Sunday Fulham Stuff (14.02.10)

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http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_5947703,00.html

Hodgson - Cup is important


Cottagers boss not worried about homeland record


By Hayley Paterson   Last updated: 13th February 2010    


Fulham manager Roy Hodgson says the FA Cup has not lost its appeal as he goes in search of his first piece of silverware in English football.

The Cottagers host League Two side Notts County on Sunday in the fifth round of the competition, with the draw having really opened up thanks to the early exits of Premier League giants Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United.

Hodgson understands the UEFA Champions League grabs the headlines because of the quality of the teams involved but he insists football fans far and wide are still charmed by the FA Cup.

"I don't accept it's lost its significance," he said.

"I still think it's very important and big, and I don't think for one minute the top teams that have gone out have done so because they've been nonchalant about it.

"They've just been knocked out on the day - because it was one of those days. If anything, it embodies the greatness of the competition that Leeds can go to Old Trafford and win.

"It may not be what it was in 1923. But come the middle of May at Wembley Stadium, whoever is playing there, it's going to be packed full of people and all around the world, people will be watching the FA Cup final.

"I can't accept that it has lost its zeal."

Empty-handed

The 62-year-old has claimed silverware in Sweden, Italy and Denmark but in managerial spells in his homeland - with Bristol City in the 1980s and then Blackburn and Fulham - he remains empty-handed.

However the much-travelled manager insists that statistic does not preoccupy him.

"You have to be careful that you don't start judging your life and work purely in terms of, 'You haven't won a trophy and therefore you aren't very good, but the next man has won 10 trophies therefore he is fantastic'," he said.

"It depends where you are winning the trophies. We all know a good job can be done by a coach at a club but you might at the time not have anything tangible to show for it.

"But your work and achievements can be compared to a trophy winner because a trophy winner might have had a better basis."

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http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_5948511,00.html



Williams gutted to lose Adams

Os boss wanted to keep Foxes winger



Last updated: 13th February 2010   


Leyton Orient manager Geraint Williams has expressed his disappointment at losing loan star Nicky Adams.

The Leicester City winger has impressed for The Os, but Nigel Pearson has now recalled him to the Walkers Stadium.

Williams was keen on extending the 23-year-old's stay at Brisbane Road, although the decision has been taken out of his hands.

The Os are also losing Matthew Briggs back to Fulham and Williams has thanked both teams for allowing the duo to join in the first place.

Fantastic

"Nicky has been fantastic and he's enjoyed his time down here," said Williams.

"He wanted to stay and we wanted him to stay but Leicester, as is their right, wanted to recall him.

"Matthew came in and played in the win over Yeovil, which was pivotal to the start we've had this year, and he's kept the centre halves on their toes.

"We thank Fulham and Leicester and we wish both lads all the best, but it may be that if something changes here or at their clubs, we try to get them back, which we'd love to do."

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http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1250853/Roy-Hodgson-homing-biggest-prize--FA-Cup-Fulham.html?ITO=1490


Roy Hodgson homing in on his biggest prize - an FA Cup with Fulham


By Rob Draper, Mail on Sunday Chief Football Writer


Last updated at 10:03 PM on 13th February 2010


Roy Hodgson may have taken Inter Milan to a UEFA Cup final and won five Swedish titles but he sees winning the FA Cup with Fulham as a far greater prize.

'I suppose it's on a massive wish list and who knows, I might actually tick that one off,' said the Fulham manager as he prepared for the visit of Notts County in today's fifth round.
Up for the cup: Roy Hodgson says winning the FA Cup would be his biggest achievement
'Three of the top four teams in the league have gone out, so it gives all the teams some hope that we can progress.

'It would be nice to win a trophy with Fulham from a personal viewpoint but also for the club. It would be nice for the owner and the fans to have a trophy but we're a long way off that.

'The FA Cup is still of enormous importance. Even if it isn't what it was back in 1923, it's still a very big competition.'

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Kasper Schmeichel's exit will save Notts County £200k

By Joe Bernstein Last updated at 10:36 PM on 13th February 2010


Notts County goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel will be entitled to a staggering £200,000 bonus if he helps the stricken League Two club win promotion this season.

That was part of the five-year contract offered to Schmeichel when he joined the club from Manchester City and highlights the reckless spending that has brought the club to its knees.

The clearout has begun under new owner Ray Trew - who bought the cash-strapped club for £1 from Peter Trembling last week - with director of football Sven Goran Eriksson the first big-name casualty.

Eriksson went having turned down a £2.4million pay-off he was entitled to, although he will bid a formal farewell at Craven Cottage today when County take on Premier League Fulham in the FA Cup fifth round.

And Trew plans to waste no time jettisoning Schmeichel and some of his highly-paid team-mates who were lured to Meadow Lane last summer on vast wages with the promise of a Premier League dream within five years.

Schmeichel and the rest of the County players will have to put their career fears on hold if they are to pull off a shock and defeat Roy Hodgson's Fulham this afternoon. And that is precisely what Eriksson demanded before he left the club.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1250849/Kasper-Schmeichels-exit-save-Notts-County-200k.html#ixzz0fSlyY3Q2

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http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/feb/12/fulham-notts-county-squad-sheets

Squad sheets: Fulham v Notts County

Sunday 3pm

The Guardian, Saturday 13 February 2010

Fulham play the lowest-ranked team left in the competition, their progress to a second successive FA Cup quarter-final apparently somehow pre-ordained – they are yet to meet any side from the top two divisions. But County won away at another Premier League side, Wigan Athletic, in the last round, have lost just one of their last eight – winning six of them – and so long as their players can retain their focus for longer than the club appears able to retain owners, an upset remains vaguely feasible. Simon Burnton





Probable starters in bold, contenders in light Photograph: Graphic Venue Craven Cottage, tomorrow 3pm
Tickets £15-£20 (0870 442 1234)
Last meeting Fulham 2 Notts County 1 (Old Div Two, 20 Feb 1999)
Referee A Wiley
Odds Fulham 8-15 Notts County 7-1 Draw 10-3


Fulham
Subs from Zuberbühler, Riise, Greening, Kelly, Stoor, Smalling, Okaka, Nevland
Doubtful None
Injured Gera (knee, Mar), Konchesky (foot, Mar), Paintsil (knee, Mar), Dempsey (knee, Apr), Dikgacoi (ankle, Apr), A Johnson (knee, Aug)
Suspended None
Form guide WDWLL
Disciplinary record Y67 R1
Leading scorer Zamora 12

Notts County
Subs from Hoult, Lee, Hamshaw, Hawley, Akinbiyi, Fairclough, Fox, Canham
Doubtful None
Injured Pilkington (thigh, 20 Feb)
Suspended None
Form guide LWWWW
Disciplinary record Y48 R3
Leading scorer Hughes 22

Match pointers
• Notts County have won none of their last seven meetings with Fulham in London

• Roy Hodgson's men have kept a clean sheet in seven of their last eight matches at Craven Cottage in all competitions and have lost only one of their last 14 matches on home soil

• Notts County have scored in all but one of their last 14 away matches in all competitions since August

• Defeat at Bournemouth in their last match ended a run of six straight away wins for County in all competitions

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http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/sport/football/727436/BAIRD-ENJOYING-MIDFIELD-RENAISSANCE.html

BAIRD ENJOYING MIDFIELD RENAISSANCE



Fulham ace adapting to new role


By Colm Keane, 13/02/2010

CHRIS BAIRD is savouring a football renaissance at Fulham - as a central midfielder!

When you think of players bossing the game from the middle of the park, the likes of Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard spring to mind, but Baird's stunning transformation from defence to midfield has made many inside the game sit up and take notice.


None more so than the Fulham fans, who after questioning the signing of Baird in his first season at Craven Cottage, are now hailing the Rasharkin man who has become something of a cult hero.


Fulham are enjoying another fine season, comfortably placed in the top 10 in the Premier League, still in the Europa League and looking forward to a home game against Notts County in the FA Cup fifth round today.


Baird, after enduring frustrating times on the sidelines at the Cottage, is now playing a major role in that success.


And he is loving every second.


He said: "There were a few injuries in midfield earlier in the season and the manager Roy Hodgson gave me my chance and I've done my best to take it.


"I'm now looking forward to playing every game that comes around and am really enjoying it. I'm feeling confident and think I'm playing well and I want that to continue.


"Midfield is not what I would class as my natural position, but I'm loving it.


"The manager is a great help in terms of positioning and I'm more than happy to keep playing in midfield."


It's a lot different to when Baird wondered if he had any future with Fulham.

Tough

Brought in by his former Northern Ireland boss Lawrie Sanchez, along with compatriots David Healy, Aaron Hughes and Steve Davis, things did not go according to plan.


He added: "I admit my first season at Fulham was tough.


"My best position is as a centre-back, but Lawrie Sanchez brought me as a right-back, which was a surprise to me.


"From that moment, it didn't really work out and the season after that, I was on the bench which was frustrating.


"Now though, I'm playing and feel part of things. There is a good togetherness in the squad and we all work for each other. A lot of the credit for that has to go to the manager."


Northern Ireland boss Nigel Worthington is a big admirer of Baird as well, having used his versatility in defence and midfield.


Worthington said: "Chris is a fantastic professional. Wherever he has played for me, he has always done a great job."

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http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/scottish/scottish_sport/727663/Tony-Mowbray-wants-to-build-on-his-base-of-top-notch-stars-at-Parkhead.html


TONY MOWBRAY WANTS TO BUILD UP BASE OF TOP-NOTCH PLAYERS

By John McGarry, 14/02/2010

TONY MOWBRAY has warned he'll only be able to continue to attract star players to Celtic if there's a hardcore of big names already there.


Deadline day arrivals Robbie Keane, Edson Braafheid and Diomansy Kamara might not stay beyond their loan periods this summer but in the short-term at least they've added some much-needed star quality to proceedings.


For a support that's gorged upon heroes from Jimmy Johnstone to Henrik Larsson down the years, the past couple of seasons have been devoid of colour in comparison.


Mowbray has attracted international stars from Ireland, Holland and Senegal to Glasgow but feels the club will quickly face a Catch-22 situation if they don't ensure there's always a percentage of big-name draws at Celtic Park. He said: "Top players want to play with other top players. Talent attracts talent and if you don't add that then your star players are eventually going to go.


"That's the thinking behind bringing high-quality footballers in. I like quality footballers. It's great to work with them and I know that when I bring them in I know the quality they have and what they can do.


"We know the standards of the quality we have and bringing them in helps that."


Keane grabbed most of the headlines after moving up from Spurs but the pedigree of both Kamara and Braafheid has been evident since then.


In Kamara's case, it's a case of friends reunited for Mowbray. The player was already at West Brom when he took over and when his 23 goals in 2006-07 weren't enough to take Albion to the Premiership it was a question of where, not if, he would move.


Fulham stumped up £6.5 million to grant him his wish of Premiership football and although Mowbray was able to successfully rebuild his side with those funds, in an ideal world he'd have hung on to the player.


He said: "We had just missed out in the play-off final to Derby County and the opportunity was there and £6.5m was about right.


"Diomansy got his opportunity and we got the money to reinvest in the likes of James Morrison and Chris Brunt, who ultimately won the league the following season.


"I would have liked to hold on to him because he is a top player and yet the philosophy of any football club has to be that unless you bring in top players then you will lose your top players.


"Good footballers are wired into the game yet some highly-talented players are not as wired in and you end up screaming at them all game to get back into the right space to go and win the ball.


"Diomansy naturally has that Wayne Rooney element where he just loves the game and he moves the game.


"When he has to run back he runs back, when he has to take a free-kick he'll run 40 yards to get the game moving fast. Football burns in him I think - he plays the game even when the ball is 70 yards away.


"I think he is enjoying his football. He went to Fulham and probably didn't play as much. Every coach has different ideas. Fulham signed him because of what he had done at West Brom and then when he got there he got a bad injury which put him out over the last year.


"I wouldn't say some coaches didn't know where to play him but, having worked with him for a whole season, I know which buttons to push to make him enjoy football and have him smiling about the place. The perception is he is a centre forward. Primarily he is but he did the most damage for me at West Brom playing off either flank and scoring great goals."


Braafheid, too, looks a fine addition to Mowbray's squad, looking immediately at home in a position neither Lee Naylor or Danny Fox excelled in. Mowbray added: "Edson's pedigree is there for all to see. I saw him in a game against Manchester City and he looked athletic, he looked comfortable on the ball.


"In my opinion he is more than good enough to come to this football club and not necessarily improve us, because I am delighted that young Danny Fox got his move to the Premier League, but it allowed us to bring some cash in and move it around a bit. We didn't necessarily spend it, but used some of it on wages.


"We have an open view on it. He could go back to Bayern Munich and probably not play. There will be talking done, but salary wise it is probably something that is out of our reach at the moment.


"If we are going to offer these players contracts then there is going to need to be a bit of give and take on both sides."


Mowbray's Celtic are still a work in progress but on the evidence of their win against Hearts on Wednesday, progress is at least being made.


For the first time in recent memory Mowbray's outfit look to have the right balance and the manager feels the return of Landry N'Guemo has been vital.


He said: "I found to my cost in the English Premier League last season that while you may like a certain type of footballer, our inability to find a Landry N'Guemo type player in the windows, someone to win the ball back, cover the ground quickly and pass, cost us.


"Particularly for this team and the way it's developing with all its forward-thinking players, we need balance, and Landry gives us a bit of that.


"In the eyes of supporters it may be an unsung role but for his team-mates and the coaching staff we fully understand the role he plays.


"It's an unselfish role and one where you have to sacrifice yourself.


"Sometimes because you've chased 40 yards, won a sliding tackle and then given it away because you've not been as aware as you might have you get a few groans."


Mowbray feels Neil Lennon's input into first-team affairs will prove critical in the weeks ahead. The former skipper's primarily been in charge of the reserve side but was in the thick of it again last week as Celtic won at Dunfermline in the Scottish Cup. Mowbray feels Lennon's experienced voice can have a huge influence in the dressing room as Celtic seek to claw back Rangers' lead - as and when his schedule permits.


He said: "I think Neil is really enjoying the job he does. The progress that the likes of Paul Caddis, Josh Thompson and Paul McGowan, who have all featured and been pushed on this season, is something that Neil has had a hand in.


"I like him around the dressing room because he knows the situation with the players and I like him in and around on match days if his other commitments at the football club allow him to do that.


"I am very happy with the quite remarkable contribution he makes. Marc-Antoine Fortune would be the best example I could give you of Neil.


"When he is in the dressing room and Fortune has had a difficult first half I say to Lennon to go and have a chat with him and he'll go and build him up a bit."

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http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/sport/football/727644/SCHMEICHEL-DOESNT-REGRET-COUNTY-MOVE.html

SCHMEICHEL DOESN'T REGRET COUNTY MOVE


By David Harrison, 13/02/2010

KASPER SCHMEICHEL happily escaped the swanky excesses of Manchester City - only to land on soccer's Skid Row.

The Notts County keeper left Eastlands with the promise of a multi-million pound investment and guaranteed Premier League football at Meadow Lane.


Instead, the League Two club are fighting for survival with new owners needing to find £600,000 taxes this week to avoid a winding-up order.


But Schmeichel has no regrets about the switch which has given him a prolonged spell of first-team action.


He said: "I had two years of my contract left at City and could easily have stayed there and lived the life.


"I wasn't interested. It's a drop down but it's better than sitting and doing nothing. It's never a sacrifice to do what you love."


Schmeichel hopes to ease County's plight by helping them into the sixth round of the FA Cup at Fulham today.


Oddly, wages of £10,000 a week are a drain on County's finances and he could be sold in the summer.


But for now he's happy to ply his trade at the bottom end of the Football League despite a boyhood mixing with Old Trafford legends.


Schmeichel said: "I accompanied my dad Peter to training at United and saw Giggs, Becks, Cantona and Keane.


"Their passion for the game rubbed off on me."


Fulham boss Roy Hodgson refuses to accept the Cup has lost its appeal.


He said: "If anything, it embodies the greatness of the competition that Leeds can win at Old Trafford.


"The final is shown around the world which says it all."

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Winning Step

Sunday 14th February 2010


Fulham FC News


Chris Baird understands the magic of the FA Cup more than most, having competed in the 2003 Final for Southampton, when the Saints lost by a goal to nil to Arsenal.

Whilst the Northern Ireland international cherishes the memories of that day, he is desperate to go one step further this season with the Whites.

"It was a fantastic day," recalled Baird ahead of today's Cup clash. "I expected to be more nervous than I was but I'd played Arsenal a few times before in the league so I knew what to expect. The whole day was magic!

"I've got the medal to show for it but it would be nice to get there again and get a winner's medal. It's a better Wembley now and to do it with Fulham would just be amazing for me.

"With Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool all out we've got a good chance obviously with Notts County at home but it's not going to be an easy game.

"They're confident after beating Wigan so they'll fancy their chances but so are we. It's a busy period for us but the confidence is back in the Team.

"If we can get through this one and get another home draw in the next round we'll have every chance of getting to the Semi-Final - then it's anyone's from there.

"It's a very important competition for the Manager, the players, the fans and everyone associated with the Club. We've done well to get this far and now that we've got a good draw at home we want to continue the good run that we are on.

"The FA Cup was the highlight of my career. For me, if I can get there with Fulham and win it, that will beat it."


Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/February/BairdCupDream.aspx#ixzz0fUbT70U8

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Cup Dreams


Sunday 14th February 2010


Fulham FC News


Brede Hangeland revealed to fulhamfc.com this week that he grew up watching the FA Cup in his native Norway and the towering centre half is hoping to move one step closer to achieving his Cup dream on Sunday afternoon when the Whites take on Notts Country in the Fifth Round at the Cottage.

"It's a Cup I watched as a kid growing up in Norway," Hangeland told the Club's official website. "I must have watched all of the games so no particular games sticks out but people in Norway watch the FA Cup.

"I've played in Cup Finals in Norway and it's big but it's not like playing at Wembley. I won the Norwegian cup with Viking FK but winning the FA Cup would definitely top that! It's a special competition and it's a special feeling to play in it so I'm looking forward to this game.

"It's about time we won it but we have to be honest about the draw and say we've been lucky. Even though they've been difficult games they are matches we should win. We should win on Sunday but you always know it's going to be a bit different in the FA Cup.

"The difference that should exist between the teams is sometimes wiped out because it's the FA Cup and that's the charming thing about it. Hopefully we can come out on top."


Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/February/BredeonCupSuccess.aspx#ixzz0fUbpYiB4

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http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Fulham-star-Chris-Baird-targeting-second-FA-Cup-final-appearance-article322449.html


Fulham star Baird targeting second FA Cup final


Published 05:00 14/02/10


By MirrorFootball


Chris Baird's second start as a professional was in an FA Cup Final - now he wants another taste of Wembley.

Fulham defender Baird, 27, goes in search of a sixth-round place against Notts County today.

Seven years ago Baird appeared in Southampton's line-up as they lost to Arsenal at the Millennium Stadium.

He said: "It was fantastic. I have got the medal, so it would be nice to get there again and get a winner's one.


"The nerves were there a little bit but I expected it to be worse. The whole day was magical so hopefully I can get there again and win it.

"The FA Cup is very important to us. We have done well to get this far and now we have got a good draw at home we want to continue it and continue our decent form."

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http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Brede-Hangeland-backs-Chris-Smalling-to-be-big-hit-at-Manchester-United-article323015.html

Brede Hangeland backs Chris Smalling to be big hit at Manchester United


Published 23:00 13/02/10


By Alex Shaw


Brede Hangeland says Arsene Wenger will regret letting Chris Smalling slip through his fingers and into the arms of Manchester United.

Sir Alex Ferguson pipped Arsenal to the signing of the Fulham defender last month and paid about £10million.

The England Under-21 defender, playing for non-league Maidstone just two years ago, will complete a remarkable rise when he moves to Old Trafford in the summer.

And Fulham star Hangeland reckons the 20-year-old will be a massive hit for the champions.


"He has got just the right mentality and has worked really hard," said the Norwegian. "We have told him to try and stick to that philosophy.

"He's young, he's big, he's quick and good on the ball - there's not many of those central defenders around."

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http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Hodgson-lays-down-challenge-for-Elm-article322031.html


Hodgson lays down challenge for Elm


Published 11:21 13/02/10


By Pa Sports


Fulham manager Roy Hodgson has challenged David Elm to "grasp the nettle" as the Swedish striker looks to nail down a regular place in the starting XI.

Elm found it hard to adapt to English football following his £500,000 switch from Kalmar FF last summer but he has finally forced his way into Hodgson's plans. The 27-year-old has started the last two matches, against Bolton and Burnley, and opened his account for Fulham with the team's second goal in the 3-0 win over the Clarets in the Barclays Premier League on Tuesday.

"He has had two very good games on the trot," Hodgson said. "What we are going to find with him, I'm sure, is that it's going to weigh heavily on him game after game but it was really good to see that he has repaid the faith that we've always had in him."

He added: "We've seen a good player in him and we have always believed that if he got his chance, he would be good enough to take it. He now has to grasp the nettle."


Hodgson is keen to take up the option of keeping Elm in south-west London for a further two years, with the player's initial 12-month deal set to come to an end this summer.

Elm will be confident of getting on the scoresheet against County, who are the lowest-ranked club still alive in the cup. Indeed, the Magpies are 65 places below Fulham on the league ladder.

Hodgson has no new injuries to contend with and his absentee list is slowly clearing up, with Zoltan Gera and Paul Konchesky back in training after recovering from knee and foot injuries respectively.

The pair could return to first-team action when Fulham resume their Europa League campaign next Thursday.

"They won't be ready for this weekend but I haven't written them off for the game with Shakhtar Donetsk," Hodgson added.

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http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/ferguson-spies-chance-in-the-shadow-of-kaka-1898955.html

Thursday

Fulham v Shakhtar Donetsk

Unbeaten at home in their 12 European ties, Fulham will hope to take advantage of a team whose domestic league stopped in mid-December and does not resume for another two weeks. The winter break did not worry Shakhtar last season when they won the Uefa Cup, so they are effectively holders of this competition.

[White Noise]

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/fa-league-cups/we-thrived-on-eriksson-magic-says-schmeichel-1898956.html
Fulham v Notts County (3.0)

This is one of those ties that would have looked infinitely more attractive the other way round, but Fulham won't have forgotten the humiliation of going out in recent seasons to Bristol Rovers and Leyton Orient after being given home advantage.

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http://www.goal.com/en/news/1717/editorial/2010/02/13/1789494/shall-we-sing-a-song-for-you-footballers-on-the-terrace

Shall We Sing A Song For You? Footballers On The Terrace Chants Dedicated To Them
While fans pour their hearts out, what do the players think?

By James Daly


Feb 13, 2010 7:30:00 PM

There has always been a special bond between footballers and fans; where else would you find grown men joining in chorus to sing their hearts out to 11 strangers?

But as Valentine's Day approaches and supporters across the country prepare to spend the weekend with their loved ones - their teams - Goal.com UK seeks out some of the best penned tunes and what their subjects thought of them.

Shaun Goater - Manchester City

"Feed the goat and he will score" - to the tune of 'Bread of Heaven'.

Goater started life in England at Manchester United but he was most successful at their cross-town rivals City (via a decent spell at Rotherham United). After banging in the goals at Maine Road that took the Citizens back to the Premier League, fans coined this song and it quickly took off. Even Kevin Keegan used it in training.

"I loved it - an original song in my honour and, even if I say so myself, one of the best I'd ever heard. That song changed my life. Every time I heard it, it put a spring in my step and gave me confidence to try stuff I might not have done before because I knew the fans were all with me - I think that's why I scored so many goals for City. I'm not sure who invented that song, but I owe that guy a pint.

"I recall the Birmingham [City] fans singing 'Feed the Horse' in honour of Geoff Horsefield. My lawyers also looked at copyright infringement."


Gael Clichy - Arsenal

"Gael Clichy, Clichy, he's better than Ash-e-ley, he should have been number three, Gael Clichy, Clichy" - to the tune of 'Que Sera'.

The understudy to Ashley Cole for a while, Clichy finally got his chance in the Arsenal first-team when Cole moved across London to the dark side. And the Gunners fans' animosity towards their departed left-back gave fuel to this song for their new idol.

"It's an honour, I think it's a great melody with great lyrics. It shows that they [Arsenal fans] thought a lot about it. People think we don't care about the chants when we are on the pitch, but I do listen to it," he told The Gooner Fanzine.


Jamie Carragher - Liverpool

"We all dream of a team of Carraghers, a team of Carraghers, a team of Carraghers" - to the tune of 'Yellow Submarine'.

Jamie Carragher is almost as synonymous with Liverpool as the Beatles, so it is unsurprising to see the two mixed for this Kop favourite. And from a city that was European Culture Capital two years ago, creativity is not short on supply but it seems there are more popular tunes in the Carragher household.

"It was great to have my own song. I don't care who you are, hearing a load of fans singing your name makes you feel good. I'm not sure how a team of Carraghers would do, mind. Talk about catenaccio. We'd be hard to beat but I'm not sure we'd be the most entertaining team.

"Liverpool fans are the best for making up chants, so I'd be lying if I said mine was the most widely sung on the Kop. It's not the most widely sung in my own house, my little boy is too busy singing the [Fernando] Torres chant!"


Bobby Zamora - Fulham

"When the ball hits the goal, it's not Shearer or Cole, it's Zamora" - to the tune of 'Amore'.

Bobby Zamora divides opinion in the stands, so it's handy that this tune can be adopted depending on your stance. Originally coined while at Brighton and firing in the goals in the lower divisions, the song proves that while Zamora has his critics, there is still a lot of love for the goal-poacher.

"When you're a young player starting out, to hear the fans sing your name is like 'wow!'. Incredible. Eventually I heard the words and it was even better. Alan Shearer and Andy Cole were the top men around at the time, so I was well pleased!

"It's weird though. If I'm in an Italian restaurant and the song Amore comes on, I'll be like, 'What's that? Are they playing my song?'

"I don't mind the less complimentary version either (When the ball hits your head, and you sit in Row Z, It's Zamora). If you're a striker, you're a target for a bit of stick. I take it as a compliment to be honest. Better to be sung about than not!"


Djimi Traore - Liverpool

"Don't blame it on Hamann, Don't blame it on Biscan, Don't blame it on Finnan... Blame it on Traore" - to the tune of 'Blame it on the Boogie'.

Djimi Traore didn't enjoy the most successful of careers in England, first at Liverpool, then Portsmouth and Charlton Athletic where he became one of the players synonymous with the Addick's failure to stay in the Premier League. While now finally settled at Monaco in France, Traore's memory on this side of the channel is summed up in this tune.

"I've heard about the song but I never actually heard it sung during a game and whenever I met Liverpool fans out and about, they were always complimentary.

"I think the chant was more of a media thing. I know people always look for a scapegoat in the team and that was me. I was criticised a lot during my time at Liverpool but mentally I'm quite strong."


Niall Quinn - Sunderland

"Niall Quinn's disco pants are the best, they go up from his a*** to his chest, they are better than Adam and the Ants, Niall Quinn's disco pants" - to the tune of 'Here We Go'.

Niall Quinn contributed to his own song during a Manchester City pre-season tour in Penola, Italy, in 1992. There had been a bust-up with team-mate Steve McMahon and Quinn removed his torn shirt and continued to dance wearing just a pair of cut-off jeans. He wasn't aware there was a group of City fans watching.

"A group of hardcore Man City fans were watching. This is the kind of spectacle they live for. I didn't realise until I'm treated to a performance of the song that will serve as my epitaph," he told A Love Supreme fanzine.

"Once I was inveigled by John Inverdale into singing it on TV. I cringe when I think of it. The song that will follow me till the end of my career."

[White Noise]

http://goal.com/en-us/news/85/england/2010/02/13/1789389/fulham-boss-roy-hodgson-still-searching-for-english



Fulham Boss Roy Hodgson Still Searching For English Silverware
Well-traveled custodian wants FA Cup.

By David Middleton


Feb 13, 2010 10:27:00 AM

Fulham manager Roy Hodgson refuses to believe the FA Cup has lost its zeal as he goes in search of his first piece of silverware in English football.

The Cottagers host Notts County on Sunday afternoon in the fifth round of the famous competition, with their League 2 visitors a staggering 62-places below them on the league ladder.

With Premier League behemoths such as Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool having already suffered early exits, the cup is wide open and Hodgson could be forgiven for already having one eye on a Wembley visit.

The well-traveled 62-year-old boss has lifted silverware in Sweden, Italy and Denmark, but despite spells with Bristol City and Blackburn Rovers, he's still waiting to break his hoodoo in English football.

However, at a pre-match press conference he insisted such a duck does not pre-occupy his thoughts, saying: "You have to be careful that you don't start judging your life and work purely in terms of, 'You haven't won a trophy and therefore you aren't very good, but the next man has won 10 trophies therefore he is fantastic'.

"It depends where you are winning the trophies. We all know a good job can be done by a coach at a club but you might at the time not have anything tangible to show for it.

"But your work and achievements can be compared to a trophy winner because a trophy winner might have had a better basis. I like to keep a more global perspective."

Having seen off Swindon Town and Accrington Stanley in earlier rounds, Fulham will be confident they can out-muscle their League 2 opponents, who saw off Wigan Athletic in the last stage.

Hodgson also admitted he would love to give something back to owner Mohamed Al Fayed, who bought the club in 1997 when they were struggling in the lower reaches of the Football League.

"It would be nice to win a trophy with Fulham of course from a personal point of view but even more importantly for the football club itself," he added.

"We've come a long way. We have an owner who has done a great job at the club."

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HUGHES FACING NOTTS EXIT



HOTLINE


Tom Evans; Tom Hopkinson


Lee Hughes will attempt to fire crisis club Notts County into the FA Cup quarter-finals this afternoon, with his Magpies future hanging in the balance.

The 22-goal hitman has Premier League Fulham in his sights today at Craven Cottage - but after the departure of Sven Goran Eriksson and Peter Trembling this week, Hughes could be heading for the exit himself.

The former directors had agreed a new deal for the veteran hit-man before the club was off-loaded.

Hughes went to see the new owners on Friday to confirm whether or not the verbal agreement would be honoured but was left without any answers.

New owner Ray Trew said: "We have met with the squad and there's a few disgruntled players. The problem is the players' contracts are greater than the money coming in."

Top of the big-earners is goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, on a staggering £15,000-a -week.

Trew was stunned by the size of the contracts handed to players - and 23-year-old Schmeichel's deal easily makes him the highest-paid player in the division.

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BREDE HANGELAND has backed fellow [...]


HOTLINE


Brede Hangeland has backed fellow Fulham defender Chris Smalling to be a hit at Manchester United.Smalling, 20, is moving to Old Trafford this summer in a deal worth up to £14million. Hangeland said: "He has had the right mentality ever since he came to this club.

We have all told him to keep working hard." Meanwhile, the Cottagers are set to reward striker David Elm, 27, for his recent good form with a two-year contract extension. Elm was only given a one-year deal when he joined from Kalmar FF for £500,000 in the summer. Fulham boss Roy Hodgson said: "He's a very talented boy."

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FUL CIRCLE


HOTLINE


Dave Kidd


Fulham v NOTTS COUNTY

Today, KO 3pm

Fa Cup fifth round


Many footballers enjoy long and successful careers without playing in an FA Cup Final.


Not Fulham's Chris Baird, who graced English football's greatest showpiece in only the SECOND start of his career.


Now Baird is determined to help Fulham to Wembley for the first time in 35 years.


And victory over Notts County in today's fifthround tie will leave them just one win away from a semi-final at the national stadium.


Few players value the cup more than Baird, who says playing in the 2003 FA Cup Final for Southampton against Arsenal was a bigger occasion than the night he starred in Northern Ireland's historic victory over England in a World Cup qualifier two years later.


Baird, 27, said: "That Northern Ireland v England game wasn't the highlight of my career, even though it was a great win.


"The FA Cup Final has been the highlight.


"To play in a Final in only your second ever game would take some beating.


"To get there and win it with Fulham would be the one thing to top it."


Baird received a shock Cup Final call from Saints boss Gordon Strachan seven years ago, and was outstanding in a 1-0 defeat at the Millennium Stadium against an Arsenal side soon to embark on their 'Invincible' unbeaten Premier League campaign.


Baird believes the path is clearing for Fulham to reach Wembley for only the second time in their history - they lost the 1975 FA Cup Final to West Ham.


He said: "That cup final with Southampton was a fantastic day, the whole experience. I've got the medal to show for it, now it would be nice to get a winner's medal.


"The whole day was magical. To do it again, this time at Wembley, would be amazing.


"This competition is very important to the manager, the fans and everyone at the club. There is no chance of us not taking it 100 per cent seriously."


And manager Roy Hodgson reinforced just how much the FA Cup means to Fulham.


The 62-year-old is desperate to win the competition for Egyptian owner Mohamed Al Fayed, who has transformed the club since buying the then League One outfit in 1997.


Trophy


And Hodgson admits his boss deserves a trophy as a reward for making the club a Premier League force.


He said: "The owner has done a great job. He can say that he got Fulham in the Premier League and stabilised the club, but he can't actually say: 'This is the trophy I got because of it'.


"It would be nice to have something tangible to show for that hard work."


Meanwhile, John Pantsil has handed Hodgson a boost by stating that he aims to return from injury next month.


There had been fears the defender's season was over following serious knee damage during the 2-1 loss at Chelsea on December 28.


Baird in 2003 final But the Ghana international said: "I expect to start running by the end of the month, and return a few weeks later."