of things "finally coming together" but evidence abounds that Mark Hughes's troubled settling‑in period at Fulham has now long since passed. A fourth win in six matches in all competitions fuelled the suspicion that this team have rediscovered their rhythm. The Londoners are pulling clear of trouble.

They have Stoke City to thank for coaxing out their revival. Tony Pulis's side were victims of this side's first stride on the road to recovery in the Potteries last month and they were defeated again as the Europa League finalists moved four points clear of the cut-off. That is a psychological boost though so too is the cavalry's return. Johnson is buzzing at defenders' feet again; Danny Murphy's passing is purring; Damien Duff and Moussa Dembélé are nuisances on the flanks; and there is balance and spark to the side's whole approach.

Add to the mix the imminent return of Bobby Zamora to their front line, allied to the prolific form of Clint Dempsey already in their ranksand a foray into mid-table is the least of Fulham's aspirations. "The boys are looking forward to Bobby coming back – he could be back training with us in three or four weeks," said Johnson. "It's time to kick on now." This team are more easily recognisable. Stoke were awkward opponents, their threat persistent, but they were still undone.

Johnson's waspish energy was key to prising Stoke apart. His neat spin and burst away from Ryan Shawcross, who endured an afternoon to forget, hadpresented Dempsey with the opening goal. With the former England striker now fully restored after two years of knee, collarbone, groin and hamstring complaints, He had hardly flinched when Andy Wilkinson, the locals' pantomime villain, clattered into him early on. The forward may have lacked the goal he deserved but this was a return to his pesky best. "My touch and the runs I'm making are starting to get better and I'm feeling sharper game by game. That was probably one of my better performances. I'm over the niggles, the knee is feeling really good, and I'm not going out there worrying about it at all any more. I've played two 90 minutes against Stoke in the last month and they're a big, physical team. It's as if every one of their players is over 6ft 2in. But you roll your sleeves up and our football shone right through."

It dazzled Stoke at times. Duff, the subject of interest from Blackburn Rovers which Hughes has knocked back, struck the bar early on before Dempsey collected, spun and glided between Shawcross and Robert Huth just before the hour to prompt the visiting captain's professional foul and Fulham's penalty. Shawcross will now serve a two-match ban, missing games at Wolverhampton Wanderers in the FA Cup and Liverpool in the league. Whether Ricardo Fuller, an unused substitute here, remains an option for Pulis to employ given apparent interest from Sunderland to prise him away will become clear over the next week.

The Stoke manager appears to be longing for the clarity that the closure of the transfer window should bring. "People who are talking up things and situations ... well, we'll soon find out if anything happens," he said before denying having received any approach from Chelsea for his goalkeeper Asmir Begovic. His own eye-catching loan signing, John Carew, huffed and puffed with his team depleted but will enjoy more productive afternoons than this in the months ahead. "I'm really happy to be here," said the Norwegian. "We're organised, powerful and will score goals." Stoke have options. Fulham, it now appears, do too.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/premier-league/8277567/Fulham-manager-Mark-Hughes-confirms-ambition-following-Clint-Dempseys-double-against-Stoke-City.html


Fulham manager Mark Hughes confirms ambition following Clint Dempsey's double against Stoke City

Fulham 2 Stoke City 0


By John Ley 7:00AM GMT 24 Jan 2011


It says much for Fulham's aspirations that an approach for winger Damien Duff was ignored. Mark Hughes, once the Blackburn manager, admitted that a call from his former club was not even returned.

Steve Kean, in charge at Ewood Park and formerly the Fulham assistant, wants Duff back at the club where he spent seven seasons.

"They were trying to get in touch with me two or three weeks ago to see if there was any possibility," said Hughes, "but I didn't take the call. That was my answer."

Less than a month ago, the axe hovered over Hughes. Following the Boxing Day defeat by West Ham, he needed a win from three games to secure his post.

Fulham responded with a victory away to Stoke City in their next game. They now have 10 points from a possible 15, thanks to a second victory over Stoke. Recently in a tormented place, Fulham are looking up and feeling good. The coming week will confirm where they sit in the scheme. On Wednesday they go to Liverpool, on Saturday they play Tottenham in the FA Cup.

A player almost certain to feature is Steven Sidwell. Rescued from inactivity at Aston Villa, he is set to start at Anfield given that Dickson Etuhu has damaged a hamstring. Hughes said: "We know we've got a good player. There were a lot of clubs in for him because they understand what he can offer. He needs consistent football and the feeling that he is part of the main team here. For the last two or three years he's not had that feeling."

Clint Dempsey knows how that feels. The American who embarrassed England in the summer has nine goals this season, equalling his best in English football.

A goal in either half, the second a penalty after a foul that had Ryan Shawcross sent off, confirmed Dempsey's ability to cover for the injured Bobby Zamora. Dempsey's strike partner, Andrew Johnson, was back to his best, making the first goal. Zamora is close to returning, so from searching for a striker Fulham have strength in depth.

Stoke were undisciplined and complicated. Their next league game is at Anfield, where Shawcross will be missing so manager Tony Pulis looks to John Carew to make his mark.

http://www.teamtalk.com/fulham/6697140/AJ-happy-to-witness-the-fitness

AJ happy to witness the fitness


Sunday 23rd January 2011 20:18

(http://images.teamtalk.com/10/10/402x210/Johnson1_2519570.jpg)

Andy Johnson admits he may have rushed back from knee surgery as he finally looks forward to an injury-free run in the Fulham side.

Johnson produced arguably his best display since his return from nine months on the sidelines in Saturday's 2-0 Premier League win over Stoke, the 29-year-old setting up Clint Dempsey's opening goal and proving a thorn in the visitors' side throughout.

The striker made his comeback in October and Fulham rightly eased him back in with a string of substitute appearances before his first start.

But that failed to prevent him picking up a hamstring strain over the festive period and Saturday was his first start since New Year's Day.

Asked if the injury might have been caused by coming back too soon, Johnson said: "Maybe, yeah. You just don't know.

"When your body feels right, there's no point waiting an extra two or three weeks. You might as well just join in.

"That's how I felt. My knee felt really good.

"I came back from my knee injury probably three, four, five weeks quicker than everyone expected and, yeah, you always get those little niggles, hamstring niggles, thigh, quad, stuff like that."

Johnson broke a goalscoring duck dating back almost 17 months in last weekend's 1-1 draw at Wigan, while 90 minutes against the notoriously-physical Stoke was a good indicator he is now back to full fitness.

"I don't go out on the pitch thinking about my knee at all now," he said.

"I'm fully fit, I played 90 minutes against Stoke three or four weeks ago when we won 2-0 and I played it again.

"It's always going to be a hard game against Stoke - they're a big physical team, every player's over 6ft 2in.

"But you've got to roll your sleeves up and I'd like to think our football shone right through."

He added: "It's slowly started to come. Got a goal last week, which was obviously a big monkey off my back.

"My touch is getting better, my runs are getting better, started to feel sharper game by game and I can just continue doing that."

Strike partner Bobby Zamora helped keep Johnson's spirits up during his injury nightmare and he is returning the favour as the former nears his return from a broken leg.

"Bobby helped me - he was sending me texts all the time and I've done the same for him," Johnson revealed. "We're close mates on and off the field."

Zamora is renowned as a bit of a joker and Johnson added: "He's a top guy - I love him, I love him.

"He's been doing it around the training field - probably more now because he's so bored, being in that treatment room.

"He's kept the boys going through that tough period and he's a great character to have around.

"The boys miss him dearly, on and off the field."

http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/football/853505-clint-dempsey-and-damien-duff-transfer-interest-mounting-as-fulham-dig-in (http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/football/853505-clint-dempsey-and-damien-duff-transfer-interest-mounting-as-fulham-dig-in)

Clint Dempsey, Damien Duff transfer interest mounting as Fulham dig in

Fulham manager Mark Hughes is facing an uphill battle to keep Clint Dempsey and Damien Duff at Craven Cottage after receiving offers from Bundesliga clubs Wolfsburg and Hamburg as well as Blackburn Rovers.

(http://img.metro.co.uk/i/pix/2011/01/24/article-1295861996450-0CDD8945000005DC-102447_636x369.jpg)
Looking elsewhere: Fulham's Clint Dempsey is a hot prospect to leave Craven Cottage after strong performances (Action Images)

After losing Edin Dzeko to Manchester City, Wolfsburg boss Steve McClaren is eager to fill the void left by the Bosnian and Dempsey would be an ideal candidate after confirming his successful transition into an out-and-out forward striker.

Dempsey netted twice in Fulham's 2-0 win over Stoke at the weekend partnering up with Andy Johnson in a fruitful outing for the Cottagers.

Hughes confirmed Rovers had also enquired for former player Duff but was reluctant to even consider an offer, preferring to ignore all calls from Ewood Park.

'They [Blackburn] were trying to get in touch with me two or three weeks ago to see if there was any possibility,' said Hughes.'I didn't take the call. That was my answer.'

Dempsey's contract runs out in 2013 while 31-year-old Duff's expires in 2012 leaving Hughes with plenty of time to decide on whether it's wise to cash in on the pair.

A move for Dempsey could also come from the newly rejuvenated New York Cosmos but the club is at least a year away from competing in the MLS.


Read more: http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/football/853505-clint-dempsey-and-damien-duff-transfer-interest-mounting-as-fulham-dig-in#ixzz1BwpxV9hQ (http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/football/853505-clint-dempsey-and-damien-duff-transfer-interest-mounting-as-fulham-dig-in#ixzz1BwpxV9hQ)

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_6698513,00.html

Hughes - Hands off Duff

Fulham boss shrugged off Blackburn approach


Last updated: 24th January 2011   

(http://img.skysports.com/10/09/218x298/duff_2503732.jpg)
Duff: Going nowhere

Fulham manager Mark Hughes has warned any potential suitors they would be wasting their time if they pursue the signing of Damien Duff.

The Republic of Ireland international was linked with a return to former club Blackburn earlier this month but Hughes quickly insisted he was not for sale.

The Cottagers manager admits he did not even discuss the situation with Rovers and he hopes they have now got the message.

Hughes is determined to keep all his main players this month and feels Fulham can push on up the Premier League table over the next few weeks.

They have already started to pull clear of the relegation battle since the turn of the year and continued their fine form with a 2-0 victory over Stoke on Saturday.

Cutting edge
"I think Blackburn were trying to get in touch with me two or three weeks ago to see if there was any possibility of getting Damien but I didn't even take the call. So that tells you my answer," Hughes said in The Sun.

"All we have needed is to get key players back.

"We were playing reasonably well, we all felt that, but we weren't getting any results.

"It wasn't good enough in those terms, we just needed a cutting edge.

"In recent matches we've been able to do that."

.

Schwarzer Update


Monday 24th January 2011


David Stockdale looks set to continue in goal for Fulham this week as Mark Schwarzer's 2011 Asian Cup adventure continues.

Australia secured their place in the Semi-Finals of the Asian Cup on Saturday with a one-nil win over Iraq.
Harry Kewell's winner deep into extra time secured the Socceroos path into the Semi-Finals, where they will face Uzbekistan in Doha on Wednesday for a place in the Final.

The first Semi-Final match will see Japan challenge the Korea Republic on Tuesday at the Al-Gharafa Stadium. The 2011 Asian Cup Final will be played on Saturday.


Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/AsianCupUpdate.aspx#ixzz1Bwrdkcp2 (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/AsianCupUpdate.aspx#ixzz1Bwrdkcp2)

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_6698570,00.html


Ba seals Hammers move


Hoffenheim ace signs on


By Graeme Bailey - Follow me on Twitter @graemebailey   


Last updated: 24th January 2011   

(http://img.skysports.com/11/01/218x298/DembaBa_2550705.jpg)
Ba: Done deal


Hoffenheim striker Demba Ba has completed his move to West Ham United on loan until the end of the season.

Skysports.combroke the news on Sunday that the Senegalese star was due to sign on Monday, and the deal has now been finalised.

A host of Premier League clubs had emerged as rivals to West Ham over the weekend, with Sunderland, Everton, Fulham and West Brom all making late moves.

He saw a move to Stoke collapse earlier in the month, but now West Ham - who were the first club to make an approach for him - have finalised a deal.

The deal will be a huge boost to manager Avram Grant, who is looking to bring in a few more new faces before next week's deadline.

http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/news/newsid=1370231.html?cid=rssfeed&att= (http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/news/newsid=1370231.html?cid=rssfeed&att=)

Schwarzer set to match Australian record


(AFP) Monday 24 January 2011


Veteran goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer is set to reach another landmark in his long career tomorrow, equalling Australia's all-time caps record.

The Fulham star is preparing to make his 87th appearance in the Socceroo's AFC Asian Cup semi-final against Uzbekistan, matching the feat of Alex Tobin, who played between 1988 and 1998. Tobin was in the Australian side when Schwarzer made his debut against Canada in 1993.

The 38-year-old will almost certainly break the record even if they lose, with either the final or a third-place play-off match on the horizon.

He's such a gentleman and it'll be an honour to be on the same amount of games as him.Mark Schwarzer, Australia goalkeeper

"It'll be a fantastic honour to match him," said Schwarzer. "He is a fantastic servant still to the game today. He was a great player for the Socceroos and I made my debut in the national team when he was playing, so there's a bit of history there as well between the two of us. He's such a gentleman and it'll be an honour to be on the same amount of games as him."

Schwarzer has no immediate plans to retire and could conceivably take his international caps beyond a century. Current Socceroo stars Brett Emerton and captain Lucas Neill are also near the top of their country's all-time appearance list, with 81 caps and 68 caps respectively.

Martinez and Pulis were wrong... Fabregas and Dempsey are no cheats

By Graham Poll


Last updated at 9:18 AM on 24th January 2011


Post-match comments from managers are always worth listening to. This week, I was particularly interested in the words of Roberto Martinez and Tony Pulis after their teams conceded penalties.

First things first: they were both penalties, and young referees Kevin Friend and Stuart Attwell were well positioned, decisive and correct in awarding them.

Wigan boss Martinez claimed afterwards that Cesc Fabregas had cheated to win his penalty, saying: 'I know Cesc very well. 'He is a wonderful player and very clever – and he knows how to buy decisions from referees.'

While I think that he is wrong, in this case he qualified his comments by adding: 'Cesc comes from a different culture – you do not cheat if you take a decision from the referee: it is because you are clever and you are getting something for your team. In England, to do that is cheating.'
I am sure you don't need reminding that, of course, Martinez is also Spanish.

When I refereed in Europe, I was quickly made aware that there was a big difference between northern and southern Europeans in the way they approached the game.
The Mediterranean players went down much easier and everyone just expected a free-kick, and so they were given. Players stayed down injured more often and the whole affair was more theatrical.
However, there was always contact between the players if I gave a free-kick and it was just that some had more desire to continue playing than others. 

That is, of course, their prerogative as in law there is no requirement for a player who feels contact from an opponent to stay on his feet.
Martinez was wrong to suggest that going to ground after contact is cheating and I am sure that Fabregas and his manager will be angered at such a suggestion.

Next up was Stoke boss Pulis, who - judging by his words - cannot have seen the replays of Ryan Shawcross bringing Clint Dempsey down for the penalty that sealed Fulham's win.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/01/24/article-1350007-0CDD6A07000005DC-49_634x429.jpg)
Tangled up: Clinton Dempsey is pulled down by Stoke's Ryan Shawcross at Craven Cottage

He said: 'There was a coming together. I'm obviously going to be biased and say Dempsey looks for it. I know Ryan has his hand on him, but Dempsey is very clever at doing that. Ryan now misses two games and that punishment doesn't fit the crime. It's something we've got to look at. They get rewarded with a penalty and now we get punished again.'

Maybe it was just disappointment at the double punishment for his centre half which led to his comments, as Pulis is usually far more reasonable.

Shawcross was caught out by a great turn by Dempsey and in trying to catch him put his arm over the American's shoulder to impede him. That's a foul and once given Shawcross had to go.

Everyone wants referees to comment on incidents after games. Sometimes that would be beneficial.
However, as Martinez and Pulis showed this weekend, sometimes it would be better to wait until the dust has settled and tempers have calmed.



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1350007/Graham-Poll-Martinez-Pulis-wrong--Fabregas-Dempsey-cheats.html#ixzz1BwuOq7Rf (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1350007/Graham-Poll-Martinez-Pulis-wrong--Fabregas-Dempsey-cheats.html#ixzz1BwuOq7Rf)

http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2011/01/24/if-its-so-important-to-you-take-it/? (http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2011/01/24/if-its-so-important-to-you-take-it/?)

If it's so important to you, take it
Filed under: General — rich

(http://cravencottagenewsround.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/cd1.png?w=559&h=331)
(http://cravencottagenewsround.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/cd2.png?w=559&h=327)
(http://cravencottagenewsround.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/cd3.png?w=558&h=328)
(http://cravencottagenewsround.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/cd4.png?w=558&h=330)

Captain Murph can barely contain himself before wandering back towards the half-way line....

http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/cottagers-ace-fit-and-firing-for-goals-1154664.html? (http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/cottagers-ace-fit-and-firing-for-goals-1154664.html?)

Cottagers ace fit and firing for goals

Andy Johnson is looking for a run in the Fulham side after admitting he might have returned too soon in October following knee surgery.

The 29-year-old former Everton hitman had endured a nine-month spell on the sidelines due to a knee injury, while his attempted comeback late last year was stalled by a hamstring problem he picked up over the festive period.

However Johnson's first start of 2011 saw him put in an impressive display as he set up Clint Dempsey's opening goal and gave Stoke's defenders a torrid time in the Cottagers 2-0 home win on Saturday.

Following his performance, Johnson did admit he might have tried to return too quickly from his injury, but is now aiming to stay fit until the end of the campaign.

He said: "Maybe, yeah. You just don't know. When your body feels right, there's no point waiting an extra two or three weeks. You might as well just join in.

"That's how I felt. My knee felt really good. I came back from my knee injury probably three, four, five weeks quicker than everyone expected and, yeah, you always get those little niggles, hamstring niggles, thigh, quad, stuff like that."

He added: "It's slowly started to come. I got a goal last week [against Wigan], which was obviously a big monkey off my back.

"My touch is getting better, my runs are getting better, started to feel sharper game by game and I can just continue doing that."

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

Sidwell's Start

Steve Sidwell made an impressive start to his Fulham career on Saturday, coming on as a second-half substitute for Dickson Etuhu. The Whites' most recent signing slotted in well alongside Danny Murphy as Fulham completed a league double over Stoke City courtesy of a 2-0 victory at the Cottage.

Speaking after the match, Fulham Manager Mark Hughes was pleased to see Sidwell putting in a promising display on his debut.

"He was able to have a nice, easy introduction against Stoke and acquitted himself really well," Hughes told fulhamfc.com. "He's going to be really important for us from now until the end of the season.

"He's very keen to get his career back on track, so we're pleased he's here. With the doubt over Dickson for Wednesday we're going to need him.

"He's always had the ability to get box to box - he's always had the energy to do that. Obviously he was hampered by injuries once he left Reading, and at Chelsea the opportunity to get on the field of play was a bit more difficult. But he wants get back playing; we know that we've got a good player. There were a lot of clubs in for him and that's because people understand what he can offer.

"What he needs is consistent football and the feeling that he's part of what the main team is doing. Maybe in the last two or three years he hasn't had that feeling.

"We've got a platform here that gives players an opportunity to get their career back on track because they're closer to the First Team. They've obviously got to perform and play well, if they don't then it's the status quo and they'll struggle with their career. But if they come here and work hard, there's a great platform for any player who wants to come and enjoy their football."

Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/HughesonSidwellDebut.aspx?#ixzz1BxGeoKjV (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/HughesonSidwellDebut.aspx?#ixzz1BxGeoKjV)

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

Top Form

Fulham recorded their fourth victory in six games with a convincing two-nil win over Stoke City at the Cottage on Saturday and striker Andrew Johnson praised his Team's impressive start to 2011 ahead of Wednesday night's match against Liverpool at Anfield.

"It was a great result against Stoke," Johnson told fulhamfc.com. "In the last two or three weeks it's been coming together and we're looking good.

"It was always going to be a hard, physical game against Stoke but you've got to roll your sleeves up and I think our football shone through on Saturday.

"Three points in the Premier League is satisfying no matter who it is against. It's such a tight League and we're delighted to have taken seven points from three games."

After netting his first goal of the season against Wigan Athletic the previous weekend, Johnson put in another fine shift against Stoke on Saturday and the striker is clearly now feeling close to his best again.

"That was probably one of my better performances on Saturday and I'm pretty much fully fit now," Johnson explained.

"It takes a bit of time after being out for 14-15 months. It slowly started to come back and getting the goal against Wigan was like getting a monkey off my back.

"I've had a few niggles here and there as I've been coming back but I think I'm injury free now and clear to get a good run of games. My touch is getting better and my runs are getting better and I'm feeling sharper game by game. I've just got to continue doing that.

"I think going onto the pitch worrying about my knee or anything went four or five weeks ago when I first came back. I don't think about my knee at all when I'm out on the pitch."

Mark Hughes' side are back in action on Wednesday night at Anfield before Sunday's FA Cup clash against Spurs at the Cottage and Johnson and company are evidently full of confidence ahead of two massive games this week.

"It's a big game on Wednesday night against Liverpool at Anfield," said Johnson. "We'll be looking to build on what we achieved on Saturday against Stoke - it's time to kick on now."



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/AJStokeReaction.aspx#ixzz1BxGvvbc2 (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/AJStokeReaction.aspx#ixzz1BxGvvbc2)

http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/newcastle-united/nufc-news/2011/01/24/taylor-misses-fulham-but-hope-over-carroll-72703-28043689/? (http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/newcastle-united/nufc-news/2011/01/24/taylor-misses-fulham-but-hope-over-carroll-72703-28043689/?)

Taylor misses Fulham but hope over Carroll

STEVEN TAYLOR has already been ruled out of Newcastle United's clash with Fulham on February 2.

However, Alan Pardew has not discounted Andy Carroll for the trip to Craven Cottage – despite national reports this morning claiming he will be out until April with a torn thigh.

Pardew took his squad to Faro for a mid-season break yesterday morning, with Carroll on board the flight.

When asked about Carroll's fitness, Pardew told the Chronicle: "Andy Carroll will be the closest.

"We'll take him on the training camp to Portugal, and hopefully, he'll be in with a chance for Fulham."

But he was less optimistic on centre-back Taylor. He said: "No chance on Steven Taylor for Fulham, and Tiote's still suspended.

"He'll (Taylor) be ready for Arsenal, when I think Andy will play.

"It's just a case of whether Andy makes Fulham."

Hamstring victim Taylor has been out of action since the 5-0 pasting of West Ham earlier this month and has missed the last two Premier League games.

And fears that Danny Guthrie has joined the long injury list have been allayed with the midfielder's withdrawal on Saturday described as "cramp" by Pardew. In praise of his performance, the United boss said: "He gave everything.

"He was up against world-class players, and did a great job."

"I think he's just got cramp."

Dan Gosling could be set for more time out after his swelling on his knee after is two reserve appearances.

The trip to Portugal will give Pardew's squad the chance to recharge their batteries after they got through January's Premier League programme unbeaten.

"It's just to get a training ground, said Pardew. "We've got no undersoil heating."



Read More http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/newcastle-united/nufc-news/2011/01/24/taylor-misses-fulham-but-hope-over-carroll-72703-28043689/?#ixzz1BxHK76mD (http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/newcastle-united/nufc-news/2011/01/24/taylor-misses-fulham-but-hope-over-carroll-72703-28043689/?#ixzz1BxHK76mD)

http://www.joe.ie/football/football-features/traps-eye-the-irish-abroad-5-008991-1? (http://www.joe.ie/football/football-features/traps-eye-the-irish-abroad-5-008991-1?)

Trap's Eye: The Irish Abroad
(http://www.joe.ie/uploads/story/8991/8991-xlarge.jpg)

Trap's too lazy to do it, so leave it to JOE to look back on the performances of the established and potential members of the Ireland squad this weekend.

By Conor Heneghan

Premier League

Damien Duff

'Duff man' has been conspicuous by his absence so far in this column, but on Saturday against Stoke he played his third 90 minutes in succession as the Cottagers continued a good run that has seen them pick up seven points from a possible nine and move up to the relative security of 14th place in the Premier League.

Duffer was never renowned for his shooting ability, but to quote an overused football cliché, the crossbar is still shaking at Craven Cottage after Duff's first half rasper was tipped onto the woodwork by Asmir Begovic. Duff was involved in a lot of things that Mark Hughes' side did well and all in all it was a return to form for the 31-year old whose career was perilously close to stagnating.

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

Best Practice Showcase

Fulham FC Foundation's Sports Development Team recently completed a further development workshop to more than 30 of its sessional workforce to broaden their knowledge of effective delivery of holiday courses for young children across Surrey and Kingston.

The holiday course for the youngest age group, three to five-year-olds, is Billy's Beginners, a two hour session of football exercises and games, and the Team invited 20 five-year-olds from Meath Green Infant School in Horley to the training ground, to give a best practice showcase.

Jez Weeks, who demonstrated one of the three sessions for the observing coaches, explained, "This is a great opportunity to showcase some of the latest best practice methods to our developing sessional workers."

Foundation coaches now have fresh ideas to bring to their football courses and will continue to deliver the highest quality introduction to football for any young person who is interested in the sport.

The next Holiday Courses, for those aged three – 14, will be run at various venues during the February half-term. Visit the Holiday Courses section for more information.

Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/BestPracticeShowcase.aspx?#ixzz1BxZ4EAll (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/BestPracticeShowcase.aspx?#ixzz1BxZ4EAll)

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/870225/shaun-wright-phillips-can-go-for-free?&cc=5739 (http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/870225/shaun-wright-phillips-can-go-for-free?&cc=5739)

Wright-Phillips can go for free

Manchester City winger Shaun Wright-Phillips, who cost a staggering £30 million in his last two transfers, has been told he can leave for nothing as the big spending Eastlands club want him off their wage bill and cannot find a club willing to pay a fee and take on the player's salary, according to ESPNsoccernet sources.

One of the many clubs chasing the former Chelsea player, who has been valued at around £4 million, told ESPNsoccernet: "Manchester City are no longer looking for a fee. They want to get the player off the wage bill.

"If he was on £30,000-a-week he would be worth £6-8 million - but on £65,000-a-week he has no value unless a really top club wants him."

Fulham boss Mark Hughes, who signed the England international from Chelsea for £9 million in 2008, is reportedly keen to work with the winger again and has jumped to the front of the queue.

City are believed to be holding out for a permanent transfer and will not sanction any loan deal, but Hughes faces competition to sign him as Wright-Phillips' agent claims that the midfielder is already considering 'five offers'.

http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/01/24/zoltan-gera-set-for-fulham-exit-82029-28044682/? (http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/01/24/zoltan-gera-set-for-fulham-exit-82029-28044682/?)

Zoltan Gera set for Fulham exit

ZOLTAN Gera could leave Fulham in the next few days, according to his agent.

The Hungarian admitted last week that he would be willing to leave Craven Cottage this month if the club accepts a bid for him.

However, boss Mark Hughes told the Chronicle on Friday that he was keen to keep the 31-year-old in SW6.

But Gera's agent, Vladan Filipovic, is hoping to wrap up a deal for the player in the next 72 hours, with Greek giants Panathinaikos among those interested.


He said: "I talk with Zolly every day, who is frustrated, because he plays less.

"I hope his future will be sorted in a few days, and he changes club.

"I negotiated about him with Fulham's directors, because there are clubs which would pay for him."

Hughes had hoped Gera would reach a certain number of appearances that would trigger a clause in his contract to extend his stay at the club.

But Filipovic insists Fulham must cash in this month or risk losing the player for nothing when his deal expires in the summer.

He added: "I don't think the option in his contract will trigger.

"If the club wants to get money for him they need to sell him in January,"



Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/01/24/zoltan-gera-set-for-fulham-exit-82029-28044682/?#ixzz1BxZloCkb (http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/01/24/zoltan-gera-set-for-fulham-exit-82029-28044682/?#ixzz1BxZloCkb)

http://www.footballfancast.com/2011/01/football-news/premier-league-preview-liverpool-v-fulham? (http://www.footballfancast.com/2011/01/football-news/premier-league-preview-liverpool-v-fulham?)

PREMIER LEAGUE PREVIEW: LIVERPOOL V FULHAM

Liverpool will be hoping the return of captain Steven Gerrard can inspire them to victory against Fulham on Wednesday.

Gerrard will come straight back into the Liverpool first team for Wednesday's Premier League encounter at Anfield after serving a three-game suspension for his straight red card against Manchester United in the FA Cup.

The Reds enter the match against Mark Hughes' side on a high after a resounding 3-0 win at Wolves on Saturday, which snapped a four-game winless run and moved them up to 11th on the Premier League table.

And manager Kenny Dalglish believes Gerrard's return could inspire the Reds to another surge up the table.

"Your captain being available after missing three games will be a fantastic lift for everybody," Dalglish said.

"We had a great result and performance at Molineux on Saturday and we've got a very difficult game coming up against Fulham on Wednesday, so for us to have Steven back on the back of the performance and result we got at the weekend is a great boost for everybody."

Liverpool's form this season has been patchy at best, with encouraging wins too often followed by disappointing losses against lower-ranked sides.

A leaky defence will be a major concern for Dalglish, with Liverpool keeping just seven clean sheets in 23 league matches this season.

On the other hand, they come up against one of the worst attacks in the Premier League on Wednesday, with only four sides having scored less goals than Mark Hughes' men this season.

With Bobby Zamora out with a broken leg, much of the goal-scoring responsibility has fallen to American midfielder Clint Dempsey, who has eight goals for the season, including a double in Saturday's 2-0 victory over Stoke.

Worryingly for Hughes, none of his recognised strikers have scored more than two goals for the campaign.

Wednesday's match will be the first time the two sides have met this season, with the corresponding fixture lat year ending in a 0-0 draw.

http://cottagers.blogspot.com/2011/01/last-on-motd-ful-2-0-sto.html? (http://cottagers.blogspot.com/2011/01/last-on-motd-ful-2-0-sto.html?)

Craven Cottagers
Following the 2007/8, 2008/9, 2009/10 and 2010/11 seasons at Craven Cottage - recounted by season ticket holders who aren't actually Fulham fans.

Last on MOTD - FUL 2 - 0 STO

Took a friend to his first ever Premier League match this weekend and with two goals, one penalty, a red card and the ball crashing against a post and a crossbar and plenty of humourous chants - it seemed a pretty good introduction. As it was for new signing Steven Sidwell - who was given 25 minutes against a dispirited 10-man team already two down.

Stoke were a very disappointing side. Other than Jones making a bit of a nuisance of himself in the first 15 minutes (and a set piece header from Shawcross that skipped merrily wide) Stoke had nothing. They were creatively bankrupt and even having Tuncay up front failed to rectify the matter. In fact when the Turk came off for the newly loaned Carew (so newly loaned that he didn't make the programme) it was more of a act of kindness. The two forwards will likely start in each other's places for the next game, not that Carew did anything outstanding.

Once Aaron Hughes had regained his composure against Stoke's big men, they rarely threatened unless set up by wayward defensive headers, and it was Fulham's small men that did most of the damage - Duff and Johnson were very impressive with their movement, ably assisted by the showing of Dempsey and Dembele drifting around the pitch. Murphy once again pulled the strings, but Duff was the standout player, giving a torrid time to Stoke's makeshift left back.

The second half was made far easier by an early goal (and a red card). Dempsey, despite my continual criticisms of his first touch, wondrously pulled a pass out of the air to slip between the Stoke centre halves to go through on goal when Shawcross showed his appreciation of Rugby by completely hauling him down inside the penalty area. Pulis ridiculously suggested that Dempsey was already on the way down (not that he hasn't got previous) but it was as simple a decision as it was possible to make - even Stuart Atwell got it right.

Stoke's defenders were the most 'grabby' I've seen of a team in many, many months, but at least those sort of fouls aren't dangerous.

Once Demps had converted, that was about it. Stoke become a slight parody of themselves by throwing on a few more giants and taking off the small quick wingers and just launched the ball in the air. Expect Treebeard to sign for the Potters any day now. However they do need something extra if this is an example of a typical game for them. At 33/1 I see enough value in a small tinkle on them to get relegated so poorly did they play. Or maybe it was Fulham playing so well that made them appear so ordinary? With a handful of tricky matches ahead of them, Fulham will definitely be hoping that's the case.

http://www.101greatgoals.com/will-kenny-dalglish (http://www.101greatgoals.com/will-kenny-dalglish)'s-liverpool-revolution-continue-at-home-to-fulham/81024/?

Will Kenny Dalglish's Liverpool revolution continue at home to Fulham?


Liverpool v Fulham, Premier League, January 26, 2011

Liverpool 1.621; Draw 4.040; Fulham 6.430

Bet on the Premier League with Pinnacle Sports.

With their tails up after a fine result and performance at Wolves on Saturday, Liverpool are favourites to see off Fulham on Wednesday night. But the Cottagers are on their best run so far under Mark Hughes and will be a tough nut to crack for the Merseyside giants, even with Steven Gerrard back from suspension.

It was not only the 3-0 win at Molineux that had Liverpool fans purring again, it was the manner of victory over Wolves. The third goal, a true example of "pass, pass, move" was the icing on the cake in a match where Fernando Torres claimed two goals and Raul Meireles showed he can hack it in the Premier League.

The fact Kenny Dalglish oversaw the win, the first victory in four attempts since his return as manager, has only heightened the mood. And with Captain Fantastic Steven Gerrard back to play under King Kenny following his suspension for a poor tackle in the FA Cup defeat at Manchester United, Anfield is likely to be rocking in anticipation of two of their favourite sons taking on Fulham.

This match was one of those called off in December and there will also likely be an interested observer in Roy Hodgson, who spent the last 12 months with these two teams. Whilst the current Liverpool were undoubtedly shaped by Rafa Benitez, Woy oversaw a disappointing spell at Anfield and there is no hiding from the fact that Liverpool could still implode at any moment. After all, a Fulham win would take them level on points with Liverpool.

The defeat at United, Blackpool and draw at home to Everton shows Dalglish does not have a magic wand. And there are still plenty of question marks over the defence, the lack of squad depth and the form of Fernando Torres. Fulham, who have won four of their last six games, will come organised and eager to perform in what is a big week for the club as they play Spurs in one of the glamour FA Cup ties of next weekend.

Key to Fulham's renaissance in recent weeks, following suggestions that Mark Hughes was in trouble in December, has been the form of Clint Dempsey, two goal hero against Stoke on Saturday and the return to fitness of Andy Johnson. Much of the same spine remains that Hodgson put in place and Danny Murphy should be awarded a warm welcome at Anfield.

Alongside Murphy, Steve Sidwell looks set to start with Dickson Etuhu likely to miss out due to injury. Moussa Dembele is another player who has also returned to fitness and in his few outings so far the Belgium forward has impressed.

Despite the fact this match will take place at the same time as the second Carling Cup semi-final, there is a lot to look forward to at Anfield. The atmosphere seems likely to be ratcheted up a notch for a King Kenny home game with Stevie G lining up in midfield. Throw in Mark Hughes' Manchester United connections and the positivity now infusing Anfield and both teams will have a go.

Liverpool will likely win, but it will be close.

101gg predicts: Liverpool 2 – Fulham 1

http://www.givemefootball.com/premier-league/liverpool-target-10-5m-italian-paul-konchesky-repl? (http://www.givemefootball.com/premier-league/liverpool-target-10-5m-italian-paul-konchesky-repl?)

Liverpool target €10.5m Italian Paul Konchesky replacement - set for summer move

Liverpool defender target Davide Santon is being linked with a summer exit from Inter Milan.

The Italian international is thought to be on the radar of a number of Barclays Premier League clubs, with Liverpool chief Kenny Dalglish one of those taking a keen interest in the player.

Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Spurs have also been linked with the player, dubbed the 'next Paolo Maldini', and the player's agent confirmed that whilst a move is unlikely this month, it could be a different story in the summer.

"I think it is really difficult for the player to move during the January transfer window particularly with the new coach (Leonardo) joining Inter," Renzo Contratto told Sport.co.uk.

"It is difficult now but in the summer a move is a possibility."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/9370034.stm? (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/9370034.stm?)

BBC: Liverpool v Fulham

Barclays Premier League
Venue: Anfield Date: Wednesday, 27 January Kick-off: 2000 GMT
Coverage: Listen on BBC Radio 5 live and local radio; text commentary on BBC Sport website and mobiles

TEAM NEWS
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard returns after serving a three-match suspension and is likely to take the place of Christian Poulsen.
Jamie Carragher remains on the sidelines with a shoulder injury.

Fulham will check on the fitness of Dickson Etuhu and Aaron Hughes, who both suffered hamstring injuries on Saturday.
Steve Sidwell is on standby to make his full debut for the club if Etuhu fails to recover in time.
Liverpool
Injured: Carragher (shoulder)

Fulham
Doubtful: Etuhu & Hughes (both hamstring)
Injured/unavailable: Briggs (calf), Schwarzer (international duty), Senderos (Achilles), Zamora (broken leg)

MATCH PREVIEW
These sides were due to meet just before Christmas and then Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson must have looked forward to the visit of his former club, as it would probably have been the only time he would have heard his name sung in a positive manner at Anfield - albeit from the away end.

His name is now but a bitter memory for Liverpool fans whose new saviour, 'King' Kenny Dalglish, showed signs on Saturday that he might be able to get the best out of an underperforming squad and help turn around one of the most disastrous seasons in the club's illustrious history.

Their display in the 3-0 win at Wolves was far from perfect, but the players showed a commitment, hunger and bite that has so often been absent this season. Even Fernando Torres rose from the doldrums to score twice in a performance that dampened rumours that he wants to leave.

Fulham's record at Anfield is derisory - not a single win in 29 visits and some fearful beatings along the way, including the infamous club record 10-0 thrashing 25 years ago.

But when the Cottagers were under the stewardship of Hodgson, and playing a brand of football that the Reds' faithful would go on to quickly despise, they eked out two successive 0-0 draws at Anfield. Manager Mark Hughes will be desperate for his side to go one better and finally end their Merseyside hoodoo, and they are well placed to do so given a recent run of form that has seen them win three of their last five league games.

MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
• Four of the nine Premier League games at Anfield between these sides have ended as goalless draws, including the last two.
• Liverpool have kept six clean sheets in their last eight meetings with Fulham.
• Fulham have yet to beat Liverpool at Anfield in 29 attempts.
• This will be the 60th time Fulham and Liverpool have met. Liverpool lead by 33 wins to 10, with 16 draws.

Liverpool
• Liverpool have conceded 31 goals in the league so far - they conceded a total of 35 goals in the whole of last season.
• This is the first time since the 1992-93 season that they have a negative goal difference after 23 league matches.

Fulham
• Goalkeeper David Stockdale is proving to be a lucky omen for Mark Hughes's men - they have not lost in any of his eight appearances this season.
• Fulham have not won any on their previous 18 Premier League visits to Merseyside to play either Everton or Liverpool.
• There have been a total of 20 goals scored in the club's 11 matches away from home this season, which is fewer than in any other club's away games.

LEADING GOALSCORERS

Liverpool
Torres: 9 goals (9 league); Gerrard: 8 goals (4 league), Ngog: 8 goals (2 league)

Fulham
Dempsey: 9 goals (8 league); Kamara: 5 goals (2 league)

MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Lee Probert
Assistant referees: Ron Ganfield & Mick McDonough
Fourth official: Kevin Friend

LAST LEAGUE MATCH LINE-UPS
Liverpool (W3-0 v Wolves, a): Reina; Kelly, Skrtel, Agger, Johnson, Kuyt, Lucas, Poulsen (Shelvey 73), Meireles, Maxi (Aurelio 81), Torres. Subs not used: Gulacsi, Cole, Pacheco, Kyrgiakos, Spearing.

Fulham (W2-0 v Stoke, h): Stockdale; Pantsil, Hangeland, Hughes (Halliche 75), Baird, Dempsey, Murphy, Etuhu (Sidwell 62), Duff, A Johnson, Dembele (Gera 75). Subs not used: Etheridge, Salcido, Kamara, Davies.

http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=229433 (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=229433)

Fulham - Sidwell`s Debut!
Saturday saw Steve Sidwell make his Fulham debut.

Having recently joined, Sidwell came on as a second half substitute and with the game very much wrapped up, against Stoke, enjoyed a winning start to his Fulham career.

Afterwards, Mark Hughes laid to rest a few myths by explaining why Sidwell came to our part of London and what he can bring the club, commenting,

"He wanted to move back to this part of the world. He`s very keen to get his career back on track on track. We`re pleased he`s here."

"With a doubt over Dickson (Etuhu) we may need him. He was able to have a nice easy introduction today. He`s always had the energy to get from box to box. He`s been hampered by injuries since he left Reading."

"Obviously he was at Chelsea when the opportunity to play was more difficult. We know we`ve got a good player."

"There were a lot of clubs in for him because they understand what he can off. What he needs is consistent football."

It remains to be seen though whether he gets that at Craven Cottage.


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=229433#ixzz1ByXqfZdq (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=229433#ixzz1ByXqfZdq)

http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=229434 (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=229434)

Fulham - Johnson`s Back!
Slowly but surely Andrew Johnson is getting to look like the Andrew Johnson we knew before he got struck by a plethora of injuries.

His play on Saturday, in the 2-0 win over Stoke City, saw the striker provide the following quotes to the media,

"That`s probably one of my better performances. It takes a bit of time after being out for 14-15 months in total."

"I got a goal last week, which was obviously a big monkey off my back and I started to play a bit better football today."

"I don`t go out on the pitch thinking about my knee injury at all now. It`s always going to be hard against Stoke - they`re a big physical team every player`s over six feet two inches"

Hopefully AJ will now become, again, a permanent fixture in the starting eleven.

But, having gone through the injury mill, he was quick to mention his normal strike partner, Bobby Zamora who has been through the same injury hell, explaining,

"Bobby helped me when I was injured - he was sending me texts all the time and I`ve done the same for him."

"We`re close mates on and off the field."

"I think he`s come through the most difficult part and he`s now back to taking the Mickey. He`s kept the boys going through that tough period."

Comradeship to be admired!


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=229434#ixzz1ByY2Hcut (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=229434#ixzz1ByY2Hcut)

http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=229436 (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=229436)

Fulham - Demspey Repays Faith!
The fact that he got both goals in the victory over Stoke City, albeit climbing off the deck to hammer home a penalty to clinch the three points, puts Clint Dempsey in good stead to take our man-of-the-match accolade.

Dempsey, often played out of position, is one of those players who, invariably, gives his best and more than pleases his manager.

Following the win on Saturday, Mark Hughes praised Clint but also showed that one mans good fortunes is another mans bad fortune, commenting,

"Clint`s been great for me since I came here. He` shad an impact in every game he`s played. It`s been hard on Zoltan Gera because I`ve chosen Clint ahead of him, but because Clint`s done so well for me it`s been unfortunate for him."

Clint, in our opinion, remains one of the unsung members of our squad and it`s always surprised me why he`s never been a target for the so-called bigger clubs in the division.


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=229436#ixzz1ByYEjDa1 (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=229436#ixzz1ByYEjDa1)

http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=229435 (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=229435)

Fulham - Oxlade-Chamberlian Not Coming!
Any faint hopes Fulham had of pulling off a coup seem to be dying quick.

Mentioned as a possible destination for the exciting young prospect at Southampton, Mark Oxlade-Chamberlain, it now looks as if the youngster will be moving to another part of the capital, Arsenal.

Reports are coming through that the £10 million rated youngster has opted to join Arsene Wenger, however, those same reports suggest that the move will not go through until after the youngster has played for Southampton in the FA Cup 4th round this weekend against Manchester United/

Who said the romance of the FA Cup is dying?


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=229435#ixzz1ByYQLDM1 (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=229435#ixzz1ByYQLDM1)

http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=229437 (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=229437)

Fulham - Duff`s Not For Sale!
On Saturday, Damien Duff was instrumental in Fulham brushing aside a very physical Stoke side.

The Irishman had one of his best games in a Fulham shirt for many a month and providing he can stay clear of any injury, he could be the focal point as far as Fulham climbing the Premier League table goes.

After the clash with Stoke, Mark Hughes spoke about Duff recalling a call he took from his previous club about a possible return to the north-west,

"I think Blackburn were trying to get in touch with me two or three weeks ago to see if there was any possibility of getting Damien but I didn`t even take the call. So that tells you my answer."

Besides, don`t they advise you to never go back?


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=229437#ixzz1ByYdEE8Y (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=229437#ixzz1ByYdEE8Y)

http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=229439 (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=229439)

Fulham - Change of Atmosphere!
It was noticeable how results in recent weeks have seen a change in atmosphere at Craven Cottage.

The disenchanted few who were barracking Mark Hughes have been silenced by the team producing better performances ad getting better results.

Hopefully, it is a scenario that will last and over the next few months we can climb the Premier League table.

Speaking about our change in fortunes, Mark had this to say in his post match interview,

"All we have needed is to get key players back. We were playing reasonably well, we all felt that."

"But we weren`t getting any results. It wasn`t good enough in those terms; we just needed a cutting edge. In recent matches we`ve been able to add that."

Now when our Bobby gets back, watch us really go!


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=229439#ixzz1ByYp1KYI (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=229439#ixzz1ByYp1KYI)

http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=229441 (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=229441)

Should Fulham sign O'Hara?
It appears that Jamie O'Hara has realised his footballing career needs to move on from Spurs.

Many of us on this site, including myself, have commented on having him as the ideal replacement for Danny Murphy.

I know we have Steve Sidwell but I am still inclined to say that I think to bring Jamie to the Cottage would be a massive coup.

He is young and dynamic and can play both in centre midfield and on the left.

With Shaun on the right, our potential midfield could be O'Hara on the left, Sidwell and Etuhu in the middle and Wright-Phillips on the right. Or would he be best in the centre?

I`m not bothered either way, but I think Hughes needs to get in there quick.

Your thoughts please?


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=229441#ixzz1ByYzHOCi (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=229441#ixzz1ByYzHOCi)

http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/transfer-rumours/4725/9/hangeland-has-no-plans-quit-fulham? (http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/transfer-rumours/4725/9/hangeland-has-no-plans-quit-fulham?)

Hangeland has no plans to quit Fulham

(http://www.talksport.co.uk/sites/default/files/imagecache/ts_news_article_header_image/hange_0.jpg)

Fulham's towering centre-back Brede Hangeland has ruled out a move away from Craven Cottage this transfer window.

The 29-year-old defender has been regularly linked with Arsenal after a string of impressive performances since his £2.5 million move from FC Copenhagen three years ago, but has reiterated he is happy to stay in west London.

"I've said it before, but I am very happy here and want to continue to do all that I can to help this club," said the Norwegian international.

"Speculation is just part of the game. And believe me when I say that I am used to it by now.

"The transfer window has been a relaxing one for me - my name hasn't been mentioned that much, which does make a change. But perhaps that means I haven't been playing very well?!" Hangeland joked.

The 6ft 3in defender has scored three goals this season for Mark Hughes' side and put in another solid performance this weekend as Fulham beat Stoke to pull away from the drop zone.

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12874_6699367,00.html? (http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12874_6699367,00.html?)

John joins Adams at Gabala
Former Fulham striker links up with Adams in Azerbaijan

Skysports.com understands former Fulham striker Collins John has joined Tony Adams' Gabala FC.

The Dutchman arrives at Gabala FC on a free transfer after leaving Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire in September.

Adams knows all about John from his time in England with Fulham, with the 25-year-old scoring 20 goals in 95 appearances for the Cottagers.

The signing is something of a coup for Azerbaijan outfit Gabala FC as Adams looks to make them a force in their domestic league.

John could form a new strike partnership with former Charlton and Derby ace Deon Burtonfor Gabala.

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_6699447,00.html


Fulham fail in keeper offer


Trelleborg prepared to sell Noring for the right price


By Kent Hedlundh   


Last updated: 24th January 2011

   
Swedish side Trelleborg have rejected an offer from Fulham for teenage goalkeeper Viktor Noring following a recent trial.

Noring trained with the Premier League club earlier this month and did enough to impress manager Mark Hughes to warrant an offer.

However, Trelleborg have turned down the Cottagers' opening gambit just a week before the January transfer window closes.

Trelleborg spokesman Stefan Nilsson has confirmed Fulham want to sign the 19-year-old before the end of the month, but is unsure if an agreement can be reached.

Nilsson told Sportbladet: "If we reach an agreement, they want him before the end of January, but it has to be right for all parties."

Meanwhile, Fulham striker David Elm is expected to sign a four-year contract to join Swedish club Elfsborg on Tuesday.